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  • MIL-OSI USA: Hoeven: Mexico Rescinds Ban on Genetically-Engineered Corn Imports

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for North Dakota John Hoeven

    02.06.25

    WASHINGTON – Senator John Hoeven, Chairman of the Senate Agriculture Appropriations Committee and a senior member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, today issued the following statement after Mexico announced that it was rescinding its ban on the importation of genetically-engineered (GE) corn:

    “This is great news, not only for U.S. farmers, but for the people of Mexico who will continue to have access to a high-quality, safe and affordable food staple,” said Hoeven. “Mexico’s ban on the importation of GE corn flew in the face of years of scientific review and regulatory oversight, while creating yet another barrier for U.S. farmers trying to access the Mexican market. Rescinding this policy is the right call and will benefit both nations.”

    • This follows Hoeven and his colleagues calling on the U.S. Trade Representative and Agriculture Secretary to push back on Mexico’s policy.
    • The senators stressed that the ban undermines food security in Mexico, ignores the longstanding, science-based regulatory regime that had proven the safety of GE corn and would stifle future agricultural innovations.
    • Accordingly, the senators urged for Mexico to be held to its trade commitments and for the U.S. to pursue a dispute settlement through the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA).
      • Last month, a USMCA dispute settlement panel found that Mexico violated its obligations under the trade agreement and ruled in favor of American farmers.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Coons leads Democratic colleagues in resolution reaffirming USAID’s role in safeguarding U.S. national security

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Delaware Christopher Coons

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) introduced a resolution reaffirming that the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) is essential for advancing the national security interests of the United States in the wake of President Trump’s efforts to halt U.S. foreign assistance operations and dismantle USAID. The resolution is cosponsored by Senators Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Mark Warner (D-Va.), and 40 other members of the Senate Democratic Caucus. 

    Senator Coons went to the Senate floor Monday evening to introduce and ask for unanimous consent on the resolution; U.S. Senator Jim Risch (R-Idaho) objected. You can watch his full remarks here.

    “President Donald Trump’s unprecedented attacks on USAID and our entire foreign aid apparatus weaken our standing in the world, create power vacuums for our adversaries to fill, and put American lives in danger,” said Senator Coons. “For less than one percent of the federal budget, USAID and foreign aid stop pandemics before they reach America, prevent terrorism, human trafficking and organized crime from finding footholds, and prevent Chinese and Russian disinformation from spreading. Congress created USAID as an independent agency and only Congress can reverse that. I’m glad to see so many of my colleagues standing with me to defend the separation of powers and our foreign aid programs.”

    “There will be suffering all over the world because of Trump and Musk’s illegal steps to dismantle USAID,” said Senator Schatz, Ranking Member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on State and Foreign Operations. “Right now, families are waiting for medicine and food that’s already been paid for, including food produced by American farmers, and Musk just cut them off. The law is on our side, but in the meantime, the Trump administration is illegally fueling chaos that will lead to death across the world and make America less safe.”

    “For a small fraction of the overall U.S. budget, USAID promotes global health and stability, fights terrorism, and strengthens U.S. relationships abroad. As Vice Chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee, I want to be clear: The latest attempt by the Trump administration to freeze U.S.-funded foreign aid assistance and punish the men and women who are working at the agency is a gift to our adversaries that will make us less safe. No one is more delighted that the United States is retreating from its global leadership role than the Communist Party of China,” said Senator Warner.

    The resolution is a direct response to the efforts by President Donald Trump and Elon Musk to eliminate USAID and pause the vast majority of U.S. foreign assistance programs, including reports that President Trump would sign an executive order folding the agency into the State Department— moves that are illegal without congressional approval. Senator Coons and his Senate Democratic colleagues are demanding clarity amid purges of USAID’s top personnel, aid freezes, and chaos. 

    Accounting for less than one percent of the federal budget, our foreign assistance programs, many of which are led by USAID, play an indispensable role in promoting global stability and protecting our nation. Examples include the agency’s vital humanitarian assistance work during global conflicts, efforts to combat infectious diseases before they spread to the United States, to counter terrorism recruitment worldwide and to reduce the number of children pulled into gangs supporting organized crime and human trafficking.

    In addition to Senators Coons, Schatz, and Warner, this resolution is cosponsored by Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.) Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) Lisa Blunt Rochester, (D-Del.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), Andy Kim (D-N.J.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Angus King (I-Maine), Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Patty Murray, (D-Wash.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Gary Peters (D-Mich.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), and Jon Ossoff (D-Ga.).

    The full text of the resolution is available here. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Crapo: Greer Capable and Qualified to be USTR

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Idaho Mike Crapo

    Washington, D.C.–At a U.S. Senate Finance Committee hearing to consider the nomination of Jamieson Greer to be the United States Trade Representative (USTR), Chairman Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) praised Mr. Greer’s extensive trade experience and secured his commitment to expand global market access for American producers and manufacturers. 

    Chairman Crapo and Mr. Greer discussed agricultural exports, where Greer pledged to defend Idaho’s more-than 24,000 farms and ranches from unfair trade practices and grow global access for their products.  They also discussed U.S. digital trade leadership, and the need for transparency and timely communication between USTR and Congress.  Mr. Greer assured members of the Committee that he would “follow the law to a T,” adding that he is “convinced that American workers, farmers, ranchers and service providers can compete with anyone else in the world—in this market and beyond—so long as they have a level playing field.”

    Crapo concluded the hearing by telling the nominee, “I think you’ve done a phenomenally good job.  You have shown that you are completely capable and qualified for this job.  I look forward to working with you and making sure that we get your nomination confirmed as soon as possible.”

    Watch Chairman Crapo’s opening statement here, and the question-and-answer portion with Mr. Greer here.

    On agricultural exports:

    Crapo:

    Agriculture is important to many Committee members and members of the Senate as a whole.  Idaho’s 24,000 farms and ranches produce 185 commodities, and Idaho leads the nation in potato, barley and hay production and is the third largest producer of milk and cheese.  We have not opened up any new markets for our farmers in the last four years.  Farmers are also concerned that they may become the target of retaliation if we use tariffs to pressure other countries to change their ways.  How will you support the interests of America’s farmers and ranchers once you’re confirmed as our nation’s chief trade negotiator?

    Greer:

    . . . In my view, American agricultural producers are the most competitive in the world, and they need to have markets commensurate with that competitiveness.  To me, that means that we need to go and gain market access where things have been closed until now.  For many decades, we have had a trading system where the United States opens its market over and over again, and others do not.  In India, for example, their average bound tariff rate on agricultural products is 39 percent; in Turkey, it’s 39.8 percent.  These are markets where they need to open to the United States, and I think we need to use all the tools at our disposal to do so.

    On digital trade:

    Crapo:

    We lost ground during the last Administration because we turned our back on digital trade rules, including promoting data flows, combating forced technology transfer and promoting nondiscrimination.  A number of jurisdictions, including the European Union and South Korea, utilize that opportunity to advance measures that target U.S. technology companies with special requirements or taxes while accepting their domestic companies or even Chinese companies.  Do you agree that ensuring U.S. technological leadership means that we need to confront these types of measures?

    Greer:

    Yes, Chairman, I strongly believe that we need to do that.  Again, this is an area where the United States is very competitive, and I understand that we are having a domestic conversation about how to regulate digital trade and technology companies, etc.  My view is that is where the conversation should be happening.  We should not be outsourcing our regulation to the European Union or Brazil or anyone else, and they can’t discriminate against us and won’t it be tolerated.

    On Congressional oversight:

    Crapo:

    The law states that the USTR reports directly to the President and Congress, though my colleagues and I may disagree on policy, occasionally, we are united in defending this Committee’s jurisdiction.  If confirmed, do you commit to provide timely and thorough briefings on trade negotiations and to share proposals with this Committee in advance of sharing them with foreign governments?

    Greer:

    Chairman Crapo, we certainly expect to follow the law to the T with respect to consultations with Congress.  I agree with you exactly that the statute directs me to report directly to the President and to you, and that includes all of these consultation requirements, including before we approach foreign governments with serious offers that we need to come to you and talk about it so we can be on the same page.

    Crapo:

    Thank you, and will you also keep us apprised and consider our input with respect to USTR led investigations and reports in the January 20th America First Trade Policy Memorandum?

    Greer: Yes. 

    On reporting trade barriers:

    Crapo:

    Finally, with regard to trade reporting on trade barriers.  By law, the USTR is required to issue an annual report called the National Trade Estimate that identifies foreign barriers of U.S. exports of goods and service or services.  The last Administration decided it would not list a barrier if the Administration agreed with the foreign government’s ideology for enacting the barrier in the first place.  If confirmed, this year’s National Trade Estimate may be one of the very first things you review.  Do you agree that the USTR report should, as statutorily required, identify the full range of discriminatory barriers to U.S. trade, regardless of what agenda or excuse our trading partners may offer?

    Greer:

    I agree with that, Chairman.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Crapo Reintroduces Hearing Protection Act

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Idaho Mike Crapo

    Washington, D.C.–U.S. Senator Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) led a group of 28 additional Senate colleagues in reintroducing S. 364, the Hearing Protection Act (HPA).  The HPA would reclassify suppressors to regulate them like a regular firearm.

    “Federal red tape continues to follow the false Hollywood narrative that suppressors are silent, and ignores the reality that they serve a genuine purpose in protecting the hearing of law-abiding American citizens exercising their Second Amendment rights,” said Senator Crapo.  “It is past time Congress removes the burdensome barriers to accessing this equipment for the safety of Idaho’s hunters and sportsmen.”

    Suppressors are currently subject to additional regulatory burdens under the National Firearms Act (NFA).  The HPA would remove suppressors from regulation under the NFA and replace the burdensome federal transfer process with an instantaneous National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) background check.  This would make the purchasing and transfer process for suppressors equal to the process for a rifle or shotgun.  Also, the HPA would put more funding into state wildlife conservation agencies by taxing suppressors under the Pittman-Robertson Act instead of the NFA. 

    Original co-sponsors of the HPA include Senators Jim Risch (R-Idaho), Bill Cassidy (R-Louisiana), Markwayne Mullin (R-Oklahoma), Rick Scott (R-Florida), Roger Marshall (R-Kansas), Kevin Cramer (R-North Dakota), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tennessee), John Boozman (R-Arkansas), Jim Justice (R-West Virginia), Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina), Mike Rounds (R-North Dakota), Tim Sheehy (R-Montana), Pete Ricketts (R-Nebraska), Thom Tillis (R-North Carolina), Mike Lee (R-Utah), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Mississippi), Deb Fischer (R-Nebraska), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyoming), John Kennedy (R-Louisiana), Jerry Moran (R-Kansas), Steve Daines (R-Montana), Roger Wicker (R-Mississippi), Ted Budd (R-North Carolina), John Hoeven (R-North Dakota), Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas), Josh Hawley (R-Missouri) and Ron Johnson (R-Wisconsin).

    “Silencers and suppressors are non-lethal firearm accessories used by law abiding gun owners across America, and excessive federal regulation is a backdoor attack on the Second Amendment,” said Senator Lee.  “This bill will allow more Americans to protect their hearing and make it easier to exercise their Constitutional rights to keep and bear arms.”

    “Law-abiding Americans across the country use suppressors to protect their hearing during outdoor recreation activities, especially Nebraska’s hunters and sportsmen,” said Senator Fischer.  “The Hearing Protection Act will free us from overly burdensome regulations that infringe on our Second Amendment rights.”

    “Obstructing law-abiding Montanans’ right to use firearm suppressors threatens their health and freedoms,” said Senator Daines.  “We must cut these unnecessary regulations and protect Americans’ Second Amendment rights.”

    “Federal rules and regulations for suppressors don’t make sense and infringe upon the Second Amendment rights for law-abiding gun owners,” said Senator Hyde-Smith.  “The current regulations are overly restrictive, and as a result, too many hunters and their companions are being hurt.  The Hearing Protection Act would bring common sense to how suppressors are regulated, helping hunters and sport shooters in Mississippi and across the country avoid permanent hearing damage.”

