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Category: KB

  • MIL-OSI: Kayne Anderson Energy Infrastructure Fund Provides Unaudited Balance Sheet Information and Announces Its Net Asset Value and Asset Coverage Ratios at October 31, 2024

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    HOUSTON, Nov. 01, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Kayne Anderson Energy Infrastructure Fund, Inc. (the “Company”) (NYSE: KYN) today provided a summary unaudited statement of assets and liabilities and announced its net asset value and asset coverage ratios under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “1940 Act”) as of October 31, 2024.

    As of October 31, 2024, the Company’s net assets were $2.2 billion, and its net asset value per share was $12.97. As of October 31, 2024, the Company’s asset coverage ratio under the 1940 Act with respect to senior securities representing indebtedness was 675% and the Company’s asset coverage ratio under the 1940 Act with respect to total leverage (debt and preferred stock) was 483%.

     STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
    OCTOBER 31, 2024  //  (UNAUDITED)
     
        (in millions)
    Investments   $ 3,002.2  
    Cash and cash equivalents     35.7  
    Accrued income     11.2  
    Current tax asset, net     6.6  
    Other assets     0.5  
    Total assets     3,056.2  
         
    Notes     409.7  
    Unamortized notes issuance costs     (2.8 )
    Preferred stock     163.1  
    Unamortized preferred stock issuance costs     (1.3 )
    Total leverage     568.7  
         
    Payable for securities purchased     5.1  
    Other liabilities     13.3  
    Deferred tax liability, net     275.1  
    Total liabilities     293.5  
         
    Net assets   $ 2,194.0  
         
     

    The Company had 169,126,038 common shares outstanding as of October 31, 2024.

    Long-term investments were comprised of Midstream Energy Companies (96%), Utility Companies (3%) and Other Energy (1%).

    The Company’s ten largest holdings by issuer at October 31, 2024 were:

          Amount
    (in millions)*    		   % Long Term
    Investments
    1. The Williams Companies, Inc. (Midstream Energy Company)   $             309.5   10.3 %
    2. Energy Transfer LP (Midstream Energy Company)     281.1   9.4 %
    3. MPLX LP (Midstream Energy Company)                    273.6   9.1 %
    4. Enterprise Products Partners L.P. (Midstream Energy Company)     258.3   8.6 %
    5. ONEOK, Inc. (Midstream Energy Company)     226.8   7.6 %
    6. Targa Resources Corp. (Midstream Energy Company)     220.0   7.3 %
    7. Cheniere Energy, Inc. (Midstream Energy Company)     194.5   6.5 %
    8. Kinder Morgan, Inc. (Midstream Energy Company)     184.9   6.2 %
    9. Western Midstream Partners, LP (Midstream Energy Company)     138.6   4.6 %
    10. Pembina Pipeline Corporation (Midstream Energy Company)     132.3   4.4 %
    * Includes ownership of common and preferred units.

    ###

    Portfolio holdings are subject to change without notice. The mention of specific securities is not a recommendation or solicitation for any person to buy, sell or hold any particular security. You can obtain a complete listing of holdings by viewing the Company’s most recent quarterly or annual report.

    Kayne Anderson Energy Infrastructure Fund, Inc. (NYSE: KYN) is a non-diversified, closed-end management investment company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, whose common stock is traded on the NYSE. The company’s investment objective is to provide a high after-tax total return with an emphasis on making cash distributions to stockholders. KYN intends to achieve this objective by investing at least 80% of its total assets in securities of Energy Infrastructure Companies. See Glossary of Key Terms in the Company’s most recent quarterly report for a description of these investment categories and the meaning of capitalized terms.

    This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation to buy, nor shall there be any sale of any securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer or sale is not permitted. Nothing contained in this press release is intended to recommend any investment policy or investment strategy or consider any investor’s specific objectives or circumstances. Before investing, please consult with your investment, tax, or legal adviser regarding your individual circumstances.

    CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS: This communication contains statements reflecting assumptions, expectations, projections, intentions, or beliefs about future events. These and other statements not relating strictly to historical or current facts constitute forward-looking statements as defined under the U.S. federal securities laws. Forward-looking statements involve a variety of risks and uncertainties. These risks include but are not limited to changes in economic and political conditions; regulatory and legal changes; energy industry risk; leverage risk; valuation risk; interest rate risk; tax risk; and other risks discussed in detail in the Company’s filings with the SEC, available at www.kaynefunds.com or www.sec.gov. Actual events could differ materially from these statements or our present expectations or projections. You should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date they are made. Kayne Anderson undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements made herein. There is no assurance that the Company’s investment objectives will be attained.

    Contact investor relations at 877-657-3863 or cef@kayneanderson.com.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Minister Joly and Minister Blair meet with Korean counterparts

    Source: Government of Canada News (2)

    The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and the Honourable Bill Blair, Minister of National Defence, met today in Ottawa with their Republic of Korea counterparts, Minister of Foreign Affairs Cho Tae-yul and Minister of National Defence Kim Yong-hyun for the inaugural Canada-ROK Foreign and Defence Ministerial Meeting.

    November 1, 2024 Ottawa, Ontario- – Global Affairs Canada

    The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and the Honourable Bill Blair, Minister of National Defence, met today in Ottawa with their Republic of Korea counterparts, Minister of Foreign Affairs Cho Tae-yul and Minister of National Defence Kim Yong-hyun for the inaugural Canada-ROK Foreign and Defence Ministerial Meeting.

    Through new announcements and initiatives, Canada and the Republic of Korea will deepen cooperation as strategic partners in the Indo-Pacific, including through our shared priorities in the North Pacific, and further the significant progress already achieved in our bilateral relations.

    This builds on Minister Joly’s visit to South Korea in July 2024 to launch the Canada-Korea Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Action Plan with Minister Cho, and Minister Blair’s visit in September 2024 to co-host the Republic of Korea-United Nations Command Member States Defence Ministerial with Minister Kim.

    Canada and the Republic of Korea have issued a joint statement to deepen cooperation on shared regional and global issues and to condemn in the strongest possible terms the growing military cooperation between Russia and North Korea, North Korea’s recent intercontinental ballistic missile launch, and Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine.

    Canada and the Republic of Korea are gravely concerned that large numbers of North Korean soldiers have been deployed to Russia. This is a significant escalation with dangerous implications for security and stability in Europe and the Indo-Pacific region. Together, Canada and the Republic of Korea call on North Korea and Russia to withdraw North Korean troops from Russia. 

    For more than 60 years, Canada and the Republic of Korea have enjoyed a close friendship and longstanding peace and security cooperation that dates back to the Korean War. 

    Today, this partnership facilitated discussions that will help expand collaboration in the years ahead, including during Canada’s G7 Presidency and when the Republic of Korea hosts APEC in 2025. 

    These discussions touched on the Indo-Pacific strategies of our two countries that outline a common vision for ensuring the region remains secure, free and prosperous into the future.

    To help realize this objective, Canada and the Republic of Korea agreed to launch the Canada-Korea Indo-Pacific Dialogue to allow direct collaboration between our Special Envoys for the Indo-Pacific.

    Both countries have agreed to hold these ministerial dialogues on an ongoing basis to continue advancing Canada-ROK cooperation on a range of shared priorities.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Canada-Republic of Korea Foreign and Defence (2+2) Ministerial Meeting joint statement

    Source: Government of Canada News

    We, the ministers of foreign affairs and ministers of national defence of Canada and the Republic of Korea (ROK) met on November 1, 2024, in Ottawa, Canada, for the inaugural Canada-ROK Foreign and Defence (2+2) Ministerial Meeting (“the ministerial”). The ministerial builds upon the elevation of our diplomatic relationship to that of a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) and is a key deliverable of the CSP Action Plan launched in July 2024.

    November 1, 2024 – Ottawa, Ontario – Global Affairs Canada

    We, the ministers of foreign affairs and ministers of national defence of Canada and the Republic of Korea (ROK) met on November 1, 2024, in Ottawa, Canada, for the inaugural Canada-ROK Foreign and Defence (2+2) Ministerial Meeting (“the ministerial”). The ministerial builds upon the elevation of our diplomatic relationship to that of a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) and is a key deliverable of the CSP Action Plan launched in July 2024.

    Today, through several new announcements and initiatives, we demonstrate our resolve to deepen cooperation to reinforce global stability in the face of interconnected challenges in the Indo-Pacific and beyond. In this, Canada and the ROK are stronger together.

    Partners for global stability

    We condemn in the strongest possible terms North Korea’s deepening military cooperation with Russia in violation of multiple United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolutions, including the provision of millions of rounds of ammunition and ballistic missiles to support Russia’s brutal and unjustifiable war of aggression in Ukraine. We are gravely concerned that large numbers of North Korean soldiers have been deployed to Russia, which is a significant escalation with dangerous implications for security and stability in Europe and the Indo-Pacific region. We are closely monitoring what Russia provides North Korea in return for weapons and military personnel, including Russia’s possible provision of sensitive technology to advance North Korea’s weapons of mass destruction (WMD) and ballistic missile programs. We call on North Korea and Russia to immediately cease these unlawful and destabilizing activities and to withdraw North Korean troops from Russia. Recognizing that the security of the Indo-Pacific and Euro-Atlantic regions are increasingly interconnected, we commit to actively pursuing further measures together with the international community. 

