NewzIntel.com

Category: Law

  • MIL-OSI USA: Quigley Hosts Transparency Panel Discussion, “What’s Next in Transparency: 119th Congress”

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Mike Quigley (IL-05)

    On Tuesday, U.S. Representative Mike Quigley (IL-05), Chair of the Congressional Transparency Caucus, hosted “What’s Next in Transparency: 119th Congress.” Moderated by Law360 Reporter Courtney Bublé, the panel discussion included three government accountability experts.

    As the Founder and Chair of the Congressional Transparency Caucus, Quigley has spent 16 years in Congress leading bipartisan efforts to increase honesty and trust in government.

    “The cost of corruption is dollars, but the real cost of corruption is the loss of public trust. That trust has been on steady decline for the last 20 years,” shared Quigley in his opening remarks. “If we can improve the openness in communication between the government and the people, we can build a government that works better for the people.”

    The panel’s experts represented a diverse range of views across the political spectrum, including the Freedom of the Press Foundation, the National Taxpayers Union, and Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW).

    “Another thing we need to pay attention to is the destruction of records and agencies discontinuing the practice of maintaining certain records,” said Lauren Harper, Daniel Ellsberg Chair on Government Secrecy at the Freedom of the Press Foundation. “You can not get a FOIA response if an agency has destroyed those documents. Or if it has opted to stop creating those records.”

    “[Members who commit crimes] don’t lose their pensions until they’re finally convicted. That means many can sit in jail, and appeal, and still collect their taxpayer-funded pension,” said Demian Brady, Vice President of Research at the National Taxpayers Union. “The last piece of transparency we need for that is from the Office of Personnel Management, but they haven’t answered my emails since 2020.”

    “Sunlight in government is essential to a functioning democracy,” said Jason Powell, Policy Director at CREW. “As part of DOGE’s efforts to reshape the government, on April 1st the CDC’s entire FOIA office was suspended without prior notice or without a plan for how the statutorily required work would continue. The CDC is now not able to respond to new [FOIA] requests, existing requests, or make statutorily-required proactive disclosures.”

    To watch a recording of the event, click here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: VIDEO: Pressley Slams Trump and Republican’s Attacks on Judiciary, Checks and Balances

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07)

    GOP’s Big Ugly Bill Would Gut Food Assistance and Healthcare, Restrict Judiciary from Enforcing Court Orders and Holding Trump Administration Accountable

    “This is an intentional and deliberate attempt to undermine the courts, so that the Trump Administration can break the law with impunity.”

    Video (YouTube)

    WASHINGTON – Today, in a House Oversight Committee hearing, Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07) condemned the Trump Administration’s lawless behavior—including their unlawful mass deportations and attacks on immigrant communities—and criticized Republicans’ efforts to undermine the judiciary’s authority to hold Administration officials accountable.

    Congresswoman Pressley highlighted how public interest lawsuits have successfully blocked much of Donald Trump’s harmful anti-immigrant agenda, and explained how Republicans’ big, ugly reconciliation bill would further dismantle checks and balances by restricting the judiciary from enforcing court orders against Trump officials.

    The Congresswoman also criticized Republicans for holding the hearing and dragging Democratic governors away from their states at a time when many governors are having to figure out how to stretch budgets and modify programs to keep their constituents fed and alive.

    A full transcript of the Congresswoman’s question line is available below and the video can be watched here.

    Transcript: Pressley Slams Trump’s Lawless Immigration Agenda and Republican Attacks on Judiciary, Checks and Balances
    House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform
    June 12, 2025

    REP. PRESSLEY: Thank you to our Democratic Governors for being here today. 

    This hearing is an utter and complete waste of your time. It is a waste of taxpayer dollars. 

    Republicans have called you here alleging that you are circumventing federal law. You are not. 

    But you know who is the poster child who is violating federal law daily? The current occupant of the Oval Office, Donald J. Trump. 

    To make matters worse, these hardworking governors had to leave their states to be here in a moment when their work is incredibly difficult. Because Donald J. Trump and his accomplices and co-conspirators, who by the way, Donald Trump doesn’t give a damn about your constituents.

    He doesn’t give a damn about you, he doesn’t even respect the seat you hold and Congress as a co-equal branch of government. 

    But Donald Trump and his accomplices, many of whom are in this room, are hell bent — what you your legacy to be — is that you’re tearing food away from our babies and medical care from our elders. 

    These Democratic Governors have to stand in the gap and figure out how to stretch budgets and modify programs to keep their constituents fed and alive.

    Constituents like this precious little soul that I wish I didn’t have to leave to come be here. Layla, who drew me this rainbow, a five-year-old who lives with a rare liver disease, had a successful liver transplant at Boston Medical Center. Thank God she is thriving today. But Layla will need immuno-suppressant drugs for the rest of her life that are paid for by Medicaid.

    And without Medicaid, well I shudder to think what might happen to Layla. But for sure her family would at least go bankrupt trying to do everything to keep their baby alive. 

    That’s what these governors, that’s the situation that they’ve been put in because your big a** ugly bill and if it comes to pass. 

    And they’re dealing with the fall out of this White House pulling federal grants recklessly. Grown men throwing temper tantrums.

    So again, let me be plain: The Trump Administration is breaking the law, not these Democratic governors. 

    Ms. Perryman, how many legal challenges is the Trump Administration currently facing? 

    MS. PERRYMAN: I believe there’s over 300 right now. 

    REP. PRESSLEY: And Ms. Perryman, can you explain how litigation like this has helped to shield and defend vulnerable communities?

    MS. PERRYMAN: Absolutely, without our courts upholding the rule of law and upholding the rights of people, right now there could be federal funds frozen across the country that would endanger things like Head Start and Meals on Wheels and community safety programs, including community safety programs that help prosecutors and help law enforcement in states and communities across the country. The Administration has terminated over $800 million in Office of Justice program grants that we are having to challenge in court, and the list goes on and on and on.

    REP. PRESSLEY: Thank you, Ms. Perryman. Thank you for your good work.

    That’s right: in case after case, the media might not want you to know, but we are winning.

    Trump tried to end birthright citizenship – blocked. 

    He tried to shut down asylum – blocked.

    He tried to defund cities – blocked.

    And because we are winning in court, Republicans are trying to change the rules to rig the system. 

    Tucked in the Big, Ugly bill that Republicans voted for is a provision– Section 70302 titled Restriction on Enforcement – that would restrict the judiciary from enforcing court orders and holding government officials accountable. 

    This is an intentional and deliberate attempt to undermine the courts, so that the Trump Administration can break the law with impunity.

    Republicans, Ms. Perryman, pretend to care about law and order. But this provision is the exact opposite. 

    What message does this send to people who count on the courts to protect their rights? 

    MS. PERRYMAN: It suggests that the people that voted for the bill don’t want the American people protected, and that they don’t want them to access their courts and access the ability to protect their rights.

    REP. PRESSLEY: Don’t want the American people protected. That part. 

    Allegedly all in the name of law and order and safety. This is about nothing but power and control and abuse of power and terror, which makes everyone less safe.

    The shame and the sham of it all. I yield back

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Mental Health Response Change Programme Phase Two update

    Source: New Zealand Police

    Phase Two of the Police Mental Health Response Change Programme is set to be extended with implementation across a third and final group of districts from Monday.

    This includes:

    •        Health NZ districts: Northland, Taranaki, Whanganui, and MidCentral

    •        Police districts: Northland, Central

    •        Health NZ specific areas: Tokoroa and Taumarunui (Waikato), Taupō (Lakes), Wairoa (Hawke’s Bay), and Waitaki and Southern Lakes (Southern)

    •        Police specific areas within districts: Taupo and Tokoroa (Bay of Plenty), Wairoa (Eastern), and Central Lakes and Waitaki (Southern)

    Police Assistant Commissioner Mike Johnson says we remain committed to our joint efforts towards making sure people have access to the right help at the right time, which works best for them.

    “Police have always, and will always, respond when there is an immediate risk to life or safety.  The change is about an increased health-led response, enabling our staff more time to get back into our communities do the work that only Police can.

    Health NZ Director of Specialist Mental Health and Addiction Karla Bergquist says a range of mental health support is available for those who need it.

    “This change is about ensuring people requiring mental health support receive the right care at the right time, while maintaining the safety and wellbeing of patients and our staff.

    “I’d like to assure the public there is a range of services to help people in mental distress or those who are concerned about the mental health of whānau.

    “If a person is in serious mental distress or crisis, support is available from their local crisis team. If it’s a life-threatening situation or someone is in immediate danger of harming themselves or others, contact emergency services on 111.”

    Karla added, “I’d like to acknowledge all our teams for their work to prepare for and implement these changes across the motu. It has been positive to hear from our districts that there are strong local partnerships between police and health to support Phase Two implementation, which has generally gone well.”

    Notes to media:

    Phase Two of the mental health response changes began on 14 April and have been implemented in stages.

    Phase two changes include:

    60-minute handover of detained persons in EDs – Police who have detained a person under section 109 of the Mental Health Act and transported them for an assessment, or are responding at the request of health staff for an assessment under section 41 or 110c, will remain in the ED for a maximum of one hour before departing – unless there is an immediate risk to life or safety.

    Changes to mental health assessments in custody will ensure people in distress are assessed appropriately, preferably in a health setting. If someone is placed under the Mental Health Act while in a Police custody suite, they will need to be taken to a health facility within 30 minutes.

    NZ Police and Health NZ districts are not the same (Police has 12, Health has 20), so there are some parts of a Police district which are not included in the comparable Health NZ district or vice versa.

    Contact numbers for local crisis teams are available online at: info.health.nz/mental-health/crisis-assessment-teams

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: NZ has a vast sea territory but lags behind other nations in protecting the ocean

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Conrad Pilditch, Professor of Marine Sciences, University of Auckland, Waipapa Taumata Rau

    Getty Images

    For the past fortnight, the city of Nice in France has been the global epicentre of ocean science and politics.

    Last week’s One Ocean Science Congress ended with a unanimous call for action to turn around the degradation of the ocean. And this week, the United Nation’s Ocean Conference agenda focused on better protection of marine biodiversity, sustainable fisheries and emissions cuts.

    The message is clear. With only five years to the UN’s 2030 target for its sustainable development goal – to conserve the oceans, seas and marine resources – and the Global Biodiversity Framework requirement to protect 30% of the ocean, we need to make significant progress.

    We all attended last week’s meeting, together with more than 2,000 marine scientists from 120 countries. Here, we reflect on New Zealand’s role and obligations to contribute to these global goals.

    Legal imperatives

    Globally, the ocean is warming and acidifying at accelerating rates. New Zealand’s waters are not immune to this, with more marine heatwaves which further stress our threatened marine biodiversity.

    We depend directly on these ocean ecosystems to provide the air we breathe, moderate the impacts of climate change and feed millions of people.

    New Zealand has significant influence on ocean policy – from Antarctica to the sub-tropical Pacific, and within its sea territory, which is 15 times the size of its landmass and spans 30 degrees of latitude.

    The government is required by law to take action to secure a healthy ocean.

    A recent advisory opinion from the International Tribunal on the Law of the Sea unanimously found that states, including New Zealand, have obligations under international law to reduce the impacts of climate change on marine areas, to apply an ecosystem approach to marine law and policy, reduce pollution and support the restoration of the ocean.

