NewzIntel.com

Category: Law

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

    Source: US State of Vermont

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

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

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

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

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

    Under the terms of the consent decree, MDSP will:

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

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

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

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

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

    MIL OSI USA News –

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

    Source: US State of Vermont

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    MIL OSI USA News –

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

    Source: United States Department of Justice (video statements)

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

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

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Security: U.S. Attorney Steinberg cautions against disaster fraud in the wake of Hurricane Helene

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

    SAVANNAH, GA:  Southern District of Georgia U.S. Attorney Jill E. Steinberg reminds residents to be wary of disaster-related fraud in the wake of Hurricane Helene’s destructive path.

    “Like moths to a flame, scam artists and profit-chasing individuals too often prey on vulnerable victims of natural disasters, such as those devastated by Hurricane Helene,” said U.S. Attorney Steinberg. “Vigilance is the first defense against fraudsters who would compound the misery of a natural disaster by stealing from those in desperate need of assistance in recovery, and our office stands ready to assist in holding accountable individuals who would take advantage of disaster victims.”

    President Joe Biden has approved a major disaster declaration for Georgia, ordering federal aid to supplement state and local recovery efforts in the areas affected by Hurricane Helene. Of the 43 counties in the Southern District of Georgia, 30 are included in the disaster declaration.

    Established in 2005 after Hurricane Katrina, the National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) is a partnership of the U.S. Department of Justice and law enforcement and regulatory agencies that coordinates detection, prevention, investigation, and prosecution of fraud related to natural and man-made disasters, and to advocate for victims of fraud.

    Of more than 200,000 disaster fraud complaints submitted to the NCDF, here are some examples of common complaints:

    • Fake charities soliciting donations either using the names of well-known charities or appearing to be related to the disaster.
    • Scammers impersonating government officials, offering disaster relief in exchange for personal information or money.
    • Individuals posing as insurance provider representatives to collect payments or personal information.
    • Fraudsters promising expedient home repairs requiring upfront or partial payment.
    • Price-gouging for goods and services needed by victims of disaster.

    Take these measures to protect yourself from disaster fraud:

    • Donate only to well-known charities after verifying them through trusted sources.
    • Do not respond to unsolicited requests for donations via email, phone, or text, and do not click on links in unsolicited messages.
    • Do not assume that online or social media charity solicitations are legitimate.
    • Use credit cards or checks for donations. Don’t send cash, or use wire transfers or mobile payment apps.
    • Remember that government agencies and legitimate organizations will never ask for money or personal information via phone or email.
    • Beware of contractors who knock on your door or make unsolicited contact, and/or make promises that sound too good to be true.
    • Cautiously rely on recommendations from family and friends.
    • Do not be forced into making repair decisions by a high-pressure contractor.

    Protect yourself and your neighbors. To report disaster-related fraud, contact the NCDF at (866) 720-5721 or online at http://www.justice.gov/DisasterComplaintForm.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Cuellar Announces $3,125,000 in Federal Funding to Hire 25 New Police Officers in Laredo

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28)

    Today, Congressman Henry Cuellar, Ph.D. (TX-28) announced $3,125,000 in federal funding to hire 25 new police officers in Laredo. This federal funding was awarded to the City of Laredo from the Office of the Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS Office) through the Department of Justice (DOJ) and is administered through the COPS Hiring Program (CHP).

    “It is essential that our local law enforcement agencies have the resources they need to protect our community,” said Congressman Cuellar, a senior member of the Appropriations Committee. “These federal dollars are vital for Laredo by enabling the city to hire more police officers – which will increase public safety, help prevent crime and add to the local economy. I would like to thank Laredo Mayor Dr. Victor Trevino and Chief of Police Miguel A. Rodriquez Jr., for working with me to deliver essential funding to Laredo. I would also like to thank Laredo law enforcement for the important work they do day in and day out to keep our community safe.”

    “We are deeply grateful for the Department of Justice’s support through the COPS grant, which will allow us to add 25 new officers to our ranks. This significant investment in our community’s safety underscores our commitment to enhancing public safety and fostering strong community relationships. With these additional resources, we are better equipped to address the needs of our growing city and ensure a safer environment for all residents. Additionally, I would like to thank and give credit to our city management, council, and mayor that supported this,” said Miguel A. Rodriguez Jr, Chief of Laredo Police

    The COPS program provides grants, training, and technical assistance to law enforcement agencies across the country as they work to reduce violent crime. 

    The COPS Hiring Program pays up to 75% of entry-level officer salary and up to $125,000 per position, with three years of funding over a five-year period. Local agencies must match at least 25% of the funding awarded. 

    These officers will be strategically placed in high-activity areas based on data. Their presence will disrupt criminal activity and make our streets safer.  Laredo PD will use a data-driven approach to adjust resources as needed. This flexibility ensures that we respond quickly to emerging issues. 

    Dr. Cuellar has long fought for Laredo law enforcement. Last year, Laredo received $1.875 million to hire 15 officers – totaling 40 new officers for the City of Laredo through the COPS Program in the past two years and 234 officers that the City of Laredo has been able to hire through the COPS Hiring Program from current and past program awards.

    ### 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Road blocked, SH7, Lewis Pass Road

    Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

    State Highway 7, Lewis Pass Road, is blocked following a two-vehicle crash this morning.

    Emergency services were alerted to the crash at around 7.30am.

    One person has received serious injuries, and two people have received moderate injuries.

    The road is blocked, and motorists are advised to avoid the area if possible and expect delays.

    Motorists are also asked to take care on the roads due to the weather conditions this morning.

    ENDS

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Addressing Escalation of Tensions in the Middle East

    Source: US State of New York

    Earlier today, Governor Kathy Hochul addressed public safety concerns following the recent escalation of tensions in The Middle East.

    VIDEO of the event is available on YouTube here and in TV quality (h.264, mp4) format here.

    AUDIO of the Governor’s remarks is available here.

    A rush transcript of the Governor’s remarks is available below:

    Before I take your questions today, I’d like to address an urgent public safety concern. As we all know, the Iranian regime launched a missile attack on Israeli civilians just yesterday evening. At the same time, a mass shooting occurred on the streets of Tel Aviv. The Israeli authorities classified this as a terror attack.

    And while I know those events are happening on the other side of the globe, here in New York, we are the largest Jewish population outside of Israel, and one of the largest Muslim and Arab populations in America. And so, these global events have a unique residence here with us. As Governor, my number one priority is public safety, and we have spent months preparing for this time of the year. We knew tensions would be high, particularly as we deal with the High Holy holidays, as well as the advent of the one year anniversary of October 7.

    So earlier this year, knowing these dates were coming, I directed my administration to start preparing to enhance our security; heightening our surveillance, making sure we have a visible presence, and yesterday afternoon, I asked for and received a confidential intelligence briefing with the Mayor of New York City with his head of counterintelligence as well, making sure that our teams are closely aligned and working together.

    We heard from representatives from NYPD and our State Division of Homeland Security and other law enforcement leaders. The most important takeaway from yesterday’s conversation and further briefings today is that there are no known threats to New Yorkers at this time. Again, there’s no known threats. I also conveyed this at a gathering of Jewish leaders to let them know that there are no known threats, but to make sure that the relationships are strong so they know we are there to be of assistance preemptively, and be there if anything should occur.

    We have to be prepared for every single scenario. And for that reason, I have directed our State Police Superintendent James to increase State Police patrols at at-risk areas: synagogues, yeshivas, community centers, mosques. You’ll also see increased law enforcement presence at all critical infrastructure hubs, including major transit centers.

    And now, we’re working closely to make sure that all populations are protected. We’re protecting not just — working with NYPD in New York City — but also we have to be aware of threats that could occur in Westchester, Long Island, and other populations outside of New York City. We’re also protecting the Muslim communities as well as the Jewish communities against hate crimes that could ensue.

