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  • MIL-OSI USA: Reps. Doggett, Murphy Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Ensure Adequate Provider Payments under Medicare Advantage

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Lloyd Doggett (D-TX)

    Health systems are withdrawing from Medicare Advantage contracts due to inadequate and delayed payments

    Contact: Alexis Torres  

    Washington, D.C.—U.S. Representatives Lloyd Doggett (D-TX), Ranking Member of the Ways and Means Health Subcommittee, and Health Subcommittee member Greg Murphy, M.D. (R-NC) introduced bipartisan legislation to require Medicare Advantage (MA) to adequately reimburse health care providers for services offered to enrollees of these private plans. The Prompt and Fair Pay Act establishes a floor requiring MA plans to reimburse for all covered health care items and services at least what would have been paid under Medicare Parts A and B; plans and providers may continue to negotiate higher reimbursement rates. The legislation also establishes prompt payment rules for clean in-network claims, which are requirements that would mirror those under Medicare Part D. 

    “A rapidly growing Medicare DisAdvantage market is straining our health care system and threatening consumers’ access to necessary health care,” said Rep. Doggett. “Providers are having to choose between substantial reimbursement delays that are often less than what is truly owed, administrative burdens, and care denials, or an outright withdrawal from MA contracts. With many providers already at risk of closure and MA now covering more than half of enrollees, it is essential that we ensure prompt and fair payments before every community is a health care desert. Our bill is an important step to protect patients and providers.” 

    “Medicare Advantage was conceived with good intentions, but absent updates and reforms, insurers will continue to exploit and abuse the program to bilk the federal government at the expense of patients and physicians,” said  Congressman Greg Murphy, M.D. “Doctors who see MA beneficiaries not only experience major delays in reimbursement and senseless prior authorization denials, but often receive less compensation for services rendered than they earn through traditional Medicare. I am proud to support the Prompt and Fair Pay Act to guarantee parity between MA reimbursements and Medicare Parts A and B, ensure our physicians are treated with dignity, and preserve access to high-quality, affordable care for patients.”

    Although Traditional Medicare spending serves as the benchmark for MA payments, the law currently does not require MA plans to reimburse providers at the same rates. As a result, many hospitals, provider groups, and other health systems are operating in the red and are forced to withdraw from MA contracts. This year alone, 27 health systems have left the MA program. It’s also estimated that skilled nursing facilities lost $13.8 billion in 2024 because MA plans reimbursed significantly less than Traditional Medicare. Without Congress’s intervention, MA plans will continue to skirt an obligation to promptly and fairly pay providers. 

    Committed to a more just and equitable health care system for patients, providers and taxpayers, Reps. Doggett and Murphy have previously worked together to introduce legislation to strengthen veterans’ health care for those dually enrolled in MA and Medicare Part D plans. The members have also requested that the Government Accountability Office conduct an independent investigation into vertical consolidation of Medicare Advantage Organizations. 

    The Prompt and Fair Pay Act is endorsed by America’s Essential Hospitals, American Academy of Family Physicians, American College of Physicians, American Occupational Therapy Association, LeadingAge, National Rural Health Association, Premier, Texas Hospital Association, Texas Organization of Rural and Community Hospitals, Texas Association for Home Care and Hospice, and the American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology.

    “By establishing a payment floor for Medicare Advantage (MA) plans that aligns with amounts paid under traditional Medicare, the Prompt and Fair Pay Act helps ensure rural providers are not disadvantaged as MA enrollment continues to grow. The National Rural Health Association also appreciates the addition of enforceable prompt payment standards as rural providers often face administrative burdens to receiving timely payment from plans, creating cash flow issues. This bill marks an important step toward improving predictability and sustainability for rural health systems. NRHA thanks Rep. Doggett and Rep. Murphy for their thoughtful approach to addressing long-standing challenges rural providers face in the MA program and we are proud to endorse this legislation.” – Alan Morgan, CEO of National Rural Health Association

    Katie Smith Sloan, president and CEO, LeadingAge, the association of nonprofit providers of aging services, said: “To Congress and to regulators, we’ve repeatedly expressed concerns that Medicare Advantage plans, by underpaying and delaying provider reimbursement, are threatening the financial stability of our nonprofit and mission-driven provider members, which jeopardizes access to necessary care and services for older adults. This legislation, which establishes a rate floor and prompt payment requirements, is a vital step toward ensuring that providers are fairly and promptly compensated for the care they deliver. It will bring much-needed financial stability to our nursing homes and home health members–particularly those located in underserved and rural communities. We strongly support this legislation and urge its swift passage.”

    Bruce Siegel, MD, MPH, President and CEO of America’s Essential Hospitals, said: “Essential Hospitals across the nation are facing unprecedented financial disruptions, jeopardizing their ability to serve patients and their communities. The Prompt and Fair Pay Act is a step in the right direction, providing concrete steps to fix woefully inadequate hospital reimbursements. We will continue to support common sense legislation like this that aims to better sustain and support our hospitals, and the communities they serve.”

    “The AAFP thanks Rep. Doggett for leading on this legislative effort to establish fair payment standards and enforce timely payments from Medicare Advantage plans. This legislation will help ensure that family physicians can spend less time navigating red tape and more time delivering high-quality care. We’re encouraged by the inclusion of enforcement measures, which we hope will ensure accountability and compliance by plans and help protect the financial stability of practices and the health of our communities.” — Jen Brull, MD, FAAFP,  President, American Academy of Family Physicians

    Soumi Saha, PharmD, JD, Senior Vice President of Government Affairs, Premier, Inc., said: “Premier applauds Reps. Doggett and Murphy for their leadership in introducing the bipartisan Prompt and Fair Pay Act.  This bill will take important steps to ensure that all providers are paid in a timely and appropriate manner for the care they provide to Medicare Advantage patients. Premier has consistently voiced the need to align payment timelines and levels for in-network providers compared with out-of-network providers. Reps. Doggett and Murphy are taking meaningful action to hold insurers accountable and correct these existing inequities in a manner that will benefit patients and providers.”

    John Hawkins, President and CEO of Texas Hospital Association, said: “THA is grateful for the leadership of Congressman Lloyd Doggett to ensure hospitals are paid timely for care delivered to seniors covered by private insurance plans in the Medicare Advantage program. Non-partisan studies have repeatedly shown that excessive and unnecessary denials, slow pay tactics, overly stringent prior authorization requirements, and restrictive provider networks by these plans threaten access to medically necessary care. For years, Congressman Doggett has been working to address these challenges, and The Prompt and Fair Pay Act of 2025 will bring overdue accountability and prompt pay standards to the MA program.” 

    “Occupational therapy services are crucial to enable Medicare beneficiaries in either traditional Fee-for-Service or Medicare Advantage programs to recover and live as independently as possible after an injury or illness,” according toKatie Jordan, OTD, MBA, OTR/L, FAOTA, Chief Executive Officer, American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA). She notes that “The Prompt and Fair Pay Act would ensure payment parity for OT services provided to beneficiaries in either program while also requiring prompt payment of clean claims and enhancing transparency from Medicare Advantage organizations regarding questioned claims.  This is critical to reduce the administrative burden related to processing claims which would allow a greater focus on actual patient treatment.” 

    “We appreciate Congressman Doggett’s leadership in introducing the Prompt and Fair Pay Act to ensure that Medicare Advantage plans are properly reimbursing practitioners for the care they provide,” said Jan Setnor, MSN, CRNA, Col. (Ret), USAFR, NC, President of the American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology. “This bill will ensure patients have access to nurse anesthetists and other providers and the high-quality care they deliver by holding payors accountable for proper and timely reimbursement of care. This bill will protect access to care for the growing number of Americans who utilize Medicare Advantage plans, and we strongly urge Congress to pass this critical legislation.” 

    “Medicare Advantage plans have been hard on rural Texas hospitals, so TORCH applauds the effort to require sustainable payments without delay.” –John Henderson, President/CEO of Texas Organization of Rural and Community Hospitals (TORCH)

    A fact sheet about the bill can be found here, and the full bill text here. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Speech to the 2025 LGNZ Conference – Delivering for Ratepayers Together

    Source: New Zealand Government

    Introduction – Grounding in shared reality

    Thank you to LGNZ for the opportunity to speak today, and thank you to the mayors, chairs, and councillors in the room for putting your names forward to serve your communities.

    Right now, the cost of living is top of mind for every Kiwi: food, fuel, power, and, yes, rates. Households are stretched, and rate rises are a flashpoint for that understandable frustration.

    It is easy to point the finger in tense times, but I came here to point out a common cause. The Government and councils all want the same thing. Affordable, effective Local Government services for local communities.

    We recognise that depreciation has accumulated, and funding mechanisms are finite. Behind those rate rises are decades of pressure building: water systems that should have been renewed a generation ago, roads worn out faster than they’re maintained, and new housing demands without the means to service them.

    Central government blames councils. Councils blame government. The problem is blaming isn’t productive. New Zealanders don’t care whose fault it is – they want affordable and effective local government, too.

    The question is, how can we sharpen focus and raise productivity to do just that?

    Everyone’s under pressure, central government, local government and, most importantly, New Zealand taxpayers and ratepayers. The pressure households currently face mean that we cannot justify passing the bill to families who are already stretched. Inflation’s legacy is still biting. Families are tightening their belts. Government must do the same.

    From Wellington, we’ve worked hard to rein in spending, eliminating low-value activities. Households have done their part too, paying eye-watering mortgage rates and making sacrifices in their own budgets to make ends meet.

    These efforts have paid off. Households now see an overall consumer price inflation rate of 2.5%, down from a peak of 7.3% in 2022.

    We could be doing even better, but Stats NZ helpfully releases breakdowns of the drivers of inflation. And one figure practically screams out from the spreadsheet. Local authority rates and payments rose by 12.2% in the year to March. 12.2%, versus an overall rate of 2.5%.

    Clearly, local government is a key driver of cost pressure on households and, don’t forget, businesses that people rely on for goods, services, and jobs.

    In Wellington, we’re focusing on delivering services that only Government can deliver effectively and affordably. I believe local government should have the same focus, beginning with a clear conception of local government’s role.

    That is, what things must local government provide because private markets cannot? 

    To put it the way someone once said it to me: Roads, rats, rubbish and rates should be the focus. Horizontal infrastructure of new jobs and housing is a priority, too. Councils shouldn’t be pontificating on people’s four well beings. Your job is not to recreate Plato’s Republic here in the South Pacific. It’s to effectively provide a discrete bundle of goods at an affordable price.

    But we also recognise a hard truth: many of the costs facing councils aren’t of your own making.

    They’ve been baked into the system through decades of regulatory complexity. Layer upon layer of vague mandates, unclear responsibilities, and well-meaning rules that create more confusion than solutions.

    You’re stuck trying to deliver core services under rules that second-guess every decision and inflate every budget line.

    On overregulation: we hear you. We are pushing government back to basics but we’re also delivering a plan to make it easier for councils to reflect the needs of their communities.

    We’ve seen the so-called four well beings, introduced with good intentions, but resulted in asking councils to act as second-tier social ministries, expected to deliver on every issue, regardless of mandate, expertise, or funding.

    In 2017 I called the introduction of this legislation the Puppy Dogs and Ice Cream Bill. That’s because rather than requiring councils to deliver core services in a cost-effective way for households and businesses, the Government believed councils should be able to do whatever they felt like. That was always going to be a recipe for higher rates.

    And we’ve seen the proliferation of the RMA’s numerous processes and requirements turning councils into consultation machines.

    Add to that endless duplication across agencies, overlapping consents, decades of poor investment and management (and a Minister asking you to focus on attendance). We all need things to change.

    Councils are not only granters of resource consents, they are the biggest applicants, with much of council’s essential infrastructure hamstrung or cost inflated by the RMA.

    The Government’s resource management reforms tackle this head on. 

    Benchmarking will show ratepayers how the performance of their own council compares with others, in terms of rates, debt, and spending. Some healthy competition between councils is long overdue.

    We’re demanding discipline from councils, but we’re also committed to clearing away the red tape that constrains you. We’re scrapping the laws that confuse roles, inflate budgets, and justify the kind of spending Kiwis can’t afford.

    We’re rebuilding the system so councils can focus on the things only councils can do: represent their local communities, fix pipes, roads, rubbish, and infrastructure that unlocks growth and lowers costs.

    Back to basics isn’t a slogan. It’s a plan. And we’re going to deliver on it.

    A plan for councils and communities

    To cut costs, clear roadblocks, and put power back with communities there’s a clear blueprint:

    1. RMA reform – real change

    We are replacing the Resource Management Act aiming for a fundamental shift in how it works, because there’s no piece of legislation more detrimental to the cost of living than the RMA. 

    I’ve seen the details of resource consents for solar farms, which include requirements such as:

    • Inviting mana whenua to perform karakia before removing any native trees or plants from the site.
    • Providing written reports every six months until two years after construction is finished, outlining compliance with a 66-page Cultural Impact Assessment, with ongoing reporting beyond that.
    • Submitting a detailed landscaping plan specifying:
      • Every plant’s botanical and common name.
      • Exact location, spacing, and planter bag size.
      • Soil preparation methods and planting techniques.
      • The type and quality of materials like soil, mulch, stakes, and ties.
      • A requirement to replace any dead plant with the same or similar species at the same size.
      • Constructing a ‘public viewing area’ with off-street parking, and informational and educational signage. 

    This is what’s driving up power bills. You and your ratepayers want renewable energy but the consenting process demands ceremonial chanting and spreadsheet-level detail about every shrub on site. These two aims don’t compute.

    We see the same thing happening with supermarkets, IKEA, even hospitals. This madness raises prices at the checkout and on power bills.

    IKEA’s consent required inviting representatives of seven different mana whenua groups “to undertake cultural monitoring, karakia and other such cultural ceremonies on the site” at the pre-start meeting, commencement of earthworks and immediately prior to completion of bulk earthworks across the site, with ten days’ notice before each of those events. Ten working days, that can be two weeks of waiting for a construction site that wants to get cracking, more if you chuck a public holiday in the middle. IKEA must think us Kiwis really love affordable Swedish furniture for it to be worth their while. 

    That’s the problem though, for every IKEA there’ll be another organisation that just can’t get past the consenting, can’t hack the months of delays and paperwork. 

    Currently, and under the reforms of the last government, the RMA slows down housing, gums up roads and strangles infrastructure. It delays pipes. It creates years of delay for projects that ratepayers are already paying for.

    Under the new framework this government is working towards, councils will spend less time litigating, and more time building.

    National rules will be clear and local voice will be stronger, with less duplication and endless second-guessing.

    Infrastructure consents will be faster and more certain, especially for projects with regional importance.

    In short: fewer lawyers, more shovels.

    2. Regional Deals – Partnership, not payouts

    Second, we’re advancing a new model of Regional Deals. These are not handouts. They are contracts between central government and regions to deliver real outcomes in return for real reform.

    For years I championed the idea of genuine partnerships between central and local government to make sure important infrastructure actually gets built. The ACT/National Coalition Agreement committed to instituting long-term city and regional infrastructure deals, allowing PPPs, tolling and value capture rating to fund infrastructure.

    Deals will include:

    • New revenue tools for councils, but only where there’s discipline on costs and a plan to grow.
    • Dedicated infrastructure funding, where councils demonstrate delivery readiness, not just need.
    • Housing and economic growth acceleration, tied to streamlined consenting and local development strategies.

    And crucially, each deal must include measurable, transparent outcomes. Because Kiwis are done with blank cheques.

    It’s great to see negotiations underway on the first regional deals, and I hope to see the first deals announced by the end of the year.

    3. Encouraging investment so we can have nice things

    Many of you will be concerned about the cost of living for your ratepayers. I encourage you to save more, think about where you’re spending and prevent rates rises as much as possible. That’s what you can do. The Government is also looking to lower the cost of living by tackling one of the most stubborn costs out there. Groceries.

    Increased competition in the grocery sector is a win-win for councils. Ratepayers see cheaper prices at the checkout and regions see development that brings jobs and money to the area.

    Right now, outdated planning and consenting rules make it nearly impossible for new players to break into the market. I’ve suggested a possible way to fix that is through a fast-track grocery development process to clear the path for new entrants like Aldi, Walmart or local startups, to bring real competition to communities across New Zealand. 

    That means lower prices for ratepayers, but also new jobs, investment, and mixed-use developments that can revitalise town centres. It’s a win-win: Central Government gets out of the way, new businesses bring in the investment, and local councils and communities reap the rewards.

    Mindset shift – From finger pointing to problem solving

    None of this works if we go back to zero-sum thinking. That kind of mindset, the idea that central government only wins if local loses, or that councils are always to blame has failed New Zealand.

    It failed us with housing. It failed us with crime. It’s failing us with infrastructure.

    What works is recognising that our problems are shared and that the success of one level of government helps the other.

    When councils deliver better infrastructure, housing becomes more affordable.

    When central government cuts red tape, council costs come down.

    When both work together, communities thrive.

    This is the positive-sum mindset. And it’s what we need to get our country moving again.

    Conclusion – Delivering for New Zealanders, together

    So here’s the deal.

    We are repealing the four wellbeings and other vague mandates, not because they’re bad ideas, but because they’ve become an excuse to do everything and nothing.

    We are replacing them with a clear emphasis: focus on what only councils can do and do it brilliantly.

    We are reforming the RMA so you can build the pipes, roads, and housing New Zealand needs.

    We are putting Regional Deals on the table, tools that empower you, with accountability baked in.

    And we are asking every council to go line-by-line on spending, to say no to what’s nice-to-have, and deliver the basics at a price ratepayers can afford.

    That is how we rebuild trust.

    That is how we earn the right to ask Kiwis for more.

    And that is how, together, we can solve the problems of our communities, not by pointing fingers, but by rolling up our sleeves and getting to work.

    Thank you.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: ER Report: A Roundup of Significant Articles on EveningReport.nz for July 23, 2025

    ER Report: Here is a summary of significant articles published on EveningReport.nz on July 23, 2025.

    Hard labour conditions of online moderators directly affect how well the internet is policed – new study
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Tania Chatterjee, Joint PhD Candidate at Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi, The University of Queensland Getty Images/GCShutter Big tech platforms often present content moderation as a seamless, tech‑driven system. But human labour, often outsourced to countries such as India and the Philippines, plays a pivotal role in

    Ghosted by a friend? 4 expert tips on how to handle the hurt
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Megan Willis, Associate Professor, School of Behavioural and Health Sciences, Australian Catholic University martin-dm/Getty When we talk about “ghosting”, we usually think it relates to dating. But what happens when you’ve been ghosted by someone you’ve known for years – your childhood best friend, a parent, a

    Labor’s new bill would cut HELP loans by 20%. But it also risks locking some graduates into a ‘debt treadmill’
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Andrew Norton, Professor of Higher Education Policy, Monash University The Albanese government’s 20% cut to student debt is the first bill introduced to the new federal parliament. It is clever politics. In the government’s first term, the 3 million Australians with a student debt turned high indexation

    ICJ climate crisis ruling: Will world’s top court back Pacific-led call to hold governments accountable?
    By Jamie Tahana in The Hague for RNZ Pacific In 2019, a group of law students at the University of the South Pacific, frustrated at the slow pace with which the world’s governments were moving to address the climate crisis, had an idea — they would take the world’s governments to court. They arranged a

    ‘Maybe this is the last minutes you are living’: how the war is impacting young Ukrainians
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Ashley Humphrey, Lecturer in Social Sciences, Monash University Now into its fourth year, the war that followed Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has taken a devastating toll. An estimated 60,000 to 100,0000 Ukrainian lives have been lost and more than 10 million citizens displaced, and entire cities have

    Auckland is NZ’s ‘primate city’ but its potential remains caged in by poor planning and vision
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Timothy Welch, Senior Lecturer in Urban Planning, University of Auckland, Waipapa Taumata Rau Getty Images The recent report comparing Auckland to nine international peer cities delivered an uncomfortable truth: our largest city is falling behind, hampered by car dependency, low-density housing and “weak economic performance”. The Deloitte

    Climate disasters are pushing people into homelessness – but there’s a lot we can do about it
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Timothy Heffernan, Lecturer in Anthropology, Australian National University Almost half of all Australian properties are at risk of bushfire, while 17,500 face risk of coastal erosion. By 2030, more than 3 million will face riverine flood risk. Meanwhile, housing demand continues to outpace supply. With climate-related disasters

    UK bans Gaza protest group – could the same thing happen in Australia?
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Shannon Bosch, Associate Professor (Law), Edith Cowan University More than 100 people were arrested in the United Kingdom on the weekend for supporting Palestine Action, a protest group that opposes Britain’s support of Israel. Palestine Action was recently proscribed as a terrorist organisation, placing it in the

    The incredible impact of Ozzy Osbourne, from Black Sabbath to Ozzfest to 30 years of retirement tours
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Lachlan Goold, Senior Lecturer in Contemporary Music, University of the Sunshine Coast Ozzy Osbourne photographed in London in 1991. Martyn Goodacre/Getty Images Ozzy Osbourne, the “prince of darkness” and godfather of heavy metal, has died aged 76, just weeks after he reunited with Black Sabbath bandmates for

    Could the latest ‘interstellar comet’ be an alien probe? Why spotting cosmic visitors is harder than you think
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Sara Webb, Lecturer, Centre for Astrophysics and Supercomputing, Swinburne University of Technology Comet 3I/ATLAS International Gemini Observatory/NOIRLab/NSF/AURA/K. Meech/Jen Miller/Mahdi Zamani, CC BY On July 1, astronomers spotted an unusual high-speed object zooming towards the Sun. Dubbed 3I/ATLAS, the surprising space traveller had one very special quality: its

    Should Australia lower the voting age to 16 like the UK? We asked 5 experts
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Pandanus Petter, Postdoctoral Research Fellow, School of Politics and International Relations, Australian National University The government in the UK is introducing legislation into parliament to lower the voting age to 16. If passed, the new age rules will be in place for the next general election, expected

    Doctors shouldn’t be allowed to object to medical care if it harms their patients
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Julian Savulescu, Visiting Professor in Biomedical Ethics, Murdoch Children’s Research Institute; Distinguished Visiting Professor in Law, University of Melbourne; Uehiro Chair in Practical Ethics, The University of Melbourne HRAUN/Getty A young woman needs an abortion and the reasons, while urgent, are not medical. A United States Navy

    Ultra fast fashion could be taxed to oblivion in France. Could Australia follow suit?
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Rowena Maguire, Professor of Law and Director of the Centre of Justice, Queensland University of Technology Ryan McVay/Getty For centuries, clothes were hard to produce and expensive. People wore them as long as possible. But manufacturing advances have steadily driven down the cost of production. These days,

    Central bank independence and credibility matters. Here’s why
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By John Simon, Adjunct Fellow in Economics, Macquarie University Olga Kashubin/Shutterstock In the United States, President Donald Trump has been pressuring the chairman of the US Federal Reserve, Jerome Powell, to slash interest rates. This is partly to ease the interest payments on the ballooning US government debt.

    Kneecap’s stance on Gaza extends a long history of the Irish supporting other oppressed peoples
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Ciara Smart, PhD Graduand in Australasian Irish History, University of Tasmania Love them or hate them, there’s no doubt Irish hip-hop trio Kneecap are having a moment. Their music – delivered in a powerful fusion of English and Irish – is known for its gritty lyrics about

    Do countries have a duty to prevent climate harm? The world’s highest court is about to answer this crucial question
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Nathan Cooper, Associate Professor of Law, University of Waikato Getty Images The International Court of Justice (ICJ) will issue a highly anticipated advisory opinion overnight to clarify state obligations related to climate change. It will answer two urgent questions: what are the obligations of states under international

    Gaza not a religious issue – it’s a massive violation of international law, say accord critics
    Asia Pacific Report Groups that have declined to join the government-sponsored “harmony accord” signed yesterday by some Muslim and Jewish groups, say that the proposed new council is “misaligned” with its aims. The signed accord was presented at Government House in Auckland. About 70 people attended, including representatives of the New Zealand Jewish Council, His

    Flying the flags for Palestine – NZ protesters take message to Devonport
    The Devonport Flagstaff About 200 people marched in Devonport last Saturday in support of Palestine. Pro-Palestine flags and placards were draped on the band rotunda at Windsor Reserve as speakers, including Green Party co-leader Chlöe Swarbrick and the people power manager of Amnesty International Aotearoa New Zealand Margaret Taylor, a Devonport local, encouraged the crowd

    View from The Hill: How much can Jim Chalmers get out of the economic reform roundtable?
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra We’re now less than a month away from the start of the Albanese government’s “economic reform” (aka “productivity”) roundtable, but it has become quite hard to get a fix on exactly what this gathering will amount to. The guest list

    Israeli settlers beat to death 2 Palestinians in latest lynchings
    BEARING WITNESS: By Cole Martin in occupied West Bank Two young Palestinians were beaten to death on their land by Israeli settlers in the occupied West Bank on Friday. A funeral was held on Sunday for Sayfollah “Saif” Mussalet, 20, and Muhammad Shalabi, 23, who were brutally killed by a large group of settlers in

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Graham Statement on Spartanburg Family Being Rescued from Syria

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for South Carolina Lindsey Graham
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today made this statement on the welcome news that a Spartanburg family has been safely extracted from Syria. Desiree Gomez, an assistant principal at Lyman Elementary School, her husband Mohamad Shokair and their daughter Salma had been caught in the middle of fighting in Syria  while visiting family.
    Graham’s office was in touch with the family’s relatives in the United States, working with the U.S. State Department to provide for their safe return home.
    “I just received the great news that Desiree, an assistant principal at Lyman Elementary, her husband and their daughter have been safely extracted from Syria. My office had been deeply involved and closely monitoring this operation.
    “The family was on a visit to their relatives in Syria and were caught in the chaos and fighting.
    “I want to profusely thank The Grey Bull Rescue Foundation for this daring rescue effort, risking their lives to bring this family to safety. At an appropriate time, I intend to do more to recognize the Foundation’s selfless mission to bring hope and safety to Americans in harm’s way.
    “I urge all Americans to pay close attention to all State Department travel advisories before making any trips – even if it is family related.
    “Again, I am so grateful to all those who assisted in this endeavor to bring this family safely back home to South Carolina.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: China Willing to Work with All Parties to Advance High-Quality Joint Construction of Belt and Road Initiative — Chinese Foreign Ministry

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

    BEIJING, July 22 (Xinhua) — China is willing to continue working with all parties to push for tangible progress in the high-quality joint construction of the Belt and Road for common development and a win-win future, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said Tuesday.

    The diplomat made the remarks at a daily press briefing when asked to comment on a recent report on the Belt and Road Initiative. According to the document, the value of projects under the Belt and Road Initiative in the first six months of this year exceeded the total amount of projects for the whole of 2024, reaching a record high. As some media outlets and experts have noted, China’s growing engagement with countries participating in the Belt and Road Initiative stands in stark contrast to the approach of the United States, which imposes high tariffs on trading partners around the world. Many countries see cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative as an opportunity to deepen ties with China.

    Guo Jiakun pointed out that the joint construction of the Belt and Road has entered a new phase of high-quality development: from Eurasia to Africa and Latin America, from infrastructure and institutional connectivity to people-to-people connectivity. The fruits of this cooperation have benefited the people of more than 150 countries.

    To support this, the official cited some of the results of the Belt and Road demonstration projects. For example, the Jakarta-Bandung high-speed railway has served more than 10 million passengers; the total number of trains dispatched within the China-Europe freight rail service has exceeded 110,000 trips; the new land-sea corridor between China and Latin American countries, linking the port of Chancai in Peru with the port of Shanghai in China, has opened for traffic in both directions; the installed capacity of solar power plants jointly built by China and African countries has exceeded 1.5 GW; “small and beautiful” projects such as the “Lu Ban Workshop” and the “juncao” grass cultivation technology have led many households onto the path to a prosperous life.

    Guo Jiakun noted that after more than a decade of development, the joint construction of the Belt and Road, which is based on promoting connectivity, has expanded to a platform for industrial and trade cooperation, helping more countries integrate into international industrial chains and jointly safeguarding the stability and resilience of global supply chains.

    According to the diplomat, in carrying out cooperation within the framework of the “Belt and Road”, China firmly adheres to the principle of “joint consultation, joint construction and joint use”, the concept of openness, greenness and integrity, as well as the pursuit of high-standard, sustainable and human-centered development. At the same time, China strives to promote the modernization of all countries, Guo Jiakun added.

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

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Labor’s new bill would cut HELP loans by 20%. But it also risks locking some graduates into a ‘debt treadmill’

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Andrew Norton, Professor of Higher Education Policy, Monash University

    The Albanese government’s 20% cut to student debt is the first bill introduced to the new federal parliament. It is clever politics.

    In the government’s first term, the 3 million Australians with a student debt turned high indexation of their loan balances into a major issue. The proposed 20% cut flipped a political negative into a positive ahead of the May 2025 federal election.

    The 20% cut legislation, introduced on Wednesday, will also change how student debt is repaid. All the 1.2 million people currently repaying student loans will pay less per year as a result.

    How does the cut work, and what does it mean in practice for current students and people with student debt?

    Beware the fine print

    These changes come with disadvantages. The 20% cut is not well targeted. It will deliver major benefits to recent graduates, but much less to current students or earlier graduates, and nothing to future students.

    While repaying less HELP debt per year sounds good, more graduates will be caught on a debt treadmill, repaying less than the annual indexation on their HELP balance. Both HELP changes will also be costly for government.

    Meanwhile, the government has not changed the cost of degrees. Arts, law and business students continue to accrue debts of about $17,000 per year of study.

    How does the cut work?

    The 20% cut applies to all student loan schemes, including the five HELPs now operating in higher education – HECS-HELP, FEE-HELP, OS-HELP, SA-HELP and START-UP HELP. These cover student fees as well as other programs to assist with overseas study or amenities fees.

    The loans to be cut by 20% will be based on amounts owed as at June 1 2025. As a guide to the amounts of money involved, the table below shows balances as at June 30 2024.

    Why the cut is not fair

    The benefits of the 20% cut will be distributed in a random and inequitable way, as a recent analysis from economic think tank the e61 Institute shows.

    The biggest beneficiaries will be people who recently completed their degrees: their borrowing has peaked but they have not made any significant repayments. Graduates who are partway through clearing their debt, and current students, will receive some benefit. People who recently completed their repayments, and future students, will receive no benefit at all.

    Other winners from the 20% cut will be current and former students of private higher education institutions, as they pay relatively high fees via the FEE-HELP scheme. So too do people who have borrowed to finance postgraduate degrees. Although most student debtors are women, men on average have higher debts, so they will benefit more from the 20% cut.

    A new repayment scheme

    The government is also changing how student debt is repaid.

    The income threshold at which repayments start will increase from A$56,156 to $67,000 a year for 2025–26. People with incomes between these levels who currently repay via employer salary deductions can stop after the legislation comes into force. Any unnecessary repayments will be refunded when 2025–26 tax returns are processed.

    Once the first income threshold is passed, the way repayments are calculated will also change. Under the current system, the repayment is a percentage of the person’s total income. At the $56,156 threshold the repayment rate is 1%, leading to a repayment of $561.56. These percentages increase incrementally up to 10% on incomes of $164,712 or more. The jagged repayment amounts in the chart below are the percentage of income rates changing 18 times on their way to 10%.

    The current repayment system was criticised as “unfair” by the Universities Accord final report in 2024, as an increase in income can result in lower take-home pay.

    Under the proposed system nobody will take home less money after a pay rise. Repayment will be based only on marginal income – the amount above the threshold. People with student debt will pay 15 cents in the dollar for all they earn between $67,000 and $124,999. From $125,000 the rate lifts to 17 cents in the dollar.

    The government has capped annual repayments at no more than 10% of the person’s total income. This ensures nobody pays more under the new repayment system.

    Slower repayments mean more debt in the end

    But there’s a catch.

    A Parliamentary Budget Office costing released in April 2025 estimates the effects of the new system on HELP repayment times. Obviously, if people repay less each year it will take them longer to clear their debt.

    For a HELP debtor consistently earning an average graduate income, the budget office estimates full repayment would take one more year, to 11 years in total. But for people starting their careers on lower incomes, below the $67,000 first threshold, repayment times could increase by much more, dragging out full repayment time from 32 to 40 years.

    What happens early in graduate careers is a major concern with the new system.

    Consider an arts graduate who finishes their degree with a HELP debt of $50,000. Indexation at the current inflation rate of 2.4% would be $1,200. Under the current repayment system, an arts graduate earning $65,000 would cover their indexation and reduce their debt by $100. Under the proposed system, arts graduates will see their debt increase through indexation unless they earn at least $75,000. For context, the median full-time salary for an arts graduate in 2023 was $69,400.

    The worry is many people will get stuck on a HELP debt treadmill, seeing their debt increase each year as they repay nothing or less than the indexation amount.

    The cost of these reforms

    In another report, the Parliamentary Budget Office estimated the initial debt waiver will cost $9 billion, plus the loss of future indexation.

    But quantifying the total cost of these changes is not straightforward, as it involves estimating the future income and consequent HELP repayments of 3 million people.

    As most HELP debtors will repay less each year under the new system, for the government it means delayed repayments and higher bad debt. The budget office thinks in 2025–26, repayments of loan principal will decline by $820 million compared to the current system.

    What about the Job-ready Graduates scheme?

    This highlights the need for a more coherent funding approach, which integrates debts and repayments in ways that are fair to students while moderating the cost to government.

    The Universities Accord final report recommended student contributions should be realigned with graduate earnings.

    Ideally, graduates working full-time should complete repayments within similar ranges of years, regardless of which course they took. That is far from what happens under the current system – known as the Job-ready Graduates scheme – set up under the Morrison government. With the annual humanities student contribution for 2026 set at $17,399, many arts graduates will struggle to ever get their debt under control.

    The government has promised but postponed changes to student contribution levels. The new Australian Tertiary Education Commission will advise the government on this matter.

    But student contributions alone cannot fix the problem. The repayment system must also be realistic about what different types of debtors earn. Especially with student loans now also serving vocational education, the $67,000 first threshold risks creating a larger group of people with permanent student debt.

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

    – ref. Labor’s new bill would cut HELP loans by 20%. But it also risks locking some graduates into a ‘debt treadmill’ – https://theconversation.com/labors-new-bill-would-cut-help-loans-by-20-but-it-also-risks-locking-some-graduates-into-a-debt-treadmill-261472

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Hard labour conditions of online moderators directly affect how well the internet is policed – new study

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Tania Chatterjee, Joint PhD Candidate at Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi, The University of Queensland

    Getty Images/GCShutter

    Big tech platforms often present content moderation as a seamless, tech‑driven system. But human labour, often outsourced to countries such as India and the Philippines, plays a pivotal role in making judgements that involve understanding context. Technology alone can’t do this.

    Behind closed doors, hidden human moderators are tasked with filtering some of the internet’s most harmful material. They often do so with minimal mental health support and under strict non-disclosure agreements.

    After receiving vague training, moderators are expected to make decisions within seconds, keeping in mind a platform’s constantly changing content policies and ensuring at least 95% accuracy.

    Do these working conditions affect moderating decisions? To date, we don’t have much data on this. In a new study published in New Media & Society, we examined the everyday decision-making process of commercial content moderators in India.

    Our results shed light on how the employment conditions of moderators do shape the outcomes of their work – and three key arguments that emerged from our interviews.

    Efficiency over appropriateness

    “Would never recommend de-ranking content as it would take time.”

    —A 28-year-old audio moderator working for an Indian social media platform

    As moderators work under high productivity targets, it compels them to prioritise content that can be handled quickly without drawing attention from supervisors.

    In the above excerpt, the moderator explained she avoided content and processes that required more time to maintain her pace. While observing her work over a screen-share session, we noticed that reducing the visibility of content (de-ranking) involved four steps. Meanwhile ending live streams or removing posts required only two steps.

    To save time, she skipped the content flagged to be de-ranked. As a result, content marked for reduced visibility, such as impersonations, often remained on the platform until another moderator intervened.

    This shows how productivity pressures in the moderation industry easily lead to problematic content staying online.

    Decontextualised decisions

    “Ensure that none of the highlighted yellow words remained on the profile”

    —Instructions received by a text/image moderator

    Moderation work often includes automation tools that can detect certain words in text, transcribe speech, or use image recognition to scan the contents of pictures.

    These tools are supposed to assist moderators by flagging potential violations for further judgement that takes context into account. For example, is the potentially offensive language simply a joke, or does it actually violate any policies?

    In practice we found that under tight timelines, moderators frequently follow the tools’ cues mechanically rather than exercising independent judgement.

    The quoted moderator above described instructions from her supervisor to simply remove text detected by the software. During a screen-share, we observed her removing flagged words without evaluating the context.

    Often the automation tools that queue content and organise it for human moderators will also detach it from the broader conversational context. This makes it even harder for the moderator to make a context-based judgement on content that gets flagged but was actually innocent – despite that judgement being one of the reasons human moderators are hired in the first place.

    Impossibility of thorough judgements

    “If you guys can’t do the work and complete the targets, you may leave”

    —Work group message of a freelance content moderator

    Precarious employment compels moderators to mould their decision‑making processes around job security.

    They are compelled to use strategies that allow them to decide quickly and appropriately. In turn, this influences their future decisions.

    For instance, we found that over time, moderators develop a list of “dos and don’ts”. They may dilute expansive moderation guidelines into an easily remembered list of ethically unambiguous violations which they can quickly follow.

    These strategies reveal how the very structure of the moderation industry impedes thoughtful decisions and makes thorough judgement impossible.

    What should we take away from this?

    Our findings show that moderation decisions aren’t just shaped by platform policies. The precarious working conditions of moderators play a crucial role in how content gets moderated.

    Online platforms can’t put into place consistent and thorough moderation policies if the moderation industry’s employment practices are not improved too. We argue that content moderation and its effectiveness are as much a labour issue as it is a policy challenge.

    For truly effective moderation, online platforms must address the economic pressures on moderators, such as strict performance targets and insecure employment.

    We need greater transparency around how much platforms spend on human labour in trust and safety, both in‑house and outsourced. Currently, it’s not clear whether their investment in human resources is truly proportionate to the volume of content flowing through their platforms.

    Beyond employment conditions, platforms should also redesign their moderation tools. For example, integrating quick‑access rulebooks, implementing violation‑specific content queues, and standardising the steps required for different enforcement actions would streamline decision-making, so that moderators don’t default to faster options just to save time.

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

    – ref. Hard labour conditions of online moderators directly affect how well the internet is policed – new study – https://theconversation.com/hard-labour-conditions-of-online-moderators-directly-affect-how-well-the-internet-is-policed-new-study-261386

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Fleischmann Honors the Tenth Anniversary of the Fallen Five

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Chuck Fleischmann (R-TN)

    Washington, DC – U.S. Representative Chuck Fleischmann (TN-03), released the following statement commemorating the tenth anniversary of the July 16, 2015, terrorist attacks in Chattanooga that took the lives of five brave U.S. servicemen, remembered forever as the Fallen Five.

    “Ten years ago today, tragedy struck our Chattanooga community when a radical jihadist terrorist took the lives of five heroic servicemen and wounded two others in one of the darkest days Chattanooga and Tennessee have endured. Out of the horror and violence of that terrible day, our community has stood firmly together in love, support, kindness, and strength to honor and remember the ultimate sacrifice and legacy of the Fallen Five and to uplift and support their beloved families,” said Congressman Fleischmann.

    “Chattanoogans, Tennesseans, and Americans nationwide will never forget the Fallen Five. We will always pay homage to U.S Marine Gunnery Sergeant Thomas J. Sullivan, U.S. Marine Staff Sergeant David A. Wyatt, U.S. Marine Sergeant Carson A. Holmquist, U.S. Marine Lance Corporal Squire K. “Skip” Wells, and U.S. Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Randall J. Smith. Their dedication to America, our community, our military, our freedoms, and service to others will always be remembered.”

    “Please join Brenda and me in praying for the eternal souls of the Fallen Five who are home now with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and for their families and loved ones. We remember the eternal, healing words spoken through Psalms, ‘God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble,’ and ‘Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me’”.

    “May God bless the Fallen Five and their families, and may God continue to bless Chattanooga and our great nation.”

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: As Chaotic Trump Tariffs Drive Price Hikes, Schakowsky, Deluzio, Warren, Baldwin Propose New Tools to Fight Price Gouging

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky (9th District of Illinois)

    Full Text of Bill (PDF) | Bill One-Pager (PDF)

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Representatives Jan Schakowsky (IL-09) and Chris Deluzio (PA-17), along with U.S. Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) and Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) reintroduced the Price Gouging Prevention Act to fight back against the corporate greed enabled by the Trump administration’s chaotic tariff policies. The bill would give the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and state attorneys general new tools to enforce a federal ban against grossly excessive price increases.

    The last five years have repeatedly shown us that giant corporations will take advantage of inflation and supply chain disruptions to expand their profit margins by raising prices higher than necessary to cover cost increases. President Trump’s on-again, off-again tariffs have created yet another opportunity for corporate price gouging. The tariff-driven uncertainty gives companies the opportunity to raise prices on all goods, regardless of whether they are actually subject to new tariffs, higher and for longer than what is necessary to cover any cost increases. Now, dozens of companies have reported raising the prices of goods and services unaffected by Trump’s tariffs. 

    “President Donald Trump promised to lower costs, but we have seen the exact opposite. Greedy corporations are using the economic turmoil the Trump Administration has created to gouge the American people on everything from groceries to consumer goods. While these large corporations rake in record profits, families in my community and across the country are struggling to put food on the table,” said Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky. “Our bill will finally put an end to price gouging by empowering the FTC and state attorneys general to hold bad actors accountable when they take advantage of consumers.”

    “Prices are still too high, and inflation is still pounding folks. Especially now, we need to rein in monopolists and other huge corporations with the power to price gouge the American people,” said Congressman Chris Deluzio. “By upping FTC enforcement practices and boosting transparency, this bill will take some of the squeeze off American families and small businesses suffering under the thumb of out-of-control corporate power.”

    “Donald Trump’s reckless tariff policies are giving companies cover to squeeze families and raise prices more than necessary. My bill is an opportunity for Congress to stand up for families by cracking down on price gouging and fighting back against corporate abuse,” said Senator Elizabeth Warren.

    “The biggest corporations in our country jack up the cost of everyday household items, take in record profits, and give their executives huge bonuses – all on the backs of hard-working Wisconsin families. Donald Trump claimed he would lower prices – so far, he has done just the opposite and is even opening the door to more price gouging. But, if we pass this bill, we can rein that in and give Wisconsinites some breathing room and allow them to save for the future,” said Senator Tammy Baldwin. “Our bill will finally crack down on corporate greed and help stop those big companies at the top of the food chain from sticking families with exorbitant costs.”

    The Price Gouging Prevention Act of 2025 would help the federal government and state attorneys general fight corporate price gouging. The bill would: 

    • Prohibit price gouging at the federal level—anytime and anywhere. The bill would clarify that price gouging is an unfair and deceptive practice under the FTC Act. It would allow the FTC and state attorneys general to stop sellers from charging a grossly excessive price, regardless of where the price gouging occurs in a supply chain or distribution network;
    • Help enforcers establish when price gouging is occurring during a significant shift in trade policy. The bill lists a set of exceptional market shocks—including an “abrupt or significant shift in trade policy”—and outlines a standard for a presumptive violation of the price gouging prohibition during such a shock, such as when companies brag about increasing prices;
    • Create an affirmative defense for small businesses acting in good faith. Small and local businesses sometimes must raise prices in response to crisis-driven increases in their costs because they have little negotiating power with their price-gouging suppliers. This affirmative defense protects small businesses earning less than $100 million from frivolous litigation if they show legitimate cost increases;
    • Require public companies to clearly disclose costs and pricing strategies. During periods of exceptional market shock, the bill requires public companies to transparently disclose and explain changes in their cost of goods sold, gross margins, and pricing strategies in their quarterly SEC filings; and
    • Provide $1 billion in additional funding to the FTC to carry out its work.

    Representatives Angie Craig (MN-02), Maggie Goodlander (NH-02), Henry C. “Hank” Johnson, Jr (GA-04), Ro Khanna (CA-17), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC-AL), Jerry Nadler (NY-12), Mary Gay Scanlon (PA-05), Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Rosa DeLauro (CT-03) and Paul Tonko (NY-20) joined as co-sponsors. 

    Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), John Fetterman (D-PA), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Ed Markey (D-MA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) joined as co-sponsors. 

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Krishnamoorthi Leads 104 Colleagues in Letter to Protect 988 LGBTQI+ Youth Lifeline

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (8th District of Illinois)

    WASHINGTON – On Thursday, U.S. Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (IL-08), a national leader in bipartisan efforts to protect crisis services for vulnerable youth, led a letter with Reps. Andrea Salinas (OR-06), Sharice Davids (KS-03), Doris Matsui (CA-07), Seth Moulton (MA-06), Chris Pappas (NH-01), and Paul Tonko (NY-20), urging House Appropriations Committee leaders to preserve funding for the 988 LGBTQI+ Youth Lifeline. The letter—sent to Subcommittee Chair Robert Aderholt (AL-04) and Ranking Member Rosa DeLauro (CT-03)—was co-signed by 104 Democratic Members of Congress.

    The letter comes as the Trump Administration moved to eliminate the 988 LGBTQI+ Youth Lifeline, a service that has received nearly 1.5 million contacts since its inception. It has served as a critical resource for LGBTQI+ youth nationwide, who are at significantly higher risk of suicide and mental health challenges.

    Dear Chair Aderholt and Ranking Member DeLauro:

    As you craft the Fiscal Year 2026 Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and related Agencies appropriations bill, the undersigned Members urge you to maintain funding for the 988 LGBTQ+ Youth Specialized Services within the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Budget. 

    In 2022, SAMHSA launched the LGBTQ+ youth specialized services as a pilot program in coordination with the broader 988 lifeline. Since its launch, the line has received nearly 1.5 million contacts from LGBTQ+ youth through calls, texts, and online chats[1]. In 2024 alone the LGBTQ+ service served over 600,000 crisis contacts, demonstrating both its necessity and impact[2].

    Suicide is the second leading cause of death among youth aged 10 to 14, and LGBTQ+ young people are four times more likely to attempt suicide than their non-LGBTQ+ peers. It is estimated that one LGBTQ+ young person attempts suicide every 45 seconds[3]. 

    The LGBTQ+ Youth lifeline was designed to address this higher risk of suicide for this population. When an adolescent reaches out to the LGBTQ+ Youth lifeline, they can access specialized services from somebody who cares, who may have shared experience, understands where they are coming from, and is trained to address the unique situation LGBTQ+ youth may face[4].

    LGBTQ+ identifying youth can face distinct mental health issues rooted in rejection and social discrimination. In fact, of LGBTQ+ youth who reported they slept away from parents or were kicked out of the house, 40 percent were abandoned due to their identity and 28 percent of LGBTQ+ youth report experiencing homelessness or housing instability during their lives[5]. 

    Despite the need, a 2024 study demonstrated that 50 percent of LGBTQ+ youth who wanted mental health care in the previous year were unable to access i[6]t. More than 80 percent say it is important that crisis services include a specific focus on LGBTQ+ youth[7].

    In the midst of a youth mental health crisis, we cannot afford to eliminate a critical, life-saving resource for LGBTQ+ youth, who face both higher risks and greater barriers to care. These young people deserve to speak with professionals who are trained and equipped to meet their unique needs.

    Please maintain the lifesaving funding for the 988 LGBTQ+ youth specialized services so we can continue to serve LGBTQ+ young people across the country who are at an elevated risk of suicide and mental illness. 

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Norton Calls D.C. Appropriations Bill Text “Unreasonable” and “Patronizing” to 700,000+ D.C. Residents

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

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – The House Committee on Appropriations today released the text of its fiscal year 2026 (FY 26) Financial Services and General Government (FSSG) Appropriations bill, which Norton said includes an outrageous number of anti-home rule riders. Republicans try to attach the riders to the annual D.C. spending bill to exert control over local D.C. matters, despite their positions as federal officials who do not represent D.C. residents. Significantly, the bill would halve funding for DCTAG, a program established by a 1999 Norton bill. DCTAG makes up the difference for D.C. residents between in-state and out-of-state tuition up to $10,000 at public institutions of higher education in the U.S.

    “I am outraged at the number and scope of anti-D.C. home rule riders in the bill released today,” Norton said. “In my long career representing D.C. residents in Congress, I have rarely seen a bill as unreasonable and patronizing to the more than 700,000 people who live in the nation’s capital as this one. I will use every tool at my disposal to stop these riders from becoming law, and I commit to reminding my fellow lawmakers across the aisle that D.C. residents deserve the same consideration as their own constituents at every opportunity.” 

    The text released today:

    • Would permit anyone with a concealed carry permit from any state or territory to carry a concealed handgun in D.C. and on WMATA.
    • Would provide $20 million for the D.C. Tuition Assistance Grant Program (DCTAG), a 50% decrease from the current funding level.
    • Would prohibit D.C. from spending its own local funds on abortion services for low-income women.
    • Would prohibit D.C. from using local funds to carry out its Reproductive Health Non-Discrimination Amendment Act of 2014.
    • Would repeal D.C.’s Death with Dignity Act, and prohibits enacting any similar act.
    • Would require D.C. to submit a report on its enforcement of the Partial Birth Abortion Ban Act.
    • Would prohibit D.C. from spending its own local funds to enforce its vehicle emission standards.
    • Would prohibit D.C. from using local funds to carry out its automated traffic enforcement law.
    • Would prohibit D.C. from using its local funds to enact or carry out any law which prohibits motorists from making right turns on red.
    • Would repeal the provision of D.C.’s Anti-Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation law, or Anti-SLAPP law, that exempts from that law any claim brought by the D.C. government.
    • Would prohibit D.C. from using local funds to implement its law allowing noncitizens to vote in local elections or on activities related to enrolling or registering noncitizens into voter rolls for local elections.
    • Would prohibit D.C. from using local funds to implement its Comprehensive Policing and Justice Reform Amendment Act of 2022.
    • Would repeal parts of the Youth Rehabilitation Amendment Act of 2018 that allows courts to use sentencing alternatives for a person who was sentenced as an adult but was under the age of 24 at the time the person committed a crime, changing that age back to 22.
    • Would prohibit the use of funds to implement, administer, or enforce any COVID–19 mask or vaccine mandate.
    • Would prohibit the use of funds to commercialize recreational marijuana.
    • Would prohibit the use of funds to implement the Insurance Regulation Amendment Act of 2024, which relates to reproductive health care and gender-affirming care.
    • Would prohibit funds to implement or enforce provisions of the Consumer Protection Act against oil and gas companies for environmental claims.

