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Category: KB

  • MIL-OSI USA: Reed & Magaziner Deliver $795,000 Boost for URI’s Secure Computing Capabilities & Capacity

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Rhode Island Jack Reed

    KINGSTON, RI – U.S. Senator Jack Reed and U.S. Representative Seth Magaziner today joined with University of Rhode Island (URI) leadership, researchers, scientists, professors, and students to celebrate a $795,000 federal earmark to boost secure computing and data infrastructure capabilities, capacity, and storage through high-performance computing (HPC) upgrades that will advance research in undersea vehicle technology as well as research focus areas across URI’s departments.

    The federal funds secured by Senator Reed and Congressman Magaziner will help advance the “RI-SEC: Secure Computing & Data Infrastructure for the University of Rhode Island” project. This initiative will help ensure URI can keep up with the evolving role that HPC plays in a wide range of academic disciplines and will strengthen and expand the partnership between researchers at URI’s National Institute of Undersea Vehicle Technology (NIUVT) and subject matter experts with the U.S. Navy and Electric Boat.

    “As Rhode Island’s flagship public research institution, the University of Rhode Island needs access to cutting-edge technology and computing capabilities to ensure they can stay up to speed on developments and breakthroughs in a wide range of academic fields,” said Senator Reed, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee. “I’m glad to have worked with Congressman Magaziner to deliver this federal funding for URI which will help make strategic upgrades and strengthen partnerships with experts at the U.S. Navy and Electric Boat. This project will help URI make new, exciting advancements, better educate students on modern technology, and attract more researchers, scientists, professors, and others.”

    “This funding will help the University of Rhode Island build on its leadership status as a center for cutting-edge research and education,” said Rep. Seth Magaziner. “This grant will enhance the technology available to students and researchers across a variety of high tech fields, and will help make our state more economically competitive.”

    “As the state’s public flagship research university, URI is engaged in cutting-edge research that is accelerating discovery in key sectors of the state’s Blue Economy, while training the next generation of Rhode Island’s workforce,” said President Marc B. Parlange. “With support from Senator Reed and Congressman Magaziner, this federal earmark will enhance the University’s computational resources to expand large-scale research opportunities in undersea vehicle technology for our faculty, students, and industry partners.”

    Following the earmark announcement, URI President Marc B. Parlange and Dean of Engineering Anthony Marchese accompanied Senator Reed and Representative Magaziner for a tour of the National Institute of Undersea Vehicle Technology (NIUVT) – a federal, public, and private partnership at URI that provides research and technical support to advance current and future technologies in the undersea vehicle domain.

    The federal funding secured by Senator Reed and Congressman Magaziner will primarily assist NIUVT in upgrading HPC capacity and strengthening cyber security in order to carry out and bolster its work linking academic researchers and subject matter experts with the U.S. Navy and Electric Boat, which helps build the U.S. Navy’s most advanced submarines.

    Through the RI-SEC project, increased cybersecurity and data management enhancements and the hiring of new information technology (IT) security staff will offer more control and flexibility in capability, capacity, and data storage. These key upgrades will help NIUVT strengthen their work with the Navy and Electric Boat and will also help other departments at URI expand research by leveraging artificial intelligence, HPC, and other cutting-edge digital advancements.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    September 29, 2024

  • MIL-OSI USA: Biden-Harris Administration Announces Nearly $715 Million to Help Communities Across the Nation Build Resilience to Flooding Disasters Through Investing in America Agenda

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: Biden-Harris Administration Announces Nearly $715 Million to Help Communities Across the Nation Build Resilience to Flooding Disasters Through Investing in America Agenda

    Biden-Harris Administration Announces Nearly $715 Million to Help Communities Across the Nation Build Resilience to Flooding Disasters Through Investing in America Agenda

    WASHINGTON — Extreme weather events are becoming more frequent and more severe due to climate change leading to increased response and recovery missions across the nation. Today, FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell said during Climate Week NYC that the agency will announce approximately $715 million in new project selections to eliminate or reduce flood damage supported by historic funding from the Biden-Harris Administration’s Investing in America Agenda. The funding, which comes through FEMA’s Flood Mitigation Assistance program will help communities across the nation enhance resilience to extreme weather events. 

    The Biden-Harris Administration has provided record funding to this program thanks to Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding for the Flood Mitigation Assistance program. Total funding for project selections increased nearly five times from the amount available—$160 million—for the FY21grant cycle before the law. In total, funding from this legislation over five years for the Flood Mitigation Assistance program is $3.5 billion.

    “Flooding is already the nation’s most costly and frequent disaster and climate change is only making it worse,” said FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell. “Additional funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is providing communities more critical resources to withstand increasing flood threats. Whether it’s elevating or acquiring flood-prone properties, these dollars are going to make communities more prepared and reduce disaster suffering for future generations.” 

    “As flooding occurs more frequently and with greater severity, flood mitigation is more important than ever,” said Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas. “For 30 years, FEMA’s Flood Mitigation Assistance grant program has provided communities with access to federal support to protect against flood risk. Through the funding announced today, FEMA will continue to help states, local communities, Tribal Nations and territories analyze their risk of flooding and take forward-looking steps to protect their communities before a disaster strikes.”

    Through this program, FEMA provides funding to states, local communities, Tribal Nations and territories to reduce or eliminate the risk of repetitive flood damage to buildings insured under the National Flood Insurance Program. There are three categories of funding which include: 

    • Capability and Capacity Building Activities, such as project scoping to develop project plans and design.
    • Localized Flood Risk Reduction Projects, which help build resilience to flooding at the community level, including floodplain management, wetland, marsh, riverine and coastal restoration and protection.
    • Individual Flood Mitigation Projects, which protect individual homes and buildings from flooding, including by buying out or elevating properties above flood levels.

    Today’s selections further underscore the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to environmental justice by assisting the most disadvantaged communities in building resilience to climate change and extreme weather events. Aligning with the President’s Justice40 Initiative, these efforts will advance the goal that 40% of the overall benefits of certain covered federal investments go to disadvantaged communities that are marginalized by underinvestment and overburdened by pollution.  For this cycle, FEMA almost tripled the amount of funding for disadvantaged communities from 16% in FY21 to more than 50% for a total of $367 million. 

    The announcement also aligns with FEMA’s 2024 Year of Resilience campaign, as well as the goals of the National Climate Resilience Framework and will help build capacity to withstand tomorrow’s hazards. As part of FEMA’s strategic goal to promote and sustain a ready nation, FEMA enhanced geographic distributions with more than 60 new selections.

    This is the 30th anniversary of the Flood Mitigation Assistance program, created in 1994. Approximately $2 billion has been obligated by FEMA to address the nation’s costliest annual disaster.

    The selections complement a July announcement of $1 billion through FEMA’s Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities program and a recent $300 million in funding through Flood Mitigation Assistance’s Swift Current opportunity—another important part of the President’s Investing in America Agenda—to make the nation more resilient to natural hazards. Both programs provide climate resilience funding to help address increased demand for federal funds to address the climate crisis. 

    Flood Mitigation Assistance

    More than 775 buildings will be protected to prevent future strain on homeowners and reduce future claims payments from the National Flood Insurance Program.

    The number of projects selected by state with approximate totals:

    State or Territory Number of Projects Selected Total Funding for Projects Selected (rounded)
    Alabama 5 $19.1 million
    Arizona 5 $5.9 million
    California 3 $51.8 million
    Connecticut 8 $2.6 million
    Florida 33 $20.7 million
    Illinois 2 $27.2 million
    Iowa 3 $14.1 million
    Kansas 1 $254,000
    Kentucky 4 $1.6 million
    Louisiana 31 $206 million
    Maryland 2 $851,000
    Massachusetts 1 $646,000
    Missouri 1 $2 million
    New Jersey 12 $41.6 million
    New York 9 $5.8 million
    North Carolina 11 $23.4 million
    Ohio 5 $24.7 million
    Oregon 3 $20 million
    Pennsylvania 4 $832,000
    South Carolina 4 $1.9 million
    South Dakota 1 $5.3 million
    Texas 43 $236 million
    Utah 2 $599,000
    Washington 3 $1.4 million
    West Virginia 1 $202,000

    All 197 projects are in National Flood Insurance Program-participating communities in 25 states. In addition to flood control activities, the selections will reduce risk to individual properties through actions like elevations, acquisitions and mitigation reconstruction of buildings insured by NFIP. 

    Examples of project selections that address community flood risk for the purpose of reducing NFIP flood claim payments include:

    • The Pacific Avenue storm mitigation project in Wildwood, New Jersey, aims to address street flooding. The flood-prone area will benefit from a redesigned stormwater management system. A new pump station will manage stormwater runoff to ensure efficient drainage. 
    • St. John the Baptist Parish in Louisiana plans to elevate 132 flood-prone homes to reduce future damage and minimize flood insurance claims. The parish will elevate structures to at least 2 feet above Base Flood Elevation. 
    • The city of Moab, Utah, will mitigate flood risks by improving two detention basins, White Canyon and Johnson Canyon, both of which pose significant flood risks. The project includes building improved spillways to protect downstream properties.
    • The Arizona Department of Game and Fish will develop alternative designs to address safety risk to the Black Canyon Dam. The solution will improve the safety for nearly 200 downstream structures. 

    Approximately 51% of this cycle’s Flood Mitigation Assistance project selections will go to disadvantaged communities, an increase of 18% from last year’s cycle. Examples of these community-wide projects funded areas include:

    • Belhaven, North Carolina will reduce flooding in communities vulnerable to wind-driven tides and severe weather by installing pumps and an automated tidal gate along Wynne’s Gut.  The system aims to mitigate the number of repetitive property losses. The tidal gate will prevent tidal water from entering, while the pump station will discharge rainfall runoff, ensuring a quicker recovery for essential community lifelines.
    • Jefferson County, Texas will address severe flooding in three vulnerable areas serviced by storm sewers, ditches, channels and detention basins. The solution includes enhancing drainage to the Neches River.
    • In Kansas, the Unified Government of Wyandotte County and Kansas City will advance its floodplain management program to prevent or reduce the risk of flooding. One goal is to improve the unified government’s Community Rating System class, a voluntary incentive program that recognizes and encourages community floodplain management practices that exceed the minimum requirements of the National Flood Insurance Program. An enhanced floodplain management program will not only help to reduce disaster suffering but also provide discounts to flood insurance policyholder premiums through the improved Community Rating System class.

    For more information, visit FEMA.gov.

    amy.ashbridge
    Mon, 09/23/2024 – 22:06

    MIL OSI USA News –

    September 29, 2024

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Readout of the Secretary-General’s meeting with H.E. Mr. Alexander Stubb, President of the Republic of Finland

    Source: United Nations secretary general

    The Secretary-General met with H.E. Mr. Alexander Stubb, President of the Republic of Finland. The Secretary-General and the President discussed the global geopolitical situation and the role of the United Nations in addressing global challenges. They also discussed UN Security Council reform and the Summit of the Future.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

    September 29, 2024

  • MIL-OSI USA: Kim, McCaul on the Importance of Quad Leaders Summit and Countering CCP Aggression 

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Young Kim (CA-39)

    Washington DC – Today, Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee Michael McCaul (TX-10) and Subcommittee on the Indo-Pacific Chairwoman Young Kim (CA-40) issued the following statement following the conclusion of the Quad Leaders Summit.  

    “We welcome the fourth in-person meeting of the Quad Leaders Summit, as the Chinese Communist Party continues its efforts to unilaterally shift the status quo in the Indo-Pacific and destabilize the region. It is crucial the Quad addresses shared priorities such as maritime security, critical and emerging technologies, and cybersecurity to deter and compete with the CCP. With elections on the horizon in the United States and Japan, it is more important than ever the Quad sustains its strong, robust cooperation in response to evolving regional challenges,” said McCaul and Kim.  

    MIL OSI USA News –

    September 29, 2024

  • MIL-OSI USA: Florida Man Convicted of Sex Trafficking Nearly a Dozen Women and Girls

    Source: US State of California

    Following a nine-day trial, a federal jury in the Southern District of Florida convicted Shannima Yuantrell Session, also known as Shalamar, 47, of Lake Placid, Florida, on 13 charges for sex trafficking nearly a dozen women and girls. Session compelled some of his victims to commit commercial sex acts between July 2011 and July 2013, and he compelled other victims to commit commercial sex acts between February 2016 and February 2019.

    “The defendant used despicable and horrific means to terrify and coerce nearly a dozen women and girls to engage in commercial sex,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “The Justice Department is committed to protecting vulnerable victims from such cruel exploitation. This prosecution reflects that commitment. It is a testament to the courageous young women who cooperated with law enforcement to expose, prosecute and hold accountable this defendant for the years of misery he inflicted on scores of women.”

    “Vindicating the rights of human trafficking victims and other vulnerable persons ranks among the highest priorities of our office,” said U.S. Attorney Markenzy Lapointe for the Southern District of Florida. “Human trafficking is a crime of exploitation. We will not allow human traffickers to prey upon others for profit, as humans are not commodities but rather demand our united protection. Our office’s dedicated prosecutors, victim witness coordinators, and support personnel will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to combat human trafficking and bring offenders to justice.” 

    “Today’s verdict is a step towards justice for the nearly dozen victims who were forced by Shannima Yuantrell Session into sex trafficking and endured his reign of horrendous and abusive control,” said Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey B. Veltri of the FBI Miami Field Office. “This verdict is a testament to the cooperation and commitment of several law enforcement agencies including the Highlands County Sheriff’s Office, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida and the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. We will continue working with these and other partners to dismantle human trafficking networks that operate in the shadows and brutalize their victims.”

    Evidence presented during the trial established that Session made promises of legitimate work and housing assistance to women and girls struggling with unstable living accommodations, substance abuse and neglect or who otherwise led unstable lives. Session’s promises were often false and empty, designed to provide him the opportunity to learn about a victim’s vulnerabilities while misrepresenting himself as caring and empathetic. Session then exploited the victims’ vulnerabilities to compel their commercial sex acts in squalid trailers housing migrant workers or in local orange groves.

    At times, Session used food and housing to control and coerce the victims. For example, he would not permit one of his victims to eat if the victim did not follow his instructions. Often, Session required his victims to engage in sexual activity with him after they had spent a night having compelled sexual intercourse with up to 18 men.

    Further, the evidence presented during the trial demonstrated that Session resorted to extreme physical violence to compel and intimidate certain victims. He violently punched some of the victims in the back of their heads in order not to leave marks on their bodies. Once, Session dragged a victim to a shower and beat her in the back of her head with a metal nutcracker until she fell limp to the floor. Session also choked another victim to the point that she lost consciousness, beat another victim with a baseball bat and brutalized yet another so badly that her nose ring fell out due to the force of the assault. In addition, Session took multiple victims to a nearby lake, where he held their heads underwater and threatened to drown them if they did not do as he ordered.

    The evidence also showed that Session used a firearm to intimidate and control his victims. He consistently kept a firearm in his possession, and frequently displayed it to victims or referred to it when talking with them. Once, Session pointed a firearm at a victim while he was driving and threatened to “kill” her after she asked him how he would feel if someone treated his daughter the way he treated her. Fearing for her life when Session stopped the car and began walking to the passenger side door, the victim jumped out of the car and ran towards nearby woods. In response, Session fired a shot into the air while he called out the victim’s name.

    Finally, the evidence indicated that Session manipulated and took advantage of some victims’ substance abuse problems to compel their commercial sex services. For example, Session provided victims with cocaine and methamphetamine to give them sufficient energy to engage in commercial sex acts with multiple migrant men at nearby trailers.

    A sentencing hearing is scheduled for Dec. 19. Session faces a minimum penalty of 15 years in prison and a maximum penalty of life in prison as well as mandatory restitution. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    The FBI Miami Field Office, Ft. Pierce Resident Agency, investigated the case, with assistance from the Highlands County, Florida, Sheriff’s Office.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Justin Hoover for the Southern District of Florida and Trial Attorneys Leah Branch and Matthew Thiman of the Civil Rights Division’s Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit are prosecuting the case.

    Anyone who has information about human trafficking should report that information to the National Human Trafficking Hotline toll-free at 1-888-373-7888, which is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. For more information about human trafficking, please visit www.humantraffickinghotline.org. Information on the Justice Department’s efforts to combat human trafficking can be found at www.justice.gov/humantrafficking.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    September 29, 2024

  • MIL-OSI USA: Lieutenant Governor Primavera Visits School-Based Health Center at George Washington High School

    Source: US State of Colorado

    DENVER – Today, Lt. Governor Primavera and Director of the Office of Saving People Money on Health Care visited a school-based health center at George Washington High School to learn more about the importance of these facilities to students and communities. The Lt. Governor was joined by a student, school staff, leadership from Denver Health and Denver Public Schools, the Youth Healthcare Alliance, and Senator Janice Marchman and Representative Emily Sirota. 

    “The Polis-Primavera administration has been working since day one to break down barriers to health care and these facilities are important avenues where students and staff can get important care in a convenient location. I appreciate the collaboration that goes into these centers and the opportunity it gives young people, helping them fulfill their potential,” said Lt. Governor Dianne Primavera. 

    Since taking office, the Polis-Primavera administration and the Office of Saving People Money on Health Care have made Colorado a national leader in reducing health care costs. The creation of Reinsurance and Colorado Option are connecting Coloradans with insurance coverage outside of an employer while saving them money. Through the Prescription Drug Affordability Board and capping the cost of insulin at $100 per month, the administration is helping Coloradans save money on prescription drugs. Colorado is also pursuing a waiver from the federal government to import lower-cost prescription drugs from Canada. These are just a few of the ways Colorado is increasing access to health care while lowering costs. 