    Just as we’ve seen a major spike in antisemitism this year, we’ve seen increased attacks on our Muslim neighbors as well. So, this includes enhanced monitoring of our social media and online sites, and recognizing that individuals can be radicalized by the toxic stew that is a slew of hate online, and we’ve seen the ill effects of that as well. Certainly, the individual that was radicalized online — a white supremacist. An 18-year-old white supremacist, who slaughtered 10 of my neighbors in Buffalo, would fit that category. And he was radicalized by the same online hate that led to the Tree of Life Synagogue shooting in Pittsburgh.

    So, with all this as a backdrop, we have increased our monitoring tools for social media, increased our State presence on the FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force, and right now we’re ensuring that we have all hands on deck to fight the rise in these crimes.

    The other aspect is parents worried about their students on college campuses, especially throughout the year in light of last spring, but also during the High Holy holidays. I want to be clear: every student in New York should be able to worship safely on their college campus. And before the semester even began, my teams have worked closely with campus leadership to ensure that they have safety and security plans that we have reviewed and signed off on. Yes, students have a first amendment right to protest, they also have a right to gather and celebrate the holidays without fear of harassment.

    So, as we also approach — not just the holidays and the holy days — as we approach October 7, I want to continue reminding New Yorkers we’re going to be vigilant, monitoring the situation. There will be many vigils, likely counter protests, and nothing is more important to me than keeping everyone safe, so we’re taking major steps at this time again, courting any other law enforcement individuals and community organizations to ensure their safety during this difficult time.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICYMI: New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs Welcomes Additional Oversight with Consent Decree for Veterans Homes

    Source: US State of New Jersey

    TRENTON – The U.S. Department of Justice and the State of New Jersey today jointly filed a consent decree in the United States District Court, District of New Jersey. As part of this agreement, a third-party federal monitor will be appointed to the Veterans Memorial Homes at Menlo Park and Paramus, two long-term care facilities operated by the New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs.

    “We welcome this additional input and oversight. We’re committed to making sure our veterans have the best possible care and quality of life at all three of our Veterans Homes,” said Governor Phil Murphy. “With this consent decree, we can resolve past differences with the Department of Justice and focus our efforts on providing the best possible care to our Veterans Homes residents. I’m proud of the progress we have made and remain determined to not only meet federal standards but to exceed them.”

    “This agreement between the State of New Jersey and the U.S. Department of Justice is the result of months of constructive conversations on how best to care for the Veterans, Veteran Spouses, and Gold Star Families who call our facilities home,” said Col. Yvonne Mays, the Acting Commissioner of Military and Veterans Affairs. “The veterans homes at Menlo Park and Paramus have made significant progress confirmed by repeated, independent inspections conducted by the New Jersey Department of Health and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. We look forward to continuing our important work and we welcome this partnership with a federal monitor.”

    The New Jersey Veterans Memorial Homes at Menlo Park and Paramus achieved zero deficiencies in two separate no-notice focused infection control surveys conducted by the New Jersey Department of Health on behalf of the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. The surveys occurred on Sept. 5, 2024 and Sept. 10, 2024. The Veterans Memorial Home at Vineland also achieved zero deficiencies in a no-notice focused infection control survey on June 8, 2024.

    These no-notice focused infection control surveys consisted of inspections that assessed the homes’ procedures related to infection control regulations, including staff handwashing, donning and doffing of personal protective equipment, and continuing education records. Additionally, inspectors reviewed kitchen and sanitizing operations, contact tracing, cohorting, isolation, and quarantine protocols.

    Menlo Park also received no clinical deficiencies in two no-notice facility wide surveys conducted by the New Jersey Department of Health from July 8-16, 2024 and July 16- 19, 2024. These separate surveys were comprehensive and encompassed everything from the home’s infection control and clinical care, to kitchen operations, human resources, emergency management, and housekeeping.

    These on-the-ground achievements follow a series of reforms signed into law by Governor Murphy in 2021. In late 2022, the Governor also engaged consulting and management support services from long-term care subject matter experts to accelerate positive change. These reforms led to systemic changes implemented at all three homes, including the onboarding of full-time resident advocates, new electronic medical records systems, a learning management system that has enabled thousands of hours of training and continuing education for direct care and non-direct care staff, and increased wages for frontline healthcare workers to attract and retain the best and most qualified individuals to care for residents.

    The Veterans Memorial Homes at Menlo Park, Paramus, and Vineland remain open for admissions to eligible applicants. For those interested in learning more, please visit the Veterans Memorial Homes’ website: https://www.nj.gov/military/veterans/memorial-homes/

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Lamont Announces FEMA Opens Disaster Recovery Centers in Southbury and Wilton To Provide In-Person Assistance With Applying for Federal Aid From August Flooding

    Source: US State of Connecticut

    (HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont today announced that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has opened two Disaster Recovery Centers in Southbury and Wilton that are providing in-person assistance to homeowners, renters, businesses, and private nonprofits seeking to apply for federal disaster aid for damages incurred due to the severe flooding the western portion of Connecticut experienced on August 18, 2024.

    Located at Southbury Town Hall (501 Main Street South, Southbury) and Our Lady of Fatima Church (229 Danbury Road, Wilton), these Disaster Recovery Centers are open Mondays to Fridays from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Saturdays from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and Sundays from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Anyone who lives in any town impacted by the flooding from the August 18 storm can visit either of these centers to seek assistance with applying for aid.

    “In addition to being able to apply online and over the phone, these FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers are providing in-person support to homeowners, renters, businesses, and private nonprofits seeking federal disaster aid from the horrible flooding western Connecticut experienced in August,” Governor Lamont said. “It is strongly encouraged that anyone seeking assistance should apply as soon as possible to meet all federal deadlines.”

    The FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers are staffed by representatives who can provide program information, explain how to apply for federal disaster aid, answer questions, and also provide information about repairs and rebuilding to make homes more disaster resistant.

    The centers are accessible to people with disabilities and access and functional needs. The facilities are equipped with assistive technology equipment that allows disaster survivors to interact with staff. Services are provided in English and Spanish. Anyone needing a reasonable accommodation or a sign language interpreter to communicate with FEMA should call 1-833-285-7448 for assistance.

    It is not required to visit a FEMA Disaster Recovery Center to apply for federal disaster aid. Applications can also be completed online at http://www.DisasterAssistance.gov, by calling the FEMA Helpline at 1-800-621-3362, or by using the FEMA app.

    The opening of these FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers in Southbury and Wilton come in addition to the recent openings of two Business Recovery Centers located in Monroe and Oxford that are operated by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and providing similar in-person assistance to businesses and homeowners.

    This federal disaster aid is made possible by the major disaster declaration President Joe Biden approved last month for the FEMA Individual Assistance Program in Fairfield County, Litchfield County, and New Haven County.

     

    Locations in Connecticut to apply for federal disaster aid from August 18 storm

    There are now four locations in Connecticut that are providing individuals with in-person assistance in applying for federal disaster aid from the August 18 storm. They include:

    FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers

    Southbury: Southbury Town Hall (501 Main Street South, Southbury)
    Wilton: Our Lady of Fatima Church (229 Danbury Road, Wilton)

    Hours of operation:

    • Mondays to Fridays: 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
    • Saturdays: 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
    • Sundays: 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

    SBA Business Recovery Centers

    Monroe: Monroe Police Department (7 Fan Hill Road, Monroe)
     Oxford: Oxford Town Hall (486 Oxford Road, Oxford)

    Hours of operation:

    • Mondays to Fridays: 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
    • Saturdays: 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
    • Sundays: Closed

     

     

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Swachhata Shramdaan Organised by the Legislative Department

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 02 OCT 2024 7:17PM by PIB Delhi

    Swachhata Shramdaan was organised by the Legislative  Department, Ministry of Law and Justice in the premises of Shastri Bhawan to celebrate Mahatma Gandhi Jayanti and to mark 10 years of  Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, a major initiative taken under the Swachhata Hi Sewa Campaign (SHS), 2024 and Special Campaign 4.0, led by Shri Udaya Kumara, Additional Secretary, Shri R.K. Pattanayak, Joint Secretary/Nodal Officer, Dr. K. V. Kumar, Joint Secretary and other senior officers and staff including Safai Karamcharis of the Department and attached offices. 

