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  • MIL-OSI USA: Amata Holds Listening Session with American Samoa’s Veterans in Honolulu

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative for Western Samoa Congresswoman Aumua Amata

    Headline: Amata Holds Listening Session with American Samoa’s Veterans in Honolulu

    Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amataheld a Veterans townhall meeting, organized upon the Congresswoman’s arrival in response to interest from the Veterans. She is traveling from DC to American Samoa, and the flight schedule allowed an opening for a listening session estimated between 90 minutes and two hours, attended by a number of American Samoa’s Veterans at the Airport Honolulu Hotel on Sunday.

    Amata speaking with veterans who thanked her for her work and alerted her to issues in their services and care.

    Amata, who serves as Vice Chairman of the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, heard extensively from the assembled veterans about how services affect them personally, and their experiences with the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (VA).

    They expressed concerns about certain travel policies, that Aumua Amata will be looking into, and asking about, beginning with the VA, particularly regarding tickets and seating on flights. These issues as described by the Veterans range from parking questions to the healthcare itself, refusal of the VA to confer with LBJ Tropical Medical Center about their medical history and treatment, and other matters.

    Congresswoman Amata with our Veterans in Honolulu on Sunday

    “This helpful time with our Veterans will shape my future discussions with House colleagues, V.A. leadership, including congressional hearings and letters, and conversations with Tripler Clinic leadership,” said Congresswoman Aumua Amata.

    Among those in attendance were Fogatia Letuli, Iliili; Togotogo Sotoa, Fagaalu, Manu’a; Ropati Aneki Tui, Taputimu; Ed Puchaver and wife Tufaga, Aua; Ronald Parker, Amaluia; Fala Porotesano, Manu’a; Faamao Asalele, Vaitogi, Leone, Fagatogo; Paulo Fatima Silao, Aoloau; Pete Meaole; Faimealelei Anthony Allen, Aua; Toafala Iafeta, Ta’u, Manu’a; Sagapolutele; and Reverend Nikolao Faasala, who led a prayer.

    Congresswoman Amata taking notes as Veterans discuss their experiences with VA and travel services

    “Veterans’ services should be effective and common sense, and the reason for policies should be clear and understandable,” continued Amata. “Our Veterans deserve every benefit due them, and our nation makes a lifelong commitment to those who have served that covers necessary care and travel requirements.”

    Last week, the House passed four Veterans bills, which boost training for veterans entering the trucking industry, reduces costs for veterans becoming pilots, promote a call-back service at the VA, and aid service-connected veterans in need of a specially adapted vehicle by paying the delivery cost of that vehicle.

    • H.R. 7323 – Montgomery GI Bill Selected Reserves Tuition Fairness Act of 2024.
    • H.R. 6656 – Stuck on Hold Act.
    • S. 656 – Veteran Improvement Commercial Driver License Act of 2023.
    • H.R. 522 – Deliver for Veterans Act. This bill was sponsored by Congressman James Moylan of Guam, and Congresswoman Amata was proud to support and cosponsor this effort.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Al Green Supports the International Longshoremen’s Association and Dockworkers on Union Strike

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Al Green (TX-9)

    (Houston, TX) — Today, Congressman Al Green has issued a statement expressing his support for the recent dockworkers strike by union members of the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) at the Gulf and East Coast ports:

    “I stand in full support of the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) and the 45,000 port workers they represent with concerns regarding fair wage increases, occupational safety, and job security. The United States Maritime Alliance must engage in fair negotiations with the union members to ensure the productivity of our ports and the continued growth of America’s economy.”

    “The recent strike by the ILA members has brought to light the significant sacrifices made by these port workers and the potential impacts of disrupted container transport. The backlog of container vessels at U.S. ports highlights the essential role of these workers in maintaining the smooth flow of goods and the potential consequences of disruptions to the supply chain and inflation.” 

    “In this region, I am particularly concerned about the potential negative impact that could affect the Port of Houston. The Port of Houston, known as the International Port of Texas, holds a pivotal role as the nation’s largest port for waterborne tonnage and serves as an essential economic engine for our country. As such, it is imperative that we address this matter promptly to safeguard the interests and stability of our nation’s maritime industry.”

    “Given the vital role that dockworkers and their families play in our nation’s import operations, it is imperative that their concerns are addressed fairly and equitably. I will continue to advocate for the ILA and their pursuit of fair treatment as well as economic security for their members across the nation.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Carbajal Statement on Iran’s Attack on Israel, Escalating Violence in Middle East

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Salud Carbajal (CA-24)

    Today, Congressman Salud Carbajal (CA-24) issued the following statement on Iran’s direct attack on Israel and the continued violence in the Middle East:

    “Iran’s direct attack on the people of Israel yesterday is a stark reminder of the threat their regime and its proxies pose to our ally, and of the importance of continuing to ensure Israel has the ability to defend itself.

    “I unequivocally condemn this indiscriminate attack on Israeli civilians – a continuation of the abhorrent violence we have seen perpetrated by Iran’s proxy Hezbollah, with their continuous attacks on Israel since October 7th.

    “In the wake of this brazen assault, it’s critical for Israel to not make the mistake Iran hopes it will. Israel must not take the bait. Anything less than precision targeting of those who threaten Israel risks dangerous escalation of the conflict. Restraint must prevail, and I support President Biden and U.S. diplomatic efforts to prevent further loss of innocent life.

    “But make no mistake: Hassan Nasrallah and Hezbollah, Hamas, and their sponsors in Iran have been responsible for decades of bloodshed, including the deaths of hundreds of U.S. citizens and American servicemembers. I continue to stand with those threatened by their daily acts of terror and violence, including the people of Israel.

    “Tonight marks the beginning of Rosh Hasanah, the Jewish New Year. I join Jewish residents of the Central Coast and all around the world in praying that this new year will bring a pathway to peace, regional stability, and an end to the tragic and unsustainable violence we have seen after nearly one year of war. Shana Tovah.”

    Congressman Carbajal has sought the renewal of a humanitarian ceasefire in the Middle East since last year, signing a congressional resolution expresses the need for a cessation in fighting and repeatedly voicing concerns to the Biden Administration about the need for an additional ceasefire like the one broken by Hamas last fall, a measure which helped facilitate safe delivery of humanitarian aid and the release of civilian hostages being held in Gaza.

    He has continued to push the Biden Administration to help scale up efforts to deliver life-saving aid to Palestinian civilians and emphasized to Israel the need for a strategy that protects civilian life.

    Congressman Carbajal traveled to Israel and the West Bank earlier this year, voicing to both members of the Israeli government and the Palestinian Authority support for a pathway to peace that includes Israel’s ability to defend itself and a sustainable two-state solution and long-term regional stability.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Blunt Rochester, Carper, Coons announce nearly $40 million in new funding for substance use disorder and mental health services

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Lisa Blunt Rochester (DE-AL)

    WASHINGTON – Congresswoman Lisa Blunt Rochester and U.S. Senators Tom Carper and Chris Coons (all D-Del.) announced that Delaware’s Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health will receive $38.8 million in new funding to help combat the opioid crisis. The Biden-Harris administration is awarding the money through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, which helps states, tribal lands, and territories address opioid addiction – a top priority under President Biden’s Unity Agenda.

    “Combatting the opioid epidemic impacting communities in Delaware and across the country continues to be a top priority of mine,” said Congresswoman Blunt Rochester, member of the Bipartisan Addiction and Mental Health Task Force in Congress. “The decrease in overdose deaths in Delaware demonstrates that our opioid response programs are making a difference. The federal funding we’re announcing today, which I helped secure alongside Senator Carper and Senator Coons, will help expand our state’s prevention, treatment, harm reduction, and recovery efforts significantly. I’ll continue my work at the federal level to ensure that Delaware has the resources and support needed to save lives.” 

    “The opioid epidemic is one of the worst in American history, and Delaware has not been immune to this heartbreaking crisis,” said Senator Carper. “Today’s announcement of $38.8 million for Delaware through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration is welcome news, as this funding will support prevention, harm reduction, treatment, recovery supports, and medications for opioid use disorder to address the overdose crisis.”

    “The devastating opioid epidemic is taking lives and destroying families in every state in the country, including Delaware,” said Senator Coons. “I’m glad that funding for prevention and recovery programs is a top priority for the Biden-Harris administration, and this new investment of nearly $40 million in the First State is proof of that. I’ll keep working with the rest of Delaware delegation to combat this crisis and help families on the road to recovery.”

    Recent preliminary federal data have shown that the Biden-Harris administration’s efforts are leading to a decline in drug overdose deaths across the country. From April 2023 to April 2024, overdose deaths decreased by roughly 10%. This decline coincides with the administration’s increased efforts to address the addiction and overdose epidemic. Overdose deaths fell for the first time in a decade in Delaware, according to data from the Delaware Division of Forensic Science. Still, the 527 accidental drug overdose deaths reported in Delaware in 2023 highlight the critical need for this continued federal investment in substance use prevention and recovery services.

    Funds directed to Delaware’s Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health will go toward prevention, harm reduction, treatment, and recovery support services. They will also boost resources to help individuals, families, and communities combat opioid and stimulant misuse.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: FBI Charges Chinese Nationals with Spying at Camp Grayling

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman John Moolenaar (4th District of Michigan)

    Headline: FBI Charges Chinese Nationals with Spying at Camp Grayling

    Today, the Detroit News reported the FBI has charged five Chinese nationals who studied at the University of Michigan with espionage related charges. The five individuals are accused of taking photos of military equipment at Camp Grayling. While the students were taking photos, the Michigan Army National Guard was hosting training for the Taiwanese military.

    “This case shows once again that CCP espionage can happen anywhere in America and we must be vigilant. The CCP obviously has an interest in Camp Grayling and this is further evidence it would be a mistake for Michigan leaders to allow Gotion to build in our state. State funding for Gotion’s plan to bring Chinese nationals to Mecosta County is an open invitation for further spying on Camp Grayling. For national security reasons, Governor Whitmer and the legislature must revoke state funding for Gotion immediately,” said Congressman John Moolenaar. 

    “Additionally, as chairman of the Select Committee on China, my committee recently issued a report on research security at our nation’s universities. All of our nation’s universities must shut down their joint institutes with Chinese universities, and enact stricter guardrails on emerging technology research. American universities must realize they are a target for espionage and protect the critical taxpayer-funded research they do,” he continued.

    Last month, Moolenaar along with Chairwoman Virginia Foxx of the Committee on Education and Workforce released a report on research security at American universities. The five Chinese nationals charged with espionage were students at the University of Michigan through the schools joint partnership with Shanghai Jiao Tong University in Shanghai. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senators Coons, Risch, Shaheen, Young to introduce Sudan Accountability Act to protect the Sudanese people and hold perpetrators of war crimes accountable

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Delaware Christopher Coons

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 2, 2024

    CONTACT: Will Baskin-Gerwitz at 202-224-5042 or Will_Baskin-Gerwitz@coons.senate.gov

    Senators Coons, Risch, Shaheen, Young to introduce Sudan Accountability Act to protect the Sudanese people and hold perpetrators of war crimes accountable

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.) and Jim Risch (R-Idaho) today announced their intention to introduce the Sudan Accountability Act to respond to the civil war in Sudan that has been raging since April 2023. In addition to Senators Coons and Risch, this legislation is cosponsored by Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.) and Todd Young (R-Ind.).

    Fighting between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has created the world’s worst ongoing humanitarian crisis. More than 20,000 Sudanese have been killed since fighting broke out last April. Ten million people have been displaced – 2 million of whom have had to leave the country as refugees – and more than 25 million people are suffering from severe hunger. Massacres in Darfur and other regions across the country by RSF militias have become regular occurrences. A peace process still seems far away, as both sides and nations across Africa and the Middle East focus more on securing access to Sudan’s natural resources. Democratic prospects have dimmed since a 2021 coup by General Abdel Fattah Burhan and the SAF, who had proceeded to consolidate their control and shut out civil society before the war broke out.

    “It is time for Congress to act on Sudan,” said Senator Coons. “Failing to act as the Sudanese people are forced to flee or die in their homeland is a choice that we do not accept. The Sudan Accountability Act will advance and protect the rights of all Sudanese, hold the perpetrators of war crimes and their supporters accountable, expand humanitarian access, and support efforts to bring an end to this disastrous conflict.”

    “The Sudanese people continue to suffer unspeakable atrocities, including genocide and war crimes,” said Senator Risch. “It is past time the perpetrators of these atrocities be held accountable. While securing a cease-fire and addressing humanitarian needs are crucial, protecting civilians and preventing further atrocities must also be a priority. This legislation requires a clear strategy, resourcing, and leadership on Sudan by the U.S. government to protect civilian welfare, particularly that of women and children. Congress will oversee these efforts to ensure accountability is adequately pursued.”

    “The war in Sudan has created the most devastating humanitarian crisis in the world, including record rates of sexual- and gender-based violence committed in large part by the Rapid Support Forces,” said Senator Shaheen. “The international community must support the Sudanese people’s demands for protection and justice and the warring parties must come to the table to end this war. I’m proud to introduce this legislation that sends an unmistakable, bipartisan message that the United States will seek accountability for any individual, state, or entity that commits war crimes or crimes against humanity in Sudan and perpetuates this awful conflict.”“The situation in Sudan is heartbreaking and one of the worst humanitarian crises in the world,” said Senator Young. “The United States and the international community cannot ignore this situation, nor can we stand silent as external actors fuel the conflict. Our bipartisan legislation will shed a light on these atrocities, help hold the perpetrators of war crimes in Sudan accountable, and support a broad humanitarian response.”

    The Sudan Accountability Act is the most comprehensive bill in the Senate to date to address the ongoing war in Sudan. The legislation takes important steps to shed light on the atrocities occurring in Sudan and determine if they constitute genocide; hold perpetrators and their supporters accountable; offer services to innocent civilians; and support the protection of the Sudanese people. It will:

    • Advance and protect the internationally recognized human rights of all Sudanese, regardless of ethnicity, religion, gender, or geographic area of origin;
    • Document war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide and hold perpetrators accountable;
    • Mandate a strategy to ensure unrestricted humanitarian access to vulnerable populations and prevent human trafficking, sexual and gender-based violence, and the recruitment of child soldiers; 
    • Authorize assistance to support victims of atrocities;
    • Enhance civilian protection and evaluate options to deter attacks on civilians and humanitarian workers;
    • Support mechanisms for dialogue and conflict resolution and ensure inclusion of Sudanese women in these efforts.

    The full text of the bill is available here.   

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Media Advisory: Infrastructure Announcement in District of Sechelt

    Source: Government of Canada News

    Media advisory

    District of Sechelt, British Columbia, October 2, 2024 — Members of the media are invited to an infrastructure announcement with Patrick Weiler, Member of Parliament for West Vancouver—Sunshine Coast—Sea to Sky Country, British Columbia, and Catherine Leach, Executive Director, Sunshine Coast Community Services.

    Date:         Thursday, October 3, 2024

    Time:        1:00 p.m. (PT)

    Location:  Sunshine Coast Community Services, Main Office
                        5638 Inlet Avenue
                        Sechelt, BC  V0N 3A0

    Contacts

    For more information (media only), please contact:

    Sofia Ouslis
     Communications Advisor
    Office of the Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities
    Sofia.ouslis@infc.gc.ca

    Media Relations
     Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada
    613-960-9251
    Toll free: 1-877-250-7154
    Email: media-medias@infc.gc.ca
    Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn
    Web: Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada

    Catherine Leach
     Executive Director
    Sunshine Coast Community Services
    604-885-5881
    info@sccss.ca

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Keith Self’s Leads Letter Calling President Biden to Take All Available Measures to Defend Israel

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Keith Self (Texas 3rd)

    Congressman Keith Self led a letter, along with five House Republican Members, to President Biden expressing urgent concern towards Iran’s sharp escalation of conflict with Israel and calling for the Biden Administration to take all available measures to defend Israel.

    Yesterday, Iran intensified tensions with Israel to an all-time high when it launched a barrage of long-range ballistic missiles at Israel, the second such direct attack from Iranian territory ever.  With the leadership of Hezbollah decapitated and Hamas significantly dismantled, Iran is cornered. In response, they have taken unprecedented measures to achieve their ultimate goal of destroying the Jewish state, including rapid developments to Tehran’s nuclear weapons program.

    “We must use every tool at our disposal to support our ally Israel and deter Iran’s offensive efforts,” said Congressman Self.  “All approved foreign assistance to Israel must be unlocked and distributed without delay and existing sanctions against Iran should be enforced immediately. The stakes of Israel’s rivalry with Iran have never been higher, and it is vital that the Biden Administration acts immediately.” 

    As such, Congressman Keith Self, along with Congressman Rudy Yakym III, Congressman Brian J. Mast, Congresswoman Kay Granger, Congressman Mike Waltz, and Congressman Christopher H. Smith made two requests in a letter to President Biden:

    1. Unlock all Congressionally approved foreign aid to Israel that may still be held up.
    2. Enforce all sanctions in place that are designed to deter Iran’s offensive efforts against the United States and its allies.

     The full text of the letter is available HERE.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cortez Masto, Rosen Announce Over $20 Million to Improve Public Safety

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Nevada Cortez Masto
    Grant funding breakdown available here.
    Las Vegas, Nev. – Today, U.S. Senators Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), and Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.) announced more than $20 million in new federal funding they secured to improve public safety in Nevada. These funds from the Department of Justice (DOJ) will support state, local, and Tribal law enforcement, courts, and services for victims of crime and abuse across Nevada. The full list of DOJ grants Sens. Cortez Masto and Rosen helped secure is available here.
     “Every Nevadan deserves to feel safe in their home and in their community, and that’s what this funding is about,” said Cortez Masto. “I will always stand proudly with law enforcement and advocates in Nevada to hold criminals accountable, keep our communities safe, and deliver the support and justice that victims deserve.”
    “One of my top priorities in the U.S. Senate is to deliver the resources to keep Nevada families safe,” said Senator Rosen. “This funding will help advance public safety, support victims, and fight crime across our state – including in our rural and Tribal communities. I’ll always work across the aisle to support our law enforcement and public safety.”
    Senators Cortez Masto and Rosen consistently push for the resources Nevada’s law enforcement community needs. Last week, they announced nearly $1 million in COPS funding for Nevada police, on top of the $1 million in COPS funding they secured in 2023. Recently, they also highlighted nearly $1 million in federal community project funding to provide mental health training and support to thousands of firefighters, law enforcement officers, and first responders. Both Senators also helped reauthorize the Violence Against Women Act last year, which provides critical support to victims of domestic violence across the country.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Shaheen, Collins Applaud Senate Passage of Bipartisan Resolution to Establish October 2nd as Energy Efficiency Day

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Hampshire Jeanne Shaheen
    (Washington, DC) – U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and Susan Collins (R-ME) announced their bipartisan resolution to designate today, October 2, 2024, as Energy Efficiency Day passed the Senate unanimously. The resolution celebrates and promotes the economic and environmental benefits gained from investing in energy efficiency.
    “Investing in energy efficiency benefits our environment, our businesses and Granite State families,” said Senator Shaheen. “I’m proud the Senate passed our bipartisan resolution designating today as Energy Efficiency Day and celebrating the key role energy efficiency programs play in creating jobs, lowering costs for families and reducing our carbon footprint.”
    “The adoption of energy efficient practices saves consumers in Maine and across the country money,” said Senator Collins. “This resolution is an important reminder of the significant advancements we have made in energy efficiency over the past decade, most recently through the bipartisan infrastructure law.”
    The text of the Senators’ resolution can be found HERE.
    Co-sponsoring the resolution are U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-DE), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Jack Reed (D-RI), Joe Manchin (I-WV), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Peter Welch (D-VT), Angus King (I-ME), Tina Smith (D-MN), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Richard Durbin (D-IL), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Ed Markey (D-MA), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Mark Warner (D-VA) and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN).
    Shaheen has championed work to secure federal investments in clean energy and energy efficiency initiatives and to lower energy costs across New Hampshire. In the FY24 government funding bills, Shaheen helped defend key efficiency programs at the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) from cuts, including securing $366 million for weatherization efforts and $66 million for the State Energy Program, which works to bring down energy bills for families and communities. Shaheen also secured continued support for the annual U.S. Energy and Employment Report (USEER) that tracks key jobs data in the energy sector.
    Recently, Shaheen, as Chair of the U.S. Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, hosted a field hearing and resource fair at the University of New Hampshire in Manchester on  investments in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the Inflation Reduction Act that can help small businesses lower their energy costs, transition to the clean energy economy and build resilience. Following the field hearing, small businesses participated in a resource fair and met with federal agencies and state business support programs.
    Shaheen was a lead negotiator of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which made huge investments in energy efficiency, including $550 million for Industrial Research and Assessment Centers and assistance for small- and medium-sized manufacturers to implement efficiency upgrades based upon her longstanding bipartisan legislation with former U.S. Senator Rob Portman. Granite Staters looking for energy efficiency resources can check out Senator Shaheen’s Federal Energy Resource Guide.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Costa, Bipartisan Colleagues Introduce Legislation to Expand the Use of Hydrogen to Lower Costs and Reduce Emissions

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jim Costa Representing 16th District of California

    FRESNO, Calif. – U.S. Representatives Jim Costa (CA-21), Eric Sorensen (IL-17), Marc Molinaro (NY-19), Nikki Budzinski (IL-13), and Don Bacon (NE-02) introduced the bipartisan Hydrogen for Industry Act, which creates a program for hydrogen to be used to produce building materials such as steel, cement, glass, chemicals, and fuel.  

    “I am proud to introduce this bipartisan legislation to provide funds for demonstration projects that will showcase hydrogen’s ability to decarbonize the manufacturing, transportation, and agricultural industries,” said Costa. “Sustained investment in hydrogen is necessary to bolster U.S. energy independence and further efforts to cut greenhouse gas emissions in half by 2035.” 

    BACKGROUND
    Hydrogen energy will play an important role as we transition the industrial and transportation sectors to a carbon net-zero future. By promoting the use of hydrogen, the United States can reduce pollution, lower costs for consumers, and help our nation remain competitive in the growing hydrogen economy.     

    The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law authorized $8 billion to develop large-scale hydrogen production programs across the country. Since 2021, there have been major investments in California’s 21st Congressional District, including $24 million for hydrogen-powered buses in Fresno, CA. 

    Costa has been a champion for dairy digesters, and there are over 15 digesters in his district that have allowed dairy farms to advance their sustainability goals and provide a key feedstock for hydrogen production.

    The Hydrogen for Industry Act builds on the Bipartisan Infrastructure law by supporting the development of hydrogen as an emissions reduction solution, including: 

    • Establishing a commercial-scale demonstration program for hydrogen use in heavy industry.
    • Providing competitive grants to hydrogen demonstrations in industries such as iron and steel, cement, chemicals, and refining, among other industrial products.
    • Directing the Secretary of Energy, Secretary of Commerce, and Secretary of Transportation to jointly conduct a study on the impact, cost, and safety. 

     
    The bipartisan Senate version of the bill, S.646, the Hydrogen for Industry Act of 2023, was introduced on March 2, 2023, by Senators John Cornyn (R-TX), Chris Coons (D-DE), Bill Cassidy (R-LA), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), and Ben Ray Luján (D-NM).  

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Facility Managers, Assemble: Protecting Johnson Space Center’s People and Places

    Source: NASA

    Not all heroes wear capes (or blue flight suits). At Johnson Space Center in Houston, the heroes might train their colleagues how to safely respond and evacuate their office in an emergency. They might investigate office accidents and remove potential hazards. Or they might help fix a leaky bathroom sink or a broken coffee maker.
    Those heroes are approximately 135 on-site facility managers who ensure the safety and health of every building and its occupants.
    Established in 2009, the Facility Manager program encompasses buildings at Johnson Space Center, Sonny Carter Training Facility, and Ellington Field. Each building has a primary Facility Manager and an alternate. These individuals develop emergency action plans and serve as facility fire wardens. They post safety alerts, notices of renovation and construction work, and share information about impending interruptions to building access or utilities. They also coordinate between building occupants, safety personnel, facility operations, and emergency responders as needed.
    “We are a relatively close-knit community and rely on each other for assistance and advice, especially from the veteran facility managers,” said Vanessa Jordan, the lead facility manager for the entire Johnson site. Her role, and that of Alternate Lead Facility Manager Darrell Palmer, is to establish policies and procedures for the Facility Manager program, ensuring that all applicable safety and health regulations are disseminated and enforced site wide.

    “We are responsible for advising the facility managers on new and current policies and regulations relating to the safety and security of the buildings and their occupants,” Jordan explained. “We also inform them of changes in policies or procedures and happenings around the center that affect the buildings and occupants, such as road closures or hurricanes.” Jordan and Palmer oversee Facility Manager training, as well. They provide bi-annual training for new facility managers and periodic forums with subject matter experts on topics relevant to the team’s responsibilities.
    “We are available to address any questions or concerns the facility managers may have regarding their role, buildings, or occupants,” she said. “We are the liaison and advocate for them with their organizations, my organization (which controls the program), the center, and our stakeholders.”
    Jordan is also a facility engineer in the Center Operations Directorate’s Facilities Management and Operations Division. She joined Johnson’s team in 2008 after working for four years at NASA Headquarters in Washington, D.C. She served as Johnson’s facility manager coordinator for seven years before becoming the lead in 2019.
    “I enjoy helping, meeting people, and developing relationships,” she said. “Even though I do a lot of routine work, there is something new to experience, deal with, or learn every day.”
    Helping and connecting with others is what Angel Olmedo enjoys most about being a facility manager. “There’s no greater sense of purpose than being the person people rely on to find the help or solutions they need to finish their day strong and productive,” he said. “I’ve learned new skills and had a chance to meet and interact with a lot more people than I did before.”

    Olmedo has worked at Johnson for nearly five years on the Human Space Flight Technical Integration Contract. In the spring of 2024, he was offered the opportunity to become the facility manager for buildings 4 south and 4 north, and the alternate facility manager for building 17. “During my first few years working here at Johnson, I enjoyed helping people get solutions to their technical problems – be they application related, access issues, or credentials,” he said. “I found that in becoming a facility manager I can continue to do something similar in a whole new way.”
    Sid Dickerson has been the prime facility manager for building 17 and alternate for buildings 4 south and 4 north since November 2022. An IT specialist and property custodian at Johnson for more than 30 years, Dickerson takes pride in resolving issues quickly and efficiently and strives to maintain excellent customer feedback. “I want to be the best facility manager for my employer and customers as I help the facility achieve maintenance, cleaning, health and safety and scheduling goals,” he said. He added that working with a team of engineers, IT specialists, and maintenance staff to modernize the building 17 elevators was one of his favorite experiences to date.

    Michael Meadows – facility manager for buildings 10, 9 south, and 260 – was inspired to join the Johnson team while delivering newspapers onsite. An Alvin Community College student at the time, Meadows noticed a facility manager plaque on the wall of Johnson’s External Relations Office. “I knew that with hard work and dedication, I would one day become a Johnson employee and support flight and see my photo on that wall!”
    Meadows began working at Johnson in 1999 and has been a facility manager for 23 years. He received a Silver Snoopy Award in May 2011 in recognition of the support he provided to the International Space Station Program as the manager for Johnson’s manufacturing facilities.

    Some Johnson team members are hired specifically for a facility manager position. Others may volunteer or be appointed to the role by their organization’s management. Regardless of how they became a facility manager, each person must complete an initial and a refresher training covering topics such as hazard identification and mitigation, energy conservation, security, and legal considerations. Additional training may be required depending on building assignments. Once fully trained, facility managers may stay in that role as long as they work at Johnson.
    The most rewarding part of being a facility manager, said Meadows, is “the feeling you get when you keep up with the facility and make that a great home for all the occupants every day.”  
    Curious about all of the roles available at NASA? Visit our Careers site to explore open opportunities and find your place with us!

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Press Release for Early Warning Report Filing Pursuant to National Instrument 62-103

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Oct. 02, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — On October 02, 2024, JPK Capital Holdings (Barbados) Inc., of Burnham Court, Bishop’s Court Hill, Upper Collymore Rock, St. Michael, Barbados BB11115

    (“JPK”) , announces that it has acquired 25,000,000 common shares of PowerBand Solutions Inc. (“PowerBand”) in a private placement pursuant to which an aggregate of 217,410,000 common shares were issued by PowerBand from treasury at a price of $0.05 per common share.

    Prior to completion of the private placement, JPK and its joint actor, Insurance Corporation of Barbados Ltd. ( “ICBL”), held an aggregate of 31,873,001 common shares and warrants to acquire an additional 31,573,001 common shares of PowerBand, representing 7.09% of the issued and outstanding common shares on an undiluted basis, and 13.18% of the outstanding common shares, assuming the exercise of all of the warrants held by JPK and ICBL but no other outstanding warrants. Both JPK and ICBL are companies controlled by Joe Poulin.

    Following completion of the private placement, JPK and ICBL collectively hold a total of 56,873,001 common shares and warrants to acquire an additional 31,573,001 common shares of PowerBand, representing 8.53% of the Company’s issued and outstanding common shares on an undiluted basis, and 12.66% of the outstanding common shares, assuming the exercise of all of the warrants held by JPK and ICBL but no other outstanding warrants.

    JPK acquired the shares pursuant to a subscription agreement with PowerBand with an aggregate subscription price of $1,250,000.

    The shares were acquired by JPK for investment purposes. JPK and/or ICBL may, depending on market and other conditions, increase or decrease their beneficial ownership, control or direction over additional securities of PowerBand, through market transactions, private agreements, treasury issuances, exercise of convertible securities or otherwise.

    This press release is issued pursuant to the early warning requirements of National Instrument 62-103 of the Canadian Securities Administrators which also requires a report to be filed with regulatory authorities in each of the appropriate jurisdictions containing additional information with respect to the foregoing matters (the “Early Warning Report“). A copy of the Early Warning Report will appear with the PowerBand’s documents under its profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca.

    For further information, please contact:

    Mark J. Coleman, Vice President, +1 (646) 873-0600, Mark@jpkcapital.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Russian Man Sentenced for Running an Illegal Money Transmitting Business

    Source: United States Attorneys General

    Feliks Medvedev, 43, of Buford, Georgia, was sentenced today to three years and 10 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $10,000 fine for conducting an unlicensed money transmitting business which transferred over $150 million in Russian money. 

    According to the court documents and other information presented in court, Medvedev is a Russian citizen who resides in North Georgia. He registered eight companies in Georgia that were used to transmit more than $150 million in over 1,300 transactions. The companies were purportedly headquartered in Buford and Dacula, Georgia, but they did not have typical business expenses or employees. The money was used, in part, to purchase over $65 million in overseas gold bullion. Medvedev transferred millions of dollars overseas from multiple bank accounts in the United States.

    As part of the conspiracy, Medvedev worked with a Russian company and was directed by multiple Russian nationals at that company to make illegal transfers of funds. Subsequent to Medvedev’s indictment, on Sept. 14, 2023, the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control, acting pursuant to Executive Order 14024, sanctioned two of Medvedev’s alleged co-conspirators: Russian national Alexey Chubarov and his company KSK Group. Earlier this year, on Feb. 13, Chubarov, KSK Group and Russian national Lev Solyannikov were separately indicted in the Northern District of Georgia for conspiring with Medvedev.

    Medvedev was convicted of the charges on Feb. 7, after he pleaded guilty.

    The FBI and the Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security are investigating the case.

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christopher J. Huber and Norman L. Barnett for the Northern District of Georgia are prosecuting the case.

    This case was coordinated through the Justice Department’s Task Force KleptoCapture, an interagency law enforcement task force dedicated to enforcing the sweeping sanctions, export controls and economic countermeasures that the United States, along with its foreign allies and partners, has imposed in response to Russia’s unprovoked military invasion of Ukraine. Announced by the Attorney General on March 2, 2022, and under the leadership of the Office of the Deputy Attorney General, the task force will continue to leverage all of the department’s tools and authorities to combat efforts to evade or undermine the collective actions taken by the U.S. government in response to Russian military aggression.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA News: President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. Amends Georgia Disaster  Declaration

    Source: The White House

    Today, President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. made additional disaster assistance available to the State of Georgia by authorizing an increase in the level of Federal funding for emergency work undertaken in the State of Georgia as a result of Hurricane Helene beginning on September 24, 2024, and continuing.

    Under the President’s order today, Federal funds for debris removal and emergency protective measures, including direct Federal assistance, has been increased to 100 percent of the total eligible costs for 90 days from the start of the incident period.

    FOR FURTHER INFORMATION MEDIA SHOULD CONTACT THE  FEMA NEWS DESK AT (202) 646-3272 OR FEMA-NEWS-DESK@FEMA.DHS.GOV.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Sixty-Eight Defendants Charged in Indictment of Dozens of Members and Associates of California White Supremacist Gang

    Source: United States Attorneys General

    Federal and local law enforcement today arrested 42 members and associates of the SFV Peckerwoods, a San Fernando Valley, California-based white supremacist street gang, on a 76-count federal grand jury indictment alleging they engaged in a years-long pattern of racketeering activity that included trafficking of drugs — including fentanyl — illegal firearms possession, and COVID-19 benefits and loan fraud.

    “The Justice Department has dealt a decisive blow to the San Fernando Valley (SFV) Peckerwoods, a violent white supremacist gang that we charge is responsible for trafficking deadly fentanyl and other drugs, committing robberies, and perpetrating financial fraud to fund both their criminal enterprise and that of the Aryan Brotherhood,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “With today’s charges and arrests, the Justice Department, together with our state, local, and federal partners has targeted the heart of this gang’s operations, and we will continue to zero in on the criminal enterprises that endanger our communities.”

    The indictment unsealed today charges a total of 68 defendants with a score of federal crimes: conspiracy to violate the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act, conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, distribution of controlled substances, bank fraud, conspiracy to commit bank fraud, aggravated identity theft, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition by a felon, and possession of 15 or more unauthorized access devices.

    The defendants arrested today are expected to be arraigned this afternoon in U.S. District Court in downtown Los Angeles.

    During the investigation, law enforcement seized large quantities of illegal firearms, and dozens of pounds of fentanyl, methamphetamine, and heroin, according to the indictment.

    “The Peckerwoods’ violent white-supremacist ideology and wide-ranging criminal activity pose a grave menace to our community,” said U.S. Attorney Martin Estrada for the Central District of California. “By allegedly engaging in everything from drug-trafficking to firearms offenses to identity theft to COVID fraud, and through their alliance with a neo-Nazi prison gang, the Peckerwoods are a destructive force. In prosecuting the members of the Peckerwoods criminal organization, our office is carrying out its mission to protect the public from the most dangerous threats.”

    “This operation, led by our Joint Terrorism Task Force, disrupted a racially motivated violent extremist group who engaged in a wide range of criminal activity,” said Assistant Director in Charge Akil Davis of the FBI Los Angeles Field Office. “This case strikes at the heart of our collective mission to rid our communities of the corrosive elements that fuel violence and extremism that greatly impact our way of life. The FBI, along with our federal, state, and local partners, remains strongly committed to working every day to make sure the people of the Southland remain safe.”

    “The San Fernando Valley Peckerwoods, the Aryan Brotherhood, and their associates are fused by one thing: hatred,” said Special Agent in Charge Matthew Allen of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Los Angeles Field Division. “It appears, however, that the business of hate was not enough for them. Driven by greed, they engaged in other crimes, including drug distribution, pushing out deadly fentanyl onto our streets. Operating from corners of the San Fernando Valley, they conducted their crimes within and beyond the 8-1-8 community. Today’s large-scale indictments and arrests reflect our relentless commitment to dismantling criminal organizations that continue to harm our communities.”

    According to the indictment that a grand jury returned on Sept. 26, the Peckerwoods is a street gang based in communities in the San Fernando Valley whose members engage in a wide variety of criminal activity, including drug trafficking, violent crime, and fraud. As a white supremacist gang, the Peckerwoods at times takes orders from the Aryan Brotherhood, California’s dominant prison-based white supremacist gang, and maintains an alliance with the Mexican Mafia prison gang, which controls most Latino street gangs in California. The Peckerwoods use Nazi tattoos, graffiti, and iconography to indicate their violent white supremacy extremist ideology. These tattoos and iconography include swastikas, the symbol “88”, used by violent white supremacy extremists as code for “Heil Hitler”, and images of Nazi aircraft.

    Members and associates of the gang used social media to share information with each other about their criminal activities and gang rules, to identify gang members in good standing, and to target people who broke the gang’s rules. The social media use included a members-only Facebook group and private, direct messages between the gang’s members and associates.

    From at least December 2016 to September, Peckerwoods members conducted and participated in the affairs of their criminal enterprise by engaging in violence and threats of violence to preserve and expand the gang’s criminal operations, which promoted a climate of fear. Members and associates of the gang illegally maintained firearms and ammunition in furtherance of these aims.

    To generate revenue for the gang, its members trafficked narcotics, including fentanyl, heroin, and methamphetamine. Specifically, lead defendant Claire Patricia Haviland, 62, of Chatsworth, California, and co-defendants Brian Glenn Ekelund, 53, of Chatsworth, and Brianne Brewer, 38, of North Hollywood, California, maintained and oversaw drug stash houses where large quantities of fentanyl, heroin, methamphetamine, and other drugs were stored prior to distribution. Haviland and Ekelund allegedly mailed illegal drugs to customers and used applications such as Zelle and CashApp to receive money from drug buyers and send money to their drug sources.

    They also generated revenue via robberies and financial fraud and participated in identity theft schemes. For example, from at least March 2021 to July 2023, defendants Sean Craig Gluckman, 35, of Encino, California; Maria Anna James, 30, of Canyon Country, California; and others submitted false and fraudulent applications for the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), which was designed to aid businesses harmed by the economic fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic. The defendants – posing as sole proprietors – signed fraudulent PPP loan applications on behalf of individuals incarcerated in California state prisons and collected a portion of the fraudulently obtained proceeds from co-conspirators as payment for their assistance.

    In April 2021, Gluckman submitted an application that falsely stated he was a self-employed “artist/writer” with a gross income of nearly $250,000. Later that month, he obtained a PPP loan in the amount of $20,833. In a separate scheme, Gluckman submitted fraudulent unemployment insurance (UI) applications in the names of other people to the California Employment Development Department (EDD) to fraudulently obtain jobless benefits.

    “The proliferation of gang related organized crime deteriorates the core of our society,” said Chief Dominic Choi of the Los Angeles Police Department. “Taking guns out of the hands of gang members and drugs from our streets is just one more step towards reducing this deterioration. Today is yet another example of how local, regional, and federal law enforcement, with a matched dedication, are working together to investigate, apprehend and prosecute criminals.”          

    “When criminal organizations cross jurisdictional lines, it makes conducting investigations and subsequent prosecutions much more difficult,” said Sheriff Jim Fryhoff of the Ventura County, California, Sheriff’s Office. “Having our federal law enforcement partners involvement in such cases greatly enhances our ability to protect not only the citizens of our county, but also those of our region of the state.”

    If convicted, the defendants face a maximum penalty of life in prison.

    The FBI, DEA, Los Angeles Police Department, and Ventura County Sheriff’s Office are investigating the case. The Simi Valley Police Department; California Highway Patrol; Glendale Police Department; Burbank Police Department; Redondo Beach Police Department; Beverly Hills Police Department; Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department; U.S. Marshals Service; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; Department of Veterans Affairs Police; Department of Labor; Federal Bureau of Prisons; Los Angeles County Probation Department; Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services; Pasadena Fire Department; U.S. Customs and Border Protection; and IRS Criminal Investigation provided assistance in the investigation.

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys Reema M. El-Amamy, Jeremiah M. Levine, and Alexander Su for the Central District of California are prosecuting this case.

    On May 17, 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Justice Department in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The Task Force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by, among other methods, augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. For more information on the department’s response to the pandemic, please visit http://www.justice.gov/coronavirus.

    On Sept. 15, 2022, the Attorney General selected the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices for the Central and Eastern Districts of California to jointly head one of three national COVID-19 Fraud Strike Force Teams. The Justice Department established the Strike Force to enhance existing efforts to combat and prevent COVID-19 related financial fraud. The Strike Force combines law enforcement and prosecutorial resources and focuses on large-scale, multistate pandemic relief fraud perpetrated by criminal organizations and transnational actors, as well as those who committed multiple instances of pandemic relief fraud. The Strike Force uses prosecutor-led and data analyst-driven teams to identify and bring to justice those who stole pandemic relief funds. Additional information regarding the Strike Force may be found at http://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/justice-department-announces-covid-19-fraud-strike-force-teams.

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

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

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Vice President of Asphalt Paving Company Pleads Guilty to Bid Rigging

    Source: United States Attorneys General

    Sixth Individual Pleads Guilty in Ongoing Investigation of Collusion in Michigan-Area Asphalt Industry

    A senior executive of a Michigan asphalt paving company pleaded guilty today for his role in two separate conspiracies to rig bids for asphalt paving services contracts in Michigan.

    According to court documents, David A. Coppola, vice president of Taylor-based Al’s Asphalt Paving Company Inc. (Al’s Asphalt), conspired with Asphalt Specialists LLC (ASI), F. Allied Construction Company Inc. (Allied) and employees from those companies to rig their bids. Coppola participated in the two conspiracies from March 2013 through November 2018, and from June 2013 through June 2019, respectively.

    Today’s guilty plea is the ninth in the Antitrust Division’s ongoing investigation into collusion in the Michigan asphalt paving industry. Coppola’s employer, Al’s Asphalt, and its president pleaded guilty in January, and, in 2023, Allied and two of its executives pleaded guilty, as did ASI and two of its former executives. On July 31, Al’s Asphalt was sentenced to pay a fine of $795,661.31.

    In both charged conspiracies, the co-conspirators coordinated each other’s bid prices so that the agreed-upon losing company submitted intentionally non-competitive bids. These bids gave customers the false impression of competition when, in fact, the co-conspirators had already decided who would win the contracts.

    “Americans expect and deserve the benefits of competitive markets — including for vital aspects of our transportation infrastructure like asphalt paving services,” said Director of Criminal Enforcement Emma M. Burnham of the Justice Department’s Antitrust Division. “The division and our law enforcement partners will continue to hold accountable executives who seek to profit at the expense of consumers.”

    “The Department of Transportation Office of Inspector General (DOT OIG) continues to work closely with our law enforcement partners and the Justice Department’s Antitrust Division to target individuals who knowingly participate in bid rigging and other anti-competitive activities,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Anthony Licari of DOT OIG’s Midwestern Region. “Today’s guilty plea shows our commitment to bringing to justice those who engage in illegal and unfair practices that adversely impact transportation projects.”

    “Activities related to bid-rigging and collusion do not promote an environment conducive to open competition which harms the consumer,” said Executive Special Agent in Charge Kenneth Cleevely of the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) Office of Inspector General. “The guilty plea in this case represents a win for all law enforcement agencies who investigate those who engage in this type of harmful conduct to ensure that justice is served.”

    Coppola pleaded guilty to two counts of violating Section One of the Sherman Act. Coppola faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $1 million fine. The fine may be increased to twice the gain derived from the crime or twice the loss suffered by the victims of the crime if either amount is greater than the statutory maximum fine. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    The Antitrust Division’s Chicago Office and Offices of Inspectors General for the DOT and USPS investigated the case, as part of an ongoing operation investigating bid rigging and other anticompetitive conduct in the asphalt paving services industry.

    Anyone with information in connection with this investigation should contact the Antitrust Division’s Complaint Center at 888-647-3258 or visit http://www.justice.gov/atr/report-violations.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Justice Department Secures Agreement with Maryland Department of State Police to Resolve Allegations of Race and Gender Discrimination in State Trooper Hiring Process

    Source: United States Attorneys General

    The Justice Department announced today that it has reached a settlement agreement with the Maryland Department of State Police (MDSP) to resolve the United States’ claims that MDSP’s hiring process for state troopers violates Title VII of the Civil Rights Act. Specifically, the United States alleges that MDSP uses a written test that discriminates against Black candidates and a physical fitness test that discriminates against female candidates. The agreement must still be approved by a federal judge.

    The settlement agreement resolves a civil pattern and practice investigation the Civil Rights Division opened on July 15, 2022. As part of the investigation, the division conducted an in-depth review of MDSP’s hiring practices, the composition of its sworn personnel, applicant data, and information received from the Maryland State Police, and concluded the State’s written and physical fitness tests do not meaningfully distinguish between applicants who can and cannot perform the position of Trooper. These tests also had the effect of disqualifying Black and female applicants from the hiring process at significantly disproportionate rates. The department thus concluded that these tests violate Title VII.

    “Equal employment opportunities in law enforcement are not just a core civil right but essential to ensuring that those who serve reflect the rich racial and gender diversity of the communities they are sworn to protect,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “The underrepresentation of Blacks and women in law enforcement undermines public safety and runs contrary to the principle of equal opportunity which is central in our job market. This agreement requires the Maryland Department of State Police to institute meaningful reforms, remove unlawful barriers in its hiring process, and provide restitution and relief to those already harmed, ensuring that all qualified applicants have a fair chance to serve. The Justice Department will continue working to ensure equal access to employment opportunities for all Americans.”

    “This settlement agreement is a reflection of our continued mission to protect the civil rights of all Marylanders, including those of our sworn law enforcement officers,” said U.S. Attorney Erek L. Barron for the District of Maryland. “Law enforcement agencies have a responsibility to protect all citizens equally. We are pleased that MDSP is committed to ensuring that its hiring processes will not discriminate on the basis of race or gender.” 

    The complaint, filed today in the District of Maryland, alleges that MDSP’s use of a written test called the Police Officer Selection Test (POST) disproportionately excludes Black candidates, and its use of a physical fitness test called the Functional Fitness Assessment Test (FFAT) disproportionately excludes female candidates, from employment as troopers. The United States alleges that MDSP’s uses of the POST and the FFAT are not job related or consistent with business necessity, and thus, violate Title VII.

    Under the terms of the consent decree, MDSP will:

    • Adopt written and physical fitness tests that do not discriminate in violation of Title VII;
    • Provide data to the United States on the administration of the new tests to ensure compliance;
    • Pay $2.75 million in back pay to applicants who were disqualified by MDSP’s use of the challenged tests; and
    • Hire up to 25 applicants who were unfairly disqualified by those tests and who successfully complete MDSP’s new trooper screening and selection process.

    Title VII is a federal statute that prohibits employment discrimination based on race, sex, color, national origin, and religion. Title VII prohibits not only intentional discrimination but also employment practices that result in a disparate impact on a protected group, unless such practices are job related and consistent with business necessity.

    You can learn more about the contents of the agreement from this fact sheet and a statement from Assistant Attorney General Clarke here.

    The full and fair enforcement of Title VII is a top priority of the Civil Rights Division. The Division has issued a new fact sheet on Combating Hiring Discrimination by Police and Fire Departments to help applicants for public safety jobs understand their Title VII rights to be free from discriminatory hiring processes. More information about the Civil Rights Division can be found at http://www.justice.gov/crt.

    Senior Trial Attorneys Emily Given and Cheyenne N. Chambers of the Civil Rights Division’s Employment Litigation Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Kimberly Phillips for the District of Maryland are handling this matter.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: DOJ Secures Agreement with MD State Police to Resolve Allegations of Discrimination in Hiring

    Source: United States Attorneys General

    The Justice Department announced today that it has reached a settlement agreement with the Maryland Department of State Police (MDSP) to resolve the United States’ claims that MDSP’s hiring process for state troopers violates Title VII of the Civil Rights Act. Specifically, the United States alleges that MDSP uses a written test that discriminates against Black candidates and a physical fitness test that discriminates against female candidates. The agreement must still be approved by a federal judge.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Translation: Media Advisory: Sechelt District Infrastructure Announcement

    MIL OSI Translation. Canadian French to English –

    Source: Government of Canada – in French 1

    Media Advisory

    District of Sechelt, British Columbia, October 2, 2024 — Members of the media are invited to an infrastructure announcement with Patrick Weiler, Member of Parliament for West Vancouver—Sunshine Coast—Sea to Sky Country, British Columbia, and Catherine Leach, Executive Director of the Sunshine Coast Community Services Society.

    Date: Thursday, October 3, 2024

    Time: 1:00 PM (PT)

    Place : Sunshine Coast Community Services Society Main Office5638 Inlet Avenue Sechelt, BC V0N 3A0

    Contact persons

    For further information (media only), please contact:

    Sofia OuslisCommunications AdvisorOffice of the Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and CommunitiesSofia.ouslis@infc.gc.ca

    Media RelationsHousing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada613-960-9251Toll free: 1-877-250-7154Email:media-medias@infc.gc.caFollow us onTwitter,Facebook,InstagramAndLinkedInWebsite:Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada

    Catherine LeachExecutive DirectorSunshine Coast Community Services Society604-885-5881info@sccss.ca

    EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is a translation. Apologies should the grammar and/or sentence structure not be perfect.

    MIL Translation OSI

  • MIL-OSI Security: Texas Hospital CEO to Pay Over $5.3M to Settle Kickback Allegations Involving Laboratory Testing

    Source: United States Attorneys General

    Former hospital chief executive officer (CEO) Jeffrey Madison, of Georgetown, Texas, has agreed to pay $5,343,630 to resolve allegations under the False Claims Act involving illegal payments to physicians for laboratory referrals in violation of the Anti-Kickback Statute. Madison also has agreed to cooperate with the Justice Department’s investigations of, and litigation against, other participants in the alleged schemes.

    “The Justice Department will continue to pursue individuals — including C-suite executives — who commit health care fraud,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “Kickbacks to physicians from laboratories or other healthcare providers can undermine healthcare decision-making, subject patients to unnecessary medical services and waste taxpayer funds.”

    The Anti-Kickback Statute prohibits offering, paying, soliciting or receiving remuneration to induce referrals of items or services covered by Medicare, Medicaid and other federally funded health care programs. The Anti-Kickback Statute is intended to ensure that medical providers’ judgments are not compromised by improper financial incentives and are instead based on the best interests of their patients.

    The settlement announced today resolves allegations in a lawsuit alleging that Madison, the former CEO of Little River Healthcare (Little River), a critical access hospital in Rockdale, Texas, caused the submission of false claims for laboratory testing to Medicare, Medicaid and TRICARE from January 2015 to June 2018. Madison allegedly agreed to a kickback scheme in which Little River paid commissions to recruiters who used purported management service organizations (MSOs) to pay kickbacks to doctors to induce their laboratory testing referrals to Little River. The settlement resolves allegations that Madison knowingly signed, and caused others to sign, false certifications in Medicare cost reports regarding Little River’s compliance with the Anti-Kickback Statute, and thereby caused the submission of false claims to federal health care programs.

    In addition, the settlement resolves allegations in the same lawsuit that, after defendant Doyce Cartrett Jr., M.D., of Silsbee, Texas, informed Little River of his potential laboratory testing referral volume, Madison agreed to have Little River pay Cartrett $2,000 per month in kickbacks disguised as purported medical director fees from February 2015 to May 2017, to induce Cartrett to shift his laboratory testing referrals to Little River. Madison allegedly agreed for Little River to pay the monthly fees, even though Little River did not receive any genuine medical director services from Dr. Cartrett.

    Madison did not contest, and accepted responsibility for, the allegations against him in the United States’ amended complaint. Under the terms of the settlement agreement, Madison was excluded from participating in federal healthcare programs for 25 years. The lawsuit is captioned United States, et al. ex rel. STF LLC v. True Health Diagnostics LLC et al., No. 4:16-cv-547 (EDTX).

    “Seeing past a corporate entity and holding individuals responsible for making the decisions to engage marketers to pay providers for their laboratory referrals is what justice requires,” said U.S. Attorney Damien M. Diggs for the Eastern District of Texas. “This settlement is a testament to our continued efforts to combat fraud against our federal healthcare programs and to hold accountable all participants who profited from knowingly violating the laws meant to guard against overutilization of medical services and protect the public fisc.”

    “Illegal kickback payments, even when disguised as medical director fees, undermine and corrupt the medical decision-making process,” said Special Agent in Charge Jason E. Meadows of the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “Both the payer and recipient benefit from these schemes, but it is ultimately the taxpayers who foot the bill. HHS-OIG will continue collaborating with law enforcement and prosecutors to protect the Medicare trust fund that millions of Americans depend on.”

    “Our nation’s uniformed military service members and their families should never have to question the integrity of their healthcare providers,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Ryan Settle of the Department of Defense Office of Inspector General, Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS), Southwest Field Office. “Medical decisions influenced by greed destroy the fundamental element of trust in patient care. This settlement reinforces the commitment the DCIS shares with our law enforcement partners and the Justice Department to pursue all available remedies against those who conspire to commit fraud against our Military Health System.”

    The settlement was the result of a coordinated effort between the Civil Division’s Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Texas, with assistance from HHS-OIG and DCIS. The United States has recovered over $52 million relating to conduct involving MSO kickbacks to health care providers, which includes recoveries from 46 physicians.

    Trial Attorneys Christopher Terranova and Gavin Thole of the Civil Division’s Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section, and Assistant U.S. Attorneys James Gillingham and Betty Young for the Eastern District of Texas handled the case.

    The government’s pursuit of this matter illustrates the government’s emphasis on combating health care fraud. One of the most powerful tools in this effort is the False Claims Act. Tips and complaints from all sources about potential fraud, waste, abuse and mismanagement can be reported to HHS at 1-800-HHS-TIPS (800-447-8477).

    Settlement

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Attorney General Bonta Defends Biden Rule Expanding Healthcare Access to Dreamers

    Source: US State of California

    Wednesday, October 2, 2024

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

    OAKLAND – California Attorney General Rob Bonta today joined a coalition of 19 attorneys general in defending a Biden Administration rule expanding healthcare access to deferred action for childhood arrivals (DACA) recipients – or Dreamers – by making them eligible for participation in the Affordable Care Act’s insurance marketplace. According to the UC Berkeley Labor Center, the rule will enable approximately 40,000 uninsured Dreamers in California to access subsidized health coverage through the state’s healthcare exchange, Covered California. The rule, which is set to go into effect on November 1, 2024, was challenged by Kansas and 18 other states.

    “Dreamers pay billions of dollars in taxes each year to help fund programs like the Affordable Care Act. Yet until now, they’ve been unable to access these programs themselves,” said Attorney General Bonta. “As home to more Dreamers than any other state in the country, California is proud to stand up for their right to access affordable healthcare.”

    Dreamers arrived in the United States as young children and often know no other country as home. Over decades, they have built lives and jobs for themselves and their loved ones, had children of their own, and contributed billions in federal, state, and local taxes to fund essential services and programs. Nearly 30% of Dreamers reside in California, paying more than $2.1 billion in federal taxes and $1 billion in state and local taxes each year, according to the Center for American Progress. 

    Attorney General Bonta joined a multistate coalition in strong support of the rule when it was first proposed. Today, the Attorney General joins a similar coalition in defending the final rule as a lawful expansion of the Affordable Care Act’s coverage and urges the district court to deny the Kansas-led coalition’s request for a preliminary injunction to delay or block the rule from going into effect, and at the very least to deny nationwide relief and allow the rule to go into effect in California and other states which do not oppose it.

    In filing the brief, Attorney General Bonta joins the attorneys general of New Jersey, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Hawai’i, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Washington.

    A copy of the brief can be found here.

    # # #

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Justice Department and Colorado Judiciary Improve Language Access in Courts for Individuals with Limited English Proficiency

    Source: US State of California

    Note: View the release in Somali here. 

    The Justice Department announced today that the Colorado Judiciary has taken significant steps to ensure meaningful language access for people with limited English proficiency (LEP) who interact with the state court system.

    In July 2023, the department’s Civil Rights Division engaged the Colorado Judiciary after receiving complaints that the courts were not providing needed language services to individuals with LEP as required by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title VI). Title VI prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color and national origin by recipients of federal financial assistance.

    In response to the department’s inquiry, the Colorado Judiciary identified proactive steps already taken to address the concerns raised in the complaint and worked with the division to make a variety of other improvements made to its language access program.

    “Providing accurate and timely interpreter services in and outside of the courtroom is paramount to ensuring that all court users are provided equal access to justice,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “The actions taken by the Colorado Judiciary stand as a model and show a true commitment to building a strong language access program.”

    In the year since the Justice Department began working with the Colorado Judiciary, the court has hired a new language access coordinator; revised the Office of Language Access Financial Policy; began to create a new scheduling system for interpreters; purchased new equipment to be used for court interpretation including headsets and iPads; trained court staff and interpreters; and implemented other key improvements.

    The department will continue to monitor the implementation of these changes, and it welcomes feedback from the public. Complaints about discriminatory practices may be reported through the Civil Rights Division’s website at civilrights.justice.gov.

    More information about the Civil Rights Division is available on its website at http://www.justice.gov/crt. Information about limited English proficiency and Title VI is available at www.lep.gov, and information specific to courts can be found at http://www.lep.gov/state-courts.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Polis Releases Statement Celebrating Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year

    Source: US State of Colorado

    DENVER – Today, Governor Jared Polis released the following statement to celebrate Rosh Hashanah. This holiday, the Jewish New Year, is observed from sundown Wednesday, October 2nd to sundown on Friday, October 4th.

    “Rosh Hashanah marks the Jewish new year, a time to reflect, refresh, and spend time with family and loved ones. As we welcome in the year 5785, I wish the Jewish community a Shana Tova U’Metukah, a good and sweet new year. This and every year, we continue our work to build a safe, peaceful, vibrant future for all Coloradans. I’m wishing all who observe a meaningful holiday,” said Governor Polis.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Speech: Why Kiwi businesses are the best in the world

    Source: New Zealand Labour Party

    For clarity – I mean all of you from the A List all the way to the C-List.

    I am a firm believer that government’s role is to work closely with business: help small ones to innovate, and ensure the settings are right so big ones can thrive.

    Governments should invest in research and development to improve access to technology; open opportunities for business on the world stage through trade; and ensure that our investment grows an economy that supports everyone who lives in our great little country to thrive.

    I have really enjoyed the past six months, getting out – mostly in Auckland – and sitting down with people across the business sector.

    Coming from a niche tax and insurance background, you have all been incredibly generous with your time and I am looking forward to continuing to build our relationships over the next two years of opposition.

    When businesses do well, New Zealand does well. Workers do well. New Zealanders do well. You employ people and innovate and create to make people’s lives better.

    Labour’s underlying philosophy on work is making sure there are enough jobs for people – you can’t do that without business.

    It’s about ensuring people feel secure in their jobs, are able to contribute to their workplace and help build good and successful businesses.

    Workers are an asset to any business and shouldn’t be seen as a cost.

    If you listened to National, you wouldn’t think that was Labour’s approach.

    I am utterly committed to sitting down with you and talking through what works for you and what doesn’t. Dispelling the myths. Understanding what has gone well in the past and what hasn’t.

    Something that does concern me is the number of Kiwis choosing to leave New Zealand, and the way the Government’s decisions are giving them an extra push.

    6,000 jobs gone in the public sector and counting. Manufacturing jobs disappearing before our eyes. 8,000 fewer people in construction. A freeze on hiring staff at our hospitals. Unemployment up to 4.6 percent, and projected to get to 5.5 percent.

    Even through COVID-19, we didn’t see unemployment like this. The forecasts were awful. But keeping people in work, and businesses afloat, was a priority for Labour and I’m really proud of that.

    New Zealanders are finding it tough anyway, you all know the statistics. But losing the household income along with the job, can be terrifying.

    It’s no wonder so many are looking to greener pastures.

    In July this year, a record was set for the number of net New Zealanders leaving. 55,800 Kiwis chose to move away, well exceeding the previous record from way back in 2012.

    My concern isn’t only that people are choosing to leave for a better life, it is also the skill loss which will have an effect on our ability to innovate, deliver and grow as a country.
    It is no surprise that the mood of the boardroom is optimistic, even though the economy is doing it tough.

    June 2024 marked the seventh consecutive quarter of stagnant or declining per capita economic activity. We are now very much at the bottom of the economic cycle. Things will get better.

    But not because of any action by this government, but from you.

    But they will not get better overnight. We know unemployment has some way to go, and there are many, many steps until interest rates are back to a balanced level.
    But our business community is resilient.

    Many of you have made it through the GFC, the Christchurch earthquakes, Cyclone Gabrielle and the Auckland floods, and collectively we made it through the COVID-19 pandemic.
    I know you all just want to get on with it, but also want a vision for what we aspire to be and where we want to get to.

    New Zealand faces substantial fiscal challenges over the short and longer-term. Addressing these challenges will require brave decisions that tackle the system we all work in.
    These are brave decisions that need to be enduring, and that is what Labour does best.

    Whether it’s, ensuring Kiwis could retire with dignity by the introduction of KiwiSaver and the SuperFund.

    Families could afford the basics and be incentivised to stay in work through Working for Families, or the safety nets introduced by Sir Michael Joseph Savage of state housing and welfare.

    And then the list of trade deals UK and EU Free Trade agreements to name a couple, Labour is the party that has always looked ahead to progress our country.

    Planning for the future will mean conversations about the appropriate level of government spending and debt.

    By 2060, 10% of our GDP will be spent on health care, and 7% on Superannuation.

    Returning to surplus is a moot point, if you are not also providing Kiwis with the healthcare they need.

    We, as a country, need a government with a positive vision and informed solutions.

    Every political party likes to talk about growth and productivity, but you need to back it up.

    Often, when thinking about productivity, we focus on cutting-edge tech. And we should. We are seeing the R&D tax credit making a meaningful contribution to research and development.

    But we also need back our smaller Kiwi businesses, if we are serious about tackling productivity.

    Many of our SMEs are not technologically enabled. They struggle to have time and the capital to make the changes they need.

    The Government, along with sector, should be doing more to help.

    The Treasury’s Chief Economist came out last week saying “productivity growth alone is not enough to alleviate fiscal pressures”.

    We also must realistically assess our economic situation. We are capital poor. We need more sustainable solutions than tinkering around the edges with new levies and revenue-gathering measures.

    It’s a conversation our party is having and one I hope many of you can feed into as part of our hui going forward.

    Unlike the three-year parliamentary cycle, I know that you have to plan for the future in a much more long-term way. Government’s should do better. I’ve spoken quite a few times about being better at bipartisanship on long-term investment, but we need both parties to come to the table on that!

    You will all know better than anyone when looking to the future that there is almost nothing more pressing than preparing for the consequences of climate change.

    Two years ago, on this stage, Nicola said that “we share your commitment to emission reduction”. But the governments actions speak differently by rolling back many of the measures Labour introduced to bring down our emissions and prepare for the future.

    Many of our free trade agreements have climate obligations, including the EU FTA which “contains ambitious outcomes on climate action and the Paris Agreement, including making these commitments enforceable in the FTA”.

    We can’t rely on export driven growth, if this government is risking our export potential.

    Climate action is what is required from a moral standpoint and matters for the health of our economy. I do not want our exporters being locked out of markets because of climate-sceptic policies.

    I started this speech talking about values. But I will end with a pledge.

    I won’t just stand up here and make political promises I don’t intend to work my ass off to keep.

    We may not always agree, but I will always take a meeting or a call and I will always listen.

    No reira, tena koutou, tena koutou, tena koutou katoa.

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    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Gov. Justice presents $500,000 check to Bob Burdette Center to expand afterschool tutoring program

    Source: US State of West Virginia

    CHARLESTON, WV — Gov. Jim Justice delivered a $500,000 check today to the Bob Burdette Center to support the expansion of its afterschool program, as it launches a new two-year pilot initiative focused on improving tutoring access for at-risk students in Kanawha County.
     

    The pilot program will serve two schools on Charleston’s West Side, Mary C. Snow Elementary and Edgewood Elementary, both located in economically disadvantaged areas. The program’s certified teachers will provide one-on-one tutoring to help students improve their math and reading skills.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cornyn, Colleagues’ Bill to Strengthen Cross-Border Trade, Guard Against Terrorism Signed Into Law

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Texas John Cornyn
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators John Cornyn (R-TX), Tom Carper (D-DE), James Lankford (R-OK), and Maggie Hassan (D-NH) released the following statements after their legislation to create a pilot program to strengthen the Customs Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (CTPAT) program was signed into law:
    “In order for America to remain competitive in global markets, we must ensure our ports are open, efficient, and secure,” said Sen. Cornyn. “This law will allow additional trusted trading partners to expedite shipments important to Texas’ economy while protecting against illegal goods and national security threats.”
    “I am proud that the bipartisan Customs Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (CTPAT) Pilot Program Act has been signed into law,” said Sen. Carper. “This commonsense bill will improve the reliability and efficiency of our supply chains in expediting the customs clearance process for trusted merchants. Now that it’s become law, the CTPAT Pilot Program will help reduce congestion at ports of entry and strengthen our national security.”
    “America’s supply chain security is essential to keeping food on the table and businesses up and running,” said Sen. Lankford. “This bill will create a new pilot program to strengthen standards for border security while streamlining our trade with other nations.”
    “I am glad that President Biden has signed this commonsense, bipartisan bill into law to help strengthen our supply chains and keep our country safe, secure, and free,” said Sen. Hassan. “This bill will help our economy continue to thrive and stay competitive in today’s ever changing world.” 
    The legislation was introduced in the House by Representatives Morgan Luttrell (TX-08), Elissa Slotkin (MI-07), Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-01), and Robert Menendez (NJ-08).
    Background:
    CTPAT was created as a part of the SAFE Port Act of 2006 to support secure cross-border trade through a fast-track, customs clearance process for trusted merchants who voluntarily submit themselves to enhanced security screening measures. The legislation would create a pilot program that would allow up to 20 trusted non-asset and asset based, third-party logistic providers (3PLs) to become CTPAT certified. The carrier companies would work with Customs and Border Protection to become CTPAT certified by meeting additional security requirements and participating in inspections throughout the cargo transit process.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: David Scott Leads 60+ Bipartisan Members in Calling for VA Secy. to End Efforts that Weaken Veterans Anesthesia Care Standards

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman David Scott (GA-13)

    WASHINGTON- Today, Congressman David Scott (GA-13), Ranking Member of the House Agriculture Committee, joined by Reps. Mike Turner (OH-10) and Andrew Garbarino (NY-02), led a bipartisan letter to Secretary Denis McDonough alongside more than 60+ Members, expressing deep concern with the VA’s latest attempt to weaken veterans anesthesia care standards.

    “After more than a year, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has yet to provide Congress with a clear justification for changes to its anesthesia care standards,” said Congressman David Scott. “I remain deeply concerned with the VA’s departure from universally agreed upon medical standards, independent data, and the very voices of our veterans who are opposed to this dangerous initiative. Nine out of ten veterans in need of anesthesia care favor having an anesthesiologist present when receiving this kind of high-risk medical procedure. It is unconscionable to think veterans would be receiving lower quality care simply because they are required to access that care at a VA facility.”

    Rep. David Scott has been fighting to ensure veterans receive the highest quality anesthesia care at the VA since the first Obama Administration. The VA’s proposal to remove physicians from providing anesthesia during high-risk surgical procedures is a disservice to our veterans and ignores sound medical practice. A multi-year review of the proposal released in 2017, received more than 200,000 public comments from veterans and their families, medical experts, and academic researchers who voiced strong opposition. Rep. Scott joined with these families to urge the VA reverse course and maintain physician-led anesthesia care.

    To date, there appears to be no rationale for the VA to diminish its current standards.

    Specifically, no independent patient safety research exists to support changes to VA’s well-established policies. To the contrary, existing data suggests dismantling the team-based model of care would result in increased risk of harm to Veterans, particularly to the recently enrolled PACT Act Veterans, a patient population with unique health care needs.

    The text of the letter can be found HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Police prepare to welcome larger wings as application numbers soar

    Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

    Huge numbers of people are applying to join New Zealand Police, as a new recruitment campaign and changes to application criteria help to stimulate growing interest.

    Applications to become a police officer have been trending upwards in 2024, including a sustained spike in applications, Assistant Commissioner, Leadership, Talent and Development, Jill Rogers says.

    To keep up with the upswing in applications Police leaders have made the decision to increase the capacity of recruit wings at the Royal New Zealand Police College (RNZPC) from 80 to 100 from April next year.

    “From July, our recruitment billboards have been highly visible and changes to the application criteria prompted a major surge.

    “This has considerably expanded our talent pool.

    “With 1371 applications, July 2024 had highest number of applications for any month since the Police national recruitment database was created in 2014.

    “August had a total of 1037 applications, the second highest month on record. 

    “With an average of 526 applications each month in the first six months of 2024, compared with 334 applications each month in the first six months of 2023, we know we are heading in the right direction.

    “All together, when including our major spike in applications, by the end of August Police has received more than 5500 applications in 2024.

    “This is more than double the amount received across the same period in 2023.

    “To accommodate a major influx of applications and get these recruits into training and out keeping our communities safe faster, we have made the decision to increase the size of our wings to 100 recruits next year.

    “Our maximum wing size is usually 80, but we don’t want a blockage at the end of our pipeline for people waiting for a wing.

    “We want them to flow through each step.

    “A model that enables larger wings will also support us to deliver on the Government’s commitment of 500 additional officers.

    “This will mean some changes for other courses at RNZPC, but we are working through options to deliver them within districts or online.

    “This model has been successfully run for investigation courses since 2020.”

    Police are also seeing positive trends with our attrition, which remains low, and in August 2024 was just 4.8%.

    To put Police’s attrition rate in context, in 2023 reported turnover across public sector departments ranged from 11% to 54% with an average of 20%.

    “With more than 10,000 constabulary employees some movement is always expected, but our monitoring suggests there aren’t significant numbers of staff heading overseas.

    “Our best measure for estimating this movement shows that between 1 January 2023 and 1 July 2024, 115 constabulary staff have resigned from New Zealand Police to move to Australia.

    “This is based on us receiving a vetting request from an Australian police jurisdiction for a staff member who then subsequently resigns within the next 12 months.

    “Although this is not conclusive, this does indicate that departures to work in Australia only make up a small portion, less than a seventh of our low attrition.

    “So far in 2024, 73 former Constabulary employees have either re-joined as a Constabulary employee or applied to do so. 

    “This means a good proportion of officers who have left in recent years have applied to return.

    “We are committed to putting more officers on the frontline to enhance community safety and prevent crime and harm.

    “Achieving this growth in recruits is and will continue to require a massive effort from everyone involved in attracting, selecting, and training the new officers.

    “We want to continue to move forward and keep building on this positive momentum.

    “I would like to acknowledge everyone in Police for their hard work that will benefit both Police and the wider community,” Assistant Commissioner Rogers says.

    New Cops

    Whether you’re taking your first steps into the workforce or considering a career change, the best time to apply is right now.

    The earlier you start your recruitment journey, the sooner you’ll be ready to start your training.

    We’re also encouraging ex-constabulary staff that are considering rejoining NZ Police to express their interest on newcops.govt.nz.

    In November, billboards will be updated to feature police officers from your local area.

    The ads will continue to target the regions where recruitment is needed most.

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre
     

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Klobuchar, Smith Announce Federal Funding for Todd Field Airport

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn)
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Tina Smith (D-MN) announced they secured significant federal funding for Todd Field Airport for infrastructure improvements. The grant provides $214,749 to resurface 3,501 feet of Runway 16/34, 1,340 feet of taxiway, 278 feet of other surfaces, and 9,320 square yards of general aviation apron pavement. The funding will also be used to rehabilitate 400 square feet of the parking lot and 1,000 feet of the terminal entrance access road. 
    “Todd Field Airport is an essential link for residents and businesses in Long Prairie and beyond,” said Klobuchar. “This federal grant will make needed infrastructure updates to ensure the airport can continue serving travelers for years to come.”
    “I’m glad to see the Biden-Harris administration once again delivering for travelers in Minnesota and around the country,” said Smith. “Small and regional airports like the Todd Field Airport are vital parts of their communities and this funding will go directly towards repaving the runway and other important surfaces.”
    This funding is from the Airport Improvement Program (AIP), which provides federal grants for airport infrastructure projects such as runways, taxiways, signage, lighting, and markings.

    MIL OSI USA News –