    “Big government shouldn’t stand in the way of protecting lawful gun owners’ hearing,” said Senator Kennedy.  “I’m proud to help introduce this bill to make it easier for Louisianians and all Americans to practice their Second Amendment rights safely,” said Kennedy.”

    “Increasing access to hearing protection for sportsmen and hunters is common sense,” said Senator Boozman.  “Law-abiding, responsible gun owners should not have to fight burdensome regulations to enjoy their hobbies safely and with the accessories that can protect their hearing. I am proud to join my colleagues to update unreasonable limitations on suppressors and stand with shooting sports enthusiasts.”

    “Every law-abiding American must have the freedom to protect their hearing while exercising their Second Amendment rights,” said Senator Mullin. “Our bill removes suppressors from the National Firearms Act to cut wait times and stop the government from imposing a tax on Americans trying to protect themselves from hearing damage. The Second Amendment is crystal clear. I will do everything in my power to protect lawful gun ownership and eliminate unnecessary bureaucratic obstacles that infringe on our God-given rights.”

    “The Second Amendment is one of our most important freedoms, and law-abiding Tennesseans should not have to face unnecessary regulations to use their firearms safely without damaging their hearing,” said Senator Blackburn.  “This legislation would improve access to hearing protection equipment for recreational gun users, and I am pleased to join Senator Crapo in introducing this critical bill.”

    “Hunters and recreational shooters rely on suppressors to help protect their hearing while using firearms,” said Senator Moran.  “This legislation modernizes the process for purchasing suppressors by requiring the same background checks as for firearms, while ensuring that hunters, sportsmen and recreational shooters can legally obtain noise suppressors to help make their sport safer.”

    “Americans have a constitutionally guaranteed right to bear arms, and law-abiding citizens should have access to hearing protection equipment like suppressors, which are proven tools for reducing noise and preventing hearing loss,” said Senator Cramer.  “By removing unnecessary government red tape, this bill protects the rights and well-being of gun owners in North Dakota and across the country.”  

    “Burdensome regulations on firearm suppressors are doing more harm than good to sportsmen and women,” said Senator Cotton.  “Our legislation will ensure law-abiding gun owners can easily access hearing protection without having to navigate bureaucratic red tape or exorbitant taxes.”

    “The Hearing Protection Act is a commonsense bill that removes burdensome federal regulations for a firearm accessory that improves firearm safety for hunters and recreational sport shooters,” said Senator Rick Scott.  “I’m proud to protect Americans’ Second Amendment rights and work with my colleagues to pass this bill.”

    “I support the Second Amendment and the rights of law-abiding gun owners, and we should remove unnecessary barriers to safety devices that make recreational shooting safer,” said Senator Johnson.

    “Suppressors offer vital hearing protection for individuals who are hunting and target shooting,” said Senator Hoeven.  “Our legislation cuts red tape and helps responsible gun owners better access this tool to protect their hearing.”

    The Hearing Protection Act is supported by the Academy of Doctors of Audiology, National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF), the American Suppressor Association (ASA), Gun Owners of America (GOA) and the National Rifle Association (NRA).

    “The Hearing Protection Act will increase access to important hearing protection for millions of Americans,” said Amyn Amlani, Ph.D., President of the Academy of Doctors of Audiology.  “While the use of conventional hearing protection tools, such as earplugs and earmuffs are fundamental for preventing noise induced hearing loss in firearm users, conventional hearing protection alone does not always offer adequate protection from noise exposure.  Firearm noise suppressors can be an effective supplement to traditional hearing protection.”

    “Senator Mike Crapo’s Hearing Protection Act will have the federal government recognize firearm suppressors as accessories to a firearm that make recreational shooting and hunting a safer experience,” said Lawrence G. Keane, NSSF Senior Vice President and General Counsel. “These safety devices reduce the report of a firearm to a level that won’t cause instant and permanent hearing damage.  Despite Hollywood’s depictions, they do not silence the sound of a firearm.  The focus should be on removing barriers to safe and responsible use of firearms and dedicating resources to ensuring firearms are safeguarded from those who should never possess them.  Strict regulatory control of firearm accessories, and the parts of those accessories that have no bearing on the function of a firearm, is unnecessary and not the wisest use of federal resources.  NSSF thanks Senator Crapo for his leadership for ensuring safe and responsible use of firearms and dedicating necessary resources where they are most needed.”

    “We are grateful to Senator Crapo for standing behind the millions of law-abiding gun owners with his reintroduction of the Hearing Protection Act,” said Knox Williams, President and Executive Director of the American Suppressor Association.  “It’s absurd that our unrestrained federal bureaucracy requires Americans to jump through hoops to buy simple hearing protection devices.  Momentum continues to grow for common sense reforms that would end the stranglehold of government on the rights of her people.  We look forward to working with Senator Crapo and his colleagues to ensure our Second Amendment rights remain a priority.”

    “Gun owners around the world are using suppressors to reduce the impact of noise and hearing loss while using their firearms.  Even in countries with the strictest firearms laws, suppressors are often unregulated products that anyone can buy over the counter.  However, outdated federal law makes it difficult for Americans to access these useful safety devices,” said John Commerford, Executive Director of the NRA Institute for Legislative Action.  “On behalf of our millions of members, the NRA thanks Senator Mike Crapo for introducing this important legislation to roll back the bureaucratic red tape on suppressor ownership in the United States.”

    Full bill text is available here.

    Background:

    On average, suppressors diminish the noise of a gunshot by 20-35 decibels, roughly the same sound reduction provided by earplugs or earmuffs.  The most effective suppressors on the market can only reduce the peak sound level of a gunshot to around 110-120 decibels, which is roughly equivalent to a jackhammer.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Hickenlooper, Padilla, Sheehy, Daines Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Create National Wildfire Intelligence Center

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Colorado John Hickenlooper

    Interagency office would improve our wildfire responses, increase collaboration between federal agencies

    WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senators John Hickenlooper, Alex Padilla, Tim Sheehy, and Steve Daines introduced their bipartisan Wildfire Intelligence Collaboration and Coordination Act of 2025 to improve how the federal government works together to respond to wildfires and handle wildfire recovery.

    “Wildfires don’t care about state lines or forest service boundaries,” said Hickenlooper. “A centralized wildfire intelligence center will speed our response to fires and promote cross-agency collaboration to tackle them.”

    At the federal level, various departments and agencies have their own fire management goals, firefighters, and jurisdictions that determine how they respond to fires. The current division of responsibilities is unnecessarily burdensome and leaves gaps for cross-department collaboration. A national Wildfire Intelligence Center would compile comprehensive information on wildfires to better inform and streamline wildfire responses and recovery by providing states with a central command within the federal government. The center would also enhance monitoring and imaging capabilities beyond what land management agencies can currently achieve.

    This center would be modeled after similar information sharing centers like the National Weather Service and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Water Center, which coordinate information sharing to educate people, improve understanding, and foster collaboration among various federal, state, and academic units.

    Specifically, the Wildfire Intelligence Center would:

    • Establish a Wildfire Intelligence Center between the Departments of Agriculture, Commerce, and Department of the Interior to study, plan, coordinate, and implement the federal wildfire response
    • Provide comprehensive assessment and modeling of wildfires to inform responses, land and fuels management, risk reduction, post-wildfire recovery, and rehabilitation
    • Improve emergency planning with enhanced evacuation plans, power shutoff strategies, and fire response tactics
    • Facilitate coordination and information sharing between departments and state, local, and tribal jurisdictions
    • Leverage cutting-edge technologies for wildfire mitigation and response

    “The devastating Southern California fires are the latest example of increasingly intense and frequent fires ravaging communities within both local jurisdictions and on federal land,” said Padilla. “Wildfires don’t distinguish between our boundaries, and we can’t afford to be siloed in our response. The scale of the wildfire crisis demands a singular, whole-of-government wildfire intelligence center to foster cross-agency collaboration and save lives.”

    “We can all agree that the federal government must do a better job protecting our people, property, public lands, and communities from wildfires, and this bill will go a long way in streamlining our wildland firefighting efforts and best leveraging all available resources to accomplish our shared mission. As the only aerial firefighter in the Senate, I’m proud to be working with folks on both sides of the aisle to deliver commonsense solutions to more effectively fight the devastating threat of wildfires and protect the American people,” said Sheehy.

    “As fire season rapidly approaches for Montana, we need all hands on deck to prevent catastrophic disasters. Sharing information and resources between agencies will undoubtedly help Montana communities take preventive measures and better combat fires and coordinate response efforts,” said Daines.

    “The Wildfire Intelligence Center established by this bill will harness cutting-edge technology to give decision-makers real-time insights across jurisdictions and landscapes, enhancing coordination at every stage of a fire. The tools to tackle the megafire crisis already exist — this bill brings us closer to putting them in the hands of firefighters and land managers where they can make a real impact,” said Matt Weiner, CEO of Megafire Action. “Senators Padilla and Sheehy understand the urgent need to modernize our wildfire management system, and we look forward to working with them to get this bill signed into law and turn that vision into reality.”

    “FAS applauds Senators Padilla and Sheehy for introducing this bill, which would take a crucial step forward in protecting our communities from increasingly severe wildfires. The Wildfire Intelligence Center would bring together expertise at all levels of government to give our firefighters and first responders access to cutting-edge tools and the decision support they need to confront this growing crisis,” said James Campbell, Wildfire Policy Specialist at the Federation of American Scientists.

    “APCIA supports the Wildfire Intelligence Collaboration and Coordination Act introduced by Senator Padilla (D-CA) and Senator Sheehy (R-MT). This bill reflects the bipartisan recommendations of the Wildland Fire Mitigation and Management Commission to create a joint interagency center to improve fire assessment and prediction in the wildland and built environment. With the risk of catastrophic wildfires increasing, Congress must take action to pass bills like this one that will lead to better land and fuels management, reduce risk to communities, and improve fire management and response,” said David A. Sampson, APCIA’s President and CEO.

    The Wildfire Intelligence Collaboration and Coordination Act is endorsed by Megafire Action, Federation of American Scientists, Association of FireTech Innovation, Alliance for Wildfire Resilience, Climate and Wildfire Institute, Rural Voices for Conservation Coalition, The Stewardship Project, Tall Timbers, Grassroots Wildland Firefighters, American Forests, Environmental Defense Fund, and American Property Casualty Insurance Association.

    Full text of the bill is available HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Barrasso: USTR Nominee Greer Will Open New Markets for Wyoming Ag, Energy and Mining

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Wyoming John Barrasso

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) discussed opening up new markets for Wyoming industries, specifically mining, energy production and agriculture, with Jamieson Greer, President Donald J. Trump’s nominee to be the United States Trade Representative.

    Senator Barrasso and Mr. Greer also discussed how the Trump administration will protect American energy producers from Mexico’s violations of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement.

    Mr. Greer’s confirmation hearing was held today by the Senate Committee on Finance.

    On Opening Up New Markets for Wyoming Producers:

    “Mr. Greer, thanks so much for being here, and thanks so much for taking the time to visit in my office.

    “As U.S. Trade Rep, you’re going to be the tip of the sphere in advancing President Trump’s pro-growth and pro-worker trade agenda. You’re going to be working to open up new markets for our nation, for our producers, including for Wyoming mining, Wyoming energy production, and for our farmers and ranchers. You’ll also be protecting America’s interests and fighting back against abusive trade practices from foreign adversaries that undermine U.S. industries and our critical supply chains.

    “You have a big task in front of you, as we discussed. We’re all counting on you. I have no doubt that, given your experience serving President Trump as Chief of Staff to the U.S. Trade Rep during his first term, that you’re ready and you’re equipped to lead the charge on behalf of the nation’s trade agenda for his second term.

    “In regard to market access, I know we all talk a lot about market access today. We also talked about market access when we met in my office.

    “I mentioned to you the importance of opening up new opportunities for the industries from my home state of Wyoming. We talked about how opening up markets in Japan for U.S. beef, that was a big win for Wyoming ranchers. I told you about how Wyoming is an energy powerhouse and the nation’s energy breadbasket. Wyoming also plays a major part in the world, providing abundant affordable energy to our allies around the world.

    “We also have huge mineral deposits in Wyoming – a mineral called trona – which is refined into soda ash, a basic chemical building block used in manufacturing lots and lots of products, including glass, detergent, pharmaceuticals.

    “Whether it’s oil, natural gas, coal, critical minerals, and agriculture. Wyoming’s economy, the U.S. economy is going to greatly benefit as we export resources to new markets.

    “As U.S. Trade Rep, what types of emphasis are you going to place on opening up new markets for U.S. exporters and certainly for Wyoming producers?”

    Follow Up:

    “Could you add to that in terms of how you would do it differently than what we saw the last four years under the Biden administration? I thought they fell way short in opening access to new markets.”

    Click here to watch Sen. Barrasso’s remarks.

    On Protecting American Energy Producers from Hostile Mexico:

    “I want to talk about Mexico and USMCA commitments. So Mexico has repeatedly violated the historic United States-Mexico-Canada agreement. They were ruled by a dispute panel to be in violation of USMCA with respect to U.S. corn. Mexico has taken hostile actions towards seizing assets of U.S. companies.

    “An issue that I’ve weighed in on over the years has been Mexico’s hostility toward U.S. energy companies. Mexico’s previous president discriminated against U.S. energy producers, favoring the state-owned utilities and oil and gas companies.

    “The Biden administration, I think, fell well short of fully protecting U.S. energy producers. And Biden’s U.S. Trade Rep failed tremendously to make any meaningful progress. That’s left great uncertainty, jeopardized lots and lots of money in U.S. investment.

    “I’d like to enter into the record a bicameral letter that I led on the need to address this matter.

    “And so, the question is going forward under the Trump administration and with Mexico’s new president, who is now in office, how important is it going to be for you, as U.S. Trade Rep, to help protect U.S. energy companies and their investments.”

    Click here to watch Sen. Barrasso’s remarks.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Barrasso: Pace of Cabinet Confirmations Matches Urgency of the Moment

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Wyoming John Barrasso

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Senate Majority Whip, today spoke on the Senate Floor to tout how Republicans are moving quickly to confirm President Donald J. Trump’s cabinet.

    With tonight’s confirmation of Office of Management and Budget Director Russ Vought, the Republican-led Senate will have confirmed 13 cabinet officials in 18 days. In comparison, President Joe Biden had only 6 cabinet officials confirmed.

    Click HERE to watch Senator Barrasso’s remarks.

    Sen. Barrasso’s remarks as prepared:

    “Democrats last night filibustered another one of President Trump’s well-qualified nominees.

    “I sat in the presiding officer’s chair during the wee hours of the night listening to concerns by the Democrats.

    “The Democrats continue to want to slow things down. Republicans are not going to allow it to happen.

    “Republicans are pushing through their blockade.

    “Tonight, we will confirm the 13th member of President Trump’s cabinet.

    “We are confirming the cabinet twice as fast as Democrats confirmed President Biden’s cabinet in 2021.

    “This week, we will have confirmed 5 cabinet members in 4 days.

    “Tonight’s confirmation is for Russ Vought.

    “He will be the Director of the Office of Management and Budget.

    “President Trump deserves to have his nominees in place swiftly.

    “Our pace has matched the urgency of the moment.

    “We will push forward and move deliberately to confirm more nominees.

    “That includes Robert Kennedy Jr to be the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services. It also includes Tulsi Gabbard to be the Director of National Intelligence.

    “When necessary, we are voting late into the night, early in the morning, and on the weekend. That’s exactly what Republicans said we would do.

    “We are moving with a speed and commitment that we said because we know the president has a strong and active and bold agenda, and we’re part of it, and he needs his team in place and able to accomplish it.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Barrasso: Our Support for Israel is Unwavering, Unbreakable, and Unequivocal

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Wyoming John Barrasso

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Senate Majority Whip, today spoke on the Senate Floor about the path forward for peace and prosperity in the Middle East.

    Senator Barrasso’s remarks come after he met earlier today with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

    Click HERE to watch Senator Barrasso’s remarks.

    Sen. Barrasso’s remarks as prepared:

    “I just met with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel.

    “Our meeting comes on the heels of incredibly good news for everyone.

    “Hostages are coming home.

    “Earlier this week, Keith Siegel – an American hostage – was released.

    “Keith is a 65-year-old American citizen. He currently lives in Israel. He is a father and a grandfather.

    “On October 7, 2023, he was abducted by Hamas and taken to their underground tunnels. His wife was also taken hostage.

    “He was held prisoner by terrorists for 484 days. The conditions were hellish.

    “Keith is finally free – reunited with his family and recovering in a hospital.

    “I look forward to more of these moments. They are the result of bold actions by President Donald Trump.

    “As Prime Minister Netanyahu said this week, President Trump is the ‘greatest friend Israel has ever had in the White House.’

    “We celebrate this good news. We are also keeping an eye on alarming news. That news is the rise of anti-Semitism around the world.

    “A prime example is the International Criminal Court. This is a kangaroo court.

    “Last year, it issued arrest warrants for Israeli officials. One of those officials is Prime Minister Netanyahu.

    “The charges are bogus.

    “The Senate had an opportunity last week to fight back. Senator Tom Cotton of Arkansas introduced a bipartisan bill to impose severe sanctions on the ICC.

    “The House of Representatives passed that same bill last month. The vote was bipartisan.

    “Passing this bill in the Senate would have sent a strong message that America stands with Israel. That we won’t let our ally stand alone.

    “Democrats in the Senate filibustered it.

    “45 Democrat Senators voted to abandon our closest ally.

    “Two Democrat Senators voted for this same bill last year in the House.

    “Yet when given the opportunity last week to support Israel in the Senate, they voted no.

    “Democrats’ filibuster is the reason why the ICC is not facing crippling sanctions.

    “This very topic came up in our discussion with the Prime Minister of Israel.

    “We did point out the fact that the ICC is a kangaroo court, who refuses to point out the difference between right and wrong.

    “The vote of the Democrats to block this bill in the United States Senate was an affront to the people of Israel.

    “The Prime Minister specifically asked the Democrats to get this passed, to support this legislation.

    “It has united support by the Republicans and bipartisan support in the House.

    “It was held up in this body by a near unanimous vote of the Democrats to stop this legislation in its tracks and allow the so-called International Criminal Court to continue with their lack of justice.

    “So where do we go from here? What is the path forward for peace and prosperity in the Middle East?

    “This is what Prime Minister Netanyahu and I spoke about.

    “First, peace and prosperity in the Middle East begins with American support for Israel.

    “President Trump and Republicans in Congress stand with Israel. Our support is unwavering, unbreakable, and unequivocal.

    “Second, the biggest barrier to peace and prosperity in the Middle East is Iran.

    “As the largest state sponsor of terror in the world, Iran controls a vast, violent network of proxies. These Iranian terror proxies include Hamas, Hezbollah in Lebanon, and the Houthis in Yemen.

    “Iran funds its terror proxies by selling oil to Communist China.

    “Last year alone, the Iranian regime’s oil sales to China averaged 1.5 million barrels each and every day.

    “To break Iran’s chokehold on the Middle East, America must bring back Maximum Pressure.

    “President Trump is tough on Iran.

    “During his first administration, he imposed crippling sanctions and enforcement measures. It brought Iran to its knees.

    “He is back in the White House. So is his successful Maximum Pressure campaign.

    “This week, he restored sanctions on Iran. This comes after he relabeled the Houthis as a foreign terrorist organization.

    “It is a strong start. We must do more.

    “In the Senate, stopping Iranian terror is a priority for this Republican majority.

    “Third, deterring Iran means restoring peace through strength.

    “Republicans are supporting our military. We are ready to make key investments that make our military the most lethal, most powerful force in the world.

    “Under Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, we are already seeing morale return and recruiting numbers rise.

    “We are also working to bring back American energy dominance.

    “Energy is America’s most critical national security asset. We are an energy superpower with enormous natural resources.

    “Under this administration and this majority, we will unleash American energy.

    “A stronger America makes our allies stronger and the world safer. Strength deters our enemies. We will work with Israel every step of the way.

    “Together, America and Israel will bring a new era of peace and prosperity to the Middle East.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Barrasso, Bennet Introduce Bill to Keep Ski Fees Local

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Wyoming John Barrasso

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) and Michael Bennet (D-Colo.) introduced the Ski Hill Resources for Economic Development (SHRED) Act. This bipartisan legislation will allow local National Forests to retain a portion of annual fees paid by ski areas operating on Forest Service lands.

    In exchange for using some of America’s most stunning forestlands, the 124 ski areas operating on Forest Service lands across the country pay fees to the Forest Service that average over $40 million annually. The SHRED Act would establish a framework for local National Forests to retain a portion of ski fees to offset increased recreational use and support local ski permit and program administration. The SHRED Act also provides the Forest Service with the flexibility to direct resources where they are needed the most.

    “Skiing plays an important role in Wyoming’s economy. Wyoming communities and ski areas deserve to reap the benefits of the money earned through ski fees,” said Senator Barrasso. “This money can be used for critical projects like facility and trailhead improvements. It can also be used to limit the impact of wildfires across Wyoming. This bill is a win for skiers, local economies, and the health of our national forests. Keeping ski area fees local will ensure we keep Washington out of the West.”

    “Colorado’s outdoor recreation economy depends on the strong partnership between ski areas, the U.S. Forest Service, and our mountain towns,” said Senator Bennet. “The SHRED Act will support Colorado’s iconic mountain communities and National Forests in maintaining their landscapes for millions of visitors each year. This bill has strong bipartisan support on the ground and in the House and the Senate. Congress should pass this legislation swiftly to support our ski areas and public land recreation management.”

    Co-sponsors of this legislation include U.S. Senators Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.), Jim Risch (R-Idaho), John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), Tim Sheehy (R-Mont.), and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.).

    This legislation was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives by Reps. Blake Moore (R-Utah) and Joe Neguse (D-Colo.).

    “Utah is known for having the Greatest Snow on Earth, and skiing is a critical component of our local economy. Our local government knows how to responsibly steward our resources, and the SHRED Act will help us do just that. By allowing the annual fees paid by ski areas to be used for maintenance and improvements, we can ensure these funds directly benefit Utah and other western states,” said Rep. Moore.

    This legislation is supported by the National Ski Area Association and its 124-member ski areas operating on public lands, Outdoor Recreation Roundtable, Colorado Association of Ski Towns, America Outdoors Association, Vail Resorts, and Jackson Hole Mountain Resort.

    “Ski areas across the country appreciate the leadership of Senator Barrasso and Senator Bennet and their unwavering support for outdoor recreation. Retaining ski area permit fees and reinvesting them locally to help the Forest Service keep pace with public recreation demand is key to boosting the agency’s capacity, improving visitor services and expanding access to our nation’s forests for all Americans.” – Michael Reitzell, President & CEO, National Ski Areas Association

    Full text of the legislation can be found here.

    Background:

    The SHRED Act would:

    • Keep Ski Fees Local: By establishing a Ski Area Fee Retention Account to retain the fees that ski areas pay to the Forest Service. For National Forests that generate ski fees, 80 percent of those fees are available for authorized uses at the local National Forest. The remaining 20 percent of those fees would be available to assist any National Forests with winter or broad recreation needs.
    • Support Winter Recreation: In each forest, 75 percent of the retained funds are directly available to support the Forest Service Ski Area Program and permitting needs, process proposals for ski area improvement projects, provide information for visitors and prepare for wildfire. Any excess funds can be directed to other National Forests with winter or broad recreation needs.
    • Address Broad Recreation Needs: In each forest, 25 percent of the retained funds are available to support a broad set of year-round local recreation management and community needs, including special use permit administration, visitor services, trailhead improvements, facility maintenance, search and rescue activities, avalanche information and education, habitat restoration at recreation sites and affordable workforce housing. This set-aside would dramatically increase some Forest Service unit’s budgets to meet the growing visitation and demand for outdoor recreation.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Chairman Mast Issues Statement in Response to President Trump’s Executive Order Sanctioning the ICC

    Source: US House Committee on Foreign Affairs

    Media Contact 202-226-8467

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Brian Mast issued the following statement after President Trump signed an executive order sanctioning the International Criminal Court.

    “Thank you, President Trump, for standing with Israel despite Senate Democrats’ decision to side with terrorists and the globalist bureaucrats in the ICC. The ICC is fighting Israel who is fighting to bring American hostages home.”

    Chairman Mast and Rep. Chip Roy introduced legislation to sanction the International Criminal Court for its unwarranted targeting of Israel. The House passed H.R. 23, the illegitimate Court Counteraction Act, less than a week into the 119th Congress.

    The bill proposed sanctions against any individual working to investigate, arrest, detain, or prosecute American citizens or an official from an allied U.S. country, including Israel. 

    Democrats blocked final passage of the bill in the Senate.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Attorney General Bonta and Coalition of 13 Attorneys General Release Statement on DOGE Access to Sensitive Personal Information

    Source: US State of California Department of Justice

    Thursday, February 6, 2025

    Contact: (916) 210-6000, agpressoffice@doj.ca.gov

    OAKLAND — California Attorney General Rob Bonta today joined a coalition of 13 attorneys general in releasing the following statement in response to the U.S. Department of the Treasury granting Elon Musk and his so-called “Department of Government Efficiency” (DOGE) staffers access to sensitive payment systems containing Americans’ personally identifiable information:

    “In the past week, the U.S. Department of the Treasury has given Elon Musk access to Americans’ personal private information, state bank account data, and other information that is some of our country’s most sensitive data.

    “As the richest man in the world, Elon Musk is not used to being told ‘no,’ but in our country, no one is above the law. The President does not have the power to give away our private information to anyone he chooses, and he cannot cut federal payments approved by Congress. 

    “This level of access for unauthorized individuals is unlawful, unprecedented, and unacceptable. DOGE has no authority to access this information, which they explicitly sought in order to block critical payments that millions of Americans rely on – payments that support health care, childcare, and other essential programs. 

    “In defense of our Constitution, our right to privacy, and the essential funding that individuals and communities nationwide are counting on, we will be filing a lawsuit to stop this injustice.”

    Joining Attorney General Bonta in releasing this statement are the attorneys general of New York, Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Minnesota, Nevada, Rhode Island, and Vermont. 

    # # #

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICAC Task Force Executes Three Search Warrants in Treasure Valley this Week

    Source: US State of Idaho

    [BOISE] – Attorney General Raúl Labrador has announced investigators with his Idaho Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force served three residential search warrants this past week in the Treasure Valley.
    On Wednesday February 5th, 2025, Jacob Taylor (43) of Caldwell, was arrested for two (2) counts of possession of child sexual exploitation material. The Idaho State Police was the primary agency to assist the Idaho ICAC Task Force along with support from Canyon County Sheriff’s Office, Nampa Police Department, Homeland Security Investigations (HIS), and the Caldwell Police Department.
    On Thursday February 6th, 2025, the Idaho ICAC Task Force Timothy Woods (52) from Boise for (1) count of possession of child sexual exploitation material after a search warrant was served at his residence. The Idaho ICAC Task Force was assisted by the Boise Police Department.
    “Our growing network of partnerships and agencies across the state is showing that, together, we are making a difference in protecting children,” said Attorney General Labrador.  “We are holding these predators accountable for their crimes and removing them from our communities.”
    Information regarding the third search warrant served on Tuesday February 4th is forthcoming with charges still pending.
    Anyone with information regarding the exploitation of children is encouraged to contact local police, the Attorney General’s ICAC Unit at 208-947-8700, or the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children at 1-800-843-5678.
    The Attorney General’s ICAC Unit works with the Idaho ICAC Task Force, a coalition of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, to investigate and prosecute individuals who use the internet to criminally exploit children.
    Parents, educators, and law enforcement officials can find more information and helpful resources at the ICAC website, ICACIdaho.org.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Attorney General Labrador Joins Coalition Probing Activity Regarding Chinese Investments

    Source: US State of Idaho

    [BOISE] – Attorney General Raúl Labrador joined a coalition of 17 attorneys general in demanding answers from the world’s top asset managers to determine if they are misrepresenting and omitting essential disclosures regarding Chinese investments.
    In a letter sent Thursday to BlackRock, StateStreet, Invesco, JPMorgan, Goldman Sachs, and Morgan Stanley, the attorneys general raise concerns that the asset managers appear to be misrepresenting and concealing the risks of Chinese investments to their investors. China is a foreign adversary of the United States and BlackRock and other asset managers imply investing in China has similar risks to investing in other countries.
    The misstatements and omissions about investments in China may violate components of the asset managers’ fiduciary duty of care to investigate the facts underlying an investment and implicate state laws on securities and on unfair and deceptive acts and practices.
    “Ignoring facts and misrepresenting risks to investors because of pressure or deception of a foreign adversary is completely unacceptable,” said Attorney General Labrador. “Asset managers have a legal fiduciary responsibility to protect the investments of their clients, including pension funds and retirement accounts for millions of Americans.  We deserve answers for those investors and for the national security of our country.”
    The attorneys general assert that either the asset manager misstatements and omissions are a result from a conflict of interest from the intense pressure China places on firms seeking access to Chinese investors or stem from an inability to investigate the facts accurately, given interference and distortion from the Chinese Communist Party. To aid in potential ongoing investigations, the coalition is demanding the asset managers answer questions regarding their Chinese investments by March 10.
    In addition to concealing the risks associated with investing in a foreign adversary of the U.S., BlackRock also fails to disclose China’s intention to invade Taiwan and when its funds rely on investments that could be ruled illegal at any time by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). Additionally, BlackRock refers to China’s Uyghur forced labor and genocide as “religious and nationalist disputes” rather than call it was it is.
    The CCP is actively suppressing accurate information and has manipulated stocks. Instead of disclosing that information to shareholders, BlackRock implies that the quality of Chinese audits are simply not up to U.S. standards. Further, while China emits more CO2 emissions than the U.S., Europe, and Japan combined and engages in genocide of Uyghurs, BlackRock’s Environment, Social, Governance (ESG) letter grade for its all-China fund is surprisingly the same for its U.S. small-cap stocks fund.
    It appears the asset managers’ involvement with Chinese investments may conflict with their duty of loyalty to their clients, given the CCP’s interference with its markets and companies. For example, BlackRock began aggressively pushing Chinese investments to the world shortly after given permission from the CCP despite the fact China had been designated a foreign adversary by the U.S. only months before. BlackRock’s recommendations have since caused losses for investors and “may have breached BlackRock’s fiduciary duty of loyalty.”
    Attorneys general from Alabama, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Mississippi, Missouri, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Ohio, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wyoming also joined the letter led by Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen.
    Click here to read the letter.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Hochul Convenes Trade Policy Roundtable

    Source: US State of New York

    Today, Governor Kathy Hochul convened a roundtable with business leaders from Western New York to discuss the potential impacts of trade tariffs on New York’s economy and consumers.

    B-ROLL of the Governor convening the roundtable with business leaders can be found on YouTube here and in TV quality (h.264, mp4) format here .

    PHOTOS of the event are available on the Governor’s Flickr page here.

    “I cannot emphasize enough how devastating tariffs would be for New Yorkers: the cost of most goods would spike, businesses would see massive disruption and our economic growth would be put at risk,” Governor Hochul said. “Today in Buffalo, I heard directly from Western New York business leaders about their concerns about tariffs. We all know the cost of living is too damn high — and that’s why New Yorkers can’t afford a backdoor tax disguised as a tariff.”

    Buffalo Niagara Partnership President & CEO Dottie Gallagher said, “Placing a heavy tariff on all imports from our largest trading partner will raise costs and drive inflation on employers and families across the Buffalo Niagara region. Canada has long been our closest trading partner and ally, and its recent $1.3 billion investment in border security proves that Canada remains committed to our mutually beneficial partnership. Our federal leaders must stick to trade policy that encourages growth and investment, and unlocks the power of our cross-border economy. We thank Governor Hochul for bringing employers to the table to understand the impacts tariffs would have on our regional economy.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Australia’s climate in 2024: 2nd warmest and 8th wettest year on record

    Source: Weather Warnings – Australia

    06/02/2025

    The Bureau of Meteorology has released its official record of Australia’s climate, water and notable weather events for 2024.

    The Annual Climate Statement 2024 outlines the climate conditions across Australia in 2024. It includes information on temperature, rainfall, water resources, oceans, atmosphere and notable weather events.

    The report confirms that 2024 was Australia’s second-warmest and eighth-wettest year on record.

    Climatology Specialist Nadine D’Argent said that it was warmer than average throughout the year across most of the country.

    “Nationally, spring was the warmest on record, winter was the second warmest on record and summer 2023–24 was the third warmest on record,” Ms D’Argent said.

    “It was the wettest year since 2011, with overall rainfall 28% above average,” Ms D’Argent said.

    “Tropical cyclones brought heavy rainfall to northern parts of Australia early in the year, where there was major flooding.”

    “While much of northern Australia and some inland areas had above average rainfall, it was much drier than usual in Victoria, parts of South Australia and some parts of the west.”

    These dry conditions and low inflows led to reduced water storage levels in some southern regions, including the Murray–Darling Basin. However, Australia’s total surface water storage volume was just under 73% at the end of 2024, which was similar to the end of the previous year.

    Ms D’Argent said Australia’s climate is influenced by global patterns in the oceans and atmosphere.

    “Sea surface temperatures in the Australian region, as well as globally, were the warmest on record in 2024,” Ms D’Argent said.

    “Warmer oceans can increase the amount of moisture available for rainfall in our weather systems.”

    Globally, 2024 was the warmest year on record and the warming in Australia is consistent with global trends.

    Further information about the impact of long-term climate trends is available in the State of the Climate 2024 released by the Bureau and CSIRO in October 2024.

    Facts at a glance:

    2024 was Australia’s second-warmest year on record. Australia’s warmest year on record was 2019.

    The national annual average temperature was 1.46 °C warmer than the long-term average and the warmest since 2019.

    Annual average temperatures were warmer than average for every state and the Northern Territory.

    Both national average maximum and minimum temperatures for the year were above average. The national average minimum temperature for the year was 1.43 °C warmer than the long-term average, making it the warmest annual minimum on record.

    Australia’s overall average rainfall was 596 mm, which is 28% above average.

    Rainfall across northern Australia was 42% above average, making it the fifth-wettest year on record.

    Rainfall across parts of southern Australia was below average.

    Annual sea surface temperatures for the Australian region were the warmest on record.

    The extent of Antarctic sea-ice, which is the area of ocean covered by sea-ice, was below the 1991–2020 average throughout 2024.

    For the full analysis and report on last year’s temperature, rainfall, water resources, climate influences and more:

    State and territory information

    Queensland

    • Queensland overall had 768 mm of rainfall in 2024, which is 23% above average.
    • Rainfall was above average to very much above average for large parts of Queensland, and below average for small parts of the state’s interior and central coast.
    • The annual average temperature for Queensland was 1.63 °C warmer than the long-term average, making 2024 Queensland’s warmest year on record.

    New South Wales (and the ACT)

    • New South Wales overall had 581 mm of rainfall in 2024, which is 4% above average.
    • Rainfall was above average to very much above average for inland areas of New South Wales, and below average for the south-eastern part of the state.
    • The annual average temperature for New South Wales was 1.55 °C warmer than the long-term average, making 2024 the third-warmest year on record for New South Wales.

    Victoria

    • Victoria overall had 529 mm of rainfall in 2024, which is 20% below average.
    • Rainfall was below average to very much below average for most of Victoria.
    • The annual average temperature for Victoria was 1.08 °C warmer than the long-term average, making 2024 Victoria’s equal fifth-warmest year on record.

    Tasmania

    • Tasmania overall had 1269 mm of rainfall in 2024, which is 6% below average.
    • Rainfall was below average to very much below average for western and southern coastal areas of Tasmania.
    • The annual average temperature for Tasmania was 0.77 °C warmer than the long-term average, making 2024 Tasmania’s equal fifth-warmest year on record.

    South Australia

    • South Australia overall had 218 mm of rainfall in 2024, which is 3% below average.
    • Rainfall was above average to very much above average for western and north-eastern parts of South Australia, but below average to very much below average for southern and south-eastern areas of the state.
    • The annual average temperature for South Australia was 1.60 °C warmer than the long-term average, making 2024 South Australia’s second-warmest year on record. South Australia’s warmest year on record was 2013.

    Western Australia

    • Western Australia overall had 461 mm of rainfall in 2024, which is 35% above average.
    • Rainfall was above average to very much above average for most of Western Australia, but below average to very much below average for parts of coastal south-west and north-west Western Australia.
    • The annual average temperature for Western Australia was 1.57 °C warmer than the long-term average, making 2024 Western Australia’s second-warmest year on record. Western Australia’s warmest year on record was 2019.

    Northern Territory

    • The Northern Territory overall had 898 mm of rainfall in 2024, which is 65% above average.
    • Rainfall was above average to very much above average for most of the Northern Territory.
    • Annual rainfall for the Northern Territory was the fourth highest on record, with the highest recorded being in 1974 with 1007 mm.
    • The annual average temperature for the Northern Territory was 0.95 °C warmer than the long-term average. 2024 was Northern Territory’s equal 11th-warmest year on record.

    [ENDS]

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Local public health services given £200 million boost

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Local communities to receive funding for family and school nurses, sexual health clinics and other public health services.

    • Funds will drive key health services, from smoking cessation to addiction recovery and children’s health  

    • Public Health Grant, which funds health services and other interventions via local authorities, expands to £3.858 billion, an uplift of 5.4%   

    • Part of the government’s Plan for Change to help build an NHS fit for the future.  

    Local communities up and down the country will receive funding for family and school nurses, sexual health clinics and other public health services in their areas, thanks to a nearly £200 million boost in funding announced today (Friday 7 February).  

    As part of government plans to improve health outcomes across the country and build healthier communities, local public health services will be given more money to deliver prevention programmes, tailored to their residents.  

    This investment is a key part of the government’s Plan for Change, shifting the focus from hospital to community and from sickness to prevention to build a more sustainable, fit for future NHS.  

    The funding for public health will power essential services such as smoking cessation programs, addiction recovery, family and school nurses, sexual health clinics, local health protection services and public health support for local NHS services. 

    The boost represents a significant turning point for local health services, marking the biggest real-terms increase after nearly a decade of reduced spending between 2016 and 2024. 

    Minister for Public Health and Prevention, Andrew Gwynne, said:  

    Lord Darzi’s investigation into the NHS found that children are sicker today than a decade ago, and adults are falling into ill-health earlier in life. 

    Prevention is better than cure. If we can reach people earlier and help them stay healthy, this extra investment will pay for itself several times over in reduced demand on the NHS and by keeping people in work.  

    Whether it’s supporting people to quit smoking, giving children a healthy start to life, or providing addiction recovery services, this investment as part of the government’s Plan for Change will make a real difference in communities across the country.   

    After a decade of cuts to public health, this government is committed to shifting the focus of healthcare from sickness to prevention, and we’re putting our money where our mouth is.

    Funding for public health grants will be increased to £3.858 billion – a 5.4% cash uplift (3.0% in real terms) on last year’s funding. This investment will tackle the root causes of ill health, and build stronger, healthier communities nationwide.  

    Helping people live better for longer will aid in relieving pressure on the NHS and support the Plan for Change in ending hospital backlogs.

    Updates to this page

    Published 7 February 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Millions to see faster journeys as government green lights £90 million for 4 essential road schemes across England

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Government is investing in vital schemes to improve journey times in Wiltshire, Leeds, Essex and Buckinghamshire.

    • government gives the green light for 4 transformative road schemes, speeding up journey times for cars and buses, reducing pollution and improving safety 
    • part of the government’s commitment to prioritise value for money road schemes while renewing our national infrastructure
    • £90 million for all 4 schemes, as the government’s Plan for Change delivers better living standards across the country

    Drivers across Wiltshire, Leeds, Essex and Buckinghamshire will see faster journeys thanks to £90 million of government funding to upgrade 4 major road schemes in England.

    The schemes approved today are:

    • A350 Chippenham Bypass phases 4 and 5 in Wiltshire
    • A647 Dawsons Corner and Stanningley Bypass in Leeds
    • South East Aylesbury Link Road (SEALR) in Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire
    • A127/A130 Fairglen Interchange in Essex

    Schemes are expected to significantly speed up journeys, boosting the local economy, as well as improving links between the east and the west. They will also save businesses and road users hundreds of hours off journeys every week and deliver the government’s Plan for Change to improve living standards across the country.

    The A350 Chippenham Bypass, one of the most important routes connecting the South West with the Midlands and South East, is expected to see journey times reduced by up to a quarter, with 2 sections of the road to be dualled and improvements made to the roundabout.

    Local residents will benefit from reduced traffic on more local routes as well as better road safety and better access to jobs in the area. Businesses are expected to save time and money, as goods can travel more freely with improved access to a key part of the UK’s road freight network.

    A total of £90 million for the 4 schemes is being contributed by the government, expected to generate millions more to the UK economy. This is part of the government’s Plan for Change to renew infrastructure and raise living standards across the UK. 

    The government is determined to speed up the delivery of infrastructure across the UK, which includes improving the UK’s road network for economic growth. As well as faster journeys, drivers are also set to benefit from improved road surfaces, thanks to a recently announced record £1.6 billion investment to fill the equivalent of 7 million potholes and repair roads.

    The Future of Roads Minister, Lilian Greenwood, said:

    The UK’s roads are the backbone of a growing economy, which is why we’re giving these vital schemes the go ahead, helping deliver our Plan for Change.

    Economic growth has been stunted for too long, so we’re giving the green light and investing in vital schemes to help people get from A to B more easily however they choose to travel.

    The area around the A647 Dawsons Corner and Stanningley Bypass in Leeds has seen high traffic levels worsen over the years, impacting bus services in particular. The replacement of the roundabout and structural renewal of the bypass is expected to increase the number of bus passengers, speeding up traffic for all modes of road transport.

    Upgrades to the SEALR scheme will reduce air pollution in the town centre, link up new developments in the area and create more walking and cycling options, with a new 1.2 kilometre 2-lane dual carriageway link road. This scheme is also essential in enabling further housing development, which could see up to 1,000 homes added to the local area.

    Drivers in Essex will also see faster journeys, as well as improved safety on the A127/A130 Fairglen Interchange. The scheme will see enhancements to the interchange and surrounding roundabouts, serving thousands of drivers every day. Basildon and Southend town centres are expected to see growth and the scheme will also improve capacity for the route serving London Southend Airport.

    A significant milestone for drivers in Essex, the Future of Roads Minister, Lilian Greenwood has visited the Fairglen Interchange in Essex to mark the approval of the scheme and learn how it will benefit the local economy.

    Michelle Gardner, Deputy Director – Policy, Logistics UK, said:

    80% of UK freight travels on roads at some point on its journey to the end user and an efficient road network is critical to enable business to drive growth across the whole economy. 

    Congestion makes journey planning highly unpredictable which increases business costs through factors such as missed deliveries, unnecessary overtime, increased fuel consumption and inefficient fleet utilisation.

    The schemes given the go-ahead today show how even smaller-scale strategic upgrades can have a dramatic impact across the whole network. Upgrading the national infrastructure in this way makes supply chains more resilient and enables logistics providers to ensure that the right goods are in the right place at the right time – whether that is a factory, office, hospital or doorstep.

    Roads media enquiries

    Media enquiries 0300 7777 878

    Switchboard 0300 330 3000

    Updates to this page

    Published 7 February 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Warm homes and cheaper bills as government accelerates Plan for Change

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Households across the country are set to benefit from cheaper bills and warmer homes as the government accelerates its Plan for Change.

    • Up to half a million households could be lifted out of fuel poverty by 2030 in major boost to standards in the private rental sector
    • Tenants in poor energy performance properties to be hundreds of pounds better off as part of government’s Plan for Change
    • Energy saving measures to be installed in properties to cut the cost of bills and protect the pounds in renters’ pockets

    Families have faced rocketing energy bills as a direct consequence of an overreliance on international gas markets, while at the same time thousands of tenants have been left exposed to cold, draughty homes, pushing bills up even higher.

    The government is now calling time on this inheritance by consulting on bold new plans, which could save private renters £240 per year on average on their energy bills, with all private landlords in England and Wales mandated to meet higher energy performance ratings in their properties by 2030.

    While 48% of private rented homes in England are already Energy Performance Certificate C or above, ministers now want to ensure this good practice is extended to all properties in the sector, making sure landlords are not undercut, while protecting tenants.

    As of 2030 all private landlords will be required to meet a higher standard of Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) C or equivalent in their properties – up from the current level of EPC E.

    This will deliver on the priorities of working people, in line with the Prime Minister’s Plan for Change, by requiring landlords to invest in measures such as loft insulation, cavity wall insulation or double glazing, ensuring homes are warmer and more affordable for tenants.

    Deputy Prime Minister and Housing Secretary Angela Rayner said:

    For far too long we have seen too many tenants plagued by shoddy and poor conditions in their homes and this government is taking swift action to right the wrongs of the past.

    Through our Plan for Change we are driving up housing standards, improving quality of life, and slashing energy bills for working people and families.

    Today is just one of many steps we are taking to deliver on our promise to transform the lives of millions of renters across the country, so families can put down roots and raise their children in secure and healthy homes.

    Energy Secretary Ed Miliband said:

    For years tenants have been abandoned and forgotten as opportunities to deliver warm homes and lower energy bills have been disregarded and ignored.

    As part of our Plan for Change, these new changes could save renters £240 a year by raising the efficiency of homes to cut the cost of bills.

    These plans will also make sure that all private landlords are investing in their properties, building on the good work of many to upgrade their homes to Energy Performance Certificate C or higher already.

    The government is now seeking views from tenants and landlords on the proposals to boost living standards in the private rented sector and cut the cost of energy bills, which include:

    • offering landlords a choice over how to meet energy efficiency standards. This will require them to meet a fabric standard through installing measures such as loft insulation, cavity wall insulation or double glazing, before moving on to a range of other options including batteries, solar panels and smart meters
    • a maximum cap of £15,000 per property for landlords, with support currently available from the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, and Warm Homes: Local Grant which begins delivery this year
    • an affordability exemption, which would lower the cost cap to £10,000 and could be applied based on lower rents or council tax band
    • requiring all landlords to meet the new standard by 2030 at the latest, providing an extra 2 years compared with previous proposals. Homes that are already rated A-C before the introduction of new Energy Performance Certificates would be considered compliant until they expire

    The government is also consulting on a revised fuel poverty strategy, which will focus on improving the energy performance of homes, supporting low-income households with energy affordability and protecting them from high prices.

    Today’s steps mark further progress to deliver the government’s Plan for Change, putting more money in people’s pockets and rebuilding Britain.

    This follows planned reforms to empower Ofgem, the energy regulator, to become a strong consumer champion, upgrading up to 300,000 homes through the Warm Homes Plan this financial year, and driving a new era of clean energy through the Clean Power Action Plan.

    Stakeholder reaction

    Rt Hon Caroline Flint, Chair of the Committee on Fuel Poverty, said:

    Private rented sector tenants have far greater risk of being in fuel poverty particularly in low-cost older homes. The lack of investment by some landlords to end the scandal of cold homes has gone on for too long.

    In the last 5 years the efforts to reduce fuel poverty flatlined. I welcome the focus on improving standards in the private rented sector and the opportunity to reset and re-energise England’s Fuel Poverty Strategy.

    Adam Scorer, Chief Executive of National Energy Action said:

    Alleviating fuel poverty means ensuring everyone can afford to keep their homes warm and healthy. It is about addressing high energy bills and inefficient homes, but it also contributes to other government missions, supporting efforts to reach net zero, preventing ill-health and tackling child poverty. A more vigorous, ambitious approach is very welcome to get back on track to lift millions out of the daily despair of a cold home and unaffordable bills.

    Millions of households are struggling to pay their bills. A disproportionate number of these live in privately rented properties. Working towards stronger energy efficiency standards for landlords is the level of ambition needed to meet legal fuel poverty commitments. The private rented sector includes some of the worst quality housing, lived in by some of the most vulnerable people. We hope that these steps signal an end to fuel poor renters enduring in cold, leaky homes.

    The UK government must now seize the opportunity that this new strategy and regulations bring, fortifying them with new spending to improve the homes of fuel poor households.

    Charles Wood, Deputy Director at Energy UK, said:

    This announcement marks a welcome recommitment from the government to improving energy efficiency standards in rented properties by strengthening Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) requirements. The most affordable energy is the energy we don’t use – yet too many households still lose money and warmth due to inefficient homes. With some of the least energy-efficient housing in Western Europe, there are serious financial and health consequences, particularly for renters who have little control over improving their homes.

    With energy bills remaining high, it’s vital that the government prioritises measures that bring real savings to households and give clarity to the market to ramp up supply chains and training. Boosting energy efficiency is the most effective way to lower energy bills and system costs, and to create warmer, healthier homes for everyone.

    Ben Twomey, Chief Executive at Generation Rent, said:

    One in four private renters live in fuel poverty, the highest rate of any tenure. If we can’t afford to heat our homes properly that makes us vulnerable to ill-health and other problems in the home like damp and mould. Therefore, we encourage renters across the country to respond to this consultation to make sure the benefits of the Warm Homes plan are felt by tenants.

    Madeleine Gabriel, director of sustainable future at Nesta, said:

    Private renters too often face steep energy bills without a clear way to make their home more energy efficient. Private rented properties have worse energy efficiency ratings than both owner-occupied and social rented homes, while private renters are less confident taking energy efficiency measures like turning down boiler flow temperature than homeowners. The government is right to set a clear target for improving energy efficiency in the private rented sector and provide landlords with flexibility to achieve this.

    Stew Horne, Head of policy at Energy Saving Trust, said;

    With energy bills still high, it’s great to see the publication of the much anticipated consultation to get England closer to making the homes of private renters warmer and more affordable to heat.

    With almost a fifth of homes across England being privately rented and around a quarter of these households living in fuel poverty, improving the energy efficiency of these properties is key to supporting a fair transition to a low carbon society. It will also be important to facilitate the changes landlords can make to upgrade private rented homes, including providing access to attractive green finance options.

    We look forward to helping to shape the Warm Homes Plan so it encourages the retrofit of the private rented sector, creating more comfortable homes and lowering bills for renters.

    Notes to editors

    The average cost to landlords of complying with the proposals to upgrade their properties is estimated to be between £6,100 and £6,800 by 2030.

    The consultation on increasing minimum energy efficiency standards in the private rented sector will be available later today.

    The consultation on a new fuel poverty strategy will be available later today.

    Updates to this page

    Published 7 February 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Innovation Fund to provide improved access to digital mental health resources

    Source: New Zealand Government

    Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey is thrilled to announce today that the Mental Health Foundation is the latest recipient of a grant from the Government’s $10 million Mental Health and Addiction Community Sector Innovation Fund.
    “This funding is being matched by the Mental Health Foundation to fully fund Project Wakapuāwai, an initiative that will digitise more mental health resources to allow Kiwis faster access to mental health information and support,” Mr Doocey says.
    “If you are on a farm in Northland or a tiny town in Southern New Zealand, your access to mental health support can be limited. That is not acceptable. We want every Kiwi to know help is close and this goes someway to achieving that.
    “The Mental Health Foundation will now be able to redevelop and future proof its digital platforms to improve the ways they provide crucial information about mental health and wellbeing, suicide prevention, and mental distress for all New Zealanders.
    “We know that access to information and support for many rural and remote communities remains a barrier so alongside telehealth, this is another option for those looking to support themselves or for someone they care about.
    “The Mental Health Foundation has been supporting our communities for nearly 50 years and the knowledge they have built up over time is invaluable. 
    “The contract announced today is the fourth contract to be awarded from the first round of the Mental Health Innovation Fund. Altogether, funding to Youthline, the Sir John Kirwan Foundation, MATES in Construction and the Mental Health Foundation account for more than $2.3 million.
    Further announcements about other successful providers from round one of the fund are expected in the coming months.
    “The Innovation fund is part of the Government’s commitment to investing in grassroots initiatives through non-governmental and community organisations that deliver mental health and addiction support to New Zealanders.
    “We know that community-based organisations like the Mental Health Foundation are already delivering results for Kiwis. It is vital that we enable NGOs to deliver innovative projects and initiatives that increase faster access to better mental health support across New Zealand.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Scientists hit the water for Maaui dolphin population survey

    Source: Department of Conservation

    Date:  07 February 2025

    This research, conducted every five years, uses a proven genetic mark-recapture method to estimate the Maaui dolphin population along the west coast of the North Island. DNA samples will be collected from live, wild dolphins using a small biopsy dart, providing essential information about population size, genetic diversity, and movement patterns.

    “The Maaui dolphin is critically endangered, and every sighting or sample contributes to our understanding of the species and its future survival,” says Cara Hansen, DOC Ranger.

    The most recent abundance estimate, completed in 2021, indicated there were approximately 54 individual Maaui dolphins over the age of one year in the water off the North Island’s west coast (the animals’ known habitat). This new survey will provide an updated estimate to help track changes in the population and inform conservation efforts.

    The survey will be carried out over two summer seasons, in 2025-26 and 2026-27, with field teams operating between the entrance of Kaipara Harbour and the Mokau River in Taranaki. Staff from DOC’s Taranaki, Auckland, and Waikato districts, the Marine Species Team, the University of Auckland, and Ngaati Te Ata will collaborate on this important project.

    The public can also play a role in conservation efforts by reporting any sightings of Maaui dolphins and being aware of the threat that toxoplasmosis has on Maaui dolphins. The dolphins have a distinctive round dorsal fin, often likened to an ear from the cartoon character Mickey Mouse.

    “Real-time reports help our field teams understand where the dolphins are being seen and improve the success of our survey,” says Cara.

    Sightings can be reported through DOC’s hotline at 0800 DOC HOT (0800 362 468) or online Marine mammal sighting form.

    Contact

    For media enquiries contact:

    Email: media@doc.govt.nz

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Investigations – Fire investigators seek help from Roxburgh community after Town Hall fire

    Source: Fire and Emergency New Zealand

    Fire and Emergency New Zealand investigators looking into the cause of the Roxburgh Town Hall fire yesterday are asking for help from the local community.
    Fire investigator John Smalls says that his team is doing everything they can to get a clear picture of the fire’s progress, and people in Roxburgh may be able to help determine how and where the fire started.
    “We really feel for the community, who are clearly devastated by the loss of their historic building,” he says.
    “That’s why we’re doing everything we can to get a clear picture of what was happening to the building before and during yesterday’s fire.
    “If you have any photographs or footage of the Town Hall from 11am onwards yesterday, please send them through to OtagoRiskReduction@fireandemergency.nz.
    “We’re especially looking for any images that show the back and sides of the building.”
    John Smalls says the call went out to the community this morning and the response has already been terrific.
    “We know how much this building means to local people, both for its current use, and as an important link to Roxburgh’s long history.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Volcano Watch — An assembly of volcano scientists to gather in Hilo

    Source: US Geological Survey

    Volcano Watch is a weekly article and activity update written by U.S. Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory scientists and affiliates. Today’s article is by HVO geologist Kendra J. Lynn.

    This cartoon schematic depicts the Kīlauea 2018 lower East Rift Zone eruption and coincident summit collapse. It is the logo for the American Geophysical Union Chapman Meeting on Caldera-Forming Eruptions at Basaltic Volcanoes, to be held in Hilo, Hawaii, from February 9-14, 2025. More info: https://www.agu.org/chapman-basaltic-caldera-forming-eruptions.

    Next week, during February 9-14, volcano scientists from around the world are gathering in Hilo, united by the common goal of understanding caldera-forming eruptions at basaltic volcanoes. 

    The occasion for the assembly is the American Geophysical Union Chapman Conference on Caldera-forming Eruptions at Basaltic Volcanoes: Insights and Puzzles from Kīlauea 2018 and Beyond. The meeting is directly aligned with the U.S. Geological Survey’s Volcano Hazards Program mission—“to enhance public safety and minimize social and economic disruption from volcanic unrest and eruption.”

    Basaltic caldera-forming rift eruptions, like the 2018 eruption of Kīlauea, represent an underappreciated hazard for many global communities, but also a chance to better understand some of Earth’s most active volcanoes. A handful of these eruptions have been documented globally in the last half-century, including at Miyakejima (Japan), Piton de la Fournaise (La Réunion), and Bárðarbunga (Iceland). Kīlauea’s 2018 eruption was its most impactful in centuries, was documented in remarkable detail, and it involved more than one cubic kilometer of basaltic lava flows, a magnitude-6.9 flank earthquake, and a major summit collapse. 

    Observations from Kīlauea and similar eruptions around the globe offer an unprecedented opportunity to understand calderas and associated rift systems and the dynamics of their interplay, but a community-driven synthesis has been lacking, and numerous fundamental scientific questions remain. The experts who will gather on the Island of Hawaiʻi will assess current understanding, share insights, and map out work on critical outstanding issues. Resulting insights should prove valuable when the next large basaltic caldera collapse takes place somewhere on Earth.

    This conference will bring together an interdisciplinary assembly of volcano scientists to contrast observations from historic global caldera-rift eruptions, establish the state-of-the-art understanding, identify important questions, and initiate lasting new research efforts. We will address the causes of these eruptions, the dynamics of basaltic caldera collapses, the interaction between summit calderas and rift zones, the geometry and physical properties of magma storage, and the challenges in forecasting associated hazards. 

    A significant investment in research and monitoring of Hawaii’s volcanoes was made through the Additional Supplemental Appropriations for Disaster Relief Act of 2019 (H.R. 2157), which provided Supplemental funding to USGS for recovery and rebuilding activities in the wake of the 2018 Kīlauea eruption. Results from recent large-scale science experiments at Kīlauea supported by this funding will be shared and discussed at the Chapman. Field trips will give participants an opportunity to visit important sites on the volcano. Finally, teams will be formed to discuss science questions in detail and establish priorities for additional work following the meeting.

    The conference is being organized by U.S. Geological Survey and academic volcano researchers, bringing over 150 scientists together for presentations, discussions, workshops, and field trips. Participants represent 15 countries outside the United States and will include presentations about volcanoes around the world. Roughly 25% of presenters are undergraduate or graduate students, representing a new generation of volcano scientists tackling our field’s biggest challenges. We are very excited that several University of Hawai‘i at Hilo and Mānoa students will be presenting their research at the meeting. Additionally, partners from Hawai‘i County Civil Defense, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, the Hawaiian Volcano Education & Resilience Institute, the Pacific Tsunami Museum, and the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center will participate. 

    During the week of the conference, winning art and haiku submissions from the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (HVO) Volcano Awareness Month competition will be on display. In addition, a public After Dark in the Park presentation by Icleandic Meteorological Office scientist Gro Pederson will summarize the ongoing volcanic crisis on Reykjanes Peninsula, Southwest Iceland on February 6 in the Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Dr. Pederson is a former USGS HVO volunteer, and her presentation will highlight parallels between Hawaiian and Icelandic volcanoes and their hazards to our communities. 

    We look forward to a productive week learning from our colleagues and partners. E komo mai to the assembly of volcanologists that is soon to arrive!

    Volcano Activity Updates

    Kīlauea is not erupting. Its USGS Volcano Alert level is WATCH.

    The summit eruption at Kīlauea volcano that began in Halemaʻumaʻu crater on December 23 continued over the past week, with one eruptive episode. Episode 8 was active from the evening of February 3 until the evening of February 4. Kīlauea summit has been inflating since episode 8 ended. Resumption of eruptive activity is possible between February 8-11 if summit inflation continues at current rate. Sulfur dioxide emission rates are elevated in the summit region during active eruption episodes. No unusual activity has been noted along Kīlauea’s East Rift Zone or Southwest Rift Zone. 

    Mauna Loa is not erupting. Its USGS Volcano Alert Level is at NORMAL.

    No earthquakes were reported felt in the Hawaiian Islands during the past week.

    HVO continues to closely monitor Kīlauea and Mauna Loa.

    Please visit HVO’s website for past Volcano Watch articles, Kīlauea and Mauna Loa updates, volcano photos, maps, recent earthquake information, and more. Email questions to askHVO@usgs.gov.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Sacred Aboriginal site and habitat for threatened species among additions to NSW national parks

    Source: New South Wales Government 2

    Headline: Sacred Aboriginal site and habitat for threatened species among additions to NSW national parks

    This is one of 12 land acquisitions made in 2024 to expand the network of national parks in NSW by just over 36,000 hectares. It makes more of our natural environment available to the public and delivers on the Minns Labor Government’s commitment to turn around biodiversity loss and restore habitats and ecosystems.

    The 31,500-hectare Broughton Vale Station includes the Kukirrka or Burkes Cave, a sacred Aboriginal birthing cave used for more than 2,000 years, and other significant cultural sites containing artworks and engravings.

    The cave and a nearby freshwater spring were also used by Burke and Wills during their 1860 expedition from Melbourne to the Gulf of Carpentaria, and as a Cobb and Co stopover between Broken Hill and Wilcannia.

    At least 70 threatened species have been recorded close to Broughton Vale Station including purple-wood wattle, Barrier Range dragon, pink cockatoo, Stimson’s python and the creeping Darling pea. It also includes vegetation types and landscapes not found in any other national park in NSW. More than half the property supports the Threatened Ecological Community Neila (Acacia loderi) tall shrubland.

    The property adjoins the recently created Langidoon-Medford State Conservation Area. Together these reserves will permanently protect around 92,000 hectares conserving threatened plant and animal species and cultural landscapes.

    NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) will work with Aboriginal communities to ensure the protection of important cultural sites. NPWS will also carry out feral animal and weed control and ensure fire trail access. Future visitor facilities could include a campsite and walking trails.

    In 2024, the NSW Government secured more than 36,000 hectares to expand existing parks, create new ones and protect critical habitats. Six acquisitions directly protect koala habitat, as part of the Minns Labor Government’s action to save koalas from extinction in NSW.

    The national parks estate covers about 10% of NSW and contains a diverse range of landscapes. NSW records more than 53 million domestic visits to national parks a year, plus many more by international travellers.

    Quote attributable to Minister for the Environment, Penny Sharpe:

    “The sacred site on Broughton Vale Station holds significant cultural and spiritual meaning for Aboriginal communities and we have taken action to preserve it for generations to come.

    “Adding this land to the national parks network is an important step forward in environmental and cultural conservation in NSW. It will also greatly enhance ecological, educational, cultural and tourism opportunities in our Far West.

    “The Minns Labor Government is committed to turning around the loss and restoring habitats, ecosystems and biodiversity, and expanding our national parks is one way we are delivering on that commitment.”

    Quote attributable to Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty, David Harris:

    “It cannot be understated how fundamental the preservation of this sacred land is for Traditional Owners and the broader community.

    “The Broughton Vale Station contains sites of enormous cultural significance to the local Aboriginal community and I am proud the Minns Labor Government has taken the steps to ensure this Country will be protected for generations to come.”

    Quote regarding Burkes Cave/Kukirrka, attributable to Barkandji elder, Dot Stephens:

    “We haven’t had access to Burkes Cave in many years and being able to return to the site I helped assess in the early 90s is so important in us being able to look after country.

    “When I was told that the Minister had purchased Burkes Cave, I burst into tears. The site is a spiritual place, a woman’s site, and it connects our country from Mutawintji to the Menindee Lakes and beyond.”

    Quote regarding Burkes Cave/Kukirrka, attributable to Barkandji elder, Feona Bates:

    “It is so important that National Parks purchase places like Broughton Vale as it allows us to look after the place.

    “There are men’s and women’s sites on the property, and we need to protect them.”

    Additional land added to the national park system in 2024:

    Koala habitat:

    • Addition to Guula Ngurra National Park

    589 hectares, 25km northwest of Mittagong, to connect Guula Ngurra National Park to Bangadilly National Park. It is in a stronghold area of a known high priority koala population. It is suitable habitat for 30 locally-threatened species including glossy black cockatoo and southern greater glider.

    • Addition to Nymboi-Binderay National Park

    40 hectares, 45km northwest of Coffs Harbour, which provides habitat for 21 threatened fauna species including koala, rufous bettong, gliders, bats, other mammals and birds.

    • Addition to Khatambuhl National Park

    Two areas totalling 1259 hectares, 50km northwest of Taree, linking Bretti Nature Reserve with Khatambuhl Nature Reserve. It is located in a corridor between three koala Priority Population Areas and 70% of the property contains koala feed trees. The habitat is suitable for more than 20 other threatened species including the Manning River helmeted turtle, southern greater glider, white-flowered wax plant, craven grey box, scrub turpentine and stuttering frog.

    • Addition to Cottan-Bimbang National Park

    Two areas, 398 hectares and 487 hectares, 45km northwest of Wauchope have been added to the national park. The land includes 4km of Ralfes Creek, a major tributary of the Hastings River. It is suitable for 22 threatened species, notably koala, southern greater glider, scrub turpentine, magenta lilly pilly and giant barred frog.

    • Addition to Dangelong Nature Reserve

    784 hectares, 20km southeast of Cooma, featuring high to very high-quality koala habitat in the Kybeyan Range, a Southern Tablelands koala hot spot. It is suitable habitat for 25 other threatened species including gang-gang cockatoo, little eagle, hooded robin, dusky woodswallow, spotted-tailed quoll and pale pomaderris.

    • Addition to Barrington Tops National Park

    867 hectares, 60km northeast of Muswellbrook, featuring koalas and glossy black cockatoos as well as habitat for 22 other threatened fauna species including the specked warbler and Davies tree frog which occurs only above 400m in the region.

    Highland wetlands:

    • Addition to Doodle Comer Swamp Nature Reserve

    41 hectares, 60km south of Wagga Wagga, featuring a wetland of national significance. Doodle Comer Swamp is a Declared Aboriginal Place with cultural significance to the Wiradjuri People. The acquisition protects cultural heritage sites, two threatened ecological communities and seven threatened species including the endangered Australasian bittern and Bush stone-curlew.

    • Addition to Little Llangothlin Nature Reserve

    18 hectares, 39km south of Glen Innes, which protects the remainder of the Ramsar-listed wetland Billy Bung Lagoon and its catchment. It contains four Threatened Ecological Communities.

    Cultural Heritage:

    • Butterfly Cave

    26 hectares at West Wallsend which protects the sacred Butterfly Cave and the surrounding cultural landscape, including vital aquifers, traditional journey paths, creeks, stone arrangements and food source areas.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: $7 million for new health worker accommodation in Wyong

    Source: New South Wales Government 2

    Headline: $7 million for new health worker accommodation in Wyong

    Published: 7 February 2025

    Released by: Minister for the Central Coast, Minister for Regional Health

    The Wyong community is set to benefit from new Key Worker Accommodation which will help attract, recruit and retain more healthcare workers to the region.

    The Minns Labor Government will invest $7 million in health worker housing in Wyong as part of the Key Health Worker Accommodation program.

    The $200.1 million program supports more than 20 projects across rural, regional and remote NSW.

    The funding will secure approximately 120 dwellings across regional NSW, which includes the building of new accommodation, refurbishment of existing living quarters and the purchase of suitable properties such as residential units.

    The four-year program will support the recruitment and retention of more than 500 health workers and their families by providing a range of accommodation options.

    The program is one of a number of investments the NSW Government is making to strengthen the regional health workforce and builds on the success of the NSW Government’s $73.2 million investment in key health worker accommodation across five regional local health districts (Far West, Murrumbidgee, Southern NSW, Hunter New England and Western NSW).

    Quotes attributable to Minister for Regional Health, Ryan Park:

    “The Minns Labor Government is committed to investing in modern, sustainable accommodation options for key health workers who are the backbone of our regional, rural and remote communities.

    “Strengthening our regional health workforce is a key priority of our government and this $7 million investment in accommodation will support attraction of key healthcare workers to the Central Coast.

    “The Key Health Worker Accommodation program will support Central Coast Local Health District in providing high-quality health services to the community.”

    Quote attributable to Minister for the Central Coast, David Harris:

    “It can be difficult to find available housing for key health workers moving to the Central Coast, creating a barrier when recruiting new staff.

    “These new dwellings will support our efforts to attract skilled health professionals to our region and bolster our local healthcare network.” 

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Stafford man convicted by federal jury for brutally assaulting a deaf passenger during a flight

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    ALEXANDRIA, Va. – A federal jury convicted a Stafford man today on charges relating to his assault of a fellow passenger on a flight from San Francisco to Dulles International Airport in Virginia.

    According to court records and evidence presented at trial, on Oct. 28, 2024, Everett Chad Nelson, 44, was a passenger on United Airlines flight 2247. Without provocation, Nelson approached a sleeping, deaf passenger over twenty rows ahead of his seat, entered the passenger’s row, and began brutally punching the passenger in the face. Nelson punched the victim repeatedly and rapidly, using both hands, and landing forceful, violent blows on the victim’s cheeks, nose, and forehead.  Nelson caused serious bodily injury to the victim, breaking his nose and leaving the victim with injuries that have required months of medical treatment.

    Another passenger, sitting a few rows ahead, heard the commotion, saw the altercation, ran towards the assault and restrained Nelson. The flight crew relocated Nelson and secured him for the remainder of the flight. Nelson was arrested by the FBI upon the flight’s arrival at Dulles.

    Nelson faces up to 10 years in prison, and sentencing will be set for a later date. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    Erik S. Siebert, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and Sanjay Virmani, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Washington Field Office’s Counterterrorism Division, made the announcement after U.S. District Judge Leonie M. Brinkema accepted the verdict.

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys Daniel K. Amzallag and Heather D. Call are prosecuting the case.

    A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:24-cr-251.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Second defendant in organized refunding fraud ring sentenced to 30 months in prison

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Defendant learned refunding scam from first defendant, is responsible for more than $6 million in stolen goods

    Seattle – A 29- year-old Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania man was sentenced today to 30 months in prison for wire fraud and money laundering crimes related to his operation of a fraudulent online shopping refund scheme, announced U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman. Leonardo Vidal is the second defendant sentenced in an online refunding scheme that stole millions of dollars from retailers. U.S. District Judge Robert S. Lasnik ordered Vidal to be on three years of supervised release following prison.

    “Those running these refunding schemes induced others to essentially steal and cheat while claiming there would be no consequences,” said U.S. Attorney Gorman. “These prison sentences are appropriate for the damage done to retailers and to our community in promoting these illegal schemes.”

    According to records in the case, Vidal operated his own fraudulent refunding fraud scheme from June 2021 until April 2023 called Ressu Refunds. The scheme amassed 2,800 subscribers and obtained $6 million in fraudulent refunds for followers. Beginning in June 2022, Vidal conspired with 25-year-old Dearborn, Michigan, man Sajed Al-Maarej who operated a different refund site called “Simple Refunds.” As with the Ressu refund site, Simple Refunds operated through the messaging service Telegram.

    Sajed Al-Maarej was sentenced to three years in prison in December 2024.

    The Telegram channels represented to prospective purchasers that they could buy high value goods and keep them, while falsely claiming to the merchant company that a refund was due. Purchasers provided Al-Maarej and Vidal with information about their purchase (order number, name, address, value). For a cut of the refund, Al-Maarej, Vidal and their coconspirators would seek a refund by making false representations to the retailers about the status of the order. For example, Simple Refunds or Ressu Refunds would claim the item had not been delivered; was irretrievably damaged; or would have the purchaser mail a box of garbage or junk back to the company – once the package was scanned at the shipping point the refund was issued before the box arrived back and the fraud was discovered.

    The men recruited “insiders” at UPS and the US Postal Service who would input false scans into the order tracking history to make it appear items had been lost in shipping, stolen from the mail, or returned to the company. The end goal was for the purchaser to keep the product and get their money back. The purchaser then paid Al-Maarej or Vidal 10-15% of the purchase price as a fee, enabling Al-Maarej and Vidal to enrich themselves.

    In December 2022, Vidal acquired Simple Refunds from Al-Maarej. Vidal sold Ressu Refunds and Simple Refunds to a different Telegram user in April 2023.  After selling the refunding scheme, Vidal began another illegal enterprise: purchasing the illegally refunded items and selling them. When confronted by law enforcement Vidal took investigators to the locations where he was storing the stolen goods in four shipping containers before selling them online. In one storage container, they found approximately 245 Dewalt Drills, approximately 92 Coway Airmega Air Purifiers, and approximately 78 M18 Fuel High Torque Wrenches, all commonly refunded items.

    During an 8-month period that Vidal operated Ressu Refunds it facilitated more than 3,000 fraudulent refunds worth at least $5.3 million.

    The total value of the fraudulent refunds through Simple Refunds and Ressu Refunds while Vidal was running them is $6,067,168. Vidal agreed to pay restitution of that amount.

    Speaking at sentencing Vidal said, “I want to thank the FBI, because I was going down a very dark path…. I was not a bad person, but I knew it was wrong.”

    The case is being investigated by the FBI and the United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS). The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lauren Watts Staniar.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Former Government Employee and Wife Plead Guilty to Defrauding the Department of Veterans Affairs

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    SAN DIEGO – Rafael Castro, a veteran of the U.S. Navy and a former employee of the Veterans Health Administration and the Internal Revenue Service, and his wife, Miriam Castro, pleaded guilty in federal court today to defrauding the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) out of more than $130,000.

    According to their plea agreements, between September 2018 and April 2024, the Castros lied to obtain caregiver benefits from the Caregiver Support Program, a VA program that provides caregiver support for injured veterans. Rafael Castro admitted that he lied about needing high-level assistance for daily activities, including dressing and undressing himself, personal hygiene, and grooming.

    According to plea documents, Rafael Castro defrauded the VA into awarding him assistance that paid the primary caregiver—his wife—an amount equivalent to a full-time home health aide’s 40-hour per-week payment.

    According to plea documents, for years, Miriam Castro received monthly payments to be a full-time caregiver for Rafael Castro while her husband worked as a full-time federal employee. From July 2015 to June 2023, Rafael Castro worked for the Veterans Health Administration, and from June 2023 to April 2024, he worked for the Internal Revenue Service. Even though he was employed by the federal government, Rafael Castro falsely told VA representatives at least six times that he was unemployed.

    For example, during a 2023 interview, Rafael Castro falsely claimed that he had last worked in 2018 and that his wife was his full-time caregiver. According to their plea agreements, while Rafael Castro was engaged in the fraud scheme, he received several promotions, all while he continued to claim he was unemployed. In their respective plea agreements, Rafael Castro and Miriam Castro admitted that they participated in the multi-year scheme to defraud the VA.

    “This case is an excellent example of the importance of internal inspections within government programs,” said U.S. Attorney Tara McGrath. “Without the intervention from the Inspector General’s Office, this fraud might have continued indefinitely.”

    “These guilty pleas demonstrate that those involved in defrauding VA, including government employees, will be held accountable,” said Special Agent in Charge Anthony Heddell with the Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General’s Western Field Office. “The VA OIG will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to ensure the integrity of VA’s benefits programs and services.”

    “Violations of federal law, particularly those committed by IRS employees will not be tolerated and will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” Acting Special Agent in Charge Brandon Knarr stated. “TIGTA will continue to work closely with the United States Attorney’s Office and our law enforcement partners to identify, investigate and hold those individuals responsible for their illegal activities.”

    Sentencing is scheduled for April 25, 2025, at 9 a.m. before U.S. District Judge James E. Simmons, Jr.

    This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Edward Chang.

    To report fraud in a VA program, call the VA-OIG hotline at 1-800-488-8244 or visit https://www.va.gov/oig/hotline/.

    DEFENDANTS                                             Case Number 25CR0310-JES                                 

    Rafael Castro                                                  Age: 50                                   Oceanside, CA

    Miriam Castro                                                 Age: 48                                   Oceanside, CA

    SUMMARY OF CHARGES

    Wire Fraud – Title 18, U.S.C., Section 1343

    Maximum penalty: Twenty years in prison and $250,000 fine

    INVESTIGATING AGENCIES

    Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of Inspector General

    Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senators Wicker, Blumenthal Reintroduce Legislation to Protect Amateur Radio Operators

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Mississippi Roger Wicker

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Roger Wicker, R-Miss., and Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., today reintroduced the Amateur Radio Emergency Preparedness Act, which would give amateur radio operators the right to install amateur radio antennas and serve their communities. Many homeowner associations prevent amateur radio operators from installing outdoor antennas on residential properties. However, this communication method has proven to be essential in emergencies and natural disasters, such as hurricanes in states like Mississippi and Connecticut.

    “Mississippians should have access to every possible means of warning for natural disasters, including amateur radio operators. In an emergency, those warnings can mean the difference between life and death,” Senator Wicker said. “The Amateur Radio Emergency Preparedness Act would remove unnecessary roadblocks that could help keep communities safe during emergencies like tornadoes, hurricanes, and fires.”

    “When disaster strikes, amateur radio operators provide vital, often life-saving information, which shouldn’t be hindered by prohibitive rules or confusing approval processes. The Amateur Radio Emergency Preparedness Act eliminates obstacles for ham radio enthusiasts, allowing them to continue their communications and serve their communities in the face of emergencies,” said Senator Blumenthal.

    Background:

    The Amateur Radio Emergency Preparedness Act would limit the scenarios in which homeowner associations could ban, prevent, or require approval for the installation or use of amateur radio antennas.

    Among other provisions, this legislation would:

    • Prohibit homeowner association rules that prevent or ban amateur radio antennas;
    • Clarify the approval process for installing amateur radio antennas; and
    • Give amateur radio operators a private right of action.

    The full text of the legislation can be found here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: At Hearing, Trump Trade Nominee Agrees with Warren on Need for Transparency for Tariff Exemptions

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts – Elizabeth Warren

    February 06, 2025

    Warren: “[W]hen used strategically and fairly, [tariffs] can… protect the jobs of American workers. But we can’t have a get-out-of-tariff-free system for those that are very wealthy or politically-connected, because that will undermine the whole process.”

    Video of Exchange (YouTube)

    Washington, D.C. – At a hearing of the Senate Finance Committee, U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) questioned Mr. Jamieson Greer, President Trump’s pick for U.S. Trade Representative, on his vision for Trump’s trade policy. 

    While there are open questions of how tariff exemptions will work under the Trump presidency, Mr. Greer agreed with Senator Warren that large corporations have outsized influence on trade deals and that U.S. trade policy needs to ensure “American businesses and American workers [are] prioritized,” and that any exemption program “needs to be transparent and have the rules outlined.”  

    “Any time we’re taking economic actions, whether it’s a tariff or an exclusion, we need to be careful about this and we need to be thoughtful..[a tariff exclusion process] needs to be transparent,” said Mr. Greer about exemptions favoring large, well-connected companies. 

    During President Trump’s first administration, well-connected companies were given tariff exemptions. A review by Senator Warren’s office found that the Trump Commerce Department was three times as likely to approve exemptions for Chinese and Japanese-headquartered companies than American ones. Right now, the door is still open for the administration to pursue a similar approach. 

    Transcript: Hearing to Consider the Nomination of Jamieson Greer, of Maryland, to be United States Trade Representative, with the rank of Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary
    Senate Finance Committee
    February 6, 2025

    Senator Elizabeth Warren: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Congratulations on your nomination, Mr. Greer. Tariffs are an important strategic economic tool. But I am concerned that President Trump is stumbling into a trade war that won’t help protect jobs, that won’t keep Americans safe, and that won’t bring down costs for families. 

    That said, I think you and I agree that for too long, U.S. trade policy has been a race to the bottom – with deal after deal that sold out American workers and helped multinational corporations offshore critical industries.  

    But lately, that’s been changing – under US Trade Rep Bob Lighthizer and then US Trade Rep Katherine Tai. And I appreciate your work as Chief of Staff under Ambassador Lighthizer.

    Ambassador Lighthizer, I think, had it right when he wrote that problems in our trade relationship with China – and U.S. trade policy in general – can be traced to, “the political establishment, of both the Republican and Democratic parties, under the influence of multinational corporations and importers.”

    Mr. Greer, do you agree with Mr. Lighthizer that multinational corporations have just had too much power over U.S. trade policy?  

    Mr. Jamieson Greer, nominee for United States Trade Representative: I agree with Ambassador Lighthizer, and I believe that trade policy in the past has been designed to help that sector and has ignored other sectors. 

    Senator Warren: Good, well, we’ve got to start by recognizing the problem, right? For too long, corporate lobbyists have bought their way into our trade policy. And I’ve been glad to see that changing.

    But raising tariffs doesn’t necessarily mean an end to corporate capture. When the last Trump administration hiked tariffs, corporate lobbyists lined up to demand exemptions, and now, with President Trump threatening even more tariffs, they’re ready to do it again. So what did this tariff exemption process look like the last time around?

    Well, I investigated, and I found that the Trump Commerce Department was three times as likely to approve exemptions for Chinese and Japanese-headquartered companies than American ones. 

    Mr. Greer – favoring foreign companies over American ones – is that good trade policy?

    Mr. Greer: Senator, I think that our trade policy needs to make sure we have American businesses and American workers prioritized. 

    Senator Warren: Okay, let’s try another one. A recent study found that the Trump USTR officials were more likely to grant exemptions to China tariffs to companies that had made campaign contributions to Republicans or had lobbyists who had recently left the Trump administration.

    Mr. Greer – favoring companies with deep pockets and political connections – is that good trade policy?

    Mr. Greer: Of course not, any kind of program like that needs to be transparent and have the rules outlined, which it did. 

    Senator Warren: I appreciate that answer. This time around, President Trump has proposed far broader tariffs than we’ve seen before– potentially on all goods, from all countries. And with more and more tariffs, the corporate scramble for exemptions is more and more intense. One trade lobbyist recently said, and I quote, “Absolutely everyone is calling. It is nonstop.” And let’s be clear – most businesses across America cannot afford armies of lobbyists.

    So, Mr. Greer, do you support tariff exclusions, these exemptions,  and – if so – what changes would you make to ensure it’s a fair process and not a giveaway to political insiders and deep-pocketed corporations?

    Mr. Greer: So, Senator, I know you’ve been a leader on this and you’ve given a lot of thought to it, which I think is important. Any time we’re taking economic actions, whether it’s a tariff or an exclusion, we need to be careful about this and we need to be thoughtful. I don’t know – in the event tariffs are applied – I don’t know if the President intends to have an exclusion policy or program at all. To the extent something like this happens, it needs to be transparent. One thing they did at USTR the first time around, if one company got an exclusion –  any company got an exclusion. So if a big company got an exclusion for a certain product, a small business would too.

    So again, I don’t know if there will be exclusion processes, but to the extent there is, they need to be transparent, they need to be fair for small and large. 

    Senator Warren: Well, I very much appreciate what you have to say around this. As I said before, I think tariffs are an important tool. And when used strategically and fairly, they can promote American industries, they can protect domestic supply chains, they can protect the jobs of American workers. But we can’t have a get-out-of-tariff-free system for those that are very wealthy or politically-connected, because that will undermine the whole process. Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Update: Search for missing man, Cook Strait

    Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

    The ongoing search for a man reported missing on a jetski in the Cook Strait area has not located any further items of note since the man’s jetski was located on Monday evening.

    The man left the Tasman District on Monday morning bound for Plimmerton, north of Wellington, but did not arrive as expected.

    Favourable weather conditions in the Cook Strait area yesterday allowed for continued searching over a wide area involving a number of agencies.

    At this time there has been no sign of the missing man. Today Police are reviewing the search efforts to date and planning further search activity.

    Police have been in contact with the man’s family and support is being provided to them at what is an understandably difficult time.

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –