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Category: housing

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Gregory W. Meeks Urges Federal Housing Finance Agency to Reverse Decision that Prevents Homeownership Access

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

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Rep. Gregory W. Meeks (NY-05) and 17 other Members of Congress sent a letter to the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) urging it to reverse its March 25 directive ending Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac’s support for Special Purpose Credit Programs (SPCPs).

    SPCPs are authorized under the Equal Credit Opportunity Act which help address systemic inequities in housing by expanding access to mortgage credit for minority, low-income, rural, and first-time homebuyers. In 2023, these programs helped more than 14,000 households secure affordable home loans and over $5 million in down payment and closing cost assistance.

    “For far too long, structural disparities in our housing and lending markets have excluded historically marginalized communities, especially low-income families and rural residents from homeownership and the opportunity to build generational wealth,” said Congressman Meeks. “Rolling back support for SPCPs undercuts that progress and sends the wrong message about our commitment to equity.”

    Rep. Meeks urges FHFA to immediately reconsider this harmful directive and pursue inclusive solutions that move us closer to fair and affordable homeownership for everyone.

    Read the full letter, here. 

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Pallone: House Republicans Want to Let Banks Rob You


    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Frank Pallone (6th District of New Jersey)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ) released the following statement ahead of a House vote to repeal the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s (CFPB) rule capping excessive overdraft fees:

    “Trump promised to lower egg prices. Instead, Republicans are gutting the rules to let banks charge you $35 per transaction to use your own checking account.  Overdraft fees are one of the most predatory practices in the financial system, and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s rule finally puts guardrails in place. Repealing it means banks can run up the score on their customers with $35 fees even for small transactions. This is a Republican handout to the financial industry at the expense of everyday Americans. I’m voting no,” said Pallone.

    The CFPB — established in the wake of the 2008 financial crash — finalized the overdraft fee rule in December after years of research and public input. The rule would cap overdraft charges and save consumers billions each year. Repealing it allows banks to continue charging as much as $35 per overdraft — often for small, short-term charges that disproportionately hit low-income families. According to the CFPB, the final rule is expected to result in $5 billion in annual overdraft fee savings to consumers, or $225 per household that pays overdraft fees. The overdraft final rule will take effect on October 1, 2025.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Kustoff Introduces Bill to Protect Supreme Court Justices from Intimidation

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative David Kustoff (TN-08)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — Reps. David Kustoff (R-TN), Michael McCaul (R-TX), and Brandon Gill (R-TX) introduced the Protecting Our Supreme Court Justices Act in the House of Representatives. This legislation will increase the maximum term of imprisonment for those who attempt to intimidate and influence the decision-making process of a Supreme Court Justice from one year to five years. 

    “Anyone who intimidates or threatens a Supreme Court Justice should face severe consequences under the law,” said Congressman Kustoff. “The Protecting Our Supreme Court Justices Act will increase the penalty for attempting to influence the decision making of a Supreme Court Justice. As a former United States Attorney, I believe it is essential to uphold the sanctity of our judicial system and protect our Supreme Court Justices from outside influence.”

    Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Ted Cruz (R-TX), Mike Lee (R-UT), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS), and Tom Cotton (R-AR) introduced the companion bill in the United States Senate. 

    “Supreme Court Justices must be able to do their jobs without fear of intimidation, harm, or violence against them or their families,” said Senator Blackburn. “The Protecting Our Supreme Court Justices Act will deter intimidation of our Justices and send a clear message that anyone who attempts to harm them will be punished to the fullest extent of the law.”

    Background: 
    In the aftermath of the unprecedented May 2022 leak of the draft opinion in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, far-left protesters immediately began demonstrating outside of the private residences of Supreme Court Justices. Subsequently, a map with the home addresses of five Republican-appointed Justices — Justices Thomas, Alito, Gorsuch, Kavanaugh, and Barrett—was posted online.

    Federal law explicitly prohibits attempts at influencing the decision-making process of a judge. Specifically, 18 U.S.C. § 1507 states that any individual who, “with the intent of influencing any judge . . . in the discharge of his duty, pickets or parades . . . in or near a building or residence occupied or used by such judge” is subject to criminal monetary penalties or a maximum of one year of imprisonment, or both. Section 1507 was intended to enable our judges to carry out their duty to uphold the rule of law, without fear of intimidation or retribution for doing so.

    Under President Joe Biden and Attorney General Garland, following the Dobbs leak, zero protesters outside of Supreme Court Justices’ homes were arrested for violating Section 1507. Just as troubling, the Biden Department of Justice did not issue any guidance on enforcing this statute. With President Trump back at in the White House, the Justice Department will finally focus on law and order. Nevertheless, it’s still critical that Congress act to deter this intimidation of our federal judiciary.

    The Protecting Our Supreme Court Justices Act would increase the maximum term of imprisonment for violation of Section 1507 from one year to five years.

     

    Click here for the full text of the bill. 
     

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Man sentenced for manslaughter through diminished responsibility

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    A 32-year-old man has been sentenced for manslaughter through diminished responsibility, after he stabbed his stepfather in his own home.

    Adejuwon Olufemi Alexander Jnr Oyekan, 32 (08.11.1992) of Melina Close, Hayes, was sentenced to a hospital order until deemed fit for release, on Thursday, 10 April at the Old Bailey. He had previously pleaded guilty to manslaughter through diminished responsibility at the same court on Monday, 24 February 2025.

    Officers were called to a residence in Hayes in the early hours of Tuesday, 11 July 2023, to reports Oyekan had stabbed his 54-year-old stepfather Jason Thompson.

    When they arrived, officers were faced with Oyekan still armed with the knife which he had used to attack Jason.

    After the first responding officers had gained entry to residence they challenged Oyekan, initially using their tasers in an attempt to disarm him. When this was unsuccessful, they then left the address to await support from armed response officers to detain him.

    When officers returned to the property, they made it their priority to assist Jason. However, sadly and despite the best efforts of the emergency services, Jason died from his injuries at the scene.

    Barbara Thompson, sister to Jason Thompson:

    “Jason and I had a special bond. We were both cheerleaders for one another and revelled in each other’s good news and growth. Equally, his love for family and life was authentic and abundant.

    “There is not a day that goes past without tears and my heart aching. I still struggle with the reality that he’s not here. I struggle with the violence he endured. I struggle with the unfairness of my brother being taken so tragically.

    “Jason leaves behind a beautiful, attentive and caring legacy and I and so many others thank him for the beautiful memories, care and love he provided.”

    Detective Chief Inspector Laura Semple from the Met’s Public Protection Partnership, said:

    “Our thoughts remain with Jason’s family throughout this difficult time”

    “I’d like to thank the first responding officers who attended the scene and demonstrated huge bravery to challenge Oyekan, who was armed and acting aggressively.

    “Their quick thinking, to use the tools at their disposal, guaranteed Oyekan was admitted to custody from the scene, and did not go on to pose a wider threat to the public.”

    “Oyekan will now be detained under a hospital order until he is deemed fit for release, meaning he will no longer be a risk to the public.”

    Oyekan was arrested at the scene and charged with murder on Wednesday, 11 July 2023.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Welch Leads Eight Lawyers on Judiciary Committee in Commending Law Firms that have Resisted Trump’s Unconstitutional Executive Orders

    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, this week led eight lawyers on the Senate Judiciary Committee in sending a letter to the American Bar Association (ABA), commending lawyers and law firms that are resisting President Trump’s illegal and unconstitutional attacks on the legal profession.  
    “As fellow members of the legal community, we applaud lawyers who are resisting President Trump’s illegal and unconstitutional attacks on the legal profession,” wrote the Democratic lawyers on the Senate Judiciary Committee. “These orders are unlawful—a tool of intimidation, and a weaponization of the federal government. The President’s actions existentially threaten essential rights guaranteed by our Constitution.  
    “The Sixth Amendment right to counsel is undermined when a President signals that choosing to represent his political opponents carries the risk of retribution. The First Amendment protection against viewpoint discrimination is imperiled when a president seeks to punish lawyers who advocate against his policies. By levying punishments outside the ordinary legal process, these orders violate Constitutional due process.” 
    The Senators concluded: “The American Bar Association has stalwartly supported lawyers that have resisted President Trump’s bullying. We join the ABA in commending these lawyers, who have taken financial and professional risks to fight for the rule of law and our constitutional rights. We urge others to join you.” 
    Between March 6th and March 27th, President Trump issued Executive Orders targeting four law firms against whom he has personal grievances—including representing his political opponents and associating with lawyers who have been critical of the President. The Executive Orders limit the targeted law firms’ access to federal buildings, suspend security clearances, and prevent federal agencies from engaging with firm lawyers. 
    Three law firms—Jenner & Block, WilmerHale, and Perkins Coie—have rightfully challenged the President’s Executive Orders in court, asserting that the orders are in violation of the Constitution and the principles that underlie it. In each of these cases, judges appointed by Presidents from both political parties have properly issued temporary restraining orders against the orders. 
    The letter was signed by nine lawyers on the Senate Judiciary Committee, including Senator Welch, Ranking Member Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), and Senators Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), and Adam Schiff (D-Calif.). 
    Read the full text of the letter. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Pierre Poilievre’s proposals on intimate partner violence will do little to stop it

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Walter S. DeKeseredy, Anna Deane Carlson Endowed Chair of Social Sciences, Director of the Research Center on Violence, and Professor of Sociology, West Virginia University

    Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre recently announced that if elected in Canada’s upcoming federal election, his party would enact tougher sentences for anyone accused of intimate partner violence.

    He has also vowed to institute a three-strikes policy for anyone who commits three serious offences, with a minimum 10-year prison sentence with no eligibility for parole.

    The proposed actions include creating a new offence of “assault of an intimate partner,” requiring stricter bail conditions for anyone accused of intimate partner violence and ensuring first-degree murder convictions for anyone who kills their partner.

    There are many steps policymakers who are concerned about victims could take. For example, they could fund a variety of effective prevention programs. However, the approach articulated by Poilievre does not appear to centre the victim, but rather the offender.

    Punishment is often ineffective

    Although government policies in Canada and other countries have emphasized punitive actions towards men who abuse their partners, relatively few of these men are arrested, incarcerated or treated.

    This is due in large part to the fact that most perpetrators are not reported to the police. In fact, one important factor hindering women from reporting their abuse to law enforcement is that officers often express distrust of victims.

    Starting with this survey in 1992, studies repeatedly show that at least one out of every four Canadian female undergraduate students will experience at least one type of sexual assault during their time at university.

    Furthermore, at least 11 per cent of Canadian women in marital or cohabiting relationships are physically abused by their male partners in a year, and in the mid-1990s, there was evidence showing that Canadian men appeared to have higher rates of physical violence towards female intimates than their U.S. counterparts.

    The prevalence of such violence is unlikely to decrease much if all the men who have beaten, raped or killed their partners are arrested and locked up. Decades of research shows that punishment is ineffective in reducing crimes like violence against women.

    Prison and other harsh legal sanctions do not deter abusive men from injuring their female partners any more than they deter the myriad of violent crimes that occur outside domestic or intimate contexts. This has been the conclusion of the majority of deterrence studies conducted in the past 50 years.

    Legal scholar Michelle Alexander and sociologists like Loic Wacquant and Bruce Western have outlined how incarceration can actually increase crime and exacerbate other social problems like unemployment and poverty.

    This information has been available to virtually every Canadian politician for many years, yet they have lacked the political will to act on this information. However, calls to institute more severe sentences often play into public desires to see those accused of crimes punished.

    Improve lives, not punish more

    Violence against women is often a key symptom of structured social inequality. Those who want to reduce it must find ways of reducing social inequality. Governments often compartmentalize social problems like violence against women along bureaucratic lines.

    In other words, some government departments are expected to handle economic issues and find ways to cut spending. However, those working for these departments rarely consider how reductions in unemployment or cuts to social programs and so on affect rates of abuse.

    Rather, the police and courts are often left to respond to male-to-female violence after it has happened. Yet, in real life, jobs, welfare, housing, employment equity, child care, gender inequality and a host of other factors affect the ways men treat women.

    It is time that we move beyond the well-worn path of using after-the-fact approaches to dealing with violence against women.
    (Shutterstock)

    It should be noted that police, courts, prisons and treatment programs play an important role in responding to violence against women. Nevertheless, neither the criminal justice system nor battered women’s shelters should be solely, or even primarily, responsible for dealing with violence against women. Relying only on them to make women’s lives safer is tantamount to “closing the barn doors after the horses have left.”

    Calling the police after a beating, rape or femicide does not prevent the crime from taking place. And although shelters are undoubtedly necessary in our society, shelter workers cannot be expected to solve the problem of woman abuse single-handedly.

    Therefore, it is time that we move beyond the well-worn path of using after-the-fact approaches. Hopefully, if implemented sensitively, what legal professor Leigh Goodmark refers to as a balanced policy approach will result in major reductions in violence against women.

    This approach entails using initiatives such as: putting cash resources directly in the hands of abused women, providing affordable housing and childcare, creating an anti-poverty movement, increased funding for the development and evaluation of community-based prevention programs and encouraging progressive men to be part of the solution.

    Will these strategies make a difference? As criminologist Elliott Currie puts it:

    “We have tried moral exhortation. We have tried neglect. We have tried punishment. We have even grudgingly, tried treatment. We have tried everything but improving lives.”

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

    – ref. Pierre Poilievre’s proposals on intimate partner violence will do little to stop it – https://theconversation.com/pierre-poilievres-proposals-on-intimate-partner-violence-will-do-little-to-stop-it-254014

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI USA: McClellan Statement on Passage of the SAVE Act, Ushering in a New Era of Voter Suppression

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan (Virginia 4th District)

    Washington, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan (VA-04) issued the following statement on House passage of H.R. 22, the SAVE Act, which threatens millions of Americans’ fundamental right to vote:

    “The SAVE Act is the latest chapter in this country’s dark history of suppressing the sacred right to vote through a modern-day poll tax.

    “House Republicans just imposed a modern day poll tax on millions of American citizens and erected barriers to registration for active duty service members stationed away from home, women who no longer use their maiden name, homebound seniors and disabled individuals, and rural communities.

    “Masquerading as ‘election security’ — a solution in search of a problem — the SAVE Act forces millions of Americans to pay for documentary proof of citizenship to register to vote. It also forces citizens to register to vote in person by eliminating mail-in and online options.

    “Whether it’s the $2.12 poll tax my father paid in 1947, a $130 passport, or a $1,385 certificate of citizenship, no American should have to pay to cast their vote.

    “My great-grandfather had to take a literacy test and find three white men to vouch for his character just to register to vote. My father and grandfather had to pay poll taxes to be able to register to vote. I stand firm against efforts to return to these Jim Crow tactics. I voted No on the SAVE Act today.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Healthcare company prosecuted for destroying protected trees

    Source: City of Liverpool

    A local healthcare company has been ordered to pay over £6,000 for unlawfully destroying three protected trees which were believed to be over 100 years old.

    Harbour Healthcare Ltd. appeared in court on Thursday 4 April for breaching a Tree Preservation Order (TPO) that has been in place for almost 40 years.

    Liverpool City Council planning officers were made aware of the unauthorised works taking place at one of the company’s care homes, Kingswood Mount Care Home in Woolton, last year.

    An inspection by one of the Council’s tree and landscape officers found that irreparable damage had been done to mature beech, yew and oak trees, all of which were covered by a TPO.

    The yew tree had been felled from ground level, while both the oak and beech trees had been topped, which is the act of removing the top of the tree, including its main branches. The inspection found that the heavy pruning of the two topped trees had likely caused irreparable damage and caused their destruction.

    A TPO protects trees that contribute to the local environment against being cut down, topped, lopped, or uprooted without prior permission.

    While trees under a TPO can be removed if they are dead or dangerous, this must be evidenced. An inspection of the three destroyed trees at the care home found that the trees posed no such risk.

    Before they were destroyed, the trees were believed to stand between 15m and 25m tall and, due to their age, had a combined value of £357,409.

    In court, Harbour Healthcare Ltd. Pleaded guilty to three separate offences, covering each of the three trees and were ordered to pay £6,777 in the next 28 days.

    In a separate case, Mr Daniel McCormack, the tree surgeon who carried out the works as part of A&C Tree Care, also pleaded guilty to three offences and was sentenced to a fine of £960.

    Anyone planning works on trees in Liverpool can check whether they’re protected by a TPO on the Council’s website.

    Councillor Laura Robertson-Collins, Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods, Communities and Streetscene said: “Trees are a vital part of our city. Not only are they a beautiful feature of Liverpool’s landscape, but they play an important role in cleaning the air that we breathe.

    “Multiple generations have passed since these trees were planted and we protect them for a reason. Heavy pruning can easily damage or kill trees and that’s the last thing we want, which is why we are strict on the type of works that can take place in a Tree Preservation Order.

    “While new trees can be planted to replace the needless loss of the three that were destroyed, we won’t be around to see them grow to their full potential.

    “I hope that this case sends a clear message to anyone thinking about carrying out unauthorised work in a TPO area that this is a serious topic and we won’t hesitate to prosecute. There is no excuse for ignoring these orders and wilfully destroying our city’s much needed and cherished trees.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: 10 April 2025 Departmental update Worldwide rally for maternal and newborn health marks World Health Day 2025

    Source: World Health Organisation

    On the occasion of the World Health Day 2025 dedicated to the theme of Healthier beginnings, hopeful futures, over 100 global offices of the World Health Organization (WHO) have organized wide-ranging public advocacy actions in collaboration with Member States, communities, health workers, partner and donor agencies and civil society organizations.

    The unprecedented global action to defend maternal and newborn health care services highlights the importance of protecting critical maternal, newborn health related services that are increasingly under threat of funding challenges affecting the global health sector.
     

    World Health Day 2025 actions by WHO offices

    African Region

    • Angola launched a dynamic Facebook live event and media campaign with UNICEF and UNFPA and partners.
    • Burundi orchestrated a 10-day celebration featuring refugee clinic visits, school disease screenings, and maternal health workshops.
    • Central African Republic hosted a presidential-level celebration launching maternal health roadmap with nationwide media coverage.
    • Chad mobilized 250 UN volunteers for the campaign, culminating in a ministerial ceremony and refugee camp celebrations.
    • Republic of the Congo featured a high-profile Walk the Talk event with the Regional Director to launch a maternal death management system, among other events.
    • Comoros held a joint event with the Directorate of Family Health.
    • Côte d’Ivoire spotlighted reproductive health of disabled women through powerful exhibitions and data showcases.
    • Eritrea conducted knowledge competitions and community visits to maternal waiting homes led by Minister of Health, among other events.
    • Eswatini organized community dialogues on maternal issues with strategic media placements across multiple platforms.
    • The Gambia commemorated through media engagements on national radio and TV networks.
    • Guinea implemented nationwide vaccination campaigns alongside free consultations and high-level advocacy efforts.
    • Lesotho engaged the Prime Minister in a community event complemented by university debates and a scientific symposium.
    • Liberia held a Walk the Talk event with the Ministry of Health.
    • Madagascar combined official ceremonies with free health care services, video broadcasts, among many other activities including an energetic Zumba fitness event.
    • Malawi delivered a bilingual media campaign featuring the Minister of Health addressing maternal and neonatal health priorities.
    • Mali showcased perinatal clinic facilities through an official ceremony and comprehensive media coverage.
    • Mauritania blended cultural performances with scientific panels on reproductive health in a high-impact ceremony.
    • Nigeria: WHO Nigeria, MOH and partners organized a walk to sensitize on improving maternal and newborn health, ending preventable deaths, and prioritizing women’s long-term well-being.
    • South Sudan: amidst the ongoing security concerns, no public events were held but advocacy messages were disseminated.
    • Republic of Sierra Leone facilitated the First Lady’s visit to a maternal hospital alongside diplomatic tours of health monitoring facilities.
    • South Africa produced impact videos and coordinated joint statements with the National Department of Health across media platforms.
    • Uganda published compelling human-interest stories on maternal health alongside policy dialogues and community health check-ups, among many other events (see here).
    • Zambia released a presidential video message highlighting maternal health partnerships and community outreach initiatives (also see here and here).
    • Tanzania: WHO joined the Ministry of Health and partners for the climax of National Health Week.

    WHO Region of the Americas/Pan American Health Organization

    • The Bahamas launched the SIP+ maternal health initiative through a strategic press conference and social media campaign.
    • Belize hosted a media breakfast with the Ministry of Health featuring targeted video content for multiple platforms.
    • Chile partnered with the Ministry of Health for a nationwide campaign launch with sustained media presence.
    • Colombia showcased traditional midwifery alongside technical experts in a ministerial panel on maternal mortality reduction.
    • Cuba celebrated zero maternal deaths in Villa Clara province through a festival and a multi-agency scientific symposium.
    • Guatemala secured vice presidential participation for a high-profile campaign launch at the national palace.
    • Guyana transformed the Rosignol Health Centre into a community hub with a health fair and live social media coverage (also see here).
    • Haiti launched a National Health Week with the Prime Minister featuring themed days and nationwide health fairs.
    • Suriname combined a public health fair with a technical forum on Perinatal Health Information System implementation.
    • Trinidad and Tobago placed strategic advertorials in major newspapers highlighting SIP implementation success.

    WHO Eastern Mediterranean Region

    • Bahrain coordinated joint UN-Ministry of Health events with a cross-platform media campaign, among other events (see here and here).
    • Djibouti celebrated the dual milestone of World Health Day and 40 years of WHO presence with a maternal health focus.
    • Jordan launched a Let’s talk about health video from the WHO country office staff to share insights and inspire change.
    • Iraq designed a comprehensive Health Week with daily themes engaging youth, media, and community volunteers.
    • Kuwait secured prime national TV coverage with coordinated social media messaging (see here and here).
    • Oman mobilized a multi-ministry response integrating higher education institutions in maternal health initiatives.
    • Pakistan engaged government officials in high-visibility events complemented by human interest stories and op-eds.
    • Tunisia implemented Health Champions Week featuring centre visits and a bilingual media campaign.

    WHO European Region

    • Republic of Armenia combined provincial and ministerial leadership in a women’s health event with national TV coverage.
    • Republic of Azerbaijan inaugurated a cutting-edge simulation laboratory at Azerbaijan Medical University with national television coverage.
    • Bosnia and Herzegovina distributed ministerial certificates alongside strategic op-eds in local newspapers.
    • Bulgaria honoured Bulgarian nurses through a campaign supporting a new national nursing strategy with UNICEF amplification.
    • Cyprus launched the National Mental Health Strategy alongside breastfeeding advocacy initiatives.
    • Czechia leveraged World Health Day to amplify a national alcohol action plan through high-profile press events.
    • Estonia published influential op-eds supporting early childhood vaccination with a multi-stakeholder social media campaign.
    • Hellenic Republic unveiled WHO European Quality Standards for child/youth mental health services with expert consultation.
    • Hungary launched a targeted campaign on heatwave impacts during pregnancy featuring expert recommendations.
    • Kazakhstan mobilized the Ministry of Health and Astana Medical University for a dynamic Walk the Talk event.
    • Kyrgyz Republic engaged university students through specialized talks on maternal and newborn health priorities.
    • Montenegro secured a national television interview alongside a smoking cessation initiative for pregnant women.
    • North Macedonia combined a media briefing with a doctors’ association and prime-time national TV news coverage.
    • Republic of Moldova produced a national TV health series complemented by school campaigns and a breastfeeding caravan.
    • Romania showcased kangaroo mother care through a strategic partners exhibition and technical roundtables.
    • Serbia illuminated Belgrade Tower with campaign messaging alongside prime-time media interviews.
    • Türkiye lit the iconic Atakule landmark while hosting a university seminar with the Ministry of Health and UN agencies.
    • Turkmenistan organized a bicycle marathon and youth dialogue with health network members.
    • Republic of Uzbekistan unveiled a maternal health mural at the National Center of Mother and Child with a influencer video series.

    WHO South-East Asia Region

    • Bangladesh hosted a national event at Osmani Memorial Auditorium with a newspaper supplement and district-level activities.
    • Bhutan combined a team-building hike with a celebration featuring video messages from the Minister of Health.
    • India showcased achievements in reducing maternal and child mortality rates through a regional webinar (also see here).
    • Indonesia celebrated 75 years of WHO partnership through an online talk show and targeted social media campaign.
    • Nepal highlighted mortality rate reductions through ministerial messages and video testimonies.
    • Sri Lanka delivered a specialized webinar series on maternal health topics with technical policy briefs.
    • Thailand focused on preterm infant care through a Department of Health event featuring regional voices.
    • Timor-Leste launched the Every Newborn Action Plan alongside a Ministry of Health–WHO exhibition and technical seminar.

    WHO Western Pacific Region

    • Cambodia connected health workers nationwide through a virtual gathering with parliamentary engagement.
    • China secured ministerial leadership for a National Health Commission event featuring the Director-General’s video remarks.
    • Lao People’s Democratic Republic published a joint WR/Minister of Health opinion piece with a planned UN partner MCH event.
    • Mongolia simultaneously launched the Healthy Newborn Initiative and the Cervical Cancer Elimination Programme.
    • Independent State of Papua New Guinea implemented a comprehensive activity series including regulatory workshops and violence prevention initiatives.
    • South Pacific coordinated a joint release with regional partners while launching the WHO South Pacific LinkedIn platform.
    • Solomon Islands celebrated maternal and child health achievements with medical workers and ministry officials.
    • Socialist Republic of Viet Nam partnered with the Young Physicians Association for a Hanoi event with strategic opinion pieces in the national media.

    Worldwide actions exemplified above, among many others, generate a strong response to the global call issued by UN agencies on World Health Day, raising alarm on the threat of major backsliding of maternal and newborn health.

    World Health Day 2025 marks WHO’s 77th birthday and kicks off a year-long campaign on maternal and newborn health. WHO urges governments and the health community to ramp up efforts to end preventable maternal and newborn deaths, and to prioritize women’s longer-term health and well-being.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Church Rock Man Faces Federal Charges for Shooting Two Navajo-Nation Members

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    ALBUQUERQUE – An 18-year-old Gallup man is facing federal charges following a shooting that left one Navajo-Nation member dead and another seriously injured.

    According to court records, in the early morning hours of April 6, 2025, a shooting occurred at a Church Rock, New Mexico residence. A resident of the home awoke to gunshots and, along with a second resident, entered 16-year-old Jane Doe’s bedroom, where the residents discovered 18-year-old John Doe deceased on the floor, Jane Doe suffering from multiple gunshot wounds, and the suspect, Mario Israel Barraza.

    Barraza—identified by both residents as Jane Doe’s former boyfriend—fled the scene immediately after the shooting. Investigators found evidence of forced entry through Jane Doe’s bedroom window, shell casings inside and outside the bedroom, and spent rounds resembling a bullet later extracted from Jane Doe during surgery. Security footage corroborated witness accounts of Barraza fleeing the scene, while Jane Doe confirmed she heard Barraza and John Doe arguing prior to the shooting and that he had a history of entering her bedroom through her window.

    Jane and John Doe are enrolled members of the Navajo Nation. Barraza is not an enrolled member of any federally recognized Tribe.

    Barraza stands charged with murder and assault with a dangerous weapon. He will remain in custody pending trial, which has not been set. If convicted of the current charges, Barraza faces up to life in prison.

    Acting U.S. Attorney Holland S. Kastrin and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.

    The Gallup Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Ramah-Navajo Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Zachary C. Jones 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 Security: Pittsburgh Felon Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Shooting at Mail Carrier and Illegal Possession of Firearm

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    PITTSBURGH, Pa. – A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, was sentenced in federal court to 120 months of imprisonment on his convictions for shooting at a mail carrier and possessing a firearm as a convicted felon, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.

    United States District Judge Christy Criswell Wiegand imposed the sentence on Martinel Humphries, 30, on April 9, 2025.

    According to information presented to the Court, Humphries fired four shots from a semi-automatic pistol at a mail carrier on January 5, 2023, for no apparent reason. The bullets missed the mail carrier, who fell to the ground upon seeing the defendant’s gun, but entered a nearby home, shattering the glass front door. Humphries fled and was apprehended soon after by law enforcement. Humphries has a lengthy criminal history, including two separate firearms convictions in 2015 relating to arrests in 2013 and 2015, and a 2021 conviction for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon, for which he still was serving a term of federal supervised release at the time he shot at the mail carrier. Federal law prohibits possession of a firearm or ammunition by a convicted felon.

    “Federal employees must be able to work without fearing for their personal safety,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Rivetti. “This sentence reflects the seriousness of the defendant’s violent act, shooting at a mail carrier who was in the middle of his route. Our office will continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners at all levels to prioritize combating violent crimes such as committed by this defendant.”

    “The U.S. Postal Inspection Service is committed to its core mission of protecting postal employees,” said Lesley Allison, Inspector in Charge of the Pittsburgh Division of the United States Postal Inspection Service. “Thankfully, the letter carrier escaped being physically hurt in this crime, and, with the assistance of our local law enforcement partners, Humphries was quickly apprehended to prevent further harm to the public. Postal Inspectors will always strive to keep our employees safe while delivering mail to our communities. And we take pride in working with our law enforcement partners to ensure justice is served to those like Humphries, who bring violence to our communities.”

    Assistant United States Attorney William B. Guappone prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

    Acting United States Attorney Rivetti commended the United States Postal Inspection Service, City of Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, Allegheny County Police Department, Ross Township Police Department, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Humphries.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Tillis, Blumenthal Lead Bipartisan Legislation to Provide Service Dogs to Eligible Veterans

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for North Carolina Thom Tillis

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Senators Thom Tillis (R-NC) and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) introduced the Service Dogs Assisting Veterans (SAVES) Act, bipartisan legislation that would establish a program to award grants to nonprofit organizations to assist them in carrying out programs to provide service dogs to eligible veterans. Joining Senators Tillis and Blumenthal were Senators John Cornyn (R-TX), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), and Angus King (I-ME). The SAVES Act builds on the Puppies Assisting Wounded Servicemembers (PAWS) for Veterans Therapy Act that was introduced by Senator Tillis and signed into law. 

    “Long after the fighting on the battlefield ends, too many of the courageous servicemembers come home and continue to battle against enemies that many consider just as insidious as those with guns, grenades, and rockets. That is why in 2021, I introduced the PAWS Act that created a pilot program to provide canine training to eligible veterans, but it is clear we must continue to build on that effort to ensure this program is expanded to veterans in need,” said Senator Tillis. “The SAVES Act will allow more veterans who are struggling with the invisible wounds of war to receive service dogs that could ultimately save their lives. We must repay the debt to the men and women who served our country, I hope congress quickly passes this legislation to provide them with his important resource.” 

    “Service dogs provide vital support to our brave servicemembers struggling with PTSD and other service-related injuries after they return from the battlefield,” said Senator Blumenthal. “Military men and women are often fighting invisible battles when they return home from service, and these canine companions are able to offer them comfort and ease their transition back into civilian life. The SAVES Act ensures that nonprofits have the necessary resources to provide our nation’s heroes with access to the essential and even life-saving assistance of service dogs.”

    “Service dogs have a proven track record of providing life-saving assistance to Veterans in critical need,” said Bill McCabe, Vice President of Government & External Affairs, K9s For Warriors. “The SAVES Act will ultimately put more service dogs in the hands of Veterans with visible and invisible disabilities, allowing them to regain their independence and reintegrate into civilian life. We applaud this bipartisan, bicameral effort and urge Congress to pass this important legislation without delay.”

    “The therapeutic benefits service dogs provide can profoundly empower veterans to battle the invisible wounds of war and assist those facing physical challenges from mobility issues to blindness,” said Joy IIem, National Legislative Director, Disabled American Veterans. “DAV is proud to support the Service Dogs Assisting Veterans Act and thanks Sen. Tillis for championing this vital legislation to unleash the healing power of service dogs.” 

    “Service dogs don’t just change lives—they save them,” said Cole T. Lyle, Director of Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation, American Legion. “For veterans navigating the unseen scars of war, these remarkable companions are a lifeline to independence, stability, and hope. Their loyalty and unconditional love restore purpose and dignity, proving that the wounds of war can heal through the strength of the human-animal bond. However, training a service dog to meet the specialized needs of veterans comes with significant costs—often ranging from $20,000 to $40,000 per dog. This expense covers everything from intensive training to ensure the dog can assist with tasks like mobility support or PTSD mitigation, to veterinary care and matching veterans with their perfect companion. For many veterans, these costs are prohibitive and can stand in the way of accessing this life-changing support. Grants and funding initiatives, such as those provided under the SAVES Act (Service Dogs Assisting Veterans Act), play a critical role in bridging this gap. The SAVES Act provides federal grants to organizations that train and place service dogs with veterans. By alleviating the financial burden, this act ensures that veterans can access the support they need without the barrier of high costs. It represents a commitment to honoring our heroes by investing in their recovery and well-being. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Congress for their steadfast support in advancing the SAVES Act. Special thanks to Senator Tillis, Congressman Luttrell, Congressman McGarvey, and Senator Blumenthal for championing this vital legislation.”

    Background: 

    It is estimated that upwards of 20% of Iraq and Afghanistan war veterans have PTSD and more than 485,000 service members have been diagnosed with at least one traumatic brain injury over the past two decades. As a result, these veterans suffer from alarmingly high rates of depression, anxiety, joblessness, homelessness, substance use disorder and other negative behaviors. Far too often, they resort to taking their own lives – roughly 20 veterans die by suicide each day, nearly one an hour.

    Under the SAVES Act, nonprofit organizations would be required to submit an application to the Secretary that includes a description of the training that will be provided by the organization to eligible veterans; the training of dogs that will serve as service dogs; the aftercare services that the organization will provide for the service dogs and eligible Veteran; the plan for publicizing the availability of service dogs through a marketing campaign; the committee of the organization to have humane standards or animals. Nonprofit organizations would also need to certify that they are accredited by Assistance Dogs International or another widely recognized accreditation organization. 

    Full text of the legislation is available HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Labor Leaders Introduce Bill to Raise Minimum Wage

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

    Headline: Labor Leaders Introduce Bill to Raise Minimum Wage

    The Raise the Wage Act of 2025 would gradually raise the minimum wage to $17 by 2030 and give roughly 22 million Americans a long-overdue raise.

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

    WASHINGTON – Today, Ranking Member Robert C. “Bobby” Scott (D-VA-03), House Committee on Education and Workforce, and Ranking Member Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions, introduced the Raise the Wage Act of 2025.  According to the Economic Policy Institute, the Raise the Wage Act would gradually raise the minimum wage to $17 by 2030 and give roughly 22 million Americans a long-overdue raise.

    After more than fifteen years with no increase in the federal minimum wage—the longest period in U.S. history—millions of our nation’s workers are working full-time jobs but are still struggling to make ends meet.  The Raise the Wage Act is good for workers, good for business, and good for the economy.  When we put money in the pockets of workers, they will spend that money at local businesses. 

    “No person working full-time in America should be living in poverty.  The Raise the Wage Act will increase the pay and standard of living for nearly 22 million workers across this country.  Raising the minimum wage is good for workers, good for business, and good for the economy.  When we put money in the pockets of American workers, they will spend that money in their communities,”said Scott.

    “The $7.25 an hour minimum wage is a starvation wage. It must be raised to a living wage – at least $17 an hour,” Sanders said. “In the year 2025, a job should lift you out of poverty, not keep you in it. At a time of massive income and wealth inequality, we can no longer tolerate millions of workers trying to survive on just $10 or $12 an hour. Congress can no longer ignore the needs of the working class of this country. The time to act is now,”said Sanders.

    TheRaise the Wage Act of 2025would:

    • Gradually raise the federal minimum wage from $7.25 to $17 by 2030.
    • Index future increases in the federal minimum wage to median wage growth to ensure the value of minimum wage does not once again erode over time.
    • Guarantee tipped workers are paid at least the full federal minimum wage by phasing out the subminimum wage for tipped workers, which will ensure decent, consistent pay without eliminating tips.
    • Guarantee teen workers are paid at least the full federal minimum wage by phasing out the rarely used subminimum wage for youth workers.
    • End subminimum wage certificates for workers with disabilities to provide opportunities for workers with disabilities to be competitively employed and participate more fully in their communities.

    The Raise the Wage Act of 2025 has 142 original House co-sponsors, including Robert C. “Bobby” Scott (VA-03), Greg Casar (TX-35), Jahana Hayes (CT-05), Alma S. Adams (NC-12), Gabe Amo (RI-01), Yassamin Ansari (AZ-03), Becca Balint (VT-00), Nanette Diaz Barragán (CA-44), Joyce Beatty (OH-03), Donald S. Beyer (VA-08), Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01), Brendan F. Boyle (PA-02), Shontel M. Brown (OH-11), Julia Brownley (CA-26), Nikki Budzinski (IL-13), Salud O. Carbajal (CA-24), André Carson (IN-07), Sean Casten (IL-06), Kathy Castor (FL-14), Joaquin Castro (TX-20), Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (FL-20), Judy Chu (CA-28), Yvette D. Clarke (NY-09), Emanuel Cleaver (MO-05), James E. Clyburn (SC-06), Herbert Conaway (NJ-03), Gerald E. Connolly (VA-11), Joe Courtney (CT-02), Angie Craig (MN-02), Jason Crow (CO-06), Danny K. Davis (IL-07), Madeleine Dean (PA-04), Diana DeGette (CO-01), Rosa L. DeLauro (CT-03), Suzan K. DelBene (WA-01), Christopher R. Deluzio (PA-17), Mark DeSaulnier (CA-10), Maxine Dexter (OR-03), Debbie Dingell (MI-06), Lloyd Doggett (TX-37), Sarah Elfreth (MD-03), Veronica Escobar (TX-16), Cleo Fields (LA-06), Bill Foster (IL-11), Valerie P. Foushee (NC-04), Laura Friedman (CA-30), Maxwell Frost (FL-10), John Garamendi (CA-08), Jesús “Chuy” García (IL-04), Robert Garcia (CA-42), Dan Goldman (NY-10), Jimmy Gomez (CA-34), Josh Gottheimer (NJ-05), Al Green (TX-09),  Steven Horsford (NV-04), Steny Hoyer (MD-05), Val T. Hoyle (OR-04), Jared Huffman (CA-02), Glenn Ivey (MD-04), Jonathan L. Jackson (IL-01), Sara Jacobs (CA-51), Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Hank Johnson (GA-04), Julie Johnson (TX-32), Sydney Kamlager-Dove (CA-37), Marcy Kaptur (OH-09), Bill Keating (MA-09), Robin L. Kelly (IL-02), Timothy M. Kennedy (NY-26), Ro Khanna (CA-17), Raja Krishnamoorthi (IL-08), Rick Larsen (WA-02), Summer Lee (PA-12), Teresa Leger Fernandez (NM-03), Ted Lieu (CA-36), Stephen Lynch (MA-08), Seth Magaziner (RI-02), John W. Mannion (NY-22), Doris O. Matsui (CA-07), Lucy McBath (GA-06), Sarah McBride (DE-At Large), Jennifer McClellan (VA-04), Betty McCollum (MN-04), Morgan McGarvey (KY-03), James P. McGovern (MA-02), LaMonica McIver (NJ-10), Robert Menendez (NJ-08), Grace Meng (NY-06), Kweisi Mfume (MD-07), Gwen Moore (WI-04), Joseph D. Morelle (NY-25), Seth Moulton (MA-06), Frank J. Mrvan (IN-01), Kevin Mullin (CA-15), Joe Neguse (CO-02), Donald Norcross (NJ-01), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC-At Large), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14), Ilhan Omar (MN-05), Frank Pallone Jr. (NJ-06), Jimmy Panetta (CA-19),Brittany Pettersen (CO-07), Chellie Pingree (ME-01), Mark Pocan (WI-02), Ayanna Pressley (MA-07), Mike Quigley (IL-05), Delia C. Ramirez (IL-03), Jamie Raskin (MD-08), Deborah K. Ross (NC-02), Patrick Ryan (NY-18), Andrea Salinas (OR-06), Linda T. Sánchez (CA-38), Mary Gay Scanlon (PA-05), Janice D. Schakowsky (IL-09), Bradley Scott Schneider (IL-10), Terri A. Sewell (AL-07), Brad Sherman (CA-32), Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11), Lateefah Simon (CA-12), Darren Soto (FL-09), Melanie A. Stansbury (NM-01), Haley M. Stevens (MI-11), Marilyn Strickland (WA-10), Suhas Subramanyam (VA-10), Thomas R. Suozzi (NY-03), Eric Swalwell (CA-14), Mark Takano (CA-39), Shri Thanedar (MI-13), Bennie G. Thompson (MS-02), Mike Thompson (CA-04), Dina Titus (NV-01), Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), Jill N. Tokuda (HI-02), Paul Tonko (NY-20), Ritchie Torres (NY-15), Lori Trahan (MA-03), Lauren Underwood (IL-14), Juan Vargas (CA-52), Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25), Maxine Waters (CA-43), Nikema Williams (GA-05), and Frederica S. Wilson (FL-24).

