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  • MIL-OSI USA: Senators Peters, Cassidy Announce Bipartisan Legislation to Strengthen the Resiliency of U.S. Power Grids

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Michigan Gary Peters

    WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senators Gary Peters (D-MI) and Bill Cassidy (R-LA) announced new bipartisan legislation to strengthen the resiliency of power grids across the country. The senators’ Preventing Power Outages Act would reauthorize two U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) grant programs that help states and utilities invest in modernizing their grid infrastructure to ensure the power stays on even in the face of extreme weather and natural disasters. The bill would also update these programs to ensure that sufficient funding goes to states whose grids are least reliable and require the most investment.  

    “Thousands of Michigan households lost power for weeks on end after the catastrophic ice storm that recently hit Northern Michigan and the Upper Peninsula, and our dedicated lineman are still working to fully restore power in some communities. This devastating storm was just one of many severe weather events in recent years that significantly disrupted our electrical grid and, as a result, risked the safety of Michiganders. It’s clear that our power infrastructure is in dire need of upgrades in order to keep our residents safe, keep energy costs down, and meet the growing demands of our communities,” said Senator Peters. “I’m leading this bipartisan bill to help ensure Michigan can access the federal resources we need to strengthen our power grid to reduce outages, improve reliability, and deliver affordable power to every Michigan household.” 

    “I was at an event this week where President Trump emphasized the need for growth and power generation to fuel our future economy. He specifically spoke of the problems with our grid,” said Dr. Cassidy. “This is one more step in addressing those problems that President Trump was speaking of.”

    Many states, including Michigan and Louisiana, are in need of long-term, strategic investment to improve the resiliency of their grid infrastructure and deliver reliable power to households and businesses. However, without federal assistance, grid repair costs often ultimately fall to the very consumers that are being impacted by rising energy rates, poor reliability, and long service restoration times. 

    The Preventing Power Outages Act would reauthorize and update DOE’s Grid Resilience State/Tribal Formula Grants Program and Grid Resilience Utility and Industry Grants Program – which have spurred historic investment in much-needed grid improvements in recent years but are set to expire in 2026. Funding from these programs can be used for undergrounding electrical equipment, utility pole management, relocating power lines, and more. It can also be used to acquire innovative technologies including weatherization equipment, fire-resistant technologies, and fire prevention systems. Without reauthorization, states that require significant grid upgrades could go without the necessary investments to address ongoing challenges. The senators’ legislation aims to protect these critical federal resources and ensure Americans across the country have access to safe, reliable, and affordable power. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Peters Announces Bipartisan Legislation to Strengthen the Resiliency of Michigan’s Power Grid

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Michigan Gary Peters

    Peters’ Bill Comes After Hundreds of Thousands of Michigan Residents Lost Power Due to Devastating Ice Storm

    WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) announced new bipartisan legislation to strengthen the resiliency of power grids in Michigan and across the country. Peters’ Preventing Power Outages Act would reauthorize two U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) grant programs that help states and utilities invest in modernizing their grid infrastructure to help ensure that the power stays on even during extreme weather and natural disasters. The bill – which Peters introduced with U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy (R-LA) – would also update these programs to ensure that sufficient funding goes to states whose grids are least reliable and require the most investment, like Michigan.  

    “Thousands of Michigan households lost power for weeks on end after the catastrophic ice storm that recently hit Northern Michigan and the Upper Peninsula, and our dedicated lineman are still working to fully restore power in some communities. This devastating storm was just one of many severe weather events in recent years that significantly disrupted our electrical grid and, as a result, risked the safety of Michiganders. It’s clear that our power infrastructure is in dire need of upgrades in order to keep our residents safe, keep energy costs down, and meet the growing demands of our communities,” said Senator Peters. “I’m leading this bipartisan bill to help ensure Michigan can access the federal resources we need to strengthen our power grid to reduce outages, improve reliability, and deliver affordable power to every Michigan household.” 

    In 2024, the Michigan Public Service Commission released the results of an independent, third-party audit that found Michigan’s power infrastructure severely underperformed in reliability and service restoration times. This report highlighted the numerous challenges facing Michigan’s energy systems and the severe need for long-term, strategic investment to improve grid resiliency and deliver reliable power for all Michigan residents. However, without federal assistance, grid repair costs often ultimately fall to the very consumers that are being impacted by rising energy rates, poor reliability, and long service restoration times.  

    Peters’ Preventing Power Outages Act would reauthorize and update DOE’s Grid Resilience State/Tribal Formula Grants Program and Grid Resilience Utility and Industry Grants Program – which have collectively delivered over $123 million in federal funding to Michigan to date for much-need grid improvements but are set to expire in 2026. Funding from these programs can be used for undergrounding electrical equipment, utility pole management, relocating power lines, and more. It can also be used to acquire innovative technologies including weatherization equipment, fire-resistant technologies, and fire prevention systems. Without reauthorization, states like Michigan that require significant grid upgrades could go without the necessary investments to address ongoing challenges. Peters’ legislation aims to protect these critical federal resources and ensure Michiganders and Americans across the country have access to safe, reliable, and affordable power. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Following Urging of Senator Collins, HHS Releases $400 Million for LIHEAP Program

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Maine Susan Collins

    Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Susan Collins released the following statement in response to the Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) Administration for Children and Families’ decision to release more than $400 million in funding for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). This action comes following a letter sent by Senators Collins, Jack Reed (D-RI), and Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), and signed by 10 of their Senate colleagues, to HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., highlighting the importance of swift distribution of LIHEAP funds and urging the Department to avoid any cuts to regular programmatic funding.

    “LIHEAP funding provides vital relief to thousands of Mainers, helping them avoid the constant worry of having to choose between heating or cooling their homes and covering other basic necessities,” said Senator Collins. “I am glad that following our outreach, the Department has released the full amount of funding for this critical program. As Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, I will continue to support this program and work to ensure that households in Maine and throughout the country can afford to heat their homes.”

    The federally funded LIHEAP is a crucial lifeline that helps 6.2 million low-income households and seniors on fixed incomes afford their energy bills, including those who use natural gas, propane, electricity, and home heating oil. Without this assistance, many Americans may not be able to afford their utility bills and could end up falling victim to extreme weather.

    LIHEAP is administered by states and accessed through local Community Action Agencies. Eligibility for LIHEAP is based on income, family size, and the availability of resources. Senior citizens and those receiving Social Security Disability or SSI benefits are encouraged to apply as early as possible, but applications will be open to everyone until the funding is exhausted.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Voting Rights Under Attack by Trump and Republicans, Welch Warns

    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, yesterday joined his Democratic colleagues on the Senate Floor to speak out against President Trump’s and Republicans’ ongoing attacks on the right to vote and pledge his commitment to protecting access to the ballot box. Senator Welch condemned President Trump’s new antidemocratic executive order that would effectively disenfranchise millions of eligible citizens. The Senator also warned about the dangers of Congressional Republicans’ SAVE Act, which recently passed the House of Representatives and contains many of the problematic provisions in President Trump’s Executive Order.  
    “This Executive Order makes an assumption that noncitizen voting is a problem. The assertion that noncitizens are voting is alarming. Fortunately, it’s not true,” said Senator Welch. “Also, federal law already bars noncitizens from voting in congressional and presidential elections. This is not a question of whether there’s some back door effort on the part of one party to allow noncitizens to vote. It can’t be done. Illegal now—this executive order would not change that.” 
    Watch Senator Welch’s speech below: 

    Senator Welch was joined on the Senate Floor by Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) and Sens. Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), and Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.).  
    Senator Welch’s Committee and Subcommittee Assignments for the 119th Congress include:   

    Senate Committee on Finance   
    Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, & Forestry  

    Ranking Member, Subcommittee on Rural Development, Energy, and Credit   

    Senate Committee on the Judiciary 

    Ranking Member, Subcommittee on the Constitution   

    Senate Committee on Rules & Administration  

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Wildfire Community Preparedness Day: PEMCO urges PNW residents to prepare for hot and dry summer

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SEATTLE, May 01, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — While the Pacific Northwest is just beginning to defrost from a wet and cold winter, PEMCO Insurance reminds residents that now is the time to prepare homes and neighborhoods for wildfire season. With Wildfire Community Preparedness Day approaching on Saturday, May 3, PEMCO is providing simple, proactive steps to reduce the risk of fire before dry, hot conditions set in.

    While many people think large flames are the main danger are the main threat, it’s actually embers – tiny, windblown pieces of burning material that are often responsible for the most destruction. As many as 90% of homes and buildings damaged or destroyed in fires are first ignited by embers not the main fire. These small embers can travel up to a mile ahead of the fire, igniting homes and vegetation far beyond the initial spark.

    “One ember can spell disaster for a home or even an entire neighborhood,” said Calvin Strong, Chief Claims Officer at PEMCO Insurance. “That’s why it’s so important to take action now. Things like cleaning your gutters, sealing up vents, and clearing away debris can make all the difference when embers are in the air.”

    Here’s some simple ways you can prepare your home for wildfire season:

    • Clean your gutters. Accumulated leaves and needles provide tinder for floating embers. 
    • Screen eave and foundation vents with 1/8-inch wire mesh to keep out blowing embers. 
    • Remove boards, debris, and wood-handled tools stashed under decks. They can provide fuel for a fire that’s spreading along the ground.  
    • Screen under decks with 1/8-inch mesh. This greatly reduces the risk of embers igniting an under-deck fire.  
    • Break up wood fences with metal gates. Fire can easily run along a wood fence, meaning your fence can give fire a pathway straight to your house. A metal gate or shield can interrupt the flames. 

    And, some tips to keep in mind while you’re outside enjoying the warm weather:

    • Contain campfires by using designated fire pits or use rocks to create a ring around your campfire. Even better — use a propane firepit!
    • To extinguish a campfire, pour water on the fire and fully drown all the embers.
    • Never use volatile liquids, like gasoline, to start a fire.
    • Avoid burning garbage, treated wood or yard waste.
    • For smokers, don’t discard smoldering cigarette butts – snuff them out and put them in a designated garbage container.

    To learn more about wildfire preparedness and how to protect yourself, your property and your community, visit PEMCO.com/blog/wildfire.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: IAM Members Wrap Up 2025 Legislative Conference with Renewed Focus on Defending Workers’ Rights

    Source: US GOIAM Union

    More than 400 IAM members from across the country gathered in Washington, D.C., this week for the 2025 IAM Legislative Conference – marking one of the strongest turnouts in recent history.

    Over three days, IAM delegates came together to strategize, share stories from their communities, and meet face-to-face with the elected officials who make decisions that impact IAM Union members, their families, and communities every day. Through a packed schedule of speakers, congressional meetings, and issue-focused discussions, the message was clear: IAM  Union members are united and ready to take on the growing wave of attacks on workers’ rights.

    Delegates heard directly from IAM International President Brian Bryant and members of the IAM Executive Council, who spoke about the IAM Union’s legislative priorities and the urgent need to hold elected officials accountable. Congressional allies and labor champions addressed the conference’s participants, offering their support and pledging to continue the fight for stronger labor protections, fair wages, and the right to organize.

    WATCH: IAM International President Brian Bryant and First Day Remarks.

    Throughout the week, IAM members met with dozens of Senators and Representatives, carrying with them the voices of their fellow union members. From opposing anti-worker legislation and safeguarding federal workers to pushing for strong Buy American policies, fair trade, and retirement security, IAM delegates made it clear that workers are watching.

    As part of this year’s Legislative Conference, delegates rallied at Columbus Circle outside Union Station, Washington, D.C., to celebrate federal workers.

    PHOTOS: Federal Workers Support Day

    The event served as an opportunity to show solidarity with federal workers affected by the Trump Administration’s attacks. It included remarks by the IAM Executive Council, NFFE-IAM leaders, congressional allies, and members who have been impacted by these actions.

    WATCH: Federal Workers Support Day

    As the conference concluded, IAM delegates returned home with renewed energy and a clear message for their members: the fight continues – not just in Washington, but in every shop floor, every local, and every community where workers stand together.

    WATCH: Legislative Conference is in Full Swing on Capitol Hill.

    This year’s Legislative Conference included the following speakers:

    • IAM International President Brian Bryant
    • IAM Canadian Territory General Vice President David Chartrand
    • U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders
    • U.S. Rep. Jared Golden (D-Maine)
    • U.S. Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-Ill.)
    • U.S. Rep. Shomari Figues (D-Ala.)
    • U.S. Rep. Chris DeLuzio (D-Pa.)
    • U.S. Rep. Haley Stevens (D-Mich.)
    • U.S. Rep. Nikki Budzinki (D-Ill.)
    • U.S. Rep. Rob Menendez (D-N.J.)
    • U.S. Rep. Val Hoyle (D-Ore.)
    • U.S. Rep. Linda Sanchez (D-Cal.)
    • U.S. Rep. Mark Pocan (D-Wis.)
    • U.S. Rep. Parmila Jayapal (D-Was.)
    • IAM National Political and Legislative Director Hasan Solomon
    • IAM International Affairs Director Peter Greenberg
    • IAM General Counsel Carla Siegel
    • NFFE-IAM National President Randy Erwin
    • TCU/IAM National Legislative Director David Arouca
    • AFL-CIO Director of Advocacy Jody Calemine

    WATCH: U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders Remarks

    PHOTOS: 

    Legislative Conference Day 1

    Legislative Conference Day 2

    See X coverage below:

    Embed tweet 

    https://x.com/IAM_Union/status/1917567445335785587

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cramer, Warner Reintroduce Bipartisan Bill to Authorize Remote Online Notarizations Nationwide

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND)
    ***Click here for audio.***
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Despite significant advancements in digital technology, remote notarization has yet to be fully deployed and accepted on an interstate basis. While nearly every state allows for remote electronic notarization, regulations and recognition vary between states.
    U.S. Senators Kevin Cramer (R-ND) and Mark Warner (D-VA) introduced their bipartisan Securing and Enabling Commerce Using Remote and Electronic (SECURE) Notarization Act. This bill would permit the nationwide use of Remote Online Notarizations (RON), enabling notaries and signers to complete the process from different physical locations. It authorizes every notary in the United States to perform RON and provides certainty for interstate recognition of RON. The SECURE Notarization Act requires tamper-evident technology and fraud prevention measures through the use of multifactor authentication.
    “We’ve made a lot of progress toward much more widespread use of online notarizations in the past few years, particularly through the pandemic,” said Cramer. “But this patchwork of state regulations really leaves consumers without consistent access to some notary services. Quite honestly, I think it violates, certainly, the spirit of interstate commerce. Our bill simply makes sure online notarizations are valid across [state] lines and allow every notary to perform them, and perform them in a very secure way.”
    “It’s time to finally bring the notarization process into the 21st century,” said Warner. “Remote notarizations have proven to be a safe and convenient way for individuals to complete essential services such as executing wills, completing financial documents, and buying or selling a home online. This legislation would continue to modernize this system by permitting nationwide use of Remote Online Notarization to complete important documents.”
    The SECURE Notarization Act will complement state regulations, including those in North Dakota, which already allow for remote notarizations.
    The bill is endorsed by American Land Title Association (ALTA), Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA), National Association of REALTORS (NAR), and American Council of Life Insurers (ACLI).
    “Senators Cramer and Warner have been longstanding champions in recognizing the clear benefits of extending RON access to all Americans and leading this bipartisan legislation, which offers a safe and secure path to remotely close real estate and mortgage transactions,” said Diane Tomb, CEO of ALTA. “By passing the SECURE Notarization Act, Congress will embrace a proven innovation and modernize the notarization process with a secure system that meets consumer needs and expectations, including those of our military heroes overseas, the elderly, and homebuyers seeking convenience.”
    “The SECURE Notarization Act would make the mortgage closing process more convenient for consumers by creating federal minimum standards to allow notaries in all states to perform remote online notarization (RON) transactions,” said Bill Killmer, Senior Vice President of Legislative and Political Affairs at MBA. “MBA appreciates Senator Cramer and Warner’s commitment to enable nationwide use of RON technology. Their continued diligence and hard work on this critical issue will greatly simplify and improve mortgage transactions for all borrowers.” 
    “The National Association of REALTORS applauds Senators Cramer and Warner for reintroducing the SECURE Notarization Act,” said Shannon McGhan, EVP & Chief Advocacy Officer for the National Association of REALTORS. “This commonsense, bipartisan bill will modernize an essential part of real estate transactions by allowing nationwide use of secure, remote online notarization. Reliable, accessible notarized records are the bedrock of real estate, and this technology ensures Americans can continue to buy, sell, and finance property with confidence in today’s digital age.”
    “Senators Cramer and Warner understand that families need practical, modern tools to plan for their financial futures,” said David Chavern, President and CEO of the ACLI. “During COVID, life insurers demonstrated how well remote online notarization works for consumers. Allowing its use nationwide is a smart, commonsense step to bring the notarization process into the 21st century.”
    Click here for bill text.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Padilla Statement on Republican Attacks on California’s Clean Air Act Waivers

    US Senate News:

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

    Padilla Statement on Republican Attacks on California’s Clean Air Act Waivers

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Ranking Member of the Senate Rules Committee and a member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, issued the following statement after House Republicans erroneously voted to strike down three California Clean Air Act waivers, which authorize California’s clean cars and trucks programs. The Senate Parliamentarian and the Government Accountability Office (GAO) have already determined that California’s Clean Air Act waivers are not subject to the simple majority threshold in the Congressional Review Act (CRA) and therefore would require 60 votes to secure Senate passage.

    “House Republicans’ misguided and cynical attempts to gut the Clean Air Act and undercut California’s climate leadership ignores the reality of California’s strength as the fourth largest economy in the world. I will continue to defend our state’s authority to protect our residents, clean our air, lower costs, and transition to a clean energy economy.

    “Let me also be clear about process. The Senate parliamentarian has already upheld decades of precedent and determined these CRAs are not allowed by Senate rules. If Senate Republicans take up these measures under the Congressional Review Act, they will be going nuclear by overruling the Parliamentarian, all to baselessly attack California.”

    Senator Padilla has been outspoken in pushing back against Republican attacks on California’s Clean Air Act waivers and welcomed the Senate parliamentarian’s decision that waivers are not subject to the CRA. He also joined Senators Schiff and Whitehouse in blasting Trump and Zeldin’s weaponization of the EPA when the GAO had already found that California’s Clean Air Act waivers are not subject to the CRA. Padilla and Schiff also slammed the Trump Administration’s intent to roll back dozens of the EPA’s regulations that protect California’s air and water.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: T-Max Lending LLC Relocates Headquarters to Sacramento to Support Growth, Innovation, and Enhanced Client Service

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SACRAMENTO, Calif., May 01, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — T-Max Lending LLC, a leading provider of innovative lending solutions, is proud to announce the strategic relocation of its corporate headquarters from 4727 Executive Dr, San Diego, CA 92121 to a new, state-of-the-art facility at 801 K St, Sacramento, CA 95814. This move represents a significant milestone in the company’s growth and its commitment to improving client service, operational efficiency, and technological advancement in the lending industry.

    The relocation to Sacramento places T-Max Lending at the heart of California’s government and financial regulatory activity, providing improved access to policymakers, industry stakeholders, and a growing pool of financial technology talent. This strategic positioning enhances T-Max Lending’s ability to collaborate with policymakers, stay ahead of industry trends, and serve its diverse clientele more effectively.

    “This move is more than geography, it is a key step in scaling our operations and improving the accessibility and responsiveness of our service” said Kenneth Richard, CEO of T-Max Lending LLC. “This move enables us to be closer to decision-making centers and provides a fertile ground for technological and operational expansion. More importantly, it reflects our dedication to providing better, faster, and more secure services to our clients across the state and beyond.”

    Operational Enhancements to Better Serve Clients

    In tandem with the headquarters relocation, T-Max Lending has implemented significant upgrades to its office operations, loan origination processes, and customer service frameworks. Central to these changes is the adoption of cutting-edge AI technologies, which are set to revolutionize the lending process by making it faster, more accurate, and secure.

    AI-Driven Loan Origination and Processing: The integration of advanced artificial intelligence technology is streamlining the loan application and approval process. By automating routine tasks and leveraging predictive analytics, the company can now offer faster pre-approvals, enhanced fraud detection, and personalized loan recommendations.

    Enhanced Client Service Model: The company has redesigned its internal operations to prioritize rapid response, transparency, and customer empowerment. A newly implemented digital portal offers clients real-time updates, streamlined document uploads, and secure communication with loan officers.

    Cybersecurity and Data Integrity Upgrades: As part of its technology overhaul, T-Max Lending has adopted state-of-the-art encryption and cybersecurity frameworks to ensure that all client data remains secure and confidential throughout the lending lifecycle.

    Workplace Modernization: The new Sacramento office has been designed to foster collaboration, innovation, and wellness. Equipped with smart technologies and eco-friendly design, the space supports hybrid work models and positions the company to attract top talent in fintech and client services.

    Sacramento’s status as California’s capital gives T-Max closer access to lawmakers, housing authorities, and regulatory agencies, supporting quicker compliance adaptation and fostering new policy collaboration opportunities.

    “Our clients are at the center of everything we do,” added Kenneth. “Our new headquarters and AI-driven innovations reflect our unwavering commitment to serving our clients better, faster, and more securely. We are confident that these changes will enhance our ability to deliver exceptional lending solutions while setting a new standard for the industry. Our goal is to make borrowing simpler, smarter, and more secure.”

    T-Max Lending looks forward to welcoming clients, partners, and team members to its new Sacramento location and continuing to lead the charge in responsible, technology-driven lending.

    New Headquarters Address:

    T-Max Lending LLC

    801 K St. Sacramento, CA 95814

    For media inquiries, interviews, or more information, please contact:

    Press Contact:

    Mason Simmons
    Director of Communications
    info@tmaxlending.com
    www.tmaxlending.com
    (619) 259-0177

    About T-Max Lending LLC

    T-Max Lending LLC is a forward-thinking lending institution offering a wide range of residential and commercial loan products. Committed to innovation, integrity, and customer-first service, T-Max is redefining how people access capital with smarter technology and streamlined processes.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Best Tribal Loans For Bad Credit Direct Lenders Guaranteed Approval – IOnline Payday Loans

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SHERIDAN, Wyo., May 01, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Tribal loans are credit products offered by tribal lenders, typically based on Native American reservations. These lenders operate under tribal laws rather than the laws of the state in which the consumer resides. Tribal loans can encompass various types, including short-term loans, payday loans, installment loans, and personal loans.

    >> Click Here to Apply for No Credit Check Loans >>

    While there are benefits to tribal loans for bad credit, such as less stringent eligibility requirements and faster approval times, they are often associated with high-interest rates and fees that may be considered predatory.

    This article provides an in-depth look at tribal loans for credit direct lenders, explaining how they function, their potential advantages, as well as their disadvantages and risks. It also details the application process for tribal payday loans and offers guidance on selecting the best options, including a review of IOnline Payday Loans, a well-known tribal loan brand.
    Key Takeaways:

    Tribal loans are a specific type of loan that is available to individuals with bad credit.

    These loans differ from traditional loans as a tribal loans direct lender guaranteed approval

    provides them and have different application requirements.

    IOnline Payday Loans is a trusted brand that stands out for providing tribal loans online guaranteed approval, offering benefits such as lower interest rates and flexible repayment options.

    >> Click Here to Apply for No Credit Check Loans >>

    Tribal Loans for Bad Credit

    Tribal loans for bad credit are specialized loan products offered by tribal lenders to individuals with poor credit histories. These loans can assist people facing financial emergencies by providing the necessary funds to cover unexpected expenses, ensuring borrower protection.

    Offered by Native American tribes that have established their own lending institutions, these loans can be processed quickly and often come with flexible repayment options due to the tribal sovereign immunity under which these institutions operate.

    >> Click Here to Apply for No Credit Check Loans >>

    Typically, tribal loans direct lender guaranteed approval no teletrack are short-term, unsecured personal loans. Compared to traditional banks or credit unions, tribal lending institutions are generally more willing to extend credit to borrowers with bad credit due to flexible loan requirements.

    This accessibility provides borrowers with competitive interest rates and can help them break free from the cycle of predatory lending and its associated risks.

    What Are Tribal Loans?

    Easiest tribal loans to get no credit check represent a unique form of lending primarily offered by Native American tribes, leveraging their sovereign status to provide financial products that may not be accessible through traditional banking systems. These loans are specifically designed to assist individuals in urgent need of funds, such as those facing emergency expenses or unexpected financial difficulties.

    Among the various types of tribal loans are payday loans, personal loans, and installment loans, each tailored to meet different emergency cash needs.
    Unlike conventional lenders, tribal loans often have more flexible eligibility requirements, making them accessible to a wider range of borrowers. For instance, individuals with less-than-perfect credit histories may still qualify, providing a vital lifeline during times of crisis.

    Emergency cash needs are met with quick access to funds for medical bills, car repairs, or urgent home repairs. Borrowers also benefit from specific legal protections established under tribal law and tribal court, which can differ significantly from state regulations. Furthermore, these loans can serve as stepping stones for individuals seeking to rebuild their financial stability and economic growth.

    It is essential for potential borrowers to thoroughly understand the terms of these loans and consider their repayment capabilities to ensure that they serve as a beneficial solution rather than a financial burden.

    How Do Tribal Loans Differ from Traditional Loans?

    Tribal loans differ from traditional loans in several significant ways, with the primary distinction being the legal framework of tribal sovereign immunity. This allows Native American tribes to provide lending services that are not subject to many federal laws governing lending. As a result, tribal loans can better meet borrowers’ needs by offering faster access to funds, more flexible repayment terms, and often no credit checks compared to traditional banks and lenders.

    When comparing traditional loans to tribal loans, several key differences in lending services emerge:

    • Loan Approval Processes: Tribal lenders typically offer much quicker loan approval processes, and their applications are often simplified, eliminating much of the paperwork required by traditional banks.
    • Interest Rates: While tribal loans may seem to have higher interest rates, they are often competitively priced for borrowers with low credit scores. Traditional banks frequently impose hidden fees that can significantly increase the effective interest rate.
    • Repayment Schedules: Tribal loans often feature repayment schedules that can be tailored to the borrower’s financial situation. They are particularly beneficial for those with poor credit, as tribal lenders focus on current income and repayment ability rather than past credit history.

    Additionally, the online application process for tribal loans allows borrowers to receive funds much more quickly than they would at a traditional bank or credit union, which generally take longer to process loans. This flexibility makes tribal loans a viable alternative to traditional loans when urgent financial needs arise.

    What is Bad Credit?

    Bad credit refers to a low credit score that typically indicates a history of poor financial management, including late payments, defaults, or bankruptcy. Individuals with bad credit often face challenges in securing financial assistance, as many traditional lenders, such as banks and credit unions, view their credit profiles as high-risk, affecting the loan application process.

    As a result, these lenders may either deny their loan applications or offer loans with unfavorable terms.

    How Does Bad Credit Affect Loan Approval?

    Bad credit significantly impacts loan approval since most lenders use credit checks to assess the likelihood of an individual repaying borrowed funds. Those with poor credit scores face significant challenges when applying for financing, often being denied personal loans or offered extremely high-interest rates that exacerbate their financial difficulties.

    This situation creates a cycle in which a person’s financial options become increasingly limited. Traditional lenders, such as banks and credit unions, have stricter requirements that many applicants cannot meet.

    In contrast, tribal lending organizations typically have more lenient criteria, allowing individuals with bad credit to obtain funds. However, such loans may come with complications, including higher interest rates or predatory terms. It is essential for borrowers to weigh these risks against their immediate financial needs.

    While bad credit may close many doors, tribal loans can represent an alternative option that requires careful consideration.

    Why Consider Tribal Loans for Bad Credit?

    Yes, individuals with bad credit should consider tribal loans, as these loans are specifically designed to assist those facing financial emergencies.

    Tribal lending institutions offer quick approval times and flexible repayment terms, allowing individuals to access emergency cash without the stringent requirements typically associated with traditional loans.

    What Are the Benefits of Tribal Loans for Bad Credit?

    The benefits of tribal loans for individuals with bad credit include access to funds for emergency expenses, competitive interest rates, and the flexibility to customize a repayment schedule based on their financial circumstances. These advantages make tribal loans an appealing option for those who have faced challenges with traditional financing due to low credit scores.

    Along with providing immediate financial assistance, tribal loans offer numerous compelling advantages. Borrowers can benefit from no credit checks, which allows them to secure funding without the concern of their credit history being evaluated. Loan rollover options provide additional flexibility, enabling borrowers to manage repayments more comfortably. Furthermore, protection under tribal law enhances the security of these loans, safeguarding borrowers from predatory practices often associated with payday lending.

    By utilizing tribal loans, individuals can effectively break the cycle of debt and improve their financial stability, leading to a significant transformation in their overall economic well-being.

    What Are the Risks of Tribal Loans for Bad Credit?

    Tribal loans can assist individuals with bad credit; however, they come with certain risks, particularly high-interest rates and the potential for hidden fees. Borrowers must be mindful of these drawbacks to make informed decisions and fully understand the total cost of borrowing. It is crucial to recognize that tribal loans can lead to cycles of indebtedness, especially when consumers do not fully comprehend the terms associated with these financial products.

    To ensure a safer borrowing experience, consumers should:

    • Read all loan agreements thoroughly.
    • Consult with financial advisors if there is any uncertainty regarding the terms.
    • Be aware of the consequences of loan rollovers, which can significantly increase debt levels and impact borrower protection.

    Neglecting these important factors can result in undue hardship and further deterioration of one’s financial and credit standing.

    How to Apply for Tribal Loans for Bad Credit?

    Tribal loans for bad credit can be easily applied for, often through online applications that improve the lending experience. Borrowers can quickly submit their loan applications, ensuring they meet the necessary criteria for approval while avoiding the lengthy waiting periods typically associated with traditional lenders.

    What Are the Requirements for Tribal Loans for Bad Credit?

    The requirements for tribal loans for individuals with bad credit are typically less stringent than those for traditional loans, making it easier for those in need of financial support to qualify. Lenders often prioritize the borrowers’ ability to repay over their credit history, resulting in quicker approval times for tribal loans.

    This accessibility allows individuals who may feel excluded from the conventional banking system to find viable options without facing the harsh rejections often encountered with banks. When applying for a tribal loan, applicants should ensure they meet the following general requirements:

    • Proof of income to demonstrate a stable source of earnings
    • A minimum age of usually 18 years
    • Proof of residency, which typically involves having a valid address

    Along with these basic requirements, tribal lending often emphasizes community and developmental aspects, which are less significant in standard bank lending.

    How to Increase Chances of Approval for Tribal Loans for Bad Credit?

    To increase the chances of having $500 tribal installment loans direct lenders only, borrowers should demonstrate financial acumen and submit a thorough application. Understanding what tribal lenders require and developing a realistic repayment plan can provide lenders with added confidence that borrowers will repay their loans responsibly. There are several proactive steps that individuals can take to enhance their loan application experience.

    One of the most effective ways to improve the likelihood of receiving a loan is by enhancing financial literacy. Familiarizing oneself with key concepts such as interest rates, loan terms, and potential fees associated with tribal loans can give the power to applicants to make informed decisions. To achieve this, borrowers should start by checking their credit reports for errors and disputing any inaccuracies. Creating a detailed budget can also illustrate financial responsibility, demonstrating to lenders both the amount the borrower can borrow and their ability to repay it.

    Additionally, it’s beneficial to research various lenders to find those with positive reviews and favorable terms. Equally important is taking the time to thoroughly read and understand the terms and conditions of any loan agreement before accepting and signing it, ensuring that the terms are manageable.

    Choosing the Best Tribal Loans for Bad Credit from Reputable Loan Providers

    The best tribal loans bad credit are selected based on the interest rates offered, the terms and conditions of the loans, and the reputation of the lenders, including Native American Tribal courts. By evaluating these factors, borrowers can find the most suitable tribal loans for their circumstances and avoid potential negative consequences.

    What to Look for in a Tribal Loan Lender?

    When selecting a tribal loan lender, it is important to consider their reputation, customer reviews, specific loan terms, and loan eligibility. A reputable lender will communicate clearly about all fees and borrower protections, ensuring a safe and beneficial borrowing experience. Additionally, you should prioritize how responsive the lender is to customer inquiries and concerns. An ideal lender will be easily reachable and provide prompt answers to questions, demonstrating their dedication to client satisfaction.

    The level of transparency in the loan agreement is also crucial, as greater transparency allows borrowers to make informed decisions without encountering hidden surprises. Thoroughly researching lenders is essential. Important factors to consider include:

    • Customer testimonials: Customer reviews can provide insight into a lender’s trustworthiness and reliability.
    • Terms and conditions: Reviewing the specific terms and conditions ensures they align with your personal financial needs.
    • Licensing and regulatory compliance: Regulatory oversight protects customers against predatory practices.

    By taking the time to consider these factors, you can increase your chances of having a positive borrowing experience.

    How to Compare Different Tribal Loan Options?

    Comparing tribal loan options is essential for borrowers seeking a financial solution that best suits their specific needs. By evaluating interest rates, repayment schedules, and other fees across various lenders, borrowers can identify the tribal loan that aligns with their circumstances. With the widespread availability of the internet, numerous tools and resources are at borrowers’ disposal to facilitate this comparison process. For instance, online comparison websites serve as valuable resources, allowing prospective borrowers to swiftly explore a wide range of tribal loan options from multiple lenders, thereby simplifying the often daunting task of making informed decisions.

    When comparing tribal loan options, the following factors should be considered:

    • Total Repayment Costs: This is typically the most crucial factor, as it significantly impacts long-term financial health.
    • Lender’s Reputation: Understanding how a lender operates, including aspects like customer service and reliability, can be important when choosing between options.
    • Flexibility of Repayment Terms: The availability of various repayment options regarding cost, schedule, and pre-payment penalties is beneficial for borrowers.

    By utilizing these resources and taking these factors into account, borrowers can find a loan that meets their specific financial needs.

    IOnline Payday Loans as a Trusted Brand for Tribal Loans for Bad Credit

    IOnline Payday Loans is a reputable and trusted brand in the realm of tribal loans for bad credit, offering various high-interest loans. As a legitimate tribal lender, IOnline Payday Loans offers borrowers a straightforward and user-friendly application process, along with the assistance necessary to secure the funds they need as quickly as possible.

    What Makes IOnline Payday Loans Stand Out for Tribal Loans?

    IOnline Payday Loans is a distinctive lending service for tribal loans, known for its commitment to customer support and interest rates that are suitable for borrowers with bad credit. The IOnline Payday Loans brand is centered around delivering a positive borrowing experience, ensuring that borrowers fully understand all aspects of their loan before signing any contracts.

    What sets this service apart is its focus on borrower education, which distinguishes it from many competitors that offer little guidance, often leaving borrowers feeling confused and frustrated. IOnline Payday Loans provides valuable educational resources and customer support, give the power toing clients to make informed financial decisions.

    Customers have shared success stories that highlight how the knowledgeable staff at IOnline helped them navigate potentially challenging situations. One customer remarked, “I wasn’t even sure I was going to take a loan at first, but the staff helped me understand the process and explained what documents I needed. Because of that, I got through a rough month.”

    These testimonials illustrate the brand’s dedication to building trust and transparency while delivering an essential service.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What are tribal loans for bad credit and how do they work?

    Tribal loans for bad credit are short-term loans that are offered by Native American tribes, often through online lenders. These borrowing options are designed to help individuals with poor credit scores. These loans are designed to help individuals with poor credit scores who are not able to secure traditional loans. Tribal loans are a viable part of consumer lending. The loan process typically involves filling out an online application and receiving the funds directly into your bank account if approved.

    What makes tribal loans a good option for individuals with bad credit?

    Tribal loans can be a good option for those with bad credit because they do not usually require a credit check. This loan type is based on other factors such as income and employment stability. Instead, these loans are based on other factors such as income and employment stability. This makes it easier for individuals with poor credit to get the financial assistance they need and avoid debt cycles.

    What are the eligibility requirements for obtaining the best tribal loans for bad credit?

    The specific eligibility requirements may vary depending on the lender, but in general, you must be at least 18 years old, have a regular source of income, and have a valid bank account. Financial knowledge is also important for managing these loans. Some lenders may also require a minimum credit score, but this is not always the case with tribal loans.

    Which online lender offers the best tribal loans for bad credit?

    IOnline Payday Loans is a leading online lender that offers some of the best tribal loans for bad credit. CreditNinja is another popular lender in this space. They have a quick and easy application process and offer competitive interest rates and flexible repayment options. The Native American Financial Services Association ensures fair lending practices.

    Can I use a tribal loan for bad credit to improve my credit score?

    Yes, you can use a tribal loan for bad credit as a way to improve your credit score. By making timely payments on your loan, you can demonstrate responsible financial behavior and potentially boost your credit score over time.

    Is there a limit on the amount of money I can borrow with a tribal loan for bad credit?

    The maximum loan amount may vary depending on the lender and your specific financial situation. The loan value typically reflects your ability to repay. However, most tribal loans for bad credit typically range from $500 to $2,500. It is important to only borrow what you can comfortably repay to avoid getting into further financial trouble.

    Disclaimer: This announcement contains general information about Ionline payday loan services and should not be considered financial advice. Ionline Payday Loans does not guarantee loan approval, and loan terms may vary by applicant and lender requirements. Loans are available to U.S. residents only.

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/a27af229-25c4-44a5-8062-3fa344fc10a6

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Don Davis Votes in Support of Defense Funding Package

    Source: US Congressman Don Davis (NC-01)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman Don Davis (NC-01) issued the following statement after voting to support a defense funding package during the first-ever U.S. House Armed Services Committee budget reconciliation markup.  

    “One of my top priorities has been preventing the retirement of the F-15E aircraft at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base and securing increased F-15EX procurement. We are also committed to strengthening our workforce pipeline by expanding shipbuilding job opportunities for North Carolinians in shipyards like Newport News. I believe this defense package moves us in the right direction,” said Congressman Don Davis. “Preserving jobs and investing in Seymour Johnson Air Force Base is vital to our readiness and national defense.” 

    The House Armed Services Committee passed the defense funding package by a margin of 35-21. 

    Highlights include:

    • $127.5 million to prevent the retirement of F-15E aircraft
    • $3.15 billion to support F-15EX aircraft procurement
    • $678 million to accelerate the Collaborative Combat Aircraft program to build semi-autonomous drones that fly alongside manned fighters 
    • $34 billion to support shipbuilding and the maritime industrial base (including $4.6 billion for a second Virginia-class submarine in fiscal year 2027 and $450 million for additional maritime industrial workforce development programs)

    Other highlights include:

    • $9 billion for servicemember quality of life (including $1.2 billion for military housing and $100 million for childcare)
    • $5 billion for border support and counter-drug missions
    • $11 billion for Pacific deterrence

    There are 94 F-15E fighters at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base. Seymour Johnson Air Force Base employs more than 6,200 military and civilian personnel. Congressman Davis’ Fiscal Year 2025 NDAA provision prohibits F-15E divestment through at least Fiscal Year 2027. The bill now moves to the Budget Committee. 

    Timeline of action on Seymour Johnson Air Force Base:

    • On November 20, 2023, Congressman Davis toured Seymour Johnson Air Force Base during an official congressional delegation visit to deepen his understanding of its operations and challenges of Seymour Johnson Air Force Base and to express unwavering support for the brave men and women in uniform.
    • On March 13, 2024, Congressman Davis delivered remarks on the House Floor regarding plans by the Air Force to divest a combat squadron and strip away 520 jobs at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base. A Full Video of Congressman Davis’ speech on the House Floor is here.
    • Congressman Davis sent a letter dated March 29, 2024, to President Joe Biden urging the administration not to divest an F-15E aircraft fighter squadron at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base in Goldsboro, North Carolina. Read the full letter here.
    • On April 17, 2024, Congressman Davis questioned the Secretary of the Air Force at a House Armed Service Committee hearing on what communication he or his team had had with the local community, what the economic impact of divestment would be, and whether the U.S. Air Force planned to deliver the late report on force structure decisions.
    • On May 14, 2024, Congressman Davis announced a provision prohibiting the retirement of F-15E aircraft until at least Fiscal Year 2027.
    • On December 11, 2024, Congressman Davis voted to support the Fiscal Year 2025 NDAA (Public Law 118-159), which includes his provision prohibiting the retirement of F-15E aircraft until at least Fiscal Year 2027.
    • On March 7, 2025, Congressman Davis submitted his Fiscal Year 2026 NDAA priorities, including several requests in the defense funding package, including F-15EX procurement, F-15E maintenance and upgrades, and Collaborative Combat Aircraft funding.

    Military installations in eastern North Carolina include Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, Coast Guard Base Elizabeth City, Camp Lejeune, Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, and Fort Bragg.

    Congressman Don Davis is a 1994 U.S. Air Force Academy graduate and a U.S. Air Force veteran. He serves as the vice ranking member of the U.S. House Armed Services Committee where he serves on the Readiness and Tactical Air and Land Forces subcommittees. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congresswoman Tenney Introduces Legislation to Stimulate Investments into American Manufacturing

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-22)

    Washington, DC – Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24) today lead 19 of her colleagues in introducing the Building Advanced Semiconductors Investment Credit (BASIC) Act to increase and extend the advanced manufacturing investment credit. 

    This legislation increases the advanced manufacturing investment credit from 25% to 35% and extends its availability through December 31, 2030. Semiconductors are essential to nearly every modern technology and producing these domestically is foundational to both America’s economy and its national security. Extending this tax credit will promote further investment in establishing new production facilities to manufacture semiconductors, which will spur job growth in advanced science, technology, engineering, and manufacturing, as well as ensure that the United States can compete globally and maintain its technological dominance over adversaries like China. Extending this critical tax incentive signals long-term U.S. commitment to tech leadership and levels the playing field for American companies ensuring the United States does not fall behind in this critical strategic sector.

    Additional original cosponsors of this legislation include Tom Suozzi (D-NY), Nicole Malliotakis (R-NY), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), Mike Carey (R-OH), Joe Morelle (D-NY), John Mannion (D-NY), Paul Tonko (D-NY), Tim Kennedy (D-NY), Josh Riley (D-NY), Mike Simpson (R-ID), Jen Kiggans (R-VA), Joe Neguse (D-CO), Young Kim (R-CA), Becca Balint (D-VT), Elise Stefanik (R-NY), Steven Horsford (D-NV), Mike Lawler (R-NY), Ro Khanna (D-CA), and Suhas Subramanyan (D-VA).  

    “To restore America as a manufacturing powerhouse, we must empower American companies with the tools they need to succeed. The BASIC Act extends and expands the manufacturing investment credit, encouraging investment in the U.S. economy and enabling companies like Micron to build factories right here in New York. This legislation works hand in hand with the Trump administration to revitalize American manufacturing and bring jobs back to the United States,” said Congresswoman Tenney.

    “Bringing semiconductor manufacturing to the United States is both a critical national security priority and massive economic opportunity for the next generation of American workers,” said Congressman Carey. “Increasing and extending this tax credit will help our economy grow and create a reliable supply chain for critical semiconductors. I am proud to join with my colleagues on this legislation and look forward to it passing.” 

    “Bringing semiconductor manufacturing back to the United States is critical not only for our national security but also to ensure we no longer rely on adversaries like Communist China for this vital industry that powers nearly every modern technology. Extending and enhancing this tax credit will strengthen our domestic supply chain, create good-paying American jobs, and help our nation remain competitive on the global stage. I thank my friend Rep. Claudia Tenney for leading this important effort,” said Congresswoman Malliotakis. 

    “Securing America’s economic and national security starts with rebuilding our domestic supply chains. By strengthening and extending the semiconductor investment credit, the BASIC Act will empower American innovators, bolster advanced manufacturing, and help ensure the United States—not China—leads the future of technology,” said Congressman Fitzpatrick.

    “The Building Advanced Semiconductors Investment Credit (BASIC) is critical legislation to advance semiconductor manufacturing in the U.S. BASIC will generate additional economic activity across the semiconductor ecosystem in the U.S. over the next four years to meet economic and national security goals,” said Sanjay Mehrotra, Micron Chairman, President and CEO. “Micron is appreciative of the leadership from Rep. Tenney and Members of Congress to ensure semiconductor companies can make cost-competitive, long-term investments in advanced U.S. manufacturing.

    “As the historic investment being made by Micron moves forward, partners at every level of government must continue to work together to do everything we can to expedite this critical investment – especially for our national security. The Building Advanced Semiconductors Investment Credit (BASIC) is vital for semiconductor manufacturers like Micron in order to maintain global competitiveness and create certainty in their construction timelines. I want to thank Congresswoman Tenney for her leadership in advocating for the expansion of BASIC and passionate advocacy to help Central New York and Upstate New York become the hub for memory technology manufacturing in the world,” said Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahon.  

    “Extending and expanding the Advanced Manufacturing Investment Credit is crucial for growth of U.S. semiconductor manufacturing to strengthen national and economic security. The Building Advanced Semiconductors Investment Credit legislation will help GlobalFoundries continue to expand and modernize our facilities in Upstate New York and Vermont, as well as to ensure that the U.S. semiconductor industry maintains global competitiveness. GlobalFoundries is proud to be making chips in America and we would like to thank Congresswoman Tenney and the co-sponsors of this legislation for their continued support for domestic semiconductor manufacturing,” said Dr. Thomas Caulfield, Executive Chairman of GlobalFoundries.

    “The statutory extension of IRC §48D past its December 31, 2026 expiration is an essential factor that supports TSMC’s continued expansion in Arizona, specifically our recently announced plans to build three additional chip fabrication plants, two back-end packaging facilities, and a major semiconductor R&D center. TSMC’s overall U.S. investment now stands at $165 billion. The company is deeply grateful to Representative Tenney and her cosponsors for leading this important legislation,” said Peter Cleveland, SVP, Global Government Affairs, TSMC.

     “This legislation is a timely and essential measure to secure long-term investment in the U.S. semiconductor sector and ensure our domestic industry remains competitive in an increasingly aggressive global marketplace. By increasing the investment tax credit to 35% and prolonging the eligibility period, this bill addresses the structural cost disadvantages that U.S.-based manufacturers face—especially compared to Asia—where faster permitting, cheaper labor, and state-backed subsidies give foreign competitors an unfair edge. BASIC directly offsets these imbalances and provides semiconductor manufacturers the financial certainty needed to move forward with building new fabrication facilities here in the United States over the next four years. I commend Representative Tenney and the co-sponsors of this legislation for their leadership and foresight,” said Jason Hsu, Senior Fellow, Hudson Institute.

    “To win the chip race, the U.S. must continue to reinforce domestic chip production and advance innovation. The BASIC Act is a welcome effort to strengthen this proven driver of investment by increasing the credit’s rate and extending its duration, spurring continued investment in America’s growing ecosystem. This proposal, along with the expansion of the credit to include chip R&D and design, is critical to America’s competitiveness and sustained technology leadership,” said John Neuffer, President and CEO of the Semiconductor Industry Association.

    “The CHIPS Act has spurred a massive resurgence in American semiconductor production. We lost our global leadership in chips, a technology we invented, because other countries pursued effective industrial strategies while we did nothing. The United States has finally woken up to the fact that we can fight back, and we have hundreds of billions of dollars in new domestic semiconductor investment to show for it. Rep. Tenney and her colleagues deserve tremendous credit for their continued focus on smart public policy that strengthens American industry,” said Chris Griswold, Policy Director, American Compass.

    “The advanced manufacturing investment credit is a vital tool to support domestic manufacturing and growth of key industries like semiconductors, microelectronics and more,” said Robert M. Simpson, president of CenterState CEO, in Syracuse. “This legislation to increase the tax credit to 35% and extend its availability through 2030 will further support Central New York’s ability to lead in the domestic production of chips that we rely on every day, making the region an essential hub for advanced manufacturing and innovation, while supporting national and economic security.” 

    “This bi-partisan legislation is a home run for New York and its goal of being the leader is semiconductor manufacturing. We applaud Congresswoman Tenney for getting the support of 17 colleagues behind the bill. We urge all of congress to support this legislation that will undoubtedly create jobs and grow New York’s economy for years to come,” said Heather Mulligan, President & CEO, The Business Council of New York State Inc.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Sens. Markey, Cramer Honor National Assistive Technology Awareness Day

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts Ed Markey

    Washington (May 1, 2025) – Senators Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) and Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.) released the following statement after the Senate passed their resolution designating April 30, 2025 as “National Assistive Technology Awareness Day.”

    “Assistive technology, which includes communication devices, modified vehicles, glasses, and mobility devices, is not a luxury – it is essential for individuals with disabilities and older Americans to live in their homes, access education, receive health care, and obtain employment,” said the lawmakers. “We are proud to recognize April 30th as ‘National Assistive Technology Awareness Day’ and highlight the importance of assistive technology and the state assistive technology programs that improve people’s lives every day.”

    The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported one in four individuals in the United States has a disability, including over 40 percent of adults 65 or older. Additionally, the Department of Education reported that there were more than 9 million children with disabilities.

     “In their lifetime, everyone on the planet will either need Assistive Technology (AT) or know someone who does. That’s why awareness is crucial—before it’s needed! On behalf of ATAP and the State and Territory Assistive Technology Act Programs, we are grateful to Senators Markey and Cramer for leading the effort for National Assistive Technology Awareness Day 2025!” said Jeannie Krull, Executive Director, ATAP.

    The resolution is endorsed by Association of Assistive Technology Act Programs (ATAP), American Network of Community Options and Resources (ANCOR), Access Ready Inc., American Council of the Blind, CommunicationFIRST, Autistic Self Advocacy Network, Telecommunications for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, Inc. (TDI), and Perkins School for the Blind.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Province Moving Windsor Court Matters to Kentville

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    The Province is closing the Windsor satellite court and transferring all matters to the nearby Kentville Justice Centre to ensure people have access to justice in safe, secure, modern surroundings.

    All Windsor court matters will transition to Kentville by July 1.

    “Nova Scotians deserve to attend court in facilities that are safe, secure and accessible,” said Becky Druhan, Attorney General and Minister of Justice. “This change reflects our commitment to improving the justice experience for everyone – whether you are participating in a case, supporting a loved one or working in the system.”

    The Kentville Justice Centre, which serves the Annapolis Valley, operates full time. It opened a fourth modern courtroom, which is fully accessible and equipped with modern technology, in January.

    The condition of the Windsor satellite court building was an important factor in the decision. An inspection in January deemed the holding cells unsafe, and at that time, criminal matters involving people in custody went virtual.

    The Windsor satellite court operates part time, with no permanent employees. The Department leases the space from West Hants Regional Municipality.

    Quick Facts:

    • the Department of Justice manages operations at 23 courthouses across Nova Scotia, including 14 justice centres and nine satellite courts
    • the Province’s accessibility strategy, Access by Design 2030, outlines how the government will achieve its goal of an accessible province by providing people with disabilities equitable access to programs, services, information and infrastructure

    Additional Resources:

    Information about court services in Nova Scotia: https://novascotia.ca/just/Court_Services/

    Access by Design 2030: https://novascotia.ca/accessibility/access-by-design

    Other than cropping, Province of Nova Scotia photos are not to be altered in any way.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Mexican National Sentenced to 60 Months for Drug Conspiracy

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    TUCSON, Ariz. – Armando Puentes-Melendez, 38, of Mexico, was sentenced on April 24, 2025, by United States District Judge Scott H. Rash to 60 months in prison. Puentes-Melendez previously pleaded guilty to Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine.

    On January 18, 2024, law enforcement agents intercepted a drug transaction involving over 100 pounds of methamphetamine. Puentes-Melendez and two co-conspirators met with an undercover agent in Phoenix to facilitate the drug deal. While the methamphetamine was being retrieved from a nearby stash house, Puentes-Melendez discussed potential future drug transactions with the undercover agent. Once law enforcement confirmed the drugs were en route, agents moved in and arrested Puentes-Melendez and his co-conspirators.

    This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

    The Drug Enforcement Administration and Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation in this case. The United States Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, Tucson, handled the prosecution.

    CASE NUMBER:            CR24-00681-TUC-SHR
    RELEASE NUMBER:    2025-069_Puentes-Melendez

    # # #

    For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/

    Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Las Cruces Couple Charged with Evidence Tampering in Federal Investigation of Suspected Gang Member

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    ALBUQUERQUE – A former Doña Ana County Magistrate Judge and his wife are facing federal charges related to alleged evidence tampering in a case involving a suspected member of a Venezuelan criminal organization.

    According to court records, on April 24, 2025, Jose Luis “Joel” Cano, 67, and Nancy Ann Cano, 68, were arrested at their Las Cruces home following a federal investigation into their connection with Cristhian Ortega-Lopez, an undocumented Venezuelan national suspected of being affiliated with the Tren de Aragua gang. Federal authorities allege that the Canos hired Ortega-Lopez for home repairs and later allowed him to reside in their guesthouse.

    On February 28, 2025, Ortega-Lopez was arrested at the Cano residence and charged with being an illegal alien in possession of firearms. Investigators identified evidence, including clothing, tattoos, and social media content, which indicates Ortega-Lopez’s association with Tren de Aragua, a U.S.-designated Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO).

    Following Ortega-Lopez’s arrest, authorities allege that Jose Cano destroyed a cellphone belonging to Ortega-Lopez by smashing it with a hammer and discarding the remains, believing it contained incriminating photos and videos. Nancy Cano is accused of conspiring to delete Ortega-Lopez’s Facebook account to eliminate evidence.

    “The allegations against Judge Dugan and Judge Cano are serious: no one, least of all a judge, should obstruct law enforcement operations,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “Doing so imperils the safety of our law enforcement officers and undermines the rule of law. The Department of Justice will continue to follow the facts — no one is above the law.”

    “Sanctuary jurisdictions that shield criminal aliens endanger American communities,” said Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche. “This Justice Department will not stand by as local officials put politics over public safety. Reckless sanctuary city policies create a sanctuary for one class—criminals. Those days are over.”

    Jose Cano is charged with tampering with evidence, while Nancy Cano faces conspiracy to tamper with evidence. Both have been released on $10,000 bond each, are prohibited from contacting Ortega-Lopez, and must restrict tenants and guests at their properties to those who can provide proof of citizenship or legal residency.

    “Judges are responsible for upholding our country’s laws. It is beyond egregious for a former judge and his wife to engage in evidence tampering on behalf of a suspected Tren de Aragua gang member accused of illegally possessing firearms,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison for the District of New Mexico. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office is committed to dismantling this foreign terrorist organization by disrupting its criminal operations in New Mexico. That starts by prosecuting those who support gang members — including judges.”

    U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Jason T. Stevens, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) El Paso, made the announcement today.

    Homeland Security Investigations investigated this case with assistance from FBI, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Maria Y. Armijo, Randy Castellano, and Elizabeth Tonkin is prosecuting the case.

    A criminal complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Trump’s Ukraine mineral deal finally lands as US economy shivers

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Rachael Jolley, International Affairs Editor

    Donald Trump promised he could sort out a peace deal for the Ukraine war in 24 hours. It still hasn’t happened. Instead the US administration has taken 100 days just to sign a mineral deal with Ukraine.

    This agreement will give the US access to revenue from Ukrainian natural resources, including 100 major deposits of critical minerals. It also has huge symbolism. Ukrainians see it as a sign that the US is committed to staying involved in their country, and also as a warming of the relationship between Ukraine’s president and Trump. It will also be a signal to Russia that what hurts Ukraine could also hurt the US economy.

    Of course, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt calls the deal “historic” and puts its brilliance down to Trump’s amazing negotiation skills.

    However, in the week that Trump celebrated 100 days in office, others would argue that Trump’s deal-making skills are nowhere near as astute as he thinks they are. That he gave Russia way too much room to manoeuvre in the early months of 2025 by leaning so clearly in Putin’s direction, allowing the Russian leader to think he could pretty much do anything he fancied and win as much of Ukraine as he desired.

    US and Ukraine sign a mineral deal.

    But US national security advisor Michael Waltz, who has announced he is standing down, has signalled that the balance may now be shifting, when he said the minerals deal was “a momentous step” and: “Russia needs to come to the table.”

    As Bridget Storrie from UCL’s Institute for Global Prosperity has pointed out, this deal was all about what the global super power was going to get as justification for its support in the war, rather than about how it could increase prosperity in a war-torn country.



    Read more:
    Ukraine minerals deal: the idea that natural resource extraction can build peace has been around for decades

    Andrew Gawthorpe, a lecturer in history and international studies at Leiden University, has looked at the details and believes Kyiv is getting more than many expected, and more than was on offer earlier in the year, when Trump fell out so publicly with Ukraine’s president, Volodymyr Zelensky, at a White House press conference. As part of the deal Ukraine will retain ownership of its natural resources. All profits are to be invested in Ukraine for ten years after the agreement comes into force. It also looks like Washington will contribute new military aid.



    Read more:
    US-Ukraine minerals deal looks better for Kyiv than expected – but Trump is an unpredictable partner

    Presidential power

    Trump’s first 100 days have been tumultuous, not just for the US, but for most of the world. His “liberation day” tariffs on international goods have turned existing economic balances and expectations upside down.

    Countries that have long seen themselves as confident allies of the US – Canada, Denmark and Germany, for instance – now see the landscape somewhat differently, given the high US tariffs that have landed on their doorsteps. No longer convinced of the strength of their relationship with the world’s superpower, many are rethinking both their economic plans and their alliances.

    Meanwhile, China, the main focus of Trump’s tariffs, can see opportunities opening up to forge stronger relationships with, and sales to, other countries also looking for new markets. China has not crumbled yet under the weight of 145% US tariffs. And China’s president, Xi Jinping, is showing no sign of blinking first and heading to Washington to negotiate as Trump was clearly expecting.

    Trump now swings daily from claiming he is negotiating with China and that their tariffs can come down, to stating that Beijing will cave. All that sound and fury sounds a good deal like wavering. And with US supermarket bosses warning of empty shelves around the corner, and US ports expecting traffic from China to significantly slow this month, as Nottingham University’s Chee Meng Tan sets out, there is every reason to expect Trump will cave and open negotiations before Xi Jinping does.



    Read more:
    China has identified how to fight back against Trump’s tariffs, and is not ready to back down

    Many nations now see the US as a far less trustworthy partner now than in the past. The most obvious of these is Canada, which just elected the leader of a party that was 20 percentage points behind in the polls in January and expected to be beaten badly not long ago. But when Trump decided that he wanted Canada as the 51st state, normality went out the window over its northern border.

    This week, newly elected Canadian prime minister Mark Carney said he would seek meetings with Trump with the “full knowledge that we have many, many other options than the United States”, promising to strengthen relations with “reliable partners” in Europe, Asia and elsewhere.

    “We are over the shock of America’s betrayal,” he said. He is ready to write a new foreign policy. He’s not the only one.

    Sign up to receive our weekly World Affairs Briefing newsletter from The Conversation UK. Every Thursday we’ll bring you expert analysis of the big stories in international relations.

    Two of the US’s firm friends for decades, South Korea and Taiwan, are now not so sure that they see Washington as a dependable ally, according to a report from research organisation the Brookings Institution. It saw a significant jump in the numbers of people who saw the US as untrustworthy from July 2024, to March 2025.

    This matters, as Steve Dunne, a political scientist at the University of Warwick points out, because without trust people and nations are likely not to honour their commitments. After the second world war, the western allies decided to create a series of international bodies to avert such a disaster happening again, and to encourage nations to follow a set of rules that would encourage democracy and trust in each other.

    In his first 100 days, says Dunne, Trump broke the compact of trust with countries that had a long alliance with the US, and that could have a deep impact on the trust that has existed for decades between western nations.



    Read more:
    Donald Trump’s first 100 days have badly damaged trust in America both economically and as an ally

    Global power reducing?

    Declining trust in the US could well reduce other forms of its global power. As well as financially and politically, in the post-war decades the US has influenced the world, by exporting its culture, its films, its television programmes and its ideas, as well as importing tourists to visit its national treasures, from Yosemite national park to New York City.

    In the past 100 days, international tourists are reported to be cancelling their bookings, partly worried about the welcome, or the lack of it, they may encounter at the border. Summer airline bookings from Canada (21%), Germany (17%) and the Netherlands (12%) to the US have fallen significantly for this year, although other countries such as UK show only a minor fall.

    Admittedly, Trump told voters that he wanted to put “America first”. However, at his inauguration, the president declared he wanted to make America the “most respected nation on earth”. That achievement is looking quite far off at the moment. In fact, in many countries it is going the other way.

    That international respect took a significant hit at one of the most remarkable moments of the past 100 days, when Trump proceeded to take Zelensky to task publicly for a range of offences including not being grateful enough for US support and not wearing a suit.

    So what has Trump achieved domestically in his first 100 days and how does that match up against the promises he made? Let’s look at some of the plans he set out in his inauguration speech.

    Trump said he wanted to increase US wealth. But current economic indicators are more than a bit shaky, with US stock markets falling and rising on a regular basis as they follow Trump’s on-and-off-again announcements on tariff negotiations with various countries. On April 30, the day after Trump’s big 100 days rally, stocks fell after data was released showing a contraction in the GDP of the US in the first quarter.

    But Trump has told his supporters that, in the long term, tariffs will work and manufacturing jobs will benefit. So far, Republican voters still believe in Trump’s policies on jobs and the economy, with 82% approving, according to a recent Economist/YouGov poll. Only 8% of Democrats and 32% of independent voters do though.

    Many of the big decisions we have seen playing out in the first 100 days – including the Elon Musk-led dismantling of some parts of government and Trump’s swing at driving down immigration – were detailed in the Project 2025 document, published the conservative think-tank the Heritage Foundation before the election, says Dafydd Townley of the University of Portsmouth. But it also hints at what may come next, including more legislation restricting American women’s access to abortion further.



    Read more:
    How Project 2025 became the blueprint for Donald Trump’s second term

    On January 20 Trump thought that Americans stood “on the verge of the four greatest years in American history”. For many Americans worried about their pensions, savings and the cost of groceries, the future is not looking so great right now. But for those who were sharp focused on cutting immigration, Trump may have made the great start they were hoping for.

    – ref. Trump’s Ukraine mineral deal finally lands as US economy shivers – https://theconversation.com/trumps-ukraine-mineral-deal-finally-lands-as-us-economy-shivers-255747

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Duckworth, Durbin Join Senate Democrats to Warn Americans About Republicans Cutting SNAP Benefits to Give Tax Breaks to Billionaires

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Tammy Duckworth
    May 15, 2025
    In an open letter to the American public, Senate Democrats emphasize that Republicans’ plan to give tax breaks to billionaires will decimate funding for SNAP
    [WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), a member of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry, joined Senate Democrats, led by U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), in sending an open letter to the American public warning that congressional Republicans are trying to cut Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits in order to give tax breaks to the wealthiest Americans.  After promising to lower prices for families, Republicans in Congress are instead raising grocery costs and making it harder for families to put food on the table.
    “Congress should not give tax breaks to the wealthiest Americans by taking away food assistance from millions of Americans,” wrote the Senators.
    “SNAP supports 42 million Americans, including nearly 8 million seniors, 16 million children, 4 million people with disabilities, and 1.2 million veterans, in putting food on their tables each month. Cuts of this magnitude—or anything close to it—would be devastating to American families in every state,” the Senators continued.
    Along with Duckworth, Durbin and Klobuchar, the letter was signed by U.S. Senators Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Patty Murray (D-WA), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Jack Reed (D-RI), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Mark Warner (D-VA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Chris Coons (D-CT), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Ed Markey (D-MA), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Gary Peters (D-MI), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Tina Smith (D-MN),  Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Jon Ossoff (D-GA), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Peter Welch (D-VT), John Fetterman (D-PA), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE), Elissa Slotkin (D-MI) and Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD).
    Earlier this week, Durbin joined leaders from the Lessie Bates Davis Foodbank to discuss the impact of the Trump Administration’s cuts to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) on food pantries.  USDA has halted $1 billion from the Local Food Purchase Assistance Program (LFPA), which reimburses states for purchasing fresh produce from local farmers, which is then distributed to food pantries like the St. Louis Area Foodbank. Without this federal funding, the IL-EATS program, which is funded through USDA’s LFPA program, has been suspended, causing more than 175 small Illinois farmers and hundreds of food banks throughout the state to be left in the lurch.
    The full text of the letter is below and can be found here.
    April 14, 2025
    An open letter to the public:
    The Trump Administration and Congressional Republicans are planning to give another round of tax handouts to the ultra-wealthy and corporations paid for by gutting the food assistance that helps American families pay for groceries at a time when they are struggling to afford food, health care, housing, and other household basic needs. If enacted, cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) will have severe consequences for millions of veterans, seniors, children, and hard-working farmers.
    We write to make our position on this legislation perfectly clear: Congress should not give tax breaks to the wealthiest Americans by taking away food assistance from millions of Americans.
    Earlier this year, both the House and the Senate passed budget bills that pave the way for deep cuts to SNAP. The House budget bill would require at least $230 billion in cuts. The Senate bill sets a floor of $1 billion in cuts with nothing to prevent it from going as high as the House bill. This would be a more than 20 percent cut to a program that helps millions of struggling families afford groceries.
    SNAP supports 42 million Americans, including nearly 8 million seniors, 16 million children, 4 million people with disabilities, and 1.2 million veterans, in putting food on their tables each month. Cuts of this magnitude—or anything close to it—would be devastating to American families in every state. SNAP benefits currently average only $6.20 per person per day. At a time when people across the country are struggling with the high cost of groceries, a cut of this magnitude could result in an immediate increase in food costs, dropping the annual, per person SNAP benefit by over $500 per year per person.
    Congressional Republicans might claim that their plan is to merely require states to pay for a portion of food benefits for the first time. In truth, such an unprecedented cost shift could force states to cut benefits, severely restrict program eligibility, or both. If combined with a similar Medicaid cost shift, these unfunded mandates could decimate state budgets and cut healthcare and food assistance for millions of Americans.
    Taking away SNAP would also hurt the farmers who grow our food, the manufacturers that package it, truckers who distribute it, and small businesses in our communities that sell it. Each SNAP dollar stimulates the economy: every $1.00 in food assistance provided by the program in a weak economy generates an additional $1.50 in economic activity. Because adequate nutrition is so important for children’s health and development, the long-term return on investment is even greater: every $1.00 invested in SNAP for children returns $62 in value. In 2020 alone, SNAP supported 200,000 grocery industry jobs and created nearly 45,000 new jobs in supporting industries, including agriculture, manufacturing, transportation, and municipal services.
    Republicans are writing the most consequential tax and budget legislation in decades entirely behind closed doors. That’s because Trump and Congressional Republicans must hide the ugly truth—their legislation feeds corporate and wealthy individuals’ greed by taking food assistance away for tens of millions of Americans. You, your family, and your neighbors deserve far better.
    Democrats are fighting to protect Americans’ ability to feed their families from Republican cuts.
    Join us and keep up the fight.
    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Fact Sheet: President Donald J. Trump Establishes the Religious Liberty Commission

    US Senate News:

    Source: The White House
    ESTABLISHING THE RELIGIOUS LIBERTY COMMISSION: Today, President Donald J. Trump signed an Executive Order establishing the Religious Liberty Commission to safeguard and promote America’s founding principle of religious freedom.
    The Religious Liberty Commission will be comprised of a Chairman and Vice Chairman designated by the President, ex officio government officials, and additional members from diverse religious and professional backgrounds, including clergy, legal experts, academics, and public advocates.
    The Commission is tasked with producing a comprehensive report on the foundations of religious liberty in America, strategies to increase awareness of and celebrate America’s peaceful religious pluralism, current threats to religious liberty, and strategies to preserve and enhance protections for future generations.
    Key focus areas include parental rights in religious education, school choice, conscience protections, attacks on houses of worship, free speech for religious entities, and institutional autonomy.

    The Commission will advise the White House Faith Office and the Domestic Policy Council on religious-liberty policies and recommend executive or legislative actions to protect these freedoms.
    Advisory boards of religious leaders, lay leaders, and legal experts will provide specialized guidance as subcomponents of the commission.
    PROTECTING AMERICA’S FIRST AMENDMENT RIGHT: President Trump is addressing emerging threats to religious liberty to ensure Americans can freely practice their faith without government interference.
    The United States Constitution enshrines the fundamental right to religious liberty in the First Amendment.
    Recent Federal and State policies have undermined this right by targeting conscience protections, preventing parents from sending their children to religious schools, threatening funding and non-profit status for faith-based entities, and excluding religious groups from government programs.
    The previous administration’s Department of Justice targeted peaceful Christians while ignoring violent, anti-Christian offenses.
    This Commission will investigate and recommend policies to restore and safeguard religious liberty for all Americans.
    STANDING UP FOR RELIGIOUS FREEDOM: President Trump has a proven record of defending religious liberty and is committed to preserving this cornerstone of American democracy.
    In his first term, President Trump signed an Executive Order on “Promoting Free Speech and Religious Liberty.”
    He also protected conscience rights, ensured equal access to funding for religious institutions, and defended faith communities against government overreach.

    On the campaign trail, President Trump reaffirmed his commitment to protecting America’s religious freedoms.
    Since returning to office, President Trump has signed several executive actions to strengthen religious liberty, including:
    Marshalling all Federal resources to combat the explosion of anti-Semitism on our campuses and in our streets since October 7, 2023.  
    Establishing a White House Faith Office to bring faith leaders from across the nation to the table and ensure their voices are heard at the highest levels of our government.
    Creating the “Task Force to Eradicate Anti-Christian Bias” at the Department of Justice to end the anti-Christian weaponization of government and unlawful targeting of Christians.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Sexual Violence Prevention Month Proclaimed in Saskatchewan

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Released on May 1, 2025

    Government is proclaiming May 2025 as Sexual Violence Prevention Month in Saskatchewan in partnership with Sexual Assault Services of Saskatchewan. 

    Sexual Violence Prevention Month is a collaborative approach that unites communities, government agencies and advocacy groups in a shared mission to end sexual violence in Saskatchewan.

    “We are proud to continue partnering with Sexual Assault Services of Saskatchewan on this important initiative,” Justice Minister and Attorney General Tim McLeod said. “As a government we are committed to addressing and raising awareness about sexual violence as part of our ongoing work to build a healthy, vibrant Saskatchewan where everyone can live safely and free from violence.”

    In 2025-26, government will invest $31.7 million for interpersonal violence programs and services through the justice system. This includes $328,000 for second-stage housing and an additional $720,000 for community-based organizations, including those that deliver supports and services to individuals and families impacted by interpersonal violence, including sexual and physical violence. 

    “Sexual Violence Prevention Week is a time to reaffirm our commitment to preventing and ending sexual violence in all forms,” Minister Responsible for the Status of Women Alana Ross said. “Everyone deserves to feel safe physically, in their relationships and in their communities. During Sexual Violence Prevention Week, we stand with survivors and work towards a future free from harm.”

    Government supports a variety of programs and initiatives that work to address and reduce sexual violence across the province, including:

    “Sexual Violence Prevention Month is a time to raise awareness, inspire action and strengthen our efforts to end sexual violence in Saskatchewan,” Sexual Assault Services of Saskatchewan Executive Director Kerrie Isaac said. “With our province facing one of the highest rates in Canada, it’s critical to address root causes like addiction, which is closely linked to sexual violence. We call on communities, government and advocacy groups to work together for real prevention and support.”  

    If someone you know may be at risk of  sexual violence, or is looking for support and information about human trafficking and sexual exploitation, please find a complete directory of resources at sk.211.ca/abuse. 

    More information on events being held this month please visit: https://sassk.ca/initiatives/shining-a-light/svpm/.

    For more information on programs and services provided by the Government of Saskatchewan, visit: 

    Major Investments Made to End Gender Based Violence | News and Media | Government of Saskatchewan.

    Human Trafficking Posters Featured at Country Thunder for First Time | News and Media | Government of Saskatchewan.

    Government of Saskatchewan Invests $42.6 Million In Community-Based Funding to Address Interpersonal Violence | News and Media | Government of Saskatchewan.

    You can also find the videos and more information about the ‘Face the Issue’ campaign on Saskatchewan.ca.

    -30-

    For more information, contact:

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Speaker Johnson Outlines Roadmap for America’s Industrial Comeback

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Mike Johnson (LA-04)

    WASHINGTON — Today, Speaker Johnson delivered closing remarks at the Hill and Valley Forum that detailed how President Trump and Republicans in Congress are laying the groundwork for America’s industrial renewal.

    Click here to watch the full speech

    Read Speaker Johnson’s remarks below:

    I want to talk to you about an important issue that I know is top of mind for all of you and that’s about some long-held assumptions. There’s a long-held assumption out there that government and innovation must be at odds. We don’t believe that. You don’t believe that.

    But I think today’s thoughtful and insightful conversations – and most of American history for that matter – actually tell a different story. Many of our most consequential innovations have emerged from a healthy interplay between private ingenuity and public engagement.  

    Today, America is eager to get back to the days of making and building things again. And rightly so. For the better part of this century, we’ve actually been moving in the opposite direction. From the steel towns of Pennsylvania to the textile mills of the Carolinas, American communities watched as their factories shut down and main streets emptied out. We were told that we could simply innovate here and build elsewhere. The result was a gradual erosion of our industrial strength, which was part of the great strength of America.

    In recent years, we’ve seen the consequences of allowing the industrial backbone of our economy to atrophy, whether it’s strategic vulnerabilities in semiconductors, rare earths, and pharmaceuticals, or the regulations that smother businesses and jobs far too often.

    Our economy is coming back. We are doing the right things right now. We are making the right decisions to get this going. And that’s after the very damaging effects of Bidenomics the last four years, but we also see warning signs below the surface.

    I think we owe it to ourselves to be frank about this because we’re the ones that have to figure this out. Company profits are up, but the productivity of key American industries of course is down. Unemployment is low, but the number of Americans in job market still stagnates still below pre-pandemic levels. And our industrial capacity – the real engine of a resilient economy – has barely begun to recover from decades of neglect.

    What we are slowly learning is that our technological and our industrial strength is inextricably linked to our national prosperity and security. People in this room understand that, but others are taking notice.

    This situation didn’t happen by accident, it didn’t happen overnight. Decades worth of policymakers made it too easy to offshore entire industries, while providing few incentives to reinvest here in the USA. And it happened because government forgot that its role is not to control the markets, but to cultivate the conditions in which innovation can not only survive, but thrive.

    We saw this failure play out in real time under the last administration. I mean this is just objective fact, I don’t want to give you a partisan speech, but we need to look at reality. President Biden put the full weight of government behind clean energy, EVs, and broadband as a way to implement his green new economy. What we got instead was billions in spending with very little to show for it, if anything at all.

    The EV charger program has to be one of the worst boondoggles ever.  There were fewer than 10 functioning stations built in the first three years. Billions went into these failed programs, while burdensome permitting processes and red tape worked against the very innovation the Administration hoped to spur.

    And while Joe Biden paused America’s LNG exports, his Administration enriched adversaries like Russia, who were all too willing to fill this void in the market. Our European allies quite literally had to go get their natural gas and get their energy needs met by Vladimir Putin. It fueled his war machine and caused so much of the chaos we’re still dealing with.

    These policies don’t just handicap America and American technology; they fundamentally misunderstood the role of government in our system of free enterprise.

    Republicans, and especially President Trump, see things very differently. We believe government’s job is not to pick winners and losers. It’s to set the rules of the road, clear the obstacles, and get out of the way so American capital and ingenuity can get to work.

    We have to allow the job creators, and the risk takers, and the entrepreneurs, and the economy to do what they do. government can’t have a boot on the neck of those people and expect them to perform today.

    We’ve got an opportunity to reckon with all these failures, to recalibrate appropriately and get America back to being an industrial powerhouse once again. Our survival as a nation, I think, depends upon this. So what role should government actually play? Let me just outline three quick, broad policies that Republicans in Congress are pursuing right now to accomplish all this in concert with the White House, because this is a – we’re trying to operate as a seamless team. You’ll see that we’re working day to day, hand in hand with the administration, and that Republicans who control now both chambers of Congress, because we have unified government, you’ll see the Senate and House Republicans working together in tandem. That’s very deliberate, I think, very, very important.

    But three broad policies that we’re pursuing: number one, unleashing abundant American energy. I don’t have to tell the people in this auditorium why that’s so important. Artificial intelligence and data centers are consuming enormous amounts of energy, and this demand is growing exponentially. They come in and show us the charts where the demand goes like this on a chart, and we’re behind the eight ball already, as we know, if we’re to support these innovations and build the jobs and factories of tomorrow, we need reliable, affordable, abundant energy. And that means that unleashing the full potential of American energy and cutting red tape and tapping into every energy source, like commercial nuclear and liquefied natural gas, is just critically important. 

    Our second priority that we’re trying to pursue here is keeping taxes low and keeping competition in the marketplace. The 2017 Trump tax cuts sparked a real resurgence in American industry. The year after they passed, business investment jumped by roughly 10% real wages grew and companies began to reinvest in US manufacturing again. I mean, quite literally, all boats were rising. We say in these big forums as going around the country to a campaign and say, look, President Trump is a known entity. The first Trump Administration, look at what he did and what he was able to do prior to COVID, we had the greatest economy in the history of the world since we cut taxes and cut regulations. It’s not rocket science. We aspire to get back to that at that time, every boat was rising. I mean literally, every demographic in the country and every region in the country was doing better because these policies were implemented.

    Right now, we’re working to make these tax cuts, the tax cuts of the first administration, permanent, not just for families, but also to ensure that American innovators have the confidence to take risks and to reinvest boldly in expanding our industrial base. 

    The third big priority I wanted to mention today is reducing the size and scope of government. We get two important levers to do that. One is reining in wasteful spending. Number two, it’s cutting back regulations again. Under President Biden, we cross the dangerous threshold of $35 trillion in national debt. This is a dire situation. I know the people in this room understand it. A lot of people back home don’t have a full scope of the threat that this is. When we bring in leaders in the Pentagon or the Joint Chiefs of Staff of the last several years, I served on the House Armed Services Committee, among other assignments. We would ask them, “what is the greatest national threat to  our country? What is our top national security concern?” And you would expect them to say, China, Russia, Iran, North Korea. They don’t. They say the debt. And it’s true that our interest payments alone are on track to outpace our entire defense fund. It’s not a sustainable situation, and everybody knows that. Our adversaries know it as well.

    So we’re working right now on the one big, beautiful bill is the reconciliation process, and we’re going through that. We’re taking an honest look at every corner of the budget, including programs along considered to be “untouchable.” We know that when we work to root out wasteful and abuse, just like any smart business, we make our system and these vital programs more effective and efficient the people who really need and deserve them. And we’ve got all hands on deck to do this at the same time. We need to cut harmful regulations that smother innovation.

    All of you run into this, I’m sure at some point or another, may be dealing with it today, but I hope to tell you, in good faith that help is on the way. America’s industrial comeback can’t wait on government bureaucracy. We need to clear the runway for capital to move swiftly into new factories and robotics and advanced automation. Just before COVID, Tesla built its giga factory in Shanghai. They did it in under one year. If you did that same thing here, it would take just as long to pull together the darn permits just to get started building. We can and we must do better. We cannot allow other countries to exceed our performance in that way. 

    Nowhere is it more necessary for Congress to move with caution than AI. If we over regulate here, which you know, Washington tends to do, we don’t just risk regulating American AI out of existence. We would cede critical grounded China and this fateful race to dominate this new technology, and it’s a race that we cannot afford to lose.

    Our priority with AI and technology more broadly, is create an environment that’s competitive and open to new and emerging players, and not just one that benefits the big guys, right?

    Let me talk about tariffs briefly, and I know I’m the last speaker today, so I don’t want to give you a long policy speech, but I think some of this is important, and I’m sure it’s timely for you, and it’s probably one of the questions you would ask if we opened it up.

    President Trump is taking a serious look at our trade relationships, and it’s something I think that we should applaud. We have been mistreated. We have unfair trade partners around the globe, and this has been going on for quite some time. We’re living in the relic of really, what happened after World War II. Think about it, the historical terms I mean, we emerged as a great superpower, and Europe largely had to be rebuilt. So all these trade agreements were made with America as the new great nation, and the emerging superpower, and they sort of rationalized, “well, Americans can afford it, and we need a break.”

    Well, I mean, we’re a long time past World War II. President Trump’s right to point it out. He said, reciprocal trade means it’s got to be fair. He said, every time I talk to him “Mr. President, we’re free traders, free market guys.” He goes “yeah, free and fair trade.” Well, that’s a good point. So tariffs are one tool among many that he’s using to try to do a rebalancing there. He’s trying to rebalance trade and restore a level playing field for American workers and businesses. We’re in uncharted waters on this. This hasn’t been done, so there’s bound to be some market disruption. That’s what we’ve all kind of lived through the last several weeks.

    But I trust the President’s instincts here, and I know that American business leaders are tired of tactics from China. They just constantly undercut and outmaneuver American firms. They’ve stolen our IP, everybody here knows it. People are tired of competing with Chinese firms that are propped up by state subsidies and use actual slave labor to produce their products and they steal our intellectual property.

    But tariffs are just one part of the equation securing our long-term security and the competitive edge that will depend that we’ll need all that’s going to depend on leaning into innovations like AI and advanced robotics and automation. I really empathize with Americans who feel uneasy about the rapid pace of technology advancement.  I get that, but history gives us reason to be optimistic about this. From the automobile to the aircraft to the internet, each new breakthrough has unlocked entirely new industries and professions and forms of prosperity that have worked in our favor. They’ve transformed the way we live. We should always invite and celebrate those advances, because we know the better technology makes our workers more productive, and when our workers are more productive, they earn more, they build more and we see more human flourishing. 

    At the end of the day, that is our objective. We are trying to bring about human flourishing. That’s the goal of all this. It should be the goal of all of our public policy. Not everybody thinks about it that way, but we’re trying to, we’re trying to change things that they do. We should invite new ideas to reinvigorate our industrial base, not just to decouple from China, although that’s critical, but to give the American people a renewed sense of pride in what we make and what we build and what we export to the world, I have to say I’m incredibly bullish on America, not just because of the talent and ingenuity in this room and across the country, but because of what I’ve seen with my own eyes around the country. 

    I’ll just leave you with this quick anecdote. Two weeks ago, I was down in south Texas. I visited Saronic. You’ll probably know some of you guys know company. Y’all heard about it earlier on the stage, I think, but its headquarters sit in an unassuming lot right outside downtown Austin. I drove up and I was like, we’re here, but what I saw inside this building was truly extraordinary. What they’re doing is incredible work to bring back American shipbuilding, essentially from the ashes. We’re blessed where I’m from because Saronic is soon expanding manufacturing operation in my home state, Louisiana, and we’re going to welcome them with open arms, because it’s really exciting stuff.

    I’m telling this story because that is what American renewal looks like. It’s not just about Silicon Valley or Washington or bringing back the smokestacks of the 50’s. This is about expanding the pool of opportunity for every American in every community, in every corner of this great country. It’s about pioneering innovation. It’s about taking risks and betting big on America. Once again, it can happen anywhere in the country, and we want to bring about the conditions to allow that to happen. And that’s why I’m more confident than ever that our best days still lie ahead of us.

    Last thought, because I know you want to go. In July of next year, we’ll celebrate our 250th anniversary as a nation. This grand experiment in self-governance has lasted two and a half centuries. We have already exceeded the expiration date, the lifespan of a nation like ours, a republic, and we’ve done something totally different that no one had ever done before. America was truly revolutionary. The very concept was and we’re built upon these very firm foundations, these ideas, some of the things I’ve articulated today are made us who we are.

    Sometimes in this job, I take the opportunity to go and speak to university and college students, and I’m often alarmed my friends, because I will ask at the beginning, I’ll get on a stage like this, and I’ll say, “would you raise your hand if you agree that you live in the greatest nation in the history of the world?” And sadly, sometimes you get 10-15% of the hands raised in an auditorium like this, I’ll say, “gee, well, you don’t believe in the live in the greatest nation? Would you at least concede you live in a great nation?” Get a few more hands, and then I spend the rest of time explaining to them. I’m a constitutional law attorney. I can put on my case. I need several hours, but I try to convince it, and in 20 minutes or so I say “look, you live in the greatest nation in the history of the world. It’s not even close by any objective measure.” We’re the most successful, most powerful, most free, most benevolent nation that has ever been on the earth.

    But there’s a reason that we are, and it’s incumbent upon us as stewards of this great Republic if we are going to keep this grand experiment in self-governance, it is incumbent upon us to understand what those foundations are and to nurture them, to get back to those foundations, because we can’t allow them to be destroyed.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Reps. Scholten, Barrett Introduce Bipartisan TRANSPORT Jobs Act to Connect Veterans with Supply Chain Careers

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Hillary Scholten – Michigan

    WASHINGTON, DC – This week, U.S. Congresswoman Hillary Scholten (MI03) and U.S. Congressman Tom Barrett (MI07) introduced the Transitioning Retiring And New Service Members to Port, Ocean, Rail, and Truck (TRANSPORT) Jobs Act. This bipartisan legislation aims to strengthen both veteran employment opportunities and the American supply chain workforce by developing a comprehensive plan to connect veterans with high-demand jobs in the transportation and logistics sector.

    “Veterans who have devoted their lives to serving our nation should never face obstacles in finding employment. Our home is the land of the free because of the brave, and it’s our duty to ensure that when their mission ends, a new path begins,” said Scholten. “The least we can do is help streamline the process and identify barriers to a career post-service. That’s why I am proud to co-lead the bipartisan TRANSPORT Jobs Act with Rep. Barrett, which would be an important first step in developing a more conducive job market for veterans in the supply chain industry.”

    “No one is better trained or more mission-focused than our veterans, yet too many are left struggling to find meaningful employment after leaving the military,” said Barrett. “It’s time we tear down the roadblocks that stand between those who served and the jobs that need doing in our economy. The TRANSPORT Jobs Act is a critical first step in that process and achieves two goals at once – supporting our veterans and strengthening our nation’s supply chain. I’m proud to introduce this bill with Rep. Scholten and look forward to working together to get it across the finish line.”

    Specifically, the bill directs the Secretary of Transportation to work with other federal agencies to develop and release a plan that will identify barriers to hiring veterans in trucking, rail, shipping, and other critical infrastructure roles. It will also require the department to make policy recommendations to eliminate them.

    Nearly two-thirds of newly separated service members face challenges transitioning to civilian life with “finding a job” being their top concern. The TRANSPORT Jobs Actaddresses this issue by aligning federal workforce development policy with the needs of both veterans and employers, bolstering economic opportunity, and national resilience. 

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Following Workers’ Memorial Day, Deluzio & Fitzpatrick Reintroduce Bipartisan Public Service Worker Protection Act

    Source: US Congressman Chris Deluzio (PA)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congressman Chris Deluzio (D-PA-17) and Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA-01) reintroduced the bipartisan Public Service Worker Protection Act.  This bill seeks to expand the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 to include public sector workers under its defined safety protections on the job. The goal of the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSH Act) is to “assure safe and healthful working conditions for working men and women.” The 1970 law created the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) at the federal level and provided that states could run their own safety and health programs as long as those programs were at least as effective as the federal program. Federal and state safety personnel work to ensure worker safety and health through work site enforcement, education, and compliance assistance.

    While the OSH Act protects some public sector workers working under federal authority, federal OSHA law does not inherently cover workers at state and local government agencies. Instead, public sector workers in these states are protected by the OSH Act only if their state has an OSHA-approved program—leaving a gap of public sector workers whose workplaces are subject to fewer safety standards and are given less protections. As of today, around two dozen states and territories have OSHA-approved programs that cover both private sector and public sector workers. Some states and territories may also have plans that only cover public sector workers. This leaves dozens of other states and territories where public sector workers lack worker safety protections.

    “We just marked Workers’ Memorial Day, a solemn day to remember workers who died or were hurt on the job in the last year. American workers in every sector should expect to work in safe conditions and to be able to come home,” said Congressman Deluzio. “Toward that goal, let‘s make sure that every American worker has the strong safety standards and protections of OSHA in their workplace. I’m proud to reintroduce the bipartisan Public Service Worker Protection Act with Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick to extend these essential to the public servants who power our governments and help keep all of us safe. Let’s get this done.” 

    “We entrust our public servants with some of the most critical responsibilities—educating our children, safeguarding our communities, responding in times of crisis. Yet millions of these dedicated workers remain unprotected by the very workplace safety standards that exist to prevent harm. That is a gap we can no longer ignore. Our Public Service Worker Protection Act is a critical step toward equal protection under the law—no matter your job or your zip code. Congressman Deluzio and I are urging our colleagues: join us in standing with America’s public servants and let’s get this done,” said Rep. Fitzpatrick.

    “Every worker deserves a safe workplace, whether they’re in public service or work in the private sector,” said American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) President Lee Saunders. “But nearly 8 million public service workers still aren’t guaranteed basic safety protections on the job. In 23 states, frontline workers like EMS responders, road crews, and corrections officers are excluded from OSHA coverage — even though public service workers report injuries at a rate 81% higher than those in the private sector. It’s time to fix that. On behalf of the 1.4 million public service workers of AFSCME, we thank Rep. Chris Deluzio for sponsoring the Public Service Worker Protection Act, which would finally extend OSHA protections to public service workers nationwide. And we urge Congress to pass this legislation without delay, because protecting our communities starts with protecting the workers who keep America running.”

    “More than 50 years after the introduction of the Occupational Safety and Health Act, too many of the workers who keep our cities and towns running are at risk of injury, illness, and even death on the job,” said Liz Shuler, President of the AFL-CIO. “The Public Service Worker Protection Act will ensure that these workers will finally have the full protections they are entitled to under federal law. This bill is an important step forward in our fight to make sure every worker comes home from work safe. We urge Congress to pass it without delay.”

    “Public service workers have dedicated their lives to improving our communities, often putting their communities’ needs ahead of their own. Relying on individual states to implement their own health and safety plans is simply not enough. These workers deserve federal protections now. CWA proudly supports the Public Service Worker Protection Act, which extends OSHA protections to the public sector workers who keep our cities and states running. We commend Representatives Deluzio and Fitzpatrick for their leadership on this vital issue and call for the swift passage of this important legislation.” – Dan Mauer, Director of Government Affairs, Communications Workers of America (CWA).

    “The fight for workplace safety is foundational to why the labor movement exists and core to the AFT,” said Randi Weingarten, President of the American Federation of Teachers (AFT). “No worker should fear for their safety on the job. We are proud to stand with Congressman Deluzio as he introduces the Public Service Worker Protection Act. Far too many public employees are not covered by a state OSHA plan. This legislation would change that and be a meaningful step towards safer workplaces. Congress should take it up without delay.”

    “Millions of public sector workers across 23 states are currently excluded from the Occupational Safety and Health Act, including thousands of USW members who serve as crossing guards, probationary officers, city workers and much more. This week, as we mark Workers Memorial Day and recommit ourselves to advancing workplace health and safety, we applaud Reps. Chris Deluzio and Brian Fitzpatrick for once again introducing the bipartisan Public Sector Worker Protection Act to close this loophole and protect public sector workers.” – United Steelworkers (USW) International President David McCall

    The full text of the bill is available here. 

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Grassley, Smith Reintroduce Bipartisan Bills to Help Students Navigate College Costs

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Iowa Chuck Grassley

    Listen to audio from Senator Grassley HERE 

    WASHINGTON – Sens. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and Tina Smith (D-Minn.) reintroduced three bipartisan bills to help students and families make informed decisions when choosing a college and taking out loans. 

    From the initial college search, to the acceptance of financial aid, to counseling once in college, the bills would help students avoid sticker shock, find the best school for their budget and avoid taking out ill-advised and oversized loans.

    “When it comes to college costs, we ought to focus on fixing the process on the front-end before students get in over their heads. The federal government should be offering commonsense resources to better prepare borrowers. Our bipartisan bills will provide additional counseling, resources and clarity to the student loan process so that students can know before they owe. I’m working to help America’s next generation pursue higher education opportunities without breaking the bank,” Grassley said. 

    “We need to better equip students and their families with information about the costs of college, from the initial search all the way up to when they receive financial aid offers. My bipartisan bills with Senator Grassley would help fix these problems,” Smith said. “Among other things, we would ensure that financial aid offers can be easily compared between schools, because time and again students and families are faced with inconsistent and incomplete information, making apples-to-apples comparisons impossible. These reforms will help students have more transparency when making one of the biggest financial decisions of their lives—how to pay for college and take the next step in their education.”  

    Legislative Summaries:

    The Net Price Calculator Improvement Act would improve the effectiveness of and access to net price calculators. Net price calculators provide students with early, individualized estimates of higher education costs and financial aid figures before they decide where to apply. Rep. Brett Guthrie (Ky.) plans to introduce companion legislation in the House of Representatives. A summary of the Net Price Calculator Improvement Act is available HERE. 

    The Understanding the True Cost of College Act would create a universal financial aid offer form and standardize terms used to describe financial aid to allow students to more easily compare financial aid packages between schools. This move aims to prevent troubling findings by the Government Accountability Office (GAO) that over 90% of college financial aid offer letters currently understate the price students would pay. Sens. Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.) and Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.) are original cosponsors of the bill, and Rep. Young Kim (R-Calif.) introduced companion legislation in the House of Representatives. A summary of the Understanding the True Cost of College Act is available HERE. 

    The Know Before You Owe Federal Student Loan Act would strengthen the Higher Education Act to enhance the current loan counseling requirements for institutions of higher education. The bill would make loan counseling an annual requirement before new loans are disbursed, rather than a one-time requirement for first-time borrowers. The legislation would also allow students to decide exactly how much they would like to borrow, rather than offering the maximum possible loan amount as the default option. Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-Iowa) plans to introduce companion legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives. A summary of the Know Before You Owe Federal Student Loan Act is available HERE. 

    Background:

    Grassley has long warned of the fiscal danger posed by blanket cancelation after the fact and is an advocate for increased transparency to empower prospective and current students. Last Congress, Grassley joined Sen. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) in introducing the Student Transparency for Understanding Decisions in Education Net Terms (STUDENT) Act to provide student loan applicants with an estimate of the total amount of interest they would pay prior to accepting a loan. 

    Click HERE for audio of Grassley discussing this trio of bills, as well as the Education Department’s announcement that it will resume collections for federal borrowers with defaulted loans on May 5.  

    Support for the Know Before You Owe Federal Student Loan Act:

    “Education Finance Council supports Senator Grassley’s efforts to improve federal student loan counseling. Students deserve regular and more comprehensive information about paying for postsecondary education, and the Know Before You Owe Federal Student Loan Act equips them with the tools they need to make informed decisions,” said Gail daMota, President, Education Finance Council.

    “NACAC supports the Know Before You Owe Federal Student Loan Act of 2025 as a critical step toward ensuring students receive clear, personalized, and timely information about borrowing. Strengthening loan counseling requirements will help students make informed decisions, minimize unnecessary debt, and navigate a more equitable path to higher education,” said Angel Pérez, CEO, National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC).

    Support for the Understanding the True Cost of College Act: 

    “At uAspire, we advise students every day on finding an affordable path to college—and we see firsthand how confusing and inconsistent financial aid offers can be. Too often, students struggle to understand how much they’ll actually owe or compare costs between schools. Financial aid offers must clearly communicate what students are expected to pay. We’re grateful to Senators Grassley, Smith, Hassan, and Tuberville and Representative Kim for leading the Understanding the True Cost of College Act, which would bring much-needed clarity and transparency to the process,” said Anika Van Eaton, Vice President of Policy, uAspire 

    “As a longtime advocate for financial aid transparency and consumer protection, I know firsthand how confusing and opaque financial aid offers can be—both from my time counseling low-income students and from over a decade of research at New America. The Understanding the True Cost of College Act is the result of years of evidence, advocacy, and bipartisan collaboration. It’s a commonsense solution that brings higher education in line with other major financial decisions that already require standardized, comparable information—like buying a home, financing a car, or choosing a health plan. This bill ensures that all students can make apples-to-apples comparisons and truly understand how much college will cost. I applaud Senators Grassley, Smith, Hassan, and Tuberville and Representative Kim for championing this long-overdue reform.” Rachel Fishman, Director, Higher Education, New America. 

    “We applaud Senators Grassley, Smith, Hassan, and Tuberville and Representative Kim for spearheading the Understanding the True Cost of College Act. College is one of the biggest financial decisions facing American families, yet too many higher education institutions continue to provide unclear and misleading cost information. This bipartisan bill would make common-sense reforms and empower students and families by ensuring colleges provide them with clear, transparent, and easily comparable information about expenses and financial aid options,” said Michele Zampini, Senior Director of College Affordability, The Institute for College Access & Success (TICAS). 

    “In our work, IECA members witness, firsthand, the difficulty that exists in interpreting financial aid offers from U.S. colleges and universities. This proposed act is a critically important step towards providing students, and their families, with clear, consistent information regarding the accurate cost of higher education pursuits. We, thus, sincerely thank Senator Grassley (and his hardworking staff) for his intent to reintroduce this piece of legislation and strongly urge his fellow senatorial colleagues to cosponsor it, so that Congress can help students across the country make informed decisions about their education that will, in turn, ‘stem the tide’ as it pertains to the issue of staggering student debt,” said Leigh R. Allen II, Chief Executive Officer of the Independent Educational Consultants Association.

    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Chairman Mast Honors Israel’s Day of Independence

    Source: US House Committee on Foreign Affairs

    Media Contact 202-226-8467

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Brian Mast issued the following statement in honor of Israel’s Day of Independence.

    “Seventy-seven years ago, the Jewish people declared sovereignty over their ancestral homeland. Happy Independence Day to Israel — our greatest ally in the Middle East,” Chairman Mast said. 

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: 2022 St. Louis Murder-For-Hire Results in Life Term in Prison

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    ST. LOUIS – U.S. District Judge Matthew T. Schelp on Thursday sentenced a St. Louis County, Missouri man to life in prison for the murder of a New Jersey man in 2022.

    Moreion Lindsey, 35, was found guilty at a trial in January in U.S. District Court in St. Louis of one count of conspiracy to commit murder-for-hire and one count of murder-for-hire. Evidence and testimony showed that Lindsey fatally shot Titus Armstead on April 21, 2022, in Penrose Park in St. Louis.

    Lindsey had been hired for the murder by Jerome Williams, at the request of a Seattle man, Ray Bradley, who trafficked cocaine and marijuana to St. Louis and other cities. Bradley falsely blamed Armstead for the theft of drugs and millions of dollars from a Bradley “stash” house in New Jersey. Bradley had Armstead fly to St. Louis, purportedly to protect him from possible harm. Bradley’s real goal was to have him killed in St. Louis because Williams said he knew someone who could do the job, evidence and testimony showed. Lindsey met Armstead at the airport and drove him to Penrose Park, where he fatally shot Armstead with a .45-caliber handgun, evidence showed. He then took a photo of the body using a prepaid “burner” phone to provide proof of the death to Williams and Bradley.

    Lindsey was later paid $15,000 by Williams. Williams disposed of evidence, including the burner phone, Armstead’s Social Security card and other belongings. Lindsey had the SUV that he used to drive Armstead to the park reported stolen and then used $5,000 to buy another SUV.

    In a victim impact letter to the court, Armstead’s sister wrote, “In a world full of limitless opportunities—where every day offers a chance to grow, create, and build a meaningful life—why choose a path of destruction and harm? It is deeply saddening that amidst all the gifts and possibilities life offers, some would resign themselves to a life of drugs and violence.”

    “Moreion Lindsey, you threw away your life for $15,000—an amount you could have earned in six months of full-time work at minimum wage,” she added. “Instead, you chose a path that has deprived your children of a father and your mother of her son. You will spend the rest of your life without freedom—unable to enjoy a warm shower, a comfortable bed, or even the simple joys of being with your family.”

    Williams, 52, pleaded guilty in December to a charge of destruction of evidence to obstruct a federal investigation. He was sentenced April 23 to 138 months in prison.

    Bradley, 46, pleaded guilty in June to one count of conspiracy to commit murder-for-hire and one count of conspiracy to distribute cocaine. He was sentenced in September to 25 years in prison.

    The case was investigated by the FBI, the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department and the Atlanta Division of the Drug Enforcement Administration.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: Telnyx Unveils New AI Capabilities to Drive the Future of Intelligent Customer Interactions

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Austin, Texas, May 01, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Telnyx, a global leader in communications infrastructure, today announced a significant update to its product offering with advanced AI-driven capabilities. This launch includes groundbreaking new features such as Multimodal Conversations, AI-powered Insights, human-like Contextual Memory, an intuitive SMS Scheduling Assistant, and Dynamic Variables for real-time personalization.

    Telnyx showcases these innovative solutions with a redesigned homepage, providing developers and businesses easy access to interactive demonstrations, comprehensive use-case information, detailed developer documentation, and streamlined pathways to deployment.

    Our latest enhancements underscore Telnyx’s commitment to redefining customer engagement through AI-powered communication,” said Ian Reither, COO of Telnyx. “We’re excited to offer businesses smarter, more intuitive, and highly personalized conversational experiences across voice and SMS channels, all backed by our robust, carrier-grade infrastructure. With these tools, organizations can engage their customers like never before, reducing friction and driving satisfaction.”

    Key features now available include:

    • Multimodal Conversations: Seamlessly engage customers with multimodal interactions across voice and SMS.
    • Insights: Analyze and optimize customer interactions with conversation summaries, sentiment analysis, and actionable insights.
    • Contextual Memory: Provide personalized, continuity-rich customer experiences by recalling details from previous interactions.
    • Scheduling Assistant: Automate and simplify scheduling workflows via intuitive SMS interactions.
    • Dynamic Variables: Enable highly tailored communications with real-time personalized information integrated dynamically into conversations.

    This comprehensive launch emphasizes Telnyx’s continued evolution into a full-stack provider that combines AI and telephony, simplifying integration complexity and enhancing communication effectiveness for businesses globally.

    Experience the future of intelligent customer interactions today at telnyx.com.

    About Telnyx: Telnyx delivers global, carrier-grade communications infrastructure combined with advanced conversational AI, providing businesses with reliable, scalable, and intelligent customer interaction solutions. Organizations worldwide choose Telnyx for its robust infrastructure, intuitive tools, and unmatched support.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Emily Brontë’s Wuthering Heights is a dark parable about coercive control

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Katy Mullin, Professor of Modern Literature and Culture, University of Leeds

    Coercive or controlling behaviour in an intimate or family relationship became a criminal offence in the UK in December 2015. The legislation was the result of a long campaign by the charity Women’s Aid to extend understanding of domestic abuse beyond physical violence. But, over 150 years earlier, Emily Brontë placed coercive control at the heart of her celebrated gothic romance, Wuthering Heights.

    The novel is often read as a great love story. It has inspired a Kate Bush song and many stage, film and TV adaptations. But Heathcliff is an abused child who becomes an abuser – and teaches his son to copy, continue and refine his abuse.

    In the novel, Cathy declares that “My love for Heathcliff resembles the eternal rocks beneath: a source of little visible delight, but necessary. Nelly, I am Heathcliff!” Coercive control, like Cathy’s love, may not be fully visible, but it nonetheless underpins the emotional logic of Brontë’s plot.

    This article is part of Rethinking the Classics. The stories in this series offer insightful new ways to think about and interpret classic books and artworks. This is the canon – with a twist.

    Wuthering Heights is a novel of two halves. The first focuses on spirited, passionate Cathy, caught between her tamely domestic husband Edgar Linton and the thrilling wildness of Heathcliff, her soulmate from childhood. To revenge himself on Cathy for marrying Edgar, Heathcliff elopes with Edgar’s infatuated sister Isabella. Isabella initially sees Heathcliff as a brooding romantic hero, but she soon repents, fleeing with their baby son Linton.

    Heathcliff’s abuse of Isabella is sometimes physical, but more often psychological. He takes care, as he tells the family servant Nelly Dean, to “keep strictly within the limits of the law” to avoid giving Isabella “the slightest right to claim a separation”.

    The law grants him ownership of his wife’s money and property, but subtler refinements of abuse include humiliation, isolation from family and friends, and deprivation of food, privacy and personal care. At Wuthering Heights, Nelly is shocked to see Isabella unwashed, shabbily dressed. She’s “wan and listless; her hair uncurled: some locks hanging lankly down”.



    Read more:
    Margot Robbie’s Wuthering Heights dress is inaccurate, but not because it’s white – an expert explains

    Isabella has already reported that she is forced to sleep in a chair because Heathcliff keeps “the key of our room in his pocket”. Heathcliff delights in humbling her before Nelly and his own servants, calling her “an abject thing”, “shamefully cringing”, “pitiful, slavish, and mean-minded”.

    Isabella escapes Heathcliff clad only in “a girlish dress” and “thin slippers”, and goes into hiding with her brother’s financial help. After her death, Heathcliff recovers their son Linton and uses him to engineer a second coercive marriage to his cousin, Cathy and Edgar’s daughter Catherine.

    A sickly, peevish adolescent, Linton Heathcliff is perhaps the most unappealing character in Victorian fiction, lacking altogether the strength and charisma of his father. But his puny physicality casts the coercive nature of his abuse into relief.

    Catherine is imprisoned at Wuthering Heights and blackmailed into consenting to marry Linton, who becomes the legal owner of all her property. Incapable of dominating her physically, Linton delights in psychological torment, conspiring in his father’s surveillance and depriving her of beloved possessions:

    All her nice books are mine; she offered to give me them, and her pretty birds, and her pony Minny, if I would get the key of our room, and let her out; but I told her she had nothing to give, they were all, all mine. And then she cried, and took a little picture from her neck, and said I should have that; two pictures in a gold case, on one side her mother, and on the other uncle [Catherine’s father], when they were young. That was yesterday – I said they were mine, too.

    After Linton’s death, Heathcliff inherits everything, leaving the widowed and orphaned Catherine his penniless dependant. Wuthering Heights is a dark parable about the absolute power that marriage can grant to abusive men.

    Real-life inspiration

    Brontë’s plot was rooted in a real-life local case of domestic torment. In 1840, a Mrs Collins came to Haworth Parsonage to ask Emily’s father Patrick’s advice about her alcoholic, abusive husband. He was Patrick’s colleague and fellow clergyman, Rev. John Collins, assistant curate of Keighley.

    Unusually for the time, Patrick advised her to leave him and take her two children with her. In April 1847, just seven months before Wuthering Heights’ publication, Mrs Collins returned to Haworth to thank him. She told the Brontë family how she had settled in Manchester with her children, supporting them all by running a lodging house.

    Looking for something good? Cut through the noise with a carefully curated selection of the latest releases, live events and exhibitions, straight to your inbox every fortnight, on Fridays. Sign up here.

    Mrs Collins’ experience of abuse did not only shape the chilling psychodrama of Wuthering Heights. There are echoes of Patrick’s advice in Emily’s sister Charlotte’s novel Jane Eyre (1847), and her eponymous heroine’s famous declaration of autonomy: “I am no bird; and no net ensnares me; I am a free human being with an independent will, which I now exert to leave you.”

    Mrs Collins’ strength and resilience also inspires the bravery of Helen Huntingdon in Anne’s The Tenant of Wildfell Hall (1848). Like Emily’s “eternal rocks,” coercive control lurks beneath the Brontës’ best-loved fictions, warning Victorian readers of the terrifyingly real dangers of psychological abuse long before the law caught up.

    Beyond the canon

    As part of the Rethinking the Classics series, we’re asking our experts to recommend a book or artwork that tackles similar themes to the canonical work in question, but isn’t (yet) considered a classic itself. Here is the suggestion from Hannah Roche and Katy Mullin:

    George Gissing photographed in 1880.
    Internet Archive

    Like the Brontës’ famous novels, George Gissing’s The Odd Women (1893) shows an acute awareness of the impact of psychological abuse. Against her better judgement, the 21-year-old Monica Madden marries Edmund Widdowson, a man 23 years her senior who attempts to police every aspect of her domestic, social, intellectual and psychological life.

    Gissing’s fictional abuser is a classic coercive controller, a perpetrator of a crime that did not yet exist, and his pattern of behaviour is now so familiar and identifiable that it appears both prescient and predictable. Intensely jealous and possessive, Widdowson deploys tactics of surveillance, stalking, regulation and isolation, making decisions about where Monica goes, who she sees, and even what she reads.

    Of course, like Heathcliff and Linton, Widdowson does not have access to online communication tools or spyware. But the many red flags in his treatment of Monica are likely to appear strikingly modern to readers today.

    Katy Mullin receives funding from the Arts and Humanities Research Council (“Coercive Control: From Literature into Law”, an AHRC Research Network).

    Hannah Roche receives funding from the Arts and Humanities Research Council (“Coercive Control: From Literature into Law”, an AHRC Research Network).

    – ref. Emily Brontë’s Wuthering Heights is a dark parable about coercive control – https://theconversation.com/emily-brontes-wuthering-heights-is-a-dark-parable-about-coercive-control-253866

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI USA: LEADER JEFFRIES: “TRUMP’S FIRST 100 DAYS HAVE BEEN A COMPLETE AND TOTAL DISASTER AND HOUSE REPUBLICANS OWN ALL OF IT”

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

    Know Your Immigration Rights

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

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

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

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

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

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

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Mizuho Americas Announces Five-Year Renewal Agreement With the LPGA Tour as Title Sponsor of the Mizuho Americas Open, Reinforcing Its Commitment to Women’s Sports

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Mizuho to Raise Purse to $3.25 Million in 2026

    Michelle Wie West to Continue as Mizuho Brand Ambassador and Tournament Host

    Liberty National Golf Club to Host Event in 2028-2030; Mountain Ridge Country Club Added for 2026-2027

    NEW YORK, May 01, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Mizuho Americas, the New York-headquartered arm of Mizuho Financial Group (NYSE: MFG), announced today that it has renewed its title sponsor agreement for the Mizuho Americas Open through 2030 and will raise the 2026 purse to $3.25 million, one of the largest outside of the Major championships. The tournament will maintain its successful format where the American Junior Golf Association’s future stars compete alongside the best women golfers in the world.

    The new five-year agreement will allow the marquee tournament to remain in the New York City Metro area, providing unmatched benefits to the LPGA players, AJGA junior golfers, and the local community. After three years at the prestigious Liberty National Golf Club in Jersey City, NJ, the Mizuho Americas Open will travel just a few miles west to Mountain Ridge Country Club in West Caldwell, NJ, for 2026 and 2027, and then back to its long-term home at Liberty National for the remaining years through 2030. Additionally, LPGA Tour Icon and Mizuho Americas Brand Ambassador Michelle Wie West will continue to serve as Tournament Host.

    “We first partnered with the LPGA, AJGA, and Liberty National in 2023 to create a one-of-a-kind tournament that stands apart from the others,” said Jerry Rizzieri, President & CEO of Mizuho Securities USA and Head of Americas Corporate and Investment Bank. “We share this tournament – not only with the players – but also with our employees and clients. We remain deeply committed to our investment in women’s sports as we aim to help advance the next generation of talent and level the playing field for women, both on and off the golf course.”

    During the five-year partnership, the prize purse will continue to escalate, ensuring that the Mizuho Americas Open remains one of the largest non-Major championship purses on the LPGA Tour. Mizuho raised the bar for player experience and will continue to provide complimentary first-class accommodations and transportation for all LPGA players participating in the event through 2030.

    Mizuho’s continued support of the LPGA and its players speaks volumes about the company’s culture and its commitment to empowering women and fueling their aspirations,” said Liz Moore, Interim LPGA Commissioner. “Through our partnership with Mizuho, we’re able to showcase the world’s best golfers on a global stage, right outside one of the world’s most iconic cities, while uniquely providing rising AJGA stars the opportunity to compete alongside them — creating an unparalleled platform to inspire the next generation and furthering our core mission of using the game of golf to transform and enrich the lives of girls and women

    In a few short years, the Mizuho Americas Open has cemented itself as a premier LPGA Tour stop. Played on one of the best golf courses in the country, its groundbreaking format offers an opportunity for top-ranked AJGA junior golfers to compete side-by-side with the best LPGA players in the world, creating an unprecedented week of education and access to help ignite the passion of young women to become the next generation of LPGA Tour superstars.

    “We’re thrilled to strengthen this tremendous partnership with Mizuho, LPGA Tour and AJGA to host the world’s best professional and junior players through the end of the decade,” said Dan Fireman, Co-Founder and Executive Chairman of Liberty National Golf Club. “This event is truly unique and embodies our ethos and deep commitment to growing the game through the Liberty National Foundation’s Torch Lighters Club, which supports a number of charitable organizations, including the AJGA and others that benefit youth and our broader community.”

    Philanthropy will remain at the heart of the Mizuho Americas Open. Mizuho will continue to host its DrivHER Summit, a leadership forum developed in conjunction with Girls Inc., to help young women explore, aspire, and achieve. The comprehensive program features a golf clinic and workshops on self-confidence, career planning, and networking, reflecting the values championed by Girls Inc. of access, inclusivity, and opportunity.

    “Thanks in large part to the unwavering support of Mizuho, this tournament has grown into a crown jewel on the LPGA Tour,” said Michelle Wie West. “Mizuho is different than most sponsors in that they’re involved every step of the way, ensuring a premium is placed on the player experience and community impact. As tournament host, I feel inspired by how they’ve supercharged this event through innovative philanthropic and marketing efforts that put women’s golf front and center in the world’s largest media market.”

    The Mizuho Americas Open is operated by Excel Sports Management, a leading sports agency representing marquee brands, properties, and premier professional athletes – including many of the players and stars of today’s LPGA Tour.

    “We couldn’t be more excited to extend our partnership with Mizuho for another five years. What began as an ambitious vision has quickly become a cornerstone event on the LPGA Tour,” said Kevin Hopkins, Senior Vice President at Excel Sports Management. “As we look ahead, we’re energized by the opportunity to further elevate this championship experience for the players, our partners, and the dedicated golf fans across the New York metropolitan area who have embraced this event from day one”

    Information on ticket sales, corporate hospitality and volunteer opportunities are available at www.mizuhoamericasopen.com. Follow @MizuhoLPGA on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook for the latest news on the event.

    About Mizuho
    Mizuho Financial Group, Inc. is one of the largest financial institutions in the world as measured by total assets of ~$2 trillion, according to S&P Global 2024. Mizuho’s 65,000 employees worldwide offer comprehensive financial services to clients in 36 countries and 850 offices throughout the Americas, EMEA, and Asia.

    Mizuho Americas is a leading Corporate and Investment Bank (CIB) that provides a full spectrum of client-driven solutions across strategic advisory, capital markets, corporate banking, and fixed income and equities sales & trading to corporate, government, and institutional clients in the US, Canada, and Latin America. Through its acquisition of Greenhill, Mizuho enhanced its M&A, restructuring, and private capital advisory capabilities across the Americas, Europe, and Asia. Mizuho Americas employs approximately 4,000 professionals. For more information, visit www.mizuhoamericas.com.

    About the Mizuho Americas Open
    The Mizuho Americas Open is a purpose-driven tournament on the LPGA Tour. As title sponsor, Mizuho Americas created and drove the vision for a distinctive and premium event that celebrates women and advances the next generation, with a charitable focus on providing leadership and life skills to young girls from underserved communities. Played at the prestigious Liberty National Golf Club, with LPGA icon Michelle Wie West as celebrity host, the tournament features an elevated purse and a unique junior component where the AJGA’s stars of tomorrow compete alongside the best women golfers in the world. The tournament is also home to the Mizuho Americas DrivHER Summit, an inspirational day of learning and activities for Girls Inc., the official charitable partner of the Mizuho Americas Open. The Summit leverages the game of golf and the LPGA to inspire the members of Girls Inc. to discover the confidence they need to become leaders in their communities.

    About the LPGA 
    The Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) is the world’s premier women’s professional golf organization. Created in 1950 by 13 pioneering female Founders, the LPGA, whose Members now represent nearly 40 countries, is the longest-standing professional women’s sports organization. Through the LPGA Tour, the Epson Tour, the LPGA Professionals, and a joint venture with the Ladies European Tour, the LPGA provides female professionals the opportunity to pursue their dreams in the game of golf at the highest level. In addition to its professional tours and teaching accreditation programs, the LPGA features a fully integrated Foundation, which provides best-in-class programming for female golfers through its junior golf programming, and its LPGA Amateurs division, which offers its members playing and learning opportunities around the world. The LPGA aims to use its unique platform to inspire, transform and advance opportunities for girls and women, on and off the golf course. 

    Follow the LPGA online at www.LPGA.com and download its mobile apps on Apple or Google Play. Join the social conversation on Facebook, X (formerly known as Twitter), Instagram and YouTube. 

    About the LPGA Tour 
    The LPGA Tour is the world’s leading competitive destination for the best female professional golfers in the world. The Tour hosts more than 32 annual events across 12 countries for over 200 athletes, awarding total prize funds exceeding $129 million and reaching television audiences in more than 220 countries. Follow the LPGA Tour on its U.S. television home, Golf Channel. 

    About the AJGA
    The American Junior Golf Association is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to the overall growth and development of young men and women who aspire to earn college golf scholarships through competitive junior golf. The AJGA provides valuable exposure for college golf scholarships and has an annual junior membership (boys and girls, ages 12-19) of more than 9,000 members from 50 states and 51 foreign countries. Through initiatives like the Liberty National ACE Grant, a financial assistance program, and Leadership Links, a service-oriented platform that teaches juniors charitable-giving skills, the AJGA fosters the growth of golf’s next generation.

    TaylorMade and adidas are the AJGA’s Global Sponsors, supporting the AJGA for more than 25 years. TaylorMade has served as the Official Ball of the AJGA since 2016. adidas has been the Official Apparel and Footwear of the AJGA since 2017. Rolex, in its fourth decade of AJGA sponsorship, became the inaugural AJGA Premier Partner in 2004.

    AJGA alumni have risen to the top of amateur, collegiate and professional golf. Former AJGA juniors have compiled more than 1,000 victories on the PGA and LPGA Tours. AJGA alumni include Patrick Cantlay, Billy Horschel, Collin Morikawa, Scottie Scheffler, Jordan Spieth, Justin Thomas, Tiger Woods, Paula Creamer, Jessica Korda, Nelly Korda, Cristie Kerr, Stacy Lewis, Inbee Park, Lexi Thompson and Rose Zhang.

    About Liberty National Golf Club
    One of the world’s most iconic golf locales, Liberty National Golf Club is located along the Hudson River in Jersey City, NJ, with striking views of the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, and Manhattan skyline. Liberty National fittingly opened on July 4, 2006, and is guided by the vision and leadership of former Reebok Founder, Chairman & CEO Paul Fireman and his son Dan Fireman, managing partner of Fireman Capital Partners. Designed by US Open Champion Tom Kite and esteemed golf course mastermind Bob Cupp, Liberty National is kept in tournament ready playing condition. Liberty National hosted The Presidents Cup in 2017 as well as multiple PGA TOUR FedExCup Playoff events, and is currently the home of the LPGA Mizuho Americas Open. For more information about Liberty National Golf Club, visit www.libertynationalgc.com.

    About Mountain Ridge Country Club
    Founded in 1912, Mountain Ridge Country Club has long been considered a historic venue. Originally established in West Orange, NJ, the Club moved to its current site in West Caldwell, located just 20 miles from New York City, in 1929 when it commissioned famed golf course architect Donald Ross to design a championship 18-hole course across 282 rolling acres. Often described as one of the NY City Metropolitan Area’s “hidden gems”, the course has always been viewed as a classic Donald Ross design. The course was considered a difficult test when it opened in 1931, and little has changed in the 90+ years since. The course is known for its distinctly Ross features, especially its challenging greens. Ross designed each nine-hole loop to wind down to the lower part of the property and conclude with a long assent back to the iconic fieldstone clubhouse, designed by renowned architect Clifford C. Wendehack. The venue has hosted many championships including the 2012 USGA Senior Amateur Championship and the 2021 LPGA Cognizant Founder’s Cup. Over its century-long history, Mountain Ridge has been home to many prominent members and continues its commitment to excellence, community, philanthropy, and the game of golf.

    Media Contacts

    For Mizuho:
    Jon Schwartz, Prosek Partners
    (347) 794-9633
    jschwartz@prosek.com

    or

    Laura London
    Director, Media Relations, Mizuho
    (917) 446-5226
    laura.london@mizuhogroup.com

    For LPGA:
    Emily Carman
    emily.carman@lpga.com
    (714) 742-8301

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