    Earlier this year, Governor Polis signed SB24-034, which expands eligible uses for the grant program at the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) that supports school-based health centers to school-linked health services. These grants currently fund 59 operating SBHCs and four planning sites throughout Colorado. The SBHC Program also partners with other state agencies and grant programs to expand the services available in SBHCs.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

    September 29, 2024

  • MIL-OSI Translation: Canada and France reach agreement in Atlantic halibut negotiations

    MIL OSI Translation. Canadian French to English –

    Source: Government of Canada – in French 1

    Atlantic halibut is found in waters from eastern Newfoundland to the northeastern United States. The majority of the stock is found in Canadian fishing waters, with a small percentage of the stock also found in the French maritime zone off Saint Pierre and Miquelon.

    September 23, 2024

    Ottawa, Ontario – Atlantic halibut is found in waters from eastern Newfoundland to the northeastern United States. The majority of the stock is found in Canadian fisheries waters, with a small percentage of the stock also found in the French maritime zone off Saint Pierre and Miquelon. The Government of Canada recognizes the importance of this stock to both Canadian and French fisheries.

    Today, the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, the Honourable Diane Lebouthillier, announced that after several months of negotiations, Canada has reached an agreement with France (with respect to Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon) on the sharing of Atlantic halibut.

    The agreement, concluded on September 20, 2024, will allow French fishermen in Saint Pierre and Miquelon to catch 3% of Canada’s total allowable catch. This allocation will allow for measured growth in the Atlantic halibut fishery in Saint Pierre and Miquelon, while providing benefits to Canadian coastal communities through French landings of Atlantic halibut in Canadian ports. This agreement supports the health and sustainability of the Atlantic halibut stock, and recognizes the importance of this fishery to coastal communities in Atlantic Canada, as well as the significant investments made by Canada and its fishing industry to develop and manage the fishery.

    Since 2016, Canada has been working with France to reach an agreement on sharing Atlantic halibut quotas, with representatives from Fisheries and Oceans Canada leading the negotiations.

    “I am pleased with the outcome of our negotiations with France. I am confident that we have reached a fair agreement that will ensure the long-term health of the Atlantic halibut stock, while supporting the economies and coastal communities of Canada and France.”

    The Honourable Diane Lebouthillier, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard

    Andrew RichardsonOffice of the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guardandrew.richardson@dfo-mpo.gc.ca

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

    MIL Translation OSI

    September 29, 2024

  • MIL-OSI Security: Florida Man Convicted of Sex Trafficking Nearly a Dozen Women and Girls

    Source: United States Attorneys General

    Following a nine-day trial, a federal jury in the Southern District of Florida convicted Shannima Yuantrell Session, also known as Shalamar, 47, of Lake Placid, Florida, on 13 charges for sex trafficking nearly a dozen women and girls. Session compelled some of his victims to commit commercial sex acts between July 2011 and July 2013, and he compelled other victims to commit commercial sex acts between February 2016 and February 2019.

    “The defendant used despicable and horrific means to terrify and coerce nearly a dozen women and girls to engage in commercial sex,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “The Justice Department is committed to protecting vulnerable victims from such cruel exploitation. This prosecution reflects that commitment. It is a testament to the courageous young women who cooperated with law enforcement to expose, prosecute and hold accountable this defendant for the years of misery he inflicted on scores of women.”

    “Vindicating the rights of human trafficking victims and other vulnerable persons ranks among the highest priorities of our office,” said U.S. Attorney Markenzy Lapointe for the Southern District of Florida. “Human trafficking is a crime of exploitation. We will not allow human traffickers to prey upon others for profit, as humans are not commodities but rather demand our united protection. Our office’s dedicated prosecutors, victim witness coordinators, and support personnel will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to combat human trafficking and bring offenders to justice.” 

    “Today’s verdict is a step towards justice for the nearly dozen victims who were forced by Shannima Yuantrell Session into sex trafficking and endured his reign of horrendous and abusive control,” said Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey B. Veltri of the FBI Miami Field Office. “This verdict is a testament to the cooperation and commitment of several law enforcement agencies including the Highlands County Sheriff’s Office, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida and the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. We will continue working with these and other partners to dismantle human trafficking networks that operate in the shadows and brutalize their victims.”

    Evidence presented during the trial established that Session made promises of legitimate work and housing assistance to women and girls struggling with unstable living accommodations, substance abuse and neglect or who otherwise led unstable lives. Session’s promises were often false and empty, designed to provide him the opportunity to learn about a victim’s vulnerabilities while misrepresenting himself as caring and empathetic. Session then exploited the victims’ vulnerabilities to compel their commercial sex acts in squalid trailers housing migrant workers or in local orange groves.

    At times, Session used food and housing to control and coerce the victims. For example, he would not permit one of his victims to eat if the victim did not follow his instructions. Often, Session required his victims to engage in sexual activity with him after they had spent a night having compelled sexual intercourse with up to 18 men.

    Further, the evidence presented during the trial demonstrated that Session resorted to extreme physical violence to compel and intimidate certain victims. He violently punched some of the victims in the back of their heads in order not to leave marks on their bodies. Once, Session dragged a victim to a shower and beat her in the back of her head with a metal nutcracker until she fell limp to the floor. Session also choked another victim to the point that she lost consciousness, beat another victim with a baseball bat and brutalized yet another so badly that her nose ring fell out due to the force of the assault. In addition, Session took multiple victims to a nearby lake, where he held their heads underwater and threatened to drown them if they did not do as he ordered.

    The evidence also showed that Session used a firearm to intimidate and control his victims. He consistently kept a firearm in his possession, and frequently displayed it to victims or referred to it when talking with them. Once, Session pointed a firearm at a victim while he was driving and threatened to “kill” her after she asked him how he would feel if someone treated his daughter the way he treated her. Fearing for her life when Session stopped the car and began walking to the passenger side door, the victim jumped out of the car and ran towards nearby woods. In response, Session fired a shot into the air while he called out the victim’s name.

    Finally, the evidence indicated that Session manipulated and took advantage of some victims’ substance abuse problems to compel their commercial sex services. For example, Session provided victims with cocaine and methamphetamine to give them sufficient energy to engage in commercial sex acts with multiple migrant men at nearby trailers.

    A sentencing hearing is scheduled for Dec. 19. Session faces a minimum penalty of 15 years in prison and a maximum penalty of life in prison as well as mandatory restitution. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    The FBI Miami Field Office, Ft. Pierce Resident Agency, investigated the case, with assistance from the Highlands County, Florida, Sheriff’s Office.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Justin Hoover for the Southern District of Florida and Trial Attorneys Leah Branch and Matthew Thiman of the Civil Rights Division’s Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit are prosecuting the case.

    Anyone who has information about human trafficking should report that information to the National Human Trafficking Hotline toll-free at 1-888-373-7888, which is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. For more information about human trafficking, please visit www.humantraffickinghotline.org. Information on the Justice Department’s efforts to combat human trafficking can be found at www.justice.gov/humantrafficking.

    MIL Security OSI –

    September 29, 2024

  • MIL-OSI Translation: Prime Minister Justin Trudeau meets with Haitian Prime Minister Garry Conille

    MIL OSI Translation. Canadian French to English –

    Source: Prime Minister of Canada – in French

    Today, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau met with the Prime Minister of Haiti, Garry Conille, on the margins of the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly.

    Ahead of their participation in the high-level meeting of the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) Ad Hoc Advisory Group on Haiti, Prime Minister Trudeau welcomed the progress made by Prime Minister Conille and the Presidential Transitional Council toward restoring democracy, security and stability in Haiti. Both leaders agreed on the importance of the work underway toward free and fair elections in the country.

    The Prime Ministers noted the importance of international partners filling the investment gap in the United Nations-authorized Multinational Security Support Mission, which aims to provide much-needed relief to the Haitian people. Prime Minister Trudeau reiterated his long-standing support for Haiti’s solutions to the ongoing crisis in the country, underscored Canada’s commitment to helping restore peace and security in the country, and looked forward to further progress during Canada’s presidency of ECOSOC in the 2024-25 session.

    Prime Minister Trudeau and Prime Minister Conille reaffirmed the strong ties between Canada and Haiti and agreed to remain in regular contact.

    Related links

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

    MIL Translation OSI

    September 29, 2024

  • MIL-OSI: BlackRock® Canada Announces Final September Cash Distributions for the iShares® Premium Money Market ETF

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TORONTO, Sept. 23, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — BlackRock Asset Management Canada Limited (“BlackRock Canada”), an indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary of BlackRock, Inc. (NYSE: BLK), today announced the final September 2024 cash distributions for the iShares Premium Money Market ETF. Unitholders of record on September 24, 2024 will receive cash distributions payable on September 27, 2024.

    Details regarding the final “per unit” distribution amounts are as follows:

    Fund Name Fund Ticker Cash Distribution Per Unit
    iShares Premium Money Market ETF CMR $0.167

    Further information on the iShares ETFs can be found at http://www.blackrock.com/ca.

    About BlackRock

    BlackRock’s purpose is to help more and more people experience financial well-being. As a fiduciary to investors and a leading provider of financial technology, we help millions of people build savings that serve them throughout their lives by making investing easier and more affordable. For additional information on BlackRock, please visit www.blackrock.com/corporate | Twitter: @BlackRockCA

    About iShares ETFs

    iShares unlocks opportunity across markets to meet the evolving needs of investors. With more than twenty years of experience, a global line-up of 1400+ exchange traded funds (ETFs) and US$3.86 trillion in assets under management as of June 30, 2024, iShares continues to drive progress for the financial industry. iShares funds are powered by the expert portfolio and risk management of BlackRock.

    iShares® ETFs are managed by BlackRock Asset Management Canada Limited.

    Commissions, trailing commissions, management fees and expenses all may be associated with investing in iShares ETFs. Please read the relevant prospectus before investing. The funds are not guaranteed, their values change frequently and past performance may not be repeated. Tax, investment and all other decisions should be made, as appropriate, only with guidance from a qualified professional.  

    Contact for Media:
    Reem Jazar
    Email: reem.jazar@blackrock.com

    The MIL Network –

    September 29, 2024

  • MIL-OSI: Oportun Announces $306 Million Committed Warehouse Facility Extension

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SAN CARLOS, Calif., Sept. 23, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Oportun (Nasdaq: OPRT), a mission-driven financial services company, today announced the closing of an amendment and extension to its long-term warehouse facility. Features of this facility include:

    • $306 million total commitment
    • Goldman Sachs as senior lender – and Jefferies, as mezzanine lender – both existing, longstanding lenders to Oportun
    • A new two-year revolving period
    • Collateralized by Oportun’s unsecured and secured personal loan originations

    “This warehouse facility extension expands on Oportun’s longstanding lending relationships”, said Jonathan Coblentz, Chief Financial Officer of Oportun. “With the support of our lenders at Goldman Sachs and Jefferies, this committed financing will help drive Oportun’s responsible growth in the years ahead.”

    Oportun maintains a diverse set of capital sources including committed warehouse facilities, asset-backed securitizations, corporate-level debt financing, and whole loan sales.

    About Oportun

    Oportun (Nasdaq: OPRT) is a mission-driven financial services company that puts its members’ financial goals within reach. With intelligent borrowing, savings, and budgeting capabilities, Oportun empowers members with the confidence to build a better financial future. Since inception, Oportun has provided more than $18.7 billion in responsible and affordable credit, saved its members more than $2.4 billion in interest and fees, and helped its members save an average of more than $1,800 annually. For more information, visit Oportun.com.

    About Goldman Sachs

    Goldman Sachs is a leading global financial institution that delivers a broad range of financial services to a large and diversified client base that includes corporations, financial institutions, governments and individuals. Founded in 1869, the firm is headquartered in New York and maintains offices in all major financial centers around the world.

    About Jefferies

    Jefferies (NYSE: JEF) is a leading global, full-service investment banking and capital markets firm that provides advisory, sales and trading, research, wealth, and asset management services. With more than 40 offices around the world, we offer insights and expertise to investors, companies and governments. For more information: www.jefferies.com.

    Investor Contact
    Dorian Hare
    (650) 590-4323
    ir@oportun.com

    Media Contact
    Michael Azzano
    Cosmo PR for Oportun
    michael@cosmo-pr.com
    (415) 596-1978

    The MIL Network –

    September 29, 2024

  • MIL-OSI Security: James B. Nutter & Company to Pay $2.4M for Allegedly Causing False Claims for Federal Mortgage Insurance

    Source: United States Attorneys General

    James B. Nutter & Company, a former mortgage lender located in Kansas City, Missouri, has agreed to pay $2.4 million to resolve allegations that it violated the False Claims Act and the Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery and Enforcement Act of 1989 by knowingly underwriting Home Equity Conversion Mortgages (HECM) insured by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)’s Federal Housing Administration (FHA) that did not meet program eligibility requirements.

    “The HECM program helps support our nation’s senior citizens by providing an additional source of funds to supplement their income,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “Together with our partners at HUD, we are committed to protecting the financial integrity of this critical program and to pursuing those who seek to abuse it.”

    The FHA offers numerous mortgage insurance programs intended to help build and sustain strong communities across America. The HECM program is a reverse mortgage program specifically for senior homeowners aged 62 and older. The program allows seniors to access the equity in their residences, and thereby age in place in their family home, through a mortgage agreement with a lender that is insured against loss by the FHA.

    Lenders who participate in the FHA’s HECM program are authorized to underwrite mortgages without first having the government review the loans for compliance with the agency’s underwriting and origination requirements. If an FHA-insured loan defaults, the holder of the loan can then recover from the United States for certain losses. Lenders commit to following FHA rules to ensure that only eligible mortgages are insured by the government.

    The settlement announced today resolves the United States’ allegations in a lawsuit filed in 2020 that James B. Nutter & Company knowingly violated FHA underwriting requirements when it allowed inexperienced temporary staff to underwrite FHA-insured loans, and submitted loans for FHA insurance with underwriter signatures that were falsified and/or affixed before all the documentation the underwriter should have reviewed was complete.

    “This case sought to redress serious violations of FHA requirements that posed a risk to the HECM program,” said HUD General Counsel Damon Smith. “HUD will continue to protect the integrity of this important mortgage program that serves the interests of our nation’s senior citizens.”

    “The U.S. Attorney’s Office is dedicated to seeking recovery from mortgage lenders who take advantage of FHA programs and ignore essential program requirements,” said U.S. Attorney Teresa A. Moore for the Western District of Missouri. “The integrity and resources of those important programs must not be put at risk by mortgage lenders who put their own financial interests first.”

    “Our office continues its diligent pursuit of mortgage originators that do not play by the rules,” said U.S. Attorney Matthew Graves for the District of Columbia. “If a lender is asking the government to insure its loans, the government expects that lender to employ qualified underwriters to ensure the loans present acceptable credit risks and are supported by sound appraisals of the homes used to secure them.”

    “This case and the resulting $2.4 million settlement demonstrate the HUD Office of Inspector General’s commitment to holding lenders accountable when they commit fraud against FHA mortgage programs designed to provide financial assistance to senior homeowners,” said Inspector General Rae Oliver Davis of HUD. “No one is above the law. Our office will continue to work with our partners at the Justice Department to investigate mortgage lenders who jeopardize the integrity of FHA mortgage programs.”

    The investigation, litigation and settlement were the result of a coordinated effort among the Commercial Litigation Branch of the Justice Department’s Civil Division, the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices for the Western District of Missouri and the District of Columbia, HUD and HUD’s Office of Inspector General.

    Trial Attorneys Christopher Reimer, Kelly Phipps, Yifan Wang and Wilma Metcalf of the Commercial Litigation Branch and Assistant U.S. Attorney Cindi Woolery for the Western District of Missouri and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brian Hudak and Benton Peterson for the District of Columbia handled the matter. The litigation resolved by the settlement was captioned United States v. James B. Nutter & Co., Case No. 4:20-cv-874-RK (WDMO).

    The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only. There has been no determination of liability.

    Settlement

    MIL Security OSI –

    September 29, 2024

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: A reformed multilateral system is the path to peace and prosperity on a livable planet: Foreign Secretary speech at the UN Summit of the Future

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    UK national statement by Foreign Secretary David Lammy at the UN Summit of the Future.

    Location:
    United Nations, New York
    Delivered on:
    23 September 2024 (Transcript of the speech, exactly as it was delivered)

    Mr President, I stand here as a man of multiple identities.

    A Londoner.  A patriotic Brit.  A lawyer. 

    Proud of my African, Guyanese, Caribbean and Indian heritage. 

    A committed multilateralist, who believes in the importance of the United Nations.

    I agree with my great predecessor, Ernie Bevin, when he said in 1945:

    “Our eyes should be fixed upon the United Nations… All nations of the world should be united to look that way.”

    The purposes and principles of the UN remain as indispensable today as in Bevin’s time.

    Our task is to recapture that founding spirit so that when we reach the UN’s centenary, their legacy endures.

    But we cannot ignore the challenges we face. More conflicts than at any time since 1945, costing the global economy over 900 billion dollars, and creating the most refugees and displaced people on record.

    Geopolitical tensions arising. Progress against the Sustainable Development Goals stalling. Trust in multilateralism faltering.

    The Pact for the Future and this Summit offer a chance for Member States to show responsible global leadership, to engage with the rapid changes of our age, and go further in meeting the needs of everyone – especially the most vulnerable.

    As I know all too well, countries of the Global South suffered great injustices in the past. And I have heard repeatedly how frustrated partners are by the unfairness of the global system.

    We cannot ignore these frustrations. We must act.

    First, as the Secretary-General has said, we need greater collective efforts to prevent and end conflict. For Britain, that means upholding Ukraine’s sovereignty, urging an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and Lebanon, and supporting an end to the fighting in Sudan.

    It means robustly challenging Member States who violate the Charter, rejecting a world in which might makes right.

    It means a more representative Security Council.

    It means supporting the international rule of law, and applying it equally and fairly which is why Britain has proposed the outstanding Professor Dapo Akande for election as a judge at the International Court of Justice.

    Second, we need urgent action on the climate and nature crisis.

    With this new Government, Britain is renewing our ambitions at home, aiming to deliver clean power by 2030.

    And I am determined that we also reconnect abroad, building a Global Clean Power Alliance, championing creativity and reforms to unlock international climate and nature finance, particularly from the private sector, and bolstering efforts to protect at least thirty per cent of the planet’s land and ocean by 2030.

    Third, countries like Britain must modernise our approach to development.

    This Government believes partnership, not paternalism, is the way to deliver the Sustainable Development Goals.

    Making best use of technology and innovation. Putting indigenous people and local communities, including women and girls, at the centre of decision-making on development programmes.

    Driving faster reform of the global financial system to strengthen the voice of the most vulnerable and tackle unsustainable debt.

    Friends, action on conflict, climate and poverty. Delivered by a reformed multilateral system. This is the path to peace and prosperity on a liveable planet.

    All over the world, in every war zone, every refugee camp, the UN is there. A beacon of hope and humanity to which, as Bevin said, the gaze of all nations should turn.

    This Summit must direct the world’s eyes towards that beacon once again. And Britain is proud to support it.

    Thank you.

    Updates to this page

    Published 23 September 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    September 29, 2024

  • MIL-OSI: Calm Waters Partnership Acquires Common Shares of Fiddlehead Resources Corp.

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    MILWAUKEE, Sept. 23, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Calm Waters Partnership (“Calm Waters“) today announced that on September 3, 2024, 5 million previously acquired subscription receipts of 1487477 B.C. Ltd., a wholly owned subsidiary of Fiddlehead Resources Corp. (“Fiddlehead”) acquired for a purchase price of CAD $1 million, were exchanged for 5 million common shares (the “Common Shares”) and 5 million warrants (the “Warrants”) of Fiddlehead in connection with a business combination. As a result of the exchange, as at September 3, 2024, Calm Waters holds 5 million Common Shares, representing 8.00% of the then issued and outstanding Common Shares on a non-diluted basis and 17.00% of the then issued and outstanding Common Shares on a partially-diluted basis, assuming exercise of the 5 million Warrants held by Calm Waters. This news release is being issued with respect to Calm Waters under the early warning provisions of Canadian securities legislation.

    A copy of the Early Warning Report that was filed with the applicable securities commissions can be obtained on SEDARplus.ca or by contacting:

    Calm Waters Partnership
    115 S. 84th Street
    Suite 200
    Milwaukee, Wisconsin
    USA 53214

    Contact:

    Robert S. Strong,
    Managing Partner
    414-456-9000

    The MIL Network –

    September 29, 2024

  • MIL-OSI USA: Lummis, Thune Pressure “Broadband Czar” Harris on Mismanagement of Federal Initiatives

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Wyoming Cynthia Lummis

    Washington, D.C—U.S. Senator Cynthia Lummis (R-WY) joined U.S. Senator John Thune (R-SD), in sending a letter to Vice President Kamala Harris regarding her egregious mismanagement of federal broadband initiatives. In 2021, President Biden assigned the Vice President to lead broadband service expansion to rural and unserved communities. Under Harris’ reign as “Broadband Czar,” the $42 billion Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program has gone untouched, failing to connect a single person to the internet. The lack of broadband access is especially hurting our most rural states like Wyoming.

    “The digital divide is most apparent in the Cowboy State’s most rural communities, and it is past time for the broadband czar to do her job and use the BEAD program to eliminate the difficulties people in Wyoming face when trying to access reliable broadband services. It is critical for Kamala Harris to prioritize deploying broadband throughout the west,” said Lummis.

    For a copy of the letter, click here. The text is below.

    Dear Vice President Harris:

    We are writing to express serious concerns regarding your role as the Biden-Harris administration’s “broadband czar” and the mismanagement of federal broadband initiatives under your leadership. It appears that your performance as “broadband czar” has mirrored your performance as “border czar,” marked by poor management and a lack of effectiveness despite significant federal broadband investments and your promises to deliver broadband to rural areas.  

    As you are aware, Congress, through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, provided the National Telecommunications and Information Administration with $42.45 billion for the Broadband, Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program. These funds are intended to provide broadband access to unserved communities, particularly those in rural areas.

    In 2021, you were specifically tasked by President Biden to lead the administration’s efforts to expand broadband services to unserved Americans. And at the time, you stated, “we can bring broadband to rural America today.” Despite your assurances over three years ago, rural and unserved communities continue to wait for the connectivity they were promised. Under your leadership, not a single person has been connected to the internet using the $42.45 billion allocated for the BEAD program. Indeed, Politico recently reported on “the messy, delayed rollout of” this program.

    Instead of focusing on delivering broadband services to unserved areas, your administration has used the BEAD program to add partisan, extralegal requirements that were never envisioned by Congress and have obstructed broadband deployment. By imposing burdensome climate change mandates on infrastructure projects, prioritizing government-owned networks over private investment, mandating the use of unionized labor in states, and seeking to regulate broadband rates, your administration has caused unnecessary delays leaving millions of Americans unconnected.

    The administration’s lack of focus on truly connecting the unconnected has failed the American people and represents a gross misuse of limited taxpayer dollars. The American public deserves better.

    Sincerely,

    MIL OSI USA News –

    September 29, 2024

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Readout of the Secretary-General’s meeting with H.E. Mr. Luc Frieden, Prime Minister of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg [scroll down for French version]

    Source: United Nations secretary general

    The Secretary-General met with H.E. Mr. Luc Frieden, Prime Minister of Luxembourg. The Secretary-General and the Prime Minister discussed the United Nations reform, the Summit of the Future, the war in Ukraine and the situation in the Middle East. 

    ***
     
    Le Secrétaire général a rencontré S.E. M. Luc Frieden, Premier ministre du Grand-Duché de Luxembourg. Le Secrétaire général et le Premier ministre ont discuté de la réforme des Nations Unies, du Sommet de l’avenir, de la guerre en Ukraine et de la situation au Moyen-Orient.
     

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

    September 29, 2024

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Media Advisory: Infrastructure Announcement in Sherbooke

    Source: Government of Canada News

    Media advisory

    Members of the media are invited to an infrastructure announcement with the Honourable Greg Morrow, Nova Scotia Minister of Agriculture and Member of the Legislative Assembly for Guysborough–Tracadie, and Heather Kreffer, Executive Director of SMART-GO: St. Mary’s Association for Rural Transit.

    Sherbrooke, Nova Scotia, September 23, 2024 — Members of the media are invited to an infrastructure announcement with the Honourable Greg Morrow, Nova Scotia Minister of Agriculture and Member of the Legislative Assembly for Guysborough–Tracadie, and Heather Kreffer, Executive Director of SMART-GO: St. Mary’s Association for Rural Transit.

    Date:
    Tuesday, September 24, 2024

    Time:
     7 p.m. ADT

    Location:
    St. Mary’s District Lion’s Club
    8004 Highway 7,
    Sherbrooke, Nova Scotia B0J 3C0

    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

    Blaise Theriault
    Communications Advisor,
    Nova Scotia Department of Public Works
    902-476-5092
    blaise.theriault@novascotia.ca

    Heather Kreffer
    Executive Director,
    SMART-GO: St. Mary’s Association for Rural Transit 
    902-522-2000
    info@smart-go.ca

    MIL OSI Canada News –

    September 29, 2024

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Prime Minister Justin Trudeau meets with Prime Minister of Haiti Garry Conille

    Source: Government of Canada – Prime Minister

    Today, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau met with the Prime Minister of Haiti, Garry Conille, on the margins of the 79th Session of the United Nations (UN) General Assembly.

    Ahead of their participation at the High-Level Meeting of the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) Ad Hoc Advisory Group on Haiti, Prime Minister Trudeau welcomed progress made by Prime Minister Conille and the Transitional Presidential Council toward restoring democracy, security, and stability in Haiti. The two leaders agreed on the importance of ongoing work to hold free and fair elections in the country.

    The prime ministers underscored the need for international partners to address the funding gap for the UN-authorized Multinational Security Support mission, which aims to provide much-needed relief to the Haitian people. Prime Minister Trudeau reaffirmed his longstanding support for Haitian-led solutions to the ongoing crises the country is facing, emphasized Canada’s commitment to helping re-establish peace and security in Haiti, and looked forward to furthering progress throughout Canada’s presidency of ECOSOC for the 2024-25 session.

    Prime Minister Trudeau and Prime Minister Conille reaffirmed the strong bond between Canada and Haiti and agreed to remain in regular contact.

    Associated Links

    MIL OSI Canada News –

    September 29, 2024

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cardin Leads Bipartisan Senate Delegation in Meeting with Ukrainian President Zelenskyy at U.N. General Assembly

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Maryland Ben Cardin

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, released the following statement after leading a bipartisan congressional delegation to the 79th Session of the United Nations General Assembly where he met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

    “Our bipartisan delegation had the honor to meet with President Zelenskyy today, a leader who has shown extraordinary courage and resolve in defending Ukraine’s sovereignty and democratic integrity against Russian aggression. I once again stated my support for loosening constraints on Ukraine’s ability to deploy long-range weapons provided by the U.S. to counter Russian aggression more effectively, and was impressed by President Zelenskyy’s comprehensive strategic plan to secure Ukraine’s future and strengthen its resilience. The Administration’s commitment to Ukraine’s cause has been critical, and with our shared support, I am confident in a future where a democratic and sovereign Ukraine takes its rightful place within the Euro-Atlantic community.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

    September 29, 2024

  • MIL-OSI USA: House Passes Kaptur Bill to Increase Healthcare Access for Military Families

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09)

    Washington, DC – Today, Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09),Senior Member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, celebrated the House of Representatives’ unanimous bipartisan passage of the Care for Military Kids Act. The legislation, which Congresswoman Kaptur introduced alongside Congresswoman Jen Kiggans (VA-02), ensures that military families can maintain essential healthcare coverage and medical services for their children, regardless of where their service takes them.

    The Care for Military Kids Act amends the Social Security Act to ensure that the dependents of active-duty servicemembers receiving long-term care through a state-administered Medicaid plan will remain eligible for these services even if their family is relocated to another state. The bill is endorsed by major advocacy organizations, including the National Disability Rights Network (NDRN) and The Arc of the United States.

    “I introduced this bipartisan legislation alongside Congresswoman Kiggans, and am thankful to those who helped ensure its swift passage,” said Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09). “Our servicemembers commit their lives to the safety and security of all Americans. It is essential we ensure that dependents of active duty servicemembers do not lose their critical healthcare coverage through Medicaid and CHIP as their families transfer locations while in service to our nation. Through this bipartisan effort we will prevent military families from facing the burden of healthcare insecurity and uncertainty. I am grateful for the bipartisan support this bill and our military community have received and look forward to Senate passage so we can send this legislation to the President’s desk to be signed into law.” 

    “Our men and women in uniform sacrifice so much for our country, relocating frequently and spending months apart,” said Congresswoman Jen Kiggans (VA-02). “As a Navy spouse, mother of four, and a veteran who served for nearly 10 years myself, I firmly believe servicemembers should be able to maintain healthcare coverage for their children when they are relocated. I am thankful my colleagues agree and passed my bipartisan bill unanimously. I urge the Senate to act on this legislation quickly so we can ensure military children have access to the consistent healthcare coverage and medical care they need to lead healthy, happy lives. They should never have to forgo critical care because of their parents’ selfless decision to serve.”

    Medicaid is operated by states, meaning that portability of benefits related to home and community-based healthcare services is not guaranteed from one state to another. This puts individuals and their families at risk of a loss of services when they leave their state, which particularly impacts dependents of military servicemembers who frequently transfer locations as part of the family’s commitment to serving their country. A new report from the Children’s Hospital Association underscores Medicaid’s significance in enabling healthcare access for nearly three million children in military-connected families. The Care for Military Kids Act provides clarity and consistency by ensuring that military children with disabilities or long-term healthcare needs remain eligible for Medicaid services across state lines.

    # # #

    MIL OSI USA News –

    September 29, 2024

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Early intervention for adolescent young men and boys to end gender-based violence

    Source: Ministers for Social Services

    24 September 2024

    Young men and boys at risk of engaging in family, domestic and sexual violence will be supported through the establishment of a national early intervention trial.

    The Albanese Labor Government is committing more than $23 million over three years to 2026-27 to 12 organisations across states and territories for the trial.

    Organisations will be tasked with creating a new early intervention program for young men and boys aged 12 to 18 years who present with adverse childhood experiences, including family and domestic violence, and who are using or at risk of using family, domestic or sexual violence.

    Eligible young men and boys will receive counselling and therapeutic support to:

    • Assist with their recovery and healing from their experiences of family and domestic violence;
    • Help them avoid choosing to use family, domestic and sexual violence; and
    • Build the evidence base on effective approaches to supporting young men and boys.

    Supports will include one-on-one counselling, case management and youth mentoring along with personalised safety plans and assessments.

    Services have been chosen that are culturally safe and responsive, trauma and healing-informed, strengths-based and support will be tailored to the individual needs and circumstances of participants.

    The 12 current sites include a mix of metropolitan, regional, and remote locations. Additional trial sites are expected to be announced in early 2025.

    Minister for Social Services Amanda Rishworth will today visit the Domestic Violence Action Centre in Ipswich, who have been chosen as one of the sites to help deliver the trial.

    Minister Rishworth said the funding would help provide crucial support for boys and young men to recover and heal from their experiences of violence and stop the risk of harm escalating and continuing into their adult relationships.

    “Early intervention is a key area of focus under the National Plan to End Violence against Women 2022-2032,” Minister Rishworth said.

    “Supporting children and young people as victim-survivors in their own right and addressing the impacts of developmental trauma to help healing and recovery will help break future cycles of violence.

    “We know in order to achieve our shared goal of ending violence against women and children in one generation we need to be working across all four domains of the National Plan.

    “There are currently only limited and inconsistent services available across Australia that specifically support children and young people who have experienced violence and are themselves using or at risk of using violence and this trial will help address this gap.”

    More information on the National Plan to End Violence against Women and Children 2022-2032 is available on the Department of Social Services website.

    If you or someone you know is experiencing, or at risk of experiencing, domestic, family, or sexual violence, call 1800 737 732, text 0458 737 732 or visit www.1800RESPECT.org.au for online chat and video call services.

    If you are concerned about your behaviour or use of violence, you can contact the Men’s Referral Service on 1300 766 491 or visit www.ntv.org.au .

    Feeling worried or no good? Connect with 13YARN Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Crisis Supporters on 13 92 76, available 24/7 from any mobile or pay phone, or visit www.13yarn.org.au. No shame, no judgement, safe place to yarn.

    Kids Helpline (1800 551 800) is a free, confidential online and phone counselling service for young people aged 5 to 25. This service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

    MIL OSI News –

    September 29, 2024

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rivers in Europe Burst Their Banks

    Source: NASA

    A slow-moving storm triggered days of intense rainfall across central and eastern Europe in September 2024. The deluge submerged entire neighborhoods and forced tens of thousands to evacuate flooded towns and cities.
    Between September 11 and 18, a low-pressure storm system battered parts of Austria, Poland, Slovakia, and the Czech Republic (Czechia) with torrential rainfall. The storm formed when a wave of cold Arctic air plunged into southern Europe and met with warm, moist air from the Mediterranean. The low-pressure system became cut off from the prevailing jet stream (known as a cut-off low), allowing it to linger in the region for several days.
    Named Storm Boris by the UK Met Office, the system hit hardest in the Czech Republic and Austria, which in one week saw up to three times the amount of rainfall typical for the entire month of September, according to the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts. In eastern Austria, near Vienna, 215 millimeters (8.5 inches) of rain fell during that week. All of this rainfall, however, had consequences beyond the hardest-hit areas.
    On September 18, water levels along the Oder River in southeastern Poland surpassed the highest alert category set by the country’s institute of meteorology. The river originates in the Oder Mountains in the Czech Republic and runs north through Poland to Germany. Water overtopped the banks of the river near Wrocław and flooded the surrounding farmland, visible in the image above (right), acquired on September 20, 2024. The image on the left shows the same region on September 4, before the storm. Both images were acquired by the OLI (Operational Land Imager) on Landsat 8 and are false color to emphasize the presence of water (dark blue).
    The Danube River overtopped its banks in Slovakia, sending floodwaters into the capital, Bratislava. The false-color image below, acquired by the OLI-2 on Landsat 9, shows inundated areas along the Danube on September 21. According to news reports, the relentless rain forced dozens of people from their homes.

    In Poland’s mountain town of Stronie Slaskie, near the border with the Czech Republic, a dam burst and caused deadly flooding. As of September 20, flooding across central and eastern Europe and into Italy has contributed to the displacement of over 25,000 people, according to the European Union.
    NASA Earth Observatory images by Michala Garrison, using Landsat data from the U.S. Geological Survey. Story by Emily Cassidy.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    September 29, 2024

  • MIL-OSI Video: Secretary Blinken delivers remarks at the Advancing Sustainable Development

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

    Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken delivers remarks at the Advancing Sustainable Development through Safe, Secure, and Trustworthy AI event in New York City, New York.

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

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

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

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

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

    #StateDepartment #DepartmentofState #Diplomacy

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RvvqhDx5UAM

    MIL OSI Video –

    September 29, 2024

  • MIL-OSI USA: House Passes Kean’s Bill to Expand Satellite Data Sharing

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Tom Kean, Jr. (NJ-07)

    (September 23, 2024) WASHINGTON, DC – Today, the House of Representatives passed H.R. 6219, the Accessing Satellite Capabilities to Enable New Discoveries Act (ASCEND Act), legislation to permanently authorize the Commercial SmallSat Data Acquisition program within NASA.   

    Introduced by Congressman Tom Kean, Jr. (NJ-07) and Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01), this bipartisan bill provides statutory authority for the Commercial SmallSat Data Acquisition Program. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) established the program as a pilot program in 2017 to acquire commercial small-satellite data in support of NASA’s earth science research.  

    Congressman Kean spoke on the House floor in support of his bill, watch HERE.   

    “Passing the ASCEND Act demonstrates our strong commitment to NASA’s commercial operators and public-private partnerships,” said Congressman Kean. “These efforts are essential for advancing human exploration and ensuring America’s leadership in space innovation. The ASCEND Act will provide access to data sets and imagery from the commercial space sector, supporting critical scientific research and paving the way for a sustainable future for generations to come. I thank my House colleagues for supporting my bill and look forward to seeing this on the Senate floor soon.”   

    “The bipartisan ASCEND Act is a commonsense solution to help researchers benefit from the vast, high-quality data available from commercial satellites to better understand climate change, natural disasters, and earth sciences,” said Congresswoman Bonamici. “I’m grateful that the House passed this legislation and I will continue advocating with Rep. Kean for the Senate to schedule a vote on the bill.” 

    The ASCEND Act would:   

    • Establish CSDA as a permanent program within NASA’s Earth Science Division.   
    • Direct NASA to expand procurement licenses to provide federal agencies access to high quality Earth remote sensing datasets and imagery.    
    • Promote the acquisition of new datasets for scientific and non-scientific applications.   
    • Require an annual report to Congress on the uses and impact of commercial data products and licensing agreements.   

    Read more about the bill HERE.  

    Congressman Kean serves on the House Science, Space and Technology Committee. 

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

    September 29, 2024

  • MIL-OSI USA: Reed & Magaziner Deliver $795,000 Boost for URI’s Secure Computing Capabilities & Capacity

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Rhode Island Jack Reed

    KINGSTON, RI – U.S. Senator Jack Reed and U.S. Representative Seth Magaziner today joined with University of Rhode Island (URI) leadership, researchers, scientists, professors, and students to celebrate a $795,000 federal earmark to boost secure computing and data infrastructure capabilities, capacity, and storage through high-performance computing (HPC) upgrades that will advance research in undersea vehicle technology as well as research focus areas across URI’s departments.

    The federal funds secured by Senator Reed and Congressman Magaziner will help advance the “RI-SEC: Secure Computing & Data Infrastructure for the University of Rhode Island” project. This initiative will help ensure URI can keep up with the evolving role that HPC plays in a wide range of academic disciplines and will strengthen and expand the partnership between researchers at URI’s National Institute of Undersea Vehicle Technology (NIUVT) and subject matter experts with the U.S. Navy and Electric Boat.

    “As Rhode Island’s flagship public research institution, the University of Rhode Island needs access to cutting-edge technology and computing capabilities to ensure they can stay up to speed on developments and breakthroughs in a wide range of academic fields,” said Senator Reed, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee. “I’m glad to have worked with Congressman Magaziner to deliver this federal funding for URI which will help make strategic upgrades and strengthen partnerships with experts at the U.S. Navy and Electric Boat. This project will help URI make new, exciting advancements, better educate students on modern technology, and attract more researchers, scientists, professors, and others.”

    “This funding will help the University of Rhode Island build on its leadership status as a center for cutting-edge research and education,” said Rep. Seth Magaziner. “This grant will enhance the technology available to students and researchers across a variety of high tech fields, and will help make our state more economically competitive.”

    “As the state’s public flagship research university, URI is engaged in cutting-edge research that is accelerating discovery in key sectors of the state’s Blue Economy, while training the next generation of Rhode Island’s workforce,” said President Marc B. Parlange. “With support from Senator Reed and Congressman Magaziner, this federal earmark will enhance the University’s computational resources to expand large-scale research opportunities in undersea vehicle technology for our faculty, students, and industry partners.”

    Following the earmark announcement, URI President Marc B. Parlange and Dean of Engineering Anthony Marchese accompanied Senator Reed and Representative Magaziner for a tour of the National Institute of Undersea Vehicle Technology (NIUVT) – a federal, public, and private partnership at URI that provides research and technical support to advance current and future technologies in the undersea vehicle domain.

    The federal funding secured by Senator Reed and Congressman Magaziner will primarily assist NIUVT in upgrading HPC capacity and strengthening cyber security in order to carry out and bolster its work linking academic researchers and subject matter experts with the U.S. Navy and Electric Boat, which helps build the U.S. Navy’s most advanced submarines.

    Through the RI-SEC project, increased cybersecurity and data management enhancements and the hiring of new information technology (IT) security staff will offer more control and flexibility in capability, capacity, and data storage. These key upgrades will help NIUVT strengthen their work with the Navy and Electric Boat and will also help other departments at URI expand research by leveraging artificial intelligence, HPC, and other cutting-edge digital advancements.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    September 29, 2024

  • MIL-OSI USA: September 23rd, 2024 Heinrich, Casey Introduce Legislation to Stop Fentanyl from Entering Prisons, Protect Officers from Dangerous Exposure

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Mexico Martin Heinrich

    The Interdiction of Fentanyl at Federal Prisons Act will help eliminatefentanyl and other illicit narcotics from entering prisons by mail

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and Bob Casey (D-Pa.) introduced legislation to protect prison officers, staff, and inmates from fentanyl and other illicit substances entering the Federal Prison System through inmate mail. By directing the Bureau of Prisons (BOP) to develop a strategy that guarantees all mail is screened for illicit contraband, the Interdiction of Fentanyl at Federal Prisons Act would reduce the risk of intentional poisoning or lethal exposure from illicit substances in federal prisons and support the 38,000 BOP corrections officers and staff that are dedicated to keeping prisons safe.

    “We need to deploy every available tool we can to tackle the opioid epidemic and support law enforcement in cracking down on the deadly flow of fentanyl,” said Heinrich. “By screening all mail at federal prisons, we can protect officers, staff, and inmates from harmful exposure to illicit substances and prevent life-endangering overdoses. I won’t stop fighting until we deliver the resources our law enforcement officers, first responders, medical providers, and New Mexicans on the front lines need to address this deadly epidemic.” 

    “As we fight back against the fentanyl crisis, we must protect those who face an elevated risk of dangerous exposure. I have long pushed for digital mail screening as an effective way to stop fentanyl from entering our prisons to protect officers, staff, and inmates,”said Casey. “This legislation is a critical step to keep Pennsylvanians safe and I will continue fighting like hell to stop the fentanyl crisis.” 

    As New Mexico and the nation continue to grapple with the opioid crisis, the Interdiction of Fentanyl at Federal Prisons Act would protect officers, staff, and inmates by requiring BOP to develop a strategy to intercept and interdict illicit substances, including fentanyl, mailed to federal correctional facilities. After one BOP official lost his life and numerous reports of officers being hospitalized after being exposed to mail saturated in fentanyl and other unknown substances, this legislation would help keep them safe on the job. 

    Specifically, this bill would enable BOP to acquire and deploy equipment to scan 100 percent of legal and postal mail arriving at federal correctional facilities. This legislation would enhance mail screening and ensure that all incarcerated people receive digital copies of mail addressed to them, while remaining consistent with the law and BOP procedures governing attorney-client privilege. This bill would also guarantee that all contraband-free mail be delivered once it has been screened. 

    The Interdiction of Fentanyl at Federal Prisons Act is endorsed by the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP), R Street Institute, National Association of Police Organizations, National District Attorneys Associations, Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America, and Voices of JOE.

    Read more about the Interdiction of Fentanyl at Federal Prisons Act here.

    Senator Heinrich is leading comprehensive efforts to tackle the opioid epidemic and protect New Mexico communities from fentanyl, most recently securing more than $1 million for local law enforcement to detect illicit fentanyl, helping to pass the historic FEND Off Fentanyl Act into law, and authoring legislation to require the DEA to establish a nationwide fentanyl tracking system.

    Find an extensive list of Heinrich’s actions to tackle the fentanyl crisis here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    September 29, 2024

  • MIL-OSI USA: September 23rd, 2024 Heinrich, Leger Fernández Lead Bill to Approve Water Rights Settlement for the Navajo Nation in the Rio San José Watershed

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Mexico Martin Heinrich

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and U.S. Representative Teresa Leger Fernández (D-N.M.) introduced legislation to approve the water rights settlement for the Navajo Nation as well as participating non-Tribal parties in the Rio San José watershed. U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) and U.S. Representatives Melanie Stansbury (D-N.M.) and Gabe Vasquez (D-N.M.) cosponsored the bill.

    Heinrich and Leger Fernández previously introduced the Rio San José and Rio Jemez Water Settlements Act, which would implement the water settlements agreed to by the Pueblos of Acoma and Laguna, the United States, the State of New Mexico, and non-Tribal parties, in the Rio San José watershed. That bill received a hearing and was reported out of the Senate Indian Affairs Committee in December. The House version of this bill received a legislative hearing in the House Water, Wildlife and Fisheries Subcommittee in July. The bill introduced this month would further resolve Tribal water claims in the Rio San José basin by settling the Navajo Nation’s claims. 

    “Our legislation will provide critically needed funding to get much-needed water to Navajo communities in the Rio San José watershed,” said Heinrich. “By passing this and our other pending Tribal water settlement bills this Congress, we can better follow through on the federal government’s promise to help Tribes access and use the water that has always been rightfully theirs.”

    “In New Mexico we know water is life. Navajo Nation, the surrounding communities, and the state of New Mexico worked together to reach an agreement that would make sure the life-giving waters of the Rio San Jose would flow for everyone,” said Leger Fernández.“Senator Heinrich’s and my bill would provide funding for much needed water infrastructure for Navajo Nation as well as nearby acequias. The powerful stories of collaboration around this precious resource we heard in committee prove that settlement is the best road for resolving these water claims.” 
     
    “As a member of the Senate Indian Affairs Committee, I am proud to join my New Mexico colleagues in introducing legislation to approve the water rights settlement for the Navajo Nation in the Rio San José Watershed,” said Luján. “This legislation has strong backing from stakeholders across New Mexico and will provide a comprehensive resolution for the Navajo Nation’s water rights claims in the Rio San José Stream System. It will ensure the protection of Tribal water rights while effectively addressing the water needs of the community.” 
     
    “In New Mexico, we know water is life,” said Stansbury. “As stewards of the land, water, and air since time immemorial, it is so important that our Tribal communities have a stake in how water is used in this state. This bill, as well as many others, will uphold our commitment to our Tribes and Pueblos granting them the right to use water for their needs. This is what environmental justice looks like.”

    “Protecting a critical resource and honoring Tribal sovereignty are some of our core responsibilities in Congress, and I’m proud to work with the New Mexico Delegation to fulfill our trust responsibility and provide essential resources to support the New Mexico’s water infrastructure,” said Vasquez. “This settlement ensures the Navajo Nation and our non-Tribal users of the Rio San José watershed will have the water resources needed to thrive for generations to come.”

    “On behalf of the Navajo Nation, I want to express my deepest appreciation to Senator Heinrich, Senator Lujan, and Representative Leger Fernandez for introducing this important legislation. Implementation of this settlement will make a real difference for Eastern Navajo communities where lack of water has constrained development. A collaborative negotiation process produced a comprehensive settlement that provides a path forward towards a better future for the people of the Rio San Jose and Rio Puerco Basins,” said Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren. 

    Additional Background on Tribal Water Settlements Legislation:

    The introduction of this bill follows Heinrich and Vasquez’s introduction of the Zuni Indian Tribe Water Rights Settlement Act in July, with Luján, Stansbury, and Leger Fernández all joining as original cosponsors. That bill would unlock federal funding to support a trust for sustainable water management and infrastructure development that upholds the federal government’s trust responsibility while protecting the sacred Zuni Salt Lake. The bill ratifies the settlement between the federal government, State of New Mexico and Zuni Tribe that affirms their water rights for irrigation, livestock, storage, and domestic and other uses.

    In June, Heinrich and Leger Fernández introduced the Ohkay Owingeh Rio Chama Water Rights Settlement Act, legislation to approve the water rights settlement of Ohkay Owingeh and participating non-Tribal parties for water in the Rio Chama Basin. Luján and Stansbury are original cosponsors of this bill.

    Last December, Luján and Leger Fernández introduced the Technical Corrections to the Northwestern New Mexico Rural Water Projects Act, Taos Pueblo Indian Water Rights Settlement Act, and Aamodt Litigation Settlement Act, which authorizes the appropriation of $6.3 million for the Navajo Nation Water Resources Development Fund; $7.8 million for the Taos Pueblo Water Development Fund; and $4.3 million for  the Aamodt Settlement Pueblos’ Fund, which covers Nambé, Pojoaque, San Ildefonso, and Tesuque Pueblos. It will support water resources development projects for the Tribes. Heinrich and Stansbury are original cosponsors of this bill. 

    Last June, Luján and Leger Fernández introduced legislation that amends the Navajo Gallup Water Supply Project to ensure it has the resources and time needed to deliver drinking water to northwestern New Mexico communities in the San Juan basin, including roughly 43 Chapters on the Eastern Navajo Nation, the southwestern portion of the Jicarilla Apache Nation, and the City of Gallup, which currently rely on a rapidly depleting groundwater supply of poor quality. Heinrich and Stansbury are original cosponsors of this bill.

    Additionally, last year, the entire New Mexico Congressional Delegation announced a $235.1 million allocation to continue fulfilling settlements of Indian water rights claims using funding from the Infrastructure Law and the Reclamation Water Settlements Fund. As part of that overall allocation, the Navajo-Gallup Water Project received $164 million from the Infrastructure Law and the Reclamation Water Settlements Fund. Another $2 million was directed to Navajo-Gallup Water supply operations, maintenance and replacement efforts. The Aamodt Water Rights Settlement, which includes the Pueblos of Nambé, Pojoaque, San Ildefonso, and Tesuque, received $69.1 million in federal funding from the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation.  

    MIL OSI USA News –

    September 29, 2024

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Norcross Releases Statement on Congresswoman LaMonica McIver’s Swearing-In

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Donald Norcross (1st District of New Jersey)

    WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Representative Donald Norcross (D-NJ) released the following statement on Congresswoman LaMonica McIver’s swearing-in:

    “Congratulations to Congresswoman LaMonica McIver on being sworn in today as the Representative for New Jersey’s 10th Congressional District. Congresswoman McIver has dedicated her life to serving her community. She has been a steadfast leader as City Council President and an inspiring trailblazer in local politics. I know that the legacy of Congressman Donald Payne will live on in Congresswoman McIver’s work as she delivers for New Jersey families. I’m looking forward to working with her in Congress.”

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

    September 29, 2024

  • MIL-OSI USA: Grassley Leads Bicameral Colleagues in Calling Out Abuses in the Biden-Harris Unaccompanied Migrant Children Program

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Iowa Chuck Grassley

    WASHINGTON – Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), a senior member and former chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today led 43 bicameral Republican colleagues in a letter urging President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris to work with Congress to root out abuses in their administration’s unaccompanied migrant children program and stop the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)’s cover-up of the crisis. HHS has failed to comply with two out of three Department of Homeland Security (DHS) subpoenas and other information requests issued amid its investigation into more than 100 suspicious sponsors identified as a result of Grassley’s oversight.

    Program Abuse

    More than 500,000 unaccompanied migrant children have crossed the southwest border under the Biden-Harris administration, while cartel trafficking activity surged an estimated 2,500 percent. Amid this crisis, the lawmakers note that the Biden-Harris administration limited background checks for sponsors of unaccompanied children, cut back on familial DNA testing at the border and decreased information sharing with law enforcement.

    In addition to hampering DHS’s child exploitation investigation, the Biden-Harris HHS attempted to obstruct Grassley’s oversight of HHS contractors, including Southwest Key. HHS has also defied House Judiciary Committee subpoenas.

    Seeking Solutions

    The lawmakers are urging Biden and Harris to “make changes to [their] policies and procedures” in order to “end this public safety crisis.” They are specifically calling on the Biden-Harris administration to enhance information sharing with law enforcement and Congress, fully cooperate with DHS’s child exploitation investigation and thoroughly respond to all congressional oversight requests.

    “[The Biden-Harris HHS] must stop its cover-up and cooperate with law enforcement and Congress to end this crisis and protect unaccompanied children and the American people,” the lawmakers concluded.

    Read the full letter HERE.

    Joining Grassley on the letter are Sens. Bill Cassidy (R-La.), Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) and House Judiciary Chairman Jim Jordan (R-Ohio), along with Sens. Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.),  John Thune (R-S.D.), Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), Jim Risch (R-Idaho), John Hoeven (R-N.D.), Mike Lee (R-Utah), Tim Scott (R-S.C.), Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), James Lankford (R-Okla.), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), John Kennedy (R-La.), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Mike Braun (R-Ind.), Josh Hawley (R-Mo.), Rick Scott (R-Fla.), Roger Marshall (R-Kans.), Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.), Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.), Katie Britt (R-Ala.) and Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.).

    Additional co-signers in the House include Reps. Tom McLintock (R-Ca.), Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.), Andy Biggs (R-Ariz.), Chip Roy (R-Texas), Dan Bishop (R-N.C.), Scott Fitzgerald (R-Wis.), Cliff Bentz (R-Ore.), Ben Cline (R-Va.), Barry Moore (R-Ala.), Russell Fry (R-S.C.), Harriet Hageman (R-Wyo.), Wesley Hunt (R-Texas), Laurel Lee (R-Fla.) and Michael Rulli (R-Ohio).

    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

    September 29, 2024

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: State Highway 6 Whangamoa Hill now open

    Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

    24 September 2024 9:35 am | NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi

    UPDATE 9:35 am
    The highway is now clear and has reopened to traffic.
    There may be brief delays for drivers as queued traffic clears.

    9:15 am:

    State Highway 6 is currently closed to traffic on the Whangamoa Hill after trees fell onto the highway this morning.

    Work is underway to remove the trees and reopen the road, but this may take up to two hours to complete.

    This means the highway is closed between Hira and the Rai Valley, and there is no direct route between Nelson and Blenheim.

    Drivers should avoid the area and delay their travel if possible. The only alternative detour is via State Highway 63 – St Arnaud and the Wairau Valley, which can add 30 minutes or more to travel times.

    Tags

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

    September 29, 2024
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