    The Raise the Wage Act of 2025 has been endorsed by 85 organizations including, AFL-CIO, American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD), American Council of the Blind, American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), American Federation of Teachers (AFT), American Friends Service Committee, American Public Health Association, Americans for Democratic Action (ADA), Autistic People of Color Fund, Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN), Business for a Fair Minimum Wage, California LGBTQ Health and Human Services Network, Care in Action, Center for Law and Social Policy (CLASP), Center for LGBTQ Economic Advancement & Research (CLEAR), Clearinghouse on Women’s Issues, Coalition on Human Needs, Communications Workers of America (CWA), Congregation of Our Lady of Charity of the Good Shepherd U.S. Provinces, the Council for Global Equality, Council of State Administrators of Vocational Rehabilitation (CSAVR), Demos, Economic Policy Institute (EPI), Equal Pay Today, Family Values @ Work, Feminist Majority Foundation, First Focus Campaign for Children, Food Research & Action Center (FRAC), The General Board of Church and Society of The United Methodist Church, Gig Workers Rising, Indivisible, Institute for Policy Studies’ Poverty Project, International Union of Painters and Allied Trades (IUPAT), Justice for Migrant Women, Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, Legal Momentum, Milwaukee Area Service & Hospitality Workers Union, MomsRising, Movement Advancement Project (MAP), National Advocacy Center of the Sisters of the Good Shepherd, National Asian Pacific American Women’s Forum, National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities, National Association of Social Workers, National Black Worker Center, National Center for Law and Economic Justice (NCLEJ), National Coalition for the Homeless, National Council of Jewish Women, National Disability Institute, National Disability Rights Network (NDRN), National Domestic Workers Alliance (NDWA),  National Education Association (NEA), National Employment Law Project (NELP), National Employment Lawyers Association, National Immigration Law Center (NILC), The National Partnership for Women & Families, National Women’s Law Center (NWLC), NETWORK Lobby for Catholic Social Justice, New Disabled South, Oasis Legal Services, One Fair Wage, Oxfam America, Patriotic Millionaires, People Power United, Popular Democracy in Action, Pride at Work AFL-CIO, Public Advocacy for Kids, Public Justice Center, Service Employees International Union (SEIU), Southern Poverty Law Center, Union for Reform Judaism, UNITE HERE, United Autoworkers (UAW), United Church of Christ, United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW), United for Respect, United Steelworkers (USW), Voices for Progress,  Worker Justice Center of New York, Workers’ Injury Law & Advocacy Group, Working Partnerships USA, Workplace Fairness, Workplace Justice Lab, and Worksafe.

    To read the bill text for the Raise the Wage Act of 2025, click here.

    To read the fact sheet on the Raise the Wage Act of 2025, click here.

    To read the section-by-section Raise the Wage Act of 2025, click here.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Scott Slams Republican Budget Resolution

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

    Headline: Scott Slams Republican Budget Resolution

    WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, Congressman Bobby Scott (VA-03), a member of the House Budget Committee, spoke during floor debate ahead of a vote on the Trump-Republican budget resolution.

       

    “Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise in opposition to this resolution, yet again. We hear speech after speech from the other side about the deficit and debt and, here, we see this resolution which increases the deficit. Let’s start with some facts. Every single Democratic presidential administration since Kennedy has left for their Republican successor a better deficit situation than they inherited. And every Republican president since Nixon, their administration has left for the Democrats a WORSE deficit situation than they inherited. All without exception.

    “So here we are again. A Republican president following a Democratic president. And once again we have a budget that will explode the deficit and national debt just like clockwork with their tax cuts for corporations and the top 1%. Trump’s first term added over $7 trillion to the national debt. And he wants to double down, and do it all over again.

    “As the Ranking Member of the Committee on Education and Workforce, I am particularly outraged that Republicans want to partially fund tax cuts for corporations and billionaires by making cuts to education programs and child nutrition programs. And this resolution will direct them to cut Medicaid, ripping health care away from millions of Americans.

    “There is nothing fiscally responsible about this budget. It will add to the deficit and the resolution wants to further inflict pain on working families and the middle class.

    “Mr. Speaker, I would ask my colleagues to oppose this resolution for the damage it will do to the economy and to the deficit. Thank you, I yield back.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Democrats Demand McMahon Reverse Abrupt Policy Change Halting Funding for Schools Nationwide

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

    Headline: Democrats Demand McMahon Reverse Abrupt Policy Change Halting Funding for Schools Nationwide

    Top authorizers and appropriators press Trump’s Department of Education for details about its’ abrupt halt of funding for state governments and school districts that adds a bureaucratic hurdle to reimbursement and will harm student recovery following the pandemic.

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

    WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman Robert C. “Bobby” Scott (D-VA-03), Ranking Member of the House Committee on Education and Workforce, Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (D-CT-03), Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Committee, Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP), and Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Ranking Member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies, led a letter to Secretary Linda McMahon demanding a reversal of a new policy the Department of Education announced recently that suddenly upended departmental policy and imposed new red tape on states, which will prevent them from accessing pandemic relief funds they are counting on to support students’ learning.

    In their letter, the lawmakers press McMahon for immediate reversal of the Department’s revision to its longstanding liquidation extension policy for COVID-19 education recovery funding—warning that the Department’s change, along with the myriad other harmful actions taken at ED recently, seriously jeopardizes students’ learning and growth.

    “We write to request the immediate reversal of the Department of Education’s recent March 28, 2025, action to revise the liquidation extension policy for COVID-19 relief funds,”write the lawmakers. “Just over a month ago, the Department announced a policy change to the longstanding extension policy that imposed an additional step for processing of extension reimbursements. … However, on March 28, 2025, with many state extension requests having been approved more than six months ago, the Department suddenly announced on March 28 that ‘the Department is modifying the liquidation period to end on March 28, 2025,’ the very same day as the announcement.”

    “In short,”the lawmakers state, “the Department changed the spending rules it affirmed just one month ago, without providing any notice, and imposing more federal red tape.”

    The lawmakers continue: “This abrupt and chaotic revision of policy is not helpful to students whose states, school districts, or institutions of higher education are uncertain about the Department’s commitments to implementing federal funding designed to support students. The March 28th decision is an imposition of an unauthorized layer of bureaucratic red tape on the expenditure of resources passed by Congress to support learning recovery for our nation’s students.”

    The lawmakers note that the abrupt change—coupled with the mass firings at ED—seriously threaten the ability of schools to support students’ learning: “When combined with the massive reduction in force announced earlier this month, the Department jeopardizes an estimated $4 billion from the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2021 and American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 in nearly all of our states and outlying areas and roughly 1,000 school districts nationwide. This action is particularly harmful to rural school districts that faced the greatest disruptions during the authorized program period. This will also have a disproportionate impact on $800 million reserved for identification and support for students experiencing homelessness, which was implemented slowly in many states. The March 28th decision of the Department improperly imposes its will on state and local budget decisions in a manner not contemplated by Congress.”

    The lawmakers note their alarm about the Department’s lack of recognition of the lasting effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on students, with the latest National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) scores showing national scores are below pre-pandemic levels in all grades and subjects. “We are alarmed by your lack of a recognition of the lasting effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on our nation’s students,” write the lawmakers. “Years after the COVID-19 pandemic, our schools and communities still have much work to do to help students recover and the Department’s termination of the remaining resources Congress passed for that purpose will only serve to delay and undermine our students’ recovery.”

    They also note Congress provided flexibility when providing the funding to ensure it best supports communities across the country: “Congress intended the Secretary to support states and districts in their use of the flexibility under the law to ensure the unique needs of their communities were met and to implement evidence-based learning loss interventions. The Department is now trying to change the spending rules and impose an administrative hurdle by stating ‘the Department will consider an extension to your liquidation period on an individual project-specific basis.’…We are astonished by the amount of hypocrisy here from an administration that has repeatedly said it wants to return education to the states, including your recent statement that ‘Education is fundamentally a state responsibility. Instead of filtering resources through layers of federal red tape, we will empower states…’ Now, it appears the Department is turning its back on states by arbitrarily imposing more federal red tape.”

    The lawmakers also called out that while the Trump administration works to cut off this funding for schools, it is pushing to pass new tax cuts for billionaires: “Let’s be very clear: The abrupt change in the liquidation extension policy is yet another way this administration is seeking to strip educational opportunities for students in order to pay for tax cuts for billionaires and large corporations. President Trump and Congressional Republicans are intent in claiming any savings they can in the federal budget that they intend to use to pay for their tax cuts for billionaires and large corporations.”

    “We believe there is a better way,” they conclude.“We urge you to immediately rescind your March 28 revision to the longstanding liquidation extension policy. Further, we believe you should work with us to start properly executing our federal education laws as Congress intended.”

    In addition to Representatives Scott and DeLauro, the letter was signed by Alma Adams (D, NC-12), Donald Beyer (D, VA-08), Suzanne Bonamici (D, OR-01), Julia Brownley (D, CA-26), Shontel Brown (D, OH-11), André Carson (D, IN-07), Greg Casar (D, TX-35), Sean Casten (D, IL-06), Joaquin Castro (D, TX-20), Steve Cohen (D, TN-09), Joe Courtney (D, CT-02), Danny Davis (D, IL-07), Diana DeGette (D, CO-01), Chris Deluzio (D, PA-17), Mark DeSaulnier (D, CA-10), Sarah Elfreth (D, MD-03), Veronica Escobar (D, TX-16), Adriano Espaillat (D, NY-13), Dwight Evans (D, PA-03), Shomari Figures (D, AL-02), Jesús García (D, IL-04), Sylvia Garcia (D, TX-29), Vicente Gonzalez (D, TX-34), Jahana Hayes (D, CT-05), Chrissy Houlahan (D, PA-06), Jonathan Jackson (D, IL-01), Hank Johnson (D, GA-04), Robin Kelly (D, IL-02), Timothy Kennedy (D, NY-26), John Larson (D, CT-01), Summer Lee (D, PA-12), Lucy McBath (D, GA-06), Sarah McBride (D, DE-01), Jennifer McClellan (D, VA-04), Betty McCollum (D, MN-04), Kristen McDonald Rivet (D, MI-08), Jim McGovern (D, MA-02), LaMonica McIver (D, NJ-10), Donald Norcross (D, NJ-01), Johnny Olszewski (D, MD-02), Chellie Pingree (D, ME-01), Mark Pocan (D, MI-02), Andrea Salinas (D, OR-06), Linda Sánchez (D, CA-38), Terri Sewell (D, AL-07), Mikie Sherrill (D, NJ-11), Lateefah Simon (D, CA-12), Darren Soto (D, FL-09), Haley Stevens (D, MI-11), Mark Takano (D, CA-39), Dina Titus (D, NV-01), Rashida Tlaib (D, MI-12), Bonnie Watson Coleman (D, NY-12), Frederica Wilson (D, FL-24), and Eleanor Holmes Norton (D, DC-01) in the House.

    In addition to Senators Murray, Sanders, and Baldwin, the letter was signed by Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Angus King (I-ME), Ed Markey (D-MA), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Jack Reed (D-RI), Jeanne Shaheen (D-MO), Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Mark Warner (D-VA), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), and Ron Wyden (D-OR) in the Senate.

    To read the full text of the letter, click here. 

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: NCDHHS Urges North Carolinians to “Fight the Bite” to Prevent Tick- and Mosquito-Borne Diseases

    Source: US State of North Carolina

    Headline: NCDHHS Urges North Carolinians to “Fight the Bite” to Prevent Tick- and Mosquito-Borne Diseases

    NCDHHS Urges North Carolinians to “Fight the Bite” to Prevent Tick- and Mosquito-Borne Diseases
    hejones1

    As warmer weather approaches, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is urging North Carolinians to “Fight the Bite” by taking measures to reduce their risk of tick- and mosquito-borne diseases. In 2024, more than 900 cases of tick- and mosquito-borne illnesses were reported statewide. 

    April is Tick and Mosquito Awareness Month and NCDHHS is announcing the return of the “Fight the Bite” campaign to increase awareness about the dangers of vector-borne diseases. Students in grades K-12 were invited to submit educational posters for the annual campaign contest. NCDHHS, local health departments and K-12 schools will use these illustrations to educate residents about measures they can take to protect themselves. Winners will be announced at the end of April on the NCDHHS “Fight the Bite” webpage.

    “Vector-borne diseases are on the rise in North Carolina,” said Emily Herring, Public Health Veterinarian. “We encourage all North Carolinians to protect themselves from tick and mosquito bites by wearing long sleeves and pants, using EPA-approved repellents, and checking for ticks after spending time outdoors.”

    Rocky Mountain spotted fever, Lyme disease and other tick-borne diseases can cause fever, headache, rashes, flu-like illness and other symptoms that can be severe. Lyme disease accounted for 33% of all tick-borne diseases reported last year. Ehrlichiosis, which can cause symptoms similar to Lyme disease, accounted for 38% of all tick-borne diseases in 2024. These diseases are treatable with antibiotics, and early treatment can prevent severe illness from developing. If you feel ill after you have been bitten by a tick, it is important to see your health care provider as soon as possible.

    Ticks live in wooded, grassy and brushy areas, and frequenting these areas can put you in contact with ticks and increase your potential exposure to vector-borne diseases. To reduce exposure to ticks: 

    • Use an EPA-approved repellent, such as those containing DEET or picaridin, on exposed skin and treat clothing with a pesticide called permethrin (0.5%). Use caution when applying insect repellent to children.
    • Check yourself and your children for ticks if you have been in a tick habitat and remove them promptly.
    • Reduce tick habitats around your house with selective landscaping techniques such as pruning shrubs and bushes, removing leaf litter and keeping grass cut short.

    The mosquito-borne diseases most often acquired in North Carolina are West Nile virus, eastern equine encephalitis and La Crosse encephalitis. Nationally, North Carolina was second to only Ohio in reported cases of infections from La Crosse virus between 2003 and 2023. Most reported mosquito-borne diseases — including cases of malaria, dengue, chikungunya and Zika — are acquired while traveling outside the continental United States. To reduce exposure to mosquitoes: 

    • Use an EPA-approved mosquito repellent, such as those containing DEET or picaridin, when outside. Use caution when applying to children.
    • Consider treating clothing and gear (such as boots, pants, socks and tents) with 0.5% permethrin.
    • Install or repair screens on windows and doors and use air conditioning if possible.
    • “Tip and Toss” to reduce mosquito breeding: empty standing water from flowerpots, gutters, buckets, pool covers, pet water dishes, discarded tires and birdbaths at least once a week.
    • Talk with your primary care provider or local health department if you plan to travel to an area where exotic mosquito-borne diseases occur and always check your destination to identify appropriate prevention methods, including vaccines.

    For more information on tick- and mosquito-borne diseases in North Carolina, please visit the NCDHHS Vector-Borne Diseases webpage.

    A medida que se acerca el clima más cálido, el Departamento de Salud y Servicios Humanos de Carolina del Norte urge a los habitantes de Carolina del Norte a “combatir la picadura” y tomar medidas para reducir el riesgo de enfermedades transmitidas por garrapatas y mosquitos. En 2024, se informaron más de 900 casos de enfermedades transmitidas por garrapatas y mosquitos en todo el estado.

    Abril es el Mes de Concientización sobre las Garrapatas y los Mosquitos y el Departamento de Salud y Servicios Humanos de Carolina del Norte (NCDHHS, por sus siglas en inglés) anuncia el regreso de la campaña “Combate la picadura” para aumentar la conciencia sobre los peligros de las enfermedades transmitidas por vectores. Se invita a los estudiantes de grados kínder a 12 a enviar pósters educativos para el concurso anual de la campaña. NCDHHS, los departamentos de salud locales y las escuelas de grado K a 12 utilizarán estas ilustraciones para educar a los residentes sobre las medidas que pueden tomar para protegerse. Los ganadores se anunciarán a finales de abril en la página web de NCDHHS “Combate la picadura” (NCDHHS “Fight the Bite”).

    “Las enfermedades transmitidas por vectores están en aumento en Carolina del Norte”, dijo Emily Herring, veterinaria de Salud Pública. “Alentamos a todos los habitantes de Carolina del Norte a protegerse de las picaduras de garrapatas y mosquitos usando mangas largas y pantalones, repelentes aprobados por la EPA y verificando si tiene garrapatas después de pasar tiempo al aire libre”.

    La fiebre manchada de las Montañas Rocosas, la enfermedad de Lyme y otras enfermedades transmitidas por garrapatas pueden causar fiebre, dolor de cabeza, erupciones cutáneas, enfermedades similares a la influenza (gripe) y otros síntomas que pueden ser graves. La enfermedad de Lyme representó el 33% de todas las enfermedades transmitidas por garrapatas informadas el año pasado. La erliquiosis, que puede causar síntomas similares a la enfermedad de Lyme, representó el 38% de todas las enfermedades transmitidas por garrapatas en 2024. Estas enfermedades se pueden tratar con antibióticos, y el tratamiento temprano puede prevenir el desarrollo de enfermedades graves. Si se siente enfermo después de haber sido picado por una garrapata, es importante que consulte a su proveedor de atención médica lo antes posible.

    Las garrapatas viven en áreas boscosas, cubiertas de hierba y arbustos, y frecuentar estas áreas puede ponerlo en contacto con garrapatas y aumentar su posible exposición a enfermedades transmitidas por vectores. Para reducir la exposición a las garrapatas: 

    • Use un repelente aprobado por la EPA, como los que contienen DEET o picaridina, en la piel expuesta y aplicar un plaguicida a la ropa con un pesticida llamado permetrina (0.5%). Tenga cuidado al aplicar repelente de insectos a los niños.
    • Revisese a sí mismo y a sus hijos en busca de garrapatas si ha estado en un entorno de garrapatas y retírelas de inmediato.
    • Reduzca los entornos de garrapatas alrededor de su casa con ciertas técnicas de jardinería, como podar arbustos y arbustos, eliminar los residuos de hojas y mantener el césped corto.

    Las enfermedades transmitidas por mosquitos que se contraen con mayor frecuencia en Carolina del Norte son el virus del Nilo Occidental, la encefalitis equina oriental y la encefalitis de La Crosse. A nivel nacional, Carolina del Norte ocupó el segundo lugar después de Ohio en casos reportados de infecciones por el virus La Crosse entre 2003 y 2023.  La mayoria de las enfermedades transmitidas por mosquitos reportadas, incluidos los casos de malaria, dengue, chikungunya y Zika, se adquieren mientras las personas viajan fuera de los Estados Unidos continentales. Para reducir la exposición a los mosquitos: 

    • Use un repelente de mosquitos aprobado por la EPA, como los que contienen DEET o picaridina, cuando esté afuera. Tenga cuidado cuando aplique el repelente a los niños.
    • Considere tratar la ropa y el equipo (como botas, pantalones, calcetines y carpas) con permetrina al 0.5%.
    • Instale o repare mosquiteras en ventanas y puertas y use aire acondicionado si es posible.
    • “Verter y hechar” para reducir la reproducción de mosquitos: vacíe el agua estancada de las macetas, canaletas, cubos, cubiertas de piscinas, platos de agua para mascotas, neumáticos desechados y baños para pájaros al menos una vez a la semana.
    • Hable con su proveedor de atención primaria o departamento de salud local si planea viajar a una zona donde se encuentra enfermedades exóticas transmitidas por mosquitos y siempre consulte con personas a donde va a llegar para identificar los métodos de prevención apropiados, incluso las vacunas.

    Para obtener más información sobre las enfermedades transmitidas por garrapatas y mosquitos en Carolina del Norte, visite la página web NCDHHS Vector-Borne Diseases. 

    Apr 10, 2025

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Update 285 – IAEA Director General Statement on Situation in Ukraine

    Source: International Atomic Energy Agency – IAEA

    The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has carried out five deliveries of equipment and other technical assistance over the past week as it remains fully focused on helping to prevent a nuclear accident during the military conflict in Ukraine, Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi said today.

    Since the beginning of the conflict more than three years ago, the IAEA has now organised a total of 125 such shipments to 29 counterparts in Ukraine, including its nuclear power plants (NPPs), the national operator Energoatom, the country’s regulator, technical support organizations and laboratories, emergency services, organizations handling radioactive material,  as well as health centres offering medical care to plant personnel and others.

    “This technical support is an important component of the IAEA’s overall efforts aimed at ensuring nuclear safety and security in Ukraine. We will continue to provide such critical assistance to Ukraine, prioritizing areas where it is most urgently needed, thanks to the generous donor support,” Director General Grossi said.

    In recent days, the Kharkiv Institute of Physics and Technology received equipment to enhance nuclear security at the site, the South Ukraine NPP received a whole body counter to monitor internal exposures of its operating staff, USIE Izotop – which manages radioactive material intended for medical, industrial and other purposes – received a forklift to support the safe handling and transport of radioactive material, and the Khmelnytskyy and Rivne NPPs received influenza medication and dental care equipment.

    These deliveries were provided with funding from Japan, the United Kingdom and the European Union. Since the start of the conflict, equipment worth almost 17 million euros has so far reached Ukraine. The IAEA is preparing further assistance for delivery.

    At Ukraine’s nuclear sites, frequent air raid alarms and the sound of explosions in the distance continued to highlight persistent risks to nuclear safety. On the night of 9 April, according to information from the site, eight drones were detected flying within 4 km of the South Ukraine NPP.

    At the Zaporizhzhya NPP (ZNPP), the IAEA team based at the site has continued to conduct regular walkdowns to monitor and assess nuclear safety and security, including to the dry spent fuel storage where the team observed the safety and security arrangements, the on-site radiation monitoring laboratory, and on-site warehouses.

    The team also discussed with the plant upcoming electrical maintenance activities as well as staffing levels, training and qualifications at the ZNPP.

    At the Khmelnytskyy and Rivne NPPs, one reactor at each site remains in shutdown for refuelling. On 5 April, two units at the Rivne site had to temporarily reduce their power output due to grid limitations, highlighting the ongoing difficulties caused by the fragile energy infrastructure. Also this past week, the team at the Khmelnytskyy NPP rotated.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Samsung Enhances the Walmart AMP Live Event Experience with New Outdoor LED Displays

    Source: Samsung

    Samsung Electronics America is enhancing the fan experience at the Walmart Arkansas Music Pavilion (AMP) with an ecosystem of Outdoor LED video walls, TVs and Galaxy tablets. From the front row to the farthest corners of the outdoor venue, Samsung Displays help ensure fans enjoy every moment of their favorite artists.

    The collaboration’s centerpiece is an upgraded installation of two custom Samsung XRB Series Outdoor LED displays located on both sides of the stage. Since Walmart AMP’s opening in 2014, these video walls have been a signature feature of the venue. The upgraded displays deliver stunning picture quality, giving every fan — whether in the pit or on Choctaw Plaza — a clear view of each show. Engineered specifically for outdoor environments, these high-resolution screens ensure crisp, clear images even in direct sunlight.
    “Walmart AMP is Northwest Arkansas’ premier outdoor concert venue, combining cutting-edge technology with top-tier performances in a uniquely intimate setting,” said Nick Zazal, General Manager, Walmart AMP. “Even with a capacity of 11,000, the video walls bring fans up close and personal with their favorite artists. They help you see the artists more clearly and feel the energy, emotion and magic of every performance.”

    Additionally, 75 models of the Samsung Pro TV Terrace Edition placed throughout the venue serve as digital touchpoints that connect fans to the venue’s broader cultural mission to foster access to the arts and build community through live music. These displays promote upcoming concerts, highlight sponsors, showcase live concert feeds and provide information about concessions and amenities.
    Walmart AMP also leverages 22 Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ tablets to streamline inventory management in its food & beverage operations. The tablets improve operational efficiency, allowing the venue staff to work in perfect harmony, contributing to a smoother, more enjoyable experience for fans.

    “Every seat at Walmart AMP feels like the best seat in the house thanks to the Outdoor LED’s spectacular viewing angles,” said Sara Grofcsik, Head of Sales, Display Division, Samsung Electronics America. “By outfitting the venue with Samsung’s live event displays, Walmart AMP can deliver a visually stunning, immersive concert experience from lights up to the final applause.”

    The first performance of Walmart AMP’s 2025 season is Friday, April 11, 2025, when Treaty Oak Revival takes the stage. For the full schedule of performances, please visit https://amptickets.com/calendar.
    For more information on how Samsung Displays elevate the fan experience, visit https://www.samsung.com/us/business/solutions/industries/live-events-sports/displays/.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: World Expo: Getting ready as an exhibitor 

    Source: International Chamber of Commerce

    Headline: World Expo: Getting ready as an exhibitor 

    In recent years, World Expo organisers and pavilion hosts have designed immersive exhibition experiences and transported pioneering technology, like flying cars, across borders.  

    As the opening in Osaka approaches, preparations for a range of events, trade shows or global fairs in other corners of the world are underway. 

    Your guide to securing an ATA Carnet 

    If you are planning to temporarily import professional equipment, samples or exhibition materials for similar happenings, here’s everything you need to know to secure your ATA Carnet, your international customs documents for duty- and tax-free temporary import of goods. 

    Step 1: Planning and inventory check

    Start by making a detailed list of all the items needed for your presence at the World Expo or another global event—display stands, promotional materials, demo equipment and branded merchandise. 

    Check these guidelines to know whether your items are eligible for an ATA Carnet. ATA Carnets cover almost everything (except consumables and giveaways) including:  

    • goods for use at trade fairs, shows, exhibitions  
    • professional equipment  
    • commercial samples  
    • personal effects and goods for sports purposes 

    Step 2: Contacting your national ATA Carnet issuing body  

    • Find your national guaranteeing association, short NGA, through a simple online search. NGAs are authorised by your Customs administration and affiliated with the international guarantee chain managed by the International Chamber of Commerce. 
    • Get your Carnet application form and a list of requirements from your NGA. 
    • Check with your local chamber of commerce if info sessions to clarify the process are available. 

    Tip: If you plan to attend multiple trade fairs before and after the World Expo, confirm if the same Carnet could be used for multiple destinations. 

    Step 3: Submitting the ATA Carnet application  

    • Fill out the application with: 
      • A complete list of goods (with serial numbers, values and descriptions). 
      • Your planned entry and exit dates. 
      • A security (either a deposit, guarantee made by a bank or an insurance company depending on the rules of the issuing body. The security will be discharged upon your return if the temporary admission is regularised correctly). 
    • The issuing body processes your request within a few days and delivers your ATA Carnet to you. 

    Step 4: Shipping and pre-departure logistics  

    • Book a freight forwarder familiar with ATA Carnets to ensure smooth customs clearance. 
    • Add the Carnet document to your shipment paperwork and make multiple copies. 
    • Check the host country’s customs regulations to ensure compliance and avoid last-minute issues. Your freight forwarder might be able to help. 

    Step 5: Using the ATA Carnet at the border 

    • Upon arrival, present the Carnet document to local customs officials. 
    • They stamp the importation counterfoil and detach the importation voucher, allowing your goods to enter duty-free. 
    • After setting up your pavilion or booth, keep the Carnet in a secure place— you will need it again for re-export. 

    Step 6: Re-exporting and refund 

    • After the event, pack all your items and head to customs before leaving Japan. 
    • Present your Carnet to have the exit stamped—this confirms you re-exported everything as required. 
    • Once back home, return the Carnet to your issuing body and receive your security deposit refund. 

    In 2024, 204 224 ATA Carnets were issued worldwide, allowing goods worth $32 billion to pass through customs checkpoints – duty free and tax free for up to one year. Its efficiency was highlighted during the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics, when hundreds of thousands of pieces of equipment were imported for the Games using ATA Carnets.   

    As the one and only globally unified customs document, the ATA Carnet is the backbone of global events, trade shows, sports competitions and more, allowing smooth customs clearance of professional equipment without the need for a guarantee, bond, or cash deposit at borders. 

    Learn more about the ATA Carnet and find your local contact point in +80 countries and territories

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: World Expo: Getting ready as an exhibitor 

    Source: International Chamber of Commerce

    Headline: World Expo: Getting ready as an exhibitor 

    In recent years, World Expo organisers and pavilion hosts have designed immersive exhibition experiences and transported pioneering technology, like flying cars, across borders.  

    As the opening in Osaka approaches, preparations for a range of events, trade shows or global fairs in other corners of the world are underway. 

    Your guide to securing an ATA Carnet 

    If you are planning to temporarily import professional equipment, samples or exhibition materials for similar happenings, here’s everything you need to know to secure your ATA Carnet, your international customs documents for duty- and tax-free temporary import of goods. 

    Step 1: Planning and inventory check

    Start by making a detailed list of all the items needed for your presence at the World Expo or another global event—display stands, promotional materials, demo equipment and branded merchandise. 

    Check these guidelines to know whether your items are eligible for an ATA Carnet. ATA Carnets cover almost everything (except consumables and giveaways) including:  

    • goods for use at trade fairs, shows, exhibitions  
    • professional equipment  
    • commercial samples  
    • personal effects and goods for sports purposes 

    Step 2: Contacting your national ATA Carnet issuing body  

    • Find your national guaranteeing association, short NGA, through a simple online search. NGAs are authorised by your Customs administration and affiliated with the international guarantee chain managed by the International Chamber of Commerce. 
    • Get your Carnet application form and a list of requirements from your NGA. 
    • Check with your local chamber of commerce if info sessions to clarify the process are available. 

    Tip: If you plan to attend multiple trade fairs before and after the World Expo, confirm if the same Carnet could be used for multiple destinations. 

    Step 3: Submitting the ATA Carnet application  

    • Fill out the application with: 
      • A complete list of goods (with serial numbers, values and descriptions). 
      • Your planned entry and exit dates. 
      • A security (either a deposit, guarantee made by a bank or an insurance company depending on the rules of the issuing body. The security will be discharged upon your return if the temporary admission is regularised correctly). 
    • The issuing body processes your request within a few days and delivers your ATA Carnet to you. 

    Step 4: Shipping and pre-departure logistics  

    • Book a freight forwarder familiar with ATA Carnets to ensure smooth customs clearance. 
    • Add the Carnet document to your shipment paperwork and make multiple copies. 
    • Check the host country’s customs regulations to ensure compliance and avoid last-minute issues. Your freight forwarder might be able to help. 

    Step 5: Using the ATA Carnet at the border 

    • Upon arrival, present the Carnet document to local customs officials. 
    • They stamp the importation counterfoil and detach the importation voucher, allowing your goods to enter duty-free. 
    • After setting up your pavilion or booth, keep the Carnet in a secure place— you will need it again for re-export. 

    Step 6: Re-exporting and refund 

    • After the event, pack all your items and head to customs before leaving Japan. 
    • Present your Carnet to have the exit stamped—this confirms you re-exported everything as required. 
    • Once back home, return the Carnet to your issuing body and receive your security deposit refund. 

    In 2024, 204 224 ATA Carnets were issued worldwide, allowing goods worth $32 billion to pass through customs checkpoints – duty free and tax free for up to one year. Its efficiency was highlighted during the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics, when hundreds of thousands of pieces of equipment were imported for the Games using ATA Carnets.   

    As the one and only globally unified customs document, the ATA Carnet is the backbone of global events, trade shows, sports competitions and more, allowing smooth customs clearance of professional equipment without the need for a guarantee, bond, or cash deposit at borders. 

    Learn more about the ATA Carnet and find your local contact point in +80 countries and territories

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Deluzio Announces $50,000 Federal Grant to Reserve Township for New Technology Equipment & Training

    Source: US Congressman Chris Deluzio (PA)

    CARNEGIE, PA — Today, Congressman Chris Deluzio (PA-17) announced that $50,000 in Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) funds will be awarded to Reserve Township. The grant will help modernize Township government by purchasing new technology supplies and equipment and providing training to Township staff. Reserve Township is providing $1,350 in local funds to supplement the $50,000 in federal funding.  

    “Our local government leaders have a lot on their plates, and outdated technology shouldn’t get in the way of serving residents,” said Congressman Deluzio. “So much of what we do in our daily lives—including the work of local government—depends on technology. This grant will help Reserve Township be more efficient and better deliver for residents with upgraded technology and equipment.”  

    “Our grant project is called ‘Building Capacity through Technology’ because it will increase our internal capacity to provide the best service to our residents with the small staff that we have here at the Township. The grant funds will go toward upgrading and centralizing our computer infrastructure and also adding much needed audio-visual equipment to our Board Meeting area,” said Jan Kowalski, CPA, Reserve Township Manager. “We are very grateful for the opportunity to use these funds to benefit our community.”  

    The funding was awarded through the Appalachian Regional Commission, an economic development agency of the federal government and 13 state governments focusing on 423 counties across the Appalachian region. Funding for this project is provided by READY Appalachia, a community capacity building initiative funded through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), more commonly known as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.  

    The Trump Administration’s efforts to freeze funding and pause federal grants has created significant uncertainty for grantees, varying by agency and program. As of now, the courts have paused many of these freezes. However, Congressman Deluzio will continue to monitor these developments and fight to make sure this congressionally-authorized funding will keep flowing to projects that make life better for Western Pennsylvanians. If you are the recipient of a federal grant and have been notified that this funding is no longer available to you or are experiencing other issues accessing your lawfully appropriated funds, please share your concerns with Congressman Deluzio’s office at PA17Grants@mail.house.gov. 

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: House Passes Issa Legislation to Stop Activist Judges and Their Rogue Rulings

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Darrell Issa (CA-50)

    WASHINGTON, D.C.: The House of Representatives today approved HR 1526, The No Rogue Rulings Act of 2025, authored by Congressman Darrell Issa (CA-48), Senior Member of the Judiciary Committee and Chairman of its Subcommittee on Intellectual Property, Artificial Intelligence, and the Courts.

    “Practically every day, activist federal judges are abusing their Article III power, contradicting the Constitution, and blocking President Donald Trump from exercising his executive authority to deport criminal illegals, reduce wasteful government spending, and strengthen our military, said Rep. Issa.” Today, a majority of the House of Representatives declared that enough is enough.”

    Majority Whip Tom Emmer (MN-06): “One unelected district judge should not have the power to halt the President of the United States from executing the policies the American people elected him to enact—that defies all common sense. I am thankful for Rep. Issa’s leadership in House Republicans efforts to rein inactivist judges and restore constitutional balance to the three branches.”

    Conference Chairwoman Lisa McClain (MI-9): “House Republicans prevented activist judges from stalling the American people’s agenda. Rep. Issa’s bill ensures rogue judges can’t block the lawful exercise of executive power. We upheld the constitutional authority of checks and balances and protected the integrity of our democracy.”

    Rep. Issa and Republican Study Committee Chairman Austin Pfluger (TX-11) co-authored an op-ed today in Fox News Digital: “Courtroom coup: Ending the district judges’ war on presidential authority.”

    About The No Rogue Rulings Act:

    • Restores principles of federalism by clarifying that judicial orders cannot bind non-parties to litigation before a court.

    • Stops single district court judges from solely determining national policy – an authority the Constitution reserves for Congress, the President, and, in limited instances, the Supreme Court.

    • Creates an exception for certified class action lawsuits and establishes a three-judge appeals process that can be appealed directly to the Supreme Court.

    “I thank my steadfast GOP colleagues in the House and Senate — as well as President Trump — for their support of our work. After today, activist judges and their increasingly rogue rulings are being put on notice. Help is on the way,” said Issa.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Panetta Awarded U.S. Navy’s Highest Civilian Honor

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jimmy Panetta (D-Calif)

    Washington, DC – United States Representative Jimmy Panetta (CA-19), a veteran of the U.S. Naval Reserve, was awarded the Department of the Navy’s Distinguished Public Service Award, the highest honor the Navy can bestow upon a civilian.  The award recognizes Rep. Panetta’s steadfast support of the United States Navy and Marine Corps during his tenure in Congress and his commitment to ensuring that service members have the resources, training, and readiness necessary to protect the nation’s interests.

    Rep. Panetta served in the U.S. Navy, Reserve Component, as an Intelligence Officer.  In 2007, Rep. Panetta was mobilized to active duty and deployed with a special operations task force to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.  Based on his meritorious service in a combat zone, then Lieutenant Panetta and was awarded the Bronze Star. 

    Upon returning home, Rep. Panetta continued his advocacy for our men and women who served in uniform by working with homeless veterans at the Veterans Transition Center, and leading the effort to establish the first Veterans Treatment Court in Monterey County, as well as the Central Coast Veterans Cemetery on the former Fort Ord.

    As the U.S. Representative for California’s 19th Congressional District, Rep. Panetta works hard to support and bolster the 17 defense installations, including five naval installations, in his district.  Those installations include the Naval Postgraduate School, Naval Support Activity Monterey, Fleet Meteorology Center, Naval Research Lab, Coast Guard Station Monterey.  The installations of California’s 19th Congressional District boast more than 15,000 military personnel and their families and help boost the local economy by $2.6 billion each year.

    “Our nation must always serve those who serve us and the military families who shoulder immense sacrifices,” said Rep. Panetta.  “California’s 19th Congressional District has long boasted a strong military tradition and presence, which I am proud to carry on and support as a veteran in Congress advocating for the quality of life and support needed by our men and women in uniform.  I’m honored to receive this recognition from the U.S. Navy and look forward to the work ahead to bolster our military, national security, and all of those committed to serving our nation.” 

    In Congress, as well as a member of the House Armed Services Committee, Rep. Panetta has led bipartisan efforts to strengthen military readiness, enhance servicemember benefits, tackle military hunger, address subpar housing for military families, and advance the Navy and Marine Corps’ operational capabilities. 

    In the FY2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), Rep. Panetta secured funding for the new Naval Innovation Center in Monterey, established a pilot program to send noncommissioned officers from the Army and Navy to the Naval Postgraduate School, and directed a regenerative grazing pilot program and Navy and Marine Corps installations, among other key quality of life provisions.

    Through previous NDAAs, Rep. Panetta has had several bills signed into law including; the Smart Act which opened new advanced degree opportunities at NPS for enlisted servicemembers, Military Hunger Prevention Act which created a Basic Needs Allowance for military servicemembers with incomes below the poverty line, DLI Act which allowed the Defense Language Institute to confer Bachelor degrees to graduates, Better Military Housing Act which created a tenant bill of rights for residents of privatized military housing, and more.

    In 2024, Rep. Panetta also authored and passed into law legislation to honor Everett Alvarez, Jr. who grew up on the Central Coast of California and demonstrated immense courage and resilience as our nation’s second longest serving prisoner of war, with the Congressional Gold Medal.  The Congressional Gold Medal is the highest civilian honor bestowed by Congress, reserved for individuals who have made significant contributions to American history and culture. 

    The Department of the Navy’s Distinguished Public Service Award is presented to individuals who have provided exceptionally distinguished service that significantly impacts the Department of the Navy as a whole. 

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Jimmy Panetta Calls Out Trump Administration Trade Policy Chaos, Impact on Working Families

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jimmy Panetta (D-Calif)

    Washington, DC – United States Representative Jimmy Panetta (CA-19) recently questioned U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer at a recent House Ways and Means Committee. During his line of questioning, Rep. Panetta called out the faulty economic data behind the Trump Administration’s chaotic tariff policies. 

    During the hearing, President Trump announced on social media that the Administration would place a 90-day pause on new tariffs on most nations, while raiding tariffs on China to 125 percent.  U.S. Trade Representative Greer said he was not informed about this new trade policy.

    “It is the largest self-inflicted wound to our economy in history, a self-inflicted wound that if it stays in place, it could constitute the largest tax increase on working families in more than 40 years, costing households more than $3,800,” said Rep. Panetta.  “I know that the president is saying, ‘we’re getting screwed,’ but the fact is, Trump is screwing us with these incoherent and inchoate tariffs.  In the short term and in the long term, domestically and internationally, and for our economy and for our national security, they are making us weaker.”

    Rep. Panetta questions the Administration’s top trade representative.
    Click play on the above video or click HERE to watch his remarks.

    A transcript of Rep. Jimmy Panetta’s remarks during the Ways and Means Committee hearing is below:

    “Before this week, talked to a lot of my colleagues about you.  They actually said a lot of good things about you. You had a good reputation until this week, I have to say, because I actually wanted to work with you on solutions when it comes to free trade agreements.  I think we still can once we get past this, and I hope that’s the case, but unfortunately, you’re defending a policy here from President Trump that’s absolutely incoherent.

    “It’s a self-imposed tariff regime of ten times the amount of tariffs that were in place before this president took office.  It is the largest self-inflicted wound to our economy in history, a self-inflicted wound that if it stays in place, it could constitute the largest tax increase on working families in more than 40 years, costing households more than $3,800.

    “Per year, a self-inflicted wound that prompted one of the largest three day moves on the markets since World War II, and it’s a self-inflicted wound that’s leading investors to expect a severe economic slowdown. Eight years ago, this president talked about American carnage.  Little did we know that he would create economic carnage that is spreading something similar across the entire global economy.

    “Now the reason for these tariffs is based on a national emergency that we have trade deficits according to him and you.  Unfortunately, the president’s thinking about trade is reflected in this policy. This weekend, after the markets tanked, after a small businesses fretted and after the president played golf all weekend, the president said, I consider any trade deficit a loss.

    “That type of scorecard thinking combined with the president’s 40-year fetish for tariffs.  That has put this policy in place and put us in the global economy in this position.  Now, I know the president is painting all trade deficits as bad, but they are a product of larger macroeconomic factors relating to a number of things as you know well, savings, investments, cultural demographics, and so on.

    “But the President is acting completely irrational when it comes to trade deficits.  He believes that trade deficits are subsidies paid by Americans to other countries.  His scorecard ignores our trade surpluses and services to the tune of $250 billion annually.  He is oblivious to the relationship of trade deficits to foreign investment in America in that when we send dollars abroad for goods and services, most of those dollars ultimately come back to America, and he refuses to grasp that tariffs are taxes paid by American importers and Americans, not foreigners.

    “A perfect example of this unreasonableness is our reasonable trade deficit with Canada.  The reason we have a trade deficit with Canada is because starting with FDR, we entered into an agreement that would sell US oil at well below market prices.  We entered into and maintain that deal because we may and we maintain the trade deficit with Canada so that we can buy cheap oil, which is a huge benefit for America.

    “And if we took that oil out of our trade relationship, guess what?  We’d have a trade surplus.  Yet Trump says we’re getting ripped off even though we are actually getting the benefit of that sweetheart deal.  Now, absolutely, sometimes a trade deficit is a loss.  Foreign trade barriers are a problem that includes tariffs and non-tariff barriers, but there are ways to remedy these things.

    “Free trade agreements don’t require a tariff policy that cripples our economy.  Yet due to the President’s fetish for tariffs and superficial thinking on trade deficits, the president has imposed a trade policy that makes the global baseline of 10% with countries that have trade surpluses like Singapore, Australia, Netherlands.

    “Countries we have free trade agreements are getting tariffs at 10%.  Countries that are free trade countries are getting tariff at 10%.  It does not make sense.

    “If other countries eliminate their tariffs and we eliminate ours, that’s just deal making. And we don’t raise revenue and businesses don’t relocate to the us. If it’s a permanent revenues source and you want to relocate to the us, then going to have these tariffs permanently and there are not going to be any deals.

    “So, what is clear is that you can’t have it both ways.  Additionally, tariffs undermine our national security as we’re seeing in the Indo-Pacific region.  Look, I know the president wants to bring back the rust belt.  I get that.  But a big part of that is political.  It’s nostalgia.  And nostalgia, as they say, is the rust of memory.

    “We are not victims here.  Our economy is the envy of the world, partly because it was our choice to invest in other countries over saving.  It was our choice to have bilateral trade deficits.  This is not some unexpected crisis here.  This is no extraordinary or unusual threat.  This is because we chose to invest in other countries where labor is cheaper and therefore products are cheaper.

    “And as we know it’s okay for working families to want to pay low prices for products in this country.  I know that the president is saying, ‘we’re getting screwed,’ but the fact is, is that Trump is screwing us with these incoherent tariffs.  That in the short term and in the long term, domestically and internationally, and for our economy and for our national security, they are making us weaker.”

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICYMI: Boyle Warns of Devastating Impacts in Philadelphia if Republicans Cut Medicaid

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Brendan Boyle (13th District of Pennsylvania)

    PHILADELPHIA, PA – Yesterday, Congressman Brendan F. Boyle (PA-02) held a press conference to sound the alarm about the catastrophic consequences that the Medicaid cuts proposed by President Trump and Republicans in Congress would have in Philadelphia. He was joined by Susan Post, Chief Executive Officer of Esperanza Health Center, and Suzanne O’Grady Laurito, Director of Catholic Housing and Community Services at the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.

    At the press conference, Congressman Boyle, Ranking Member of the House Budget Committee, warned that the Republican budget would make the largest Medicaid cuts in US history, even as it proposes massive handouts for billionaires. The event also spotlighted the story of a 64-year-old Navy veteran from Northeast Philadelphia who receives in-home care through Medicaid, allowing him to live with dignity.

    “In Philadelphia, well over half a million people get their health care from Medicaid. This is the greatest threat to Medicaid in the history of its existence. And why? To pay for tax cuts for the top 1% — it is absolutely unconscionable,” said Congressman Boyle. “The bill that already passed out of the House of Representatives included over $800 billion worth of cuts to Medicaid — the largest cuts to Medicaid in American history. Now the good news is that that was just the beginning of the process, not the end of it. As soon  as we’re done here, I will be hopping on a train to go to Washington, DC, where as the Ranking Member of the Budget Committee, I have been asked to lead the opposition to these Medicaid cuts.”

    “In the geographical area that Esparanza takes care of, which is about a three-mile radius from here, we have a population that’s almost 400,000 people. And of those 400,000, almost 200,000 of them rely on Medicaid insurance for all of their health care needs,” said Susan Post, Chief Executive Officer of Esperanza Health Center. “I also live in North Philly. I’ve lived here 25 years. These are not just a statistic, these are actual people, people that I love … thank you so much, Congressman Boyle, for your concern about this important, devastating situation for us here in North Philadelphia.”

    “Medicaid is not just a health care program, although that is critical, but it is a lifeline for many we serve. It’s the thread that holds stability, independence, and dignity together,” said Suzanne O’Grady Laurito, Director of Catholic Housing and Community Services at the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. “We stand with Congressman Boyle today to protect and preserve Medicaid. It’s not just a program. It’s a promise.”

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Bennie G. Thompson to Host Town Halls on Budget Cuts and Critical Benefits Updates

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

    BOLTON, MS – Congressman Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS) will host a town hall to address Trump’s cuts to the Department of Education, Department of Health & Human Services, Social Security Administration, and other key government programs in Mississippi’s Second Congressional District.  The discussion will cover how these proposed cuts could impact students, seniors, and low-income families who depend on federal programs.

    • WHO: Congressman Bennie G. Thompson   
    • WHAT: Town Hall Events – Federal Budget Cuts and Other Key Programs

    • WHEN & WHERE: 

      Tuesday, April 15, 2025, 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. (CT) 

                                       New Beginnings M.B. Church

                                       35 Triumph Ln

                                       Natchez, MS 39120

                     Thursday, April 24, 2025, 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. (CT)

                                        New Hope First Baptist Church

                                        705 Nelson Street

                                        Greenville, MS 38701

    Members of the media who wish to attend are asked to RSVP by emailing Stephanie Booker at stephanie.booker@mail.house.gov .

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Jayapal, Hirono Introduce Resolution to Recognize Library Workers

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal (7th District of Washington)

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Representative Pramila Jayapal (WA-07) and U.S. Senator Mazie Hirono (D-HI) are introducing a resolution honoring library workers during National Library Week.

    “Libraries and library workers are vital to every single community in this country. They facilitate our access to information, provide often lifesaving social resources, and host critical educational programming,” said Jayapal. “As the Trump administration seeks to eliminate the Institute of Museum and Library Services, libraries and library staff across the country are facing threats to their jobs. Today, I am proud to reaffirm my support for these dedicated workers and thank them for the critical work they do for our communities.”

    “From accessing books to providing safe spaces for people to work and learn, the resources that libraries provide are essential to our communities,” said Senator Hirono. “I’m proud to lead this resolution with Congresswoman Jayapal, commemorating National Library Week in recognition of our country’s libraries and their dedicated staff. As the Trump Administration and Republicans work to systemically erase diverse voices from our history, schools, and libraries, it is crucial that we reaffirm our right to free and unfettered access to books and information without obstruction. Libraries are an important hub for information exchange and learning, and I will keep working to protect the indispensable services they provide.”

    Over 350,000 public servants work at an estimated 120,000 libraries across the nation. Library workers provide the public with a host of critical services, from access to books, media, and the internet, to offering high-quality educational and cultural programming geared toward visitors of all ages, including connecting visitors to social services. These services are often essential to meeting the needs of underserved communities, including low-income and unhoused individuals and families. Overall, the public highly values libraries, 69 percent of U.S. adults age 16 or older felt their local libraries substantially contributed to providing a safe place for people to spend time, and 58 percent felt they substantially contributed toward creating educational opportunities. 

    Unfortunately, libraries and library staff across this country are currently facing unprecedented challenges that harm their ability to provide critical resources, especially in rural, Tribal, and other underserved communities. In the wake of President Trump’s executive order to eliminate the Institute of Museum and Library Services, libraries across the country are already starting to receive notice of their federal grants being terminated. 

    “Library workers are always there for us—offering knowledge, support, and safe spaces for all,” said AFSCME President Lee Saunders. “This National Library Week, we not only thank these dedicated public service professionals—we recognize the serious threats they’re up against. They are facing a disturbing rise in intimidation, censorship, and even violence, all while the Trump administration works to defund libraries and undermine their essential work. We proudly stand with Senator Hirono and Representative Jayapal in fighting for their rights, and we’ll continue organizing alongside library workers to secure the respect, safety, and stability that only a union contract can provide.”

    “We thank Congresswoman Jayapal for giving voice to the many library workers in Washington state who provide our communities something special – a free place where all are invited to read, think, gather, connect, and grow.” said Tom Fay, Chief Librarian and Executive Director of The Seattle Public Library. “At a time when division and isolation are impacting many Americans, libraries provide an antidote by bringing people together to explore and celebrate a diversity of ideas. At a time when goods and services are costing more, libraries provide tremendous value, boosting educational and economic community outcomes. We need more of this, not less, if we are to foster a healthy and flourishing democracy.”

    The resolution is sponsored by Representatives Nanette Barragán (CA-44), Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01), Brendan Boyle (PA-02), Greg Casar (TX-35), Angie Craig (MN-02), Lloyd Doggett (TX-37), Dwight Evans (PA-03), Jared Huffman (CA-02), Summer Lee (PA-12), Jerrold Nadler (NY-12), Donald Norcross (NJ-01), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC-At-Large), Mark Pocan (WI-02), Andrea Salinas (OR-06), and Linda Sánchez  (CA-38) and Senators Jack Reed (D-RI), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Ron Wyden (D-OR), and Chris Van Hollen (D-MD)..

    The resolution is endorsed by The American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME).

    Issues: Arts & Education

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Neal Leads Massachusetts Delegation in Demanding Answers on the Sudden Closure of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Regional Office in Boston

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Richard Neal (D-MA)

    Letter Text PDF

    Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Richard E. Neal, Ranking Member of the House Ways and Means Committee, and the entire Massachusetts Congressional delegation – Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), and Representatives Jim McGovern (MA-02), Lori Trahan (MA-03), Jake Auchincloss (MA-04), Katherine Clark (MA-05), Seth Moulton (MA-06), Ayanna Pressley (MA-07), Stephen Lynch (MA-08), and Bill Keating (MA-09) – demanded answers from the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. after the abrupt shuttering of the entire HHS Regional Office (RO) in Boston, Massachusetts, on April 1, 2025.

    In the letter, the lawmakers write, “It is impossible to overstate the lasting consequences this reckless action will have on every single person in this region—whether the families who rely on Region 1 employees dutifully overseeing child care licensing systems to ensure they deliver quality care to our children, or the coordination these civil servants conduct with state survey agencies to make sure all our nursing homes meet federal safety standards. Through steadfast commitment to the programs they oversee, employees of ROs provide a service to all of us whether we know it or not.”

    The HHS Boston RO employs hundreds of workers who serve Americans from Maine to Connecticut. As the economic catastrophe caused by Trump’s Tariff Tax devastates communities and businesses across the country, the administration continues to make senseless layoffs, adding even more individuals to the ranks of the unemployed. These job losses will have trickle-down effects on other businesses in the area during an already challenging time.

    The Boston RO specializes in health care innovation, partnering with drug companies, biotech groups, and other innovators to ensure gaps in research are being filled and the cures of tomorrow come to fruition. Eliminating the Boston RO will both deny the people of New England access to public health officials with expertise in our local communities and halt innovation in its tracks, with ramifications felt by the whole country for generations to come.

    The ROs are also on the front lines of fighting fraud, waste, and abuse alongside local law enforcement, as well as the vanguard coordinating responses against disease and outbreaks. Its closure will leave our communities and our programs less safe.

    The lawmakers continue, “It could open our region to massive risks of fraud and abuse of our vital federal programs. And it could provide the pathway for another pernicious disease to sweep the nation, absent vital on-the-ground detection and coordination among public health experts. We do not take lightly this attack on the health of our constituents and the unceremonious termination of thousands of experts living in our communities who make us all safer.”

    The Boston Regional Office property is desirable real estate and appeared on an early list of properties Elon Musk and his Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) group wished to “auction off”, raising questions about whether this action has ulterior motives – enabling Trump acolytes to cash in on real estate deals while ordinary Americans suffer from loss of services. The Trump Administration has shown a complete disregard for Americans’ needs, closing Social Security offices and curtailing customer service. This RO closure is just another effort to make it more difficult for our constituents to access the health and safety protections they count on the federal government to provide.

    The lawmakers are demanding detailed answers as to the basis of this decision, its effect on constituent health, and how HHS will continue serving individuals in the region. They request answers to the following questions by April 18:

    ·       Please provide a list of each division within the Boston RO that was eliminated, a description of its core functions, a summary of staff expertise, program staff caseloads for each overseen program at the time of closing, and all documentation justifying the Department’s decision to close each division within the RO.

    ·       Please provide the Department’s analysis of the impact this regional closure will have on costs and health outcomes for the 15 million residents of New England, as well as the local economy.

    ·       Please provide a detailed analysis of how the remaining five ROs will take over the responsibilities of the Boston RO, including total caseloads, in beneficiaries served and dollars managed, for the staff taking over New England responsibilities, and any anticipated hirings or training to offset the caseload inundation and loss of regional expertise.

    ·       Please provide a detailed analysis of anyways responsibilities of the Boston RO which will be absorbed by HHS headquarters, including the current and new responsibilities of any headquarters staff assuming responsibilities and any anticipated hirings to offset the caseload inundation and loss of regional expertise.

    ·       Please provide a detailed analysis of the anticipated additional wait times for services previously provided by staff at the Region 1 RO, such as the approval of Medicaid State Plan Amendments, enrollments of new providers into Medicare, surveys of nursing homes, child care licensing inspections, state plan approvals, and cost allocation agreements.

    ·       Please explain the Administration’s plan for the now-vacant real estate that previously housed the Boston RO.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Ogles Leads Legislation Targeting Chinese Cybersecurity Threats

    Source:

    WASHINGTON DC – Congressman Andy Ogles (TN-05) introduced the “Strengthening Cyber Resilience Against State-Sponsored Threats Act.”  This bill would establish an interagency task force, led by the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), to address the widespread cybersecurity threats posed by state-sponsored cyber actors associated with the CCP. 

     

    The legislation also requires the task force to provide a detailed report and briefing to Congress annually for five years on its findings. The legislation was advanced by the House Committee on Homeland Security and passed unanimously by the House of Representatives in the 118th Congress. 

     

    “The Chinese Communist Party is the greatest foreign adversary we face, and Beijing continues to use cyberspace as a battlefield on which to undermine American sovereignty and interests. In the wake of attacks by CCP-backed actors against our critical infrastructure and even their intrusions into the campaign communications of President Trump and Vice President Vance, we must ensure the government is coordinating effectively to make sure this never happens again,” Congressman Ogles said. “As we learned from the Biden-Harris administration, turning a blind eye to China’s intrusions only invites more attacks. I look forward to getting this legislation to President Trump’s desk so we can keep securing our nation from this deadly enemy.” 

     

    “For too long, the federal government has been asleep at the wheel when it comes to combating increasingly sophisticated cyberattacks on our networks by Chinese-backed actors. Americans depend on critical infrastructure for vital services every day, from the phones in our pockets to the water in our homes and gas in our cars,” Chairman Mark Green said. “I fear the recent ‘Typhoon’ intrusions are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the CCP’s espionage and pre-positioning in our infrastructure. With new threats mounting every day, our response must be a coordinated, whole-of-government effort. I am proud to continue fighting for this legislation alongside my friend and fellow Tennessean, Rep. Ogles. Let’s get this to the Senate and to President Trump’s desk without delay.”

     

    “The cyber campaigns waged by PRC-backed actors like the Typhoons are acts of espionage aimed at placing U.S. critical infrastructure at risk. This legislation directs a focused, interagency response to identify, assess, and disrupt these persistent threats,” Subcommittee on Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Protection Chairman Andrew Garbarino said. “As Chairman of the Subcommittee on Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Protection, I’m committed to ensuring the federal government uses every available tool to mitigate these threats and strengthen our cyber resilience where it matters most.”

     

    “The Chinese Communist Party is increasingly using cyberattacks to target our critical infrastructure, and it’s time to take action to address this growing threat to the American people,” Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party Chairman John Moolenaar said. “The Strengthening Cyber Resilience Against State-Sponsored Threats Act will ensure the federal government has the resources and authority to defend against these threats and hold the CCP accountable. With groups like Volt Typhoon and Salt Typhoon already compromising our systems, it’s critical that we strengthen our defenses to protect national security and our economy.”

     

    “The Chinese Communist Party, through cyber threat actors like Volt Typhoon, continues to infiltrate America’s critical infrastructure, posing a direct threat to our national security and economy. We cannot allow foreign adversaries to gain the upper hand through a fragmented response,” Rep. Laurel Lee said. “That is why I am proud to cosponsor the Strengthening Cyber Resilience Against State-Sponsored Threats Act to ensure a unified, whole-of-government strategy to combat the CCP’s cyber aggression and protect the essential systems Americans rely on every day.”

    Cosponsors (4): Rep. Mark Green [TN-07]-, Laurel Lee [FL-15], John Moolenaar [MI-02], and Rep. Andrew Garbarino [NY-02].

    Read The Bill Here

    # # #

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: A world of career opportunities

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University – Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University –

    On April 10, the Youth Career Forum was held in the Technopolis Polytech research building. Representatives of companies offered students and future graduates vacancies, internships, practical training places and development programs. The event was organized by the SPbPU Career Development Department.

    Vice-Rector for Educational Activities of SPbPU Lyudmila Pankova opened the forum and expressed gratitude to the company representatives for their participation.

    Today, representatives of 64 companies have gathered at the Polytechnic University. This is a record number for us. Employers will share information about the best places for practice and internships. Various surprises and activities await you. I am sure that our partners will find ambitious and unique young specialists, and our students will get acquainted with the companies of their dreams, – emphasized Lyudmila Pankova.

    A career is a life-long marathon, full of ups, downs, personal transformations and discoveries. Today, we, employers, together with Polytech, will help you find answers to important questions: what internships will help you, what programs will suit you, – said Svetlana Barabantseva, Head of Young Talents at Severstal.

    At the stand session, the largest Russian companies vividly demonstrated vacancies and opportunities for internships and traineeships. Representatives talked about the conditions, answered students’ questions and conducted interviews.

    Among the regular participants of the IFF are such well-known companies as Sber, Gazprom Neft, Power Machines, Severstal, Petersburg Tractor Plant, VK Education, Rosatom State Corporation, Geropharm, etc. They attracted the attention of students with logical tasks, quizzes, games, puzzles, and, of course, branded gifts.

    The company “Russian Mechanics” from Rybinsk specializes in the development, production and sale of snowmobiles and ATVs. At the forum, representatives demonstrated the RM 800 T ATV of the “Silk Road” series and the multi-purpose snow and swamp vehicle with a 6×6 wheel arrangement “Termite”.

    The Petersburg Tractor Plant is a regular participant in the Polytechnic University career events. The enterprise employs many Polytechnic University graduates: designers, technologists and quality management specialists. At the forum, the company showed the Kirovets K-7 tractor.

    The Sovcombank company has been participating in SPbPU events for several years now, and many of its employees are graduates of the Polytechnic University. Today, specialists have prepared tasks related to key areas of activity, a game of Tic-Tac-Toe with artificial intelligence, and gifts.

    Polytechnicians work for us as interns, junior specialists, employees in the departments of system analysis and development. Students actively participate in our events. This is an intensive course in system analysis “SovkomLab”, the School of Credit Analysts, competitions in the profile of information security and the career festival “Adventure League”. Many of them continue to work in full-time positions. Therefore, our cooperation with Polytechnic is truly productive, – shared the team leader of the team for the development of the HR brand and interaction with universities Valeria Kozinets.

    Young were present as new members

    In addition to manufacturing products for the science and medical industries, we actively cooperate with schools and universities in matters of popularizing science. So that children can see in practice what radiation is and not be afraid of it. We are also interested in finding new employees in universities. The company has an agreement with the Polytechnic University, students do their internships with us. Today we decided to show ourselves at our home university. By the way, I am also a graduate of the Polytechnic University, I graduated from IMMiT in 2017, – said the head of the component sector Pavel Krikunov.

    Traditionally, the forum featured a stand of the Advanced Engineering School of SPbPU “Digital Engineering”. Leading engineers and heads of educational programs of the Advanced Engineering School of SPbPU told students and graduates of the Polytechnic University about promising areas of training and employment. The event was also attended by industrial partners of the school, including Centrotech-Engineering LLC (part of the Fuel Division of the Rosatom State Corporation), St. Petersburg State Unitary Enterprise Gorelectrotrans. They presented joint master’s programs that combine fundamental training with applied knowledge. Students gain unique experience by participating in real research and development (R&D) work.

    The forum was attended by employees of the SPbPU Center for Work with Applicants, who provided advice to students on issues of admission to a master’s program.

    The business program included 19 offline and online activities, divided into two tracks: career and skills. Students watched presentations of internship programs, learned life hacks on building a career after university, participated in master classes on time management, project management and building self-esteem, attended workshops and networking.

    CareerTalks format events were held by VK Education, SBER, Rosatom, Lukoil. Employees of Axenix, Tricolor, Arman, Gazprom Gazofiya held master classes. Specialists of the Scientific and Educational Center for Information Technologies and Business Analysis Gazprom Neft organized a business game “Everything (Not) According to Plan”. A career master class on adaptation in the company after an offer was held in the VK group of the Career Development Department of SPbPU.

    The forum also included a round table for ISI students and employers in the construction sector, “Problems of Forming Interaction between Students and Organizations: Expectations vs. Reality.” The event was moderated by ISI student practical training officer Janis Olekhnovich. Company employees shared valuable advice and recommendations with students on developing the necessary skills and acquiring knowledge that will allow them to stand out in the professional environment.

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    MIL OSI Russia News –