    In addition, Shri Udaya Kumara and Shri R.K. Pattanyak also visited all the Sections and corridors/toilets, etc., to review ongoing swachhata activities being performed under the Campaign.  On this occasion, Shri Udaya Kumara highlighted the significance of the Campaign and urged all officials to contribute some time for maintaining Swachhta in their surroundings, while also encouraging friends and neighbours to participate in the Campaign actively.

    ****

    SB/DP

    (Release ID: 2061213) Visitor Counter : 35

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Unlawful ban of ‘Compact’ magazine and Nancy Faeser’s restricting of press freedom in the Federal Republic of Germany – P-001603/2024(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The Commission does not comment on specific individual cases falling within Member States’ competence. If they consider that national measures infringe their rights, citizens and businesses can resort to the competent national authorities.

    Safeguarding media freedom and pluralism, as enshrined in the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights[1], has been at the heart of the Commission’s efforts to uphold democracy and the rule of law in the EU.

    The European Media Freedom Act (EMFA)[2] sets out a reinforced framework for media service providers. Article 4(1) of the EMFA, which will apply as of 8 February 2025, establishes that media service providers shall have the right to exercise their economic activities freely in the internal market, subject only to restrictions in line with EU law.

    Recital 16 clarifies that such restrictions may derive from measures applied by national public authorities in compliance with EU law.

    The EMFA also introduces a targeted set of rules requiring Member States to respect the editorial freedom and independence of media service providers and to refrain from interfering in core aspects of their activities, such as editorial decisions, journalistic sources, and communications.

    Nonetheless, the EMFA also provides for derogations which allow Member States to take such measures when certain substantial and procedural conditions are fulfilled.

    As part of its annual Rule of Law Report[3], the Commission assesses the situation regarding media freedom and pluralism in all Member States, including Germany.

    The chapter on Germany describes the well-established federal legal framework guaranteeing media freedom and pluralism, based on multiple levels of safeguards and oversight[4].

    • [1] https://commission.europa.eu/aid-development-cooperation-fundamental-rights/your-rights-eu/eu-charter-fundamental-rights_en
    • [2] https://commission.europa.eu/strategy-and-policy/priorities-2019-2024/new-push-european-democracy/protecting-democracy/european-media-freedom-act_en
    • [3] https://commission.europa.eu/document/download/27db4143-58b4-4b61-a021-a215940e19d0_en?filename=1_1_58120_communication_rol_en.pdf
    • [4] https://commission.europa.eu/document/download/3d1a2f80-5989-4364-a9e6-d925d4a1c900_en?filename=16_1_58059_coun_chap_germany_en.pdf

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Investment cost funding in the hospital sector – E-001553/2024(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The Commission notes that, in general, it is primarily the responsibility of the Member State to assess whether a measure constitutes state aid within the meaning of Article 107(1) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU) and, if it reaches the conclusion that the measure constitutes aid, to notify the measure to the Commission.

    Regarding the health sector in particular, Article 168(7) TFEU states that Union action shall respect the responsibilities of the Member States for the definition of their health policy and for the organisation and delivery of health services and medical care. The responsibilities of the Member States include the management of health services and medical care and the allocation of the resources assigned to them.

    According to the recent case-law of the European Court of Justice[1] and the Commission’s decisional practice[2], activities in the health sector may in certain cases be qualified as being of a non-economic nature and, in such circumstances compensation for these activities would not constitute state aid. Each case, however, must be analysed on its merits.

    • [1] See for example judgment of the European Court of Justice of 11 June 2020, Commission v. Dôvera, joined cases C-262/18 P and C-271/18 P, paragraphs 30-31.
    • [2] See for example decision of the Commission of 10 June 2024, Slovenian healthcare system, C (2024) 3755, SA.45844.
    Last updated: 2 October 2024

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Consequences of the judgment of the Court of Justice of the EU – P-001898/2024

    Source: European Parliament

    Priority question for written answer  P-001898/2024
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Fabio De Masi (NI)

    On 17 July 2024, the Court of Justice of the EU issued a press release[1] on its judgment, in which the Court found that the EU Commission ‘did not give [the European Parliament, inter alia] sufficiently wide access to the purchase agreements for COVID-19 vaccines’. In light of the above: What consequences does the Commission draw from this judgment and will it – and if so, when – publish any relevant documents affected by the judgment?

    Submitted: 1.10.2024

    • [1] https://curia.europa.eu/jcms/upload/docs/application/pdf/2024-07/cp240113en.pdf
    Last updated: 2 October 2024

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Habitats Directive: wolves and the defence of livestock farming – E-001806/2024

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-001806/2024
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Mireia Borrás Pabón (PfE)

    On 29 July 2024, the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) ruled that wolves cannot be categorised as a ‘huntable species’ north of the Douro, as the Regional Law of Castile and Leon does, in contrast with the Habitats Directive. Neither the CJEU judgment nor the Habitats Directive looks after the interests of Spanish farmers, who are the ones affected by wolf attacks (5 566 livestock killed in 2023).

    In 2023, VOX presented Spain’s Congress of Deputies with a proposal for a law on the drafting and implementation of a national wolf plan in order to, inter alia, promote the amendment of the Habitats Directive by allowing wolf control in the national territory and also contributing to the conservation of the species.

    In light of the above:

    • 1.Does the Commission consider the CJEU’s ruling to be appropriate and proportionate with regard to the interests of livestock farmers and in the knowledge that the Habitats Directive does not even mention this sector?
    • 2.Is the Commission considering amending the Habitats Directive in order to achieve a balance between livestock farmers and wolves?

    Submitted: 24.9.2024

    Last updated: 2 October 2024

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: RI Department of State Reminds Voters of Upcoming Registration Deadline for November 5 General Election

    Source: US State of Rhode Island

    PROVIDENCE, RI � Secretary of State Gregg M. Amore and the RI Department of State Elections Division are today reminding eligible voters of important deadlines for the November 5, 2024 General Election.

    The deadline for individuals to be registered to vote to participate in the General Election is October 6, 2024.

    Eligible individuals can register online at vote.ri.gov or by visiting their local board of canvassers’ office. Below is a list of local voter registration form drop-off locations which will be open on Sunday, October 6.

    Mail ballot applications are also available. Registered voters can apply for a mail ballot using a paper form or the RI Department of State’s online mail ballot application portal. The deadline to request a mail ballot for the General Election is Tuesday, October 15, 2024. Voters are also reminded of a new law that allows mail ballot applications received within three days of the deadline to be accepted, so long as they are postmarked by the deadline. Mail ballots will be sent to voters beginning the week of October 7.

    Voters can find important information and deadlines online here.

    To learn more about elections in Rhode Island, register to vote, or check your registration status, visit vote.ri.gov.

    ###

    El Departamento de Estado de RI le Recuerda a los Votantes Sobre las Pr�ximas Fechas L�mite para la Inscripci�n y Desafiliaci�n para las Elecciones Generales del 5 de Noviembre

    PROVIDENCE, RI � El Secretario de Estado Gregg M. Amore y la Divisi�n de Elecciones del Departamento de Estado de RI les recuerdan hoy a los votantes elegibles para votar, sobre las fechas l�mite importantes para las Elecciones Generales, que se llevar�n a cabo el 5 de noviembre del 2024.

    La fecha l�mite para que las personas se inscriban para votar y participen en las Elecciones Generales es el 6 de octubre del 2024.

    Los votantes elegibles para votar pueden inscribirse en vota.ri.gov o visitando su junta local de elecciones. A continuaci�n, encontrar� una lista de los lugares para entregar los formularios de inscripci�n de votantes, los cuales estar�n abiertos el domingo 06 de octubre.

    Las solicitudes para las papeletas de votaci�n por correo tambi�n se encuentran disponibles. Los votantes inscritos para votar pueden solicitar una papeleta de votaci�n por correo utilizando un formulario impreso o el Sistema de Solicitud Digital para una Papeleta de Votaci�n por Correo del Departamento de Estado de RI. La fecha l�mite para solicitar una papeleta de votaci�n por correo para las Elecciones Generales es el martes 15 de octubre del 2024. Tambi�n se recuerda a los votantes una nueva ley que permite aceptar las solicitudes para votar por correo recibidas dentro de los tres d�as anteriores a la fecha l�mite, siempre que lleven franqueo de la fecha l�mite. Las papeletas de votaci�n por correo ser�n enviadas a partir de la semana del 7 de octubre.

    Los votantes pueden encontrar informaci�n importante y fechas l�mite aqu�.

    Para obtener m�s informaci�n sobre las elecciones en Rhode Island, inscribirse para votar o verificar el estado de su registro, visite vota.ri.gov.

    ###

    BARRINGTON Barrington Public Safety Building 100 Federal Rd. 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

    BRISTOL Bristol Police Department 395 Metacom Ave. 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

    BURRILLVILLE Burrillville Town Hall Drop Box 105 Harrisville Main St. Harrisville, RI Until 4 p.m.

    CENTRAL FALLS Central Falls Police Department 160 Illinois St. 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

    CHARLESTOWN Charlestown Town Hall 4540 South County Trail Charlestown, RI 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

    COVENTRY Mail Ballot Drop Box or Coventry Library Reference Desk 1670 Flat River Rd. Drop Box: until 4 p.m. Library: 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.

    CRANSTON Mail Ballot Drop Box Cranston City Hall 869 Park Ave (side entrance of the building, next to Cranston East) (entrada lateral del edificio, junto a Cranston East) Until 4 p.m.

    CUMBERLAND Cumberland Police Department 1379 Diamond Hill Rd. 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

    EAST GREENWICH East Greenwich Police Department 176 First Ave. 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

    EAST PROVIDENCE East Providence City Hall Drop Box (Grove Ave side of building) 145 Taunton Ave. Until 4 p.m.

    EXETER Exeter Mail Ballot Drop Box 675 Ten Rod Rd. or Animal Shelter 169 South County Trail Drop Box: until 4 p.m. Animal Shelter: 9:00 a.m. to 1 p.m.

    FOSTER Foster Town Hall Drop Box 181 Howard Hill Rd. Until 4:00 p.m.

    GLOCESTER Glocester Town Hall 1145 Putnam Pike Chepachet, RI 1:00 p.m. to 4 p.m.

    HOPKINTON Hopkinton Town Hall Drop Box 1 Townhouse Rd. Until 4 p.m.

    JAMESTOWN Jamestown Town Hall 93 Narragansett Ave. 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

    JOHNSTON Johnston Police Department 1651 Atwood Ave. 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

    LINCOLN Lincoln Police Department 100 Old River Rd. 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

    LITTLE COMPTON Public Safety Complex 60 Simmons Rd. 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

    MIDDLETOWN Middletown Police Department 123 Valley Rd. Until 4 p.m.

    NARRAGANSETT Narragansett Town Hall Drop Box 25 Fifth Ave. Until 4 p.m.

    NEWPORT Newport City Hall Municipal Drop Box � Bull Street 43 Broadway (Completed forms may be placed in the City Hall Drop Box on Bull St.) (Los formularios completados pueden ser depositados en el Buz�n Municipal ubicado en Bull Street) Until 4 p.m.

    NEW SHOREHAM New Shoreham Town Hall Drop Box 16 Old Town Rd. Until 4 p.m.

    NORTH KINGSTOWN North Kingstown Town Hall 100 Fairway Dr. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

    NORTH PROVIDENCE North Providence Public Safety Complex � Service Desk 1835 Mineral Spring Ave. 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

    NORTH SMITHFIELD North Smithfield Police Station 575 Smithfield Rd. Until 4 p.m.

    PAWTUCKET Blackstone Valley Visitors Center 175 Main St. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

    PORTSMOUTH Portsmouth Town Hall 2200 East Main Rd. 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

    PROVIDENCE Public Safety Complex – Lobby 325 Washington St. 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

    RICHMOND Richmond Town Hall Drop Box 5 Richmond Townhouse Rd. Until 4 p.m.

    SCITUATE Scituate Town Hall Drop Box 195 Danielson Pike Until 4 p.m.

    SMITHFIELD Smithfield Police Department 215 Pleasant View Ave. 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

    SOUTH KINGSTOWN South Kingstown Town Hall Drop Box 180 High St. Wakefield, RI Until 4 p.m.

    TIVERTON Tiverton Police Department 20 Industrial Way 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

    WARREN Warren Police Department 1 Joyce St. Until 4 p.m.

    WARWICK Warwick City Hall � Drop Box 3275 Post Rd. or Warwick City Annex � Sawtooth Building Drop Box 65 Centerville Rd. Until 4 p.m.

    WESTERLY Westerly Town Hall Drop Box 45 Broad St. (Completed forms may be deposited in the Drop Box located along the driveway to the left side of Town Hall) Until 4 p.m.

    WEST GREENWICH West Greenwich Police Department 280 Victory Highway 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

    WEST WARWICK West Warwick Town Hall 1170 Main St. 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

    WOONSOCKET Woonsocket Police Department 242 Clinton St. 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Waccamaw Siouan Indian Tribe to be Featured on N.C. Highway Historical Marker

    Source: US State of North Carolina

    Headline: Waccamaw Siouan Indian Tribe to be Featured on N.C. Highway Historical Marker

    Waccamaw Siouan Indian Tribe to be Featured on N.C. Highway Historical Marker
    jejohnson6

    An American Indian tribe that settled in southeastern North Carolina soon will be recognized with a North Carolina Highway Historical Marker.

    The marker commemorating the Waccamaw Siouan Tribe will be dedicated during a ceremony Oct. 12 at 10 a.m., at the Waccamaw Siouan tribal grounds (7239 Old Lake Rd, Bolton, N.C.).

    The “People of the Falling Star,” currently known as the Waccamaw Siouan Indian Tribe, were first documented in 1701 by John Lawson as he visited the tribal areas located on the lower Neuse River not far from the Tuscarora Tribe. Lawson recorded 143 words from the Siouan Language which is a similar dialect of the southwestern neighboring Catawba Tribe, which resides in present-day South Carolina. The words are documented in Lawson’s book, “A Vocabulary of Woccon,” which can be found in the State Archives of North Carolina.

    After the Indian Wars in North Carolina known as the Tuscarora (1711-1713) and Yamassee (1715) Wars, the Waccamaw Siouans (Woccon) retreated southeast to the current day Green Swamp in Columbus County, while others were adopted by the Catawba Tribe with their similar language dialects. The Waccamaw Siouan remained in obscurity until the late-1700s.

    Tribal history speaks of the formation of Lake Waccamaw. The lore says a huge meteor crashed into the earth’s surface, creating a large crater and forming the lake. While there is no known translation of the word “Waccamaw,” a study of the Catawba language provides clues to its origin. A game played by the Catawba Indian children is spelled Wap Ka’ Hare, which translated is “ball knock.” Listening to an Indian say this word sounds like “Wah-um-wah.” Historians say it is reasonable to conclude that “Waccamaw,” is the English translation of part of the phrase that told of the ball of fire that “knocked” into the earth and created Lake Waccamaw.

    The Waccamaw Siouan received North Carolina state recognition in 1971 and hold membership with the North Carolina Commission of Indian Affairs. The tribe was incorporated as a 501(c)(3) organization in 1977. On the third week of October, an annual powwow is held on the tribal grounds. The major communities of tribal members are St. James, east of Lake Waccamaw, and Buckhead and Council, north of Bolton, N.C.

    For a more complete history of the Waccamaw Siouan Tribe visit https://waccamaw-siouan.org

    For more information about the historical marker, please visit https://www.dncr.nc.gov/blog/2023/12/12/waccamaw-siouan-indian-tribe-d-123, or call (919) 814-6625.

    The marker is one of nine markers being dedicated in 2024 that highlight American Indian culture and history in North Carolina. Historical markers were approved for the Coharie, Haliwa-Saponi, Lumbee, Meherrin, Occaneechi Band of the Saponi, Sappony, and Waccamaw Siouan tribes. In addition, historical markers were approved for the site of the East Carolina Indian School and the Buie Mound site. The N.C. American Indian Heritage Commission staff worked closely with N.C. tribes to complete applications to be considered for the historical marker program.

    The Highway Historical Marker Program is a collaboration between the N.C. departments of Natural and Cultural Resources and Transportation.

    About the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources
    The N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR) manages, promotes, and enhances the things that people love about North Carolina – its diverse arts and culture, rich history, and spectacular natural areas. Through its programs, the department enhances education, stimulates economic development, improves public health, expands accessibility, and strengthens community resiliency.
    The department manages over 100 locations across the state, including 27 historic sites, seven history museums, two art museums, five science museums, four aquariums, 35 state parks, four recreation areas, dozens of state trails and natural areas, the North Carolina Zoo, the State Library, the State Archives, the N.C. Arts Council, the African American Heritage Commission, the American Indian Heritage Commission, the State Historic Preservation Office, the Office of State Archaeology, the Highway Historical Markers program, the N.C. Land and Water Fund, and the Natural Heritage Program. For more information, please visit www.dncr.nc.gov.
    Oct 2, 2024

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SCHUMER ANNOUNCES $9.4 MILLION TO HELP SMALL BUSINESSES GROW & TAP INTO THE BOOMING SEMICONDUCTOR SUPPLY CHAIN ACROSS UPSTATE NY

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New York Charles E Schumer

    Funding Will Help Grow NY’s Semiconductor Supply Chain By Providing Technical Assistance To Small Businesses Growing In The Semiconductor Industry Across Upstate NY Supporting Ongoing Work With The Buffalo-Rochester-Syracuse Tech Hub, Mohawk Valley Edge, The Capital Region CEG & Empire State Development

    Schumer: Fed $$$ Will Supercharge Upstate NY’s Growing Semiconductor Superhighway!

    U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer today announced New York State has been awarded $9.4 million, with $1.5 million in matching funds from Empire State Development (ESD), to help small businesses across Upstate NY tap into and grow in the semiconductor and microelectronics industries. Schumer said this new program will help maximize the local impact of the billions in investment we are seeing across Upstate NY from companies like Micron, GlobalFoundries, and Wolfspeed thanks to his CHIPS & Science Law by breaking down barriers to help small businesses enter and expand into the semiconductor supply chain.  

    “Small businesses across Upstate NY want to enter the booming semiconductor industry, but they can’t do it alone. This major $9.4 million in federal funding will help provide critical technical assistance to boost effort to make it happen. This is how we maximize the benefit of companies like Micron, GlobalFoundries, and Wolfspeed’s expansions in Upstate NY, helping existing businesses grow and adapt to lead in the next frontier of technology. This will help boost efforts along the I-90 Tech Hub I secured and help Upstate NY build a robust supply chain from Buffalo to Utica to Albany that further positions the region as a global center for chip manufacturing,” said Senator Schumer. “I fought to secure historic funding for the State Small Business Credit Initiative in the American Rescue Plan and urged Secretary Yellen to prioritize funding for supply chain development, including in the semiconductor industry, because I know that support for small businesses is critical to our efforts to bringing manufacturing back home to America. Today’s federal investment further supercharges Upstate NY’s growing semiconductor superhighway!”

    With this funding, New York will implement the Semiconductor Growth Access Program (SGAP). The program will provide technical assistance – including legal, financial, and accounting services – to existing small businesses to grow in or pivot to the semiconductor and microelectronic supply chain. This will help those businesses upgrade and expand their equipment, building a chip manufacturing cluster across Upstate New York. Additionally, SGAP will create a shared regional purchasing roundtable of large manufacturers and tier 1 suppliers, designed to provide regular access to purchasing opportunities for participating businesses.

    The SGAP program will work alongside the Supply Chain Activation Network (SCAN), a project of the Buffalo-Rochester-Syracuse NY SMART-I Corridor Tech Hub, which Schumer fought to secure and has already delivered $40 million of federal funding to support. It will also support critical semiconductor supply chain growth with partners at the Mohawk Valley Economic Development Growth Enterprises Corporation (EDGE), and the Capital Region Center for Economic Growth (CEG).

    “New York has become a global leader in high-tech manufacturing – and we’re just getting started,” Governor Hochul said. “This $9.4 million investment from the State Small Business Credit Initiative will be critical as we work to connect underserved and very small businesses with the resources they need to succeed. Working with the Biden-Harris Administration, we’re creating even more jobs and opportunities for all New Yorkers.”

    Schumer previously led 15 senators in urging U.S. Department of Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen to use State and Small Business Credit Initiative funding to bring manufacturing back to the United States to strengthen domestic supply chains, including in the semiconductor industry. The American Rescue Plan Act reauthorized and expanded SSBCI, which provides nearly $10 billion to support small businesses and empower them to access the capital needed to invest in job-creating opportunities. Schumer supported state and local capital and technical assistance initiatives for small businesses to rebuild the economy coming out of the COVID-19 pandemic.

    Thanks to Schumer’s CHIPS & Science Law, Upstate New York has seen a major revival in tech manufacturing. Micron has announced plans for a historic $100+ billion investment to build a cutting-edge memory fab in Central New York with the support of an over $6 billion preliminary CHIPS agreement. GlobalFoundries plans to invest over $12 billion to expand and construct a second, new state-of-the-art computer chip factory in the Capital Region, with support of a $1.5 billion preliminary CHIPS agreement. Wolfspeed has opened the first, largest, and only 200mm silicon carbide fabrication facility in the world in the Mohawk Valley, with plans to further expand their operations. TTM Technologies, a printed circuit board manufacturer, plans to invest up to $130 million to expand their facilities in Onondaga County, creating up to 400 good-paying jobs. Menlo Micro will invest $150 million to build their microchip switch manufacturing facility in Tompkins County, creating over 100 new good-paying jobs. In addition, Upstate New York is home to semiconductor supply chain companies like Corning Incorporated, which manufactures glass critical to the microchip industry at its Canton and Fairport, NY plants, and following Schumer’s advocacy, Edwards Vacuum has announced a $300+ million investment to build a dry pump manufacturing facility, creating 600 good-paying jobs to support the growing chip industry in Western New York.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Gallego, Mayor Weiers, APA President Justin Harris Highlight Work to Support Local Law Enforcement, Protect Public Safety

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Ruben Gallego (AZ-07)

    October 02, 2024

    GLENDALE – Gathering at the Glendale Police Department, Rep. Ruben Gallego (AZ-03), Glendale Mayor Jerry Weiers, and Glendale Police Officer and Arizona Police Association President (APA) Justin Harris held a press conference highlighting Rep. Gallego’s work to support local law enforcement and protect public safety.

    “Ensuring Arizonans’ safety is my top priority,” said Rep. Gallego. “That’s why, since taking office, I’ve voted for billions of dollars in funding for local law enforcement and have fought to bring $61 million of that back home to Arizona. I’m proud of the work I’ve done to protect public safety in Arizona, and I’ll continue working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to do more.”

    “I would like to thank the Congressman and our delegation for continuing to support public safety,” said Mayor Weiers. “In 2022, Congressman Gallego and our representatives in Washington D.C. funded public safety upgrades for our police department, including funding a new mobile command center and also funding to rebuild our 9-1-1 communications center that receives nearly 400,000 calls each year. I urge our delegation to remain focused on ensuring federal policies do not stop our officers from protecting the public.”

    “The Arizona Police Association values Rep. Gallego’s commitment to supporting the men and women who put their lives on the line to protect our community,” said APA President Harris. “His dedication and commitment to ensure that police officers have the necessary funding and resources to enforce the laws, to maintain order and to support our communities is something we greatly appreciate and respect.”

    A recording of the press conference can be viewed HERE. Pictures of the event can be accessed HERE.

    Background on Rep. Gallego’s work to support local law enforcement

    During his time in Congress, Rep. Gallego has voted for over $168 billion in law enforcement funding and fought to bring home $45.9 million in Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) program and $49.7 million in Byrne Justice Assistance Grants (JAG) funding to Arizona.

    Earlier this year, Rep. Gallego introduced his First Responders Emergency Assistance Act which would create a new emergency grant program for law enforcement and first responders in communities experiencing increased migrant arrivals. He also backs multiple bipartisan bills to strengthen the COPS program and support local law enforcement, including:

    • the Filling Public Safety Vacancies Act to provide an emergency boost to the COPS Hiring Program, doubling the amount of federal grant funding available for local departments this fiscal year.

    • the Recruit and Retain Act to increase the recruitment of new and qualified officers by reducing application and recruiting costs associated with finding new talent.

    • the Strong Communities Act to build stronger relationships between police and the communities they serve by incentivizing law enforcement officers to work in the communities where they live.

    • the Enhancing COPS Hiring Program Grants for Local Law Enforcement Act to expand the COPS Hiring Program to allow local law enforcement agencies to utilize program grants for recruitment and retention bonuses and to allow grant applications to be valid for five years, instead of the current one year.

    • the Supporting the Health and Safety of Law Enforcement Act to create a new grant program to increase coordination between community mental health centers and law enforcement officers on mental health issues, including homelessness and public safety.

    • the Invest to Protect Act to help small and mid-sized police departments, including Tribal police departments, recruit and provide safety training, de-escalation training, and mental health support for their officers.

    • the Establishing Accreditation Grants for Law Enforcement (EAGLE) Act to authorize $10 million in funding for small and mid-sized police departments to earn or renew accreditation from state, regional, tribal or national police accreditation organizations.

    In 2023, he introduced the Bridging Agency Data Gaps & Ensuring Safety (BADGES) for Native Communities Act, a bipartisan bill that strengthens Tribal law enforcement and increases public safety in Indian Country.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: New Permanent Representative of Kenya Presents Credentials to the Director-General of the United Nations Office at Geneva

    Source: United Nations – Geneva

    Fancy Chepkemoi Too, the new Permanent Representative of Kenya to the United Nations Office at Geneva, today presented her credentials to Tatiana Valovaya, the Director-General of the United Nations Office at Geneva.

    Prior to her appointment in Geneva, she served as the Chairperson of Kenya’s National Environmental Complaints Committee.  She has experience holding senior positions within the Kenyan Government, including Director of the Kenya Revenue Authority, and was awarded the distinguished Moran of the Order of the Burning Spear for her service in 2023.

    A seasoned lawyer, Ms. Too is an advocate of the High Court of Kenya.  She has also served in several senior academic positions, including Director of Postgraduate Law Programmes at Strathmore University, Kenya, and Dean at the School of Law, Kabarak University, Kenya.

    Ms. Too obtained a Doctor of Philosophy in Laws and a Master of Laws from Nottingham Trent University, United Kingdom, and a Bachelor of Laws from Moi University, Kenya.

     

    Produced by the United Nations Information Service in Geneva for use of the media; 
    not an official record. English and French versions of our releases are different as they are the product of two separate coverage teams that work independently.

     

     

    CR24.037E

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: N.M. Delegation Welcomes $21 Million to Tackle Crime, Keep Communities Safe

    US Senate News:

    Source: US Senator for New Mexico Ben Ray Luján

    WASHINGTON — U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), and U.S. Representatives Teresa Leger Fernández (D-N.M.), Melanie Stansbury (D-N.M.), and Gabe Vasquez (D-N.M.) are welcoming $20,706,897 from the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) to help New Mexico’s law enforcement solve crimes, support survivor services, improve violence prevention, and keep communities safe. 

    The grants will be distributed through the DOJ’s Office on Violence Against Women (OVW) and the Office of Justice Programs (OJP). 

    “I’m proud to announce over $20 million to better equip New Mexico’s law enforcement with the tools and resources needed to keep our communities safe. This significant investment will help tackle crime, hold dangerous criminals accountable, and deliver justice and support for survivors,” said Heinrich. “A safer New Mexico depends on solving crimes and supporting survivors, and I will continue to fight for the resources we need for both.” 

    “This nearly $21 million in federal funding will deliver critical resources to help law enforcement solve crimes, support victims of violent crime, and boost violence prevention across New Mexico,” said Luján. “I’m proud to welcome this federal funding and I will keep fighting for federal resources to keep New Mexico communities safe.” 

    “1 in 4 women have been beaten by an intimate partner in their lifetime. This funding from the Department of Justice focuses on providing more services to the survivors of domestic violence  survivors of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking,” said Leger Fernández. “To effectively investigate and prosecute these crimes, the grants also increase the resources going to law enforcement.  I’m pleased that the funding benefits communities across my district, from the Pueblos to Santa Fe to Hobbs to our state agencies. Together we keep New Mexico safe.” 

    “This almost $21 million investment into our communities is crucial in making New Mexico a safer place for everyone,” said Stansbury. “Victims of crimes deserve justice, and law enforcement needs the tools to give victims that justice. This funding is pivotal in achieving that goal.” 

    “I’m proud to welcome over $20 million for law enforcement organizations across our state and Tribal communities. This funding will support law enforcement’s ability to reduce crime, make our neighborhoods safer and ensure justice for victims,” said Vasquez. “Our law enforcement officers and community organizations are working tirelessly, and this investment will help them continue to protect and serve New Mexicans. I’m committed to fighting for more federal resources to keep us safe.” 

    Recipient  City  Project Title  Grant  Award Amount 
    Coalition to Stop Violence Against Native Women  Albuquerque  OVW Fiscal Year 2024 Grants to Tribal Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Coalitions Invitation to Apply  OVW  $414,147 
    County of Bernalillo  Albuquerque  Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office CAST Unit Expansion Project  OJP  $376,078 
    Enlace Comunitario  Albuquerque  OVW Fiscal Year 2024 Grants to Enhance Culturally Specific Services for Victims of Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, Sexual Assault and Stalking Program  OJP  $450,000 
    New Mexico Asian Family Center  Albuquerque  OVW Fiscal Year 2024 Grants to Enhance Culturally Specific Services for Victims of Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, Sexual Assault and Stalking Program  OJP  $475,000 
    New Mexico Asian Family Center  Albuquerque  OVW Fiscal Year 2024 Legal Assistance for Victims  OVW  $600,000 
    New Mexico Immigrant Law Center  Albuquerque  OVW Fiscal Year 2024 Legal Assistance for Victims  OVW  $750,000 
    City of Albuquerque  Albuquerque  BJA FY24 Formula DNA Capacity Enhancement for Backlog Reduction (CEBR)  OJP  $490,190 
    La Casa  Las Cruces  OVW Fiscal Year 2024 Rural Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, Sexual Assault, and Stalking Program  OVW  $500,000 
    Mescalero Apache Tribe  Mescalero  SMART FY 2024 Support for Adam Walsh Act Implementation Grant Program  OJP  $288,368 
    New Mexico Department of Public Safety  Santa Fe  New Mexico FY24 NCHIP     $2,224,200 
    New Mexico Department of Public Safety  Santa Fe  BJA FY24 Byrne State Crisis Intervention Program Formula Solicitation  OJP  $1,633,050 
    NM Department of Public Safety  Santa Fe  BJS FY24 National Criminal History Improvement Program  OJP  $2,224,200 
    Santa Fe Dreamers Project  Santa Fe  OVW Fiscal Year 2024 Legal Assistance for Victims  OVW  $750,000 
    New Mexico Department of Public Safety  Santa Fe  BJA FY24 Project Safe Neighborhoods Formula Grant Program  OJP  $167,378 
    New Mexico Department of Public Safety  Santa Fe  BJA FY24 Formula DNA Capacity Enhancement for Backlog Reduction (CEBR)  OJP  $300,437 
    New Mexico Department of Public Safety  Santa Fe  BJA FY24 Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement Grants Program- Formula  OJP  $294,696 
    Pueblo of Acoma  Pueblo of Acoma  FY 2024 CTAS Purpose Area 6 Award: Pueblo of Acoma  OJP  $450,000 
    Pueblo of Acoma  Pueblo of Acoma  FY24 U.S. Department of Justice Coordinated Tribal Assistance Solicitation  OJP  $450,000 
    Pueblo of Acoma  Pueblo of Acoma  OVC FY24 Tribal Victim Services Set-Aside Formula Program – Invited to Apply  OJP  $254,413 
    Pueblo of Acoma  Pueblo of Acoma  FY24 U.S. Department of Justice Coordinated Tribal Assistance Solicitation  OJP  $900,000 
    Pueblo of Isleta  Isleta  FY24 U.S. Department of Justice Coordinated Tribal Assistance Solicitation  OJP  $900,000 
    Pueblo of Isleta  Isleta  BJA FY24 Rural and Small Department Violent Crime Reduction Program  OJP  $300,000 
    Pueblo of Jemez  Jemez Pueblo  FY24 U.S. Department of Justice Coordinated Tribal Assistance Solicitation  OJP  $900,000 
    Pueblo of San Felipe  Algodones  OVC FY24 Tribal Victim Services Set-Aside Formula Program – Invited to Apply  OJP  $229,973 
    Pueblo of Taos  Taos  OVC FY24 Tribal Victim Services Set-Aside Formula Program – Invited to Apply  OJP  $229,973 
    Pueblo of Zuni  Zuni  Empowering Tribal Resilience: Enhancing Zuni Tribal Justice Systems (Tribal Youth Programs)  OJP  $76,000 
    Pueblo of Zuni  Zuni  FY24 U.S. Department of Justice Coordinated Tribal Assistance Solicitation  OJP  $76,000 
    Pueblo of Zuni  Zuni  FY24 U.S. Department of Justice Coordinated Tribal Assistance Solicitation  OJP  $394,498 
    Pueblo of Zuni  Zuni  OVC FY24 Tribal Victim Services Set-Aside Formula Program – Invited to Apply  OJP  $282,632 
    Pueblo of Zuni  Zuni  FY24 U.S. Department of Justice Coordinated Tribal Assistance Solicitation  OJP  $885,691 
    Santo Domingo Pueblo  Santo Domingo  OVC FY24 Tribal Victim Services Set-Aside Formula Program – Invited to Apply  OJP  $229,973 
    Sexual Assault Services of Northwest New Mexico  Farmington  OVW Fiscal Year 2024 Rural Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, Sexual Assault, and Stalking Program  OVW  $700,000 
    Sexual Assault Services of Northwest New Mexico  Farmington  OVW Fiscal Year 2024 Tribal Sexual Assault Services Program  OVW  $610,000 
    Sheris House of Hope  Hobbs  OVW Fiscal Year 2024 Transitional Housing Assistance Grants for Victims of Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, Sexual Assault and Stalking Program  OVW  $400,000 
    Valencia Shelter Services  Los Lunas  OVW Fiscal Year 2024 Rural Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, Sexual Assault, and Stalking Program  OVW  $500,000 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: AB Specialty Silicones must pay $1.3M federal penalty, implement comprehensive safety programs after 2019 Waukegan plant explosion

    Source: US Department of Labor

    WAUKEGAN, IL – Chemical products manufacturer AB Specialty Silicones LLC will pay $1.3 million in penalties after an explosion and fire at its Waukegan plant in May 2019 claimed the lives of four workers. 

    The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration reached a settlement agreement with the company after an investigation revealed AB Specialty Silicones failed to ensure electrical equipment complied with OSHA standards. The company also used propane-powered forklifts to transport flammable liquids in areas where employees handled flammable liquids and gases.

    As part of the agreement, the company has temporarily ceased production and use of silicon-hydride emulsions at all facilities until a new process area for production is designed by an engineering firm.

    “This agreement will never replace the four workers lost in this preventable tragedy, but it’s a step in the right direction,” said OSHA Regional Administrator Bill Donovan in Chicago. “OSHA will continue to hold AB Specialty Silicones accountable for improving their safety culture by working with industry experts, and both management and employees to develop and continually test safety measures, emergency response procedures and training employees in hazard recognition.”

    On Oct. 1, 2024, the Administrative Law Judge overseeing the case before the Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission accepted the parties’ notification of settlement and terminated proceedings.

    As part of the agreement, AB Specialty Silicones agreed to do the following: 

    • Develop a company-wide safety and health management system, implement an emergency action plan and conduct evacuation drills. 
    • Provide safety training to employees and offer it in all languages understood by employees. 
    • Require specialty training for management on handling flammable materials.
    • Purchase industrial trucks properly rated for handling flammable materials for all facilities. 
    • Perform comprehensive audits of its occupational health and safety management system certification and maintain at all facilities. 
    • Hire third-party consultants to assist with the analysis of electrical classification and hazards for any future or rebuilt facilities and audit those facilities six months after the start of operations.
    • Allow OSHA to periodically inspect facilities without requiring a warrant.

    AB Specialty Silicones will pay the penalty in 12 quarterly installments through Sept. 1, 2027. If a payment is missed, the entire penalty becomes due immediately. 

    Headquartered in Waukegan, Illinois, AB Specialty Silicones is a manufacturer and distributor of specialty silicone chemicals. 

    Learn more about OSHA. 

    Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission

    Docket No. 19-1831

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Department of Labor orders railroad to reinstate employee, pay $200K in back wages, damages after retaliation for safety complaints

    Source: US Department of Labor

    ENDERLIN, ND – A federal whistleblower investigation has found a North Dakota railroad company illegally retaliated against and terminated a claims representative who reported an injury, discussed safety concerns with their supervisor and filed a complaint with the U.S. Department of Labor. 

    The department’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration investigated a complaint filed by an Enderlin-based employee of Soo Line Railroad Co. who reported an injury they believed was related to dust and chemical exposures during indoor workplace construction. In the months after, the claims representative discussed their safety complaints with their supervisor and co-workers. 

    While the Federal Railway Safety Act protects a worker’s right to report injuries, to discuss them and file complaints with regulatory agencies, Soo Line Railroad later suspended and fired the employee subsequently.

    OSHA investigators found Soo Line Railroad violated the claims representative’s federal protections and ordered the company to reinstate the employee, pay them more than $45,000 in back wages and $155,000 in other damages. The railroad operator must also remove negative reports from the worker’s personnel record.

    “Employees must be able to exercise their legal rights regarding workplace safety freely without fear of  employer retaliation,” explained OSHA Regional Administrator Jennifer S. Rous in Denver. “Our investigation and actions on this employee’s behalf reflect the U.S. Department of Labor’s determination to ensure workers’ rights are protected.”

     Based in Minneapolis, the Soo Line Railroad is a key U.S. subsidiary of Calgary-based Canadian Pacific Kansas City Limited, one of the six major Class I railroads in the U.S.

    The company and the former employee may file objections or request a hearing with the department’s Office of Administrative Law Judges within 30 days of receiving the agency’s order.

    OSHA enforces the whistleblower provisions of the FRSA and more than 20 other statutes protecting employees who report violations of various workplace safety and health, airline, commercial motor carrier, consumer product, environmental, financial reform, food safety, health insurance reform, motor vehicle safety, nuclear, pipeline, public transportation agency, railroad, maritime, securities, tax, criminal antitrust and anti-money laundering laws. For more information on whistleblower protections, visit OSHA’s Whistleblower Protection Programs webpage.

