NewzIntel.com

Category: Justice

  • MIL-OSI Security: Frankville — Antigonish County District RCMP charge man with attempted murder

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    Antigonish County District RCMP has charged a man with attempted murder after a shooting in Havre Boucher.

    On September 19, at approximately 7:30 p.m., Antigonish County District RCMP responded to a report that a woman had been shot at a home on Havre Boucher Rd. in Frankville. Multiple additional RCMP units responded, including Pictou County District RCMP, Inverness County District RCMP, RCMP Police Dog Services, and Northeast Traffic Services. The suspect, a 28-year-old man of Frankville, was safely arrested at the scene.

    Preliminary investigation indicates there were several adults and children at the home at the time of the incident. No one else was physically injured.

    Francis Scott Durley has been charged with:

    • Attempted Murder
    • Possession of a Weapon for a Dangerous Purpose
    • Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm
    • Pointing a Firearm (four counts)
    • Uttering Threats (two counts)

    Durley appeared in Antigonish Provincial Court this morning, September 20, and will remain in custody pending a court appearance on September 25.

    The investigation remains ongoing and is being assisted by the Antigonish Street Crime Enforcement Unit and RCMP Forensic Identification Services.

    Durley and the victim are known to each other. This was an isolated incident and was not a random act.

    File #: 2024-1384457

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  • MIL-OSI Banking: Moot Court competition opens with webinar support on offer for participants

    Source: WTO

    Headline: Moot Court competition opens with webinar support on offer for participants

    The competition is a simulated hearing under the rules of the WTO dispute settlement mechanism involving exchanges of written submissions and oral pleadings before panelists on international trade law issues. The competition is organized by the European Law Students’ Association (ELSA) with the technical support of the WTO.
    The WTO and the Advisory Centre on WTO Law (ACWL) are partnering to support participants interested in this competition by providing a series of webinars titled “Legal Mooting Masterclass”. These webinars will equip teams and their coaches with the information required to navigate the competition successfully.
    The webinars will provide an overview of the competition, useful tools for research on WTO law, and tips on best practices for participating in the competition from experts from the WTO and ACWL. 
    The sessions will be held the first week of October and require prior registration.
    For the complete schedule and to register click here.
    Every year, the John H. Jackson Moot Court Competition provides hundreds of students across the globe an opportunity to address interesting and novel questions of WTO law, and to engage with WTO experts who serve as panelists and sponsors of the competition. Students who participate in the Moot Court Competition often go on to internships, graduate programmes, and careers in international trade law.
    This year’s case, “Alabasta – Certain measures affecting electronic goods and digital services” – is a dispute between the fictitious WTO members Alabasta and Wano involving trade in tablet computers and services via video streaming platforms. It navigates the complex intersection of the domestic regulation of video streaming platforms and anti-competitive practices in the digital economy on the one hand and international trade obligations on the other. By debating whether Alabasta’s actions constitute legitimate state regulation or contravene WTO law, students will gain insight into the evolving landscape of digital trade regulations.

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    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Lake Echo — Man wanted on province-wide arrest warrant

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    RCMP Halifax Regional Detachment is seeking information on the whereabouts of a man currently wanted on a province-wide arrest warrant in relation to an assault that occurred in Lower Sackville.

    Matthew Richard Hardy, 33, from Lake Echo, is wanted and facing charges of Assault, Assault by Choking, Failure to Comply with a Probation Order and Failure to Comply with an Undertaking.

    Hardy is described as 5-foot-10, 170 lbs. He has brown hair and brown eyes.

    Police have made several attempts to locate Hardy, and are requesting assistance from the public.

    Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Matthew Richard Hardy is asked to refrain from approaching him and to call police at 902-490-5020. To remain anonymous, call Nova Scotia Crime Stoppers, toll-free, at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), submit a secure web tip at www.crimestoppers.ns.ca, or use the P3 Tips app.

    File #: 24-123618

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Eight Countries work together in largest Operation Render Safe to remove WWII UXO in Solomon Islands

    Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

    SOLOMON ISLANDS  –  

    The United States, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, United Kingdom, Republic of Korea, and Japan recently joined the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force for Operation Render Safe 2024-2 in New Georgia, Solomon Islands, from Aug. 12 to Sept. 27.

    Operation Render Safe is an Australian Defence Force operation that removes the danger posed by World War II-era explosive remnants of war in Pacific Island countries. 2024 marks the 20th year that Operation Render Safe has been conducted.

    The Solomon Islands were a major battleground during the Pacific Island campaign that left behind thousands of unexploded munitions that continue to pose significant risks to the public, hindering development and threatening local livelihoods. These remnants of war have also contributed to dangerous living conditions for local residents, limiting the availability of safe land for agriculture and community expansion.

    This year’s Operation Render Safe was the largest UXO removal effort in the region’s history. 3,240 explosive remnants of war were removed from 219 sites that will directly benefit the local population by providing safer access to land and water resources. The operation’s success will help open the door to future development projects, fostering economic growth and improving infrastructure in affected areas.

    This multinational mission, led by the RSIPF, covered a vast area of 1,600 square kilometers, with 17 multinational explosive ordnance teams undertaking a rolling program of community engagement, reconnaissance, and positive action in both land and maritime domains.

    “Being Army, we’re not really used to being on the water,” said Australian Army Cpl. Daniel Siyogu, an EOD technician with the 6th Engineer Support Regiment. “But we’re getting it done, identifying and disposing of explosive remnants of war on Kolombangara island.”

    Operation Render Safe 2024-2 also featured significant tri-service interoperability between eight contributing nations, ensuring smooth coordination across a wide operational area. The 17 EOD teams, supported by U.S. Marine Corps MV-22B Ospreys assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 268 (Reinforced), Marine Rotational Force – Darwin 24.3, operated over a 350km internal-line supply chain to the rear echelon in Honiara.

    “Working alongside our Allies showcases the importance of our shared goals,” said U.S. Marine Corps Gunnery Sgt. Jesus Contreras, an EOD team leader with Combat Logistics Battalion 5 (Reinforced), MRF-D 24.3. “Leading a combined team of multinational personnel into the jungles of New Georgia has been a unique and rewarding experience. Working in a joint environment with different SOPs, [standard operating procedures], has been a challenge, but the similarities in our EOD procedures make it easier to cooperate and learn from each other.”

    The involvement of the RSIPF, with their knowledge of the area, was essential in identifying UXO caches, making the operation a success.

    “Getting input from the local community has been critical,” said Royal Canadian Navy Lt. Cmdr. Kevin Okahiro. “The people here know where the explosives are, and their guidance allows us to better assess and clear dangerous areas.”

    The operation focused on key areas like Kohinggo and Munda, contributing to improved infrastructure and a safer environment for Solomon Islands communities.

    “Ultimately, it’s about making the region safer and improving the quality of life for the local communities,” said Australian Army Lt. Col. Fabian Harrison, the commanding officer of Operation Render Safe 2024-2. “Through these partnerships and the commitment of all involved nations, we’re achieving that goal.”

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Director Rosie Hidalgo Delivers Remarks at the National Institute of Justice 2024 National Research Conference

    Source: United States Attorneys General 7

    Remarks as Prepared for Delivery

    Good morning! I want to thank the National Institute for Justice (NIJ) for hosting this panel discussion today commemorating the 30th anniversary of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), and for inviting me to participate. I also want to extend my deep gratitude to each of you here for your hard work and dedication; and for coming together to see how we can continue to learn from one another.

    I am honored to have the opportunity to serve as the Director of the Office on Violence Against Women (OVW) and to collaborate with so many dedicated individuals and organizations committed to furthering our nation’s vision for ending sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, stalking and other related forms of gender-based violence.

    OVW is tasked with overseeing the implementation of key parts of VAWA, landmark bipartisan legislation first enacted by Congress in 1994. The hallmark of VAWA is a coordinated community response (known as a CCR), which seeks to bring together agencies and community partners across many disciplines to address the needs of survivors. From victim advocates to law enforcement officers and investigators, to healthcare personnel to educational institutions, community-based organizations and judges and courtroom officials, how each person responds often determines how, of if, survivors are able to access safety, justice and healing. Since survivors’ lives do not exist in silos, it is therefore critical that no individual or entity works in a silo because it takes all of us to prevent and effectively address gender-based violence.

    Each subsequent reauthorization of VAWA has provided an opportunity for stakeholders and policymakers to identify what works well and how we can continue to scale up, as well as identify gaps and barriers that need to be addressed, ensuring that these efforts are rooted in the voices and lived realities of survivors. Research and evaluation play an important role in identifying the gaps and barriers, as well as the promising practices.

    The most recent VAWA reauthorization in 2022 is the most expansive yet, establishing numerous new grant programs and initiatives in order to enhance the ways in which we can support communities to prevent and address gender-based violence.

    Additionally, VAWA funding increased by more than 30% in just the last three years, allowing OVW to distribute a record amount of grant funding. In Fiscal Year 2024, Congress increased VAWA funding to $713 million, which is the highest amount that has ever been appropriated.

    The development of the original VAWA legislation was rooted in the lived experiences of survivors, and their courage and leadership to tell their stories to educate policy makers, as well as advocates who helped raise awareness about these critical issues. These leaders pushed for federal legislation, called for investments in research, advocated for funding to improve services and training and co-created much of the work that informs policy and legislation today.

    Just last week, we met with stakeholders and Technical Assistance (TA) providers at the VAWA 30th anniversary TA event to reflect on promising practices and discuss available data and research and how they continue to shape the evolution of policies and practices.

    Congress has appropriated some VAWA funding each year to support research on gender-based violence at NIJ. Additionally, OVW has had statutory authority since the beginning to use some of its program funds to study emerging issues and evaluate VAWA-funded approaches, including demonstration programs. In 2016, however, OVW launched the Research and Evaluation Initiative with support from NIJ and as a complement to NIJ’s longstanding portfolio of research on gender-based violence. Every year since then, OVW has issued a call for proposals that invites applicants to study a broad range of topics using a wide range of methods. We intentionally keep these grant opportunities very open, seeking to foster practitioner-research partnerships, since practitioners who work closest with survivors know about emerging innovations ripe for evaluation before we do and can partner with researchers to develop research proposals.

    To that end, at OVW, our Research and Evaluation Initiative supports collaboration between researchers and practitioners to study VAWA-funded approaches. We’ve funded studies looking at everything from victim notification protocols for cases in which a sexual assault kit is tested after having been shelved for years, to the evaluation of a therapeutic horticulture program at a domestic violence shelter. We’ve also funded a training program for faith leaders to help them support congregants who disclose domestic violence. We fund projects that employ community-based participatory research, quasi-experimental designs, randomized controlled trials and more. In fact, several of our Research and Evaluation grantees are presenting their work here at this conference!

    Since 2016, the Research and Evaluation Initiative has awarded over 50 grants, totaling more than $21 million, to study ways to improve responses to gender-based violence in victim services, law enforcement, prosecution and the courts. In fact, last year OVW awarded $3.1 million in new research grants. Among these projects is an evaluation of a flexible financial assistance program for domestic violence survivors. This study aims to show how cash assistance can help survivors for whom financial barriers impede their path to safety and recovery, recognizing that survivors often know best what they need. Another study will examine the occupational and economic needs and experiences of domestic violence victim advocates and will use its findings to adapt and pilot an innovative economic empowerment program. Preliminary research on economic empowerment programs has shown positive impacts, including improved financial management and related behaviors.

    We see our evidence-building activities not as a way of limiting the ways people work in their communities to support survivors and hold harm-doers accountable, but rather, to expand that work and better understand how, and why, under what circumstances and for whom certain strategies are helpful.

    We’re especially interested in supporting research that can help us learn from strategies created by and for survivors from historically marginalized and underserved communities. We know that gender-based violence places a disproportionately heavy toll on marginalized communities, often at the intersection with other issues that create additional barriers to seeking effective services and access to justice. It is also from these communities that especially novel and promising ways for reducing risk factors and facilitating protective factors for gender-based violence are emerging.

    As we commemorate the 30th anniversary of VAWA this month, it is an opportunity for all of us to collectively reflect on the substantial progress that has been made — but also how much further we have to go. There have been significant paradigm shifts in society’s perceptions of gender-based violence and our responses to it, but many survivors still encounter significant challenges navigating complex systems and accessing critical resources and support.

    Addressing these gaps and barriers requires consistent, long-term coordination, which is why just last year the White House launched the first-ever U.S. National Plan to End Gender-Based Violence (GBV), with the collaboration of more than 15 federal agencies. The Plan advances a whole-of-government approach to preventing and ending gender-based violence — which we refer to as a “federal coordinated community response” — and it acts as a blueprint that builds on the lessons learned and achievements made through the efforts of survivors, advocates and others in the field.

    The GBV National Plan encourages all federal agencies to strengthen their role in supporting efforts to prevent and address gender-based violence. It also calls for strengthening research efforts to better understand the needs and implement solutions. At OVW, we’re working with our colleagues across government to widen the aperture of the various tools we all use to measure social problems and evaluate ways of mitigating them.

    The GBV National Plan focuses on seven pillars, starting with prevention as Pillar 1. While Pillar 7 of the GBV National Plan focuses on Research and Data, there are clear research implications embedded throughout the other six pillars, as well as opportunities to work across and beyond systems to advance our understanding of what strategies make a real difference for preventing gender-based violence and ameliorating its impacts on people, families and communities.

    We have seen how research has had an impact on the evolution of VAWA, including helping support advocacy for the inclusion of special Tribal criminal jurisdiction to address the high rates of domestic violence and sexual assault perpetrated by non-Indian abusers in Indian country; helping provide evidence to strengthen protections at the intersection of domestic violence and firearms; and helping shine a light on the importance of addressing the disproportionate impact of GBV on historically marginalized and underserved populations, to name a few.

    One way that our work has been bolstered by another agency’s research is longitudinal research on the Domestic Violence Housing First model in Washington State that was funded by the Department of Health and Human Services. Among other promising discoveries from this work, we learned that flexible financial assistance contributes greatly to survivors’ safety and stability. These findings informed OVW’s request for appropriations specifically to stand up a flexible financial assistance program, for which Congress provided appropriations last year.

    Likewise, when we surveyed research on restorative justice to inform our program planning and later relied on it to support our appropriations requests, we looked to research that was funded by the National Science Foundation on a restorative justice-based abusive partner intervention program.

    And speaking of collaboration, I want to extend a special thanks to my colleagues from the NIJ and the Office for Victims of Crime (OVC). NIJ helped us establish our Research and Evaluation Initiative back in 2015 and 2016, and we work closely with NIJ and OVC to ensure we’re doing meaningful work in the spaces where science and ending gender-based violence overlap.

    I invite all of you to reach out to OVW as we strive to learn more about the protective factors and promising practices that need to be scaled up; the challenges and barriers that victims face; and how can we improve our partnership and strengthen a coordinated community response to more effectively address these issues. We’re also interested in learning more about other research and data efforts focus on helping prevent violence; support survivors to access safety, justice and healing; and equip communities with the tools they need to eliminate gender-based violence.

    As we move forward, we must continue to amplify the voices and leadership of survivors — work you all do every day — to advance a whole-of-society approach that continues to lift these issues out of the shadows, support survivors and hold offenders accountable. It is only together that we can build a world that affirms the dignity, rights and humanity of every individual, a world where gender-based violence is not tolerated, and a world where healing and justice are accessible to all. Thank you.  

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Malliotakis Statement on House’s Passage of The Enhanced Presidential Security Act of 2024

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis (NY-11)

    (WASHINGTON, DC) – Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis issued the following statement regarding the House’s unanimous passage of H.R. 9106, the Enhanced Presidential Security Act of 2024. 

    “I’m pleased the House unanimously passed legislation I cosponsored with Rep. Mike Lawler (R-NY) and Rep. Ritchie Torres (D-NY) to give President Trump and all major presidential candidates the same security as the sitting President. There is no greater threat to our democracy than an attempt to assassinate a presidential candidate, right before an election.”

    The legislation will direct the Director of the United States Secret Service to apply the same standards for determining the number of agents required to protect Presidents, Vice Presidents, and major Presidential and Vice Presidential candidates.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Wyden, Murray, Rosen, Baldwin Lead Introduction of Resolution Affirming Access to Emergency Health Care, Including Abortion

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Ron Wyden (D-Ore)
    September 20, 2024
    Washington, D.C. –  U.S. Senators Ron Wyden, Patty Murray, D-Wash., Jacky Rosen, D-Nev., and Tammy Baldwin, D-Wis., today introduced a resolution that would protect the right to emergency health care, including abortion care, for all patients, regardless of where they live. 
     
    The Every Woman Has the Right to Emergency Health Care resolution comes as new reporting from ProPublica shows Republican abortion bans are preventing women from receiving lifesaving emergency health care and resulting in preventable deaths. 
     
    “As Donald Trump brags about overturning Roe, women are dying because they’re not receiving the health care they need. Doctors are fearing jail time for doing their jobs,” Wyden said. “The fight to restore reproductive health care protections and the right of women everywhere to make choices about their own bodies is the fight of a lifetime – we can’t let Donald Trump and Republicans roll back the clock.”
    “I introduced this resolution alongside my colleagues to simply reaffirm the basic principle that when you go to the ER, doctors should be allowed to treat you, and when you need emergency care—including abortion care—no politician should stop you from getting it,” Murray said. “Yet here in America, in the 21st century, pregnant women die—not because doctors don’t know how to save them, but because doctors don’t know if Republicans will let them. Democrats will keep pressing to fully restore reproductive freedoms for every woman in America and we will continue to put a white-hot spotlight on the devastating, deadly fallout of Donald Trump’s abortion bans.”
    “Since Roe v. Wade was overturned more than two years ago, extreme abortion bans across our nation are restricting women’s ability to get life-saving care,” Rosen said. “All women, regardless of where they live, should be able to access the emergency medical care they need, which is why I’m helping introduce this resolution. I’ll continue standing up for women’s freedom to make decisions over their own bodies and working to restore Roe.”
    “Under our state’s 1849 criminal abortion ban, Wisconsinites learned firsthand what it meant to not have the right to access lifesaving abortion care. For 15 months, we heard stories about women with unviable pregnancies or suffering miscarriages who were denied care until they were on the brink of death all because Republicans overturned Roe v. Wade. These are not exaggerations, they are real stories about what it means when we strip Americans of their freedom to control their own bodies,” Baldwin said. “I’m in this fight until every woman has the freedom to decide what is best for her health, family, and future, without interference from judges and politicians – and that most certainly means when her life depends on it.”
    Since the overturn of Roe v. Wade more than two years ago, nearly two dozen US states led by Republicans have passed, banned, or severely restricted access to abortion. These strict laws have created confusion around the treatment doctors can provide even when a pregnant patient’s life is in danger, as physicians fear they may lose their medical license, be sued, or even be charged with a felony if they perform life-saving emergency care. Despite federal requirements that Medicare-participating hospitals treat and stabilize pregnant patients in need of emergency medical care, women are being turned away from emergency rooms following the Dobbs decision.
    In Moyle v. United States, the U.S. Supreme Court had the opportunity to reaffirm that federal law requires pregnant patients to have access to life-saving emergency care in every state, but instead, the Court dismissed the case and sent it back to the lower courts, effectively punting on making a decision on the case itself. While the litigation continues in the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, the health and lives of women remain at risk as uncertainty around emergency abortion care persists. A total of 121 Congressional Republicans, including 26 Senators, filed an amicus brief arguing incorrectly that federal law does not require hospitals to provide abortion care as emergency stabilizing care in order to save a patient’s life. 
    In addition to Senators Wyden, Murray, D-Wash., Rosen, D-Nev., and Baldwin, D-Wis., the resolution is cosponsored by Senators Charles Schumer, D-N.Y., Michael Bennet, D-Colo., Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., Cory Booker, D-N.J., Laphonza Butler, D-Calif., Maria Cantwell, D-Wash., Ben Cardin, D-Md., Tom Carper, D-Del., Bob Casey, D-Pa., Chris Coons, D-Del., Catherine Cortez Masto, D-Nev., Tammy Duckworth, D-Ill., Dick Durbin, D-Ill., John Fetterman, D-Pa., Kirsten Gillibrand, D-N.Y., Maggie Hassan, D-N.H., Martin Heinrich, D-N.M., George Helmy, D-N.J., Mazie Hirono, D-Hawai’i, Tim Kaine, D-Va., Angus King, I-Maine, Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., Jeff Merkley, D-Ore., Alex Padilla, D-Calif., Gary Peters, D-Mich., Jack Reed, D-R.I., Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., Brian Schatz, D-Hawai’i, Jeanne Shaheen, D-N.H., Tina Smith, D-Minn., Debbie Stabenow, D-Mich., Chris Van Hollen, D-Md., Mark Warner, D-Va., Raphael Warnock, D-Ga., Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., Peter Welch, D-Vt., and Sheldon Whitehouse, D-R.I.
    The resolution is endorsed by Planned Parenthood Federation of America, Center for Reproductive Rights, In Our Own Voice: National Black Women’s Reproductive Justice Agenda, Reproductive Freedom For All (formerly NARAL Pro-Choice America), American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, National Women’s Law Center, Physicians for Reproductive Health, Power to Decide, National Latina Institute for Reproductive Justice, Guttmacher Institute, National Family Planning & Reproductive Health Association, All* Above All, National Asian Pacific American Women’s Forum, URGE: Unite for Reproductive and Gender Equity, National Council of Jewish Women, and National Partnership for Women and Families.
    Last week, U.S. Representatives Emilia Sykes, D-Ohio, and Mikie Sherrill, D-N.J., introduced the House companion to today’s Senate resolution. 
    The text of the resolution is here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Huizenga Announces Legislation to Protect Taxpayer Dollars From Funding the Taliban

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Bill Huizenga (MI-02)

    Today, Congressman Bill Huizenga (R-MI) announced the introduction of H.R. 9503, the Protecting Taxpayer Dollars from Taliban Theft Act. In May 2024, the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction (SIGAR) found that at least $10.9 million in U.S. taxpayer dollars went to the Taliban in the form of taxes, fees, duties, and utilities. Even more troubling, since the Biden-Harris Administration’s withdrawal from Afghanistan, the report found that neither the State Department nor USAID have a true accounting of the amount of U.S. taxpayer dollars that were paid to the Taliban by relief organizations operating in Afghanistan and funded by American taxpayers.

    “After leaving billions of dollars in taxpayer funded military equipment in the hands of the Taliban, the Biden-Harris Administration continues to fail American taxpayers,” said Congressman Bill Huizenga. “It is an absolute disgrace that the Biden-Harris Administration has failed to set up the appropriate safeguards to ensure American taxpayer dollars do not flow into the coffers of the Taliban. With interest payments on our national debt now exceeding what we spend on defense, the federal government must make every effort to end waste, fraud, and abuse of taxpayer dollars. The Protecting Taxpayer Dollars from Taliban Theft Act is a commonsense measure that will save millions of taxpayer dollars from being wasted and funding the oppressive Taliban regime.”

    The Protecting Taxpayer Dollars from Taliban Theft Act takes the following actions:

    • Prohibits US taxpayer dollars in the form of taxes, fees, duties, and utilities from being paid to the Taliban.
    • Requires the State Department and USAID to promulgate reporting regulations for any payments or withholdings made to the Taliban, state-owned enterprises, or governing institutions in Afghanistan by an implementing partner receiving funding from American taxpayers.
    • Requires the State Department and USAID to amend existing grants and contracts to include language prohibiting these activities.

    Last week, Republicans on the House Foreign Affairs Committee released a report detailing the Biden-Harris Administration’s disastrous withdrawal from Afghanistan. Read the report here.

    The Protecting Taxpayer Dollars from Taliban Theft Act is cosponsored by: House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Michael McCaul, Congresswoman Maria Salazar, Congressman Mike Lawler, Congressman Keith Self, Congressman Jim Baird, Congressman Warren Davidson, Congressman Michael Guest, Congressman Ben Cline, Congressman Ralph Norman, Congressman Randy Weber, Congressman Josh Brecheen, and Congressman Byron Donalds.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: West Park Man Pleads Guilty To Filing Thousands Of Fraudulent COVID-19 Testing Reimbursement Claims In The Names Of Homeless, Incarcerated And Deceased Individuals, Agrees To Forfeit Over $5.6 Million And Properties

    Source: United States Department of Justice (National Center for Disaster Fraud)

    Tampa, FL – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Willie F. Murray, Jr. (55, West Park) today pleaded guilty to wire fraud and aggravated identity theft. Murray faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison for the wire fraud offense and a consecutive two years’ imprisonment for the aggravated identity theft offense. Murray has also agreed to forfeit $5,671,611.74 in U.S. currency, $1,578,925.56 from a bank account, and seven real properties located in Punta Gorda, Fort Lauderdale, Belle Glade, Hollywood, and South Bay, which are traceable to proceeds of the offense.

    According to the plea agreement, Murray was the registered agent and manager of Lab Tess, LLC, a Florida company that purportedly provided its customers with COVID-19 testing services. In fact, Lab Tess provided no such services. Murray used Lab Tess to submit fraudulent claims for reimbursement to the Health Resources and Services Administration for COVID-19 testing services supposedly provided to uninsured individuals. To complete the scheme, Murray used personal identifying information of individuals incarcerated by the Florida Department of Corrections, individuals falsely reported as having been tested at homeless shelters and electrical substations, and deceased individuals. Murray submitted more than 126,000 fraudulent claims and received reimbursement in the approximate amount of $5,671,611.74, which he used, in part, to purchase real properties in South Florida.

    This case was investigated by the United States Secret Service and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services – Office of Inspector General. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Greg Pizzo and Suzanne Nebesky.

    Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Justice Department’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Baldwin Announces $2.4 Million to Protect Lake Michigan Shoreline, Improve Access in Green Bay

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Wisconsin Tammy Baldwin
    GREEN BAY, WI  – Today, U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) announced the City of Green Bay will receive $2.4 million in federal funding to install a wildlife viewing platform and shoreline walk at the Bay Beach Amusement Park on Lake Michigan, enhancing recreation, learning, and community opportunities within the Bay. Funding comes from the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI), which Baldwin has worked to secure continued funding for in the annual appropriations process and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.  
    “Wisconsin’s fresh coasts and the communities on them are not only home to so many Wisconsin families, they are a critical driver for our economy and tourism,” said Senator Baldwin. “I’m proud to champion the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative and deliver funding that will bring economic, health, and recreational benefits to the City of Green Bay, while preserving our freshwater resources and protecting habitats for generations to come.”
    “The City of Green Bay is thrilled to accept these funds to jumpstart our long-planned efforts to improve our shoreline and provide enhanced access to the Bay, home to the largest freshwater estuary in the world!” said Mayor Eric Genrich. “Special thanks to Senator Baldwin for her steadfast support for our Great Lakes and our Bay, Administrator Regan for his forward-looking leadership, and the Biden-Harris administration for the priority they’ve placed on strengthening local communities across the country.”
    Funding for the City of Green Bay will be used to build a wildlife viewing platform and shoreline walk with a related retaining wall and fence at Bay Beach Amusement Park within the Lower Green Bay and Fox River Area of Concern, or environmentally degraded sites along the Great Lakes. Once installed, the project will address two Beneficial Use Impairments (BUIs) associated with Degraded Fish and Wildlife Populations, and Loss of Fish and Wildlife Habitat. The project will bring enhanced recreation, learning opportunities, wildlife viewing, fishing opportunities, and waterfront access at the park and within the Bay.
    Earlier this year, Senator Baldwin, a member of the Senate Great Lakes Task Force, introduced the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative Act of 2024, which extends this critical program for another five years through 2031 and increases its annual funding. The Baldwin-backed Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is also making a $1 billion investment in the Great Lakes to clean up Areas of Concern.
    One independent economic study found that for every dollar the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative invests, it produces an additional $3.35 of economic activity. According to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, more than $816 million in GLRI funding has made over 1,200 projects possible throughout Wisconsin’s Great Lakes basin.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Butler Joins Senate Resolution: “Every Woman Has the Right to Emergency Health Care”

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for California – Laphonza Butler

    Washington, D.C. – Yesterday, U.S. Senator Laphonza Butler (D-Calif.) joined Senators Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) in introducing a resolution expressing the sense of the Senate that every patient has the basic right to emergency health care, including abortion care, regardless of where they live. The introduction comes as new reporting from ProPublica makes plain that Republican abortion bans are preventing women from receiving lifesaving emergency health care and resulting in preventable deaths.

    Since the overturn of Roe v. Wade over two years ago, nearly two dozen US states led by Republicans have passed, banned, or severely restricted access to abortion. These strict laws have created confusion around the treatment doctors can provide even when a pregnant patient’s life is in danger, as physicians fear that they may lose their medical license, be sued, or even charged with a felony if they perform life-saving emergency care. Despite the federal Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act’s (EMTALA) requirements that Medicare-participating hospitals treat and stabilize pregnant patients in need of emergency medical care, women are being turned away from emergency rooms following the Dobbs decision.

    In Moyle v. United States, the U.S. Supreme Court had the opportunity to reaffirm that federal law requires pregnant patients to have access to life-saving emergency care in every state, but instead, the Court sent the case back to the lower courts, effectively punting on the issue. Senator Butler was one of 258 Congressional Democrats who filed an amicus brief urging the Supreme Court to clarify that hospitals must provide abortion care as emergency stabilizing care in order to save a patient’s life. While the litigation continues in the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, the health and lives of women remain at risk as uncertainty around emergency abortion care persists. 

    In addition to Senators Butler, Murray, Rosen, Baldwin, and Wyden the resolution is cosponsored by Senators Schumer (D-N.Y.), Bennet (D-Colo.), Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Booker (D-N.J.), Cantwell (D-Wash.), Cardin (D-Md.), Carper (D-Del.), Casey (D-Pa.), Coons (D-Del.), Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), Duckworth (D-Ill.), Durbin (D-Ill.), Fetterman (D-Pa.), Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Hassan (D-N.H.), Heinrich (D-N.M.), Helmy (D-N.J.), Hirono (D-Hawaii), Kaine (D-Va.), King (I-Maine), Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Merkley (D-Ore.), Padilla (D-Calif.), Peters (D-Mich.), Reed (D-R.I.), Sanders (I-Vt.), Schatz (D-Hawaii), Shaheen (D-N.H.), Smith (D-Minn.), Stabenow (D-Mich.), Van Hollen (D-Md.), Warner (D-Va.), Warnock (D-Ga.), Warren (D-Mass.), Welch (D-Vt.), Whitehouse (D-R.I.).

    The resolution is endorsed by Planned Parenthood Federation of America, Center for Reproductive Rights, In Our Own Voice: National Black Women’s Reproductive Justice Agenda, Reproductive Freedom For All (formerly NARAL Pro-Choice America), American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, National Women’s Law Center, Physicians for Reproductive Health, Power to Decide, National Latina Institute for Reproductive Justice, Guttmacher Institute, National Family Planning & Reproductive Health Association, All* Above All, National Asian Pacific American Women’s Forum, URGE: Unite for Reproductive and Gender Equity, National Council of Jewish Women, and National Partnership for Women and Families.

    Last week, U.S. Representatives Emilia Sykes (D-Ohio-13) and Mikie Sherrill (D-N.J.-11) introduced the House companion to today’s Senate resolution.

    The full text of the resolution can be read HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Jayapal, Bonamici, Merkley Introduce Legislation to Stop Predatory Payday Lending Practices

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

    WASHINGTON, DC – Congresswomen Pramila Jayapal (D-WA) and Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR) and Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR) introduced legislation to protect consumers from predatory payday lending practices.

    The Stopping Abuse and Fraud in Electronic (SAFE) Lending Act of 2024 would safeguard consumers as predatory payday lenders have continued to flourish online despite laws passed by many states to stop abusive lending. Internet lenders hide behind layers of anonymously registered websites and “lead generators” to evade enforcement and can empty consumers’ bank accounts before they have a chance to assert their rights.

    “Payday lenders take advantage of working families, struggling to pay medical bills or rent, by trapping them in a seemingly endless cycle of debt,” said Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal. “I’m proud to lead this legislation with Congresswoman Bonamici that would protect consumers across the country by closing loopholes, increasing transparency, and putting an end to these predatory lending practices. Congress has a responsibly to protect hardworking people from bad actors, and that’s exactly what we will accomplish with our SAFE Lending Act.”

    “Predatory payday lenders rob hard-working individuals and families of their resources at a time when they are financially vulnerable,” said Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici. “The SAFE Lending Act would finally put an end to the unscrupulous practices payday lenders use to trap consumers in an unending cycle of debt.”

    “Predatory payday lenders trap hardworking Americans in an inescapable vortex of debt,” said Senator Jeff Merkley. “Before we kicked payday lenders out of Oregon, they preyed on families in my blue-collar neighborhood. We need strong consumer protections to break this cycle of endless debt for families across America.”

    The SAFE Lending Act is endorsed by the National Consumer Law Center (on behalf of its low-income clients), Consumer Action, Consumer Federation of America, Main Street Alliance, U.S. PIRG, and UnidosUS. It would:

    1. Give Consumers Control of Their Own Bank Accounts

    • Prevent third parties from gaining control of a consumer’s account through remotely created checks (RCCs) – checks from a consumer’s bank account created by third parties. To prevent unauthorized RCCs, consumers would be able to preauthorize exactly who can create an RCC on his or her behalf, such as when traveling.
    • Allow consumers to cancel an automatic withdrawal in connection with a small-dollar loan. This would prevent an internet payday lender from stripping a checking account without a consumer being able to stop it.

     2. Allow Consumers to Regain Control of their Money and Increase Transparency

    • Require all lenders, including banks, to abide by state rules for the small-dollar, payday-like loans they may offer customers in a state. Many individual states currently have much tougher laws than the federal government. There is currently no federal cap on interest or limit on the number of times a loan can be rolled over.
    • Increase transparency and create a better understanding of the small-dollar loan industry by requiring payday lenders to register with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.
    • Ban overdraft fees on prepaid cards issued by payday lenders who use them to gain access to consumers’ funds and to add to the already exorbitant costs of payday loans.
    • Require the CFPB to monitor any other fees associated with payday prepaid cards and issue a rule banning any other predatory fees on prepaid cards.

     3. Ban Lead Generators and Anonymous Payday Lending

    • Some websites describe themselves as payday lenders but are actually “lead generators” that collect applications and auction them to payday lenders and others. This practice is rife with abuse and has led to fraudulent debt collection.
    • The SAFE Lending Act bans lead generators and anonymously registered websites in payday lending.

    The bill also requires the Government Accountability Office to conduct a study on access to capital on Tribal lands and directs the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau to promulgate rules to implement this legislation.  

    A one-page summary of the SAFE Lending Act can be found here. The full text of the legislation can be found here.

    In the House, the legislation is cosponsored by Representatives Susan Wild (D-PA) and Katie Porter (D-CA).

    The Senate, the legislation is cosponsored by Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Edward J. Markey (D-MA), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), and Tina Smith (D-MN).

    Issues: Jobs, Labor, & the Economy

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Nunavut — Scheduled RCMP Emergency line outage

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    Location: Nunavut
    Date: 2024-09-20
    Time: 15:30 ET

    Nunavut RCMP has been advised that on September 25, 2024, between the hours of 3:00 a.m and 9:00 a.m (Eastern Standard Time) emergency lines will not be available due to network upgrades.

    As such, 1111 will not be available in the following communities:
    • Igloolik;
    • Iqaluit;
    • Pangnirtung;
    • Gjoa Haven;
    • Sanirajak (Hall Beach);
    • Pond Inlet;
    • Arviat;
    • Chesterfield Inlet;
    • Grise Fiord;
    • Kimmirut;
    • Qikiqtarjuaq;
    • Naujaat (Repulse Bay);
    • Whale Cove.

    Please keep in mind that additional communities not identified may also be affected.

    RCMP request that residents of these communities contact their local RCMP detachment at 0123, during this time for assistance.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Murray Announces $200 Million for Moses Lake’s Group 14 to Help Power America’s Battery Manufacturing Sector, Create 300 Local Jobs

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Washington State Patty Murray
    Murray is the Chair of the full Senate Appropriations Committee and the subcommittee that funds the Department of Energy, and has made investments in clean energy and American manufacturing and innovation a top funding priority for the federal government
    ICYMI FROM AUGUST 2023: Senator Murray Discusses New Clean Energy Jobs and Opportunities at Big Bend Community College’s Workforce Training Center in Moses Lake
    WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee and Chair of the Energy & Water Development Appropriations subcommittee, announced $200 million in federal funding to help Moses Lake’s Group 14 build a new facility to produce silane. Silane gas is critical for the development and manufacturing of new energy storage devices and advanced batteries. The proposed facility would produce silane in Moses Lake at a significantly reduced capital and energy requirement from the conventional process and be capable of directly feeding silane to multiple silicon anode powder manufacturers via pipeline or container, alleviating a critical bottleneck for the industry.
    “For America to continue building a stronger, cleaner economy and leading the world in new technologies, we have to strengthen our supply chains and invest in bringing the industries that are powering the future to states like Washington—and that’s exactly what this funding from our Bipartisan Infrastructure Law will do,” said Senator Murray. “This investment isn’t just bringing hundreds of millions of dollars to Moses Lake, it is bringing hundreds of jobs to Moses Lake and helping our country ramp up production of a key resource that is necessary to make batteries. The new Group14 facility in Washington state will reduce America’s dependence on countries like China for silane gas and provide a crucial foundation to build even more domestic manufacturing of other products for years to come. We are building a stronger clean energy economy while creating good-paying union jobs in our rural communities—this is a win for Moses Lake, for union workers, our future, and our entire economy.”
    By manufacturing and delivering large commercial volumes of transformational silicon-based anode material named SCC55 , Group14 is seeking to support the global transition from fossil fuels to a green energy future with a net zero-carbon economy.
    However, manufacturing large commercial volumes of silicon-based anode materials in the U.S. requires commensurately large-scale commercial access to silane gas. The objective of this project is to install, commission, and operate a U.S.-based silane manufacturing plant.
    While the largest source of silane today is China, Group14 and other silicon battery companies must strategically source this critical raw material domestically to support EV-scale battery production and reduce foreign battery supply chain dependence. Approximately 80% of the largest available source of silane produced in the U.S. is controlled by a single company and earmarked for solar polysilicon. Additional domestic silane capacity is required to develop the silicon battery industry.
    The proposed project will create more than 300 jobs to construct the plant and retain 150 employees to commission, ramp up, and sustain production. Group14 will be meeting quarterly with the Washington Building Trades to collaborate on ensuring there is a skilled workforce to complete the project on time and on budget. In addition, Group14 will use its Project Advisory Council and Youth Advisory Council for local residents to provide feedback on the project and address issues early on in the project. Group14 anticipates that it will provide funding to help support workforce development in the local community.
    As Appropriations Chair, Senator Murray is supporting key investments to ensure the federal government can deliver grants and loans to develop a diversified portfolio of projects that help deliver a durable and secure battery manufacturing supply chain for the American people. In the Fiscal Year 2025 Senate energy bill Murray authored and passed out of committee, she secured $17.74 billion for the Department of Energy’s non-defense programs, a $296 million increase over Fiscal Year 2024. That funding includes key investments to boost renewable energy and strengthen our energy grid. Murray is currently working to pass this bill into law before the end of the year.
    Murray visited Moses Lake just last year to tour Big Bend Community College’s Workforce Training Center and hold a roundtable discussion on how new clean energy investments are bringing career opportunities to communities like Moses Lake while helping tackle the climate crisis. Murray’s visit came shortly after Group14 broke ground on their battery materials manufacturing facility in Moses Lake—with a boost from climate incentives Murray secured in Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Collins, King Announce More Than $2,000,000 for Police Departments in Maine

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Maine Susan Collins

    Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Susan Collins, Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, and Angus King announced that six Maine police departments have been awarded a total of $2,075,000 through the U.S. Department of Justice’s (DOJ) Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) grant programs. The various programs overseen by the COPS office support numerous initiatives for local police departments, including improved hiring practices, school violence prevention, community policing development, and mental health wellness for law enforcement officers and their families.

    “Law enforcement officers willingly place themselves in harm’s way to protect our communities. It is our responsibility to equip them with the resources they need,” said Senators Collins and King. “This important funding will help improve community policing across the State of Maine, enhance school safety, and provide essential mental health support for law enforcement officers.”

    The COPS grant funding awarded to Maine law enforcement agencies falls into four distinct categories:

    • COPS Hiring Program (CHP): More than $157 million was awarded to 235 agencies nationwide to hire nearly 1,200 entry-level law enforcement officers, aimed at increasing community policing capacity and crime prevention efforts.
      • In Maine, the recipients include:
        • Town of Rangeley: $125,000
        • Rumford Police Department: $250,000
        • City of Westbrook: $250,000
    • School Violence Prevention Program (SVPP): Approximately $73 million was awarded to 203 school districts and government entities across the country to enhance security on school grounds, improving safety measures for students and staff.
      • In Maine, the recipients include:
        • Lewiston Public Schools: $500,000
        • Maine School Administrative District 17: $500,000
    • Community Policing Development (CPD): This program provided more than $25.1 million nationwide to support crisis intervention teams, accreditation efforts, and innovative policing strategies, all aimed at improving community relations and law enforcement capabilities.
      • In Maine, the recipient of this funding is:
        • Rumford Police Department (supporting law enforcement agencies seeking accreditation in Oxford County): $250,000
    • Law Enforcement Mental Health and Wellness (LEMHWA) Program: More than $9 million was awarded nationwide to improve the delivery of mental health and wellness services for law enforcement officers and support staff.
      • In Maine, the recipient of this funding is:
        • Maine Indian Township Tribal Government: $200,000

    These grants are part of a broader national effort by the DOJ’s COPS office to combat opioid and methamphetamine distribution, prepare for active shooter situations, and support technical assistance and hiring programs for law enforcement agencies.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Justice Department Sues Wisconsin Townships to Ensure Accessible Voting

    Source: United States Attorneys General 6

    Department Secures Agreement with Lawrence, Wisconsin, to Resolve Voting Rights Lawsuit

    The Justice Department announced today that is has filed a complaint against the Town of Thornapple, Wisconsin, and the State of Wisconsin for violations of Section 301 of the Help America Vote Act (HAVA), which requires polling places to be equipped with at least one voting machine that is accessible to voters with disabilities during federal elections. The department also secured an agreement with the Town of Lawrence, Wisconsin, to resolve its complaint alleging HAVA violations.

    “Our democracy works when voters with disabilities have the right to vote on the same terms as any other voter,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “By failing to offer accessible voting systems, Thornapple and Lawrence shirked their responsibilities under the Help America Vote Act to provide equal access to the ballot for all voters. We must ensure that all Wisconsin towns, and indeed all jurisdictions throughout our country, fulfill their duty to guarantee all voters equal access to the ballot. We commend Lawrence for working with the Justice Department to swiftly remedy this violation by taking simple action to ensure that federal elections are accessible to all eligible voters.” 

    “Ensuring equal voting access to all citizens, including those voters with disabilities, is a priority of this office,” said U.S. Attorney Timothy M. O’Shea for the Western District of Wisconsin. “We’re pleased that the representatives of the Town of Lawrence agreed to remedy the violations of federal law, and we will continue to work to protect and vindicate the voting rights of voters with disabilities in Wisconsin.”

    Congress passed HAVA in 2002 in part to make in-person voting more accessible for voters with disabilities. Among other things, Section 301 of HAVA requires that each polling place used for federal elections provide at least one voting system that provides voters with disabilities the same opportunity for access and participation as other voters are provided, including the same opportunity to cast ballots privately and independently.

    The complaint alleges that Thornapple and Lawrence violated HAVA by deliberately failing to make accessible voting machines available to voters in certain 2024 federal elections. Specifically, the department alleges that Thornapple violated Section 301 of HAVA by failing to make available at least one accessible voting machine during Wisconsin’s April 2 and Aug. 13 federal primary elections. It also alleges that Lawrence failed to provide an accessible voting machine during the April federal primary election. Both the Thornapple and Lawrence Town Boards voted in 2023 to stop using the accessible voting machines the towns had previously used. Thornapple has neither revisited nor reversed that decision. Lawrence reversed its decision on Sept. 9 as part of its agreement with the department. The complaint alleges that the State of Wisconsin did not ensure that every polling place within the state was accessible to voters with disabilities, as required by federal law. 

    Under the department’s agreement with Lawrence, which is subject to court approval and was filed in conjunction with the complaint, Lawrence will make an accessible voting machine available at every polling place operated by the town in subsequent federal elections and will train its election and municipal staff on the operation of such equipment. The proposed consent decree resolves claims only against Lawrence; litigation against Thornapple and the state will proceed.

    The department also filed a motion for immediate injunctive relief against the Town of Thornapple to remedy the violations of HAVA. Among other things, the department’s motion requests an order requiring Thornapple to ensure that, during the Nov. 5 federal general election, every Thornapple polling place has at least one accessible voting machine.

    More information about voting and elections is available on the Justice Department’s website at www.justice.gov/voting. Learn more about HAVA and other federal voting laws at www.justice.gov/crt/voting-section. Complaints about possible violations of federal voting rights laws can be submitted through the Civil Rights Division’s website at civilrights.justice.gov or by telephone at 1-800-253-3931. 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Southern California Man Pleads Guilty to Preparing False Tax Returns

    Source: US State of California

    A Southern California man pleaded guilty yesterday to preparing and filing false tax returns for his clients.

    According to court documents and statements made in court, starting in 2013, Salvador Gonzalez, of Corona, operated Grace’s Lighthouse Resource Center Inc., a return-preparation business. Since then, Gonzalez has prepared or assisted in the preparation of more than 11,000 tax returns that requested refunds from the IRS totaling more than $38 million. 

    Consistently, Gonzalez directed his clients to create a phony corporation and to title their homes, cars and other assets in the name of the corporation. Gonzalez then referred those clients to an associate to prepare these sham corporation’s tax returns. The associate would provide the clients with a blank spreadsheet and request that they input their business expenses into that spreadsheet. At Gonzalez’s direction, the clients would include personal expenses, such as their mortgage payments, car payments and utility bills, and then provide the spreadsheet to the associate. The associate would, in turn, use the spreadsheet to prepare the business tax returns, which inevitably would show a loss.

    Gonzalez then prepared the clients’ individual income tax returns, which incorporated the fraudulent business losses and offset their income. To further reduce the clients’ taxes owed to the IRS, Gonzalez also fabricated deductions on the personal returns such as unreimbursed employee expenses, cash contributions to charity and medical and dental expenses. As a result of Gonzalez’s fraudulent return-preparation practices, his clients paid less taxes than they owed.

    Gonzalez profited from his return-preparation business. Before 2019, he typically charged clients a flat fee of $500 per tax return. In 2019, he started charging clients 1% of their gross income as a fee for his services.

    Gonzalez is scheduled to be sentenced on Oct. 7 and faces a maximum penalty of three years in prison for each of the three counts of aiding and assisting in the preparation of false tax returns to which he has pleaded guilty. He also faces a period of supervised release, restitution and monetary penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and any other statutory factors.  

    Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and U.S. Attorney Martin Estrada for the Central District of California made the announcement.

    IRS Criminal Investigation is investigating the case.

    Trial Attorney Lauren K. Pope of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Eli A. Alcaraz for the Central District of California are prosecuting the case.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Blaine’s Bulletin – From Friendship to Fraud

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Blaine Luetkemeyer (MO-03)

    Recently, I spoke with a resident from right here in Missouri who had fallen victim to a scam that seemed like something out of a thriller but, unfortunately, is becoming all too common. She shared a story about “Anna,” someone she believed she knew everything about—a person who had carefully built a genuine connection over time. “I had zero doubt that Anna was who she said she was. I knew everything about her, and I was certain she cared about me,” she explained. But that trust was shattered when the truth came out: it was all a carefully orchestrated scam.

    Sadly, this isn’t an isolated case. Many Missourians, or someone they know, have come dangerously close to being deceived. Whether it’s clicking a link that looks like it’s from your local bank or engaging with someone posing as a friend in need, we’re all just a moment away from falling into a scammer’s trap. These criminals are constantly evolving, using more sophisticated and deceptive tactics every day. Their goal is simple: steal your hard-earned money and personal information.

    Scammers are targeting Missourians through a variety of schemes—fake investments, fraudulent purchases, crypto, phony charities, and more. They’ve mastered the art of making their texts, phone calls, and online interactions appear legitimate, luring people into their web. Research shows that most scam victims don’t report these crimes. While property theft or vandalism is often reported to law enforcement, less than 30% of scam victims take that step. This underreporting is concerning because these scams are on the rise, and their financial and emotional toll can be just as devastating.

    Even here in Missouri, the anxiety over being scammed is growing. Over half of Americans say they frequently or occasionally worry about being tricked into sending money or sharing financial details. Even if you think you’re safe, nearly 20% of people admit to worrying occasionally, and with scammers becoming bolder, those numbers are likely to rise. These schemes leave deep scars—not only financially but emotionally. They prey on your trust, emotions, and the desire to improve your financial future, making them hard to detect until it’s too late.

    This week, my colleagues and I in Congress addressed this pressing issue during a hearing titled, “Protecting Americans’ Savings: Examining the Economics of the Multi-Billion Dollar Romance Confidence Scam Industry.” My top priority is combating these increasingly sophisticated criminals and the risks they pose to Missouri’s families and the nation’s financial security. While our U.S. financial system has safeguards to prevent money laundering and the financing of terrorism, scam victims are still being manipulated into unknowingly wiring large sums to foreign accounts. Scammers often coach their victims to bypass safeguards in the banking system like suspicious activity reports and finding ways around the system. It’s time to put an end to this chaos.

    I urge everyone to stay vigilant and protect yourself from falling victim. Don’t trust unsolicited messages or emails, especially if they request personal information or money. Verify any financial opportunities with trusted professionals or secure sources. Be cautious of anyone who tries to build a quick, deep connection, especially if they bring up investments or money.

    If you are ever targeted by a scam, report it to ic3.gov, the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center.  It’s one of the most powerful tools we have in fighting back against these criminals and protecting our community from their traps.

    CONTACT US: I encourage you to visit my official website or call my offices in Jefferson City (573-635-7232) or Cottleville (636-327-7055) with your questions and concerns. If you want even greater access to what I am working on, please visit my YouTube site, Facebook page, and keep up-to-date with Twitter and Instagram.

                                                                                                                                                                         ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Former Colorado Resident Sentenced to Life in Prison for Federal Hate Crimes and Firearm Offenses Related to Mass Shooting at Club Q

    Source: US State of California

    Anderson Lee Aldrich, 24, formerly of Colorado Springs, Colorado, was sentenced to 55 concurrent life sentences to run consecutive to 190 years in prison after pleading guilty to 74 hate crimes and firearms charges related to the Nov. 19, 2022, mass shooting at Club Q, an LGBTQIA+ establishment in Colorado Springs.  

    According to the plea agreement, Aldrich admitted to murdering five people, injuring 19, and attempting to murder 26 more in a willful, deliberate, malicious, and premediated attack at Club Q. According to the plea, Aldrich entered Club Q armed with a loaded, privately manufactured assault weapon and began firing. Aldrich continued firing until subdued by patrons of the Club. As part of the plea, Aldrich admitted that this attack was in part motivated because of the actual or perceived sexual orientation and gender identity of any person.

    “Fueled by hate, the defendant targeted members of the LGBTQIA+ community at a place that represented belonging, safety, and acceptance – stealing five people from their loved ones, injuring 19 others, and striking fear across the country,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “Today’s sentencing makes clear that the Justice Department is committed to protecting the right of every person in this country to live free from the fear that they will be targeted by hate-fueled violence or discrimination based on who they are or who they love. I am grateful to every agent, prosecutor, and staff member across the Department – from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado, to the Civil Rights Division, the ATF, and FBI – for their work on this case. The Justice Department will never stop working to defend the safety and civil rights of all people in our country.”

    “The 2022 mass shooting at Club Q is one of the most violent crimes against the LGBTQIA+ community in history,” said FBI Director Christopher Wray. “The FBI and our partners have worked tirelessly towards this sentencing, but the true heroes are the patrons of the Club who selflessly acted to subdue the defendant. This Pride Month and every month, the FBI stands with the survivors, victims, and families of homophobic violence and hate.”

    “ATF will not rest until perpetrators like this defendant are prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” said Director Steven Dettelbach of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). “I hope today’s life sentence brings at least some peace to the victims and survivors of this senseless, horrific tragedy. That this sentence should come during Pride month reinforces how far we have left to go before all communities, including all LGBTQIA+ communities, are safe here. It also shows how far ATF and all our partners will go to ensure hatred does not win.”

    “The defendant’s mass shooting and heinous targeting of Club Q is one of the most devastating assaults on the LGBTQIA+ community in our nation’s history. This sentence cannot reclaim the lives lost or undo the harms inflicted. But we hope that it provides the survivors, the victims’ families, and their communities a small measure of justice,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “Our message today should be loud and clear. No one should have to fear for their life or their safety because of their gender identity or sexual orientation. The Justice Department will vigorously investigate and prosecute those who perpetrate hate-fueled, bias-driven attacks.”

    “Hate has no place in our country and no place in Colorado” said Acting U.S. Attorney Matt Kirsch for the District of Colorado. “I hope that today’s sentence demonstrates to the victims and those connected to this horrific event that we do not tolerate these heinous acts of violence.”

    The FBI Denver Field Office, Colorado Springs Police Department, and ATF investigated the case.

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alison Connaughty and Bryan Fields for the District of Colorado and Trial Attorney Maura White of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division prosecuted the case.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Former Government Official Arrested for Acting as Unregistered Agent of South Korean Government

    Source: US State of California

    Sue Mi Terry Provided South Korean Intelligence Officers Access, Information and Advocacy in Exchange for Luxury Goods and Funding

    Note: View the indictment here.

    Sue Mi Terry, 54, of New York, New York, was arrested yesterday and presented on criminal charges related to offenses under the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA).

    According to court documents, after leaving U.S. government service and for more than a decade, Terry worked as an agent of the government of the Republic of Korea (ROK), commonly known as South Korea, without registering as a foreign agent with the Attorney General, as required by law. As covertly directed by ROK government officials, Terry publicly advocated ROK policy positions, disclosed non-public U.S. government information to ROK intelligence officers and enabled ROK officials to gain access to U.S. government officials. In exchange for these actions, ROK intelligence officers provided Terry with luxury goods, expensive dinners and more than $37,000 in funding for a public policy program focusing on Korean affairs that Terry controlled.

    From in or about 2001 to in or about 2011, Terry served in a series of positions in the U.S. government, including as an analyst on East Asian issues for the Central Intelligence Agency, as the Director for Korea, Japan and Oceanic Affairs for the White House National Security Council and as the Deputy National Intelligence Officer for East Asia at the National Intelligence Council. Since leaving government service in or about 2011, Terry has worked at academic institutions and think tanks in New York City and Washington, D.C. Terry has made media appearances, published articles and hosted conferences as a policy expert specializing in, among other things, South Korea, North Korea and various regional issues impacting Asia. Terry has also testified before Congress on at least three occasions regarding the U.S. government’s policy toward Korea.

    As she admitted in a voluntary interview with the FBI in 2023, Terry served as a valuable “source” of information for the ROK National Intelligence Service (ROK NIS), the primary intelligence agency for the ROK. For example, in or about June 2022, Terry participated in a private, off-the-record group meeting with a U.S. Secretary level official regarding the U.S. Government’s policy toward North Korea. Immediately after the meeting, Terry’s primary ROK NIS point of contact, or handler, picked up Terry in a car with ROK Embassy diplomatic plates. While in the car, Terry passed her handler detailed handwritten notes of her meeting, which were written on the letterhead of a think tank where Terry had recently worked. Terry’s handler then photographed the notes while still sitting in the car with Terry.

    Weeks later, at the request of her ROK NIS handler, Terry hosted a happy hour for Congressional staff. Although the happy hour was ostensibly on behalf of the think tank where Terry worked, the ROK NIS paid for it with Terry’s knowledge. Terry’s handler attended the event and posed as a diplomat, mingling with Congressional staff without disclosing that he was, in fact, an ROK intelligence officer. 

    ROK government rewarded Terry for her services. For example, Terry’s ROK NIS handlers gifted her a $2,950 Bottega Veneta handbag and a $3,450 Louis Vuitton handbag, both of which Terry selected during shopping trips with her handlers. One of Terry’s ROK NIS handlers also gifted her a $2,845 Dolce & Gabbana coat. In addition to luxury goods, Terry’s ROK NIS handlers provided her expensive meals, including at Michelin-starred restaurants. Terry’s ROK NIS handlers also deposited approximately $37,000 into an unrestricted “gift” account that Terry controlled at the think tank where she worked. In addition, ROK government officials paid Terry to write articles in both the U.S. and Korean press conveying positions and phrases dictated by the ROK government.

    Terry is charged with one count of conspiracy to violate FARA and one count of failure to register under FARA. If convicted, she faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison. If convicted, a federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    Assistant Attorney General Matthew G. Olsen of the Justice Department’s National Security Division, U.S. Attorney Damian Williams for the Southern District of New York and Executive Assistant Director Robert R. Wells of the FBI’s National Security Branch made the announcement. 

    The FBI’s Counterintelligence Division and New York Field Office are investigating the case with assistance from the FBI Washington Field Office.

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kyle A. Wirshba, Alexander Li and Sam Adelsberg for the Southern District of New York are prosecuting the case, with assistance from Trial Attorney Christopher M. Rigali of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section.

    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 OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ERO Washington, D.C. arrests convicted Ethiopian felon charged with abduction, poisoning and sex crimes

    Source: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement

    ALEXANDRIA, Va. — Enforcement and Removal Operations Washington, D.C. apprehended an unlawfully present 24-year-old Ethiopian felon charged in Northern Virginia with felony abduction of person with intent to defile; felony poison by other method; and felony object sexual penetration by force, threat or incapacity. Officers with ERO Washington, D.C.’s Special Response Team arrested Besam Semirali Bashwie Sept. 6 in Alexandria. Bashwie was previously convicted in Alexandria of conspiracy to violate racketeering provisions.

    “Besam Semirali Bashwie stands accused of some detestable and disturbing crimes against a Virginia resident,” said ERO Washington, D.C. Field Office Director Liana Castano. “ERO Washington, D.C. will not tolerate the victimization of our residents by egregious noncitizen criminals. We will continue to prioritize public safety by arresting and removing such offenders from our neighborhoods.”

    Bashwie lawfully entered the United States April 19, 2019. However, he violated the lawful terms of his admission.

    Alexandria Police arrested Bashwie June 15, 2021, for racketeering charges.

    The Alexandria Circuit Court convicted Bashwie Jan. 25, 2022, of felony conspiracy to violate racketeering provisions and sentenced him to five years in prison. The court then suspended three years, 11 months and 26 days of the prison sentence.

    Fairfax County Police arrested Bashwie Jan. 19, 2023, for driving while intoxicated. Later that day, ERO lodged an immigration detainer against Bashwie with the Fairfax County Adult Detention Center. The detention center refused to honor the and released Bashwie without notifying ERO Washington, D.C.

    Between Feb. 18 and May 16, authorities in Alexandria and Arlington arrested Bashwie for obstruction of justice; felony abduction of person with intent to defile; felony poison by other method; and felony object sexual penetration, by force, threat or incapacity.

    ERO Washington lodged an immigration detainer against Bashwie on May 16 with the Arlington County Jail; however, the jail refused to honor the ICE detainer and released Bashwie back into the community without notifying ERO Washington, D.C.

    Arlington County Police again arrested Bashwie May 30 for violating a protection order.

    Officers from ERO Washington, D.C.’s Special Response Team arrested Bashwie Sept. 6, 2024, in Alexandria.

    Detainers are critical public safety tools because they focus enforcement resources on removable noncitizens who have been arrested for criminal activity. Detainers increase the safety of all parties involved — ERO personnel, law enforcement officials, removable noncitizens and the public — by allowing an arrest to be made in a secure and controlled custodial setting as opposed to at-large within the community. Because detainers result in the direct transfer of a noncitizen from state or local custody to ERO custody, they also minimize the potential that an individual will reoffend. Additionally, detainers conserve scarce government resources by allowing ERO to take criminal noncitizens into custody directly rather than expending resources locating these individuals at-large.

    ERO conducts removals of individuals without a lawful basis to remain in the United States, including at the order of immigration judges with Department of Justice’s Executive Office for Immigration Review. The Executive Office for Immigration Review is a separate entity from the Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Immigration judges in these courts make decisions based on the merits of each individual case, determining if a noncitizen is subject to a final order of removal or eligible for certain forms of relief from removal.

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

    Learn more about ICE’s mission to increase public safety in your community on X, formerly known as Twitter, at @EROWashington.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: The Department of Administrative Reforms & Public Grievances (DARPG) has institutionalizes the National e-Governance Webinar Series (NeGW) 2023-24 to disseminate and replicate award-winning e-governance initiatives

    Source: Government of India (2)

    The Department of Administrative Reforms & Public Grievances (DARPG) has institutionalizes the National e-Governance Webinar Series (NeGW) 2023-24 to disseminate and replicate award-winning e-governance initiatives

    DARPG organizes the Webinar on National e-Governance Award-Winning Initiatives under the theme “Excellence in Providing Citizen-Centric Delivery at the State/UT Level,” where two award-winning initiatives were presented

    “Excellence in Providing Citizen-Centric Delivery at the State/UT Level” theme of the 8th National e-Governance Webinar

    Posted On: 20 SEP 2024 9:21PM by PIB Delhi

    The Department of Administrative Reforms & Public Grievances (DARPG) launched the monthly National e-Governance Webinar Series (NeGW 2023-24) on September 22, 2023, to disseminate and replicate India’s award-winning e-governance initiatives. NeGW 2023-24 is held monthly, typically on the third Friday of each month.

    The 8th National e-Governance Webinar, under the theme “Excellence in Providing Citizen-Centric Delivery at the State/UT Level,” was held today.

    The webinar was chaired by Shri V. Srinivas, Secretary, DARPG. He commended the award-winning initiatives—e-Registration (Self Help Portal) and Chikitsa Setu, for leveraging emerging technologies to enhance service delivery and foster innovation in governance practices. He recommended replicating these initiatives.

    The following award-winning initiatives were presented:

    • Shri Shravan Hardikar (IAS), Managing Director, Maharashtra Metro Rail Corporation Limited, Govt. of Maharashtra, showcased the e-Registration (Self Help Portal) for document registration. This initiative allows developers to register themselves, their projects, and schemes; prepare templates for agreements; and complete data entry forms. Joint District Registrars can verify and approve projects and schemes online. Similar to other e-Registration applications, Sub-Registrars can verify documents, payments, and the identity of the parties involved, and complete the registration process. The application benefits real estate developers, purchasers, and the Department of Registration & Stamps, serving citizens across all sectors of society—from premium flat buyers to PMAY beneficiaries—across the state’s 36 districts.
    • Shri Prashant Sharma (IAS), Special Secretary, Department of Additional Sources of Energy, Govt. of Uttar Pradesh, highlighted the Chikitsa Setu mobile application. Launched by the Department of Medical Education, Government of Uttar Pradesh, “Chikitsa Setu” is designed to train doctors, paramedical staff, and other COVID-19 frontline workers. The platform includes videos created by medical experts from King George’s Medical University (KGMU), Lucknow—the state government’s premier medical education institution. One of the key aspects of the application is the availability of training material from medical experts at users’ fingertips, with short videos (1 to 7 minutes) that retain audience engagement. More than 30 topics, based on extensive field surveys and research, are covered. Chikitsa Setu has trained over 200 doctors and more than 1,200 paramedical and associated staff.

    The webinar was attended by around 400 officials from across the nation, including Principal Secretaries, Administrative Reforms Secretaries, IT Secretaries of States/UTs, District Collectors, Police Departments, State Information Officers, and academia from IITs/IIITs/NITs and other institutions. The webinar was also broadcastedon YouTube.

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    AG

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Tillis, Colleagues Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Repeal COVID-Era Employee Retention Tax Credit

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for North Carolina Thom Tillis
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Thom Tillis, alongside Senators Mitt Romney (R-UT) and Joe Manchin (I-WV), recently introduced the Employee Retention Tax Credit Repeal Act, bipartisan legislation that would disallow the processing of Employee Retention Tax Credit (ERTC) claims filed after January 31, 2024, and increase penalties for fraud.
    “Repealing the ERTC is a critical step towards addressing America’s debt crisis,” said Senator Tillis. “It’s past time to eliminate this fraud-ridden pandemic-era policy so we can concentrate on getting our fiscal house in order.”
    Background:
    The Employee Retention Tax Credit (ERTC)—created by the CARES Act and furthered expanded by the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021 and the American Rescue Plan—is a refundable credit available to qualifying businesses who paid wages to employees during the COVID-19 pandemic.
    In October 2021, the IRS issued a notice warning employers of “third parties promoting improper Employee Retention claims.” These “promoters” often use aggressive and deceptive marketing tactics to convince businesses to allow them to file ERTC claims on their behalf. According to the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN), “promoters typically charge a large upfront fee, sometimes upwards of 30-40% of the expected credit amount” as payment for their services. The program has seen a high volume of fraudulent claims.
    Estimates suggest the credit has added $230 billion to the deficit through Fiscal Year 2023 and could eventually cost up to $550 billion. Further, in June 2024, the IRS announced that between 10% and 20% of claims showed “clear signs of being erroneous” while another 60% to 70% showed an “unacceptable risk” of being improper. Unless Congress acts, applications for the credit are available until April 15, 2025.
    Full text of the bill can be found HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Duckworth, Durbin Join Murray, Senate Democrats in Introducing Resolution to Recognize Patients’ Rights to Emergency Health Care

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Tammy Duckworth
    September 20, 2024
    Abortion Bans Have Delayed Emergency Medical Care. In Georgia, Experts Say Were This Mother’s Death Was Preventable.
    [WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) joined U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) and 38 of their Democratic colleagues in introducing a Senate resolution to reinforce the standard that every patient has the basic right to emergency health care, including abortion care, regardless of where they live. The introduction comes as new reporting from ProPublica makes plain that Republican abortion bans are preventing women from receiving lifesaving emergency health care and resulting in preventable deaths.
    “When we warned Donald Trump and Senate Republicans that women would die if they succeeded in overturning Roe, they called us fearmongers. Tragically, it’s now painfully obvious that we were right,” Duckworth said. “We cannot wait for more women to die a preventable death because of Republicans’ draconian abortion bans—we must protect reproductive rights and women’s access to emergency medical care nationwide, and Democrats are working tirelessly to do just that.”
    “When a woman arrives at the emergency room, she should not be worried about whether or not she will receive necessary medical treatment.  Her family should not have to worry that their loved one may die because politics interfered with medical decision making.  But because the right-wing supermajority on the Supreme Court overruled Roe v. Wade, as Donald Trump promised, that is exactly what is happening,” said Durbin.  “I’m joining my colleagues in introducing this legislation to make clear that we will not give up the fight for women to receive the medical care they need, especially in emergency circumstances where access to care is a matter of life and death.”
    Since the overturn of Roe v. Wade over two years ago, nearly two dozen US states led by Republicans have passed, banned or severely restricted access to abortion. These strict laws have created confusion around the treatment doctors can provide even when a pregnant patient’s life is in danger, as physicians fear that they may lose their medical license, be sued, or even charged with a felony if they perform life-saving emergency care. Despite the federal Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act’s (EMTALA) requirements that Medicare-participating hospitals treat and stabilize pregnant patients in need of emergency medical care, women are being turned away from emergency rooms following the Dobbs decision.
    In Moyle v. United States, the U.S. Supreme Court had the opportunity to reaffirm that federal law requires pregnant patients to have access to life-saving emergency care in every state, but instead, the Court dismissed the case and sent it back to the lower courts, effectively punting on making a decision on the case itself. While the litigation continues in the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, the health and lives of women remain at risk as uncertainty around emergency abortion care persists. 121 Congressional Republicans, including 26 Senators, filed an amicus brief arguing that EMTALA does not require hospitals to provide abortion care as emergency stabilizing care in order to save a patient’s life.
    In addition to Duckworth, Durbin and Murray, this resolution is co-led by U.S. Senators Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) and Ron Wyden (D-OR) and co-sponsored by U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and U.S. Senators Michael Bennet (D-CO), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Laphonza Butler (D-CA), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Ben Cardin (D-MD), Tom Carper (D-DE), Bob Casey (D-PA), Chris Coons (D-DE), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), John Fetterman (D-PA), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Marin Heinrich (D-NV), George Helmy (D-NJ), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Angus King (I-ME), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Gary Peters (D-MI), Jack Reed (D-RI), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Tina Smith (D-MN), Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Mark Warner (D-VA), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Peter Welch (D-VT) and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI).
    The resolution is endorsed by Planned Parenthood Federation of America, Center for Reproductive Rights, In Our Own Voice: National Black Women’s Reproductive Justice Agenda, Reproductive Freedom For All (formerly NARAL Pro-Choice America), American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, National Women’s Law Center, Physicians for Reproductive Health, Power to Decide, National Latina Institute for Reproductive Justice, Guttmacher Institute, National Family Planning & Reproductive Health Association, All* Above All, National Asian Pacific American Women’s Forum, URGE: Unite for Reproductive and Gender Equity, National Council of Jewish Women and National Partnership for Women and Families.
    Last week, U.S. Representatives Emilia Sykes (D-OH-13) and Mikie Sherrill (D-NJ-11) introduced the House companion to yesterday’s Senate resolution.
    The full text of the resolution can be found on Senator Murray’s website.
    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Swachhta Hi Seva Abhiyan 2024: Ministry of Law and Justice Celebrates with Tree Plantation Drive

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 20 SEP 2024 8:05PM by PIB Delhi

    Nationwide “Swachhta Hi Seva Abhiyan 2024”is  being observed from September 17, 2024, to October 1, 2024. As part of this, the Legislative Department and the Department of Legal Affairs and Legislative Department under the Ministry of Law and Justice is actively participating in the As part of this initiative, a series of activities are planned to promote cleanliness, sustainability, and environmental conservation.

    In line with the campaign, a tree plantation drive will be conducted, led by Dr. Rajiv Mani, Law Secretary, on 20.09.2024. The tree plantation symbolizes the Ministry’s commitment to environmental protection and the promotion of a cleaner and greener India.

    The Swachhta Hi Seva Abhiyan 2024 aims to create greater awareness about the importance of cleanliness and environmental stewardship, with tree plantation being a key activity. The Ministry of Law and Justice is committed to participating in and supporting the mission for a cleaner and healthier India.

    This event underscores the Ministry’s ongoing efforts to uphold the values of cleanliness and environmental responsibility as part of its larger mission to serve the public good. “Trees play an important role in keeping our environment clean. By providing clean air, they make us healthy,”

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    SB/DP

     

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Swachhata Hi Seva (SHS) 2024 Campaign

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Swachhata Hi Seva (SHS) 2024 Campaign

    Union Minister Dr. Virendra Kumar presides over inauguration of Mechanized Cleaning Vehicle, procured by Safaimitras under NAMASTE scheme, in Visakhapatnam

    Posted On: 20 SEP 2024 7:14PM by PIB Delhi

    Government of India is organizing the Swacchata Hi Seva (SHS) 2024 campaign, with the theme – ‘Swabhaav Swachhata, Sanskaar Swachhata’. Under this campaign a gamut of activities is being organized by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment to integrate Swachhata in day-to-day life.

    In pursuance of this goal, Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment, Dr. Virendra Kumar presided over the event at Visakhapatnam, on 19th September 2024, that witnessed the inauguration of mechanized cleaning vehicle procured by Safaimitras under the National Action for Mechanized Sanitation Ecosystem (NAMASTE) scheme.

    One of the important components of the NAMASTE scheme is providing capital subsidies to Swachhata Karmis, who enter into long term work contracts with the Urban Local Bodies, for purchase of mechanized cleaning equipments/vehicles and make them Swachhata entrepreneurs.

    In pursuance of this aim, Union Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment has released capital subsidy worth Rs. 2.29 crores to identified target groups in Visakhapatnam. This will enable 75 beneficiaries to purchase 15 mechanized cleaning equipments/vehicles worth Rs. 5.39 crores. Out of this, 10 vehicles have already been purchased by 50 Safaimitras, who have entered into contract with the Visakhapatnam Nagar Nigam.

    During the event, Dr. Virendra Kumar noted that the NAMASTE scheme is going a long-way in not only empowering the Safai Karamcharis socially and economically, but safeguarding their self-respect as well. He informed that till date under the scheme, profiling of around 46,035 sewer septic tank workers has been done. Further, PPE Kits have been allocated to around 3,498 such workers, while 3,617 workers have received Ayushmann Cards, the Minister added.

    Senior officers of the Visakhapatnam Nagar Nigam, District Administration, as well as Safai Karamcharis were present during the event.

    *****

    VM

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Capito, Manchin, W.Va. Officials Announce Form Energy Selection for $150 Million to Build Out Battery Factory in Weirton

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for West Virginia Shelley Moore Capito
    CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Today, U.S. Senators Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Ranking Member of the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee, and Joe Manchin (I-W.Va.), and a number of West Virginia officials announced that Form Energy has been selected for an award negotiation of up to $150 million from the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Battery Materials Processing and Battery Manufacturing and Recycling programs to support Form Factory 1 in Weirton, W.Va. The funding is part of the more than $6 billion included in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) to support a strong domestic battery supply chain.
    “When I was crafting and negotiating the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), delivering support for manufacturing initiatives in West Virginia was an impact I knew we could make. Form Energy is providing a needed boost to the manufacturing industry in our state, specifically to the Weirton community. During my visit to the facility this summer, I saw how their embrace of new technological capabilities will help America continue to lead the way in energy innovation. This grant through the IIJA will expand Form Energy’s production and workforce, and will help continue West Virginia’s proud tradition of being an energy state,” Ranking Member Capito said. 
    “West Virginian workers and families have made the hard sacrifices to power our country to greatness and become a global energy leader. With today’s investment from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, we are continuing to ensure that we are producing the materials needed to protect our nation’s energy independence right here in the Mountain State,” Senator Manchin said. “I was proud to secure this funding and I am thrilled that Form Energy will be able to utilize it to create good-paying jobs in Weirton and help preserve our legacy as America’s Energy Powerhouse for decades to come.” 
    “We are incredibly grateful to the Department of Energy, Senator Manchin, Senator Moore Capito, and the many state and local leaders from West Virginia who provided pivotal support on the path to this award selection. This selection will enable us to more rapidly scale up our manufacturing capabilities and hire hundreds of skilled workers at Form Factory 1. We’re proud to help contribute to the growth of a clean, domestic, and independent energy economy in America. And we’re honored to do it alongside a strong local workforce, right here from West Virginia.” Mateo Jaramillo, Co-Founder and CEO of Form Energy, said . 
    “With its investment in Form Energy and Weirton, the U.S. Department of Energy is acknowledging that West Virginia is an ideal place to locate all-of-the-above energy development and manufacturing,” West Virginia Secretary of Economic Development Mitch Carmichael said. “Thanks to the encouragement and support of Senators Manchin and Capito, this backing will ensure even greater success in the Mountain State.”
    “With our robust history and past successes in heavy industry, the Northern Panhandle has paved the way for Form Energy and other innovative companies to be successful here in West Virginia,” Anthony Clements, Executive Director of the Business Development Corporation of the Northern Panhandle, said. “This funding from the U.S. Department of Energy shows the unanimous support from our state and our United States Senators Manchin and Capito for our region. I am thrilled we have the opportunity to see Form Energy grow right here in West Virginia.”
    “For years as a result of the decline and closure of its steel industry, the people of Weirton believed that its days as a manufacturing hub were over,” West Virginia State Senator Ryan Weld said. “Now, thanks to significant investments made by the State of West Virginia and the U.S. Department of Energy, along with the leadership of Senators Manchin and Capito, there is a renewed excitement for Weirton’s future and the products that will be made here.”   
    BACKGROUND:
    This announcement comes after Ranking Member Capito, Senator Manchin, and a group of their bipartisan colleagues sent a letter to DOE urging them to include alternative battery types, like the iron-air batteries manufactured by Form, in their grant awards. Once awarded, Form plans to use the funding to more rapidly scale up its commercial-scale manufacturing lines to produce up to 20 GWh/yr iron-air batteries and employ at least 600 employees to operate them.
    To learn more about the IIJA, click here.
    To learn more about DOE’s Battery Manufacturing and Recycling Grants, click here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: DEPwD actively taking part in Swachhata Hi Seva (SHS) Campaign 2024 from 17.09.2024 to 02.10.2024

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 20 SEP 2024 7:13PM by PIB Delhi

    The Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD), under the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, is undertaking the Swachhata Hi Seva (SHS) Campaign 2024 from 17.09.2024 to 02.10.2024. The campaign is part of the Government of India’s larger initiative to promote cleanliness and hygiene, coinciding with the celebration of Mahatma Gandhi’s birth anniversary on 02nd October.

    Celebrating the 10th anniversary of the Swachh Bharat Mission, this year’s theme, ‘Swabhav Swachhata, Sanskar Swachhata’, aims to make cleanliness a natural habit and core societal value in each and every citizen of India. Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (Divyangjan) is emphasizing the importance of cleanliness in fostering an inclusive and accessible environment for persons with disabilities. DEPwD is committed to ensuring that all its initiatives contribute towards a cleaner, healthier, and more accessible India for everyone.

    Union Minister Social Justice and Empowerment, Dr. Virendra Kumar, administered Swachhata Pledge during the ADIP Camp organized in Bulandshahr, Uttar Pradesh on 17.09.2024. He also administered Swachhata Pledge in Divya Kala Mela held on 19.09.2024 at Visakhapatnam.

    DEPwD and its organizations have actively launched the Swachhata hi Seva Campaign 2024 with inaugural ceremony, themed ‘Swabhav Swachhata – Sanskaar Swachhata’. At the event, Secretary, DEPwD, joined by other officers/officials, took a collective Swachhata Pledge.

    During the 15 day campaign, DEPwD has prepared an action plan with a focus of importance of cleanliness and maintaining hygiene by conducting various activities through field units of the Department with focus on the following components:

    • Organization of Swachhata Pledge
    • Tree Plantation Drive –‘Ek Ped Maa ke Naam’
    • Indoor and Outdoor Cleaning of the Institute/Organizations premesis
    • Expert Talk on ‘Safai Mitra Suraksha’
    • Felicitation of Safai Karamchari
    • Extensive Cleaning of Toilets
    • Undertaking Pest Control Activities on Office premises
    • Organization of various Competitions and generating awareness.
    • Street Plays on Swachhata hi Sewa
    • Walkathon/Rally for generating awareness regarding Swachhata hi Sewa
    • Special Cleanliness drive by Special Adults
    • Extensive cleaning of toilets
    • Cleaning of Officials desks/ work stations/ almirahs etc. by the staff
    • Pest Control activities at workplaces
    • Maintenance of Indoor and Outdoor plants

    Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD) is committed to make the Swachhata hi Seva Campaign 2024 a huge success with sincere and dedicated efforts.

    *****

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Attorney General James’ Office of Special Investigation Releases Report on Death of Elijah Muhammad

    Source: US State of New York

    NEW YORK – New York Attorney General Letitia James’ Office of Special Investigation (OSI) today released its report on the death of Elijah Muhammad, who died on July 10, 2022 while incarcerated in the George R. Vierno Center (GRVC) on Rikers Island. Following a comprehensive investigation, including review of Department of Correction (DOC) staff incident reports and security camera footage, witness interviews, and comprehensive legal analysis, OSI concluded that a prosecutor would not be able to prove beyond a reasonable doubt at trial that the correction officer staffed on Mr. Muhammad’s unit committed a crime, and therefore criminal charges would not be pursued.

    At 3:00 p.m. on July 10, 2022, the correction officer staffed on Mr. Muhammad’s unit witnessed Mr. Muhammad in a severely disoriented state. Mr. Muhammad appeared to have difficulty keeping his eyes open and standing upright, at one point slumping to the floor in a seated position. After being alerted by other incarcerated people in the housing unit, the correction officer held open Mr. Muhammad’s cell door while two incarcerated people helped him into his cell. However, in violation of DOC rules, the correction officer failed to call a medical emergency. He also failed to take any other action to assist Mr. Muhammad, such as administering Narcan.

    The correction officer continued to check on Mr. Muhammad periodically for two hours, until 5:13 p.m., sometimes stepping into Mr. Muhammad’s cell. The correction officer then did not check on Mr. Muhammad until 9:43 p.m.

    Other people housed in Mr. Muhammad’s unit continued to check on him throughout the evening. Beginning around 8:00 p.m., the incarcerated people who came to Mr. Muhammad’s door appeared to grow increasingly alarmed by what they saw through his cell window and began knocking on and kicking at his door. At 9:43 p.m., the correction officer went into Mr. Muhammad’s cell, where he found Mr. Muhammad unconscious, cold, and foaming at the nose. The officer recruited another correction officer to help, and together they moved Mr. Muhammad out of his cell and onto the ground to begin rendering aid. The correction officers called for medical staff, who then called for emergency medical services. Mr. Muhammad was declared dead in the housing unit at 10:30 p.m. The medical examiner found that the concentration of Fentanyl in Mr. Muhammad’s blood was a fatal dose.

    Following a preliminary assessment of the incident, OSI determined that the failure of the correction officer to call a medical emergency or provide immediate aid to Mr. Muhammad qualified as an omission, or failure to perform a duty imposed by law, which contributed to Mr. Muhammad’s death. Therefore, OSI conducted this investigation pursuant to Executive Law Section 70-b.

    Under New York law, proving criminally negligent homicide as an omission would require proving beyond a reasonable doubt, among other things, that the correction officer caused Mr. Muhammad’s death. In this case, the medical examiner determined that while providing Narcan when Mr. Muhammad was first observed in a disoriented state, or in the ensuing hours when the officer failed to check on Mr. Muhammad, might have increased his chance of survival, there is no guarantee that it would have saved his life. OSI concluded that although the correction officer’s failure to call a medical emergency or render aid contributed to his death, a prosecutor would not be able to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that this failure caused Mr. Muhammad’s death. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Attorney General James Urges Congress to Pass Legislation to Stop Gun Trafficking into Caribbean Countries

    Source: US State of New York

    NEW YORK – New York Attorney General Letitia James today led a coalition of 12 attorneys general calling on Congress to take action to stop gun trafficking from the United States to Caribbean countries. In their letter, the attorneys general write that gun trafficking from the United States has contributed to gun violence in Caribbean countries, where many New Yorkers and Americans have families. The coalition outlines a number of measures Congress can take to help reduce gun trafficking into the Caribbean, including ensuring inspectors at ports have enough resources to make inspections and passing the Caribbean Arms Trafficking Causes Harm (CATCH) Act. The CATCH Act would provide state and federal governments with more information about gun trafficking into the Caribbean and determine which anti-gun trafficking methods are working to reduce gun violence.

    “American-made guns are flowing into Caribbean nations and communities and fueling violence, chaos, and senseless tragedies throughout the region,” said Attorney General James. “This issue hits especially close to home, as many New Yorkers have family in Caribbean nations who are enduring dangerous conditions, partially because of easy access to dangerous weapons from our country. We have a responsibility to address this crisis, and that is why I am calling on Congress to take action to stop gun trafficking into Caribbean countries. When we tackle the gun violence crisis from every angle, we protect everyone.”

    In their letter, Attorney General James and the coalition of attorneys general write that the number of guns smuggled into the Caribbean from the United States has surged in recent years and contributes significantly to gun violence in those countries. For instance, a 2023 United Nations report indicated that the United States has been a “principal source of firearms and munitions in Haiti.” Additionally, the Jamaican Security Ministry estimates that at least 200 guns are trafficked from the United States into the country each month. The attorneys general write that addressing the outbound flow of guns from the United States is “a service to our constituents,” many of whom have ties to family and loved ones in the Caribbean.

    Attorney General James and the coalition of attorneys general are calling on Congress to pass the CATCH Act, which would give both state and federal governments much-needed information about gun trafficking into Caribbean countries and anti-trafficking measures. In addition, the attorneys general are asking Congress to take additional steps to stop gun trafficking into those countries, including by:

    • Ensuring that inspectors at American ports are given sufficient resources to inspect shipments being sent from the United States to countries in the Caribbean; 
    • Ensuring that the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives has sufficient funding to inspect federal firearms licensees that are responsible for a disproportionate number of firearms that are traced after having been used in crimes in countries in the Caribbean; and
    • Requesting briefings from the United States Postal Service, the Department of Homeland Security, and the Department of Justice about their ongoing efforts to interdict shipments of guns from the United States to countries in the Caribbean, with a focus on what additional resources and legal tools they need to accomplish this important task.

    Joining Attorney General James in sending today’s letter are the attorneys general of California, Connecticut, Illinois, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, and the District of Columbia.

    “I am appreciative of Attorney General James on these latest actions to stop gun trafficking from the U.S. to Caribbean nations,” said U.S. Representative Adriano Espaillat. “I introduced legislation in Congress to reauthorize funding for the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative (CBSI), which further strengthens our actions to combat crime and illicit drug trafficking, while supporting peace and stability to the region. I commend Attorney General James and each of the attorneys general for their ongoing state-federal collaboration to stop the flow of gun trafficking between our nations.”

    “American gun manufacturers aren’t just flooding our own streets with weapons of war, they’re exporting our gun violence epidemic to neighboring nations like Haiti,” said U.S. Representative Dan Goldman. “I welcome Attorney General James’ leadership in calling for the stemming of illegal international gun trafficking and will continue working in Congress to crack down on illegal gun traffickers by finally passing commonsense gun safety legislation that safeguards communities both at home and abroad.” 

    “Gun trafficking is having devastating impacts on families here at home and around the world. We must do everything in our power to stop this illegal flow of weapons that is leading to deadly gun violence,” said U.S. Representative Joe Morelle. “As a member of the House Appropriations Committee, I have continually called for sufficient funding for ATF and increased resources to stop gun trafficking. I am grateful to Attorney General James for her leadership and partnership on this important issue and I look forward to our continued work together.” 

    “The unfettered flow of illegal guns from States without gun safety laws doesn’t just harm Americans—these weapons are being trafficked out of the country to facilitate crimes in Caribbean countries,” said U.S. Representative Jerrold Nadler. “I applaud Attorney General James’ leadership to fight the epidemic of gun violence and will continue to support these commonsense efforts to end the trafficking of weapons both within and from the United States.”  

    “As we work to root out gun violence at home, we must also act to eliminate the scourge of arms trafficking on our neighbors,” said U.S. Representative Nydia M. Velázquez. “Weapons trafficking is currently fueling instability in Caribbean nations, particularly in Hati, where guns from the United States are empowering gangs to terrorize their communities, and I thank Attorney General James for highlighting this issue. Congress must pass the CATCH Act to help provide authorities with the information needed to disrupt trafficking networks and ultimately make the U.S. and the nations of the Caribbean safer.”  

    “We’ve long known that firearms are being trafficked around the US, flooding our communities with deadly weapons and putting our lives and safety at risk,” said Senator Zellnor Y. Myrie. “I’m proud to have written the nation’s first law to hold bad actors in the gun industry liable for reckless conduct that allows this situation to occur, and honored to stand with our Attorney General as she leads the fight against gun trafficking from the US to Caribbean nations.”              

    “We cannot turn a blind eye to the devastating impact that gun trafficking from the United States is having on our Caribbean neighbors and it is our duty to take action. The CATCH Act is a crucial step toward implementing effective measures to combat this crisis,” said Senator Roxanne J. Persaud. “I thank Attorney General James and the attorneys general for helping to protect communities both here and abroad from the scourge of gun violence.” 

    “Attorney General James’ leadership in calling for the CATCH Act is a vital step toward protecting our communities,” said Senator Luis Sepulveda. “Gun trafficking from the U.S. into the Caribbean has devastating consequences, and we must do everything in our power to combat this crisis. I stand firmly with the Attorney General in urging Congress to take action.”

    “America’s deadly gun epidemic is spreading like wildfire to vulnerable Caribbean nations,” said Assemblymember Khaleel M. Anderson. “Weapons trafficking from within the United States exports violence into the Caribbean, destabilizes island nations, and jeopardizes their sovereignty. We owe it to the millions in diaspora in New York to take meaningful action to stem the flow of illegal firearms into the Caribbean. I am proud to stand with Attorney General James in urging swift federal action to ensure justice and save countless innocent lives.” 

    “The unchecked flow of illegal guns from the United States into the Caribbean is fueling violence and destabilizing communities across the region,” said Assemblymember Phara Souffrant Forrest. “Congress must act now to pass comprehensive legislation to stop gun trafficking, and I applaud Attorney General James for her leadership on this issue. Our Caribbean neighbors deserve safety, stability, and the ability to thrive without the constant threat of gun violence, which we know all too well here at home. By strengthening enforcement, closing loopholes, and promoting regional cooperation, we can protect lives on both sides of our borders and build a safer future for all.” 

    “Thank you, Attorney General James, for enforcing laws meant to protect the lives of Americans,” said Assemblymember Charles Lavine. “We all must continue to fight the pandemic of gun violence using all means necessary which includes action such as this and passing strong but sensible gun legislation.”   

    “The inexcusable violence that continues in the Caribbean cannot be fueled by trafficked American weapons,” said Assemblymember Michaelle C. Solages. “Congress must work collaboratively with states, local governments, and our international partners to ensure enough is being done to stop this gun trafficking. Passing the CATCH Act will help stop this outflow of weaponry which is making the humanitarian situation worse in Haiti and across the region. I commend Attorney General James and this coalition of state attorneys general for their efforts to make everyone safer from gun violence.” 

    “We commend Attorney General James for leading the charge to urge Congress to pass the CATCH Act which will help curb the devastating gang violence occurring in the Caribbean, most notably in Haiti,” said Assemblymember Clyde Vanel. “Curbing the flow of illegal firearms from the United States is critical to promote security in our hemisphere and it also deeply impacts families and communities here in New York, including many New Yorkers like myself who have direct ties to these regions. We must do all we can to protect our loved ones and foster stability both at home and abroad.” 

    “I join Attorney General James and concerned residents here and abroad in calling on Congress to take action to stop the illegal trafficking of guns from America to Caribbean countries,” said Assemblymember Latrice Walker. “Passing the Caribbean Arms Trafficking Causes Harm (CATCH) Act will help federal and local authorities figure out the best ways to combat the flow of weapons, which inevitably fall into the hands of criminals. I have many friends in my district in Brownsville, Brooklyn, and in neighboring communities who have relatives in Jamaica and Haiti, two of the countries that, unfortunately, are far too often destinations for these guns. This legislation would pay safety dividends to the people of the Caribbean. I urge Congress to pass it.” 

    “As the co-chair of the Anti-Gun Violence Subcommittee of the Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic, and Asian Legislative Caucus, and an advocate for over 20 years, representing one of the largest Caribbean communities in New York, it is imperative that in efforts to heal our communities of gun violence, we continue to advocate for support beyond our borders by putting an end to gun trafficking,” said Assemblymember Monique Chandler-Waterman. “I stand with Attorney General James and my fellow colleagues in the legislature to highlight the urgent need to reduce gun trafficking impacting the peace and security of our beloved Caribbean nations. Supporting the CATCH Act is vital for state and federal governments to ensure we receive the necessary information to activate working methods to reduce gun trafficking.” 

    “As a strong supporter of long-overdue gun safety initiatives in the United States, I am especially cognizant of how preventing the flow of illegal firearms is both a matter of public safety and promoting in Caribbean nations just a short distance from America’s shores,” said Nassau County Legislature Deputy Minority Leader Arnold W. Drucker. “I applaud Attorney General James for spearheading a vital effort to disrupt international crime syndicates that enhances America’s security both at home and abroad.” 

    Since taking office in 2019, Attorney General James has removed more than 7,400 firearms from New York streets and communities through buyback events and takedowns of illegal gun trafficking rings. In May 2024, Attorney General James took more than 200 guns off the streets in Kingston and Watervliet. Attorney General James has also been a national leader in protecting New Yorkers from gun violence. In August 2024, Attorney General James led a coalition of 22 attorneys general in support of commonsense state and federal laws that regulate the sale of guns to keep communities safe. In April 2024, Attorney General James took down gun traffickers for selling ghost guns and other firearms in Central New York. In March 2024, Attorney General James secured a $7.8 million judgment against gun retailer Indie Guns for illegally selling ghost gun components in New York. In February 2024, Attorney General James announced the takedowns of a gun trafficking network that sold ghost guns and assault-style rifles and a narcotics trafficking network in Dutchess County.

    MIL OSI USA News –