    New Zealand courts have recognised the need to take a precautionary and ecosystem-based approach to marine management, based on science, tikanga and mātauranga Māori. These legal cases are part of a global upswell of strategic environmental and climate litigation.

    If New Zealand does not comply with these marine legal obligations, it may well find itself before the courts, incurring significant legal and reputational costs.

    New Zealand committed to protecting at least 30% of the world’s coastal and marine areas by the end of this decade.
    Getty Images

    International agreements

    In 2022, New Zealand was one of 196 countries that committed to protecting at least 30% of the world’s coastal and marine areas by 2030 under the Global Biodiversity Framework. New Zealand was an enthusiastic supporter, but only 0.4% of its marine territory is fully protected in no-take marine reserves.

    Former prime minister Helen Clark has criticised the current government for lagging behind on marine protection, especially in failing to ban bottom trawling.

    At this week’s UN ocean summit, a further 18 countries have ratified an agreement known as the High Seas Treaty, bringing the total to 50, still short of the 60 nations needed for it to enter into force.

    New Zealand signed this treaty just before the last general election, but is yet to ratify it. Foreign Minister Winston Peters represented New Zealand at the UN ocean conference, but focused mainly on issues in the Pacific.

    Meanwhile, the government announced sweeping changes to the national direction on environmental policy, including reworking the New Zealand Coastal Policy Statement to better enable the use and development of the coastal environment for “priority activities” such as aquaculture, resource extraction, infrastructure and energy.

    Oceanic environmental change is real and accelerating

    Some countries showed that effective leadership can help navigate to a safe future for the oceans. For example, China’s commitment to clean energy has seen carbon dioxide emissions begin to fall for the first time despite higher power consumption.

    At the UN ocean summit, French Polynesia’s president announced his administration would establish one of the world’s largest networks of marine protected areas.

    The cost of inaction far outweighs the economics of the status quo. Ongoing ocean warming is already affecting weather patterns, with more extreme storms.

    It is possible for marine ecosystems to recover quite rapidly if they are protected, at least temporarily. Yet this year, New Zealand’s government found itself in hot water (once again) with both conservationists and Māori for its management of fisheries.

    We argue New Zealand has an opportunity and responsibility to demonstrate it can shift the downward spiral of oceanic degradation.

    The overwhelming message at the half-way point of the UN Ocean Decade is that for marine science to transform the state of our oceans it needs to include Indigenous peoples who have routinely been sidelined from ocean policy discussions despite their longstanding rights and relationships with the ocean.

    New Zealand already has a foundation of transdisciplinary and Indigenous ocean research to develop ocean policies that are fit for local purposes and to answer global calls to action. We have a unique window of opportunity to lead the changes needed.

    Conrad Pilditch currently receives funding from the Department of Conservation and the Ministry for Business, Innovation and Employment.

    Elizabeth Macpherson receives funding from Te Apārangi The Royal Society.

    Karin Bryan receives funding from the Marsden Fund, the Ministry for Business, Innovation and Employment, the George Mason Centre for the Natural Environment and Waikato Regional Council.

    Simon Francis Thrush receives funding from ERC, Ministry for Business, Innovation and Employment and the Auckland Foundation

    Joanne Ellis, Karen Fisher, and Rachael Mortiaux do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. NZ has a vast sea territory but lags behind other nations in protecting the ocean – https://theconversation.com/nz-has-a-vast-sea-territory-but-lags-behind-other-nations-in-protecting-the-ocean-258470

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cornyn, Schmitt Announce Whistleblower Hotline for Biden Mental Decline Cover-Up Tips

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Texas John Cornyn

    Hotline Comes Ahead of Cornyn, Schmitt Co-Chairing Judiciary Committee Hearing on Cover-up

    U.S. Senators John Cornyn (R-TX) and Eric Schmitt (R-MO) today announced a whistleblower hotline for former White House staff and officials to come forward with any information regarding the cover-up of President Biden’s decline or insight into who was running the country while the President was sidelined:

    “I’m looking forward to next week’s hearing to discuss the important constitutional questions raised by the fact that we don’t know whose finger was on the nuclear button and who was responsible for war and peace given President Biden’s obvious cognitive decline,” said Sen. Cornyn. “This hotline provides an open line of communication for anyone who knows the facts about Biden’s mental acuity to come forward so we can once and for all get to the bottom of what may be one of the greatest political scandals in modern history.”

    Background:

    Sen. Cornyn is pushing to get answers on the alleged cover-up of former President Biden’s cognitive decline by the mainstream media, Biden family, and his inner circle, and he recently sent a letter to the Department of Justice calling for an investigation. Sen. Cornyn is co-leading an upcoming Senate Judiciary Committee hearing scheduled for June 18, 2025 alongside Sen. Eric Schmitt (R-MO) to investigate who was running the country during President Joe Biden’s cognitive decline while in office and the mainstream media’s subsequent cover-up.

    If you had interactions with President Biden where mental decline was evident and you wish to confidentially share your story, please contact the whistleblower hotline. To submit a tip, email bidentips@schmitt.senate.gov.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Patton Unveils Second-Generation, US-Made, Commercial-Grade, FIPS-140 Ultra-Secure SIP Phone with Enhanced NG911 Compliance

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Patton… Let’s Connect!

    GAITHERSBURG, Md., June 12, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Patton—world leader and US manufacturer of secure telephony, UC, and networking gear—announces today the new Tone Commander TC7110 ultra-secure SIP phone is now available for pre-order.

    Tone Commander products are designed and manufactured in the USA, ensuring source-of-origin and supply-chain security.

    “The TC7110 combines security, flexibility, and ease-of-use in a modern SIP phone platform,” said Robert R. Patton, CEO of Patton. “This launch reinforces our commitment to delivering trusted, U.S.-manufactured communications solutions to public and private sectors.”

    Innovation. Patton has incrementally innovated the original Tone Commander military-grade SIP-Phone. Enhancements to the commercial grade version include Gigabit, PoE, and fiber connectivity, modern E911 features sets, and updated security modules.

    Secure FIPS-140-2/3 Encryption. The TC7110 offers robust SIP support with TLS and SRTP encryption using FIPS-140-2/3 validated crypto modules. FIPS 140 is the U.S. standard that defines security requirements for hardware, software, and firmware that perform cryptographic functions. The standard is managed by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), overseen and validated by the Cryptographic Module Validation Program (CMVP).

    Enhanced NG911. NG911 system enhancements include Specific Location Information Server (LIS) interactions via RFC 5985 (HTTP Enable Location Delivery HELD protocol), storing and relaying location by reference and location by value. The system includes geodetic coordinates (latitude, longitude, and ellipsoidal height) and E911 Gateway functions within the NG911 environment.

    E911 Compliance. The TC7110 supports legislated E911 standards including Kari’s Law for direct 911 calling and Ray Baum’s Act for specific location information. Additional E911 protocols supported include:

    • Automatic Location Information (ALI)
    • Automatic Number Identification (ANI)
    • Compliance with the National Emergency Number Association (NENA) regulations
    • RFC 5962 – Location Object represented in a SIP Header (PIDF-LO)

    Key Features of the TC7110 SIP Phone:

    • Security – TLS and SRTP encryption with FIPS-140-2/3 validated crypto and IPv4/IPv6 support.
    • Customizable Interface – Ten programmable, desi-less multifunction keys and 320×240 color display.
    • Cloud Orchestration – Automatically provision, manage, monitor, secure, alert, troubleshoot, analyze and optimize services using the Patton Cloud. Remotely and securely access and control phones, LANs, and over-the-top (OTT) services.
    • Flexible Power Options – Supports Power over Ethernet (PoE) and includes external power supply.

    For more information about the Tone Commander IP Phone TC7110, go to www.patton.com/tonecommander/tc7110/

    In related news, Patton recently announced the new Tone Commander TC7910 secure SIP Phone that offers three switched gigabit Ethernet ports.

    About Patton

    Patton is a world-renowned manufacturer of networking and communications technology, offering a wide range of solutions including VoIP, Ethernet extension, wireless, and fiber optic products. Founded in 1984 and headquartered in Gaithersburg, MD, Patton has a strong global presence and a reputation for delivering reliable and innovative solutions to a diverse customer base.

    Let’s Connect!

    Media Contact: Glendon Flowers | +1 301 975 1000 | press@patton.com

    A video accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/b0985b3b-de2a-47ba-9143-02e08eed2eab

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Markey Slams Trump EPA’s Polluter-First Agenda and Rollback of Power Plant Pollution Limits

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts Ed Markey

    Washington (June 12, 2025) – Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), a member of the Environment and Public Works Committee and a co-chair of the Senate Environmental Justice Caucus, today issued the following statement after Administrator Zeldin announced the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposed repealing carbon pollution limits for coal-, oil-, and gas-fired power plants and gutting mercury and air toxics protections.

    “The Trump administration’s Polluters First Agenda harms all of us—especially fenceline and frontline communities—all while lining the pockets of fossil fuel executives,” said Senator Markey. “Under the guise of saving Americans money on their energy bills, Trump and Zeldin are ripping away protections from the carbon pollution turbocharging climate disasters and the toxics poisoning lungs. If Trump were serious about tackling the rising cost of living for American families and ensuring the reliability of our electrical grid, he would bring affordable clean energy and storage online—not turn the EPA into Every Polluter’s Ally. I will continue to fight this Polluters First Agenda because Americans deserve an EPA that puts their health over corporate wealth.”

    Under the Inflation Reduction Act and the Clean Air Act, Congress mandated the EPA to set standards that regulate large sources of air pollution like power plants. These rules were incredibly effective at reducing mercury in the air by over 90 percent, as well as other cancer-causing pollutants like lead, nickel, and arsenic. Carbon pollution has led to increasingly frequent billion-dollar climate disasters which are only worsening in severity each year.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Markey, Health, Labor Leaders, Educators, Climate Advocates Host Virtual Teach-In on Trump Administration’s Cuts to Critical Funding

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts Ed Markey

    Health Care and Food Justice Cuts | Climate and Education Cuts

    Washington (June 12, 2025) – Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), a member of the Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee and the Environment and Public Works Committee, yesterday hosted virtual teach-ins on Republicans’ proposed cuts to health care, food security, education, and climate initiatives as part of their Big Billionaire Bill (also called budget reconciliation). Senator Markey, Representative Summer Lee (PA-12), and advocates discussed how these cuts would mean people lose their jobs, their health care, their ability to feed their families, and put the future of our country at risk—all to guarantee tax breaks for billionaires. The budget bill is currently being debated by Senate Republicans after House Republicans passed the Big Billionaire Bill in May.

    “It’s simple: Republicans want to rip health care from 16 million people, tear food away from hungry families, cut off access to education for working class Americans, kill jobs, raise energy bills, and slash efforts to make our air and water cleaner– all to pay for tax cuts for billionaires. They want to do this through hard-to-understand processes, back-room negotiations, and by lying to the American public about what these cuts will do,” said Senator Markey. “I am using every opportunity I can to guarantee people know Republicans are voting against their livelihoods, their lives, and their future if they support this bill. We have the power to stop these cuts. We cannot agonize – we must organize to end this big billionaire boondoggle once and for all. Our future depends on it.”

    “There’s nothing beautiful about forcing families to choose between taking their kids to the doctor or feeding them—but that’s exactly what this budget bill would do if it lands on Trump’s desk. Drastic cuts to healthcare like Medicaid and food assistance like SNAP will hurt millions of people in Western Pennsylvania and across the country,” said Representative Lee. “The power of the people is always greater than the people in power, and in this moment, we must all use our power to pressure Republicans to vote no and put the people first—not the billionaires, not the corporate profiteers, and not the oligarchs in the White House. Lives literally depend on it.”

    “The Republican agenda is clear: raise costs on hardworking families and rip coverage away from millions. If they are successful in making the largest cuts to health care in history, 16 million Americans will lose coverage, all to fund tax breaks for billionaires and big corporations. These Republican attacks on Americans’ health care are as extreme as they are unpopular, and we must do everything we can to stop them from wreaking havoc on this country’s health care system. No one should lose access to life-saving care and coverage just so the ultra-rich can pay less in taxes,” said Anne Shoup, Senior Advisor, Protect Our Care.

    “The Senate must vote ‘NO’ on any budget bill that cuts or weakens SNAP and takes food away from millions of children, older adults, and people with disabilities. Period,” said Salaam Bhatti, SNAP director at the Food Research & Action Center (FRAC). “SNAP is one of the most effective programs out there, fueling the health and well-being of families, as well as our economy. Simply put, a strong and productive country is only possible when everyone has access to food. We urge Senators to oppose any cut to SNAP and instead work towards building a nation free from hunger.”

    “I’ve seen the faces of the people this bill will hurt. I think about the mothers trying to stretch every dollar to keep the lights on, the laid-off workers who need help to get back on their feet, the kids who will go without health care, and the retirees who will go to bed hungry because they can’t afford groceries,” said Zab Martinez, an AFSCME member and Medicaid and SNAP eligibility specialist from Dane County, Wisconsin. “We cannot let this bill pass. I urge you to speak up, write your senators, and demand that they stand with working families, not for billionaire tax giveaways.”

    “Republicans’ Billionaire Tax Scam will take health care away from millions, food out of the mouths of children, and raise costs for everyday families all to give trillions in tax breaks to the wealthy and large corporations. This is a dangerous and irresponsible piece of legislation designed to benefit the richest Americans, while everyday families suffer – and we are going to continue to uplift the voices of the bipartisan majority of Americans who overwhelmingly oppose this harmful bill,” said Michael Linden, Director of Families Over Billionaires.

    “Why would Republicans in Washington gut the basic needs kids and disabled Americans rely on to get by when the cost of groceries and housing are going up? To give the wealthy a tax break. It’s an outrage, which is why over 60% of Americans who hear anything about congressional Republican’s Big Beautiful Betrayal hate it. Now is the time for citizens to learn the consequences of the congressional Republican plan and spread the word so we can stop this Medicaid massacre dead in its tracks,” said Joe Radosevich, Counselor at the Center for American Progress (CAP).

    “Rather than protect Medicare and Medicaid, this bill cuts them, denying healthcare to 14 million people. Rather than strengthen public education, it weakens it. Rather than feeding poor families, it rips food out of their mouths. Education is an opportunity agent, and federal supports should not be used as a piggy bank to defund our already underfunded public schools. The bill includes $20 billion for a reckless school voucher program in the guise of a tax shelter for the well-off. Vouchers syphon crucial funds away from public schools into private hands. They are directly responsible for some of the largest student achievement drops ever recorded and mostly go to parents with kids already in private school,” said Randi Weingarten, President of the American Federation of Teachers (AFT).

    “We have 1,600 workers at Ultium and their jobs are going to be at risk. These are good UAW jobs making $30 an hour, and this bill is going to threaten that. It could have a dramatic impact on the auto industry, on dozens of investments across the entire country,” said David Green, Director of United Auto Workers (UAW) Region 2B. “If we don’t use our voices, they’re going to continue to take them away from us. And we have to fight for what’s right. And I am always going to be on the front line fighting for good union jobs with benefits because that’s how we move this country forward and that’s how we build the middle class.”

    “The energy tax credits on the chopping block during this budget reconciliation process have been utilized by school districts all over the country to install renewable energy projects from roof-top solar arrays to ground-source heat pumps, saving millions of tax-payer dollars on utility bills. These savings can be used to increase teacher salaries and build resilience in communities as schools produce their own power and lighten the load on the energy grid, all while moving us toward a more equitable future powered by clean, renewable energy. In Nevada alone, Washoe County School District is set to receive a $1.7 million check for just one school and Clark County School District, the nation’s 5th largest, has at least five solar eligible projects, including an array on Northeast Career and Technical Academy that is also training future solar installers.  Please urge your Senators to save energy tax credits in their version of the budget reconciliation bill,” said Liz Becker, IRA Campaign Coordinator of the Progressive Leadership Alliance of Nevada (PLAN).

    “The big bad boondoggle bill puts West Virginian communities, especially those most vulnerable to pollution, at risk. With cuts to programs that would facilitate a fair economic transition in Appalachia, such as a grant program to replace gas vehicles with electric vehicles and clean energy tax credits, West Virginians are losing out on the chance for safe and good-paying jobs. Furthermore, cuts to air monitoring, greenhouse gas emission data collection, and environmental review resources make our communities less safe and informed about the air we breathe and the water we drink. West Virginians have suffered with generations of corporate pollution and economic exploitation, and this bill would roll back a critical chance to escape the cycle of environmental injustice on which this country was built,” said Dani Parent, Co-executive Director of West Virginia Citizen Action.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Speech to Hospitality NZ Conference

    Source: New Zealand Government

    Good morning, 

    Thank you for inviting me to address the Hospitality Conference 2025 right here in Wellington today. I would like to begin by acknowledging:  

     

    • Nick Keene, National President of Hospitality New Zealand, 
    • Steve Armitage, Chief Executive of Hospitality New Zealand,
    • members of your Board, and 
    • the members of your team who keep it all running.  

     

    Thank you for the opportunity to be with you here today, to celebrate your success as an industry, and to share what has come through strongly – about how I – and the Government – can support you, our hard-working hospitality industry.  

       

    The last time I saw some of you, I was impressed by the ideas for reform coming from the inaugural Hospitality Summit – that was hosted at Parliament – in December. You made clear   your calls for levelling the playing field with off-licences – simplifying the complexities of licensing – and ensuring we support hospitality businesses to innovate and grow.  

     

    You’ve also made your opinions clear – through other channels – in conversations directly with me – in submissions to Councils – and in your submissions on central government law reform. You have spoken – a lot – and I have been and still am – listening. 

     

    This conference is another opportunity for our nation’s hospitality leaders, innovators, and operators to come together.  It is therefore an honour as the Minister responsible for alcohol policy, to outline some of the Government’s work for the sector.  I am here to reflect back what you have shared – and to talk about how we intend to respond. 

    As you heard earlier from my ministerial colleague, Hon Louise Upston – Minister for Tourism and Hospitality – this Government is focused on growth.  The hospitality and events sector contributes billions to our economy every year.  We know that tourism and hospitality    are areas where there is potential to grow our economy    and increase employment.   

     

    You’ve made it clear that smart changes to our current settings could make it easier to do business – run events – and drink responsibly.   I share your views that supporting a safe consumption environment brings both social and commercial benefits.  

     We know that most New Zealanders do drink responsibly, that going out for dinner with a friend,   going to a festival,   or getting a bottle of wine to enjoy at home – that is part of Kiwi culture, and rightly so. That demand is great for business, great for our culture sector, and great for fostering innovation.  

    I am cognisant of the fact that – at the same time – we need to keep New Zealanders safe. You will have seen that this government is committed to reducing violent crime.  On this front, the Hon Paul Goldsmith and I announced a Ministerial Advisory Group for victims of retail crime last year.  That group has already come back to us with a package of reforms which will give Kiwi businesses additional tools to deal with those who are robbing them of their livelihood and economic growth.

     

    We know that your industry has felt the effects of crime – that crime is bad for business and that it’s bad for the people making their way to and from    your business. 

    With this in mind, I’m carefully considering what would make the alcohol space safe for everybody.      However, crafting a considered – coordinated approach takes work – and I am still working through that –      but I want to outline a few key themes that have emerged from our ongoing dialogue:

     

    First, we need to provide more consistency and certainty for events.   

     

    Events are also a big part of the hospitality sector with huge benefits to your businesses – the economy at large – and to the people attending them.  

     

    You’ve raised concerns that special licensing can be inconsistent, and that it’s not always transparent to you why some conditions are required or not.  I am considering a better approach in this area, one that could recognise the range of events and their characteristics.   

     

    Variation will always be a part of this landscape, but I have asked for advice about how to be more consistent and transparent.  You’ve told us that dealing with multiple local Councils provides extra complexity – especially when touring an event    or artist    in multiple towns around the country – so I’m thinking about that too. 

     You’ve also expressed frustration – about the time-consuming process that central Government takes to pass licence exemptions for televised events like the Rugby World Cup. These are exciting events where we want to host both tourists and encourage New Zealanders to come out and celebrate together.  I’m looking at how we can streamline the process to make that happen without the usual rigmarole around getting an exemption.   

     

    Secondly, the process of getting and keeping a liquor licence should be easier. 

     

    Getting an alcohol licence is an important step obviously – for you, but it contributes to the outcomes we all want – everyone enjoying their night out, drinking responsibly – with you.  But I am aware that there are frustrations with the process, and I’m working on clearing the path and making it fairer for all.   

     

     You need a licensing process that is balanced – that can hear the right voices and take into account what the community wants.  That includes the business community – especially small businesses.   

     

    Keeping your licences – is just as important as getting them. I have heard your concerns that changes in the way local councils considers alcohol policy can create uncertainty for you.  However, we also recognise that it’s important for local communities to make the rules for their communities and not central government – but the rules must be fair, and evidence based if it is to quell harm. I’m thinking about how we can find solutions that work for everyone, I expect we will need to meet in the middle on some things – but certainty for businesses and safe communities are a goal. 

     

     Third, we need to keep everyone safe. 

     

    The hospitality industry is about people, and ensuring people are welcome and safe is what you do for a living. I know that the safety of your patrons, and your staff, is paramount.  If it wasn’t your businesses would fail. 

     

    Crime and harm will ruin a good night, and even a life, whether it’s out on Courtney Place, K-Road, or in their own homes.   Our festivals and events aren’t fun – if people get hurt. A safe society is a prosperous society.  

     

    I’m thinking about that too in our alcohol policy, about whether I need to change anything to drive down the violent crime which is causing harm in our communities. 

     

     Lastly, innovation should be supported. 

     

    Operating in a regulatory regime can mean that the law isn’t keeping up    with the innovative practice   shown by business.  The country needs businesses which use new ideas, knowledge and technology to develop better ways of doing things to help the New Zealand economy grow.  

     

    Reducing the regulatory burden on you means you can invest more in technology and innovation to diversify the economy – and, more importantly – give your customers a   good   time.  You’ve made it clear that you want to do things differently – that there are products and ways of working that you want to try.  And I reckon that consumers want that too!  

     

    For example, you will see today the work that the Department of Internal Affairs has done to get a framework for digital identity credentials up and running.  

     

    Five years ago we were only dreaming about the possibility of digital ID – but we are starting to see a shift to embracing technological solutions – and this government is serious about using these technologies. It’s important our regulatory systems keep up with this kind of innovation and encourage uptake, to make it easier for you to do business. 

     

    Finally, I want you to know – that the Government and I – are listening.  Even targeted, specific interventions are important for the businesses they effect.  You will have heard about the changes the Minister for Regulation is making to hairdressing and barber regulations, as an example.  

     

    I can think about some of the issues you’ve raised with me in this same way. No problem – nor business – is too small. 

      

    The feedback you’ve provided about regulatory barriers holding back innovation – is front of mind for me.  Where we can make changes easily, we should.  Where challenges are more complex, we will work together – to navigate them. 

     

    I reckon that I want many of the same things you do, and I’m appreciative of the concerns and successes you’ve shared with me to date.  You have identified the problems – and I am working on some of the solutions for you. 

     

    Thank you for inviting me here today – I’ve enjoyed the opportunity to discuss my thoughts with you.  I look forward to future discussions and encourage you all to keep going – momentum will build as our economy continues to grow – keep doing your amazing work. 

     

    I understand there is now some time for questions. 

     

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Public advisory: Search and Rescue training exercise in Northland

    Source: New Zealand Police

    A controlled training exercise will be conducted in the Tangihua Ranges, Waiotira from Friday 13 through to Sunday 14 June.

    The multi-agency exercise is being led by Police, with support from Land Search and Rescue and will simulate a land-based search and rescue scenario.

    Police, along with other agency personnel, will be in the area during the course of the weekend.

    Senior Sergeant Cliff Metcalfe, who is leading the search exercise, says: “Training is part of a controlled, routine training exercise and is not an emergency event.

    “These exercises enable Police and partner agencies to test our response and systems should an emergency ever arise and there is no immediate risk to the public.

    “We will aim to cause as little disturbance as possible and hope people will understand the importance of us carrying out these types of exercises.”

    ENDS.

    Issued by Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: East Granby Woman Admits $1.1 Million Pandemic Relief Program Scheme

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

    David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Harry Chavis, Special Agent in Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation in New England, announced that KAREN GASTON, 44, of East Granby, waived her right to be indicted and pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Sarah F. Russell in New Haven to offenses stemming from a scheme to defraud COVID-19 pandemic relief programs of more than $1.1 million.

    In March 2020, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (“CARES”) Act provided emergency financial assistance to Americans suffering the economic effects caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.  One source of relief provided by the CARES Act was the authorization of forgivable loans to small businesses for job retention and certain other expenses through the Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”).  The PPP was overseen by the U.S. Small Business Administration (“SBA”), and individual PPP loans were issued by private lenders, which received and processed PPP applications and supporting documentation, and then made loans using the lenders’ own funds, which were guaranteed by the SBA.  The CARES Act also authorized SBA to distribute Economic Injury Disaster Loans (“EIDLs”), which provided working capital to eligible small businesses, including sole proprietors, to meet operating expenses.

    According to court documents and statements made in court, in 2020, Gaston controlled certain entities including LNK, Elegant Clinical, Ruby Red LLC, and Diamond Shine LLC.  LNK and Diamond Shine LLC were operational, but shared resources and employees.  Ruby Red LLC had only one client and Gaston was its sole employee.   Elegant Clinical was no longer operational.  Beginning in approximately April 2020, Gaston submitted loan applications to the PPP and EIDL programs that falsely represented the status of the operations, resources, and employees of these entities.  She also filed loan applications at separate financial institutions in order to disguise the true nature of her criminal activity.

    Specifically, Gaston’s loan applications falsely represented that her businesses were all active and operating concerns; falsely represented the number of employees and the amount of wages purportedly paid by the businesses; included copies of fraudulent tax returns and tax related documents; and falsely represented that a family member, used as an applicant on an application, was a part owner of one of her entities.

    Gaston received $1,163,910 in PPP and EIDL loan funds through this scheme.  Instead of using the funds for payroll or other operating expenses, she spent the money on personal expenditures, including travel, food, luxury home goods, expensive jewelry, cars, and paying off her home mortgage.

    Gaston pleaded guilty to wire fraud, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years, and making illegal monetary transactions, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.

    Gaston has agreed to make full restitution.  She also has agreed to the forfeiture of a ring she purchased in July 2020 from the jeweler Harry Winston for $39,521.63.

    Gaston is released on a $100,000 bond pending sentencing, which is not scheduled.

    This investigation has been conducted by the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael S. McGarry.

    Individuals with information about allegations of fraud involving COVID-19 are encouraged to report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud Hotline at 866-720-5721, or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Louisiana Men Receive Lengthy Federal Prison Sentences for Trafficking Controlled Substances

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

    SHREVEPORT, La. – Acting United States Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook announced that several men have been sentenced in related Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (“OCDETF”) cases involving the trafficking of controlled substances. James Cordell Zeno, 37, of Jennings, Blaze Duhon, 27, of Kinder, Jamarcus Jamall Epps, 31, of Many, and James Spikes, 28, of Zwolle, have all been sentenced by United States District Judge S. Maurice Hicks, Jr.  Another defendant, Desmond Antoine Jackson, 40, of Zwolle, has pleaded guilty and is currently awaiting sentencing. 

    Zeno was sentenced to 282 months (23 years, 6 months) in prison, and Duhon was sentenced to 120 months (10 years) in prison for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. According to information presented in court, in July 2022, the United States Postal Inspector intercepted a suspicious package that was destined for Duhon’s residence. Agents obtained a search warrant for the package and found it contained suspected methamphetamine.  The Sabine Parish Sheriff’s Office then obtained a search warrant for the residence, and Duhon was located inside.  Days after the search warrant, the United States Postal Inspector intercepted a second suspicious package destined for Duhon’s residence.  Agents obtained a search warrant for this package and found it also contained suspected methamphetamine.  A search of Duhon’s phone revealed text messages between him and Zeno.  Two text messages sent by Zeno to Duhon contained photos of United States Postal Service receipts containing tracking information for two packages.  The tracking information matched both packages of methamphetamine that were intercepted by the United States Postal Inspector.   

    The suspected methamphetamine from both packages was seized and sent to the crime laboratory for testing and the results were positive for methamphetamine with a total weight of 280 grams.  Zeno and Duhon were indicted, and both pleaded guilty. 

    Jamarcus Jamall Epps and Desmond Antoine Jackson were also charged as the result of an investigation into drug trafficking activities in the Sabine Parish area.  In December 2021, the Sabine Parish Sheriff’s Office Tactical Narcotics Team conducted a controlled purchase of a Taurus PT738 .380 caliber pistol from Epps. An audio/video recording of the transaction was captured by law enforcement. An examination of the firearm by agents with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (“ATF”) determined that the firearm sold by Epps was a working firearm. At the time of the sale of this firearm, Epps was a convicted felon, with a prior conviction of aggravated second degree battery in 2019 and he was prohibited from possessing any firearm or ammunition. Epps pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 77 months (6 years, 5 months) in prison for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

    Approximately one month later, law enforcement agents conducted a controlled purchase of methamphetamine from Jackson and that transaction was also recorded. The suspected controlled substance was sent to the crime laboratory for analysis and determined to be pure methamphetamine weighing at least 50 grams.  Jackson was charged and pleaded guilty to distribution of methamphetamine in February 2025 and is awaiting sentencing. 

    James Spikes was also involved in the trafficking of methamphetamine in the Sabine Parish area. In August 2022, an audio/video recording was made of a controlled purchase from Spikes in connection with this investigation. The suspected controlled substance purchased from Spikes was sent to the crime laboratory for testing and confirmed to be approximately 62 grams of pure methamphetamine. He pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and was sentenced to 120 months (10 years) in prison.

    These cases were investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, ATF, and Sabine Parish Sheriff’s Office and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jessica D. Cassidy. These cases were part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.

    # # #

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cortez Masto Unveils Effort to Save Taxpayer Dollars by Rooting Out Medicare and Medicaid Fraud

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Nevada Cortez Masto

     ***VIDEO AVAILABLE***

    Senator Cortez Masto Spoke at a Press Conference Today About Her Proposal, which Comes as Senate Republicans Unveil Plan to Cut Americans’ Health Care

    FTPs for TV stations is available here.

    Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) unveiled draft legislation to invest in and improve the Health Care Fraud and Abuse Control Program (HCFAC). HCFAC was created to combat fraud across federal health programs, primarily Medicare and Medicaid. Cortez Masto’s legislation would strengthen the program and provide the government with a real, effective way to root out fraud and abuse in the health care system without kicking millions of Americans off of their health care. Footage of her speaking about this legislation today can be found here.

    In 2022, HCFAC related activities recovered $11 for every $1 the program spent to support health care audits and investigations. Following its investigations, HHS-OIG estimates that 2,332 individuals and entities were banned from doing business with Medicare and Medicaid as a result of alleged fraud and abuse. Infractions include egregious neglect of beneficiaries (like residents at nursing homes), inappropriate billing practices, and supporting fraudulent providers and suppliers.

    “As the former Attorney General of Nevada, I know first-hand the importance of investing in oversight for our government programs,” said Senator Cortez Masto. “This draft legislation increasing HCFAC funding is exactly what our agencies need to root out real fraud and abuse in Medicare and Medicaid while protecting Americans’ access to care. I hope to work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to make sure this commonsense, cost-effective bill becomes law.”

    HCFAC is a joint initiative by the Department of Health and Human Services Office of the Inspector General (HHS-OIG), the Department of Justice (DOJ), and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to combat fraud across federal health programs, primarily Medicare and Medicaid. The program needs additional support and funding in order to keep pace with increasingly sophisticated health care fraud schemes.

    This draft legislation would increase mandatory HCFAC funding for HHS, CMS, and DOJ. This legislation would also allow HCFAC funding to be used to conduct oversight of all CMS programs, including the Affordable Care Act Insurance Marketplace and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP).

    The bill text can be found here and a summary can be found here.

    Senator Cortez Masto has worked to strengthen the Medicare and Medicaid programs. She passed legislation to allow Medicare to negotiate lower drug prices and cap the cost of insulin at $35-a-month for Medicare recipients through the Inflation Reduction Act. She has also pushed pharmacy benefit managers to help continue to lower prescription drug costs. As Nevada Attorney General, Cortez Masto worked with the Nevada Medicaid Fraud Control Unit to go after bad actors, rooting out fraud and abuse within the system.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Body found following fire, Waihi

    Source: New Zealand Police

    One person has been found deceased following a fire this morning in Waihi.

    At around 7:50am emergency services received reports of a fire on Montrose Road.

    Police and Fire and Emergency New Zealand investigators are carrying out a scene examination.

    The cause of the fire is yet to be determined.

    ENDS

    Issued by the Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Chairwoman McClain’s Statement on President Trump Signing into Law Legislation That Repeals Burdensome Biden Emissions Rules

    Source: US House of Representatives Republicans

    The following text contains opinion that is not, or not necessarily, that of MIL-OSI –

    Chairwoman McClain’s Statement on President Trump Signing into Law Legislation That Repeals Burdensome Biden Emissions Rules

    Washington, June 12, 2025

    WASHINGTON—Today, House Republican Conference Chairwoman Lisa McClain (R-Mich.) praised President Trump’s signing of three Congressional Review Act resolutions that repeal emissions regulations implemented under the Biden administration, granting California biased waivers. The regulations sought to force a nationwide shift to electric vehicles—posing a direct threat to Michigan’s auto industry, its workers, and the future of American manufacturing.

    “These resolutions represent a major victory for American workers, consumers, and small businesses,” Chairwoman McClain said. “The emissions rules were rushed, unworkable, and out of touch with our nation’s economic realities. Signing them into law means restoring Congressional oversight and protecting industries that drive innovation and opportunity nationwide.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: USAID Official and Three Corporate Executives Plead Guilty to Decade-Long Bribery Scheme Involving Over $550 Million in Contracts; Two Companies Admit Criminal Liability for Bribery Scheme and Securities Fraud

    Source: United States Attorneys General 1

    Four men, including a government contracting officer for the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and three owners and presidents of companies, have pleaded guilty for their roles in a decade-long bribery scheme involving at least 14 prime contracts worth over $550 million in U.S. taxpayer dollars.

    • Roderick Watson, 57, of Woodstock, Maryland, who worked as a USAID contracting officer, pleaded guilty to bribery of a public official;
    • Walter Barnes, 46, of Potomac, Maryland, the owner and president of PM Consulting Group LLC doing business as Vistant (Vistant), a certified small business under the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) 8(a) contracting program, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit bribery of a public official and securities fraud;
    • Darryl Britt, 64, of Myakka City, Florida, the owner and president of Apprio, Inc. (Apprio), a certified small business under the SBA 8(a) contracting program, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit bribery of a public official; and
    • Paul Young, 62, of Columbia, Maryland, the president of a subcontractor to Vistant and Apprio, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit bribery of a public official.

    In addition, Apprio and Vistant, both of which contracted with USAID, have agreed to admit criminal liability and enter into three-year deferred prosecution agreements (DPAs) in connection with criminal informations filed today in the District of Maryland. As part of these resolutions, both Apprio and Vistant admitted to engaging in a conspiracy to commit bribery of a public official and securities fraud. The DPAs entered into with Apprio and Vistant require each company to, among other obligations, provide ongoing cooperation with and disclosures to the Justice Department, implement a compliance and ethics program, and report to Justice Department regarding remediation and implementation of these compliance measures.

    “The defendants sought to enrich themselves at the expense of American taxpayers through bribery and fraud,” said Matthew R. Galeotti, Head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “Their scheme violated the public trust by corrupting the federal government’s procurement process. Anybody who cares about good and effective government should be concerned about the waste, fraud, and abuse in government agencies, including USAID. Those who engage in bribery schemes to exploit the U.S. Small Business Administration’s vital economic programs for small businesses — whether individuals or corporations acting through them — will be held to account.” 

    “Watson was entrusted to serve the interests of the American people — not his own — and his criminal actions for his own personal gain undermine the integrity of our public institutions,” said U.S. Attorney Kelly O. Hayes for the District of Maryland. “Public trust is a hallmark of our nation’s values, so corruption within a federal government agency is intolerable. This office, along with our law enforcement partners, will continue to pursue and prosecute corruption at every level to ensure accountability and protect public trust.”

    “The guilty pleas reflect the FBI’s unwavering commitment to holding accountable all those who abuse the authority and responsibility of public service,” said FBI Criminal Investigative Division Acting Assistant Director Darren Cox. “The actions of the defendants in this scheme serve to erode public trust. The FBI is focused on rebuilding this trust and protecting American taxpayers from corruption through investigations such as these.”

    “Corruption in government programs will not be tolerated. Watson abused his position of trust for personal gain while federal contractors engaged in a pay-to-play scheme,” said Acting Assistant Inspector General for Investigations Sean Bottary of the USAID Office of Inspector General (USAID-OIG). “USAID-OIG is firmly committed to rooting out fraud and corruption within U.S. foreign assistance programs. Today’s announcement underscores our unwavering focus on exposing criminal activity, including bribery schemes by those entrusted to faithfully award government contracts. We appreciate our longstanding partnership with the Department of Justice in holding accountable those who defraud American taxpayers.”    

    “Watson exploited his position at USAID to line his pockets with bribes in exchange for more than $550 million in contracts. While he helped three company owners and presidents bypass the fair bidding process, he was showered with cash and lavish gifts,” said Chief Guy Ficco of IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI). “Through its financial crime investigations, IRS-CI works to protect taxpayer dollars and ensure government funds are awarded based on merit — not corruption. In close coordination with our law enforcement partners, IRS-CI helped put an end to their greed and criminal conduct. Now, Watson and his co-conspirators will face justice.”

    Overview of Bribery Scheme

    According to court documents, beginning in 2013, Watson, while a USAID contracting officer, agreed with Britt to receive bribes in exchange for using Watson’s influence to award contracts to Apprio. As a certified small business under the SBA 8(a) contracting program, which helps socially and economically disadvantaged businesses, Apprio could access lucrative federal contracting opportunities through set-asides and sole-source contracts exclusively available to eligible contractors without a competitive bid process.

    Vistant was a subcontractor to Apprio on one of the contracts awarded through Watson’s influence. After Apprio graduated from the SBA 8(a) program and it was no longer eligible to be a prime contractor for new contracts with USAID under this program, the scheme shifted so that Vistant became the prime contractor and Apprio became the subcontractor on USAID contracts awarded through Watson’s influence between 2018 and 2022.

    During the scheme, Britt and Barnes paid bribes to Watson that were often concealed by passing them through Young, who was the president of another subcontractor to Apprio and Vistant. Britt and Barnes also regularly funneled bribes to Watson, including cash, laptops, thousands of dollars in tickets to a suite at an NBA game, a country club wedding, downpayments on two residential mortgages, cellular phones, and jobs for relatives. The bribes were also often concealed through electronic bank transfers falsely listing Watson on payroll, incorporated shell companies, and false invoices. Watson is alleged to have received bribes valued at more than approximately $1 million as part of the scheme.

    In exchange for the bribe payments, Watson influenced the award of contracts to Apprio and Vistant by manipulating the procurement process at USAID through various means, including recommending their companies to other USAID decisionmakers for non-competitive contract awards, disclosing sensitive procurement information during the competitive bidding process, providing positive performance evaluations to a government agency, and approving decisions on the contracts, such as increased funding and a security clearance.

    Apprio and Vistant also agreed to resolve concurrently with the Justice Department in its separate Civil False Claims Act investigations relating to the bribery scheme.

    Overview of Vistant Securities Fraud Scheme

    According to court documents, in 2022, Barnes and Watson defrauded a licensed small business investment company (SBIC), in furtherance of the bribery scheme, by inducing it into executing a credit agreement with Vistant. Through the credit agreement, Barnes caused Vistant to issue stock warrants that, if exercised, would result in the SBIC having a 40% equity stake in Vistant. The credit agreement also provided for a $14 million loan to Vistant from which Barnes could pay himself a $10 million dividend. Prior to executing the credit agreement, Watson agreed at Barnes’s request to speak with the SBIC about Vistant’s performance as a government contractor on USAID contracts. When speaking with the SBIC, Watson omitted that Barnes had bribed Watson to obtain USAID contracts for years. Watson’s endorsement of Vistant thereafter induced the SBIC to enter into the credit agreement with Barnes.

    Overview of Apprio Securities Fraud Scheme

    According to court documents, in 2023, Apprio, acting through Britt, engaged in a scheme in which Apprio fraudulently induced a private equity firm, which had an investment pool that was licensed as a SBIC, to purchase from Apprio’s parent company a 20% equity stake in the company for $4 million and simultaneously extend it a $4 million loan secured by shares of Apprio stock. In addition to making false material representations in the stock purchase and loan agreements, Britt intentionally omitted during his negotiations the material fact that he had bribed Watson for years, which was intended to deceive and induce the private equity company into executing the agreements.

    Deferred Prosecution Agreements with Apprio and Vistant

    The Justice Department reached its resolution with Apprio based on several factors, including Apprio’s credit for clearly accepting responsibility for its criminal conduct, fully cooperating in the investigation and engaging in timely remedial measures. Based on these factors, the criminal penalty calculated under the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines reflects a 10% reduction off the bottom of the applicable Guidelines fine range pursuant to the Criminal Division Corporate Enforcement and Voluntary Self-Disclosure Policy (CEP). According to court documents, Apprio agreed that the appropriate criminal penalty based on the law and facts in its case is $51,673,185; however, Apprio also met its burden of establishing an inability to pay the criminal penalty sought. Based on the Justice Department’s independent analysis, it determined that paying a criminal penalty and civil settlement greater than $500,000 would substantially threaten the continued viability of Apprio. Accordingly, the Justice Department determined that the appropriate resolution of this case is a DPA and a payment of $500,000 in a civil settlement.

    Similarly, the Justice Department reached its resolution with Vistant based on a number of factors, including Vistant’s credit for clearly accepting responsibility for its criminal conduct and cooperating with the investigation. Although Vistant’s cooperation was initially delayed and limited, Vistant began to fully cooperate thereafter. Vistant also received credit for engaging in timely remedial measures. Based on these factors, the penalty calculated under the Guidelines reflects a 5% reduction off the bottom of the applicable Guidelines fine range pursuant to the CEP. Vistant agreed that the appropriate criminal penalty based on the law and facts in its case is $86,407,740; however, Vistant also met its burden of establishing an inability to pay the criminal penalty sought. Based on the Justice Department’s independent analysis, it determined that paying a criminal penalty and civil settlement greater than $100,000 would substantially threaten the continued viability of Vistant. Accordingly, the Justice Department determined that the appropriate resolution of this case is a DPA and a payment of $100,000 in a civil settlement.

    Watson is scheduled to be sentenced on Oct. 6, and faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison. Young is scheduled to be sentenced on Sept. 3 and faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison. Britt is scheduled to be sentenced on July 28 and faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison. Barnes is scheduled to be sentenced on Oct. 14 and faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison.

    The FBI, USAID-OIG, and IRS-CI are investigating the cases.

    Trial Attorneys Matt Kahn and Brandon Burkart of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Patrick D. Kibbe for the District of Maryland are prosecuting the cases. 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Honduran man sentenced on illegal reentry charges

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    GREAT FALLS – A Honduran man who entered the U.S. illegally after two prior removals and corresponding convictions was sentenced today to 99 days in prison to be followed by one year of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.

    Carlos Alexis Ponce-Lopez, 33, pleaded guilty in April 2025 to one of illegal reentry.

    Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided.

    The government alleged in court documents that Ponce-Lopez was originally ordered removed by an Immigration Judge on November 11, 2011, in San Antonio, Texas and was removed on December 23, 2011. Ponce-Lopez illegally entered again on March 31, 2014. Ponce-Lopez’s original order of removal was reinstated and he was removed on August 18, 2014. On each of those occasions, Ponce-Lopez was also convicted in federal court for illegal entry prior to being removed.

    On February 21, 2025, the Montana Highway Patrol conducted a traffic stop on I-90 near Billings, Montana. Ponce-Lopez was a passenger in the vehicle. The driver was cited and all three subjects were released, including Ponce-Lopez.

    On March 4, 2025, U.S. Border Patrol agents found Ponce-Lopez at a house in Shelby, Montana. As they walked towards the home, Ponce-Lopez walked outside. One of the agents called out to Ponce-Lopez, “Carlos Ponce?” Ponce-Lopez responded in Spanish, “Si, es mi (Yes, that’s me).” The agents then conducted an immigration inspection. Ponce-Lopez said he was removed before and reentered illegally. He admitted he had no documents to enter, live, or stay in the United States legally and was not pending any immigration hearings. He was arrested and transported to the Sweetgrass Border Patrol Station for further processing.

    There are no records within the Department of Homeland Security that Ponce-Lopez ever applied for readmission into the United States.

    The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. The investigation was conducted by the U.S. Border Patrol, Montana Highway Patrol, and Toole County Sheriff’s Office.

    This case is part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Indictment Charges Waterbury Man with Drug and Gun Offenses

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and James Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge, ATF Boston Field Division, today announced that a federal grand jury in Bridgeport has returned an indictment charging TIMEEK HEATH, 41, of Waterbury, with drug and firearm offenses.

    The indictment was returned on June 4, 2025.  Heath appeared today in Hartford federal court, pleaded not guilty to the charges, and was ordered detained pending a detention hearing that is scheduled for June 17.

    As alleged in the indictment, on two occasions in August and September 2024, Heath distributed fentanyl.  Also, on September 5, 2024, Heath sold a Glock, Model 23, .40 caliber pistol to an individual he knew was a convicted felon.

    It is further alleged that Heath’s criminal history includes felony convictions for manslaughter and larceny offenses.  It is a violation of federal law for a person previously convicted of a felony offense to possess a firearm or ammunition that has moved in interstate or foreign commerce.

    The indictment charges Heath with two counts of possession with intent to distribute and distribution of fentanyl, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years on each count; one count of unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 15 years; one count of sale of a firearm by a prohibited person, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 15 years; and one count of firearms trafficking, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 15 years.

    U.S. Attorney Sullivan stressed that an indictment is not evidence of guilt.  Charges are only allegations, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

    This matter is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Nathaniel J. Gentile.

    This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.  Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-Evening Report: US Army’s image of power and flag-waving rings false to Gen Z weary of gun violence − and long-term recruitment numbers show it

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jacob Ware, Adjunct Professor of Domestic Terrorism, Georgetown University

    A recruit participates in the Army’s future soldier prep course at Fort Jackson in Columbia, S.C., on Sept. 25, 2024. AP Photo/Chris Carlson

    The U.S. Army will celebrate its 250th birthday on Saturday, June 14, 2025, with a parade in Washington, D.C., in which about 6,600 soldiers and heavy pieces of military equipment will roll through the streets. The parade aims to display the Army’s history and power.

    “It’s going to be incredible,” President Donald Trump recently said. Trump’s 79th birthday also occurs on June 14.

    Despite the festivities, however, the parade will occur amid bleak times for the U.S. military, as it experiences a multiyear decline in recruitment numbers. In the face of a pandemic and a strong civilian job market, the Army, Air Force and Navy all missed their recruitment goals in 2022 and 2023. In 2022, the Army missed its quota by 25%.

    In 2024, the U.S. military met its recruitment target, which supports the argument that the bump is not due to Trump, as recruitment levels began to rise again before his reelection. But in some cases, the U.S. military has met its recruitment goals by lowering target numbers.

    And as a scholar of terrorism and targeted violence, I believe a close reading of available data on military recruitment suggests U.S. gun violence may be largely to blame for the lack of interest in joining the military.

    Gun violence data

    Regardless of one’s personal politics, the data on U.S. gun violence makes for painful reading.

    Almost 47,000 Americans died from gun-related injuries in 2023. In 2022, there were 51 school shootings in which students were injured or killed by guns. And gun injuries are the leading cause of death for Americans between ages 1 and 19.

    Data about the perceptions of gun violence is equally staggering, especially among American youth between ages 14 and 30.

    Four out of five American youth believe gun violence to be a problem, and 25% have endured real active-shooter lockdowns, according to data compiled by Everytown for Gun Safety, where I serve as a survivor fellow, the Southern Poverty Law Center and American University’s Polarization and Extremism Research and Innovation Lab.

    Moreover, these perceptions have considerable impacts on youth mental health and their sense of safety. Studies have linked concern over school shootings among adolescents with higher rates of anxiety and trauma-related disorders.

    As Arne Duncan, who served as President Barack Obama’s secretary of education during the Sandy Hook tragedy, said in 2023: “Unfortunately, what’s now binding young people across the country together is not joy of music, or sports, or whatever, it’s really the shared pain of gun violence – and it cuts through race and class and geography and economics.”

    National security threat

    In the past couple of years, polls taken of Generation Z youth, born between 1997 and 2012, suggest mental health and mass shootings are among the most important political issues motivating this band of voters.

    Gun violence, in other words, is a national security emergency, undermining the U.S. government’s ability to protect its citizens in their schools, places of worship and communities.

    As former Marine Gen. John Allen wrote in 2019: “Americans today are more likely to experience gun violence at home than they might in many of the places to which I deployed in the name of defending our nation.”

    U.S. Army National Guard members stand outside the Army National Guard office during training on April 21, 2022, in Washington.
    AP Photo/Mariam Zuhaib, File

    Rewriting American culture

    Accordingly, gun violence has undercut American patriotism, corroding the U.S. government’s soft power within its own borders. Generation Z, termed by some as the “lockdown generation,” is often derided as less patriotic than its predecessors.

    Surprising Gen Z Research.

    Also, the belief in American exceptionalism is dropping among millennials, born between 1981 and 1996. That perception is combined with less confidence in U.S. global engagement and the efficacy of military solutions.

    American culture has long inspired military service, with recruits seduced by action movies and promises of heroic returns to the U.S. But American culture today is being rewired into one of suffering, pain and victimhood.

    A fear of violence

    Gun violence destroys youth tolerance for the violence that defines a career in the U.S. military.

    Internal U.S. military surveys of young Americans show that “the top three reasons young people cite for rejecting military enlistment are the same across all the services: fear of death, worries about post-traumatic stress disorder and leaving friends and family — in that order.”

    Generations already suffering a shattered sense of safety and place do not see the military as a viable option.

    The explanations the U.S. Defense Department gives for dismal recruitment levels focus on the younger generation’s supposed lack of backbone or hatred of America.

    D’elbrah Assamoi, from Cote d’Ivoire, signs her U.S. certificate of citizenship after a military training ceremony at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, in San Antonio, Texas, in April 2023.
    Vanessa R. Adame/U.S. Air Force via AP

    Republicans, including Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, have blamed alleged “wokeness” for low recruitment levels.

    And the Trump administration’s statements about improving recruitment numbers over the past several months overlook both a late Biden-era surge after a pandemic slump as well as the reality that numbers remain depressed due to military services repeatedly lowering their recruitment goals.

    Very rarely are introspective questions publicly debated today about the objective attractiveness of military service or the appetite for violence among young people. The problem, I believe, is not that young people are insufficiently patriotic – it’s that they have already been fighting a war, daily, for their entire lives.

    In reversing the slide in recruitment, then, the military could improve its sensitivity to these important concerns.

    Highlighting the range of careers within the services that do not involve front-line combat and physical danger could encourage more reluctant would-be recruits to volunteer.

    Mental health support also could be made an essential element of military training and lifestyle − not a resource only for those bearing the hidden side-effects of life in the ranks. Encouraging those suffering from treatable mental health issues to seek meaning in service could also boost recruitment numbers.

    Jacob Ware is a gun violence survivor and serves as a Survivor Fellow at Everytown for Gun Safety.

    – ref. US Army’s image of power and flag-waving rings false to Gen Z weary of gun violence − and long-term recruitment numbers show it – https://theconversation.com/us-armys-image-of-power-and-flag-waving-rings-false-to-gen-z-weary-of-gun-violence-and-long-term-recruitment-numbers-show-it-257090

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Reps. Lawler and Riley Introduce Bipartisan Leaps Act to Help Farmers Cut Costs, Conserve Water, and Reduce Emissions

    Source: US Congressman Mike Lawler (R, NY-17)

    Washington, D.C. – 6/12/25… Today, Reps. Mike Lawler (NY-17) and Josh Riley (NY-19)  introduced the Leveraging Efficiency Awareness for Pumping Systems (LEAPS) Act, a commonsense, bipartisan bill to help farmers, ranchers, and aquaculture producers save money on energy costs, conserve water, and reduce carbon emissions by modernizing irrigation and water management systems.

    The legislation directs the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to provide clear, accessible information and tools to farmers on the benefits of upgrading to energy-efficient pumping systems. These systems are essential to agricultural irrigation, livestock watering, aquaculture, and waste management operations across the country.

    The LEAPS Act requires USDA to:

    • Publish user-friendly educational materials on cost and energy savings, water conservation, and emissions reductions achievable through energy-efficient pumping systems.
    • Develop an online pre-assessment tool to help farmers estimate potential energy and cost savings from upgrades.
    • Provide targeted training for USDA energy auditors on pumping system efficiency.
    • Expand USDA’s Conservation Stewardship Program to explicitly include energy-efficient pumping systems.

    According to the bill’s findings, over 600,000 irrigation pumping systems are currently in use across the United States, many of which still rely on outdated and inefficient equipment. Upgrading these systems could save farmers over $1.8 billion annually in energy costs and eliminate more than 8 million metric tons of carbon emissions each year.

    “In today’s economy, farmers are already grappling with rising input costs and increasing weather challenges,” said Congressman Lawler. “This is about using smarter tools to support the people who feed our country. By equipping farmers with the right resources, we can boost productivity, cut waste, and strengthen rural economies—all while protecting our environment.”

    “Farmers know it when their systems are outdated, but figuring out what to upgrade, how much it costs, and where to start is harder than it should be,” said Congressman Riley. “This bill gives farmers the tools they need to make smart decisions—and when they upgrade, it creates work for manufacturers right here in Upstate New York. It’s a win for our farmers, our factories, and anyone who wants Washington to actually get something done.”

    Congressman Lawler is one of the most bipartisan members of Congress and represents New York’s 17th Congressional District, which is just north of New York City and contains all or parts of Rockland, Putnam, Dutchess, and Westchester Counties. He was rated the most effective freshman lawmaker in the 118th Congress, 8th overall, surpassing dozens of committee chairs.

    ###

    Full text of the bill can be found HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Saskatchewan Fire Update – June 12

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Released on June 12, 2025

    As of 11:00 hours on Thursday, June 12, there are 23 active wildfires in Saskatchewan. Of those active fires, three are categorized as contained, six are not contained, 12 are ongoing assessment and two are listed as protecting values.

    This year, Saskatchewan has had 258 wildfires, which is well above the five-year average of 147 to date. 

    Of these fires, approximately 44 have been caused by lightning. The remaining fires are human caused and can be categorized by the following: 

    • Recreation: a wildfire caused by people or equipment engaged in recreational activities such as fishing, picnicking, hiking or quadding.
    • Resident: a wildfire resulting from activities performed by people or machines for agriculture or an accidental fire caused by activity associated with normal living in a forested area.
    • Industry: a wildfire that is caused by an industrial activity such as land clearing, harvesting or power distribution.
    • Incendiary: a device used to cause a wildfire for the purpose of mischief, also called arson.

    Most human-caused fires are accidental. At this time, the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency (SPSA) believes approximately 30 fires have been intentionally set. People are encouraged to call Crimestoppers or the SPSA at 1-855-559-5502 to report individuals who intentionally started a fire.

    The SPSA can confirm more than 290 values have been lost in the wildfires. This number could increase to over 400 as damage continues to be assessed by verification activities.

    The provincial fire ban remains in effect for the area north of the provincial forest boundary up to the Churchill River. This includes provincial parks, provincial recreation sites within the boundary and the Northern Saskatchewan Administration District. The fire ban continues to prohibit the use of All Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) and Utility Terrain Vehicles (UTVs), any open fires, controlled burns and fireworks. 

    Repatriation efforts remain underway as 34 communities have repatriated or are in the process or repatriating. A full list of communities actively repatriating can be found on saskpublicsafety.ca. 

    Support for wildfire evacuees is provided by the SPSA, the Canadian Red Cross, or the community from which residents have evacuated. 

    If a resident’s community is supported by the Canadian Red Cross, they can call 1-800-863-6582 from 8 a.m to 10 p.m. daily to be connected to supports.

    If their community is supported by SPSA’s Emergency and Community Support (ECS) program, they can register through the Sask Evac App then call 1-855-559-5502 for assistance. Once a person has registered and called 1-855-559-5502, the SPSA will contact them with details about support depending on your family situation.

    Anyone who spots a wildfire can call 1-800-667-9660, dial 9-1-1 or contact their closest SPSA Forest Protection Area office.

    People can find the latest information, an interactive fire ban map, frequently asked questions, fire risk maps and fire prevention tips at saskpublicsafety.ca.

    A list of fire restrictions in provincial parks and recreation sites can be found here.

    Established in 2017, the SPSA is a treasury board Crown corporation responsible for wildfire management, emergency management, Sask911, SaskAlert, the Civic Addressing Registry, the Provincial Disaster Assistance Program and fire safety. 

    -30-

    For more information, contact:

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Jayapal Statement on the Passage of the HALT Fentanyl Act

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

    WASHINGTON, DC — U.S. Representative Pramila Jayapal (WA-07) released the following statement on the House passage of the HALT Fentanyl Act:

    “The United States has made tremendous progress in the fight to protect our communities from fentanyl, and while there is still much more to be done, the HALT Fentanyl Act is far too broad and ignores all medical uses of ‘fentanyl-related substances.’ These substances need to be controlled — but when prescribed and used as directed, many of them serve as critical pain management tools for countless Americans.

    “This legislation is just another performative overreach by Republicans to say that they know better than doctors about what is best for their patients. We don’t need to criminalize care and expand harsh mandatory minimum sentencing requirements. We need well-thought-out and meaningful solutions that address the root causes of addiction, expand resources to help those struggling, and work with medical professionals.

    “But that’s not what President Trump and Republicans are doing. Instead of expanding funding for the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) — which supports naloxone programs, treatment programs, and prevention efforts — President Trump has essentially dissolved the agency, firing more than a third of its staff and proposing a budget that cuts $1 billion of its funding. Republicans are also working to cut at least $600 billion from Medicaid, which will seriously undermine our ability to address the opioid epidemic. If President Trump and Republicans were serious about addressing these issues, there are proven solutions we can act upon to save lives — but the HALT Fentanyl Act is not one of them.”

    Issues: Public Safety & Criminal Justice

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Judicial Conduct Panel to inquire into Judge’s conduct

    Source: New Zealand Government

    A Judicial Conduct Panel will inquire into and report on the alleged conduct of acting District Court Judge Ema Aitken, Acting Attorney-General Paul Goldsmith says.

    “Judge Aitken’s alleged conduct at the Northern Club on 22 November 2024 was the subject of a preliminary examination by the Judicial Conduct Commissioner.

    “The Commissioner recommended a Panel be set up to inquire into what happened. I have accepted that recommendation.

    “Following an inquiry, the Panel will provide me with a report, including its opinion as to whether consideration of Judge Aitken’s removal is justified.

    “Members of the Panel will be appointed following consultation with the Chief Justice.

    “I won’t be making any further comment until then.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Missing person located, Taranaki

    Source: New Zealand Police

    The woman reported missing in New Plymouth on Tuesday 10 June has been located and is safe.

    Police would like to extend our appreciation to the members of the public who provided information and assisted with search efforts.

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Good Police work coughs up the dough

    Source: New Zealand Police

    A nocturnal thief has lost his crust after Police busted his alleged nighttime crime spree.

    Beginning in early April the alleged offender has targeted a range of different South Auckland locations in the early hours of the morning.

    “Police will allege the man carried out a spree of opportunistic thefts,” Counties Manukau West Area Prevention Manager Inspector Mohammed Atiq says.

    “Some of this offending including taking items left outside or allegedly breaking in.

    “He has acquired a large haul including multiple 20 litre cans of soyabean oils, dozens of water slabs, 150 loaves of bread, and even a wallet and phone from a car parked at a residential property.”

    After piecing together reports and identifying a vehicle of interest in all the thefts, Ōtāhuhu Tactical Crime Unit set about identifying the offender.

    Soon after enquiries began, the vehicle was seen travelling on Roscommon Road, Manurewa and was signalled to stop.

    Inspector Atiq says the vehicle tried to evade Police before returning to an address of interest nearby.

    Ōtāhuhu TCU arrived at the address and could clearly see loaves of bread, and the crate they were delivered on, in the back of the vehicle.

    The alleged offender was taken into custody.

    “We are always pleased to apprehend those who think this kind of brazen offending is acceptable,” Inspector Atiq says.

    A 53-year-old male appeared in the Manukau District Court charged with burglary. He was remanded in custody to reappear on 25 June.

    ENDS

    Amanda Wieneke/NZ Police

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Beatty Sponsors Bill to Break Housing Barriers So Every Student Can Succeed

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Joyce Beatty (3rd District of Ohio)

    Washington D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Joyce Beatty (D-OH-03), Congressman Greg Landsman (D-OH-01), Congressman Mike Lawler (R-NY-17), Congressman Don Bacon (R-NE-02), and Congressman Zach Nunn (R-IA-03) reintroduced bipartisan legislation to help vulnerable students pay for college campus housing.

     

    Congresswoman Beatty, Congressman Landsman, Congressman Lawler, Congressman Bacon, and Congressman Nunn have reintroduced the Campus Housing Affordability for Foster Youth Act – bipartisan legislation that would allow eligible students in, or formerly in, foster care as well as emancipated youth, to use the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) Housing Choice Voice Program – known as Section 8 vouchers – to pay for college campus housing.

     

    Currently, the HUD’s Housing Choice Voucher Program cannot be used by college students, whether they live on or off campus. The Campus Housing Affordability for Foster Youth Act would allow the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to waive requirements and provisions in the program, allowing foster care and emancipated youth to use Section 8 vouchers for college housing on college campuses.

     

    The Campus Housing Affordability for Foster Youth Act has been endorsed by the National Center for Housing and Child Welfare, National Foster Youth Institute, and the Foster Care Alumni of America.

    Congresswoman Beatty:

     

    “Every student deserves a safe place to call home and a fair shot at pursuing higher education. That’s why I’m proud to reintroduce this bipartisan legislation alongside Reps. Greg Landsman, Don Bacon, Mike Lawler, and Zach Nunn to ensure that students who are emancipated or in foster care have access to stable campus housing,” said Congresswoman Beatty. “Young Americans must overcome significant barriers to achieve the dream of higher education and economic success, and this bill helps address one of those major hurdles, giving low-income students the boost they need to thrive academically and propel their lives forward.”

    Congressman Landsman:

     

    “We have a real opportunity to change lives with this bipartisan bill. By covering housing, it removes so many barriers for these vulnerable students. They can live in a dorm, with their peers instead of feeling isolated off-campus, which can lead to better academic performance and greater success.”

     

    Congressman Lawler:

     

    “In New York, where the cost of housing is some of the highest in the country, too many students, especially those coming out of foster care and emancipated youth, are being forced to reconsider pursuing a college degree due to financial burden. This bipartisan bill helps students stay housed and in school by expanding access to HUD support. It’s a practical step that opens doors for young people who deserve a real opportunity to succeed.”

    Congressman Don Bacon:

     

    “As a foster care parent, I understand it can be challenging for foster youth students to attend college,” said Bacon. “This legislation removes restraints on college students from receiving housing assistance. With a high rate of homelessness prevalent amongst foster youth amongst youth transitioning out of foster care, this bill will help remove a barrier and ensure more foster youth can complete college. I am happy to join Rep. Landsman again on this bipartisan legislation to help foster youth.”

     

    Congressman Zach Nunn:

    “As a father and former foster parent to two wonderful girls my wife Kelly and I adopted, I’ve seen firsthand the challenges kids face aging out of the system. This bipartisan bill ensures foster youth aren’t forced to choose between safe housing and getting an education. It’s a commonsense, compassionate solution that puts our most vulnerable students on a path to success.” 

     

    Rebecca Louve Yao – CEO, National Foster Youth Institute:

     

    “Young people with lived experience in foster care have been calling for housing solutions that reflect the realities of their lives and Representative Landsman listened. This bill is a direct response to what National Foster Youth Institute program participants and other youth across the country have shared: that the lack of safe, stable housing can derail their entire educational journey. We’re proud to see their voices reflected in this legislation and grateful for leaders in Congress who are turning those voices into action.”

     

    April M. Curtis – Board Chair, Foster Care Alumni of America:

     

    “At Foster Care Alumni of America, we know first-hand how unstable housing can derail college dreams. I was homeless in college in between semesters.  The Campus Housing Affordability for Foster Youth Act will finally give students who’ve experienced foster care the year-round, affordable on-campus housing they need to stay enrolled, graduate, and build thriving futures.”

    The full text of the Campus Housing Affordability for Foster Youth Act can be found here. 

     

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: USAID Official and Three Corporate Executives Plead Guilty to Decade-Long Bribery Scheme Involving Over $550 Million in Contracts; Two Companies Admit Criminal Liability for Bribery Scheme and Securities Fraud

    Source: US Justice – Antitrust Division

    Headline: USAID Official and Three Corporate Executives Plead Guilty to Decade-Long Bribery Scheme Involving Over $550 Million in Contracts; Two Companies Admit Criminal Liability for Bribery Scheme and Securities Fraud

    Four men, including a government contracting officer for the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and three owners and presidents of companies, have pleaded guilty for their roles in a decade-long bribery scheme involving at least 14 prime contracts worth over $550 million in U.S. taxpayer dollars. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Essex County Convicted Felon Sentenced to 73 Months in Prison for Drug Trafficking and Possession of Firearms, including Two Assault Rifles

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

    NEWARK, N.J. – An Essex County, New Jersey, man was sentenced on June 10, 2025, for his role in distributing cocaine, possessing with intent to distribute cocaine and heroin, and possessing three firearms, including two assault rifles with high-capacity magazines, U.S. Attorney Alina Habba announced.

    Azmar Carter, a/k/a “Bizzy,” 32, of East Orange, previously pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Madeline Cox Arleo to a superseding information charging him with two counts of distribution and possession with intent to distribute cocaine, possession of firearms and ammunition by a convicted felon, and possession with intent to distribute heroin and cocaine.

    According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:

    In 2021, law enforcement began investigating a drug trafficking organization that operates primarily in and around Orange, New Jersey and distributes narcotics throughout Essex County. During the investigation, Carter distributed cocaine to law enforcement in May 2021 and in July 2021. Subsequently, on August 18, 2021, law enforcement searched Carter’s residence and car in East Orange, New Jersey and recovered the following items: one Draco AK 47 rifle; one Smith and Wesson AR rifle; one .40 caliber pistol; ninety-four rounds of associated ammunition; a distribution quantity of heroin and cocaine; and approximately $7,177.00.

    In addition to the prison term, Judge Arleo sentenced Carter to three years of supervised release.

    U.S. Attorney Habba credited special agents and members of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Newark Division, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge L.C. Cheeks, Jr.; members of the Orange Police Department, under the direction of Police Director Todd Warren, Chief Vincent Vitiello and Captain Brian Mooney; members of the Elizabeth Police Department, under the direction of Chief of Police Giacomo Sacca and Police Director Earl J. Graves; members of the East Orange Police Department, under the direction of Chief Phyllis Bindi; member of the Newark Police Department, under the direction of Public Safety Director Emanuel Miranda and Chief of Police Sharonda Morris; and the Belleville Police Department, under the direction of Chief Mark Minichini, with the investigation leading to the charges and arrests.

    This case is part of Operation Orange, which is a part of the Newark Violent Crime Initiative (VCI), which was formed in August 2017 by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey, the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office, and the City of Newark’s Department of Public Safety for the purpose of combatting violent crime in and around Newark. As part of this partnership, federal, state, county, and city agencies collaborate and pool resources to prosecute violent offenders who endanger the safety of the community. The VCI is composed of the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the FBI, the ATF, the DEA, the U.S. Marshals, the Newark Department of Public Safety, the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office, the Essex County Sheriff’s Office, N.J. State Parole, Union County Jail, N.J. State Police Regional Operations and Intelligence Center/Real Time Crime Center, N.J. Department of Corrections, the East Orange Police Department, the Orange Police Department and the Irvington Police Department.

    The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Levin, Chief of the OCDETF/Narcotics Unit in Newark.

                                                                                                             ###

    Defense counsel: Christopher D. Adams, Esq.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Global: US Army’s image of power and flag-waving rings false to Gen Z weary of gun violence − and long-term recruitment numbers show it

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Jacob Ware, Adjunct Professor of Domestic Terrorism, Georgetown University

    A recruit participates in the Army’s future soldier prep course at Fort Jackson in Columbia, S.C., on Sept. 25, 2024. AP Photo/Chris Carlson

    The U.S. Army will celebrate its 250th birthday on Saturday, June 14, 2025, with a parade in Washington, D.C., in which about 6,600 soldiers and heavy pieces of military equipment will roll through the streets. The parade aims to display the Army’s history and power.

    “It’s going to be incredible,” President Donald Trump recently said. Trump’s 79th birthday also occurs on June 14.

    Despite the festivities, however, the parade will occur amid bleak times for the U.S. military, as it experiences a multiyear decline in recruitment numbers. In the face of a pandemic and a strong civilian job market, the Army, Air Force and Navy all missed their recruitment goals in 2022 and 2023. In 2022, the Army missed its quota by 25%.

    In 2024, the U.S. military met its recruitment target, which supports the argument that the bump is not due to Trump, as recruitment levels began to rise again before his reelection. But in some cases, the U.S. military has met its recruitment goals by lowering target numbers.

    And as a scholar of terrorism and targeted violence, I believe a close reading of available data on military recruitment suggests U.S. gun violence may be largely to blame for the lack of interest in joining the military.

    Gun violence data

    Regardless of one’s personal politics, the data on U.S. gun violence makes for painful reading.

    Almost 47,000 Americans died from gun-related injuries in 2023. In 2022, there were 51 school shootings in which students were injured or killed by guns. And gun injuries are the leading cause of death for Americans between ages 1 and 19.

    Data about the perceptions of gun violence is equally staggering, especially among American youth between ages 14 and 30.

    Four out of five American youth believe gun violence to be a problem, and 25% have endured real active-shooter lockdowns, according to data compiled by Everytown for Gun Safety, where I serve as a survivor fellow, the Southern Poverty Law Center and American University’s Polarization and Extremism Research and Innovation Lab.

    Moreover, these perceptions have considerable impacts on youth mental health and their sense of safety. Studies have linked concern over school shootings among adolescents with higher rates of anxiety and trauma-related disorders.

    As Arne Duncan, who served as President Barack Obama’s secretary of education during the Sandy Hook tragedy, said in 2023: “Unfortunately, what’s now binding young people across the country together is not joy of music, or sports, or whatever, it’s really the shared pain of gun violence – and it cuts through race and class and geography and economics.”

    National security threat

    In the past couple of years, polls taken of Generation Z youth, born between 1997 and 2012, suggest mental health and mass shootings are among the most important political issues motivating this band of voters.

    Gun violence, in other words, is a national security emergency, undermining the U.S. government’s ability to protect its citizens in their schools, places of worship and communities.

    As former Marine Gen. John Allen wrote in 2019: “Americans today are more likely to experience gun violence at home than they might in many of the places to which I deployed in the name of defending our nation.”

    U.S. Army National Guard members stand outside the Army National Guard office during training on April 21, 2022, in Washington.
    AP Photo/Mariam Zuhaib, File

    Rewriting American culture

    Accordingly, gun violence has undercut American patriotism, corroding the U.S. government’s soft power within its own borders. Generation Z, termed by some as the “lockdown generation,” is often derided as less patriotic than its predecessors.

    Surprising Gen Z Research.

    Also, the belief in American exceptionalism is dropping among millennials, born between 1981 and 1996. That perception is combined with less confidence in U.S. global engagement and the efficacy of military solutions.

    American culture has long inspired military service, with recruits seduced by action movies and promises of heroic returns to the U.S. But American culture today is being rewired into one of suffering, pain and victimhood.

    A fear of violence

    Gun violence destroys youth tolerance for the violence that defines a career in the U.S. military.

    Internal U.S. military surveys of young Americans show that “the top three reasons young people cite for rejecting military enlistment are the same across all the services: fear of death, worries about post-traumatic stress disorder and leaving friends and family — in that order.”

    Generations already suffering a shattered sense of safety and place do not see the military as a viable option.

    The explanations the U.S. Defense Department gives for dismal recruitment levels focus on the younger generation’s supposed lack of backbone or hatred of America.

    D’elbrah Assamoi, from Cote d’Ivoire, signs her U.S. certificate of citizenship after a military training ceremony at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, in San Antonio, Texas, in April 2023.
    Vanessa R. Adame/U.S. Air Force via AP

    Republicans, including Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, have blamed alleged “wokeness” for low recruitment levels.

    And the Trump administration’s statements about improving recruitment numbers over the past several months overlook both a late Biden-era surge after a pandemic slump as well as the reality that numbers remain depressed due to military services repeatedly lowering their recruitment goals.

    Very rarely are introspective questions publicly debated today about the objective attractiveness of military service or the appetite for violence among young people. The problem, I believe, is not that young people are insufficiently patriotic – it’s that they have already been fighting a war, daily, for their entire lives.

    In reversing the slide in recruitment, then, the military could improve its sensitivity to these important concerns.

    Highlighting the range of careers within the services that do not involve front-line combat and physical danger could encourage more reluctant would-be recruits to volunteer.

    Mental health support also could be made an essential element of military training and lifestyle − not a resource only for those bearing the hidden side-effects of life in the ranks. Encouraging those suffering from treatable mental health issues to seek meaning in service could also boost recruitment numbers.

    Jacob Ware is a gun violence survivor and serves as a Survivor Fellow at Everytown for Gun Safety.

    – ref. US Army’s image of power and flag-waving rings false to Gen Z weary of gun violence − and long-term recruitment numbers show it – https://theconversation.com/us-armys-image-of-power-and-flag-waving-rings-false-to-gen-z-weary-of-gun-violence-and-long-term-recruitment-numbers-show-it-257090

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Murphy, Blumenthal Fight Back Against Trump’s Hateful Anti-LGBTQ+ Policies

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Connecticut – Chris Murphy

    June 12, 2025

    WASHINGTON—U.S. Senators Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) today joined a new effort to push back against the Trump Administration’s assault on the rights and freedoms of LGBTQ+ Americans nationwide.
    The No Place for LGBTQ+ Hate Act would ensure that President Trump’s hateful executive orders targeting LGBTQ+ Americans have no force or effect and would ensure that no federal funds are used to implement, administer, enforce, or carry out those executive orders. With anti-LGBTQ+ hate on the rise across the United States, this bill fights back against these harmful federal policies, expands freedom, and opens the doors of opportunity for all Americans.
    “Trump repeatedly bullies gay and transgender people in schools, sports, and the military just because of who they are. That’s wrong, and this legislation makes it clear that everyone deserves safety and equality under the law,” said Murphy.
    “Trump’s executive orders cruelly attack the LGBTQ+ community – denying them anti-discrimination protections and health care access,” said Blumenthal. “This legislation shields the community from the dangerous impact of these new federal policies. I’m proud to join the fight against Trump’s spiteful assault on LGBTQ+ Americans.”
    The No Place for LGBTQ+ Hate Act takes aim at the Trump Administration’s anti-LGBTQ+ executive orders, including:
    The Day One executive order to mandate discrimination against transgender, non-binary, intersex, and gender non-conforming individuals.
    An executive order to reinstate and expand the transgender military ban.
    An executive order to prevent medically necessary health care from being provided to transgender youth.
    An executive order to prohibit transgender students from participating in school sports.
    An executive order requiring schools to deny the existence of transgender people.
    U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Andy Kim (D-N.J.), Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) also cosponsored the bill.
    U.S. Representatives Becca Balint (D-VT.-AL), Yassamin Ansari (D-Ariz.-03), Emanuel Cleaver (D-Mo.-05), Jasmine Crockett (D-Tex.-30), Maxine Dexter (D-Ore.-03), Maxwell Frost (D-Fla.-10), Sara Jacobs (D-Calif.-51), Hank Johnson (D-Ga.-04), Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-Ill.-08), Sarah McBride (D-Del.-AL), LaMonica McIver (D-N.J.-10), Seth Moulton (D-Mass.-06), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-D.C.-AL), Scott Peters (D-Calif.-50), Jamie Raskin (D-Md.-08), Jan Schakowsky (D-Ill.-09), Mark Takano (D-Calif.-39), Rashida Tlaib (D-Mich.-12), Nydia Velázquez (D-N.Y.-07), and Nikema Williams (D-Ga.-05) cosponsored the bill in the House of Representatives.
    The bicameral bill is endorsed by the Human Rights Campaign, Advocates for Trans Equality, ACLU, National Women’s Law Center Action Fund, Reproductive Freedom for All, and Planned Parenthood. 
    Full text of the legislation is available HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News –