    We call on Russia to withdraw its forces immediately, completely, and unconditionally from all Ukrainian territory to its internationally recognized borders; we reiterate our unwavering support for Ukraine and the Ukrainian people, and we remain steadfast in our commitment to protect and defend Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. 

    We express our deep concern with any nation’s efforts to support Russia’s war economy, such as through the transfer of dual-use materials, including weapons components and equipment, which enable Russia to prolong and sustain its illegal war in Ukraine.

    We condemn North Korea’s nuclear weapons and other weapons of mass destruction (WMD) and ballistic missile programs, and continued missile launches, including its intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) test on October 31 (local time), which threatens peace and stability in the region and across the globe, are in violation of multiple UN Security Council resolutions (UNSCRs) and international law. It only demonstrates that North Korea continues to prioritize its unlawful WMD and ballistic missile programs over the well-being of its people, and we call on North Korea to cease its destabilizing actions. We reaffirm that any further nuclear test by North Korea would be met with a strong and resolute response from the international community. We continue to call for the complete, verifiable, and irreversible dismantlement of North Korea’s WMDs. The ROK reiterated the goals of its Audacious Initiative and ‘August 15 Unification Doctrine’ and

    Canada expressed strong support for the ROK’s efforts to achieve a denuclearized, free, peaceful, prosperous, and unified Korean Peninsula.

    Both countries remain committed to multilateral sanctions evasion monitoring efforts and Canada will continue to provide assets via the Canadian Armed Forces’ Operation NEON. 

    We were pleased to join other participating countries last month in launching the Multilateral Sanctions Monitoring Team (MSMT). We reaffirm the goal of assisting all UN Member States in implementing UN sanctions on North Korea by publishing information on sanctions violations and evasion attempts.

    We highlight the valuable contributions of the United Nations Command (UNC) to peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula. The ROK commends Canada for its unwavering support of the UNC since its inception, and Canada’s current leadership role within the UNC through its provision of its Deputy Commander. The co-hosting of the UNC Ministerial together this year is a symbol of our powerful ties and shared priorities in the areas of security and defence, and we will continue to collaborate closely to strengthen cooperation among the ROK, UNC and its Member States.

    The ROK and Canada are committed to working together to actively promote and protect human rights in the Indo-Pacific and around the world, including within North Korea and to seeking accountability for human rights violations.

    We reiterate that the situation of human rights in North Korea is intrinsically linked to international peace and security, and we call on North Korea to engage fully and constructively with the international community, including during its upcoming Universal Periodic Review at the Human Rights Council. We also look forward to the next iteration of the Canada-ROK North Korean Human Rights Dialogue.

    Canada and the ROK affirm our commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific, based on the rule of law and the peaceful resolution of disputes. We continue to advocate for peace and stability throughout the Indo-Pacific region.  We oppose any unilateral attempts to change the status quo in the Indo-Pacific. We reaffirm that maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait is indispensable to international security and prosperity.

    Canada and the ROK express their support for the global maritime order based on international law, including the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). We express concern about developments in the South China Sea, and emphasize the importance of maintaining peace, security, stability and freedom of navigation and overflight in and above the South China Sea , consistent with UNCLOS.

    Canada appreciates the ROK’s participation in the Conference on the Human Dimension of Ukraine’s 10-Point Peace Formula, hosted by Canada, Ukraine and Norway in Montreal on October 31st, demonstrating our joint resolve to end Russia’s war in Ukraine. Canada and the ROK will continue to discuss ways to jointly support Ukraine’s Peace Formula, while providing the support Ukraine requires to secure a just and lasting peace.

    Indo-Pacific partners

    Canada and the ROK acknowledge the Indo-Pacific region’s pivotal role in shaping global geopolitical and economic relations in the 21st century, with long-term implications for our shared prosperity and security. Canada and the ROK share a common vision for the region to be more secure, free, peaceful, prosperous, inclusive, and sustainable.

    In this context, we congratulate the organizers of the successful Canada-Korea Forum held on October 24-26, 2024 in Montreal, and the Korean Peninsula Symposium on October 23, 2024, co-organized with the Embassies of Japan, and the United States.

    To deepen and implement bilateral collaboration in the region, we announce today the launch of the Canada-Korea Indo-Pacific Dialogue, where our respective Special Envoys for the Indo-Pacific will engage on identifying synergies and joining action on shared regional priorities.

    We also look forward to the Indo-Pacific High-Level Forum, co-hosted by the ROK and Australia, in Seoul on December 13, as we recognize the importance of cooperation with the broader community of Indo-Pacific partners.

    In 2025, we look forward to Canada’s G7 Presidency and the ROK’s hosting of APEC. We further elaborated today how our two countries will establish synergies and use our leadership for cooperation on regional and global challenges. Canada looks forward to working with the ROK on advancing G7 priorities as relevant, including building economies that benefit everyone, fighting climate change, and managing rapidly evolving technologies. Furthermore, the ROK and Canada look forward to working together for a productive APEC in 2025.

    As actively engaged global partners, we will deepen our collective engagement with ASEAN, leveraging the ROK-ASEAN Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and the Canada-ASEAN Strategic Partnership, while reaffirming our commitment to the principle of ASEAN Centrality.

    Partners in security and defence   

    Canada and the ROK are committed to deepening partnerships in security and advancing shared defence priorities through bilateral and multilateral initiatives.   Canada and the ROK will strengthen bilateral and multilateral exercises, including holding regular Army Staff Talks, with the inaugural edition to be hosted in Canada.  

    We are committed to jointly delivering and collaborating on Women, Peace and Security, so that women have full, meaningful and equal participation in defence and security, peace operations and peace negotiations. As we seek to enhance women’s participation in conflict prevention, conflict resolution, and post-conflict state building, Canada and the ROK will leverage the ROK’s 2024-2025 UNSC seat to jointly advance the Women, Peace, and Security agenda globally as well as in the Indo-Pacific region.

    We will continue to cooperate on maritime safety, and combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing, including through detecting dark vessels and joint patrols under Operation North Pacific Guard. We will also continue to explore ways of addressing maritime security challenges in the Indo-Pacific through enhanced maritime domain awareness and relevant instruments such as the Regional Cooperation Agreement Combatting Piracy and Armed Robbery against Ships in Asia (ReCAAP).

    We will further utilize the Canada-Korea Memorandum of Understanding on Defence Materiel Cooperation to share technical information, discuss defence equipment and technology issues of mutual interest, and identify opportunities for bilateral defence materiel cooperation, and hold the 3rd Joint Meeting (Materiel) in Canada in 2025.

    We agree to expand our work within the Canada-Korea Memorandum of Understanding on Defence Research and Development, to encourage collaboration between respective defence research and development organizations.

    Canada welcomes the contribution of the ROK as a NATO partner and commits to working with the ROK to advance its Individually Tailored Partnership Programme. Canada further welcomes the ROK’s recent participation at the NATO Defence Ministers’ Meeting in Brussels. 

    Addressing non-traditional security challenges

    We recognize that climate change is the defining challenge of our time and a threat multiplier that impacts our collective security, including within the Indo-Pacific and Euro-Atlantic areas, and we affirm our strong support for NATO’s Climate Change and Security Agenda. 

    We acknowledge that our democratic values, institutions and processes, and our citizens’ fundamental freedoms, are increasingly vulnerable to hybrid and digital threats, such as foreign interference and disinformation, and we will continue to expand our cooperative efforts to combat these threats.

    We are committed to addressing threats and seizing opportunities linked to cybersecurity and emerging technologies, including threats to the rule of law, democracy, and critical infrastructure. We are pleased to announce today that we will hold Canada-Korea Cyber Policy Consultations to exchange information on each other’s policies, strategies and capabilities. Canada is also pleased to note the ROK’s fruitful engagement with the NATO Cooperative Cyber Defence Centre of Excellence in Tallin, Estonia, of which Canada is also a member.

    We recognize the importance of the responsible use of artificial intelligence, including in the military domain. Canada commends the ROK for hosting several high-level international gatherings on AI to advance discussions on global AI governance, including the AI Seoul Summit in May 2024, and the Responsible Artificial Intelligence in the Military domain (REAIM) Summit in September 2024, in Seoul. We strongly support the Seoul Declaration for safe, innovative, and inclusive AI and the principles for the responsible development, deployment, and use of AI in the military domain articulated in the REAIM Blueprint for Action.

    The relationship between our two nations dates back centuries; reinforced by our countries’ collective efforts to defend peace and security on the Korean Peninsula since the Korean War. We commit to meeting in this format on a biennial basis and look forward to the next iteration of this Ministerial in 2026, where we will reflect on and examine how we may further build upon the achievements stemming from today’s discussion.

    Annex – announcements

    Today, the Ministers of Foreign Affairs and Defence of Canada and the Republic of Korea announced that our countries have agreed to:

    • Hold this Ministerial on a biennial basis and look forward to its next iteration in 2026 to follow-up on the achievements of today’s discussion.
    • Launch the Canada-Korea Indo-Pacific Dialogue, where our respective Special Envoys for the Indo-Pacific will engage on identifying synergies and joint action on shared regional priorities, including in the North Pacific.
    • Advance bilateral diplomatic intelligence cooperation and analytic exchanges between our respective foreign ministries.
    • Expedite the negotiations to finalize the Agreement on the Protection of Classified Military/Defence Information.
    • Explore measures to facilitate and deepen military operational cooperation.
    • Strengthen bilateral and multilateral exercises, including holding regular Army Staff Talks, with the inaugural edition to be hosted in Canada.
    • Hold the 3rd Joint Meeting (Materiel), hosted by Canada in 2025 under the Canada-Korea Memorandum of Understanding on Defence Materiel Cooperation, and continue to identify and expand opportunities for defence cooperation.
    • Hold Canada-Korea bilateral Cyber Policy Consultations.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Police appealing for information following assault on child in Hamilton

    Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

    Police are appealing for information following the assault of a young girl in Silverdale, Hamilton.

    Detective Sergeant Johnathan O’Byrne says Police received reports of a young girl’s arm being grabbed by a man driving along Silverdale Road at about 8am yesterday, Friday 1 November.

    “The girl was shaken but otherwise physically unharmed.”

    “The man is reported to have been driving a silver van, initially parked on the wrong side of the road, facing toward Morrinsville Road. Members of the public reportedly tooted at the van at the time.

    “Police would like to hear from these members of the public, or anyone who may be able to help us,” Detective Sergeant O’Byrne says. 

    Dashcam footage is requested from anyone driving along Silverdale Road, between Morrinsville Road and Nevada Road, between 8:00am and 8:30am.

    If you have footage, witnessed the incident, or have any information which may assist, please update us online now or call 105.

    Please use the reference number 241101/1449.

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI: First National Bank Alaska declares regular and special dividends for fourth quarter, both payable in December

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    ANCHORAGE, Alaska, Nov. 01, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — At the Board of Directors meeting held Oct. 31, 2024, First National Bank Alaska (OTCQX:FBAK) declared a cash dividend of $3.20 per share for shareholders of record as of Dec. 1, 2024, payable on Dec. 15, 2024 with distribution on Dec. 16.

    At the same meeting, the Board declared a special cash dividend of $3.20 per share for shareholders of record as of Dec. 1, 2024, payable and for distribution on Dec. 19, 2024.

    CONTACT: Cheri Gillian
    Secretary to the Board of Directors
    907-777-3409

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Another Palestinian journalist killed in Gaza as Israel ‘suffocates the truth’

    “In his message for the day, the secretary-general underscores that a free press is fundamental to human rights, to democracy and to the rule of law,” Dujarric said.

    ‘Alarming rate of fatalities’
    “Recent years have seen an alarming rate of fatalities in conflict zones, particularly in Gaza, which has seen the highest number of killings of journalists and media workers in a war in decades.

    “In his message, he warned that journalists in Gaza have been killed at a level unseen by any conflict in modern times.

    “The ongoing ban preventing international journalists from Gaza suffocates the truth even further,” he said.

    Many Lebanese journalists have been shot and assassinated too, even well before Israel’s siege in Lebanon.

    Some are sharing their blood type just in case they need life-saving blood after being shot.

    Article by AsiaPacificReport.nz

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI China: China to introduce new policies in November to boost consumption: official

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    BEIJING, Nov. 1 — China will launch a series of consumption promotion events in five major cities in November and roll out new policies aimed at boosting consumer spending, Vice Minister of Commerce Sheng Qiuping said Friday.

    Sheng made the announcement during a press conference, noting that the policies will shore up the debut economy, bolster the wholesale and retail industries, and support pilot projects for modern commercial circulation in 20 cities, including Shanghai and Tianjin.

    Sheng said that the ministry will also pilot automotive sales reform and unveil health consumption action plans.

    The consumption promotion events will kick off on Sunday in Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou, Tianjin and Chongqing, which are designated as the country’s international consumption center cities.

    Emphasizing the importance of these cities, the vice minister noted that their retail sales of consumer goods account for over 13 percent of the national total, with imports of consumer goods exceeding 50 percent.

    Focusing on the debut economy, these cities will host a variety of activities related to shopping, dining and tourism, including food festivals, camping events and sporting activities, as well as exhibitions and performances. Local governments will roll out supportive measures, such as incentives for new store openings and consumer vouchers.

    Sheng said that these events will create a synergistic effect with the new policies, delivering tangible benefits to consumers.

    Stimulating consumption is a crucial component of China’s strategy to support economic recovery. This year, the government has already implemented various measures to expand domestic demand, including a large-scale trade-in program for consumer goods.

    In the first three quarters of 2024, China’s total retail sales of consumer goods reached 35.4 trillion yuan (about 5 trillion U.S. dollars), a year-on-year increase of 3.3 percent. Notably, the trade-in program has seen 1.68 million subsidy applications for automobiles as of Oct. 30, with the sales of household appliances reaching 24.03 million units.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Xi meets Macao’s incoming chief executive Sam Hou Fai

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    President Xi Jinping meets with Sam Hou Fai, who was newly elected as the chief executive of the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) and recently appointed by China’s central government, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Nov. 1, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

    BEIJING, Nov. 1 — President Xi Jinping on Friday met with Sam Hou Fai, who was newly elected as the chief executive of the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) and recently appointed by China’s central government.

    The meeting took place at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. Witnessed by Xi, Premier Li Qiang presented Sam with a decree of the State Council appointing the latter as the sixth-term chief executive of the Macao SAR.

    Xi congratulated Sam on his appointment, and commended him for holding a firm stance of loving the country and Macao, conscientiously fulfilling his duties, and making contributions to Macao’s prosperity and stability during his long tenure as the president of Macao’s Court of Final Appeal.

    “In the election, you were nominated and elected by an overwhelming majority, which demonstrates the broad recognition and support from the society of Macao. The central authorities fully acknowledge this and have full trust in you,” Xi said.

    Over the past 25 years since Macao’s return to the motherland, the practice of “one country, two systems” with Macao characteristics has achieved remarkable success, Xi said.

    He said that the central authorities will stay committed to fully and faithfully implementing the “one country, two systems” principle under which the people of Macao administer Macao with a high degree of autonomy.

    Xi told Sam that assuming the chief executive office comes with significant responsibilities, and urged him to fulfill his mission by leading the new SAR government in uniting various sectors of the Macao society and continuously breaking new ground in the practice of “one country, two systems” with Macao characteristics.

    Sam said he felt deeply honored for the appointment and pledged to, under the leadership of President Xi and the central government, implement the “one country, two systems” principle fully, faithfully and unswervingly and lead Macao toward comprehensive progress.

    Senior officials including Li Qiang, Cai Qi and Ding Xuexiang attended the meeting.

    President Xi Jinping meets with Sam Hou Fai, who was newly elected as the chief executive of the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) and recently appointed by China’s central government, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Nov. 1, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Witnessed by President Xi Jinping, Premier Li Qiang presents Sam Hou Fai with a decree of the State Council appointing the latter as the sixth-term chief executive of the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR), at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Nov. 1, 2024. Xi on Friday met with Sam Hou Fai, who was newly elected as the chief executive of the Macao SAR and recently appointed by China’s central government. [Photo/Xinhua]
    President Xi Jinping meets with Sam Hou Fai, who was newly elected as the chief executive of the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) and recently appointed by China’s central government, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Nov. 1, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Full Text: Joint Statement between the People’s Republic of China and the Slovak Republic on the Establishment of a Strategic Partnership

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    Full Text: Joint Statement between the People’s Republic of China and the Slovak Republic on the Establishment of a Strategic Partnership

    Updated: November 1, 2024 21:13 Xinhua

    BEIJING, Nov. 1 — The People’s Republic of China and the Slovak Republic on Friday issued a joint statement on the establishment of a strategic partnership.

    Please see the attachment for the full text of the statement.

    Full Text: Joint Statement between the People’s Republic of China and the Slovak Republic on the Establishment of a Strategic Partnership

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Chinese vice premier welcomes Australian firms to cooperate more with China

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    BEIJING, Nov. 1 — China welcomes Australian enterprises to strengthen cooperation with China in trade, investment, finance and other areas, Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng said on Friday.

    He made the remarks in a meeting with an Australian high-level business delegation led by David Olsson, National President of the Australia China Business Council.

    While China is advancing high-level opening up and further easing market access, it will protect the national treatment and legitimate rights and interests of foreign-funded enterprises, said He, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee.

    He welcomed Australian firms to share the opportunities brought by the Chinese modernization to achieve win-win results.

    Representatives of Australian enterprises said that they are optimistic about China’s economic prospects and are willing to commit to long-term cooperation with China and promote the sustainable development of bilateral economic and trade ties.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Chinese premier holds talks with Slovak PM

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    Chinese Premier Li Qiang holds a welcoming ceremony for Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico, who is on an official visit to China, in the Northern Hall of the Great Hall of the People prior to their talks in Beijing, capital of China, Nov. 1, 2024. Li held talks with Fico in Beijing on Friday. [Photo/Xinhua]

    BEIJING, Nov. 1 — Chinese Premier Li Qiang held talks with visiting Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico in Beijing on Friday.

    Noting that Slovakia is one of the first countries to establish diplomatic relations with China, Li said that over the past 75 years, China-Slovakia relations have developed in a healthy and stable manner. The two sides enjoy mutual respect, equality and friendly cooperation, bringing tangible benefits to the two peoples, he added.

    China is willing to maintain high-level political mutual trust with the Slovak side, Li noted, saying that the two sides should expand cooperation led by the high-quality Belt and Road development.

    Li said that both countries should give full play to the role of the joint economic committee and the science and technology cooperation committee, and promote cooperation in fields including China-Europe Railway Express, connectivity, and infrastructure construction.

    The two sides should further expand bilateral trade volume, and explore the cooperation potential in emerging industries such as digital economy and green economy, to jointly foster new economic drivers for both countries, said Li.

    China and Slovakia should make joint efforts to provide a better business environment for enterprises in each other’s countries, said the premier. He noted that both sides should continue to improve exchanges in cultural tourism, science, education, sports, media, youth, and other areas of people-to-people exchanges, and promote the establishment of cultural centers in each other’s countries to enhance the mutual understanding and friendship between the two peoples.

    For his side, Fico mentioned that China’s development accomplishments in recent years have set an example for countries around the world. He said Slovakia supports the global initiatives proposed by China.

    Slovakia firmly abides by the one-China policy, and recognizes that the Government of the People’s Republic of China is the sole legal government representing the whole of China, said Fico.

    The prime minister said that Slovakia opposes the extra tariffs imposed by the EU on Chinese electric vehicles, adding that the EU and China should seek a proper solution through dialogue and consultation. He said that Slovakia is willing to strengthen exchanges and coordination with China in international affairs to jointly tackle global challenges.

    After their talks, Li and Fico witnessed the signing of multiple documents on bilateral cooperation in the fields of transportation, economy and trade, culture, tourism, and green and low-carbon development.

    Chinese Premier Li Qiang holds talks with Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico, who is on an official visit to China, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Nov. 1, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICYMI: Senator Marshall joins National Report: President Trump Has the Backs of American Farmers & Ranchers

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Kansas Roger Marshall

    Kansas City, Kansas. – U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. joined National Report on Newsmax to discuss the White House altering records of President Joe Biden calling Trump supporters ‘Garbage,’ and how Kamala Harris has sidelined American agriculture. 
    Senator Marshall highlighted his new op-ed, Farmers and Ranchers Turn to Trump to Deliver, that contrasts President Trump’s Farmers First agenda with the past four years of the Biden-Harris anti-agriculture agenda.
    [embedded content]
    You may click HERE or on the image above to watch Senator Marshall’s full interview.
    Highlights from the interview include:
    On White House Altering Record of Biden Calling Trump Supporters ‘Garbage’: 
    “I think this is the next chapter on why don’t Americans trust their federal government anymore. We see our jobs numbers again, were doctored as well, and we got a very horrible jobs report today.”
    “At the end of the day, I think that people in the Midwest that we’re concerned about our values being attacked and lying and deceit is the opposite of the values that we were raised on. That we were raised on values like faith and family, and country. And here we have a Democrat Party, the leading candidate for the President of the United States of the Democrats, thinks that boys should compete in girls’ sports, that we should be paying for transgender surgeries, that boys should be in girls’ lockers. One more example of our values being attacked.”
    On Kamala Harris’ Sidelining American Agriculture:
    “Kamala Harris is going to continue this same aggressive assault on American agriculture, American energy, and those are really the same thing. Look, Joe Biden, Kamala Harris gave us a record drop in net farmer income… and they just drowned us in regulations. That drop in income occurred because our energy costs went up, fuel and fertilizers, but interest rates just swamped our farmers as well.”
    “President Trump, on the other hand – we did great under him in the agricultural world. He rolled back regulations; he gave us trade agreements… Kamala Harris has not done one trade agreement. She’s not even tried to do a trade agreement. As I think of those Midwest states that are up for grabs, dairy is so important to them. Thanks to President Trump, our trade agreements have increased exports of milk products from $6 billion to $9 billion a year. So, President Trump has always prioritized agriculture. Every time I see President Trump, he asks me, Roger, how are your farmers doing? You know, he gave farmers $28 billion in that tariff money from China when they were manipulating markets as well. So, President Trump has the back of American farmers and ranchers.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Marshall and Colleagues Press Biden-Harris Admin on Destruction of U.S. Immigration Policies

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Kansas Roger Marshall

    ​
    Overland Park, Kansas – U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. joined his colleagues in sending a letter calling out President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris for fueling a national security crisis at the southern border through a series of destructive executive orders.
    “Instead of addressing the flow of illegal immigration and illicit drugs across our borders, your administration has turned its back on those who wish to immigrate here legally and welcomed illegal aliens with open arms. Instead of directing resources to securing our borders and processing legal immigrant applications, your administration has crippled our immigration enforcement capabilities and prioritized amnesty applications,” the Senators wrote. “The administration has one job—to enforce the law of the land. Instead of detaining and deporting illegal aliens, your administration has shown a blatant disregard for the rule of law and national security.”
    Senator Marshall joined Senator Jim Risch’s (R-Idaho) letter with Senators Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), John Hoeven (R-N.D.), James Lankford (R-Okla.), Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.), and Tim Scott (R-S.C.) in demanding the Biden-Harris administration answer for their direct role in eroding the U.S. immigration system and compromising the safety of American families.   
    The full letter can be read here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Marshall Joins RFDTV to Discuss Improving 45Z Biofuel Tax Credit

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Kansas Roger Marshall

    Kansas City, KS – U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. joined Market Day Report on RFDTV to discuss the 45Z Biofuel Tax Credit and how we can ensure American Agriculture is being put first.

    [embedded content]

    You may click HERE or on the link above to watch Senator Marshall’s full interview.
    Highlights from Senator Marshall’s interview include:
    On The Current 45Z Tax Credit: 
    “I think that when they write the rules for this, there’s some big glitches. What I know is I don’t like China benefiting from it, which is what they’re doing right now. They’re manipulating the system. Look, I think that tax credits should be only for American farmers, and other countries shouldn’t enjoy any type of tax credit.”
    “What China is doing right now is they’re bringing in cooking oil. Used cooking oil, but blending it with palm oil, which is not the right way to do this. So, they’re cheating and getting the tax credit. That’s why we need a president that understands agriculture. I just sat down with President Trump, spent half a morning with him, took two Kansas farmers with me, and discussed this very issue. That if 45Z is going to help other countries, we don’t even want it.”
    “The way the Biden-Harris administration is doing this is wrong, as usual. Just remind your listeners, President Trump was the first person back in 2016 who embraced E15 and then gave us year-round E15 when he was president.”
    On the Farmer First Fuel Incentives Act: 
    “The farmers and ranchers need certainty, and that’s exactly what we’re speaking with President Trump about, is we need long term certainty and to be much better at these big, big investments.”
    “Right now, we have a project in Kansas where we’re going to take corn stock and turn it into jet fuel, working with Southwest Airlines. So, I think that’s the future, but without this 45Z I think that project goes away… we need consistent rules, that working with the Treasury Department and getting USDA to give some voice there at the Treasury Department, exactly how this works out, but we need to put American farmers and ranchers first, not second. This tax credit is not meant to help other foreign entities and, frankly, farmers from other countries.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICYMI: Senator Marshall joins Varney & Co. on The Migrant Surge at The Border

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Kansas Roger Marshall

    Kansas City, Kansas. – U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. joined Fox Business’ Varney & Co. to discuss the migrant surge at the southern border leading up to a potential Trump presidency, and his new op-ed, Farmers and Ranchers Turn to Trump to Deliver, that contrasts President Trump’s Farmers First agenda with the past four years of the Biden-Harris anti-agriculture agenda.
    Highlights from the interview include:
    On Migrant Surge at The Border:
    “That’s why we’re seeing a massive increase of people headed to the border right now trying to beat President Trump. Look, we have two administrations here. President Trump secured the border, Joe Biden and Kamala Harris made the situation worse. This is why over 90% of Kansans don’t feel safe in their own homes right now, in their own communities. We’re losing a young Kansan every day to fentanyl poisoning across the country, 300 deaths to fentanyl poisoning every day.”
    On President Trump Delivering for Rural America: 
    “Well, they’re going to get more trade markets, they are going to get less regulations. What Joe Biden and Kamala Harris gave us is a record drop in net farm income, a record drop in net farm income with increased regulations. They buried us in their regulations. Biden then Harris’s fuel prices, fertilizer prices and interest rates have just killed American farmers.”
    “President Trump rolled back regulations, but he gave us these trade markets as well. He gave us USMCA. He gave us Japan and South Korea as well. And all of that has been increased trade for American farmers. I think dairy is a great example. You think of Pennsylvania, Wisconsin – dairy states. We’ve increased dairy exports from 6 billion to $9 billion thanks to President Trump’s trade agreements. And of course, the answer to how many trade agreements did Kamala Harris get done? And the answer is zero.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senators Marshall, Lee, and Tuberville Demand Accountability from Secretary Mayorkas on Border-Caused Tuberculosis Surge

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Kansas Roger Marshall
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. and Sens. Mike Lee (R-UT) and Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) sent a letter to Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, holding him accountable for a surge in Tuberculosis (TB) cases across the United States due to lax enforcement of border laws under the Biden-Harris administration. The senators make clear that this administration’s policies are jeopardizing public health, risking a re-emergence of TB along with violent crime, human trafficking, and drug smuggling as a direct result of an unsecured border.
     “When Secretary Mayorkas became the Homeland Security Secretary, he solemnly vowed to protect the United States. He has failed. Millions of illegal aliens have crossed our southern border, spreading not only crime but also deadly diseases like tuberculosis that can threaten the lives of American citizens,” said. Sen. Marshall. “We cannot allow Secretary Mayorkas to continue to put the American people at risk. Secretary Mayorkas, along with President Biden and Vice President Harris, must take immediate action to close the southern border to protect Americans.” 
    “The Biden-Harris administration’s destruction of America’s southern border has resulted in violent crime, human trafficking, drug smuggling, and now a surge in a disease that was declining for nearly three decades before they took power,” said Sen. Lee. “Secretary Mayorkas must answer for his part in this disaster.”
    “For the past 4 years, Joe Biden and Kamala Harris have willfully opened our borders, allowing millions of criminals, murderers, drug dealers, and terrorists to flood into our country unchecked,” said Sen. Tuberville. “As a result, innocent Americans like Laken Riley and Jocelyn Nungaray have been brutally murdered by illegal aliens. But it doesn’t stop there – there have been no health screenings of these populations. Since the creation of the administration’s illegal parole programs, we have seen a 16% rise in Tuberculosis cases between 2022 and 2023 alone. How many more Americans have to needlessly lose their lives before the Biden-Harris administration will take the open border seriously? I join my Republican colleagues in calling on Secretary Mayorkas, Joe Biden, and Kamala Harris to secure the border and save American lives.”  For a PDF version of the letter, click HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: USDA Awards Nearly $500,000 to Dakota Angus, LLC

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND)

    BISMARCK, N.D. – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced an award of nearly $500,000 to Dakota Angus, LLC. This funding, awarded through the Local Food Promotion Program (LFPP), will add up to five new routes for farm to consumer beef distributions and expand wholesale business through grocery stores, food hubs, convenient stores, and schools in underserved markets. The award will expand market opportunities for livestock producers, create additional local jobs, and diversify consumers’ options.

    Dakota Angus, located in Drake, which represents two, third-generation livestock farms, has incorporated a value-added farm to its consumer beef program. 

    The LFPP, implemented under the Local Agriculture Market Program, supports projects to develop, coordinate, and expand local and regional food business enterprises and increase access to locally and regionally produced agricultural products.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Ciscomani, Hinson Host Roundtable on the Fentanyl Epidemic

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Juan Ciscomani (Arizona)

    TUCSON, AZ – U.S. Representatives Juan Ciscomani (AZ-06) and Ashley Hinson (IA-02) hosted a roundtable with those impacted by the fentanyl epidemic to hear their stories and discuss how Congress can continue to work to make a lasting impact combating this crisis.  

    “In my district, and across the United States, fentanyl has infiltrated our communities, affecting people from all walks of life,” said Ciscomani. “Too many lives have been forever changed and countless families have had to endure the pain of losing a loved one. Amid the ongoing border crisis, the amount of fentanyl entering our country has spiked to record levels. The stakes could not be clearer, Congress must come together to secure the border, implement stronger prevention efforts, and expand access to care and resources for those battling addiction. I am grateful to Rep. Hinson for joining this roundtable with me and sharing her perspective from Iowa.” 

    “Deadly fentanyl is pouring in through the Southern Border because of Kamala Harris’ open border policies,” said Hinson. “Congressman Ciscomani is doing incredible work to combat the scourge of fentanyl in Arizona and across the country, and I’m grateful he included me in this crucial conversation as we continue working to secure the border, combat the drug cartels, and save American lives.” 

    Background 

    • Ciscomani co-introduced the Combating Cartels on Social Media Act (H.R. 2393) to crack down on cartels using social media and online platforms to recruit Americans for smuggling operations along the southern border.   
    • Ciscomani introduced the End the Border Catastrophe Act (H.R. 3602) to address the border crisis by:  

      • Restarting construction of the border wall   

      • Hiring new Border Patrol agents   

      • Reinstating Remain in Mexico and ending catch-and-release   

      • Streamlining the asylum process and raising the credible fear standard   

      • Ending abuse of parole   

      • Reimbursing states for local law enforcement activities related to the border.  

      • Providing grants for border states to construct and repair border barriers.  

    • In September 2024, Ciscomani delivered a speech on the floor of the House of Representatives about the impact of the fentanyl epidemic and the need to hold drug cartels and traffickers accountable.   
    • In May 2024, Ciscomani hosted a field hearing with the House Judiciary Committee in Sahuarita, Arizona to hear from parents and individuals impacted by the fentanyl epidemic.  

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Tuberville, Lee, Marshall, Slam DHS for Tuberculosis Surge in U.S. as a Result of Open Southern Border

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Alabama Tommy Tuberville
    “There are many laws on the books to combat illegal immigration and its harmful effects, and it is past time for this administration to use them.”
    WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) joined U.S. Senators Mike Lee (R-UT) and Roger Marshall (R-KS) in demanding answers from U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas as to how the department plans to address the surge in tuberculosis (TB) from illegal aliens being released into the U.S.
    In a letter to Secretary Mayorkas, the senators admonished his management of the worst border crisis in U.S. history, which has put the lives and property of Americans at risk of harm. They also demand answers, by November 13, 2024,  on whether the department is releasing aliens with TB, and what measures are being taken to prevent TB from spreading.
    “For the past 4 years, Joe Biden and Kamala Harris have willfully opened our borders, allowing millions of criminals, murderers, drug dealers, and terrorists to flood into our country unchecked,” said Senator Tuberville. “As a result, innocent Americans like Laken Riley and Jocelyn Nungaray have been brutally murdered by illegal aliens. But it doesn’t stop there – there have been no health screenings of these populations. Since the creation of the administration’s illegal parole programs, we have seen a 16% rise in Tuberculosis cases between 2022 and 2023 alone. How many more Americans have to needlessly lose their lives before the Biden-Harris administration will take the open border seriously? I join my Republican colleagues in calling on Secretary Mayorkas, Joe Biden, and Kamala Harris to secure the border and save American lives.”
    Full text of the letter can be found here and below.
    October 30th, 2024
    The Honorable Alejandro Mayorkas
    Secretary
    U.S. Department of Homeland Security
    Washington, D.C. 20528
    Secretary Mayorkas,
    Your mismanagement of the border continues to jeopardize the health and safety of American citizens. Due to your negligence and refusal to enforce our current laws, tuberculosis (TB) is rapidly spreading through the millions of unscreened illegal immigrants released into the interior of the United States putting American lives and health at severe risk.
    While the United States previously had one of the lowest TB rates globally, steadily declining for 27 years, your appointment as the Secretary of Homeland Security in February 2021 ushered in a new era. Since then, TB case counts have continuously increased each year with a 16% increase from 2022 to 2023 alone. It is well-documented by academics and government agencies such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the National Institutes for Health (NIH) that foreign-born persons represent the greatest threat for the spread of TB, some of whom come from countries with TB rates as high as 60 times the U.S. rates.
    Despite this increasing human health risk, you have turned what was once border security into a rubber-stamp for any individual seeking access to the interior. Since the start of Fiscal Year 2021, Customs and Border Protection recorded nearly 11 million inadmissible encounters and roughly two million known “gotaways” who evaded Border Patrol agents with unknown numbers of illegal aliens evading detection altogether. Rather than requiring immigrants to apply for status prior to arriving at the border, and undergo health screenings, your policies encourage immigrants to unlawfully enter the interior with no meaningful processing, screening, or security analysis. As reported by the Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR), the top seven nationalities encountered by CBP—Mexico, Venezuela, Guatemala, Honduras, Cuba, Colombia, and Haiti—all have significantly higher TB case rates than the U.S. There can be no doubt that your administration’s failure to enforce the law is the cause for the dramatic and dangerous rise of TB in the U.S.
    While unscreened illegal immigrants are bringing TB into the U.S., they are not the only ones suffering from it. As the CDC noted on March 24, 2024, “National [TB] case counts increased among all age groups and among both U.S.-born and non-U.S.-born persons” [emphasis added]. Given TB’s status as one of the world’s leading airborne infectious diseases, it is no wonder that a frightening number of Americans are contracting it. While FAIR correctly details in its report how border counties are bearing the brunt of the TB influx, it is abundantly clear that Americans across the U.S. are feeling the harmful effects of open border policies. The Biden Harris Administration’s border crisis has made every town in America a border town.  Just this month, an illegal Chinese immigrant in Louisiana exposed hundreds of individuals in the U.S. to a rare and aggressive form of TB with high mortality rates.
    There are many laws on the books to combat illegal immigration and its harmful effects, and it is past time for this administration to use them. In addition to closing the border, detaining and deporting inadmissible aliens, and working with the administration to re-instate the Remain-in-Mexico policy, we request that you reinstate Title 42 expulsion authority for this dangerous communicable disease. It is your duty to protect the health and safety of the American people.  
    Given the severity and time-sensitive nature of this crisis, please provide detailed responses to the following inquiries no later than November 13, 2024:
    Does DHS recognize the correlation between increased illegal immigration to the U.S. from countries with high TB rates and the increase in TB cases in the U.S., including among U.S.-born persons?
    Has DHS taken any meaningful steps to mitigate the spread of TB from illegal immigrants entering the country from high-rate countries?  If yes, please explain.
    Does DHS recognize the increase in tuberculosis cases as a public health crisis?
    Has any DHS employee consulted with the White House on this issue?

    Since January 20th, 2021, how many illegal immigrants has DHS screened for TB or referred to HHS for screening?
    Are illegal immigrants screened for active and latent TB upon transfer to a detention facility?
    If an illegal immigrant tests positive for either form of TB, what are the quarantine/removal protocols to protect border patrol agents and other detainees from infection?

    Has DHS knowingly released or paroled illegal immigrants into the U.S. with an active or latent TB infection?
    Does DHS have a contingency plan to address the rising number of TB-positive illegal immigrants entering the U.S. and prevent the spread to Americans? 
     If so, please explain.
    Does this plan include coordination with the CDC and HHS to strengthen screening and testing protocols for TB-positive illegal immigrants?
     Does this plan include using Title 42 expulsion authority under 8 U.S.C. §1182 to render immigrants with TB inadmissible?

    Have you discussed this issue with HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra?
    If so, did the discussion include using Title 42 authority to declare TB a communicable disease of public health significance, thereby rendering immigrants with TB inadmissible?
    If not, why not?

    Have you discussed this issue with U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy?
    If so, did the discussion include using Title 42 expulsion authority to suspend entry for immigrants with TB?
    If not, why not?

    Sincerely,
    MORE:
    ICYMI: Tuberville Reacts to Kamala Harris’ Failure to Answer for Failed Border Policies
    ICYMI: Tuberville Joins Fox Business to Discuss Biden’s Border Crisis
    Tuberville Forces Vote on Border Safety and Security Act
    Tuberville Honors Border Crisis Victims
    Tuberville: “Our Priority Should Be Securing Our Border, Not A War In Eastern Europe”
    Tuberville Stands With Texas on Border Security
    Tuberville: Not One Dime For Ukraine Until The Border is Secure
    U.S. Senators Katie Britt, Tommy Tuberville, Bill Hagerty Hold DOJ Accountable for Failure to Prosecute Wrongful Voter Registration by Illegal Border Crossers
    Tuberville Questions Pentagon Nominees On Defense Spending, Border Wall Sales
    Tuberville Introduces Amendment to Secure the Border and Stop the Flow of Deadly Fentanyl
    Tuberville Demands Biden Admin Protect Unaccompanied Children at the Border From Traffickers, Criminals
    Tuberville Continues Fight to Secure Southern Border
    Tuberville Demands Answers from DHS Regarding Chinese Nationals and Suspected Terrorists Exploiting the Open Southern Border
    Tuberville, Colleagues Introduce Secure the Border Act of 2023
    Tuberville, Armed Services Republicans Call for Halt to Border Wall Materials Auctions
    Tuberville, Colleagues Introduce Resolution to Strike Down Dangerous Biden Border Policy
    Tuberville, Carter Reintroduce Empowering Law Enforcement Act as Border Crisis Intensifies
    Senator Tommy Tuberville represents Alabama in the United States Senate and is a member of the Senate Armed Services, Agriculture, Veterans’ Affairs, and HELP Committees.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: 11.01.2024 Sen. Cruz Leads Bipartisan, Bicameral Amicus Brief Defending Texas Energy

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Texas Ted Cruz

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), member of the Senate Judiciary Committee and Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on the Constitution, filed an amicus brief urging the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit to rehear or rehear en banc City of Port Isabel v. FERC. Senators John Cornyn (R-Texas), John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Bill Cassidy (R-La.), John Kennedy (R-La.), and Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) joined Sen. Cruz’s brief. Congressman Dan Crenshaw (R-Texas-02) co-led the amicus brief in the House of Representatives and was joined by Representatives Steve Scalise (R-La.-01), Brian Babin (R-Texas-36), Michael C. Burgess (R-Texas-26), Henry Cuellar (D-Texas-28), Vicente Gonzalez (D-Texas-34), Wesley Hunt (R-Texas-38), August Pfluger (R-Texas-11), and Randy K. Weber (R-Texas-14).
    Sen. Cruz stated, “I’m proud to lead this bipartisan, bicameral effort. My number one priority in the U.S. Senate is jobs. There are 7,000 jobs and billions in investment in the Rio Grande Valley at stake. This decision and the current environmental process threaten the economic and energy security of Texas and America, and would cede America’s energy dominance to adversaries and rivals such as Russia, which advance their own interests through gas exports. The D.C. Circuit should rehear and reverse this erroneous decision.”
    Rep. Crenshaw said, “Texas has the resources to supply the world with clean, affordable LNG. Unprecedented decisions that inject massive uncertainty into future investments aren’t just short-sighted—they’re morally indefensible. We cannot afford to hand the global energy market to adversaries like Russia, who produce dirtier, high-emission fuels.”
    BACKGROUND:
    In August, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit vacated reauthorizations for the Rio Grande LNG and Texas LNG projects, threatening 7,000 jobs and undermining $24 billion in investments in the Rio Grande Valley. Sen. Cruz is leading this amicus brief to overturn that disastrous decision and defend high-paying Texas jobs and investments in the Rio Grande Valley.
    In addition to his amicus brief, Sen. Cruz sent a letter urging the Biden-Harris administration to appeal the decision. Additionally, he was joined by Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas) in introducing the Protect LNG Act to ensure that a court cannot vacate a previously authorized LNG permit, clarify the venue for LNG lawsuits before federal courts, and mandate that courts grant expedited decisions in these cases.
    Sen. Cruz’s amicus brief is available here and here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Johnstown Man Pleads Guilty to Straw Purchasing Firearms

    Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)

    JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A resident of Johnstown, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of violating federal firearms laws, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.

    Keyshawn Savory, 24, pleaded guilty to six counts before United States District Judge Stephanie L. Haines.

    In connection with the guilty plea, the Court was advised that, on or about April 11, May 28, July 15, and August 1, 2021, in the Western District of Pennsylvania, Savory acted as a straw purchaser when purchasing firearms from several federally licensed firearms dealers by stating that the firearms were being purchased for himself, when he actually was purchasing the firearms on behalf of another person.

    Judge Haines scheduled sentencing for March 4, 2025. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of up to 10 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, or both. Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

    Assistant United States Attorney Maureen Sheehan-Balchon is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

    The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Savory.

    This case was prosecuted under the new criminal provisions of the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, which Congress enacted and the President signed in June 2022. The Act is the first federal statute specifically designed to target the unlawful trafficking and straw-purchasing of firearms.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Repeat Offenders Plead Guilty in Separate Drug Trafficking Investigations

    Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)

    ALBANY, Ga. – Two Albany residents, both with lengthy criminal histories in the community, pleaded guilty to federal charges resulting from separate drug trafficking investigations in Southwest Georgia.

    Roderick Terrell Ferrell, 37, and Kerry Lamont Davis, 42, each pleaded guilty in separate cases to one count of distribution of cocaine before U.S. District Judge Leslie Gardner on Oct. 30. Due to their criminal histories, both Ferrell and Davis qualify as federal career offenders and each face a maximum of 30 years in prison to be followed by six years of supervised release and a maximum $2,000,000 fine. Sentencing hearings will be scheduled by the Court. There is no parole in the federal system.

    “Both defendants have lengthy criminal records and have repeatedly disregarded the law,” said U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “These cases demonstrate how federal, state and local law enforcement are working together to make our communities safer and hold career offenders accountable.”

    “The FBI is proud to work with our local law enforcement partners in helping to convict these repeat offenders at the federal level, where they face stiffer penalties and no opportunity for parole,” said Rich Bilson, Supervisory Senior Resident Agent of the FBI Atlanta’s Albany office.

    “Our communities remain under attack by career criminals with no regard for the destruction they cause,” said Robert J. Murphy, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Division. “This investigation demonstrates the DEA’s commitment to protecting our community.”

    “Our message is clear: individuals with histories of criminal behavior who continue to engage in illegal activities will be met with the full force of the justice system. We are dedicated to working alongside our partners to ensure that those who choose this path face serious consequences,” said Beau Kolodka, Assistant Special Agent in Charge of the ATF Atlanta Field Division.

    “Eliminating drug trafficking in our communities requires a united front,” said GBI Director Chris Hosey. “The successful convictions of these repeat offenders are a demonstration of the effectiveness of our collaboration across federal, state and local agencies to hold individuals accountable and ensure safer neighborhoods.”

    According to court documents and statements made public in court in the Ferrell case, federal, state and local law enforcement received information from various confidential sources that Terrell was distributing cocaine and was supplied by a metro-Atlanta unnamed co-conspirator. Due to COVID-19’s impact on drug supply at the time, Ferrell was charging $1,400 an ounce for powder cocaine. Law enforcement executed a search warrant at another dealer’s residence, seized cocaine, and discovered that Ferrell had sold at least 18 ounces of powder cocaine. Agents with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the FBI and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) then conducted a controlled buy from Ferrell on Nov. 8, 2021, where Ferrell sold two ounces of powder cocaine for $2,150. In addition, Ferrell reported that he had been pulled over by local law enforcement on Oct. 13, 2022, and was in possession at the time of $30,000 from a recent drug transaction. On Nov. 30, 2023, a patrol officer pulled Ferrell over and found ten pounds of marijuana in ten plastic vacuum-sealed bags in the rear cargo area. Ferrell said he was transporting the drugs to Camilla, Georgia. During the investigation, agents discovered that Ferrell filed only one tax return between tax years 2019 and 2023, in which he claimed a negative income in 2022. DEA conducted a concealment money laundering investigation to look at how Ferrell was dispersing his drug trafficking money. Agents found that between Aug. 2021 and Dec. 2023, Terrell received and moved $383,057 through his and his co-conspirators’ CashApp accounts and bank accounts, despite having no employment or declaring any income on his taxes. Credit card and bank statements also showed that Terrell and his girlfriend used drug proceeds to purchase luxury goods from Christian Dior, Louis Vuitton, Saks, Gucci and Balenciaga, as well as took luxury vacations and invested in a business that was never operational. Terrell also has several prior felony convictions including robbery by force, terroristic threats and possession of cocaine with intent to distribute in Dougherty County, Georgia, Superior Court.

    According to court documents and statements made public in court in the Davis case, Albany Police Department (APD) officers responded to Ridgemont Road in Albany on March 26, 2023, about a suspicious auto parked in the middle of the road. Officers found Davis asleep in the driver’s seat. After Davis handed the officers his driver’s license, he fled at a high rate of speed and crashed his car. He then attempted to run away, but he was quickly apprehended. Inside the car, APD officers found a semiautomatic pistol, a semiautomatic rifle, a revolver, nearly four kilograms of vacuumed sealed marijuana, a distributable quantity of ecstasy and cocaine, a digital scale, plastic baggies and $25,039. Davis has two prior felony convictions for possession of marijuana with intent to distribute in Dougherty County, Georgia, Superior Court.

    The Ferrell case was investigated by the DEA, FBI and GBI.

    The Davis case was investigated by the ATF and APD.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Matt Redavid prosecuted the cases for the Government.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: Madison Pacific Properties Inc. announces the results for the year ended August 31, 2024

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Nov. 01, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Madison Pacific Properties Inc. (the Company) (TSX: MPC and MPC.C), a Vancouver-based real estate company announces the results of operations for the year ended August 31, 2024.

    The results reported are pursuant to International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) for public companies.

    For the year ended August 31, 2024, the Company is reporting a net loss of $44.2 million (2023: net income of $19.0 million); cash flows generated from operating activities before changes in non-cash operating balances of $11.4 million (2023: $9.5 million); and loss per share of $0.74 (2023: income per share of $0.31). Included in net loss is a provision of $51.5 million (2023: $nil) for uncertain tax positions recognizing a tax liability for unpaid taxes, estimated interest expense and awarded legal costs and provisions against the carrying value of the Company’s tax deposits and deferred tax assets related to unused carryforward amounts. Also included in net loss are equity earnings of associate and joint ventures of $0.4 million (2023: $7.4 million), net loss on the fair value adjustment on investment properties of approximately $0.2 million (2023: net gain of $5.7 million), losses on fair value adjustment on interest rate swaps of $4.2 million (2023: $0.1 million) , property revenues of $44.5 million (2023: $40.5 million) and interest expense of $12.7 million (2023: $10.7 million).

    As at August 31, 2024, the Company owns approximately $708 million in investment properties (August 31, 2023: $695 million).

    As at the date of this Press Release, the Company’s investment portfolio comprises 55 properties with approximately 1.9 million rentable sq. ft. of industrial and commercial space and a 50% interest in seven multi-family rental properties with a total of 219 units. Approximately 91.25% of available space within the industrial and commercial investment properties is currently leased and within the multi-family residential properties, 98.2% is currently leased. The Company’s development properties include a 50% interest in the Silverdale Hills Limited Partnership which currently owns approximately 1,405 acres of primarily residential designated development lands in Mission, British Columbia.

    For a review of the risks and uncertainties to which the Company is subject, see its most recently filed annual and interim MD&A.

    Contact: Mr. John Delucchi   Ms. Bernice Yip
      President & CEO   Chief Financial Officer
    Telephone: (604) 732-6540   (604) 732-6540
           
    Address:  389 West 6th Avenue    
      Vancouver, B.C. V5Y 1L1    

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICYMI: Following Months of Advocacy, Peters Applauds DHS Decision to Designate Lebanon for Temporary Protected Status

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Michigan Gary Peters
    Published: 11.01.2024

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI), Chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, applauds the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) decision to designate Lebanon for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for approximately 11,000 Lebanese individuals currently in the United States. This decision follows months of advocacy by Peters calling on DHS to take this action that will allow Lebanese nationals who are approved to remain safely in the United States due to the ongoing armed conflict in the region.
    “The concerning and rapidly changing situation in Lebanon presents a serious safety risk for the many Lebanese nationals who are currently in the United States,” said Senator Peters. “This announcement is very welcomed news. I pressed the Administration to designate Lebanon for Temporary Protected Status to ensure that the nearly 11,000 workers, students and tourists will be able to remain safely in the United States and work legally to support themselves and their families during the ongoing conflict in the region.”  
    Peters previously sent a letter in June and in early October urging the Administration to make the TPS designation. Following Peters’ first letter, the Administration authorized Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) for Lebanese nationals in the United States. DHS then issued guidance outlining the application process for eligible individuals to apply for DED-based employment authorization. The recent TPS designation for Lebanon will allow eligible individuals to remain safely in the United States for 18 months and give them the ability to work legally to support themselves.
    Below are statements in support of Peters’ calls for Lebanon to be designated for TPS.
    “NNAAC welcomes the decision to extend TPS for Lebanon designation that we have pursued along with Senator Peters while we grieve the loss of so many loved ones in Lebanon. Our priority remains an immediate ceasefire however we will continue pursuing all pathways to protect the safety of our community members,” said Rima Meroueh, Director, National Network for Arab American Communities.
    “These are important protections extended by the Biden-Harris Administration, and a welcomed reprieve for the thousands of Lebanese nationals currently in the country because of the ongoing war on Lebanon. Ensuring that Lebanese nationals in the U.S. are not forced back into harm’s way is an important step,” said Abed Ayoub, National Executive Director for the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC). “ADC thanks Senator Peters for his commitment to providing these protections.”
    “It is a great relief that the Biden Administration has provided protection to Lebanese nationals here in the United States through TPS, DED, and special student relief. Using the Secretary of Homeland Security’s immigration authority to protect individuals is a positive step that will undoubtedly save lives and keep families together,” said American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) Executive Director Ben Johnson. 
      

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Representative Lawler Issues Statement on House Education and Workforce Committee’s Damning Report on Campus Antisemitism

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Mike Lawler (R, NY-17)

    Representative Lawler Issues Statement on House Education and Workforce Committee’s Damning Report on Campus Antisemitism

    Washington, DC, November 1, 2024

    Today, Congressman Mike Lawler (NY-17) issued the following statement in response to a damning new report by the House Committee on Education and the Workforce detailing the extant of campus antisemitism on college campuses and how administrators have enabled the abusers.

    “Yesterday’s report from the House Committee on Education and the Workforce shows that campus antisemitism is even worse than many thought,” said Congressman Lawler. “College administrators have an obligation to ensure the safety of the students at their universities. Unfortunately, through a long list of actions and inactions, these campus leaders have shown more sympathy to the antisemitic Hamas sympathizers than to the Jewish students being terrorized by them. This is exactly why I introduced the Antisemitism Awareness Act and why this common sense bipartisan bill is so necessary.”

    “The Antisemitism Awareness Act will provide the tools we need to do what colleges have failed to do– ensure the safety of every student,” Congressman Lawler concluded. “It’s outrageous this bill has stalled in the Senate for five months after passing the House of Representatives in an overwhelmingly bipartisan vote. Shame on the college administrators who fail to stand up to evil, and shame on Senator Schumer for stonewalling the Antisemitism Awareness Act.” 

    Congressman Lawler is one of the most bipartisan members of the 118th Congress and represents New York’s 17th Congressional District, which is just north of New York City and contains all or parts of Rockland, Putnam, Dutchess, and Westchester Counties.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Casey Announces Thousands of Grocery Store Workers’ Pensions Saved by the American Rescue Plan

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Pennsylvania Bob Casey

    Almost 11,000 Pennsylvania workers and retirees’ pensions will be protected

    Pension plan secures retirement for food and commercial workers

    President Biden credited Casey’s work to protect pensions

    American Rescue Plan has saved the pensions of more than 65,000 workers and retirees in PA-based plans

    Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) announced that the pensions of almost 11,000 Pennsylvania grocery store workers and retirees from United Food and Commercial Workers Union (UFCW) Local 152 will be protected, thanks to the American Rescue Plan. Casey voted to pass the American Rescue Plan, which has saved the pensions of more than 65,000 Pennsylvanians to date. The UFCW Employers Tri-State Pension Plan (UFCW Tri-State Plan) will receive approximately $684.4 million from the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBCC) to save 10,934 Pennsylvania workers and retirees’ pensions. Without this fix, workers and retirees’ pension plans would have run out of money by 2028 and their benefits would have been subject to a 15 percent cut and a federal takeover at taxpayer expense.

    “Workers are the backbone of our Commonwealth and thanks to the American Rescue Plan, tens of thousands of families can continue relying on their pensions without worrying that their plans may be cut,” said Senator Casey. “I fought for this fix because I know how critical pensions are to the futures of thousands of Pennsylvania families, and how scary it was for those families to face the possibility of the rug being pulled out from underneath them. I will always fight to ensure workers and retirees’ hard-earned benefits are theirs to keep.”

    The Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC) announced approximately $684.4 million in relief to the UFCW Tri-State Plan, which is based in Plymouth Meeting, PA. Workers in this plan include employees and retirees of Acme Markets and other stores. In total, 29,233 workers and retirees’ pensions will be saved. This is the eighth Pennsylvania-based pension plan that has received relief; others include the Western Pennsylvania Teamsters and Employers Pension Fund, the Carpenters Industrial Council Eastern PA Pension Plan, the Newspaper Guild of Greater Philadelphia Pension Plan, IUE-CWA Pension Plan, the National Integrated Group Pension Plan, which includes United Steelworkers and United Auto Workers, and the Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers, and Grain Millers International Union.

    The funding comes from the PBGC’s Special Financial Assistance program, which was created by the American Rescue Plan. The American Rescue Plan passed the Senate by a vote of 50-49, and the House of Representatives by a vote of 220-211. No Republican Member of Congress voted in support of the law. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Secretary Blinken remarks at a Diwali reception

    Source: United States of America – Department of State (video statements)

    Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken remarks at a Diwali reception at the Department of State, on November 1, 2024.

    Transcript: https://www.state.gov/secretary-antony-j-blinken-at-a-diwali-reception/
    ———-
    Under the leadership of the President and Secretary of State, the U.S. Department of State leads America’s foreign policy through diplomacy, advocacy, and assistance by advancing the interests of the American people, their safety and economic prosperity. On behalf of the American people we promote and demonstrate democratic values and advance a free, peaceful, and prosperous world.

    The Secretary of State, appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate, is the President’s chief foreign affairs adviser. The Secretary carries out the President’s foreign policies through the State Department, which includes the Foreign Service, Civil Service and U.S. Agency for International Development.

    Get updates from the U.S. Department of State at www.state.gov and on social media!
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/statedept
    Twitter: https://twitter.com/StateDept
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/statedept
    Flickr: https://flickr.com/photos/statephotos/

    Subscribe to the State Department Blog: https://www.state.gov/blogs
    Watch on-demand State Department videos: https://video.state.gov/
    Subscribe to The Week at State e-newsletter: http://ow.ly/diiN30ro7Cw

    State Department website: https://www.state.gov/
    Careers website: https://careers.state.gov/
    White House website: https://www.whitehouse.gov/
    Terms of Use: https://state.gov/tou

    #StateDepartment #DepartmentofState #Diplomacy

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=csS8BgGDguk

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Inslee activates some Washington National Guard members to support public safety activities related to the 2024 elections

    Source: Washington State News

    Today, Gov. Jay Inslee activated some Washington National Guard members to be on stand-by in the event they are asked to support local law enforcement and the Washington State Patrol during election week. The governor has given The Adjutant General the authority to determine how many members of the Guard will be activated. 

    This is a purely precautionary measure taken in response to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s nationwide warnings regarding threats to election infrastructure and other recent activities that have occurred in southwestern Washington.

    The Guard will be on stand-by for four days, beginning Monday, November 4, and ending just after midnight on Thursday, November 7, 2024. 

    Read the governor’s letter to Major General Gent Welsh activating the National Guard. Full text is also below. 

    November 1, 2024

    Major General Gent Welsh
    The Adjutant General
    Washington Military Department
    Building 1
    Camp Murray, WA 98430-5000

    Re: Activation of Washington National Guard assets to support public safety activities related to the 2024 Elections.

    Dear Major General Welsh:

    Based upon general and specific information and concerns regarding the potential for violence or other unlawful activity related to the 2024 general election, I want to ensure we are fully prepared to respond to any potential additional civil unrest of the type described in RCW 38.08.040 occurring within Washington State leading up to, on, and potentially extending beyond November 5, 2024, the date of the 2024 general election.

    The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has warned that threats to election infrastructure during the 2024 election cycle remains high. The southwest region of Washington state has already experienced specific instances of election-related unrest. On October 28, 2024, an incendiary device was set off in a drop box in Vancouver, Washington, damaging or destroying hundreds of ballots, and a similar device targeted a ballot box in Portland, Oregon.

    In response to the situation described above and the potential for further violence and illegal activity, I am directing the Washington National Guard (WANG) to prepare to provide critical public safety support by activating necessary Washington National Guard personnel in a standby status. In this role, the WANG will support local law enforcement and the Washington State Patrol as needed. Our state depends on these skilled individuals for critical support to protect the public health, safety, and welfare, to include support necessary to protect vital infrastructure related to carrying out free and fair elections and to respond to any unrest related to the 2024 general election.

    Preparation to respond to civil unrest of the type already experienced will also require state level coordination and the activation of additional support functions within Washington’s Emergency Management System.

    Under RCW 38.08.040, I am authorized to order the Washington National Guard, or any part thereof, into active service of the State to perform such duty as I deem proper when required for the public health, safety, or welfare and to prepare for events described in RCW 38.08.040. I find that such preparation, and this activation of the Washington National Guard, is required now for the protection of the public health, safety, or welfare of Washington State agencies and the people they serve.

    Therefore, I, Jay Inslee, Governor of the state of Washington, pursuant to RCW 38.08.040 and in response to the above-referenced request, and believing such action is necessary for preserving public health, safety and welfare, order into temporary active state service for up to four days, beginning Monday, November 4, 2024, as many members of the Washington National Guard as may be necessary and deemed appropriate for the circumstances described above in the opinion of The Adjutant General of the Washington State Military Department to support public safety efforts related to the 2024 elections, as well as activation of support functions within Washington’s Emergency Management System.

    This order of activation expires at 12:01 a.m. on November 8, 2024.

    Very truly yours,

    Jay Inslee
    Governor

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Justice Department to Monitor Compliance in South Carolina

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    COLUMBIA, S.C. — United States Attorney Adair Ford Boroughs announced today that the Justice Department will monitor compliance with federal voting rights laws in South Carolina for the Nov. 5 general election.

    The Justice Department enforces federal voting rights laws that protect the rights of all eligible citizens to access the ballot. The department regularly deploys its staff to monitor for compliance with federal civil rights laws in elections in communities all across the country.

    The Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division will coordinate the effort. Monitors will include Justice Department personnel, who will contact state and local election officials as needed throughout Election Day.

    The Civil Rights Division’s Voting Section enforces the civil provisions of federal statutes that protect the right to vote, including the Voting Rights Act, National Voter Registration Act, Help America Vote Act, Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act and Civil Rights Acts. The division’s Disability Rights Section enforces the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to ensure that persons with disabilities have a full and equal opportunity to vote. The division’s Criminal Section enforces federal criminal statutes that prohibit voter intimidation and voter suppression based on race, color, national origin or religion.

    On Election Day, Civil Rights Division personnel will be available all day to receive questions and complaints from the public related to possible violations of federal voting rights laws. Reports may be made through the department’s website www.civilrights.justice.gov or by calling toll-free at 800-253-3931.

    Individuals with questions or complaints related to the ADA may call the department’s toll-free ADA information hotline at 800-514-0301 or 833-610-1264 (TTY) or submit a complaint through a link on the department’s ADA website at www.ada.gov.

    Complaints related to any disruptions at a polling place should always be reported to local election officials (including officials based in the polling place). Complaints related to violence, threats of violence or intimidation at a polling place should be reported immediately to local police authorities by calling 911. These complaints should also be reported to the department after local authorities have been contacted.

    More information about voting and elections, including guidance documents and other resources, is available at www.justice.gov/voting. Learn more about the Voting Rights Act and other federal voting laws at www.justice.gov/crt/voting-section.

    Complaints about possible violations of the federal voting rights laws can be made directly to the Civil Rights Division in Washington, DC by complaint form at https://civilrights.justice.gov/ or by phone at 800-253-3931.

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Owner of Florida Labor-Staffing Companies Pleads Guilty to Tax Fraud and Money Laundering

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Defendant Caused a Tax Loss to the United States of more than $9.5M

    MIAMI – A Ukrainian national pleaded guilty today to conspiracy to defraud the United States and conspiracy to commit money laundering.

    According to the court documents and statements made in court, between April 2008 and July 2021, Oleksandr Yurchyk and others owned and operated a series of labor-staffing companies in southern Florida, including Paradise Choice LLC, Paradise Choice Cleaning LLC, Tropical City Services LLC and Tropical City Group LLC. Through these staffing companies, Yurchyk and others facilitated the employment of non-resident aliens in the hospitality industry who were not authorized to work in the United States and helped evade the assessment and collection of federal income and employment taxes. Yurchyk and his co-defendants also laundered more than $11 million of proceeds from their scheme.

    Yurchyk is scheduled to be sentenced on Jan. 27, 2025. He faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison for the conspiracy to commit money laundering and five years in prison for the conspiracy to defraud the United States. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    U.S. Attorney Markenzy Lapointe for the Southern District of Florida and Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg of the Justice Department’s Tax Division made the announcement.

    Homeland Security Investigations and IRS Criminal Investigation are investigating the case.

    Senior Litigation Counsel Christopher J. Clark for the Southern District of Florida and Sean Beaty and Trial Attorneys Matthew B. Hicks and Wilson R. Stamm of the Justice Department’s Tax Division are prosecuting the case.

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –