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  • MIL-OSI USA: Deluzio, Moore, Cloud Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Invest in American Military Depots

    Source: US Congressman Chris Deluzio (PA)

     

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — This week, Congressmembers Chris Deluzio (D-PA-17), Blake Moore (R-UT-01), and Michael Cloud (R-TX-27) introduced the Depot Investment Reform Act to help military depots across the United States respond to rapidly changing national security needs around the world by making federal investments more responsive.  

    “America’s military needs to be ready and prepared for whatever comes our way,” said Congressman Chris Deluzio. “This is a top priority in my work on the House Armed Services Committee, and I am proud to join my House colleagues and Senators to help improve our military depots and boost our military readiness.” 

    “I am immensely proud to represent the hardworking civilian engineers and technicians of the Ogden Air Logistics Complex at Hill Air Force Base in Congress. Known as the nation’s fighter depot center of excellence, the outstanding work happening at HAFB to maintain fourth and fifth generation air power generates deterrence against U.S. adversaries, such as China and Russia. I led this bill with Congressman Deluzio, Congressman Cloud, Senator Fetterman, and Senator Cotton to address longstanding investment shortfalls in our nation’s depots, which are required to operate during times when it is not profitable for private industry to do so. This bill ensures that annual DoD investments into our depots are more closely tied to future workload and readiness needs and will help our depots better plan, staff, and manage during emergency situations.” – Congressman Blake Moore.

    “The Depot Investment Reform Act is a key step toward advancing America’s military readiness—not just here at home, but around the world. Reforming the investment formula ensures timely support for the men and women who keep our forces sharp, ready, and dominant on the world stage.” – Congressman Michael Cloud.

    The Depot Investment Reform Act would improve military depot responsiveness by updating the formula used to determine federal investments in these depots. Currently, funding levels are determined based on the average workload of the previous three fiscal years. The Depot Investment Reform Act would change this formula to consider the workload average of the previous fiscal year, current fiscal year, and estimate for the next fiscal year to determine investments. By allowing future estimates to be included in investment calculations, this change would help military depots respond to rapidly changing needs. During periods of increased revenue, the investment formula set by the Depot Investment Reform Act would likely generate a higher minimum investment than the current formula, allowing the depots to receive adequate funding to meet demand. By considering both past and future workloads, this method may create a more stable investment amount in both times of increasing and decreasing revenue, allowing depots across the nation to plan for the future with confidence.  

    Military depots are essential to maintaining military readiness by ensuring critical weapons systems are being repaired and returned for use in training and operations. Tobyhanna Army Depot and Letterkenny Army Depot, both located in Pennsylvania, have played essential roles in arming U.S. servicemembers with reliable weapons, technology, and platforms throughout U.S. military history. 

    Last week, Senators John Fetterman (D-PA) and Tom Cotton (R-AR) introduced a companion bill in the Senate. 

    The full bill text of the House version is available here. 

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Welch, Durbin Lead Senate Judiciary Democrats in Calling for Hearing on Trump’s Violation of the Right to Due Process

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Peter Welch (D-Vermont)
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on the Constitution, and Ranking Member Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) called on Senate Judiciary Chairman Chuck Grassley to convene a hearing on the Trump Administration’s violations of the right to due process. Senator Welch and Ranking Member Durbin were joined by every Democrat on the Senate Judiciary Committee.  
    “The Senate Judiciary Committee has a special responsibility to examine whether the Executive Branch has circumvented the Constitution in carrying out its policy agenda. We urge you to schedule an immediate hearing on the administration’s infringement of this critical constitutional right,” Democratic Senators on the Senate Judiciary Committee write. 
    The Senators add, “For over two centuries, America’s commitment to due process has helped define us as a free nation. In recent months, President Trump has repeatedly departed from that obligation to support his agenda regardless of its legality.”  
    This Congress, congressional Republicans have failed to hold a hearing or investigate violations to due process, despite President Trump’s illegal disappearances of individuals without due process, detainments, deportations, and threats to suspend habeas corpus.  
    The letter was led by Senator Welch and signed by Ranking Member of the Judiciary Committee Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), and Cory Booker (D-N.J.). 
    Read the letter here and below: 
    Dear Chairman Grassley:  
    The Constitution prohibits the deprivation of life, liberty, or property without due process of law. As the Supreme Court recently reaffirmed, this constitutional right affords all those present in the United States the opportunity to contest any allegations the government levies against them in a court of law. 
    For over two centuries, our commitment to due process has defined us as a free nation. In recent months, however, President Trump has repeatedly departed from that obligation. The case of Kilmar Armando Abrego Garcia underscores the profound consequences of the administration’s disregard for due process. In March, the government mistakenly deported Mr. Abrego Garcia to a Salvadoran prison—an error it has admitted—in direct contravention of a 2019 court order and without even the semblance of due process. The administration has failed to demonstrate its compliance with repeated federal court orders to facilitate Mr. Garcia’s return, and Mr. Garcia remains imprisoned. Courts around the country have been forced to stop additional deportations that took place without due process. Now, Trump Administration officials are discussing unilaterally suspending habeas corpus, depending “on whether the courts do the right thing or not.” 
    To date, no congressional committee has held a hearing on the administration’s violations of the right to due process. The Senate Judiciary Committee has a special responsibility to examine whether the Executive Branch has circumvented the Constitution in carrying out its policy agenda. We urge you to schedule an immediate hearing on the administration’s infringement of this critical constitutional right. 
    Sincerely,  

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICE Boston removes Colombian alien charged with assault during home invasion, violating protective order

    Source: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement

    HARTFORD, Conn. — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement removed an illegally present Colombian alien charged with assault, assault during a home invasion, breach of peace, violation of a protective order and risk of injury to a child. Officers with ICE Boston removed Kevin Esneider Garcia-Rojas, 26, from the United States to Colombia April 24.

    “Kevin Esneider Garcia-Rojas apparently ignored a protective order and assaulted a Connecticut resident during a home invasion,” said ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Boston acting Field Office Director Patricia H. Hyde. “He illegally entered the United States in 2023 and was arrested by local authorities less than nine months later for purportedly assaulting a member of our New England community. ICE Boston will not tolerate such threats to our neighbors. We will continue to prioritize public safety by arresting and removing alien offenders from our streets.”

    U.S. Border Patrol arrested Garcia-Rojas Jan. 28, 2023, after he illegally entered the United States near El Paso, Texas. Hartford Police arrested Garcia-Rojas Oct. 13, 2023, for disorderly conduct and assault. He posted a $5,000 bond and was released from custody. Hartford Police again arrested him Nov. 8, 2023, for assault, assault on home invasion, breach of peace, violation of protective order and risk injury to child. He posted a $100,000 bond and was released from custody.

    On Jan. 2, 2024, ICE Boston served Garcia-Rojas a notice to appear before a Justice Department immigration judge. Officers with ICE Boston arrested Garcia-Rojas Jan. 28 and served him with a warrant for arrest of an alien and a notice of custody determination.

    Members of the public can report crimes and suspicious activity by dialing 866-DHS-2-ICE (866-347-2423) or completing the online tip form.

    Learn more about ICE’s mission to increase public safety in our communities on X at @EROBoston.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Nation’s largest public service unions launch national campaign to stop federal budget cuts to public services

    Source: US National Education Union

    WASHINGTON—The American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), the American Federation of Teachers (AFT), the National Education Association (NEA), and the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) are launching “Put Families First”—a new campaign aimed at fighting billionaires’ plans to gut public services and give massive tax breaks to the ultra-rich. With over 8.3 million members, including nurses, care providers, educators, school bus drivers, and sanitation workers, the unions’ campaign will center the stories of the workers who keep our communities running and know firsthand the devastating impact reckless cuts will have on working families.

    Anti-union extremists are pushing a federal budget that would make devastating cuts to public services and vital programs like Medicaid—all to pay for billionaire tax cuts. On average, one-third of all states’ budgets rely on federal dollars. Without this funding, hospitals, schools, nursing homes, and vital community centers could shutter, leaving millions of working families behind.

    Public service workers across the country have spent the past four months sounding the alarm, talking to their co-workers, organizing town halls, and calling members of Congress to demand they put working families before billionaires. Now, they are turning up the heat, targeting 17 key congressional districts around the country with a $2 million media campaign and mobilization effort detailing the human impacts these cuts would have on our communities.

    “Congress’ proposed budget plan will spell disaster for working families and hurt our economy,” said AFSCME President Lee Saunders. “These budget cuts don’t just threaten Medicaid or food assistance; they put all of us at risk. From overcrowded hospitals to underfunded schools to short-staffed prisons, our communities will pay the price—all so billionaires can get richer. We’re fighting back to protect public services and the essential work we do. Congress must stop the cuts.”

    “Our unions represent the people who make a difference in the lives of others—and the public services they provide are in grave danger because of the reckless and chaotic cuts of Elon Musk and the Trump administration,” said AFT President Randi Weingarten. “Their goal is the gutting of the schools and hospitals that help working Americans have a shot at a better life. And for what? To pay for tax cuts for billionaires. These ads send a message to Congress about the human toll of the administration’s attacks and make the convincing case that it’s time to put families, not ultra-wealthy donors, first.”

    “Across the country, educators do everything in their power to support every student, ensuring each student feels safe, seen, and is prepared for the future. Meanwhile, Donald Trump, Elon Musk, and their MAGA allies are working to cut Head Start for over 800,000 kids, closing local hospitals so rural families will have to travel long distances to get care, and ballooning class sizes in public schools across America—all so they can enrich themselves,” said NEA President Becky Pringle. “We refuse to be silent. Over 8.3 million workers who have dedicated their lives to educating our students and building stronger communities are standing together to sound the alarm on these reckless cuts Trump is pushing so he can pay for tax giveaways to billionaires. Educators will continue organizing, mobilizing, and growing the movement to put families first.”

    “Medicaid is a lifeline for working people,” said April Verrett, president of SEIU. “Congress is trying to rip that lifeline away to fund billions in tax breaks to the ultra-rich. Slashing Medicaid means seniors losing home care and kids missing out on the care they need. Let’s call this what it is: stealing from everyday people and giving handouts to billionaires. That’s why SEIU members and our allies are calling a Code Blue on Medicaid, because lives are on the line.”

    Ads will feature front-line members of AFSCME, AFT, SEIU and NEA—educators, nurses, care providers and more—whose jobs will be directly impacted by federal funding cuts. The four unions will share their stories within targeted congressional districts via television, streaming, social media and more.

    # # #

    AFSCME’s 1.4 million members provide the vital services that make America happen. With members in communities across the nation, serving in hundreds of different occupations—from nurses to corrections officers, childcare providers to sanitation workers—AFSCME advocates for fairness in the workplace, excellence in public services and freedom and opportunity for all working families.

    The AFT represents 1.8 million pre-K through 12th-grade teachers; paraprofessionals and other school-related personnel; higher education faculty and professional staff; federal, state and local government employees; nurses and healthcare workers; and early childhood educators.

    The National Education Association is the nation’s largest professional employee organization, representing more than 3 million elementary and secondary teachers, higher education faculty, education support professionals, school administrators, retired educators, students preparing to become teachers, healthcare workers, and public employees. Learn more at www.nea.org

    The Service Workers International Union (SEIU) unites 2 million diverse members in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico. SEIU members working in the healthcare industry, public sector and property services believe in the power of joining together on the job to win higher wages and benefits and to create better communities while fighting for a more just society and an economy that works for all of us, not just corporations and the wealthy. Learn more at www.seiu.org.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Gov. Pillen Addresses Bills to be Signed in Coming Week

    Source: US State of Nebraska

    . Pillen Addresses Bills to be Signed in Coming Week

     

    LINCOLN, NE – A slate of bills – all priorities of Governor Jim Pillen – will be signed into law in the coming week. They include a group of measures aimed at protecting children from harm resulting from exposure to and the use of online services and social media.

    LB140, introduced by Senator Rita Sanders, requires school boards to create rules and standards limiting when students can use cell phones. Exceptions are included for when such use would be allowed.

    LB383 from Senator Tanya Storer was amended with LB172. LB383, the Parental Rights in Social Media Act, establishes various parental controls over social media accounts. LB172, introduced by Senator Brian Hardin, makes it a crime to create or distribute AI-generated child pornography.

    “Our kids are our greatest investment and I’m excited that we will pass these protections into law this session. Experts have long known that repeated and relentless exposure to social media results in situations that can impact mental health, reduce attention spans, and interrupt learning while in school,” said Gov. Pillen. “These bills will provide schools, parents and law enforcement with the tools they need.”  

    A fourth related bill sponsored on behalf of the Governor – LB504 – has been advanced to the final round of debate. Introduced by Senator Carolyn Bosn, the Age-Appropriate Online Design Code Act requires that online services protect user data, implement design features that will reduce harm resulting from compulsive use, and enables parents to have access to privacy and account settings.

    The Nebraska Legislature also gave final approval to two other pieces of legislation aimed at protecting two of the state’s most significant industries – public power and agriculture. LB526 was sponsored on the Governor’s behalf by Senator Mike Jacobson and cleared final reading on a unanimous vote. It helps to preserve electrical service to homes, businesses and other Nebraska customers, by establishing requirements for cryptocurrency mining operations. In addition to notifying power utilities in advance, the bill also provides for payment or a letter of credit covering costs associated with potential infrastructure upgrades.

    Finally, LB246 brought by Senator Barry DeKay, will make changes to the Nebraska Pure Food Act by banning the production, distribution, promotion and sale of lab grown meat.

    “Nebraska is an ag-dependent and economically driven state. We need to support the hard-working farmers and ranchers who raise their crops and animals to feed the world and save the planet,” said Gov. Pillen. “When people across the globe buy our products, they want the highest quality available. It’s important to support our home-grown industry and protect consumers from something that has not been tested and determined to be safe for consumption.”

    Other bills championed by the Governor, which have advanced to the final round of debate include LB89 (Stand With Women Act), LB346 and LB644 (Foreign Adversary and Terrorist Agent Registration Act).

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Gov. Kemp Announces 39 Appointments to Boards, Authorities and Commissions

    Source: US State of Georgia

    Atlanta, GA – Governor Brian P. Kemp today announced 39 appointments and reappointments to various state boards, authorities and commissions.

    Nonpublic Postsecondary Education Commission

    Donald Dowless currently serves as President of Shorter University in Rome, Georgia, a role he has held for over a decade. He holds a Ph.D. in religion from Baylor University, a Master of Divinity from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, and a Bachelor of Science in biology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. In addition to his presidency, Dowless teaches Christian studies and has instructed more than 10 different courses. His academic experience includes teaching at North Carolina State University, Campbell University, Southeastern Seminary, and Emmanuel University of Oradea. He has also completed missionary work in Romania and West Virginia. Dowless and his wife are active members of Pleasant Valley South Baptist Church in Silver Creek, Georgia.

    Georgia Board of Athletic Trainers

    Yusuf Jamal Ali was reappointed.

    Jeffrey Hopp serves as Director of Sports Medicine at Marietta City Schools and has led the Blue Devils’ athletic training program for over 20 years. He oversees student athletic trainers and has organized international trips for them to countries including Costa Rica, Ireland, and France. Prior to this, Hopp provided athletic training to Cobb and Cherokee County schools through Resurgens Orthopedics and was head athletic trainer for the Barcelona Dragons of NFL Europe. He has worked with the Minnesota Vikings, the 1996 Summer Olympic Games, and the 2007 U.S. National Paralympic Track and Field Championships. He was a founding member and chairman of the Georgia Concussion Coalition, contributing to the passage of the GA Return to Play Act. Hopp holds a B.S. in athletic training from Minnesota State University and resides in Dallas, Georgia, with his wife, Julie.

    Georgia Board of Landscape Architects

    Chad Baker, Jon Calabria, and Rebecca Kirk were reappointed.

    Georgia Peace Officer Standards and Training Council

    Stan Stalnaker is a member of the Tift County Board of Commissioners, currently serving his third term.  He is a certified county commissioner through the University of Georgia’s Carl Vinson Institute of Government and holds a specialty track certification in public safety. Stalnaker is a 29-year veteran of the Georgia State Patrol, holds the rank of Captain, and currently serves as the Director of GSP’s Aviation Division.  He holds a master’s in public administration from Columbus State University, is a graduate of the Georgia Law Enforcement Command College, and a graduate of the FBI National Academy, Session #261, in Quantico, Virginia. Stalnaker and his wife Keisha reside in Tifton, where they attend Liberty Baptist Church. They have one son who attends Georgia Southern University.

    Georgia State Board of Architects and Interior Designers

    Melissa Cantrell and Anne K. Smith were reappointed.

    Georgia Historical Records Advisory Council

    Mary McCartin Wearn is the President of Georgia Humanities. She formerly served as founding dean of the School of Arts and Letters at Middle Georgia State University, where she led regional partnerships and public-facing arts and culture programs. She holds a Ph.D. in english from UGA, a B.A. in english from the University of Maryland Global Campus, and a B.S. in biomedical engineering from Case Western Reserve University.

    Georgia Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing

    Ibrahim Dabo, Paula Harmon, Anne McQuade, and Allison Morrison were reappointed.

    State Board of Workers Compensation

    Benjamin Vinson was reappointed as Chairman.

    Frank McKay was reappointed.

    State Charter School Commission

    Scott Sweeney is a Senior Business Advisor at InPrime Legal, a business law firm recognized as a 2019 Small Business ROCK STAR by the Georgia Department of Economic Development and the Georgia Economic Developers Association. He has served on numerous national, state, and local boards, including as past president of the Georgia Education Committee, a legislative affairs committee member for the Georgia School Boards Association, and a member of both the CTAE Business & Advisory Committee and the Cobb Chamber of Commerce Government Affairs Committee. Sweeney spent eight years on the Cobb County Board of Education, holding leadership roles including chair, vice-chair, budget liaison, and Facilities and Technology Committee liaison. He later served on the Georgia State Board of Education from 2019 to 2025, representing the 6th and later the 11th Congressional Districts. During his tenure, he served as chairman and chaired the District Flexibility and Charter Schools Committee. Sweeney holds a B.A. in economics from UCLA and resides in East Cobb with his wife, Sandy, and their two sons.

    State Board of Certification of Librarians

    Kathryn R. Epps was reappointed.

    Catherine M. Lewis serves as Associate Vice Provost of Museums, Archives, and Rare Books at the University Libraries and as Professor of History at Kennesaw State University. She manages a multimillion-dollar budget and leads a staff of nearly 100 professionals. Lewis holds a Bachelor of Arts in english and history from Emory University, as well as a Master of Arts and Ph.D. in american studies from the University of Iowa. She has curated more than 40 exhibits for institutions across the country, including the Atlanta History Center, the Brennan Museum, Delta Airlines, Augusta National Golf Club, and United Way. She has co-authored and co-edited over 15 books, regularly presents at national and international conferences, and has helped secure major grants for Kennesaw State from organizations such as the U.S. State Department, the American Association of Museums, and the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

    Bona Fide Coin Operated Amusement Machine Operator Advisory Board

    Shawn Fellows, Mills Flemming, Natalie Jones and Chandra B. Yadav were reappointed.

    Georgia Child Support Commission

    Chuck Efstration, Houston Gaines, Emanuel Jones and Brian Strickland were reappointed.

    Georgia Real Estate Appraisers Board

    Marlon L. Day is a Senior Director at Quest Valuation & Advisors, where he performs appraisals across a wide range of property types and markets. He is an accomplished research and financial analyst and a certified general appraiser with more than 22 years of experience in preparing and presenting valuation analyses. His project experience includes multi-family residential, office, retail, warehouse, industrial, mixed-use, infrastructure, special-use properties, expert witness testimony, and diminution in value. His practical business expertise is supported by a Master of Business Administration in finance. Day and his wife have three children.

    Board of Natural Resources

    Steven Hufstetler and Brent Layton were reappointed.

    State Board of Registration for Foresters

    James Harley Langdale was reappointed.

    Georgia Motor Vehicle Crime Prevention Advisory Board

    Robert Balkcom serves as the South Adjutant of the Georgia State Patrol, overseeing the operations of Troops F, G, H, I, J, and K, as well as the South Nighthawks DUI Task Force, the Recruiting Unit, the Implied Consent Unit (ICU), the Criminal Interdiction Unit (CIU), the Specialized Collision Reconstruction Team (SCRT), the State of Georgia SWAT Team, and four Communication Centers. Prior to assuming this role in 2020, Balkcom served as Troop F Commander. He began his law enforcement career as a police officer with the Savannah Police Department in 1992 and joined the Georgia State Patrol as a Trooper Cadet at Post 42 – Savannah in 1994. After graduating from the 71st Georgia State Patrol Trooper School in 1995, he was assigned to Post 42 – Savannah. Balkcom was promoted to Corporal at Post 45 – Statesboro in 2006. In 2009, he was selected as Commander of the newly formed Nighthawks South DUI Task Force and promoted to Sergeant in 2011. He advanced to Sergeant First Class at Post 11 – Hinesville in 2013, Lieutenant in Troop I in 2018, and Captain in Troop F in March 2020. Balkcom graduated from Reidsville High School in 1987 and earned a Bachelor of Science in criminal justice from Georgia Southern University in 1991. He is also a graduate of the Georgia Law Enforcement Command College and holds a master’s degree in public safety administration from Columbus State University. He and his wife, Nicole, have lived in Reidsville for the past 40 years.

    North Georgia Mountains Authority

    Jeff Andrews currently serves as the Fourth Congressional District Representative on the Board of Natural Resources. He began his career in the long-term care industry in 1981 as marketing director for a continuing care retirement community in Birmingham, Alabama. He was later promoted to executive director and then southeast regional vice president. In 1988, Andrews became senior vice president of corporate development, where he led the addition of 17 properties to the management portfolio, helping establish the company as the largest for-profit, third-party manager of retirement housing in the United States. By 1990, Andrews co-founded Retirement Management Corporation and served as its president until its acquisition by Sun Healthcare in 1998. In 1999, he founded Wellington HealthCare Services, LLC, which grew to 11 owned facilities before being sold in 2007. He retained a significant ownership stake and helped the company meet key operational goals. He continues to lead Wellington, which currently manages 17 facilities.

    North Georgia Mountains Authority- Chair

    Patrick Denney is a graduate of West Georgia College with a BBA in marketing and a lifelong resident of Carroll County. He owns and operates SLM Recycling, SLM Steel and Fabrication, and Heavy Equipment Repair. An avid outdoorsman, Denney manages farm, timber, and hunting land in both Carroll and Heard Counties. He was appointed to the Board of Natural Resources in 2020 and has served on the North Georgia Mountains Authority since 2021. He and his wife, Lynne, have four children and reside in Bowdon.

    State Properties Commission

    Yi Jeng “Jay” Lin was reappointed.

    Georgia Composite Board of Professional Counselors, Social Workers, and Marriage and Family Therapists

    Gregory Keith Moffatt was reappointed.

    State Board of Registration for Professional Geologists

    Jack L. Kittle, Jr. is a retired water and environmental resource manager with Aqua Terra Consultants. With over 40 years of experience, Kittle worked with major clients such as the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the United States Geological Survey. He earned a Bachelor of Science in civil engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology in 1975. An active member of the Decatur community, Kittle helped charter and establish the Decatur Parks and Recreation Pedestrian Committee in 2013 and served on the committee for over 10 years.

    Veterans Service Board

    Darius “Pete” Peterson was reappointed.

    Georgia Board of Private Detective and Security Agencies  

    Timothy Williams was reappointed.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Pittsburgh Resident Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy and Defacing Religious Property in Vandalism of Synagogue Building

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

    PITTSBURGH, Pa. – A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of conspiracy and defacing and damaging a religious building, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.

    Talya A. Lubit, age 24, pleaded guilty to two counts before United States District Judge Christy Criswell Wiegand.

    In connection with the guilty plea, the Court was advised that Lubit and her codefendant, Mohamad Hamad, conspired from July 2024 to July 29, 2024, to damage and deface the Chabad of Squirrel Hill. The Chabad is a center for Jewish educational programming and occupies a building for Jewish religious services in the Squirrel Hill neighborhood of Pittsburgh. In the early morning hours of July 29, 2024, acting on their plan to cause damage to a Jewish institution, Lubit and Hamad spray-painted the words “Jews 4 Palestine” with an inverted triangle onto the exterior of the building with red paint. The inverted triangle first appeared in videos posted online by Hamas, a designated foreign terrorist organization, of the current fighting in Gaza where it was used to mark an Israeli target about to be attacked by Hamas fighters. The act of vandalism was born from Hamad’s and Lubit’s shared growing animosity towards Israel since the terrorist attack of October 7, 2023, and the war that ensued between Israel and Hamas.

    In connection with the guilty plea, Lubit agreed to pay full restitution for the damage done to the Chabad property, as well as graffiti that she and Hamad spray-painted on an entry sign to the Jewish Federation of Pittsburgh the same day.

    Judge Wiegand scheduled sentencing for September 10, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. The law provides for a total sentence of up to one year in prison, a fine of up to $100,000, or both. Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

    Pending sentencing, the Court continued Lubit’s bond with special conditions including home detention.

    Assistant United States Attorneys Carolyn J. Bloch and Nicole Vasquez Schmitt are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

    The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police conducted the investigation that led to the successful prosecution of Lubit.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: CLINTON TOWNSHIP SEX OFFENDER SENTENCED TO 40 YEARS

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    DETROIT — Stephen Lewis Gentry, 35, of Clinton Township, Michigan, was sentenced to 40 years in federal prison for creating images and videos depicting the sexual exploitation of children, announced U.S. Attorney Jerome F. Gorgon Jr.

    Gorgon was joined in the announcement by Special Agent in Charge Cheyvoryea Gibson of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

    In addition to the 40-year sentence, United States District Court Judge Terrence G. Berg sentenced Gentry to a lifetime of supervised release upon his release from prison.

    Gentry’s recent crimes came to light after the FBI learned that he was distributing images of child sexually abusive material that he created over a clandestine network. When the FBI searched Gentry’s house, they found evidence that Gentry had produced child sexually abusive material depicting numerous minor victims.

    Gentry pleaded guilty on February 12, 2025, to sexual exploitation of children. At the time he was charged in this case, Gentry was already a registered sex offender, having three prior convictions relating to the sexual abuse or exploitation of children.

    This investigation was conducted by the FBI.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Sarah Alsaden, Tara Hindelang, and Christopher Rawsthorne.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Padilla, Colleagues Urge Social Security Administration to Reverse Decision to Maliciously & Illegally List Immigrants as “Dead”

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.)

    Padilla, Colleagues Urge Social Security Administration to Reverse Decision to Maliciously & Illegally List Immigrants as “Dead”

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Immigration Subcommittee, joined 15 of his Democratic Senate colleagues in condemning and demanding the reversal of the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) recent decision to list certain immigrants as “dead” in the master files.
    The Senators highlighted the departure from previous uses of SSA master files, noting that they normally share the files with federal agencies, banks, credit bureaus, or other financial institutions to prevent them from mistakenly paying deceased individuals or fraudsters trying to impersonate them. These files prevent over $50 million in improper payments per month. The death master files are now being weaponized against noncitizens, however, in a malicious attempt to keep them from participating in the U.S. economy.
    “These arbitrary actions—intended to weaponize Social Security in the Administration’s attack on immigrants—are disgraceful and will erode the integrity of and trust in Social Security,” wrote the Senators.
    “These noncitizens were lawfully present and granted work authorization by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), making them eligible for Social Security numbers (SSNs) to work and contribute to our nation. SSNs allow noncitizens to participate in the economy by obtaining housing, bank accounts, and insurance. Their work helps to boost the United States’ Gross Domestic Product by trillions of dollars,” continued the Senators. “But now, these noncitizens will no longer have access to their own financial resources because SSA has taken the unprecedented action of declaring them ‘dead’ in a cruel and Orwellian attempt to force them to leave the United States.”
    The Senators continued by highlighting incorrect designations of living, legal immigrants as “dead” without a chance to appeal, calling out the Department of Homeland Security for labeling these noncitizens as “criminals” or “suspected criminals” without sufficient investigations, as demonstrated by the erroneous deportation of Kilmar Abrego Garcia. Most of the more than 6,000 noncitizens who were declared “dead” had lawfully received their SSNs and had lawful authorization to be in the country. The Senators further emphasized that SSA lacks the authority to make these false categorizations for living noncitizens.
    “Such use of the death master files raises the question of whether SSA may list other living legal immigrants—or even American citizens—as ‘dead’ in the death master files without justification,” added the Senators. “It should frighten every American that SSA could make the unilateral decision to ruin their financial lives without even a chance to appeal.”
    The Senators concluded by denouncing misinformation spread by President Trump regarding Social Security, criticizing his baseless claim that people over 300 years old were receiving Social Security benefits. They urged SSA to immediately reverse their cruel, fraudulent mislabeling scheme.
    The letter was led by Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, and U.S. Senator Ron Wyden (D-Ore.). In addition to Senator Padilla, the letter was also signed by U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Andy Kim (D-N.J.), Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.).
    Senator Padilla has fought against the Trump Administration’s weaponization of migrants’ personal information and files. Senator Padilla, Senate Finance Committee Ranking Member Wyden, Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), and Senator Warren recently urged the acting Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration to investigate several reports that the Trump Administration is potentially violating strict taxpayer privacy laws by providing highly sensitive and legally protected taxpayer data to DHS and personnel affiliated with Elon Musk across various federal agencies. Padilla, Cortez Masto, and Wyden previously condemned the Internal Revenue Service’s (IRS) plan to provide sensitive taxpayer information to DHS to locate suspected undocumented immigrants and led a letter to IRS and DHS leadership raising the alarm on reports that DHS and the Department of Government Efficiency had illegally requested this information.
    Full text of the letter to SSA Commissioner Frank Bisignano is available here and below:
    Dear Commissioner Bisignano: We write to strongly object to the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) apparent decision to list living noncitizens as “dead” in the agency’s master files. These arbitrary actions—intended to weaponize Social Security in the Administration’s attack on immigrants—are disgraceful and will erode the integrity of and trust in Social Security.
    SSA collects death records from families, financial institutions, and government agencies and compiles them into death master files, which the agency then shares with certain federal agencies, banks, credit bureaus, and other financial institutions to prevent improper payments to people who have died or those fraudulently seeking to impersonate someone who is deceased. In fact, the death master files help to prevent more than $50 million in improper payments each month. However, it appears that SSA is now using the death master files for another purpose: a weapon against living noncitizens.
    In April, the New York Times reported SSA maliciously has listed living noncitizens as “dead” in its death master files. These noncitizens were lawfully present and granted work authorization by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), making them eligible for Social Security numbers (SSNs) to work and contribute to our nation. SSNs allow noncitizens to participate in the economy by obtaining housing, bank accounts, and insurance. Their work helps to boost the United States’ Gross Domestic Product by trillions of dollars. But now, these noncitizens will no longer have access to their own financial resources because SSA has taken the unprecedented action of declaring them “dead” in a cruel and Orwellian attempt to force them to leave the United States.
    According to an internal memo, DHS claims that these noncitizens are “criminals” and “suspected terrorists.” But the proper procedure if a noncitizen is a criminal or a suspected terrorist is to initiate proceedings against them in immigration court, not for the SSA to arbitrarily declare them “dead” without any proof. In addition, DHS, not the SSA, makes determinations as to whether or not a noncitizen is eligible to work and whether to terminate or revoke work authorization. Finally, SSA has procedures the agency follows when it is determined that an individual no longer has work authorization or has lost status, and they do not involve declaring an individual dead. For example, a noncitizen’s Social Security card may state “Valid for work only with DHS authorization” or “Not valid for employment.”
    Yet, according to press reports, most of the more than 6,000 noncitizens declared “dead” were lawfully authorized by DHS to be in the United States and lawfully obtained SSNs. They were thoroughly vetted and underwent mandatory security checks before receiving authorization to travel to United States airports, where they then were individually screened by U.S. Customs and Border Patrol officers before being cleared to enter. The New York Times report indicated SSA has listed several minors, including a 13-year-old, as “dead” in the death master files, while the Washington Post reported that SSA workers “found no evidence of crimes or law enforcement interactions” for others. Further, SSA has no authority to erroneously categorize living noncitizens as “dead” in its death master files. Such use of the death master files raises the question of whether SSA may list other living legal immigrants—or even American citizens—as “dead” in the death master files without justification. It should frighten every American that SSA could make the unilateral decision to ruin their financial lives without even a chance to appeal.
    In his Joint Address to Congress in March, President Trump claimed there were people over the age of 300 receiving Social Security benefits, simply because some of the death master files lacked a recorded death date. His assertion was not true, and SSA’s actions now are turning this tool to prevent fraud into one that instead facilitates it. We urge SSA not to use the death master files in this manner and to remove noncitizens falsely listed as “dead” from the files.
    Sincerely,

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: H.R. 1815, VA Home Loan Program Reform Act

    Source: US Congressional Budget Office

    Bill Summary

    H.R. 1815 would temporarily increase the amounts authorized for the Grant and Per Diem Program through which The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) awards funding to organizations to provide transitional housing for veterans. The bill also would establish a Partial Claim Program through which VA would pay lenders amounts to prevent foreclosure on guaranteed loans that are delinquent or in default.

    Estimated Federal Cost

    The estimated budgetary effects of H.R. 1815 are shown in Table 1. The bill would decrease net direct spending by $147 million and increase spending subject to appropriation by $146 million over the 2025-2035 period. The costs of the legislation fall within budget function 700 (veterans benefits and services).

    Table 1.

    Estimated Budgetary Effects of H.R. 1815
     

    By Fiscal Year, Millions of Dollars

    		    
     

    2025

    2026

    2027

    2028

    2029

    2030

    2031

    2032

    2033

    2034

    2035

    2025-2030

    2025-2035
     

    Increases or Decreases (-) in Direct Spending

    		    

    Estimated Budget Authority

    11

    -13

    -34

    -39

    -41

    -30

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    -146

    -146

    Estimated Outlays

    10

    -14

    -33

    -39

    -41

    -30

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    -147

    -147
     

    Increases in Spending Subject to Appropriation

    		    

    Authorization

    75

    73

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    148

    148

    Estimated Outlays

    66

    71

    8

    1

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    146

    146

    Basis of Estimate

    For this estimate, CBO assumes that H.R. 1815 will be enacted in fiscal year 2025 and that provisions will take effect upon or soon after enactment. CBO also estimates that outlays will follow historical spending patterns for affected programs.

    Provisions That Affect Spending Subject to Appropriation and Direct Spending

    Section 5 would temporarily increase the amounts authorized for the Grant and Per Diem Program through which VA pays a daily rate to public and nonprofit entities that provide housing and supportive services to homeless veterans.

    Current law limits the total amount that VA can award for those grants to $258 million each year; section 5 would raise that limit to $344 million for 2025 and 2026. Using information on past grant payments and historical spending patterns, CBO estimates that the amounts paid for grants would increase by a total of $169 million over the 2025-2035 period.

    Some of the homeless veterans who would obtain services under section 5 would be veterans who have been exposed to environmental hazards; thus, CBO expects that some of the costs of implementing the bill would be paid from the Toxic Exposures Fund (TEF) established by Public Law 117-168, the Honoring our PACT Act. The TEF is a mandatory appropriation that VA uses to pay for health care, disability claims processing, medical research, and information technology modernization that benefit veterans who were exposed to environmental hazards. Additional spending from the TEF occurs if legislation increases the costs of similar activities that benefit veterans with such exposure. Thus, in addition to increasing spending subject to appropriation, enacting section 5 would increase amounts paid from the TEF, which are classified as direct spending.

    CBO projects that the proportion of costs paid by the TEF will grow over time based on the amount of formerly discretionary appropriations that CBO expects will be provided through the mandatory appropriation as specified in the Honoring our PACT Act. CBO estimates that over the 2025-2035 period, implementing section 5 would increase outlays for spending subject to appropriation by $146 million and direct spending by $23 million.

    Direct Spending

    The discussion above in “Provisions That Affect Spending Subject to Appropriation and Direct Spending” describes the increased authorizations for the Grant and Per Diem Program that would increase direct spending from the TEF under section 5. Section 3 of the bill would establish a Partial Claim Program described below, which would decrease direct spending. In total, the bill would decrease net direct spending outlays by $147 million over the 2025‑2035 period (see Table 2).

    Partial Claim Program.VA provides loan guarantees to lenders that allow eligible borrowers to obtain better loan terms—such as lower interest rates or smaller down payments—to purchase, construct, improve, or refinance a home. VA typically pays lenders up to 25 percent of the outstanding mortgage balance if a borrower’s home is foreclosed upon. Those payments, net of fees paid by borrowers and recoveries by lenders, constitute the subsidy cost for the loan guarantees.

    Spending Subject to Appropriation

    The discussion above in “Provisions That Affect Spending Subject to Appropriation and Direct Spending” describes the increased authorizations for the Grant and Per Diem Program that would increase spending subject to appropriation under section 5, totaling $146 million over the 2025-2035 period (see Table 3).

    Table 3.

    Estimated Increases in Spending Subject to Appropriation Under H.R. 1815
     

    By Fiscal Year, Millions of Dollars

    		    
     

    2025

    2026

    2027

    2028

    2029

    2030

    2031

    2032

    2033

    2034

    2035

    2025-2030

    2025-2035

    Grant & Per Diem

    		                      

    Authorization

    75

    73

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    148

    148

    Estimated Outlays

    66

    71

    8

    1

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    146

    146

    Pay-As-You-Go Considerations

    The Statutory Pay-As-You-Go Act of 2010 establishes budget-reporting and enforcement procedures for legislation affecting direct spending or revenues. The net changes in outlays that are subject to those pay-as-you-go procedures are shown in Table 2.

    Increase in Long-Term Net Direct Spending and Deficits

    CBO estimates that enacting H.R. 1815 would not increase net direct spending or on-budget deficits in any of the four consecutive 10-year periods beginning in 2036.

    Mandates

    H.R. 1815 contains an intergovernmental and private-sector mandate, as defined in the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act (UMRA). By not allowing judicial review of the Department of Veterans Affairs decision to obtain secured interest in a veteran’s defaulted home loan, the bill would eliminate an existing right of action for any public or private entity that would otherwise be able to seek judicial review. There is no cost associated with this mandate because judicial review does not result in monetary damages; the cost is therefore well below the thresholds established in UMRA for intergovernmental and private-sector mandates ($103 million and $206 million in 2025, respectively, adjusted annually for inflation).

    Federal Costs: Paul B.A. Holland

    Mandates: Grace Watson

    Estimate Reviewed By

    David Newman
    Chief, Defense, International Affairs, and Veterans’ Affairs Cost Estimates Unit

    Kathleen FitzGerald
    Chief, Public and Private Mandates Unit

    Christina Hawley Anthony
    Deputy Director of Budget Analysis

    Phillip L. Swagel

    Director, Congressional Budget Office

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: The Next Fueling Discovery Webinar Takes Place May 29

    Source: US Geological Survey

    May is Wildfire Awareness Month due to the increase in fire activity in late spring throughout the summer caused by warming temperatures, drying fuels, and increased ignitions from recreational activities. Wildfire Awareness Month helps communities and land, and emergency managers prepare for increased fire activity by increasing awareness of how to create defensible space around a home as well as learning how to minimize risk during fire weather.  During Wildfire Awareness Month and throughout the year, the USGS provides essential information and tools to land managers, homeowners, federal and state agencies for investigating impacts before, during and after wildfires. 

    The USGS Ecosystems Mission Area and USGS Wildland Fire Science program are hosting a Fueling Discovery with USGS Wildland Fire Science talk on May 29th from 3-4 PM ET. The webinar is open to the public and provides information on the breadth of USGS fire science used by stakeholders to make decisions before, during, and after wildfires in ecosystems across the U.S.  

    Webinar Details

    Title: Patterns of increasing building loss from wildfires in the conterminous U.S., 2000-2020

    Date:  Thursday, May 29, 2025, from 3:00 – 4:00pm ET / 12:00pm – 1:00pm PT

    Speaker:  Amanda Carlson, Physical Research Scientist, USGS Geosciences and Environmental Change Science Center

    Summary: Wildfires are becoming more destructive as burned area increases and as more homes are built in the wildland-urban interface, but it is unclear how these patterns are affected by changing wildfire behavior in different fuel types. To better understand changing patterns of wildfire destruction, we mapped buildings exposed to and destroyed by wildfires in the conterminous U.S. from 2000-2020. From these maps, we determined that the probability of an exposed building being destroyed by wildfire has more than tripled over the past two decades, and that more wildfire destruction is occurring in forests relative to grass and shrublands. Understanding these changing patterns can help us design more effective strategies to mitigate risk. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Missouri National Guard Adjutant General Promoted to Major General

    Source: US State of Missouri

    MAY 16, 2025

    Jefferson City — Today, during a ceremony at the Missouri State Capitol, Missouri National Guard Adjutant General Charles D. Hausman was promoted to the rank of Major General. 

    “This promotion is a testament to Major General Hausman’s remarkable leadership, dedication, and unwavering commitment to our state and nation,” said Governor Kehoe. “In the months since General Hausman assumed command, he has led Missouri’s soldiers and airmen at home and abroad through both day-to-day trainings and missions to their vital assistance with multiple rounds of winter storms and flooding across the state. On behalf of all Missourians, congratulations to General Hausman and the Hausman family on this well-deserved promotion.”

    Governor Kehoe selected Major General Hausman as the next Adjutant General of the Missouri National Guard on January 8, 2025, and he took command on February 1. With over 36 years of service in the Missouri National Guard, the General has an extensive military career with a high level of expertise in operational leadership, military strategy, and interagency coordination.

    “It is an honor and privilege to be entrusted with this responsibility,” General Hausman said. “Leading the exceptional soldiers and airmen of the Missouri National Guard as we carry out our mission of serving the people of Missouri and this great nation is the honor of a lifetime.”

    General Hausman enlisted in the Army Reserve in 1988, joined the Missouri National Guard in 1989, and transferred to Aviation in 1993. He has commanded at every level from company to brigade and held key staff positions such as Executive Officer of the 35th Combat Aviation Brigade, Deputy Director of Manpower and Personnel of Joint Force Headquarters, Deputy Commander of 70th Troop Command, and Director of Aviation and Safety of Joint Force Headquarters.

    In addition to his assignments within the United States and Missouri, General Hausman has had several assignments abroad including in Iraq, Kuwait, and Afghanistan.

    A seasoned aviation officer and combat veteran, he has earned multiple military awards including the Distinguished Service Medal, Legion of Merit with bronze oak leaf cluster, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal with three bronze oak leaf clusters, Air Medal with Numeral Two, and the Master Army Aviator Badge. He is qualified in the TH-67, UH-1 Huey, AH-1 Cobra, AH-64D Apache, and is qualified as an instructor pilot in the OH-58A/C and AH-64A Apache.

    The General received a Bachelor of Science degree in Aviation Technology from the University of Central Missouri in 1991 and a Master of Science degree in Aviation Safety from the University of Central Missouri in 1993. He completed a Master of Arts degree in National Security and Strategic Studies through the United States Naval War College in 2015.

    General Hausman is a native of Saint Joseph, Missouri, and currently resides in Jefferson City with his wife, Julie, and has two adult children, Alex and Libby.

    Pictures of the promotion ceremony will be available on Governor Kehoe’s Flickr page.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Marvellous Moomins, the downfall of Dahl and David Attenborough’s Ocean – what to see, watch and read this week

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Jane Wright, Commissioning Editor, Arts & Culture, The Conversation UK

    This article was first published in our newsletter Something Good. If you’d like to receive fortnightly recommendations from experts on the best films, TV, books, plays and exhibitions, sign up to get Something Good delivered direct to your inbox.

    Just under a week to go till our much-anticipated Moomin event in Bradford, celebrating 80 years of Tove Jansson’s magical creatures that inspire so much affection and nostalgia in generations of readers who have found solace and delight in her Moominvalley tales.

    On Friday May 23, we are hosting a film event in conjunction with Cine Spotlights at Bradford’s National Museum of Science and Media. We’ll celebrate this special anniversary with a screening of Moomins on the Riviera, followed by a Q&A with our very own panel of Conversation Moominologists.

    Jansson’s first book, The Moomins and the Great Flood, was published in 1945, telling the story of a family of “Moomintrolls” who become refugees after a flood washes away their home. Written at the end of the second world war when millions of people were displaced, it reflects the struggles of rebuilding lives after disaster. After the screening, we will be discussing the theme of refugee experiences in Jansson’s work with four Conversation authors.

    This is a particularly apt discussion to be having in Bradford, designated a City of Sanctuary and also the site of one of four Moomin art installations around the country. Basel Zaraa’s work is an immersive, multi-sensory installation that creates a lush world within a refugee tent, inviting audiences to imagine life beyond occupation and exile.

    We’d love to see you there, so come along and join in the discussion.

    The fall of a giant

    First, there was the furore surrounding the revision of the language in his children’s books. Now, a play examining the extent of Roald Dahl’s anti-semitism has transferred to London’s West End. It explores the fallout from Dahl’s 1983 review of God Cried, a photographic book about Israel’s siege of West Beirut.

    In the play’s blend of fact and fiction, the very real controversy arises from an interview Dahl gave to The New Statesman shortly afterwards. Many Jewish (and non-Jewish) people objected to it as strongly anti-semitic, while others saw it as justified criticism of Israel’s actions. In the play, this is meshed with a fictitious situation where Jewish staff from Dahl’s publishers visit him at home to help counteract the backlash.

    But there is so much more to this fascinating play, which features an extraordinary performance from American actor John Lithgow. It engages with issues around language – how it is interpreted and how meaning is formed – as well as misogyny, racism, and the idea of genius being excused its sins. And it returns to the ever-open wound of cancel culture, and the way children’s literature has become a political hot potato.

    Giant is at London’s Harold Pinter Theatre until August 2 2025.

    With echoes of the theme of refugee experience in our Moomin event, Madeleine Thien’s new novel is an astonishingly original and deeply philosophical work that blends historical and speculative fiction.

    Exploring issues of migration, the refugee crisis and cultural conflict, The Book of Records centres around the tale of a young girl called Lina and her ill father who flee to a strange otherworldly enclave called The Sea, where Lina feels the pain of separation from her mother and brother. She endures here for years, finding succour in three books from The Great Voyagers encyclopedia series, each of which represents a famous (real) philosopher through which she learns about exile and survival.

    As our reviewer Manjeet Ridon explains, The Book of Records is “a sobering meditation on the human condition in times of crises”. A book to savour and reflect upon in a world that is distressed by the rising tide of refugees, but seems unable or unwilling to do anything about it.

    Climate fact and fiction

    For 70 years, David Attenborough has shaped how we see the natural world through his memorable nature documentaries. From the BBC’s groundbreaking Zoo Quest in 1954 to Life on Earth in the late 1970s and the spectacular Blue Planet in the 2000s, Attenborough, with his quietly compelling voice, has brought viewers the glory and wonder of the natural world. In doing so, he pioneered a nature documentary style that is accessible, educational and entertaining.

    But now, at the age of 99, Attenborough’s latest film, Ocean, brings a change of tone: one of serious urgency as the world seemingly fails to get to grips with the climate change crisis.

    As our reviewers Neil Gostling and Sam Illingworth explain, after a lifetime of gentle narration, Attenborough now speaks unflinchingly of the scale of the crisis and the need to act, combining stunning imagery with a stark assessment of the health of our oceans. From the horrific destruction wreaked by bottom trawling to plastic consumption and pollution, Attenborough doesn’t pull his punches on the moral and existential imperative to restore the balance of our oceans. As the great man puts it: “If we save the sea, we save our world.”

    Ocean is on at select cinemas now

    This week saw the announcement of the inaugural Climate Fiction Prize, which has been won by the Nigerian writer Abi Daré’s And So I Roar.

    A poignant follow-up to her debut novel, The Girl with the Louding Voice, Daré follows the stories of Tia, an environmental activist, and Adunni, the Nigerian teenager from her debut, who has escaped child marriage and domestic abuse for shelter under Tia’s care in Lagos.

    Daré masterfully explores how environmental crises collide with domestic pressures and abuse, revealing how women who exist in poverty disproportionately shoulder the burden of climate change. But it also celebrates solidarity across class, ethnicity and generational divides, standing as a powerful testament to female courage and resilience.

    – ref. Marvellous Moomins, the downfall of Dahl and David Attenborough’s Ocean – what to see, watch and read this week – https://theconversation.com/marvellous-moomins-the-downfall-of-dahl-and-david-attenboroughs-ocean-what-to-see-watch-and-read-this-week-256849

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Ogles Urges Judiciary and Homeland Security Committees to Investigate Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell for Obstructing ICE Operations

    Source:

    WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Andy Ogles (TN-05) sent a letter to Chairmen Jim Jordan (OH-40) and Mark Green (TN-7) urging them to investigate the conduct of Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell, who has issued an executive order directing city agencies to track and report all interactions with federal immigration authorities.

     

    “Instead of applauding the heroic efforts of law enforcement for removing violent criminals, drug traffickers, and even a convicted child sex predator from our streets, Nashville’s mayor chose to grandstand—penning an executive order directing city agencies to track and potentially undermine cooperation with ICE,” Congressman Ogles said.

     

    “I want to remind Freddie that complying with federal immigration law is not optional. It is appalling that the mayor is using his office to obstruct lawful enforcement and shield criminals—not just putting neighborhoods at risk, but eroding the rule of law.

     

    Let me be crystal clear: if any city agency in Nashville obstructs federal operations or impedes ICE, I will pursue every tool available in Congress—oversight hearings, funding restrictions, and legislative remedies—to hold them accountable.

     

    Democrats want so badly to turn our growing metro area into a liberal hellscape reminiscent of the West Coast, but I refuse to let them. If they want to California our Tennessee by making it a sanctuary for gangs, predators, and traffickers, I think they should be investigated.

     

    I commend ICE and the Tennessee Highway Patrol for their bravery and professionalism in the face of childish political hostility. I will not stop until every illegal alien is sent home, and Tennessee leaders follow the law,” said Congressman Ogles.

    Letter Text

    Read Fox Exclusive

    # # #

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: News 05/16/2025 Blackburn, Hickenlooper Music Tourism Bill Passes Senate Unanimously

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn)

    NASHVILLE, Tenn. – U.S. Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) and John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.) released the following statements after the Senate passed their American Music Tourism Act to support and increase music tourism for both domestic and international visitors: 

    “The Volunteer State is home to so many iconic musical landmarks for tourists to experience – from Graceland in Memphis to the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville to Dollywood in Pigeon Forge,” said Senator Blackburn. “Music tourism has such a positive impact on Tennessee’s economy, and we need to ensure that fans from all over the world can continue to celebrate our state’s rich history of music for generations to come. The Senate’s passage of the American Music Tourism Act gets us closer to that by promoting and supporting the fast-growing music tourism industry.”

    “Colorado’s vibrant music scene attracts artists and fans from around the world,” said Senator Hickenlooper. “Our bipartisan bill will help our local music venues thrive and expand.”

    BACKGROUND

    • Music tourism – both the act of visiting sites important to the history of American music culture and the act of traveling for current concerts and music festivals – is a vital industry for American culture and an economic driver for our communities.
    • Music tourism has emerged as a top travel trend, with the market forecasted to reach $11.3 billion in revenue by 2032.
    • The United States, which boasts one of world’s largest music industries that generates over $43 billion in revenue each year, is one of the main beneficiaries of this international interest in music tourism.
    • The Commerce Department’s Assistant Secretary for Travel and Tourism is uniquely positioned to identify and promote sites of musical significance.

    THE AMERICAN MUSIC TOURISM ACT

    • The American Music Tourism Act would leverage the existing framework within the Department of Commerce to highlight and promote music tourism in the United States. 
    • Specifically, this bill would require:
      • The Assistant Secretary to implement a plan to support and increase music tourism for both domestic and international visitors; and
      • A report to Congress on the successes and vulnerabilities of the Assistant Secretary’s goals to increase travel and tourism. 

    ENDORSEMENTS

    • The American Music Tourism Act is endorsed by the Recording Academy, Recording Industry Association of America, Nashville Songwriters Association International, American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers, National Music Publishers Association, Society of Composers and Lyricists, Live Nation Entertainment, National Independent Venue Association, Broadcast Music Inc., American Alliance of Museums, Airbnb, Overton Park Shell, Pigeon Forge Department of Tourism, Tennessee Entertainment Commission, Tennessee Department of Tourist Development, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Memphis Tourism, Memphis Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum, and Memphis Music Hall of Fame.

    CO-SPONORS

    • The American Music Tourism Act is co-sponsored by Senators Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn,), Gary Peters (D-Mich.), Andy Kim (D-N.J.), and Ted Budd (R-N.C.).

    RELATED

    Click here for bill text.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Protect what Matters Most: Register your Values at Risk

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Released on May 16, 2025

    With the start of the wildfire season, the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency (SPSA) is encouraging residents to take proactive steps to protect their property, environment and community by registering their Values At Risk (VAR).

    In wildfire terms, “Values At Risk” refers to the assets and property that could be affected by wildfire, including buildings, cabins, docks and homes.

    “By informing the SPSA about your cabin, home, or other significant assets, you will help fire managers prioritize protection efforts,” SPSA President and Fire Commissioner Marlo Pritchard said. “This information will also help improve response strategies and increase the likelihood of safeguarding what matters most to you.”

    To register a VAR, complete the online Values at Risk Form located at https://www.saskpublicsafety.ca/at-home/values-at-risk.

    SPSA staff are available to guide residents through the submission process. All information provided will remain confidential and will only be used by fire managers for wildfire management purposes.

    “Registering your Values At Risk is an important step toward protecting them, but it does not guarantee the SPSA will be able to protect your values from wildfire,” Pritchard said. “However, when the SPSA is informed about Values At Risk and can put protection units like sprinklers in place, it is very successful in saving those values.”

    The SPSA encourages all residents to take precautions to mitigate the risk of wildfire damage. The SPSA has FireSmart resources available on its website at saskpublicsafety.ca. 

    Established in 2017, the SPSA is a treasury board Crown corporation responsible for wildfire management, emergency management, Sask911, SaskAlert, the Civic Addressing Registry, the Provincial Disaster Assistance Program and fire safety. 

    -30-

    For more information, contact:

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Saskatchewan Heads to Poland on Nuclear Energy Mission

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Released on May 16, 2025

    Minister of Crown Investments Corporation (CIC) and Minister Responsible for SaskPower Jeremy Harrison will be leading a delegation to Poland to attend the World Nuclear Supply Chain Conference. The mission will deepen Saskatchewan’s ties with international nuclear industry stakeholders and showcase the province’s advantages in enhancing energy security around the world. 

    “This world-class conference is an incredible opportunity for Saskatchewan to collaborate with international governments, industries and suppliers, particularly those involved in nuclear reactor development,” Harrison said. “As a greenfield jurisdiction, our province needs to engage with experienced partners to learn about best practices, so we can improve efficiencies and lower costs in our nuclear journey.”

    While in Poland, the Minister will speak at the conference to highlight the significant role Saskatchewan will play in the expanding global outlook for nuclear energy. The delegation will also meet with government officials, utility companies, energy suppliers, manufacturers and new industry entrants, to explore potential opportunities for collaboration and profile Saskatchewan’s strengths. 

    “With the world’s highest grade uranium deposits, a robust mining sector, world-class research institutions and suppliers, Saskatchewan has what the world needs to fuel a growing global nuclear reactor fleet today and for decades to come,” Harrison said. “We need to promote our Saskatchewan advantages on the global stage to gain partnerships and attract future value-added investment. Saskatchewan will play an essential role in delivering on the global declaration to triple nuclear energy worldwide by 2050.”

    Northern Saskatchewan is home to the world’s largest high-grade uranium deposits. The province produces 100 per cent of Canada’s uranium and is the second largest uranium producer in the world. In 2024, Saskatchewan hit record production and export sales of uranium, valued at $2.6 billion.

    Cameco, Saskatchewan’s largest uranium producer, is recognized as a leading Indigenous employer in Canada, reinforcing the industry’s inclusive approach and boosting confidence in the long-term potential of Saskatchewan’s nuclear sector. Cameco’s acquisition of Westinghouse puts the province among major players supporting global growth for nuclear power.

    The Government of Saskatchewan continues to invest in building a nuclear workforce, suppliers and research capacities. It is working closely with the Saskatchewan Industrial and Mining Suppliers Association on a supply chain readiness project to prepare local suppliers and identify targeted opportunities to participate in nuclear supply chain development at home and around the world.

    In 2022, SaskPower announced the selection of the GE-Hitachi BWRX-300 reactor as the preferred technology for potential deployment in Saskatchewan. Since then, SaskPower has identified two high-potential hosting sites in the province, and is working through its newly established subsidiary, SaskNuclear, on licensing to deploy the SMR in Saskatchewan.

    The mission will run from May 18 to 22, 2025. 

    -30-

    For more information, contact:

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Britain’s net zero construction workforce is already at risk of burnt out

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Simon Addyman, Associate Professor in Project Management, UCL

    Kittirat Roekburi/Shutterstock

    The pressure of decarbonising industrial sectors is weighing on workers.

    The UK’s Labour government seeks a low-carbon and homegrown energy supply by 2030. The scale and pace of this transformation is unprecedented in the country’s power sector, and will involve building twice as much transmission infrastructure (pylons, cables, substations) in the next five years as was built over the last decade.

    Much of the workforce will be drawn from the construction sector, which employs 2.3 million people. Construction forms the dominant supply chain to the 17 major infrastructure projects involved in an overhaul of the electricity grid that will connect new wind farms in the North Sea and northern Scotland to homes and businesses across Great Britain.

    The workers “on the tools” who will carry out much of this transformation are struggling. The latest analysis from the Office for National Statistics suggests that the suicide risk of construction workers is three times higher than the male national average. Scholars of construction project management have identified a toxic workplace culture in the industry, citing aggressive market competition and demanding performance metrics.

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    This is a problem that is largely being ignored. When planners at the National Energy System Operator assessed the UK’s capacity to build a clean power sector by 2030, they considered the absolute number of workers needed, the skills required and how employment is changing in the sector.

    Their assessment failed to consider the broader implications for workforce mental health and wellbeing of such a quick and comprehensive upgrade – but it is people who are going through a rapid transition, not just infrastructure.

    Expect more of these in years to come.
    J R Patterson/Shutterstock

    Going green, feeling blue

    Construction workers already endure long hours and stress due to tight deadlines. A rapid transition to green power will substantially increase their workload, unless managed carefully.

    Our report, published July 2024, looked into wellbeing and suicide in the construction industry. We concluded that the UK government, major infrastructure owners such as National Grid and their supply chain partners who provide specialist design and construction services, must work together to solve this problem.

    Major infrastructure owners offer mental health services, such as confidential counselling, legal advice and financial guidance, to help their own employees manage personal or work-related issues. But most workers on the tools are not directly employed by these owners. Most are self-employed, or hired by construction firms, of which 99% are small- and medium-sized enterprises.

    More than 96% of construction firms have fewer than 15 employees. Smaller suppliers of specialist trade skills, like electrical and mechanical installation, have fewer employment protections and more compressed schedules, and are even less likely to have the capacity to provide these services.

    Some infrastructure owners and big construction companies extend their health and wellbeing services to these smaller suppliers. However, in an industry that is dominated by competitive tendering, which favours suppliers that keep costs low, it is no surprise that uptake has been low.

    Owners of infrastructure assets like electricity pylons and substations can drive workplace improvements by adopting procurement models that prioritise suppliers that are offering measures to improve worker wellbeing.

    Research from one of us (Jing Xu) and fellow project management expert Yanga Wu, has shown that the top-down prescriptive approach traditionally applied to health and safety in construction does not work for wellbeing. This requires a bottom-up approach, that makes it easy for workers to tell managers what they are struggling with and what they think would help.

    The construction sector also faces a shortage of workers and skills required for the green transition. The industry training board forecasts that the industry must attract the equivalent of 50,300 extra workers a year to meet expected levels of work over the next five years.

    The UK is not training enough workers to achieve net zero.
    Paya Mona/Shutterstock

    In the power sector, however, there is the additional complication of an ageing workforce, as well as differences in employment conditions between permanent and contract staff. Key expertise is at risk of being lost with retirements. Older workers often face additional pressure, not only to meet performance targets but also to compensate for gaps in expertise, and all within a fast-paced environment.

    To improve mental health and wellbeing among a diverse workforce requires engaging with workers directly and ensuring their voices are heard. This involves more than upgrading technical skills. Research to better understand how organisations can care for their workforce in the context of increasing pressures due to achieving net zero is also vital.

    Further research and collaboration with infrastructure owners and major construction contractors could help manage the risks and provide valuable insights for other sectors that will need to follow suit, such as heating, transport and agriculture.

    It is imperative to consider what a transition means: the technical transition of replacing outmoded technology, as well as the social transition, which prioritises not only skills but workplace mental health. Without a focus on both policy and people, clean power will not be delivered.

    Don’t have time to read about climate change as much as you’d like?

    Get a weekly roundup in your inbox instead. Every Wednesday, The Conversation’s environment editor writes Imagine, a short email that goes a little deeper into just one climate issue. Join the 45,000+ readers who’ve subscribed so far.

    Simon Addyman receives funding from University College London.

    Jing Xu receives funding from University College London.

    – ref. Britain’s net zero construction workforce is already at risk of burnt out – https://theconversation.com/britains-net-zero-construction-workforce-is-already-at-risk-of-burnt-out-249328

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Horrific, bizarre, lonely: how women going through the menopause describe their experiences

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Jessica Piasecki, Associate Professor in Exercise Physiology, Sport Science Department, Nottingham Trent University

    New Africa/Shutterstock

    Oestrogen and progesterone are the primary sex hormones in females, playing powerful roles throughout life – from puberty and periods to pregnancy and eventually menopause.

    During adolescence, these hormones surge, kick-starting the menstrual cycle. In adulthood, they fluctuate month to month, driving ovulation and menstruation. But between the ages of 45 and 55, their levels start to decline.

    This signals the beginning of perimenopause – the transitional phase leading to menopause, which is officially marked when a woman has gone 12 consecutive months without a period. After that, hormone levels settle at a lower, steady baseline, ushering in the postmenopausal stage.

    However, this hormonal journey is far from one-size-fits-all. Each woman’s hormonal profile is as individual as her fingerprint: pregnancy, breastfeeding, contraceptive use and lifestyle choices can all influence hormone levels in unique ways.

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    Oestrogen and progesterone don’t just affect the reproductive system, they also act directly on the brain. Both hormones can cross the blood-brain barrier and influence neural function. Oestrogen tends to excite brain activity, enhancing alertness and mood, while progesterone is more calming and balancing.

    When these hormone levels begin to fluctuate during perimenopause, they can disrupt many of the systems they regulate, especially in the brain. Common symptoms like hot flushes, night sweats, memory problems, mood swings, poor sleep and even depression are not just nuisances. They’re signs that the central nervous system is being affected.

    These neurological symptoms can have a domino effect on physical and mental health. In fact, research shows that women are more likely than men to experience frailty and cognitive decline in later life – a trend that may be linked to the hormonal shifts around menopause.

    That’s why it’s so important to approach menopause as a whole-body, whole-brain experience and not just a reproductive event.

    Experiences of menopause

    Along with colleagues from Nottingham Trent and Northumbria universities, I conducted research that explored how women describe their personal experiences of menopause. The findings were eye opening.

    When asked to sum up menopause in one word, participants offered responses like:
    “Anxiety.” “Horrific.” “Bizarre.” “Depression.” Many expressed frustration at the lack of clear, trustworthy information and a feeling of isolation. One woman said: “I don’t know what my body is capable of doing from one minute to the next … the pain, it’s just horrible.”

    Another described overwhelming fatigue: “I haven’t got the energy I had when I was young.” While others reported profound mental health struggles: “I had this thing where I hated myself”, “I would have a rage within me, which wasn’t me normally”, “I had depressive episodes and was very poorly.” One participant reported that she was “feeling overwhelmed and panicked about doing anything, even leaving the house”.

    These stories reveal the reality behind the statistics – menopause can be deeply destabilising, and for some women, life altering.

    The more symptoms women experience, the more their quality of life can be affected. But there is hope. Research shows that higher levels of physical activity are linked to fewer and less severe menopausal symptoms.

    That’s why our research team has taken our findings beyond the lab. Through public events and workshops, we’re helping women learn about how nutrition, brain health, and exercise can support them through the menopausal transition. And the impact goes beyond biology: gaining knowledge has been shown to boost self-confidence and help women feel more in control and less alone.

    There’s still much to learn about the full impact of menopause on the brain and body, but one thing is clear: supporting women through this major life stage is not optional – it’s essential.

    By continuing to share knowledge, break taboos and support one another, we can change the story of menopause from one of confusion and isolation to one of empowerment, understanding and resilience.

    Jessica Piasecki receives funding from The Royal Society and MyAge. She is affiliated with Power Group — National Institute of Women’s Health and Performance and Relative Energy .Deficiency-Sport (RED-S) interest group

    – ref. Horrific, bizarre, lonely: how women going through the menopause describe their experiences – https://theconversation.com/horrific-bizarre-lonely-how-women-going-through-the-menopause-describe-their-experiences-255996

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Insect protein could support healthy ageing and fight climate change

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Catherine Norton, Associate Professor Sport & Exercise Nutrition, University of Limerick

    Charoen Krung Photography/Shutterstock

    When we think about the future of food, it’s unlikely that crickets, meal worms or grasshoppers come to mind. But believe it or not, insects might just be one of the most promising answers to two big global problems: feeding a growing (and ageing) population and fighting climate change.
    As the world’s population heads towards 10 billion by 2050, we’re going to need a lot more food – and especially more protein.

    In Ireland, where our research was based, this matters even more because our population is ageing. Older adults need more protein to stay healthy and independent as they age, but often they don’t eat enough of it.

    At the same time, we also have to take care of the planet. Producing traditional protein sources like beef, pork and chicken uses up a lot of land, water and energy – and creates a lot of greenhouse gases.

    So, where do insects fit in?

    Insects are packed with high-quality protein. They also contain good fats, vitamins and minerals like iron and zinc. Some species are just as nutritious, if not more so, than chicken or beef.

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    Even better, they’re much more sustainable. Insects need very little space, water, or food to grow, and they produce far fewer greenhouse gas emissions. For example, crickets need 12 times less feed than cattle to produce the same amount of protein.

    This makes them a great option for countries like Ireland which wants to cut down on its environmental impact while still providing healthy food for everyone, including older adults who need extra protein to prevent muscle loss and frailty.

    Despite all the good things about insect protein, most people in Ireland aren’t exactly rushing out to eat a cricket sandwich. I led a research project, conducted by Sarah Mae Crosse, Aoife Finlay and Sarah Dooley, which looked at what Irish adults think about eating insects. We found that while some people are open to the idea, many still say “no thanks”.

    The main reasons? Disgust, fear of the unknown and not knowing how to cook or prepare them. People also worry about taste and texture. One participant said: “It’s just weird – it makes my stomach turn,” while another admitted they’d be okay with it “as long as I don’t see any legs sticking out”.

    Increasing appeal

    The way insects are served also makes a big difference. People are much more willing to try insect protein when it’s ground up into a powder and added to foods they already like, like protein bars, pasta, bread, or burgers. In this form, it’s just another ingredient and it doesn’t look like a bug anymore.

    Another big factor is education. When people learn about how insect protein can help the environment and support healthy ageing, they’re more likely to give it a go. In our student-led focus groups, some participants changed their minds after hearing about the benefits. “I didn’t realise it was so high in protein or that it’s good for the planet,” one said. “I’d try it now, especially if it tasted okay.”

    Getting more people on board with insect protein isn’t just about making it tasty – it’s also about trust. Clear rules and food safety standards from the government can help people feel more confident about trying something new. Plus, supermarkets and food producers need to make these products easy to find and affordable.

    Schools, colleges and community groups can play a big role too. Cooking demos, taste tests and education campaigns can make insect protein seem less weird and more like a smart, forward thinking choice. As more people try these foods and share their experiences, the idea of eating insects could go from gross to normal.

    It might take time, but insects could become an important part of the Irish diet. They’re good for our health, especially as we get older, and they’re good for the planet too. The key is helping people understand the benefits, get over the “ick” factor and find ways to enjoy them in everyday meals.

    With the right mix of science, education and smart marketing, we might all be munching on insect powered protein foods before long.

    Catherine Norton receives funding from government funding, research council grants and industry.

    With thanks to Sarah Mae Crosse, Aoife Finlay and Sarah Dooley, undergraduate students at the University of Limerick, who conducted this research.

    – ref. Insect protein could support healthy ageing and fight climate change – https://theconversation.com/insect-protein-could-support-healthy-ageing-and-fight-climate-change-255894

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Becca Balint Joins Democrats in Taking Down Cruel Republican Budget

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Becca Balint (VT-AL)

    Washington, D.C. – Today, Rep. Becca Balint (VT-AL) and Budget Democrats successfully blocked the Republican Budget that would have slashed Medicaid, food assistance and other critical programs that Americans rely on. The Republican plan cuts over $880 billion in cuts that would decimate Medicaid, risking the health care coverage for over 13.7 million Americans to bankroll tax breaks for billionaires and massive corporations. These cuts would put rural hospitals at risk of immediate closure due to these cuts, including many of Vermont’s hospitals. 

    “Budget Committee Republicans voted down their own bill because it wasn’t extreme enough to deny health care to 13.7 million Americans, they want to take it even further,” said Rep. Balint. “This failure means another opportunity to fight for what Americans need and want: affordable health care and an economy that works for all of us.” 

    The Republican Budget included: 

    • $7 trillion in deficit-financed tax cuts: $5.5 trillion that Republicans fraudulently claim are free, plus another $1.5 trillion in additional revenue losses
    • $880 billion in cuts that will decimate Medicaid
    • $230 billion in cuts that threaten food assistance
    • $5 trillion debt limit increase (Senate instruction)
    • More than $14 trillion in new debt over the decade 

    The Treasury Department found that the extension of the 2017 Trump tax cuts would give an average annual tax cut of $32,118 for those in the top 1 percent (family income over approximately $750,000 a year) and an average annual tax cut of $314,266 for those in the top 0.1 percent (making more than $3.5 million a year). Meanwhile, working families will only get a few hundred dollars in tax cuts a year.

    Read her opening remarks here: 

    “A budget is a reflection of our values, our priorities. What we view as the most important; and who we view as the most important. This Republican reconciliation package is cruel. It makes steep cuts to Medicaid. Millions and millions of people will lose their healthcare because of these cuts. Rural hospitals across this country will close because they won’t be able to make their margins to stay open. Medicaid is that margin.

    “My Republican colleagues twice voted on the previous budget framework that made steep cuts to Medicaid. And they said over and over that there were not going to be cuts to Medicaid. 

    “And yet here we are. My Republican colleagues are making cuts to Medicaid. And millions and millions of people will lose their healthcare.

    “But it’s not just a cruel budget. It’s also a cynical one.

    “Why? Why do I use the word cynical?  Because these cuts to Medicaid AND the billions of dollars in cuts to food programs are being made to help pay for a massive tax break for the wealthiest in this country. Food and healthcare versus even more money for people who don’t need Medicaid or food assistance. So, yes, I think it’s cruel and I think it’s cynical. 

    “And get this–despite being lectured repeatedly by Republicans about our country’s deficit, this bill actually adds trillions of dollars to the deficit. I’m serious. Trillions of dollars. 

    “So people will lose healthcare. Kids and veterans will go hungry. Rural hospitals face closures. And the very rich will get even richer at the expense of our children and grandchildren who will shoulder the burden of the additional debt.

    “Americans overwhelmingly do not want cuts to Medicaid or to food programs. 81% And when we see the full impact—when folks realize what’s being done in their name—they will be outraged. Because it’s a betrayal. 

    “Americans can’t pay their rent right now. Grocery prices are too high. Prescription drug prices are too high. And costs will get higher because of Trump’s stupid tariff regime. And small businesses are really struggling. This is Trump’s economy and it’s rigged against working people. 

    “This budget is not for working people or the middle class. It’s not for folks living paycheck to paycheck. It’s not for rural communities where health outcomes are the worst.

    “Our constituents are struggling. They feel that despite how hard they work, they can’t get ahead.  They’re angry. They want fairness. They want a decent life for themselves and their families.  We need to be their voices in this committee. 

    “Let’s not add to the struggles of our people back home. They deserve so much better than this. And Americans are fed up with the way that they are being treated.”  

    Watch her full remarks here. 

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi, Colleagues Send Bipartisan Letter to Secretary Marco Rubio Calling for a Streamlined H-1B Visa Renewal Process

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

    WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL) joined Congressmen Suhas Subramanyam (D-VA) and Rich McCormick (R-GA) in calling on Secretary of State Marco Rubio to provide eligible H-1B and other low-risk category visa holders with the option to renew their visas from within the United States. Under current practice, H-1B visa holders are required to return to their home countries in order to renew their visas, a time-consuming process that forces visa holders to travel internationally.

    Allowing visa holders to renew their paperwork in the U.S. would alleviate the burden on U.S. embassies and consulates, which often face backlogs, and ensure that skilled workers, critical to industries like technology and health care, can continue to contribute to the U.S. economy without disruption, ultimately benefiting American businesses and communities. The bipartisan letter comes on the heels of a highly successful domestic renewal pilot program in 2024 run by the State Department that allowed 20,000 H-1B visa holders to renew their forms in the U.S.

    “The 2024 pilot program for domestic visa renewals was a commonsense success, and now it’s time to build on that momentum,” Congressman Krishnamoorthi said. “Expanding and formalizing this program will reduce red tape, strengthen our economy, and help ensure that the United States continues to attract and retain the best and brightest talent from around the world.

    “The current process to renew H-1B visas is cumbersome and needs to be modernized,” Congressman Subramanyam said. “This bipartisan proposal, based on a successful bipartisan 2024 pilot program, will help streamline the H1-B process and avoid unnecessary processing delays.”

    “Building upon the 2024 pilot program for domestic visa renewals will demonstrate that we can modernize our immigration system while maintaining security and efficiency,” Congressman McCormick said. “As a fiscal conservative, I believe expanding and formalizing this initiative is crucial. It will alleviate the strain on American businesses, bolster our high-skilled workforce, and cut through the red tape holding back our economic edge. I’m proud to stand with my colleagues in pushing the administration to take this vital step toward a streamlined, future-focused visa process.”

    “Reinstating the domestic visa renewals pilot program, expanding it beyond the H-1B visa category, and clarifying the eligibility rules is an important step in the effort to modernize the immigration system,” Benjamin Johnson, Executive Director for American Immigration Lawyers Association, said. “It provides an opportunity for the Department of State to alleviate the visa backlog, increase efficiency, stimulate economic growth, and strengthen America’s ability to retain talented individuals.”

    “The United States is currently relying on an immigration system designed for a different country at a different time. Expanding the domestic visa renewal pilot will allow us to maintain our leadership in the global race for talent, reduce excessive wait times, alleviate processing backlogs, and provide certainty for immigrants working in the U.S. and their employers,” Todd Schulte, President of FWD.us, said. “It is in our country’s best interest to have a more efficient legal immigration system that improves its ability to attract and retain top talent from around the world and maximizes their contributions in critical industries. We thank Representatives Krishnamoorthi, Subramanyam, and McCormick for their leadership and the 17 members who signed this letter.”

    “Domestic visa reissuance has been suspended since 2004,” Jeremy Neufeld, Director of High-Skilled Immigration Policy at Institute for Progress, said. “A successful pilot program last year showed that it’s time to bring it back. IFP thanks lawmakers for their leadership in working to make visa processing more efficient and less disruptive.”

    “Consular officers stationed across the globe are tasked with vetting new travelers seeking entry into the United States,” Sam Peak, Policy Manager for the Economic Innovation Group, said. “However, much of their caseload consists of reviewing visa renewals for professionals who have already been approved and have resided in the country for many years. This reform helps ensure that the U.S. Bureau of Consular Affairs can provide more efficient and thorough vetting of higher-risk visa applicants. EIG applauds this bipartisan group for championing this effort.

    In the letter to Secretary Rubio, the lawmakers strongly urged the administration to build upon the successful 2024 pilot program for domestic visa renewals and quickly take the necessary steps to formalize and expand the initiative with clear eligibility rules. The pilot program allowed certain eligible H-1B visa holders to renew their visas within the United States, an important first step in modernizing our visa processing system. The lawmakers urged Secretary Rubio to ensure that the program not only continues but is expanded to include additional E, H, I, L, O, and P visas to ease unnecessary burdens on workers and businesses alike.

    Up until 2004, the United States allowed E, H, I, L, O, and P visas holders to renew their visas domestically. This practice was discontinued by the State Department in response to the Enhanced Border Security and Visa Entry Reform Act of 2002. While this change was not legislatively required by Congress, the 2002 law mandated stricter biometric screening for visa applicants. At the time, the State Department had more capacity to collect this information in embassies and consulates abroad than domestically. The 2024 pilot program was limited to those individuals who had already had their biometrics captured overseas and whose biometrics can be reused.  Expanding the pilot program and making it permanent would align with the findings of the Secure Borders and Open Doors Advisory Committee, convened by President George W. Bush, that recommended reinstating domestic renewals for low-risk visa categories in 2008.

    The letter can be read and downloaded here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi Slams Congressional Republicans’ Push to Gut Social Safety Net Programs During Oversight Subcommittee Hearing

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

    WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL) denounced Republican efforts to dismantle and weaken critical social safety net programs such as Medicaid and affordable housing during a House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform Subcommittee on Health Care and Financial Services. During his opening statement as ranking member of the subcommittee, Congressman Krishnamoorthi condemned recent proposals made by Congressional Republicans and President Donald Trump that call for Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to be cut by more than $1.1 trillion, a move that would greatly benefit the wealthiest Americans and special interests at the expense of tens of millions of Americans, including millions of Illinoisans, who would lose health care coverage and access to food on the table for themselves and their families.

    “Slashing the budgets of these critical lifelines will not magically eliminate inefficiencies,” Congressman Krishnamoorthi said during his opening statement. “What it will do is inflict real, immediate harm on our constituents. No matter if they live in red states or blue states. Children will go to bed hungry. Seniors will forgo lifesaving medications. Hardworking families, many of whom are already working multiple jobs, will face the agonizing choice between paying rent and putting food on the table. We must not lose sight of the real-life consequences of these policy debates.”

    Throughout his question line and his opening and closing statements, Congressman Krishnamoorthi repeatedly spoke on his own personal experience with social safety net programs. After immigrating to the U.S. when he was only four months old, Congressman Krishnamoorthi’s family depended on housing assistance and food stamps, now referred to as SNAP.

    “I’m so passionate about the benefits of the safety net because I’ve experienced them,” Congressman Krishnamoorthi said. “These programs sustained my parents until my father got a great job in, of all places, Peoria, Illinois. My parents realized the American Dream, and they never took it for granted. I haven’t either.”

    During his question line, Congressman Krishnamoorthi criticized the Republican witnesses, including former Housing and Urban Development Secretary Ben Carson, for pushing false narratives surrounding anti-poverty programs and called them out for backing policy proposals that negatively impact working-class families that depend on programs to get back on their feet. Congressman Krishnamoorthi specifically called out former Secretary Carson for calling the Affordable Care Act (ACA) “the worst thing that has happened in this nation since slavery,” pointing out that 65 million Americans have access to health care because of the ACA.

    Congressman Krishnamoorthi went on to point out the hypocrisy of Republicans calling for drastic cuts to programs that help working-class families while backing massive tax cuts and subsidies for large corporations, citing a Cato Institute study that found that corporate welfare costs the federal government $181 billion per year. Congressman Krishnamoorthi also cited a recent Wall Street Journal article that estimates President Trump’s self-imposed tariffs will cost American households at least $2,100 a year and would lower household income by 2.1 percent.

    The Congressman’s full opening statement is available here, his question line is available here, and his closing statement is available here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi Statement on the Release of Edan Alexander

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

    SCHAUMBURG,IL – Following the news that Edan Alexander has been freed after more than 580 days in captivity, Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi issued the following statement:

    “I am deeply relieved that Edan Alexander is finally coming home after more than 580 days in captivity. His release is a long-overdue moment of hope, and my thoughts are with him and his loved ones as they begin the healing process.

    We must remain unwavering in our efforts to secure the safe return of every remaining hostage and to advance a durable peace rooted in a two-state solution without Hamas — one that ensures Israel’s security, upholds dignity for the Palestinian people, and delivers a future free from terror and violence across the region.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SBA Relief Still Available to Louisiana Small Businesses, Nonprofits and Residents Affected by March Storms

    Source: United States Small Business Administration

    SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is reminding eligible small businesses, nonprofits, and residents in Louisiana of the June 16 deadline to apply for low interest federal disaster loans to offset physical damage caused by severe storms and flooding occurring March 29–April 2.

    The disaster declaration covers the Louisiana parishes of Acadia, Evangeline, Jefferson Davis, Lafayette, St. Landry and Vermilion.

    Small businesses and nonprofits are eligible to apply for business physical disaster loans and may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace disaster-damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory, and other business assets.

    Homeowners and renters are eligible to apply for home and personal property loans and may borrow up to $100,000 to replace or repair personal property, such as clothing, furniture, cars, and appliances. Homeowners may apply for up to $500,000 to replace or repair their primary residence.

    Applicants may also be eligible for a loan increase of up to 20% of their physical damage, as verified by the SBA, for mitigation purposes. Eligible mitigation improvements include strengthening structures to protect against high wind damage, upgrading to wind rated garage doors, and installing a safe room or storm shelter to help protect property and occupants from future damage.

    “One distinct advantage of SBA’s disaster loan program is the opportunity to fund upgrades reducing the risk of future storm damage,” said Chris Stallings, associate administrator of the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the SBA. “I encourage businesses and homeowners to work with contractors and mitigation professionals to improve their storm readiness while taking advantage of SBA’s physical damage loans.”

    SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program is available to eligible small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, nurseries and private nonprofit (PNP) organizations impacted by financial losses directly related to this disaster. The SBA is unable to provide disaster loans to agricultural producers, farmers, or ranchers, except for aquaculture enterprises.

    Interest rates can be as low as 4% for small businesses, 3.62% for nonprofits, and 2.75% for homeowners and renters, with terms up to 30 years. Interest does not begin to accrue, and payments are not due until 12 months from the date of the first loan disbursement. The SBA sets loan amounts and terms, based on each applicant’s financial condition.

    To apply online, visit sba.gov/disaster. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.

    The deadline to return physical damage applications is June 16.

    ###

    About the U.S. Small Business Administration

    The U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of business ownership. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow, expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Statement from Governor Phil Scott on Need for Housing Legislation This Session

    Source: US State of Vermont

    Montpelier, Vt – Governor Phil Scott issued the following statement in response to housing bills, S.127 and H.479:

    “For the last eight years, I’ve been sounding the alarm about our housing crisis. Vermonters across the state are impacted by a lack of housing options – from renters, to first time homebuyers, and retirees looking to downsize. That’s why, in January, I proposed legislation to move the needle on the housing we desperately need.  

    “This included expanding infrastructure for housing and flood recovery by modifying the existing TIF program to include a project-based option – so smaller towns with fewer resources can access this economic tool as easily as larger cities and towns.

    “We proposed changes to our permitting process, because it’s difficult to navigate, which has led to project costs skyrocketing and fewer homes being built because it doesn’t make financial sense.

    “We also asked the legislature to expand and extend the Act 250 exemptions that are expiring soon, to give rural communities opportunities to thrive and grow. In addition, we proposed reforms to the wetlands permitting and appeals process which will help places like Barre, Montpelier and Plainfield, as they recover from recent flooding.

    As the legislative session comes to a close, I’m concerned we have not done nearly enough on housing. With 41,000 more homes needed by 2030 (just to catch up) we cannot afford to kick the can down the road again. Last session, the Legislature passed 70 bills in three days, so I’m confident there is still time to pass a housing bill that actually helps Vermont, because without action, we will fall further behind.”

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: King, Colleagues Demand Information on $400 Million Qatari Plane Bribe

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Maine Angus King
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME) is joining his colleagues today in demanding the Department of Defense be transparent with them about the substantial national security risks of the $400 million Air Force One bribe from the Qatari royal family. Just days after Senator King told Scripps News that the jet transfer “poses a serious national security risk,” he signed a letter to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Secretary of the Air Force Troy Meink, seeking answers about the unnecessary danger that an unsecure and unprotected Air Force One would present to the President.
    The Air Force has been working with Boeing to deliver two brand new 747 jets to be used as Air Force One. However, with the delivery date of the new aircraft not expected until 2027, the White House has proposed accepting the Qatari plane as a short-term alternative. Nevertheless, Article I of the Constitution, specifically the emoluments clause, bars anyone holding government office from accepting any gift or bribe from any “King, Prince, or foreign State,” without congressional consent.
    “[We] write today with alarm over the dangers to operational and national security presented by President Trump’s desire to execute an unconstitutional and unseemly acceptance of a $400 million gift from the Qatari royal family in the form of a luxury Boeing 747-8 aircraft. To serve as Air Force One during his administration, the U.S. Department of Defense would be required to accelerate a comprehensive upgrade to the aircraft, with the direct cost to the American taxpayer likely exceeding $1 billion. We are especially concerned about the operational security and counterintelligence risks of potentially using this aircraft for sensitive Presidential travel— and the massive cost to American taxpayers to identify and close critical vulnerabilities,” the lawmakers said.
    The Senators continued, “Having the President travel without the necessary security precautions or secure communications renders the aircraft an easy target for adversaries to gain access to sensitive Presidential-level discussions or classified information, impeding the success of ongoing military operations and endangering our servicemembers… President Trump is claiming that this ‘gift’ of an aircraft worth $400 million is saving taxpayers money, but in reality, his decision will force taxpayers to foot an unnecessary bill – potentially more than $1 billion—to convert a foreign-provided aircraft into the fortress necessary to protect him and his communications—all while taxpayers are already paying at least $3.9 billion for the contract for two aircraft currently being built by Boeing to add to the Air Force One fleet.”
      
    In addition to King, the letter is signed by U.S. Senators Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Assistant Minority Leader Dick Durbin (D-IL), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) and Elizabeth Warren (D-MA).
    The full text of the letter can be found here and below.
    +++
    Dear Secretary Hegseth and Secretary Meink:
    We write today with alarm over the dangers to operational and national security presented by President Trump’s desire to execute an unconstitutional and unseemly acceptance of a $400 million gift from the Qatari royal family in the form of a luxury Boeing 747-8 aircraft. To serve as Air Force One during his administration, the U.S. Department of Defense would be required to accelerate a comprehensive upgrade to the aircraft, with the direct cost to the American taxpayer likely exceeding $1 billion. We are especially concerned about the operational security and counterintelligence risks of potentially using this aircraft for sensitive Presidential travel— and the massive cost to American taxpayers to identify and close critical vulnerabilities.
    This announcement alone could pose a threat to Presidential protection now and in the future. President Trump’s public statement on May 12 that the U.S. would accept the Qatari aircraft— before the aircraft was in our Nation’s custody—provides a dangerous opportunity to exploit for foreign intelligence agencies and adversaries seeking to do harm to the United States, who have a great incentive to gain access to the aircraft and individuals with sensitive knowledge and understanding of the Qatar royal family’s “Palace in the Sky.”
    Importantly, protecting Air Force One from compromise, attack or disruption is a critical mission of the Air Force and the entire U.S. Department of Defense. A threat to an Air Force One aircraft would not only endanger the President, but also the Air Force pilots and servicemembers in the 89th Airlift Wing who serve on or maintain the aircraft.
    We know that the Air Force One fleet has extensive technical requirements each aircraft must meet in order to protect the President from any threats during travel, ensure the aircraft can continue to operate at the ranges necessary (such as through refueling capabilities) and guarantee that the President can communicate continuously and securely, a capability that would prove essential in an unforeseen foreign or domestic crisis. One of the most consequential aspects of this mission is to ensure nuclear command and control remains intact even while the President travels—a cornerstone of our deterrent.
    It is unclear whether and how, if President Trump proceeds with this plan to accept this aircraft, the Department plans to ensure the aircraft can meet the necessary high standards for operational security, counterintelligence and Presidential protection under the hastened timeframe arbitrarily set by President Trump to use it for travel before the end of his term in 2029.
    An unsecure and unprotected Air Force One presents clear dangers to our national security. Having the President travel without the necessary security precautions or secure communications renders the aircraft an easy target for adversaries to gain access to sensitive Presidential-level discussions or classified information, impeding the success of ongoing military operations and endangering our servicemembers.
    This potential move also presents concerning indications of waste, fraud and abuse. Experts estimate that upgrading this unvetted aircraft to meet essential security specifications could cost upwards of $1 billion. President Trump is claiming that this “gift” of an aircraft worth $400 million is saving taxpayers money, but in reality, his decision will force taxpayers to foot an unnecessary bill – potentially more than $1 billion—to convert a foreign-provided aircraft into the fortress necessary to protect him and his communications—all while taxpayers are already paying at least $3.9 billion for the contract for two aircraft currently being built by Boeing to add to the Air Force One fleet.
    One expert speaking to Defense News said that, to achieve all the features of Air Force One with this unvetted plane, this option would “be a step backward.” Instead of accelerating delivery of a secure plane for Presidential travel, as the administration contends, “they’d have to start over again with what they’ve been working on with the other 747-8” under the existing Boeing program. “Starting over again with the same plane would take a lot longer.”
    This administration has been vocal about its commitment to efficiency and cost-savings in the federal government. But spending taxpayer money on efforts to upgrade this Qatari jet – when the President currently travels securely – is unnecessary and wasteful. We require answers to the following questions regarding the operational risks surrounding the President’s possible acceptance of this aircraft, either in writing or in a briefing to us no later than June 1, 2025. Please provide answers at whatever classification level necessary.
    Please detail the mitigation steps and counterintelligence countermeasures that the U.S. Department of Defense and the Intelligence Community would take to prevent foreign intelligence services from exploiting the aircraft before it is safely in U.S. custody.
    Which agencies will perform counterintelligence and technical surveillance countermeasures?
    What resources will be required for these agencies to perform these countermeasures?
    Please detail the certification procedures and standard technical requirements for Presidential protection, operational security, counterintelligence and secure communications required of Air Force One.
    Please provide a detailed plan for how the Air Force will retrofit this aircraft to certify that it meets these standard requirements.
    Which agencies will be responsible for certifying that there are no physical or cyber vulnerabilities?
    What resources will be required for these agencies to perform these certifications?
    Please provide a cost estimate and required timeline for retrofitting this aircraft, including certifying against vulnerabilities, installing secure communications and installing other protective or other equipment necessary to meet the security and counterintelligence requirements for the Air Force One fleet.
    What timeline has been directed for clearing the aircraft for Presidential use, and can the required certifications and preparations be conducted in such timeline?
    What risks have you been directed to accept?
    What vulnerabilities will remain as a result?
    What mitigation steps will you take to address these remaining vulnerabilities?
    How will these vulnerabilities impact the operations of the 89th Airlift Wing?
    How will these vulnerabilities impact other core missions of the Department of Defense, such Presidential command and control during crises and contingencies?
    Please provide a risk assessment, in coordination with the Intelligence Community, regarding if and how increased public scrutiny of Air Force One capabilities has affected threats to our Presidential protection procedures and capabilities.
    Please provide details and documentation of what analysis of alternative aircraft or options the U.S. Department of Defense undertook before settling on the proposal for the Qatari aircraft.
    Please provide copies of any communications between the Department of Defense and the Qatari government or its representatives regarding this proposal.
    Reports indicate that the U.S. Department of Defense may be considering “loosening” requirements of the contract with Boeing to deliver 747-8 aircraft to serve in the Air Force One fleet in order to accelerate delivery from 2029 to 2027. Please provide details 3 of any proposed or decided changes to these requirements and documentation of the Department of Defense’s analysis of tradeoffs of this desired acceleration.
    Please provide the assessed impacts of the Department’s plans vis a vis this aircraft on the planned delivery timelines for the existing contract for the other Boeing 747-8 aircraft currently in development, including the potential diversion of specialized DoD personnel to conduct or oversee these upgrades as opposed to work on the existing contract.
    The American people deserve to understand this administration’s plans for securing this aircraft, the vulnerabilities its use will present to our national security and the price tag they will be asked to pay for President Trump’s decision to integrate this aircraft into our most sensitive fleet.
    Sincerely,

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Warner, Coons, Shaheen, Reed, Kelly, Himes, Krishnamoorthi on Trump’s Middle East AI Giveaway

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Commonwealth of Virginia Mark R Warner
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner (D-VA), Chris Coons (D-DE), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Jack Reed (D-RI), and Mark Kelly (D-AZ), as well as Congressmen Jim Himes (D-CT) and Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL) issued the following statement in response to President Trump’s artificial intelligence deals that were announced with the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia this week:
    “Democrats and Republicans have long agreed that American companies must remain the undisputed leader in AI, a rapidly developing technology critical to the future of everything from our national security to manufacturing, finance to health care. We have worked hard to ensure the most powerful AI systems are built here, and we have fought to restrict the most sophisticated chips from reaching China – or those who would grant remote access to China – given Beijing’s use of AI to strengthen its military, crack down on domestic dissent, and compete with the U.S.
    “President Trump announced deals to export very large volumes of advanced AI chips to the UAE and Saudi Arabia without credible security assurances to prevent U.S. adversaries from accessing those chips. These deals pose a significant threat to U.S. national security and fundamentally undermine bipartisan efforts to ensure the United States remains the global leader in AI. Rather than putting America first, this deal puts the Gulf first.
    “The volume of AI chips Trump is offering for export would deprive American AI developers of highly sought-after chips needed here and slow the U.S. AI buildout. Under this deal, data centers and AI systems that would otherwise be built in America will be built in the Middle East – at the exact time that President Trump says he wants to bring jobs and key industries back home. This deal would incentivize U.S. firms to build the factories of the future overseas, creating significant vulnerabilities in our AI supply chain. If our leading AI firms offshore their frontier computing infrastructure to the Middle East, we could become as reliant on the Middle East for AI as we are on Taiwan for advanced semiconductors – and as we used to be on the Middle East for oil. We should not foster new dependencies on foreign countries for this premier technology.
    “Additionally, these deals will provide our highest end chips to G42, a company with a well-documented history of cooperation with the People’s Republic of China. We applaud the administration’s efforts to limit exports of advanced AI chips to China, including recent actions to further restrict exports of Nvidia chips. However, these efforts will be for nothing if G42 or other companies with ties to China are given large quantities of our most advanced chips. 
    “Proponents of the deal argue that China will fill the gap if we do not sell substantial quantities of advanced chips to these countries. This is false. China cannot and will not because China makes fewer chips as a nation than these deals offer, and each is inferior to their U.S.-designed equivalent. This is thanks to the bipartisan efforts under both the Trump and Biden administrations to cut off China’s access to advanced chip manufacturing equipment. These efforts have worked, and we should double down on this success rather than squander the leverage we have won.
    “If this deal succeeds, the offshoring of frontier American AI will be recorded as an historic American blunder. People around the world deserve to enjoy the benefits we will reap from AI. However, AI chips must only be exported to trusted companies, in reasonable numbers, and in concert with credible security standards and assurances. We welcome the opportunity to work with the administration to meet these objectives and urge our colleagues in Congress to do the same.”
    Senator Warner is Vice Chair of the Senate Intelligence Committee. Senator Coons is Ranking Member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense. Senator Shaheen is Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. Senator Reed is Ranking Member of the Senate Armed Services Committee. Senator Kelly is a member of the Senate Intelligence Committee. Congressman Himes is Ranking Member of the House Intelligence Committee. Congressman Krishnamoorthi is Ranking Member of the House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Saskatchewan Introduces Point of Care Testing to Three More Rural Emergency Departments

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Released on May 16, 2025

    Residents of the Kamsack, La Loche and Shaunavon areas will benefit from enhanced access to emergency health care at their hospitals through an innovative approach to laboratory services, known as Point of Care Testing (POCT). 

    Expanding to these locations is part of the Government of Saskatchewan’s investment of $33,000 per site to provide emergency departments in rural and remote locations with POCT devices, enabling trained health care staff to conduct a critical range of specific diagnostics, like hemoglobin, white blood cell count, blood sugar and cardiac tests, delivering the results to providers in under 30 minutes.

    “Expanding point-of-care testing into rural and remote communities across Saskatchewan empowers our frontline professionals to deliver rapid diagnostic services and ensures patients receive important lab tests and necessary care when regular lab staff are not available,” Seniors and Rural and Remote Health Minister Lori Carr said. “We continue to support the Saskatchewan Health Authority’s efforts to recruit more lab staff in rural areas and will continue working to keep emergency services stabilized across the province.”

    “With point-of-care testing, local health care teams deliver rapid, accurate laboratory results without delay when laboratory staff are unavailable at the facility,” Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA), Provincial Clinical and Support Services, Executive Director of Laboratory Medicine Brandi Keller said. “This approach ensures patients receive prompt access to diagnosis and treatment as close to their home as possible and supports reliable access to emergency departments in rural and remote communities.” 

    POCT is part of an overall strategy aimed at keeping rural and remote emergency departments open and accessible when regular local laboratory services are temporarily unavailable by providing physicians with vital information for quick decision-making in emergencies.

    Since it was first piloted in Leader, Maple Creek and Wynyard in 2023, POCT in the rural communities has safely and effectively prevented a total of 91 potential emergency department disruptions, as of April 15, 2025.

    The POCT model is a supplementary initiative aimed at filling temporary gaps in laboratory coverage to maintain access to emergency care in rural and remote communities, while the province remains committed to recruiting staff to rural laboratories. 

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    For more information, contact:

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • PNG driving India’s growth: over 1.47 crore households, 45,000 businesses connected

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas, Hardeep Singh Puri, on Friday highlighted the transformative role of Piped Natural Gas (PNG) in India’s energy landscape. He noted that PNG is now supplying clean fuel to over 1.47 crore households, approximately 45,000 commercial establishments, and more than 20,000 industries across the country.

    In a post on social media platform X, Puri stated, “Over the last decade, commercial PNG connections have increased by 164%, while industrial connections have surged by a remarkable 308%.”

    He described PNG as an eco-friendly and cost-effective energy solution, adding, “It helps industries cut down fuel expenses, thereby lowering production costs and improving profitability.”

    The Minister also underlined the logistical benefits of PNG, saying the 24×7 pipeline supply ensures uninterrupted operations without the challenges of storage or fuel shortages.

    Calling it a safer energy option, Puri pointed out that PNG reduces the risk of gas leaks and is particularly advantageous for commercial centres and industrial units.

    He further noted that the expanding adoption of PNG is significantly benefiting small and medium enterprises (SMEs), aiding in job creation and strengthening local economies. “The commercial adoption of PNG is playing a crucial role in supporting SMEs, which in turn contributes to employment generation and bolsters local economic development,” he said.

    This growth comes on the back of a massive expansion of the City Gas Distribution (CGD) network over the past decade, driven by sustained government efforts. The CGD infrastructure now covers 100% of India’s population, marking a milestone in accessibility to clean energy.

    According to official figures, commercial PNG connections have risen to 45,000, a 164% increase, while industrial connections have crossed the 20,000 mark, registering a 308% growth.

    Earlier this month, on May 5, Puri also highlighted the impact of the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY). Sharing insights on X, he showcased how the scheme has brought transformative changes to underprivileged communities, expanding access to clean cooking fuel.

    (With inputs from IANS)