    Among the anti-home rule riders are several victories secured by Norton, despite Republican control of the House.

    “Even among the long list of anti-home rule riders in the bill text released today, there are a number of victories for residents of the nation’s capital,” Norton said. “I was pleased to secure these wins for the District, including increasing the DCTAG yearly cap from $10,000 to $15,000 and lifetime award cap from $50,000 to $75,000, a change I have requested for years. Even in the face of funding for the overall program being cut by half, these increases are a positive for D.C. residents who are recipients of the program. I will continue to work to secure full funding for DCTAG.”

    The bill also maintains the provision to exempt the D.C. government from a federal government shutdown in FY 2026, a provision she has gotten enacted every year since FY 2015. It also approves D.C. to spend under its FY 26 local budget.

    Norton also secured the following victories in the bill:

    • Increasing the yearly cap on DCTAG to $15,000 from $10,000 and increasing the lifetime cap from $50,000 to $75,000.
    • Requiring ratably reducing the amount of tuition and fee payment of each eligible DCTAG student who receives more than $10,000 for the award year if there are insufficient funds.
    • Exempting D.C. from federal government shutdowns in FY 2026.
    • Providing $5.7 million for D.C. Water Clean Rivers Project.
    • Providing $70 million for the Emergency Planning and Security Fund. The fund pays for the unique public safety and security costs the District incurs as the nation’s capital, and is designed to cover the District’s costs upfront so D.C. does not need to expend local funds and then seek an appropriation to be reimbursed for such costs after the fact.
    • Providing $600,000 for the Major General David F. Wherley, Jr. District of Columbia National Guard Retention and College Access Program.
    • Providing $4 million to combat HIV/AIDS in D.C.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Norton Says Anti-Home Rule Riders on Subcommittee-Passed D.C. Appropriations Bill are “Appalling” and “Unsurprising”

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

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – The House Committee on Appropriations marked up and passed the fiscal year 2026 (FY 26) Financial Services and General Government (FSSG) Appropriations bill tonight, which Norton said includes an outrageous and irresponsible number of anti-home rule riders. Republicans try to attach the riders to the annual D.C. spending bill to exert control over local D.C. matters, despite their positions as federal officials who do not represent D.C. residents. Significantly, the bill would halve funding for DCTAG, a program established by a 1999 Norton bill. DCTAG makes up the difference for D.C. residents between in-state and out-of-state tuition up to $10,000 at public institutions of higher education in the U.S.

    “It is unsurprising that at a time when there are more frequent Republican attacks on D.C. home rule than any time since the 1990s, the D.C. appropriations bill reported out of a Republican-controlled subcommittee contains numerous and extensive riders that would overrule the expressed will of D.C. residents,” Norton said. “I am particularly appalled by the 50% cut in funding for DCTAG, a program created in 1999 by a bill I authored that simply helps pay for students who are D.C. residents to attend college.

    “I will use every tool at my disposal to stop these riders from becoming law, and I commit to reminding my fellow lawmakers across the aisle that D.C. residents deserve consideration equal to that given to as their own constituents.”

    As reported out of the subcommittee today, the bill:

    • Would provide $20 million for the D.C. Tuition Assistance Grant Program (DCTAG), a 50% decrease from the current funding level.
    • Would permit anyone with a concealed carry permit from any state or territory to carry a concealed handgun in D.C. and on WMATA.
    • Would prohibit D.C. from spending its own local funds on abortion services for low-income women.
    • Would prohibit D.C. from using local funds to carry out its Reproductive Health Non-Discrimination Amendment Act of 2014.
    • Would repeal D.C.’s Death with Dignity Act and prohibit enacting any similar act.
    • Would require D.C. to submit a report on its enforcement of the Partial Birth Abortion Ban Act.
    • Would prohibit D.C. from spending its own local funds to enforce its vehicle emission standards.
    • Would prohibit D.C. from using local funds to carry out its automated traffic enforcement law.
    • Would prohibit D.C. from using its local funds to enact or carry out any law which prohibits motorists from making right turns on red.
    • Would repeal the provision of D.C.’s Anti-Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation law, or Anti-SLAPP law, that exempts from that law any claim brought by the D.C. government.
    • Would prohibit D.C. from using local funds to implement its law allowing noncitizens to vote in local elections or on activities related to enrolling or registering noncitizens into voter rolls for local elections.
    • Would prohibit D.C. from using local funds to implement its Comprehensive Policing and Justice Reform Amendment Act of 2022.
    • Would repeal parts of the Youth Rehabilitation Amendment Act of 2018 that allows courts to use sentencing alternatives for a person who was sentenced as an adult but was under the age of 24 at the time the person committed a crime, changing that age back to 22.
    • Would prohibit the use of funds to implement, administer, or enforce any COVID–19 mask or vaccine mandate.
    • Would prohibit the use of funds to commercialize recreational marijuana.
    • Would prohibit the use of funds to implement the Insurance Regulation Amendment Act of 2024, which relates to reproductive health care and gender-affirming care.
    • Would prohibit funds to implement or enforce provisions of the Consumer Protection Act against oil and gas companies for environmental claims.

    Despite Republican control of the House, Norton secured several key victories for D.C., including the first increase in the annual and lifetime award caps for DCTAG recipients since the program was created in 1999.

    “I was pleased the bill that passed out of subcommittee tonight maintained several wins I secured for D.C., including increasing the DCTAG yearly cap from $10,000 to $15,000 and lifetime award cap from $50,000 to $75,000, a change I have requested for many years. Even in the face of funding for the overall program being cut by half, these increases are a positive for DCTAG recipients. I will continue to work to secure full funding for DCTAG.”

    The bill also maintains the provision to exempt the D.C. government from a federal government shutdown in FY 2027, a provision Norton has gotten enacted every year since FY 2015. It also approves D.C. to spend under its FY 26 local budget.

    Norton secured the following victories in the bill:

    • Increasing the yearly cap on DCTAG to $15,000 from $10,000 and increasing the lifetime cap from $50,000 to $75,000.
    • Requiring ratably reducing the amount of tuition and fee payment of each eligible DCTAG student who receives more than $10,000 for the award year if there are insufficient funds.
    • Exempting D.C. from federal government shutdowns in FY 2027.
    • Providing $5.7 million for D.C. Water Clean Rivers Project.
    • Providing $70 million for the Emergency Planning and Security Fund. The fund pays for the unique public safety and security costs the District incurs as the nation’s capital, and is designed to cover the District’s costs upfront so D.C. does not need to expend local funds and then seek an appropriation to be reimbursed for such costs after the fact.
    • Providing $600,000 for the Major General David F. Wherley, Jr. District of Columbia National Guard Retention and College Access Program.
    • Providing $4 million to combat HIV/AIDS in D.C.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Progressive Caucus Launches New Task Forces Aimed at Reclaiming a Democratic Majority in 2026

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Mark DeSaulnier Representing the 11th District of California

    Washington, D.C. — Today, the Congressional Progressive Caucus (CPC) announced four newly constituted Task Forces aimed at helping Democrats reclaim the House majority in 2026—with a sharp, populist, pro-working-class agenda that meets the moment.

    These four Task Forces—focused on lowering costs, ending corporate greed, fighting corruption, and securing better pay and benefits—are part of a broader effort by the CPC to define a Democratic governing agenda that is clear, popular, easy to understand, and quickly delivers material benefits to working people. Congressman Mark DeSaulnier (CA-10) was named Vice Chair of the Task Force on Better Pay and Benefits.

    Among other work, the Task Forces will be focused on advancing a slate of policy proposals members have been working on internally for several months that are not only progressive, but also enjoy support from voters across the ideological and demographic spectrum—from suburban voters to non-college-educated to independents—and could be passed by a Democratic House after the midterms. New polling from Data for Progress finds these policies enjoy a supermajority and give a 9-point advantage for Democrats who lead with these themes compared to a generic Democratic message against a Republican opponent.

    The four new Task Forces are:

    • Lowering Costs

      Chair: Rep. Yassamin Ansari

    • Fighting Corruption

      Chair: Rep. Dave Min
      Vice Chair: Rep. Hank Johnson

    • Ending Corporate Greed

      Chair: Rep. Becca Balint

    • Better Pay and Benefits

      Chair: Rep. Emily Randall
      Vice Chair: Rep. Mark DeSaulnier

    “In a time of record-breaking income inequality and rampant corporate greed, it is more important than ever that we as Democrats reassert and reinforce our commitment to working people,” said Rep. Mark DeSaulnier (CA-10). “As both a former union member and small business owner, I have seen firsthand how American workers have for too long been taken advantage of by big corporations and greedy CEOs. I am proud to help lead the Task Force for Better Pay and Benefits as Vice Chair to restore power to working people, the engine of our economy, so they can continue to be the best, most productive labor force in the world while living with the respect and dignity they deserve.”

    “In my family and in my community, I’ve seen firsthand how good Union wages and pensions open doors to stability, to opportunity, to economic security. I’ve seen my grandparents, my teachers, my neighbors afford homes and vacations and childcare because they had good jobs. But over the years, affording a good life has gotten harder and harder,” said Rep. Emily Randall (WA-06). “Our neighbors deserve leaders who put people before profits and stand up for what’s right. They deserve leaders who understand that an economy that is centered on working people is a stronger economy for everyone. As Chair of the Better Pay and Benefits Task Force, I’m committed to fighting for fairer wages, stronger benefits, safer workplaces, and an economy that puts working people first – right at the center of our policies.”

    Video from the press conference available HERE.
     

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Innovation, solid supply chain attracting FDI

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

    This aerial photo taken on July 5, 2023 shows the Tianjin factory of Danfoss, a global refrigeration industry giant, in north China’s Tianjin. [Photo/Xinhua]

    China will remain a vital innovation hub and manufacturing base for foreign corporations despite global economic uncertainty, said government officials and business leaders.

    They noted that foreign firms are maintaining deep engagement with the Chinese market, capitalizing on their technological expertise alongside China’s well-developed industrial and supply chains — a synergy that enhances operational efficiency, fosters innovation and strengthens supply chain resilience.

    Foreign-invested companies in China saw their export and import value grow by 2.4 percent year-on-year to 6.32 trillion yuan ($881.2 billion) in the first half, marking growth for the fifth consecutive quarter, statistics from the General Administration of Customs showed.

    The number of foreign-invested businesses in the country with actual import and export activities amounted to 75,000 in the first six months, the highest level for the same period since 2021, said the administration.

    China’s evolving industrial ecosystem — combining cost, quality and speed with advanced infrastructure — is transforming into a collaborative innovation hub where multinationals co-develop and expand alongside local partners, said Mohamed Kande, global chairman of PricewaterhouseCoopers International Ltd, a London-based global accounting company.

    Reflecting on this shift, Lyu Daliang, director of the GAC’s department of statistics and analysis, said that among the major manufacturing categories involved in foreign company exports, industries such as specialized equipment, electrical machinery and electronic devices all posted robust growth between January and June.

    One such company — Global Electric Appliance (Nantong) Co Ltd, a manufacturer of household appliances in Nantong, Jiangsu province and a subsidiary of a Singapore-based industrial group — reported a 31.9 percent year-on-year increase in exports, reaching 343 million yuan in the first half, said Nanjing Customs.

    Chen Jinxin, head of the company’s foreign trade unit, said the company has shipped its products, including vacuum and steam cleaners, to over 90 overseas markets, backed by China’s innovative solutions and a highly integrated supply chain that enables rapid product development and efficient global distribution.

    Apart from investing 3 billion yuan in its Hangzhou plant in Zhejiang province over the past decade, Italian chocolate and confectionery maker Ferrero Group said that the factory now supplies 53 percent of its products to the Chinese market, with the remaining 47 percent exported to more than 20 countries and regions across the Asia-Pacific, the Middle East and North America.

    Yang Lianjun, general manager of Ferrero’s Hangzhou plant, said the Chinese market offers significant opportunities, and the company may introduce additional premium product categories in the future, such as ice cream.

    To bolster its local research and development capabilities, Ferrero established a food innovation center within its Hangzhou facility last year. The center focuses on developing chocolate, confectionery and bakery products tailored to regional preferences and shortening time-to-market cycles.

    The Ministry of Commerce said foreign direct investment in China’s manufacturing sector reached 109.06 billion yuan in the first half, while high-tech industries attracted 127.87 billion yuan. FDI inflows from Switzerland, Japan, the United Kingdom and Germany rose by 68.6 percent, 59.1 percent, 37.6 percent and 6.3 percent, respectively.

    Amid a turbulent and uncertain global trade landscape, the stability of China’s policy environment and the long-term orientation of its planning have grown increasingly valuable, said Li Xingqian, vice-chairman of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade.

    Neutrik Technology (Ningbo) Co Ltd, a Ningbo, Zhejiang province-based manufacturer of electronic connectors and a subsidiary of the European company Neutrik AG, reported a 19 percent year-on-year rise in first-half sales to 68.45 million yuan, covering both domestic sales and exports, said Ningbo Customs.

    Dong Lanju, the company’s president, said that China’s well-integrated industrial ecosystem and pro-business environment will continue to empower foreign manufacturers to expand production, boost operational efficiency and better capture opportunities in global markets.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Robert Aderholt Introduces Accelerate Revenue for Manufacturing and Sales (ARMS) Act

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Robert Aderholt (AL-04)

    WASHINGTON – Today, Reps. Robert Aderholt (R-AL), Jared Moskowitz (D-FL), Jimmy Panetta (D-CA), and Ryan Zinke (R-MT) introduced the Accelerate Revenue for Manufacturing and Sales (ARMS) Act, a bipartisan proposal to expedite the delivery of U.S.-made critical defense capabilities to allies and partners, by expanding the Special Defense Acquisition Fund (SDAF).

    “This bipartisan bill will help ensure that America’s allies and partners can receive critical defense equipment in a timely manner,” said Congressman Aderholt. “By strengthening the SDAF, this legislation not only supports national security interests abroad, but invests in our industrial defense base at home.”

    This bill addresses the inefficiencies and delays in the current Foreign Military Sales (FMS) process. The urgency to address these has increased in recent years, as the combined value of Foreign Military Sales (FMS) and Direct Commercial Sales (DCS) has significantly exceeded domestic defense procurement budgets, with international demand for U.S. defense products approaching two-to-one over domestic acquisition.
    “The ARMS Act is a win-win for our economic and national security, investing in both our critical manufacturing here at home and our allies’ defense abroad. As we continue to combat the threatening influence of foreign adversaries like Russia and China, this bill will help our allies stay safe while maintaining our leadership around the globe,” said Rep. Jared Moskowitz.

    “It’s unfortunate, but unnecessary and burdensome bureaucratic delays slow down the ability of the United States to fully support our democratic allies when they need it the most,” Rep. Jimmy Panetta added. “The expansion of the bipartisan Special Defense Acquisition Fund would provide a more efficient way to meet urgent demand and counter global threats, while strengthening our domestic manufacturing base.  As we push back against isolationism, this legislation is a smart, strategic, commonsense step to bolster American leadership and enhance global stability.”

    “I’ve made it my mission to eliminate the bureaucratic delays that prevent America’s life-saving defense capabilities from reaching our allies and partners. This bill delivers on that mission,” said Rep. Ryan Zinke. “The Special Defense Acquisition Fund is a vital but historically under-resourced tool that strengthens our defense industrial base and accelerates the delivery of critical arms and equipment to our allies. This legislation restores the SDAF to its original purpose supporting our partners and advancing American interests around the globe, without costing taxpayers a dime. I applaud Congressman Aderholt for his leadership in drafting this commonsense, strategic legislation.”

    The SDAF continues to have strong bipartisan support in Congress and from current and past Administrations.

    The Accelerate Revenue for Manufacturing and Sales Act is supported by leading defense organizations, including the Professional Services Counsel, National Defense Industrial Association, and Aerospace Industries Association.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Ranking Member Lauren Underwood Demands Answers from ICE and DHS Secretary Kristi Noem on Alleged ICE Activity in Joliet Last Week

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Lauren Underwood (IL-14)

    WASHINGTON – Today, Rep. Lauren Underwood, Ranking Member of the Homeland Security Subcommittee on Appropriations, wrote to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Acting Director Todd Lyons after receiving no response to previous inquiries regarding alleged ICE activity in Joliet, Illinois last week.

    Multiple witnesses report that on Wednesday, July 9th, an unmarked black truck taking part in alleged ICE enforcement actions rammed a civilian vehicle in a high-traffic public area, trapping it near a youth center, high school, and minor league baseball stadium. Witnesses report that four individuals in military-style fatigues then allegedly exited the vehicle and pointed automatic weapons at the vehicle’s occupants, removing one of them and telling him he would “be removed on the 22nd.”

    “If true,” Underwood wrote, “these allegations are a flagrant violation of law enforcement’s responsibility to prioritize community safety, minimize potential risks to civilians and officers involved in operations, and operate with extreme care and sensitivity for child welfare. The reckless use of vehicle assault and weapons of war on our streets – especially in areas near schools and youth centers where these actions pose heightened risks to children – is completely unacceptable.” 

    People who need help with federal agencies like ICE and DHS are always encouraged to contact Rep. Underwood’s office for free assistance at (630) 549-2190 or https://underwood.house.gov/services/help-federal-agency. 

    Full text of the letter can be found here and below.

     

    July 17, 2025

     

    The Honorable Todd Lyons

    Acting Director

    U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement

    500 12th Street SW

    Washington D.C. 20536                                            

    Dear Acting Director Lyons,

    I write to urgently request a detailed briefing regarding reports of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) enforcement action last week in Joliet, Illinois that allegedly put the community’s safety at risk. My office reached out to your office via email and phone last week immediately after hearing these reports but has not received any response from ICE despite repeated follow-ups.  

    Multiple witnesses report that on Wednesday, July 9th, an unmarked black extended cab truck taking part in ICE enforcement actions allegedly rammed the rear of a civilian vehicle and forcibly trapped it near the intersection of Cass and Arch Street in Joliet. This location is adjacent to a youth center, a high school, and a minor league baseball stadium, and is considered a high-traffic public area. 

    Witnesses further report that four individuals, reportedly dressed in military-style fatigues with black bulletproof vests labeled “Police,” allegedly exited the vehicle and pointed what were described as automatic weapons at the vehicle’s occupants. Witnesses then report seeing one man being removed from the vehicle that was rammed and detained. We have since been informed that the individual was told he would be “removed on the 22nd.” 

    These allegations, if true, are egregious. They appear to be a flagrant violation of law enforcement’s responsibility to prioritize community safety, minimize potential risks to civilians and officers involved in operations, and operate with extreme care and sensitivity for child welfare. The reckless use of vehicle assault and weapons of war on our streets – especially in areas near schools and youth centers where these actions pose heightened risks to children – is completely unacceptable.  

    Given the nature, location, and urgency of these allegations, I request a comprehensive briefing from you or senior leadership on your team on this incident no later than July 20, 2025. Please contact my office at 202-570-2381 or il14.scheduling@mail.house.gov as soon as possible to schedule this. Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter and I look forward to your timely response.

    Sincerely,

    Lauren Underwood

    Member of Congress

    CC: The Honorable Kristi Noem, Secretary, U.S. Department of Homeland Security

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Lauren Underwood Delivers Remarks at the Full Committee Markup of the Fiscal Year 2026 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Funding Bill

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Lauren Underwood (IL-14)

    WASHINGTON — Congresswoman Lauren Underwood (IL-14) delivered the following remarks at the House Appropriations Committee markup of the fiscal year 2026 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies funding bill:

    “Families in northern Illinois are in a cost-of-living crisis. The price of rent is through the roof. Actually buying a home feels more out of reach than ever. And working people are paying more—and waiting longer —to get to work and back home every single day.

    We heard Republicans talk endlessly about inflation and the cost of living before the election. But what have they done since? Nothing to lower costs. Nothing to help families. Nothing to make housing more affordable or transit more reliable.

    Instead, they’ve pushed through their “Big Ugly Bill,” which gives tax breaks to the same corporations and private equity firms that are driving up the cost of housing and construction.

    And now, the bill in front of us today continues the Republican agenda of stealing from the poor to give to the rich.

    This bill cuts nearly $1 billion from effective, data-backed housing programs.

    While rents skyrocket, Republicans are gutting the very programs that help the lowest-income families keep a roof over their heads and pushing more families into homelessness.

    These policies don’t just ignore the housing crisis—they’re fueling it.

    This bill also includes more poison pills that, once again, do nothing to help families in northern Illinois.

    This bill includes language to block HUD from building energy-efficient housing. It also strips away basic protections for tenants, making it easier for families to be evicted in violation of their rights.

    And the transportation cuts in this bill are just as harmful.

    Families in my district depend on Metra every day to get to work, pick up their kids, and get downtown without sitting in hours of traffic.

    Yet the bill we are debating today cuts federal funding programs that Metra uses to improve service, capacity, and reliability by 98 percent.

    That means slower trains, longer waits, worse service, more traffic on our roads, and more pollution for everyone.

    Republicans are also slashing Amtrak—another essential service for Illinois families, especially in rural towns like Mendota, where Amtrak is a lifeline. These communities will be hit the hardest.

    But once again, the Republican answer to popular government services is: cut it, dismantle it, or give it away to big corporations who will charge us more. 

    Republicans will tell you this is about cutting waste. But the truth is, this is about taking resources away from working families, so they can hand the reins to their billionaire friends who want to keep making money off public services. 

    Families in my district, and across the country, deserve safe, affordable housing and reliable, efficient public transportation. 

    They deserve a government that shows up for them, not one that guts the programs they depend on.

    With this bill, Republicans are once again failing to address the cost-of-living crisis that is crushing families in northern Illinois.

    I urge my colleagues to reject this cruel, out-of-touch bill.”

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: RELEASE: Harder Calls for National Aging Conference to Fast-Track Solutions for Seniors

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Josh Harder (CA-10)

    Senior population skyrocketing while resources, health care access dwindling

    Last convened in 2015, time running out for 10-year Aging Conference this year

    WASHINGTON – Today, Rep. Josh Harder (CA-09) called for immediate action to fast-track solutions to address unprecedented challenges for seniors. As the senior population grows, long-term care becomes less accessible and more unaffordable, leaving many seniors without the critical care they need.

    The White House Conference on Aging is traditionally held every ten years and was last convened in 2015. With time running out to hold the conference this year, Rep. Harder introduced legislation to demand the federal government take this long-term care crisis seriously and immediately convene the 2025 Conference. 

    The aging crisis by the numbers:

    • By 2034, seniors will outnumber children under 18 years old for the first time ever.
    • 70% of seniors need long-term care at a time when the long-term care workforce is short nearly 8 million workers.
    • More than 53 million Americans currently provide unpaid caregiving services to family members, and nearly one-third of unpaid caregivers report experiencing mental health challenges.

    “A caregiver collapse is coming, and we’re running out of time to prevent it,” said Rep. Harder. “Seniors can’t get the care they need, and now many parents are being squeezed to provide for their parents and their kids at the same time. We need an all-hands-on-deck approach to change course before it’s too late – that’s why I’m calling for the 2025 Aging Conference to immediately convene and put long term care at the top of the agenda.”  

    Harder’s top priorities for the 2025 White House Conference on Aging:

    • Protect health care access, including Medi-Cal and the Affordable Care Act.
    • Tackle workforce shortages facing the nation’s health care system.
    • Reduce barriers to quality, affordable in-home care.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Pappas, Weber Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Strengthen U.S.-Israel Medical Innovation

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Chris Pappas (D-NH)

    Today Congressman Chris Pappas (NH-01) and Congressman Randy Weber (TX-14) introduced the United States-Israel Bilateral Innovation for Research and Development in (BIRD) Health Act of 2025. The legislation directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to partner with the successful Binational Industrial Research and Development Foundation to create a dedicated BIRD Health Program, modeled after existing collaborations in energy, cyber, and homeland security.

    The BIRD Health Act deepens U.S.-Israel collaboration in the development of next-generation health technologies, fortifies domestic supply chains, and reduces our reliance on adversarial nations for critical medical products by leveraging Israel’s world-class biotech ecosystem and America’s unmatched research infrastructure.

    “U.S. and Israeli doctors, scientists, and researchers are leading the world in groundbreaking medical advancements, including regenerative medicine, disease prevention, and cancer research,” said Rep. Pappas. “The health technology and innovation program created through this bipartisan legislation will strengthen the bilateral partnership between the U.S. and Israel to address emerging health issues, develop innovative solutions, and save lives.”

    “The United States and Israel share one of the strongest, most enduring alliances in the world, and it just makes sense to join forces in advancing life-saving health technologies that benefit both our nations,” said Rep. Weber. “The BIRD Health Act of 2025 builds on our shared strengths to support cutting-edge medical innovation, strengthen supply chains, and improve health outcomes for American families.”

    The bill supports:

    • Joint U.S.-Israel research and development in medical devices, digital health, diagnostics, vaccines, and biotechnology
    • Manufacturing partnerships to boost U.S.-based production of critical medicines
    • Innovation ecosystems that promote startups, clinical trials, and the commercialization of new treatments
    • Data-sharing and cybersecurity protocols to protect patient privacy and medical infrastructure

    Read the bill here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Pappas Continues to Underscore the Negative Impact of the Big, Ugly Bill on New Hampshire Communities and Seniors

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Chris Pappas (D-NH)

    Today Congressman Chris Pappas (NH-01) met with staff and residents of Hillsborough County Nursing Home (HCNH) to discuss how the Republican’s so-called “One Big, Beautiful Bill”, which is now law, makes devastating cuts to Medicaid funding that is essential to New Hampshire nursing homes, their operations, and patient care.

    “People deserve to retire with dignity and live peacefully. Nursing homes are key to ensuring our seniors can do so while getting the care they need. Medicaid is the primary payer for about six in ten nursing home residents. The Big, Ugly Bill, which is now law, makes devastating cuts to Medicaid funding that New Hampshire nursing homes rely on to give tax breaks to the ultra-wealthy. Without these resources, their services and care are in real jeopardy,” said Congressman Pappas. “Today I joined staff and residents of Hillsborough County Nursing Home to hear directly from them about these impacts. I fought against the passage of this cruel legislation, and I will continue working to protect health care access and other essential programs for New Hampshire families and seniors.”

    “Our nursing homes try our best to provide quality, affordable care to seniors. The cuts to Medicaid threaten our operations, will increase costs for residents, push the burden onto county taxpayers, and ultimately, could lead to loss of care throughout our state,” said David Ross, Administrator of the Hillsborough County Nursing Home. “Ahead of the reconciliation bill’s passage, I reached out to the Congressman’s office about my concerns. I’m grateful for him voting no, for coming to us today to hear from staff and our residents, and for his work to protect and strengthen access to care.”

    Background:

    Pappas voted against Republicans’ reconciliation bill every timeit came to the floor. Pappas filed two amendments to the Senate-passed Republican reconciliation bill to protect Granite Staters’ access to Medicaid and food assistance and to prevent Congress from passing the burden of cuts to these programs onto the state; neither was adopted.

    Now law, this legislation included deep cuts to health care and food programs for working families to cover the cost of $5 trillion in tax cuts for the ultra-wealthy. It will leave an estimated 17 million Americans uninsured, including at least 46,388 Granite Staters; trigger $500 billion in cuts to Medicare; increase monthly out-of-pocket costs for families and leave more Americans with overwhelming medical debt; defund Planned Parenthood, leaving more than 1.1 million women without access to needed care like cancer screenings and birth control; and kick millions of Americans off SNAP, leaving them unable to put food on the table.

    In February, Pappas held a roundtable with New Hampshire health care advocates and community leaders to highlight the devastating impact the Republican budget would have on New Hampshire residents’ access to health care and local community health centers’ ability to serve their patients. In April, he held another discussion to highlight the negative impact the legislation would have on people who access care through the Medicaid program and New Hampshire’s Medicaid Expansion. Pappas spoke on the floor several times in opposition to the reconciliation bill and on behalf of his constituents on Medicaid and SNAP.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Chairman Guest Opens Hearing on How NGOs Fueled the Border Crisis: “Tax Dollars Were Used to Form the Final Link in Cartels’ Human Smuggling”

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Michael Guest (MS-03)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. –– Today, Rep. Michael Guest (R-MS), chairman of the House Homeland Security Subcommittee on Border Security and Enforcement, delivered the following opening statement in a full committee hearing to examine how non-governmental organizations (NGOs) helped facilitate and benefited from the historic Biden-Harris border crisis, as well as how far-left NGOs are still working to help inadmissible aliens undermine federal immigration law under the Trump administration. 

      

       

    Watch Subcommittee Chairman Guest’s full opening statement in a hearing entitled, “An Inside Job: How NGOs Facilitated the Biden Border Crisis.”

     
    As prepared for delivery:
     
    For four years, the Biden-Harris administration created the worst border crisis in American history. From day one, Biden, Harris, and Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas implemented a policy of mass catch-and-release, dismantled effective border-security policies, and gutted interior enforcement. As a result, roughly 13 million inadmissible aliens were either encountered at our borders or entered as gotaways. The consequences have been devastating.   

    Thousands of Americans were lost to fentanyl poisonings. Gang members wreaked havoc in local communities. Young women like Laken Riley, Jocelyn Nungaray, and Rachel Morin were raped, abused, and murdered by illegal aliens. 

    This committee led the way in impeaching Secretary Mayorkas for his willful and systemic refusal to enforce longstanding immigration laws—laws passed and amended over the years by bipartisan majorities in Congress. The American people also emphatically rejected the open-borders policies at the ballot box last November.  

    What is not known by many, and what will be highlighted today at this hearing, is that the Biden-Harris administration could not execute an open borders policy on its own. They needed help, and that help came from non-governmental organizations (NGOs) funded by the federal government.  

    These groups that received billions in taxpayer funding would prove instrumental in helping the Biden-Harris administration process and release a historic number of illegal aliens into our communities.  

    Under a DHS program called the Emergency Food and Shelter Humanitarian Program (EFSP-H), which later became the Shelter and Services Program, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) provided grants to numerous NGOs, many of whom were operating at the Southwest border.  These groups spent billions of taxpayer dollars given to them by the Biden and Harris administration to provide all manner of benefits to illegal aliens “recently released from DHS custody,” according to the department. 

    Our taxpayer dollars were spent on purchasing tens of thousands of nights in hotel rooms for illegal aliens, instead of using existing ICE detention facilities to house those detained individuals. The Biden-Harris Administration sent taxpayer dollars to NGOs to put them in hotels at the cost of hundreds of dollars per night, often without any ICE supervision. 

    Even worse, our tax dollars were used to form the final link in the cartels’ human smuggling operation, paying to help illegal aliens travel to their preferred destination—Chicago, New York, Miami, Los Angeles, and other destinations of choice.   

    Jason Owens, then-chief of the Border Patrol’s Del Rio Sector, told us in an official interview, “ICE would then turn [illegal aliens] over to NGOs for them to travel to wherever they were going to go while they await their hearing.”   

    Recent studies have shown that illegal aliens who passed through the doors of these NGOs at the border ended up in effectively every congressional district in this country. Many of the NGOs served as a launching pad for mass illegal immigration.   

    The abuse was so widespread that even the Biden-Harris administration and the NGOs couldn’t deny what was happening. In June 2022, one DHS official said the department “will continue to closely coordinate with and support…NGOs to facilitate the movement of any individual encountered at the Southwest border…” John Martin with the Opportunity Center for the Homeless, an NGO in El Paso, said that his organization works with illegal aliens to “facilitate travel to the destination of their choice.”  

    These actions appear to constitute a violation of Section 274 of the Immigration and Nationality Act, which prohibits any individual from encouraging or inducing someone to enter the country unlawfully, or helping transport them in the interior. 

    Corruption and waste were rampant in the spending by NGOs. Under Biden and Harris, DHS’s top watchdog audited millions of dollars that had gone to local grant recipients over a six-month period in 2021. They found that a lack of proper documentation kept them from determining how more than half of that money had been spent. In some cases, they discovered that funds had been used to pay for benefits for individuals who were legally ineligible to receive them.    

    The Biden border crisis proved to be a profitable business model for NGOs. According to the Free Press, three large NGOs involved in handling unaccompanied alien children—Global Refuge who received 85 percent of its revenue from government grants, Endeavors who received 97 percent of its funding from government grants and Southwest Key Programs who received an astonishing 99 percent of its revenue from government funding — these three groups saw “their combined revenue grow to an astonishing $2 billion by 2022.”   
     
    They had a vested interest in prolonging the crisis. One NGO, Southwest Key Programs, used the increase in government funding to raise salaries of officers across the board, including an over $675,000 salary increase for their CEO, according to media reporting.  

    Many NGOs tried to mislead the public in how these funds were being allocated, as documented by a recent Florida grand jury investigation, “actively obstructed” efforts to determine how they were spending federal dollars. The grand jury also noted that some NGOs received the vast majority of their funding from federal grants—pretty interesting for groups calling themselves “non-governmental organizations.”  

    The American people are tired of being told that we should fund the actions of those breaking our laws. They are tired of groups encouraging people to cross the border illegally, and organizations that facilitate the release of illegal aliens into the interior.   

    When would-be border crossers know that a host of benefits awaits them immediately after crossing the border, they are more likely to make the deadly journey. That’s exactly what happened on Biden and Harris’s watch as millions of vulnerable people put themselves in the hands of the cartels and smuggling groups.

    An untold number perished along the route. Tens of thousands more suffered physical and sexual assault on the way, and many are still trapped paying off their cartel debts through forced labor or working in the sex trade.   

    We can and should look for ways to care for the vulnerable and less fortunate. But using taxpayer dollars to undermine our laws and the well-being of Americans and migrants alike is not the way to do it. We cannot let taxpayer dollars be used to facilitate lawbreaking. Shining a light on this disgrace is the first step in accountability. This can never happen again.   

      

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Ministers release Homelessness Insights Report

    Source: New Zealand Government

    The Government has released the latest Homelessness Insights Report and announced a series of actions to reduce the number of people living without shelter, including sleeping rough in New Zealand, Housing Minister Chris Bishop and Associate Housing Minister Tama Potaka say.

    “Homelessness is a problem New Zealand has grappled with for a long time. It is a symptom of a dysfunctional housing market and is exacerbated during challenging economic times,” Mr Bishop says.

    “Census data shows an ongoing trend of increasing homelessness, with 4,122 people living without shelter in 2013, 3,624 people in 2018 and 4,965 in 2023.

    “The 2018 to 2023 period showed a 37% increase of people living without shelter despite the large-scale use of Emergency Housing costing well over $1 billion across that period.

    “The Ministry of Housing and Urban Development’s latest Homelessness Insights Report confirms what frontline organisations like the Auckland City Mission and Salvation Army have been saying: there are too many people in housing need.

    “Accurate numbers are difficult to pin down – people without shelter often move around and may avoid engaging with government services – but it’s clear we have a real problem.

    “The Government takes this seriously. At present, over $550 million is spent annually across a range of programmes run by multiple agencies, including Transitional Housing, Housing First, Rapid Rehousing and many other support services.”

    “All New Zealanders deserve a warm, dry place to stay, and the Government is determined to make progress on this long-running challenge for New Zealand,” Mr Potaka says.

    “In the short-term, we’ve asked officials for advice on further targeted interventions to provide help and support to those living without shelter, including rough sleepers. We’ve asked for recommendations around better utilisation of existing programmes and existing services, and we are also open to new ideas that will make an enduring difference. 

    “We’ve made it clear that officials should engage with frontline providers such as the Auckland City Mission, The Wise Group and the Salvation Army, among others, because they are the organisations working at the frontline of this problem. 

    “We will not be returning to the previous government’s large-scale emergency housing model, which cost over $1 million a day at its peak and was a social disaster. New Zealanders – including people sleeping rough – deserve better than that.

    “The Government has an existing review under way of housing support services. There are hundreds of contracts for these services, and the system is complicated and often duplicative. Our aim is to make the system simpler, more effective, and reduce duplication. We want to fund what works.

    “We’re also looking at how to better support people leaving residential support programmes or prison. Stable housing is critical to successful reintegration and reducing reoffending.”

    “Our long-term focus is on fixing the fundamentals of our housing market: freeing up land, removing planning barriers, improving infrastructure funding, and giving councils stronger incentives to support housing growth,” Mr Bishop says.

    “Next year we’ll replace the RMA with a new planning system that makes it easier to build the housing and infrastructure New Zealand needs.

    “We’re also looking at ways to improve the social housing system to ensure it delivers the right homes, in the right places, for the right people. The Government has recently changed Kāinga Ora’s funding settings to enable the agency to build more one-bedroom units. About 50 per cent of people on the Housing Register require a one-bedroom unit, but they only make up about 12 per cent of Kāinga Ora’s housing stock.

    “Homelessness is complex and there are no easy answers, but we’re determined to take meaningful actions – like our Priority One policy which has seen more than 2,100 children and their families moved from emergency housing motels into homes.”

    Note to editors:

    The report is available on the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development’s website.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Ministers release Homelessness Insights Report

    Source: New Zealand Government

    The Government has released the latest Homelessness Insights Report and announced a series of actions to reduce the number of people living without shelter, including sleeping rough in New Zealand, Housing Minister Chris Bishop and Associate Housing Minister Tama Potaka say.

    “Homelessness is a problem New Zealand has grappled with for a long time. It is a symptom of a dysfunctional housing market and is exacerbated during challenging economic times,” Mr Bishop says.

    “Census data shows an ongoing trend of increasing homelessness, with 4,122 people living without shelter in 2013, 3,624 people in 2018 and 4,965 in 2023.

    “The 2018 to 2023 period showed a 37% increase of people living without shelter despite the large-scale use of Emergency Housing costing well over $1 billion across that period.

    “The Ministry of Housing and Urban Development’s latest Homelessness Insights Report confirms what frontline organisations like the Auckland City Mission and Salvation Army have been saying: there are too many people in housing need.

    “Accurate numbers are difficult to pin down – people without shelter often move around and may avoid engaging with government services – but it’s clear we have a real problem.

    “The Government takes this seriously. At present, over $550 million is spent annually across a range of programmes run by multiple agencies, including Transitional Housing, Housing First, Rapid Rehousing and many other support services.”

    “All New Zealanders deserve a warm, dry place to stay, and the Government is determined to make progress on this long-running challenge for New Zealand,” Mr Potaka says.

    “In the short-term, we’ve asked officials for advice on further targeted interventions to provide help and support to those living without shelter, including rough sleepers. We’ve asked for recommendations around better utilisation of existing programmes and existing services, and we are also open to new ideas that will make an enduring difference. 

    “We’ve made it clear that officials should engage with frontline providers such as the Auckland City Mission, The Wise Group and the Salvation Army, among others, because they are the organisations working at the frontline of this problem. 

    “We will not be returning to the previous government’s large-scale emergency housing model, which cost over $1 million a day at its peak and was a social disaster. New Zealanders – including people sleeping rough – deserve better than that.

    “The Government has an existing review under way of housing support services. There are hundreds of contracts for these services, and the system is complicated and often duplicative. Our aim is to make the system simpler, more effective, and reduce duplication. We want to fund what works.

    “We’re also looking at how to better support people leaving residential support programmes or prison. Stable housing is critical to successful reintegration and reducing reoffending.”

    “Our long-term focus is on fixing the fundamentals of our housing market: freeing up land, removing planning barriers, improving infrastructure funding, and giving councils stronger incentives to support housing growth,” Mr Bishop says.

    “Next year we’ll replace the RMA with a new planning system that makes it easier to build the housing and infrastructure New Zealand needs.

    “We’re also looking at ways to improve the social housing system to ensure it delivers the right homes, in the right places, for the right people. The Government has recently changed Kāinga Ora’s funding settings to enable the agency to build more one-bedroom units. About 50 per cent of people on the Housing Register require a one-bedroom unit, but they only make up about 12 per cent of Kāinga Ora’s housing stock.

    “Homelessness is complex and there are no easy answers, but we’re determined to take meaningful actions – like our Priority One policy which has seen more than 2,100 children and their families moved from emergency housing motels into homes.”

    Note to editors:

    The report is available on the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development’s website.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: House Passes Four Amo Amendments to Strengthen Rhode Island’s Defense Workforce and Blue Economy

    Source: US Congressman Gabe Amo (Rhode Island 1st District)

    Amo amendments bolstering Rhode Island’s cutting-edge defense innovation and our nation’s readiness included in the Department of Defense Appropriations Act passed through the House.

    WASHINGTON, DC – TODAY, House Foreign Affairs Committee Vice Ranking Member Gabe Amo (D-RI) authored four amendments that passed the House as part of the Fiscal Year 2026 Department of Defense Appropriations Act. The amendments support and encourage Rhode Island’s premier defense manufacturers like VATN Systems in Portsmouth, Composite Energy Technologies in Bristol, Textron Inc. in Providence, and G-Form in North Smithfield — national leaders in developing underwater drones for the United States Navy.

    “Rhode Island is leading our nation in developing cutting-edge technology that should be utilized to strengthen and modernize the U.S. military,” said Congressman Gabe Amo (D-RI). “The amendments I pushed for that were included in this year’s Defense Department appropriations bill will support good paying jobs at home in Rhode Island while advancing our national security.”

     

    Background

    Ranking Member Amo’s first amendment provides $10 million in funding for testing and adoption across the U.S. Navy fleet of underwater drone battery technology developed in RI.

    Amo’s second amendment provides $8 million in funding to develop underwater drones utilizing cutting edge composite materials technology developed by companies like Composite Energy Technologies in Bristol, RI.   

    The third amendment authored by Amo provides $10 million to upgrade the fuel tanks of military helicopters to increase servicemember safety and maintenance affordability while providing good-paying jobs in Rhode Island. 

    Amo’s fourth amendment provides $5 million in improvements to the safety and functionality of servicemembers helmets in extremely cold conditions using state of the art materials like those developed by G-Form in North Smithfield, RI.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Ranking Member Omar Opening Remarks at Subcommittee Hearing on the Future of Workplace Safety

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Ilhan Omar (DFL-MN)

    WASHINGTON – Ranking Member Ilhan Omar (MN-05) delivered the following opening statement at a Workforce Protections Subcommittee hearing entitled, “Safe Workplaces, Stronger Partnerships: The Future of OSHA Compliance Assistance.”

    “Thank you, Mr. Chairman, and thank you to our witnesses for being here today.

     “Over the last six months, the Trump Administration has embarked on an aggressive assault on worker protections. And just in the past two weeks, Trump’s Department of Labor has released five dozen deregulatory rulemakings – two-thirds of which focus on health and safety issues.

     “These proposals target core worker protections, including changes to child labor rules, removing a requirement as basic and essential as having adequate lighting on construction sites, and even weakening workers’ protections against asbestos.

     “This spree of deregulation follows months of mass firing at the very agencies tasked with researching and investigating workplace conditions—and a proposed budget that would reduce inspections and slash DOL’s capacity to develop new safety standards.

     “The message is clear: workers’ rights and protections are under attack. Compliance assistance programs, such as the Voluntary Protection Program, have their place. But they are no substitute for clear standards that are actively and effectively enforced.

     “No job should ever be a death sentence. Workers deserve to come home to their families at the end of the day alive, healthy, and whole. Yet, according to the AFL-CIO, workplace hazards killed approximately one hundred forty thousand workers in 2023, including 5,283 workers from traumatic injuries and an estimated 135,000 from occupational diseases.

     “To protect workers from harm, Congress passed landmark safety laws and established important agencies like OSHA, MSHA, NIOSH, and the Chemical Safety and Hazards Investigation Board. When they are allowed to do their jobs and are fully funded, these agencies save lives and prevent harm to workers. But now, the Trump Administration is attempting to strip away safety regulations and dismantle critical agencies like NIOSH & the CSB. In doing so, they are threatening the lives of workers who rely on those safeguards and the resources these agencies provide.

     “In my own district, we are already feeling the consequences of these cuts. The University of Minnesota’s Midwest Center for Occupational Health and Safety is one of just 18 NIOSH-funded Education and Research Centers in the nation. It trains the next generation of workplace safety experts who will help protect our workers in high-risk industries.

     “Without NIOSH, the invaluable research and workforce development provided by that Center—and others like it across the country—will be lost. That means fewer trained medical and safety professionals, less research capacity on critical issues such as heat stress, and decreased investment in innovative technologies that can prevent illness and injury.

     “The Trump Administration’s deregulatory agenda will result in more injuries, more deaths, more grieving families – and lessaccountability for employers who put their workers in harm’s way.

     “Committee Democrats are committed to honoring those workers who have been harmed or killed on the job, not just with words, but with action to change the system.

     “Later today, Ranking Member Scott will reintroduce a bill that will finally bring workers the common-sense protections they deserve against heat-related injury and illness.

     “I am a proud cosponsor of the Asunción ValdiviaHeat Illness, Injury, and Fatality Prevention Act, which requires OSHA to finally issue an enforceable rule with the strongest feasible protections against heat illness, including paid rest breaks, access to water, shaded or cooled recovery areas, and training that is delivered in a language and format that workers understand. These are sensible safeguards that will save lives. 

    “Ranking Member Scott, Representative Courtney, and I also reintroduced the Protecting America’s Workers Act, which would make long-overdue improvements to the enforcement of the Occupational Safety and Health Act. This bill would expand coverage to millions of workers currently excluded from the law’s protections and strengthen whistleblower protections. These reforms are critical to preventing the most serious violations that endanger workers’ safety.

    “Democrats are offering real solutions to the problems workers face on the job instead of ripping away protections. I hope that our discussion today can center around ensuring that workers come home safely at the end of the day.

    “Finally, Mr. Chairman, I request unanimous consent to enter into the record a statement from the United Steelworkers about the compliance assistance programs we will be discussing today. 

    “Thank you, and I yield back.”

     

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: CPC Taskforce Chair Ilhan Omar Condemns Bloated Pentagon Spending Bill, Highlights Amendments to Promote Peace

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Ilhan Omar (DFL-MN)

    WASHINGTON — Representative Ilhan Omar (MN-05), Chair of the Promoting Peace & Security Taskforce of the Congressional Progressive Caucus (CPC), issued the following statement on H.R. 4016, the Department of Defense Appropriations Act of 2026, which passed on a party-line vote:

    “Last night’s Republican spending bill further bloats an out-of-control Pentagon while doubling down on skewed priorities. This bill expands funding to a military deployed by Trump to launch unconstitutional wars while enriching well-connected private contractors with no safeguards. Meanwhile, this legislation attacks the right to access reproductive healthcare in the military and guts efforts to recruit diverse servicemembers who reflect the full range of America.

    “The Pentagon has failed every audit since it became legally required to submit one in 2018. No other federal agency is thrown hundreds of billions of dollars with so little transparency. Meanwhile, Trump is illegally destroying agencies like the Department of Education and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, which provide urgent resources to our children’s classrooms and protect Americans from corporate fraud.

    “The Progressive Caucus will continue to push for a budget that prioritizes human needs and lifts up our communities at home—not endless wars abroad. I am proud of my CPC colleagues for putting forward commonsense alternatives to this Pentagon budget that advance peace, restraint and social justice. I urge Senate Democrats to impose meaningful checks on Trump’s unconstrained military during the appropriations process as this bill now moves to that chamber.”

    The following submitted amendments are a sampling of CPC Members’ efforts to improve the Defense Department Appropriations bill:

    Amendment #123 by Rep. Omar transfers $5 million from defense-wide operation and maintenance to chemical agents and munitions destruction account.

    Amendment #126 by Reps. Omar, Tlaib, Gosar, and Biggs prohibits funds to carry out section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978.

    Amendment #337 by Rep. Chuy Garcia prohibits the use of funds for transferring data and other records to DHS for civil immigration enforcement.

    Amendment #342 by Rep. Chuy Garcia and Amendment #455 from Rep. Salinas prohibit the use of funds for the National Guard to enforce immigration laws.

    Amendment #471 by Rep. Chuy Garcia and Amendment #475 by Rep. Nadler prohibit the use of funds for transferring any individual to the Migrant Operations Center at United States Naval Station at Guantanamo Bay.

    Amendment #509 by Rep. Kamlager-Dove prohibits the use of funds to implement the June 7 presidential memo activating the deployment of the National Guards to protect ICE personnel and federal property in Los Angeles.

    Amendment #188 by Takano, Smith, Jacobs, Randall, Pappas, Torres, and Craig prohibits funds from being used to implement, administer, or enforce Executive Order No. 14183, which prohibits transgender people from serving in the military.

    Amendment #397 by Rep. Friedman strikes section 8142 – prohibiting funding for execution of DOD memorandum on access to reproductive care.

    Amendment #13 by Rep. Jacobs strikes Sections 8138, 8139, 8144, and 8145, which ban gender-affirming care, drag queen shows, and allows discrimination for people who do not support gay marriage.

    Amendment #200 by Rep. Tlaib strikes sections prohibiting programs relating to advancing racial equity and support for under-served communities and diversity, equity, and inclusion programs.

    Amendment 206 by Rep. Tlaib prohibits the use of funds for foreign security force training with respect to El Salvador.

    Amendment #441 from Rep. Garamendi limits funding for the Sentinel intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) program until Congress receives the Milestone B approval decision pursuant to section 4252(e) of title 10, United States Code.

    Amendment #394 from Rep. Simon and Amendment #488 from Rep. Khanna and Rep. Massie prohibits fund from being used to introduce U.S. forces into hostilities in Iran in contravention of the War Powers Resolution.

    Amendment #203 from Rep. Tlaib prohibits funds from being used in contravention of the War Powers Resolution with respect to Yemen.

    Amendment #355 from Rep. Tlaib prohibits funds from being used to support the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF).

    Amendment #301 from Reps. Chuy Garcia, Castro, Velázquez prohibits funds from being used for unauthorized military force against Mexico.

    Amendment #216 by Rep. Velázquez prohibits military action and/or regime change in the Western Hemisphere without Congressional authorization.

    Amendment #213 from Rep. Tlaib prohibits the use of funds to maintain a U.S. military presence inside Syria after one year, unless otherwise Congressionally authorized.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Do countries have a duty to prevent climate harm? The world’s highest court is about to answer this crucial question

    Source: The Conversation – Global Perspectives – By Nathan Cooper, Associate Professor of Law, University of Waikato

    Getty Images

    The International Court of Justice (ICJ) will issue a highly anticipated advisory opinion overnight to clarify state obligations related to climate change.

    It will answer two urgent questions: what are the obligations of states under international law to protect the climate and environment from greenhouse gas emissions, and what are the legal consequences for states that have caused significant harm to Earth’s atmosphere and environment?

    ICJ advisory opinions are not legally binding. But coming from the world’s highest court, they provide an authoritative opinion on serious issues that can be highly persuasive.

    This advisory opinion marks the culmination of a campaign that began in 2019 when students and youth organisations in Vanuatu – one of the most vulnerable nations to climate-related impacts – persuaded their government to seek clarification on what states should be doing to protect them.

    Led by Vanuatu and co-sponsored by 132 member states, including New Zealand and Australia, the United Nations General Assembly formally requested the advisory opinion in March 2023.

    More than two years of public consultation and deliberation ensued, leading to this week’s announcement.

    What to expect

    Looking at the specific questions to be addressed, at least three aspects stand out.

    First, the sources and areas of international law under scrutiny are not confined to the UN’s climate change framework. This invites the ICJ to consider a broad range of law – including trans-boundary environmental law, human rights law, international investment law, humanitarian law, trade law and beyond – and to draw on both treaty-related obligations and customary international law.

    Such an encyclopaedic examination could produce a complex and integrated opinion on states’ obligations to protect the environment and climate system.

    Second, the opinion will address what obligations exist, not just to those present today, but to future generations. This follows acknowledgement of the so-called “intertemporal characteristics” of climate change in recent climate-related court decisions and the need to respond effectively to both the current climate crisis and its likely ongoing consequences.

    Third, the opinion won’t just address what obligations states have, but also what the consequences should be for nations:

    where they, by their acts and omissions have caused significant harm to the climate system and other parts of the environment.

    Addressing consequences as well as obligations should cause states to pay closer attention and make the ICJ’s advisory more relevant to domestic climate litigation and policy discussions.

    Representatives from Pacific island nations gathered outside the International Court of Justice during the hearings.
    Michel Porro/Getty Images

    Global judicial direction

    Two recent court findings may offer clues as to the potential scope of the ICJ’s findings.

    Earlier this month, the Inter-American Court of Human Rights published its own advisory opinion on state obligations in response to climate change.

    Explicitly connecting fundamental human rights with a healthy ecosystem, this opinion affirmed states have an imperative duty to prevent irreversible harm to the climate system. Moreover, the duty to safeguard the common ecosystem must be understood as a fundamental principle of international law to which states must adhere.

    Meanwhile last week, an Australian federal court dismissed a landmark climate case, determining that the Australian government does not owe a duty of care to Torres Strait Islanders to protect them from the consequences of climate change.

    The court accepted the claimants face significant loss and damage from climate impacts and that previous Australian government policies on greenhouse gas emissions were not aligned with the best science to limit climate change. But it nevertheless determined that “matters of high or core government policy” are not subject to common law duties of care.

    Whether the ICJ will complement the Inter-American court’s bold approach or opt for a more constrained and conservative response is not certain. But now is the time for clear and ambitious judicial direction with global scope.

    Implications for New Zealand

    Aotearoa New Zealand aspires to climate leadership through its Climate Change Response (Zero Carbon) Amendment Act 2019. This set 2050 targets of reducing emissions of long-lived greenhouse gases (carbon dioxide and nitrous oxide) to net zero, and biogenic methane by 25-47%.

    However, actions to date are likely insufficient to meet this target. Transport emissions continue to rise and agriculture – responsible for nearly half of the country’s emissions – is lightly regulated.

    Although the government plans to double renewable energy by 2050, it is also in the process of lifting a 2018 ban on offshore gas exploration and has pledged $200 million to co-invest in the development of new fields.

    Critics also point out the government has made little progress towards its promise to install 10,000 EV charging stations by 2030 while axing a clean-investment fund.

    Although a final decision is yet to be made, the government is also considering to lower the target for cuts to methane emissions from livestock, against advice from the Climate Change Commission.

    With the next global climate summit coming up in November, the ICJ opinion may offer timely encouragement for states to reconsider their emissions targets and the ambition of climate policies.

    Most countries have yet to submit their latest emissions reduction pledges (known as nationally determined contributions) under the Paris Agreement. New Zealand has made its pledge, but it has been described as “underwhelming”. This may present a chance to adjust ambition upwards.

    If the ICJ affirms that states have binding obligations to prevent climate harm, including trans-boundary impacts, New Zealand’s climate change policies and progress to date could face increased legal scrutiny.

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

    – ref. Do countries have a duty to prevent climate harm? The world’s highest court is about to answer this crucial question – https://theconversation.com/do-countries-have-a-duty-to-prevent-climate-harm-the-worlds-highest-court-is-about-to-answer-this-crucial-question-261396

    MIL OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Here’s why 3-person embryos are a breakthrough for science – but not LGBTQ+ families

    Source: The Conversation – Global Perspectives – By Jennifer Power, Principal Research Fellow, Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society, La Trobe University

    Last week, scientists announced the birth of eight healthy babies in the United Kingdom conceived with DNA from three people. Some headlines have called it “three-person IVF”.

    The embryo uses the DNA from the egg and sperm of the intended father and mother, as well as cells from the egg of a second woman (the donor).

    This process – known as mitochondrial replacement therapy – allows women with certain genetic disorders to conceive a child without passing on their condition.

    While it’s raised broader questions about “three-parent” babies, it’s not so simple. Here’s why it’s unlikely this development will transform the diverse ways LGBTQ+ people are already making families.

    What this technology is – and isn’t

    The UK became the first country in the world to allow mitochondrial donation for three-person embryos ten years ago, in 2015.

    In other countries, such donations are banned or strictly controlled. In Australia, a staged approach to allow mitochondrial donation was introduced in 2022. Stage one will involve clinical trials to determine safety and effectiveness, and establish clear ethical guidelines for donations.

    These restrictions are based on political and ethical concerns about the use of human embryos for research, the unknown health impact on children, and the broader implications of allowing genetic modification of human embryos.

    There are also concerns about the ethical or legal implications of creating babies with “three parents”.

    Carefully and slowly considering these ethical issues is clearly important. But it’s inaccurate to suggest this process creates three parents.

    First, the amount of DNA the donor provides is tiny, only 0.1% of the baby’s DNA. The baby will not share any physical characteristics with the donor.

    While it is significant that two women’s DNA has been used in creating an embryo, it doesn’t mean lesbian couples will be rushing to access this particular in vitro fertilisation (IVF) technology.

    This technique is only used for people affected by mitochondrial disease and is closely regulated. It is not available more widely and in Australia, is not yet available even for this use.

    Second, while biological lineage is an important part of many people’s identity and sense of self, DNA alone does not make a parent.

    As many adoptive, foster and LGBTQ+ parents will attest, parenting is about love, connection and everyday acts of care for a child.

    How do rainbow families use IVF?

    Existing IVF is already expensive and medically invasive. Many fertility services offer a range of additional treatments purported to aid fertility, but extra interventions add more costs and are not universally recommended by doctors.

    While many lesbian couples and single women use fertility services to access donor sperm, not everyone will need to use IVF.

    Less invasive fertilisation techniques, such as intrauterine insemination, may be available for women without fertility problems. This means inserting sperm directly into the uterus, rather than fertilising an egg in a clinic and then implanting that embryo.

    Same-sex couples who have the option to create a baby with a sperm donor they know – rather than from a register – may also choose home-based insemination, the proverbial turkey baster. This is a cheaper and more intimate way to conceive and many women prefer a donor who will have some involvement in their child’s life.

    In recent years, “reciprocal” IVF has also grown in popularity among lesbian couples. This means an embryo is created using one partner’s egg, and the other partner carries it.

    Reciprocal IVF’s popularity suggests biology does play a role for LGBTQ+ women in conceiving a baby. When both mothers share a biological connection to the child, it may help overcome stigmatisation of “non-birth” mothers as less legitimate.

    But biology is by no means the defining feature of rainbow families.

    LGBTQ+ people are already parents

    The 2021 census showed 17% of same-sex couples had children living with them; among female same-sex couples it was 28%. This is likely an underestimate, as the census only collects data on couples that live together.

    Same-sex couples often conceive children using donor sperm or eggs, and this may involve surrogacy. But across the LGBTQ+ community, there are diverse ways people become parents.

    Same-sex couples are one part of the LGBTQ+ community. Growing numbers of trans and non-binary people are choosing to carry a baby (as gestational parents), as well as single parents who use donors or fertility services. Many others conceive children through sex, including bi+ people or others who conceive within a relationship.

    While LGBTQ+ people can legally adopt children in Australia, adoption is not common. However, many foster parents are LGBTQ+.

    When they donate eggs or sperm to others, some LGBTQ+ people may stay involved in the child’s life as a close family friend or co-parent.

    Connection and care, not DNA

    While mitochondrial replacement therapy is a remarkable advance in gene technology, it is unlikely to open new pathways to parenthood for LGBTQ+ people in Australia.

    Asserting the importance of families based on choice – not biology or what technology is available – has been crucial to the LGBTQ+ community’s story and to rainbow families’ fight to be recognised.

    Decades of research now shows children raised by same-sex couples do just as well as any other child. What matters is parents’ consistency, love and quality of care.

    Jennifer Power receives funding from the Australian Department of Health, Disability and Aged Care and the Australian Research Council.

    – ref. Here’s why 3-person embryos are a breakthrough for science – but not LGBTQ+ families – https://theconversation.com/heres-why-3-person-embryos-are-a-breakthrough-for-science-but-not-lgbtq-families-261462

    MIL OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressional Democrats Join Union Workers to Announce Legislation to Protect Workers from Extreme Heat

    Source: {United States House of Representatives – Congressman Bobby Scott (3rd District of Virginia)

    Headline: Congressional Democrats Join Union Workers to Announce Legislation to Protect Workers from Extreme Heat

    As originally released by the Committee on Education & Workforce, Democrats

    WASHINGTON – Today, Ranking Member Robert C. “Bobby” Scott (D-VA-03), House Committee on Education and Workforce, Representative Judy Chu (D-CA.-28), and Senator Alex Padilla (D-CA) joined union workers from the United Farm Workers (UFW), American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, and United Steelworkers to announce their bipartisan, bicameral legislation to implement federal enforceable workplace heat stress protections.

    Co-leads of the legislation include Representative Alma Adams (D-NC-12), and Senators Edward J. Markey (D-MA) and Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV). 

    To address the increasing risks from extreme temperatures, the lawmakers introduced the Asunción Valdivia Heat Illness, Injury, and Fatality Prevention Act, legislation to protect the safety and health of indoor and outdoor workers who are exposed to dangerous heat conditions in the workplace.  The legislation would protect workers against occupational exposure to excessive heat by requiring the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to establish an enforceable federal standard to protect workers in high-heat environments with commonsense measures like paid breaks in cool spaces, access to water, limitations on time exposed to heat, and emergency response for workers with heat-related illness. The bill also directs employers to provide training for their employees on the risk factors that can lead to heat illness and guidance on the proper procedures for responding to symptoms.

    The bill is named in honor of Asunción Valdivia, who died in 2004 after picking grapes for 10 hours straight in 105-degree temperatures.  Mr. Valdivia fell unconscious, but instead of calling an ambulance, his employer told Mr. Valdivia’s son to drive his father home. On his way home, he died of heat stroke at the age of 53.

    “This summer, Americans across the country are grappling with some of the hottest temperatures on record. Yet workers in this country still have no legal protection against excessive heat—one of the oldest, most serious, and most common workplace hazards. Heat illness affects workers in our nation’s fields, warehouses, and factories, and climate change is making the problem more severe every year,” said Ranking Member Scott.  “This legislation will require OSHA to issue a heat standard on a much faster track than the normal OSHA regulatory process.  I was proud to advance this important bill in 2022, and I urge Chairman Walberg and Committee Republicans to do so again this Congress.  Workers deserve nothing less, particularly as heat-related illnesses and deaths rise.”

    “As we continue to experience record-breaking summer heat waves, we’re also seeing a distressing increase in cases of workers collapsing and even losing their lives due to excessive heat. I will never forget people like Asunción Valdivia or Esteban Chavez Jr., who passed away in Pasadena, California in 2022 after a day of delivering packages in 90-degree heat in a truck without air conditioning. Unfortunately, their tragic deaths were entirely preventable,” said Representative Chu. “Whether on a farm, driving a truck, or working in a warehouse, workers like Asunción and Esteban keep our country running while enduring some of the most difficult conditions—often without access to water or rest. To protect our workforce and save lives, we must pass this bill into law and establish comprehensive and enforceable federal standards addressing heat stress on the job.”

    “Asunción Valdivia’s death was completely preventable, yet his story is sadly not unique.  As the planet continues to grow hotter, there is still no federally enforceable heat safety standard for workers.  That’s not just dangerous for the farm workers and construction workers who work all day outside in the sun — it’s also dangerous for the factory and restaurant workers in boiling warehouses and kitchens,”said SenatorPadilla.  “Every family deserves to know that even on the hottest day, their loved one will come back home.  A national heat safety standard would provide that peace of mind and finally give workers the safety they deserve.”

    “As we face record temperatures, it has never been more important that we protect our workers facing extreme heat in the workplace,”said Representative Adams. “Last year, a North Carolina postal worker Wendy Johnson lost her life to heat illness after spending hours in the back of a postal truck on a 95-degree day with no air conditioning. Her death was entirely preventable, and Wendy should still be with us today. I’m proud to introduce this bill so we can honor her memory and ensure every worker has the protections from extreme heat that Wendy deserved.”

    According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), 2024 was the warmest year on record for the United States.  The past decade, including 2024, was the hottest on record, marking a decade of extreme heat that will only get worse.  Heat-related illnesses can cause heat cramps, organ damage, heat exhaustion, stroke, and even death.  Between 1992 and 2017, heat stress injuries killed 815 U.S. workers and seriously injured more than 70,000.  The Washington Center for Equitable Growthestimates hot temperatures caused at least 360,000 workplace injuries in California from 2001 to 2018, or about 20,000 injuries a year. The failure to implement simple heat safety measures costs U.S. employers nearly $100 billion every year in lost productivity.

    From 2011-2020, heat exposure killed at least 400 workers and caused nearly 34,000 injuries and illnesses resulting in days away from work; both are likely vast underestimates.  Farm workers and construction workers suffer the highest incidence of heat illness.  And no matter what the weather is outside, workers in factories, commercial kitchens, and other workplaces, including ones where workers must wear personal protective equipment (PPE), can face dangerously high heat conditions all year round.

    The bill is cosponsored by Representatives Rep. Robert C. “Bobby” Scott (D-VA-03) , Rep. Alma Adams (D-NC-12), Rep. Gabe Amo (D-RI-01), Rep. Yassamin Ansari (D-AZ-03), Rep. Nanette Barragán (D-CA-44), Rep. Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR-01), Rep. Julia Brownley (D-CA-26), Rep. Nikki Budzinski (D-IL-13), Rep. Andre Carson (D-IN-07), Rep. Troy A. Carter, Sr. (D-LA-02), Rep. Greg Casar (D-TX-35), Rep. Sean Casten (D-IL-06), Rep. Kathy Castor (D-FL-14), Rep. Joaquin Castro (D-TX-20), Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D-FL-20), Rep. Yvette D. Clarke (D-NY-09), Rep. Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO-05), Rep. Angie Craig (D-MN-02), Rep. Danny K. Davis (D-IL-07), Rep. Diana DeGette (D-CO-01), Rep. Rosa DeLauro (D-CT-03), Rep. Suzan DelBene (D-WA-01), Rep. Chris Deluzio (D-PA-17), Rep. Debbie Dingell (D-MI-06), Rep. Lloyd Doggett (D-TX-37), Rep. Sarah Elfreth (D-MD-03), Rep. Lois Frankel (D-FL-22), Rep. Maxwell Alejandro Frost (D-FL-10), Rep. Sylvia Garcia (D-TX-29), Rep. Jesús G. “Chuy” García (D-IL-04), Rep. Daniel Goldman (D-NY-10), Rep. Jimmy Gomez (D-CA-34), Rep. Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ-05), Rep. Al Green (D-TX-09), Rep. Jahana Hayes (D-CT-05), Rep. Steven Horsford (D-NV-04), Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-WA-07), Rep. Henry C. “Hank” Johnson, Jr. (D-GA-04), Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL-08), Rep. Rick Larsen (D-WA-02), Rep. Michael Lawler (R-NY-17), Rep. Teresa Leger Fernández (D-NM-03), Rep. Mike Levin (D-CA-49), Rep. Stephen Lynch (D-MA-08), Rep. Seth Magaziner (D-RI-02), Rep. John Mannion (D-NY-22), Rep. Lucy McBath (D-GA-06), Rep. Betty McCollum (D-MN-04), Rep. Morgan McGarvey (D-KY-03), Rep. Jim McGovern (D-MA-02), Rep. LaMonica McIver (D-NJ-10), Rep. Grace Meng (D-NY-06), Rep. Kweisi Mfume (D-MD-07), Rep. Gwen Moore (D-WI-04), Rep. Seth Moulton (D-MA-06), Rep. Frank J. Mrvan (D-IN-01), Rep. Kevin Mullin (D-CA-15), Rep. Jerrold Nadler (D-NY-12), Rep. Donald Norcross (D-NJ-01), Rep. Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC-At Large), Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY-14), Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN-05), Rep. Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ-06), Rep. Jimmy Panetta (D-CA-19), Rep. Chellie Pingree (D-ME-01), Rep. Mark Pocan (D-WI-02), Rep. Delia Ramirez (D-IL-03), Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-MD-08), Rep. Luz Rivas (D-CA-29), Rep. Raul Ruiz (D-CA-25), Rep. Andrea Salinas (D-OR-06), Rep. Linda Sanchez (D-CA-38), Rep. Mary Gay Scanlon (D-PA-05), Rep. Hillary Scholten (D-MI-03), Rep. Adam Smith (D-WA-09), Rep. Melanie Stansbury (D-NM-01), Rep. Marilyn Strickland (D-WA-10), Rep. Mark Takano (D-CA-39), Rep. Shri Thanedar (D-MI-13), Rep. Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS-02), Rep. Dina Titus (D-NV-01), Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-MI-12), Rep. Paul Tonko (D-NY-20), Rep. Norma Torres (D-CA-35), Rep. Derek T. Tran (D-CA-45), Rep. Juan Vargas (D-CA-52), Rep. Marc Veasey (D-TX-33), Rep. Nydia M. Velazquez (D-NY-07), Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL-25), and Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-NJ-12).

    To read the fact sheet on the Asunción Valdivia Heat Illness, Injury, and Fatality Prevention Act is availablehere.

    To read the section-by-section summary of the bill is available here.

    To read the bill text of the Asunción Valdivia Heat Illness, Injury, and Fatality Prevention Act here.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Chu and Senator Padilla and Colleagues Join Union Workers to Introduce Legislation to Protect Workers from Extreme Heat

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

    Rep. Chu and Senator Padilla and Colleagues Join Union Workers to Introduce Legislation to Protect Workers from Extreme Heat

    WATCH: Rep. Chu’s remarks on pushing for enforceable workplace heat stress protections after hottest year on record

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, following yet another extreme heat wave in California, U.S. Representative Judy Chu (D-Calif.-28) and Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), joined by co-leads Rep. Bobby Scott (D-Va.-03), Senator Ed Markey (D-Mass.), and Rep. Alma Adams (D-N.C.-12), stood alongside union leaders, including Yaisy Villalobos of the United Farm Workers (UFW), Dorothy Bryant of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), and Roy Houseman of the United Steelworkers (USW) to announce their bipartisan, bicameral legislation to establish an enforceable federal workplace heat protection standard.

    To address the increasing risks from extreme temperatures, the lawmakers introduced the Asunción Valdivia Heat Illness, Injury, and Fatality Prevention Act, legislation to protect the safety and health of indoor and outdoor workers who are exposed to dangerous heat conditions in the workplace. The legislation would protect workers against occupational exposure to excessive heat by requiring the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to establish an enforceable federal standard to protect workers in high-heat environments with common sense measures like paid breaks in cool spaces, access to water, limitations on time exposed to heat, and emergency response for workers with heat-related illness. The bill would also direct employers to provide training for their employees on the risk factors that can lead to heat illness and guidance on the proper procedures for responding to symptoms.

    The bill is named in honor of Asunción Valdivia, who died in 2004 in California after picking grapes for 10 hours straight in 105-degree temperatures. Mr. Valdivia fell unconscious, but instead of calling an ambulance, his employer told Mr. Valdivia’s son to drive his father home. On his way home, he died of heat stroke at the age of 53. 

    Ever since the United Farm Workers first shared Asunción Valdivia’s story with her, Rep. Judy Chu has been a tireless advocate to protect workers from dangerous heat exposure. She helped pass into law a state heat standard for outdoor workers when she was in the California state legislature. And she will continue to introduce this federal legislation each session of Congress until workers finally have a federal law protecting them from heat-related illness, injury, or death while on the job.

    “As we continue to experience record-breaking summer heat waves, we’re also seeing a distressing increase in cases of workers collapsing and even losing their lives due to excessive heat. I will never forget people like Asunción Valdivia or Esteban Chavez Jr., who passed away in Pasadena, California in 2022 after a day of delivering packages in 90-degree heat in a truck without air conditioning. Unfortunately, their tragic deaths were entirely preventable,” said Representative Chu. “Whether on a farm, driving a truck, or working in a warehouse, workers like Asunción and Esteban keep our country running while enduring some of the most difficult conditions—often without access to water or rest. To protect our workforce and save lives, we must pass this bill into law and establish comprehensive and enforceable federal standards addressing heat stress on the job.”

    “Asunción Valdivia’s death was completely preventable, yet his story is sadly not unique. As the planet continues to grow hotter, there is still no federally enforceable heat safety standard for workers. That’s not just dangerous for the farm workers and construction workers who work all day outside in the sun — it’s also dangerous for the factory and restaurant workers in boiling warehouses and kitchens,” said Senator Padilla. “Every family deserves to know that even on the hottest day, their loved one will come back home. A national heat safety standard would provide that peace of mind and finally give workers the safety they deserve.”

    “This summer, Americans across the country are grappling with some of the hottest temperatures on record. Yet workers in this country still have no legal protection against excessive heat—one of the oldest, most serious, and most common workplace hazards. Heat illness affects workers in our nation’s fields, warehouses, and factories, and climate change is making the problem more severe every year,” said Ranking Member Scott, House Committee on Education and Workforce. “This legislation will require OSHA to issue a heat standard on a much faster track than the normal OSHA regulatory process. I was proud to advance this important bill in 2022, and I urge Chairman Walberg and Committee Republicans to do so again this Congress. Workers deserve nothing less, particularly as heat-related illnesses and deaths rise.”

    “Even as heat waves become more frequent, longer-lasting, and more severe, red state politicians are rolling back heat protections and child labor protections across the country. It’s not rocket science—you cannot be pro-worker if you are anti-heat protection,” said Senator Markey. “Our legislation would provide workers with basic, effective protections: access to water, access to shade, time limits on high heat exposure, and procedures for emergency medical response. Every worker deserves to know when they clock in that they will return home safe at the end of their shift.  The thermometer is rising and the clock is ticking. Republicans want to sacrifice working Americans. Let’s save our workers instead.”

    “As we face record temperatures, it has never been more important that we protect our workers facing extreme heat in the workplace,” said Representative Adams. “Last year, a North Carolina postal worker Wendy Johnson lost her life to heat illness after spending hours in the back of a postal truck on a 95-degree day with no air conditioning. Her death was entirely preventable, and Wendy should still be with us today. I’m proud to introduce this bill so we can honor her memory and ensure every worker has the protections from extreme heat that Wendy deserved.” 

    “From farmhands to construction workers, America’s essential workforce is doing important work while under extreme heat conditions,” said Senator Cortez Masto. “Temperatures continue to reach record highs in Nevada and across the United States. We must act now to protect our communities’ vital workers.”  

    According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), 2024 was the warmest year on record for the United States. The past decade, including 2024, was the hottest on record, marking a decade of extreme heat that will only get worse. Heat-related illnesses can cause heat cramps, organ damage, heat exhaustion, stroke, and even death. Farm workers and construction workers suffer the highest incidence of heat illness. And no matter what the weather is outside, workers in factories, commercial kitchens, and other workplaces, including ones where workers must wear personal protective equipment (PPE), can face dangerously high heat conditions all year round. From 2011-2020, heat exposure killed at least 400 workers and caused nearly 34,000 injuries and illnesses resulting in days away from work; both are likely vast underestimates. The Washington Center for Equitable Growth estimates hot temperatures caused at least 360,000 workplace injuries in California from 2001 to 2018, or about 20,000 injuries a year. The failure to implement simple heat safety measures costs U.S. employers nearly $100 billion every year in lost productivity.

    The Asunción Valdivia Heat Illness, Injury, and Fatality Prevention Act has the support of a broad coalition of over 250 groups, including: Rural Coalition, International Brotherhood of Teamsters, AFL-CIO, UNITE HERE!, AFSCME, Communication Workers of America, Alianza Nacional de Campesinas, Sierra Club, United Farm Workers, Farmworker Justice, Public Citizen, National Employment Law Project, International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers, United Auto Workers, United Food and Commercial Workers International Union, Union of Concerned Scientists, United Steelworkers, National Council for Occupational Safety and Health, National Resources Defense Council, Service Employees International Union, American Lung Association, and Health Partnerships.

    “Every worker safety rule in America is written in blood,” said UFW President Teresa Romero. “The UFW has been fighting for heat safety protections for decades. Over 20 years later, Asuncion Valdivia’s death still hurts. There are so many other farm workers — many whose names we do not know — who have also been killed by extreme heat on the job in the years since. Enough is enough. Every farm worker deserves access to water, shade, and paid rest breaks — it’s past time for Congress get this done.”

    “Too many workers – including AFSCME members – have lost their lives on the job as a result of blistering heat waves and record-breaking temperatures,” said AFSCME President Lee Saunders. “As the number of heat-related illnesses and fatalities continue to rise, it is well past time we adopt nationwide safeguards to better protect the workers who maintain our infrastructure, keep our streets clean, harvest our food, and keep our economy moving. We at AFSCME thank Senator Padilla and Representative Chu for introducing the Asunción Valdivia Heat Illness, Injury, and Fatality Prevention Act, which will ensure essential workers who brave the heat can do their jobs safely and effectively, and most importantly, make it home alive.”

    “For the Steelworkers Union, we represent workers in manufacturing settings and in a host of other areas where not only is it hot outside, but the areas that they work around are as hot as up to 3,000 degrees and they must wear protective equipment. The Asunción Valdivia Heat, Illness, Injury, and Fatality Prevention Act is important because it will provide a basic standard for not just outdoor, but indoor workplaces as well to ensure that there is proper rest breaks and the ability to stay cool. The Steelworkers are absolutely supportive of this bill and are going to work with Republicans and Democrats to ensure that heat illness is the last thing a worker should worry about,” said Roy Houseman, Legislative Director of United Steelworkers. 

    “Everyone deserves safe working conditions, but powerful corporations have not done enough to protect their workers from hot working environments, exacerbated by the climate crisis,” said Liz Shuler, President of the AFL-CIO. “Extreme heat is increasingly causing indoor and outdoor workers to collapse or even die on the job, and our union family has already lost too many members to preventable, work-related heat illness. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) must issue a strong heat rule, not a weak one, to ensure workers have specific protections they need and to be able to raise unsafe working conditions without fear of retaliation.”

    “It’s long past time for meaningful legislation to protect Teamsters and other workers from the effects of prolonged heat exposure and dangerous heat levels while at work,” said Teamsters General President Sean M. O’Brien. “Paid breaks in cool spaces, access to water, and limitations on time exposed to heat are simple common sense steps that should be mandated immediately. Waiting to implement these measures is unacceptable and will result in the further loss of lives.” 

    “Workers in America are facing unprecedented dangers from climate-driven heat and extreme weather, and things are only getting worse. It is far past time for a strong national standard to protect workers from illness and death caused by exposure to extreme heat. The provisions mandated in this bill, including temperature triggers, acclimatization, water, shade and paid rest breaks, would save countless lives. They represent a common sense and common decency approach that employers could quickly adopt. American workers deserve no less, and they urgently need it. Today, OSHA is in the final stage of issuing a final rule on this issue. It is imperative that the rule maintain the integrity and high standards called for in the Asuncíon Valdivia Heat Illness, Injury, and Fatality Prevention Act. We applaud Senators Padilla, Markey, and Cortez Masto and Representatives Chu, Adams, and Scott, as well as the dozens of Senators and Congresspersons who have joined them in this long effort. It’s time to bring a high quality, protective standard to the finish line for American workers,” said Ernesto Archila, Climate and Financial Regulation Policy Director, Public Citizen.

    “Every summer high temperature records get broken in states across the country, and while public health officials urge residents to stay inside and stay safe millions of workers have to report for work. From fields to warehouses, airports to schools, construction sites to manufacturing plants, and many more industries, too many workers are at risk of not getting home safely at the end of the day due to exposure to heat on the job. We know how to prevent these dangers. In fact, both outdoor and indoor workers in states like Oregon, California, and Maryland have strong, enforceable protections in place already. And in Washington, Colorado, and Minnesota at least some categories of workers are being kept safe from heat. But millions labor in other states where there are no protections; worker safety is left to the federal government in these states, and absent strong rules workers are left to protect themselves and hope for the best. We must extend workplace protections from heat to all workers. The National Employment Law Project thanks Senator Padilla and Representative Chu, as well as the dozens of Senators and Congresspersons who have cosponsored the Asunción Valdivia Heat Illness, Injury, and Fatality Prevention Act of 2025,” said Anastasia Christman, Senior Policy Analyst, National Employment Law Project.

    This bill is originally cosponsored by 90 House Members, including Rep. Bobby Scott (VA-03)*, Rep. Alma Adams (NC-12)*, Rep. Gabe Amo (RI-01), Rep. Yassamin Ansari (AZ-03), Rep. Nanette Barragán (CA-44), Rep. Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01), Rep. Julia Brownley (CA-26), Rep. Nikki Budzinski (IL-13), Rep. Andre Carson (IN-07), Rep. Troy A. Carter, Sr. (LA-02), Rep. Greg Casar (TX-35), Rep. Sean Casten (IL-06), Rep. Kathy Castor (FL-14), Rep. Joaquin Castro (TX-20), Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (FL-20), Rep. Yvette D. Clarke (NY-09), Rep. Emanuel Cleaver, II (MO-05), Rep. Angie Craig (MN-02), Rep. Danny K. Davis (IL-07), Rep. Diana DeGette (CO-01), Rep. Rosa DeLauro (CT-03), Rep. Suzan DelBene (WA-01), Rep. Chris Deluzio (PA-17), Rep. Debbie Dingell (MI-06), Rep. Lloyd Doggett (TX-37), Rep. Sarah Elfreth (MD-03), Rep. Lois Frankel (FL-22), Rep. Maxwell Alejandro Frost (FL-10), Rep. Sylvia Garcia (TX-29), Rep. Jesús G. “Chuy” García (IL-04), Rep. Daniel Goldman (NY-10), Rep. Jimmy Gomez (CA-34), Rep. Josh Gottheimer (NJ-05), Rep. Al Green (TX-09), Rep. Jahana Hayes (CT-05), Rep. Steven Horsford (NV-04), Rep. Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Rep. Henry C. “Hank” Johnson, Jr. (GA-04), Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi (IL-08), Rep. Rick Larsen (WA-02), Rep. Michael Lawler (NY-17), Rep. Teresa Leger Fernández (NM-03), Rep. Mike Levin (CA-49), Rep. Stephen Lynch (MA-08), Rep. Seth Magaziner (RI-02), Rep. John Mannion (NY-22), Rep. Lucy McBath (GA-06), Rep. Betty McCollum (MN-04), Rep. Morgan McGarvey (KY-03), Rep. Jim McGovern (MA-02), Rep. LaMonica McIver (NJ-10), Rep. Grace Meng (NY-06), Rep. Kweisi Mfume (MD-07), Rep. Gwen Moore (WI-04), Rep. Seth Moulton (MA-06), Rep. Frank J. Mrvan (IN-01), Rep. Kevin Mullin (CA-15), Rep. Jerrold Nadler (NY-12), Rep. Donald Norcross (NJ-01), Rep. Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC), Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14), Rep. Ilhan Omar (MN-05), Rep. Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06), Rep. Jimmy Panetta (CA-19), Rep. Chellie Pingree (ME-01), Rep. Mark Pocan (WI-02), Rep. Delia Ramirez (IL-03), Rep. Jamie Raskin (MD-08), Rep. Luz Rivas (CA-29), Rep. Raul Ruiz (CA-25), Rep. Andrea Salinas (OR-06), Rep. Linda Sanchez (CA-38), Rep. Mary Gay Scanlon (PA-05), Rep. Hillary Scholten (MI-03), Rep. Adam Smith (WA-09), Rep. Melanie Stansbury (NM-01), Rep. Marilyn Strickland (WA-10), Rep. Mark Takano (CA-39), Rep. Shri Thanedar (MI-13), Rep. Bennie G. Thompson (MS-02), Rep. Dina Titus (NV-01), Rep. Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), Rep. Paul Tonko (NY-20), Rep. Norma Torres (CA-35), Rep. Derek T. Tran (CA-45), Rep. Juan Vargas (CA-52), Rep. Marc Veasey (TX-33), Rep. Nydia M. Velazquez (NY-07), Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25), and Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12).

     A one-pager on the Asunción Valdivia Heat Illness, Injury, and Fatality Prevention Act is available here.

    A section-by-section of the bill is available here.

    Full text of the bill is available here.

    MIL OSI USA News –