    Editor’s note: The U.S. Department of Labor does not release the names of employees involved in whistleblower complaints.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Law Enforcement Endorses Casey’s Stop Fentanyl at the Border Act

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Pennsylvania Bob Casey
    The Stop Fentanyl at the Border Act will increase staffing and technology to detect and stop the flow of fentanyl coming across the border
    Bill has now been endorsed by the Fraternal Order of Police, National Association of Police Organizations, and other law enforcement organizations
    Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) announced growing support from law enforcement organizations for his Stop Fentanyl at the Border Act, which would reduce the flow of fentanyl by providing much-needed resources to secure the southwest border. The bill, which would increase staffing capacity and technology to detect illicit drugs and other contraband being smuggled through ports of entry along the border, has now been endorsed by four major police organizations: the Fraternal Order of Police, the National Association of Police Organizations, Major County Sheriffs of America, and the National Narcotic Officers’ Associations’ Coalition. The bill is also now backed by the National Treasury Employees Union, which represents U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) employees.
    “Pennsylvania law enforcement can’t tackle the fentanyl crisis when so much of the fentanyl devastating our families and communities is being smuggled across our southwest border,” said Senator Casey. “This bill will help provide the hardworking law enforcement officers at the border with the resources, technology, and support they need to stop the flow of fentanyl into Pennsylvania communities. I’m proud to have law enforcement support and I won’t stop until we’ve passed this commonsense legislation.”   
    “Our law enforcement members are the first line of defense against the scourge of fentanyl that comes across the American border each day,” said Patrick Yoes, National President of the Fraternal Order of Police. “Now more than ever, our country must invest in methods to stem the flow of fentanyl into our communities. This legislation will support our members by giving them the tools they need to support border operations and drug interdiction efforts.”
    “Fentanyl is now the drug most associated with overdoses in the United States,” said Bill Johnson, the Executive Director of the National Association of Police Organizations. “This deadly poison is being mixed with other illicit drugs, hidden in counterfeit drugs, and being peddled at alarmingly high rates to our nation’s youth. The Stop Fentanyl at the Border Act provides much needed support, resources, and funding to the southwest border to help federal, state, and local law enforcement fight the trafficking of fentanyl and other illicit drugs into the country. Law enforcement at all levels of government have long been asking for these resources to support their efforts to prevent and detect fentanyl coming into this country and our communities. NAPO stands with Senator Casey in support of this important bill.”
    The Stop Fentanyl at the Border Act would enable CBP to hire more officers and border patrol agents to increase capacity to stop illicit smuggling over the border. The bill also provides funding to purchase Non-Intrusive Inspection systems, which scan vehicles and cargo at the border to provide detailed images of their interiors, which leads to the detection of fentanyl and other illicit drugs. Additionally, the bill would create an inspection program to increase seizure of firearms, which Mexican cartels frequently purchase in the United States and smuggle into Mexico to support their fentanyl production operations and other violent criminal enterprises.   
    Senator Casey has been a leader in the Senate on efforts to prevent the spread of fentanyl into the United States. He has traveled around Pennsylvania meeting with law enforcement and families of victims of fentanyl overdoses as he pushed for passage of the FEND Off Fentanyl Act. In July, Senator Casey applauded the Senate passage of the Preventing the Financing of Illegal Synthetic Drugs Act, a bill that will direct the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) to investigate how transnational criminal organizations finance synthetic drug trafficking and help the federal government target them more effectively. In August, Casey led his colleagues in introducing the bipartisan Fighting Illicit Goods, Helping Trustworthy Importers, and Netting Gains (FIGHTING) for America Act to help CBP prevent fentanyl from entering the country undetected. In September, Casey introduced the Interdiction of Fentanyl at Federal Prisons Act, which would protect prison officers, staff, and inmates from fentanyl and other illicit substances entering the Federal Prison System through inmate mail.
    Read more about the Stop Fentanyl at the Border Act here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Translation: Minutes of the Council of Ministers of October 1, 2024.

    MIL OSI Translation. Government of the Republic of France statements from French to English –

    BILL

    MODERNIZATION OF THE ALTERNATIVE INVESTMENT FUNDS REGIME

    The Minister of Economy, Finance and Industry presented a bill ratifying Ordinance No. 2024-662 of July 3, 2024, modernizing the alternative investment fund regime.

    This order was adopted on the basis of Article 40 of Law No. 2023-973 of October 23, 2023 relating to the green industry.

    It introduces numerous measures to modernise and simplify the alternative investment fund (AIF) regime in order to make our asset management law more attractive and competitive, to take maximum advantage of the entry into force of Regulation (EU) 2023/606 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 15 March 2023, known as “ELTIF 2.0” on 10 January 2024 and thus increase long-term financing of the European economy, necessary in particular to finance the transition to carbon neutrality.

    In this respect, the order modifies several provisions of the Monetary and Financial Code:

    – it modernises the regime of so-called “professional” FIAs, in particular by simplifying the rules for the composition of this type of FIA and creating a new corporate form without legal personality for specialised professional funds;

    – it adapts the rules applicable to so-called “non-professional” FIAs, in order to ensure their complementarity with ELTIF 2.0 funds;

    – it allows corporate mutual funds (FCPE) to invest in ELTIF 2.0 funds.

    DECREE

    REQUIREMENTS FOR THE NEEDS OF DEFENSE AND NATIONAL SECURITY AND THEIR ARTICULATION WITH THE DIFFERENT LEGAL REGIMES RELATING TO CRISIS PREPARATION AND MANAGEMENT

    The Minister of the Armed Forces and Veterans presented a draft decree relating to requisitions for the needs of defence and national security and their articulation with the various legal regimes relating to the preparation and management of crises.

    This decree is issued for the application of Article 47 of Law No. 2023-703 of August 1, 2023 relating to military programming (LPM) for the years 2024 to 2030 and containing various provisions relating to defense. This article carried out a complete renovation of the requisition system under the Defense Code, which appeared obsolete, complex to implement and based on criteria whose scope was uncertain.

    Article 47 of the LPM now distinguishes:

    – on the one hand, requisitions aimed at dealing with threats to the life of the Nation, decided by presidential decree deliberated in the Council of Ministers to respond to situations whose territorial scope exceeds that which the prefectural authorities can deal with on the basis of the general code of local authorities in the event of a threat to public order (article L. 2212 1, defense code);

    – on the other hand, requisitions aimed at dealing with emergency situations involving the safeguarding of national defence interests, decided by decree of the Prime Minister, in the absence of any other means available in good time, to enable the State to conduct the operations necessary for its defence (article L. 2212-2, defence code).

    This decree is intended to define the procedural arrangements for implementing this new requisition regime and the prior constraints which constitute its corollary, by considerably simplifying the legal framework previously applicable, which did not allow the public authorities to mobilise it effectively to respond to crisis circumstances.

    The dedicated book of the defense code is thus reduced from 182 to 30 articles, while clarifying the procedure for ordering the census of people, goods and services likely to be subject to a requisition measure as well as the conditions under which they can be subject to tests and exercises, thus contributing to the construction of a global policy of resilience of the Nation in the face of the risks and threats it faces.

    To meet this same purpose, this decree also proceeds, in a continuum logic, to the articulation between, on the one hand, the requisition measures and the prior constraints which constitute their corollary and, on the other hand, the different legal regimes relating to the preparation and management of crises linked to national defence, in connection with the prerogatives devolved to the public authorities by the defence code in matters of military defence and civil defence.

    Finally, taking into account the specific issues raised by the potential use of the requisition system, the decree defines a legal framework adapted to the specificities of all overseas communities, in particular to take into account their geographical isolation and their distance from mainland France.

    INDIVIDUAL MEASURES

    The Council of Ministers adopted the following individual measures:

    On the proposal of the Keeper of the Seals, Minister of Justice:

    – Ms Christine MAUGÜÉ, State Councilor, is appointed President of the Administration Section of the Council of State, effective October 8, 2024.

    On the proposal of the Minister of the Interior:

    – Mr. Laurent BUCHAILLAT, State administrator, is appointed prefect of Tarn;

    – the functions of prefect of the Bourgogne-Franche-Comté region and prefect of the Côte d’Or exercised by Mr. Franck ROBINE are terminated, as of September 21, 2024;

    – the functions of prefect of the Brittany region, prefect of the West defense and security zone, prefect of Ille-et-Vilaine exercised by Mr. Philippe GUSTIN are terminated;

    – the functions of delegated prefect for defense and security with the prefect of the Hauts-de-France region, prefect of the North defense and security zone, prefect of the North exercised by Mr. Louis-Xavier THIRODE are terminated, as of September 26, 2024;

    – the functions of delegated prefect for equal opportunities with the prefect of the Hauts-de-France region, prefect of the North defense and security zone, prefect of the North exercised by Ms Virginie LASSERRE are terminated;

    – the functions of Prefect of Nièvre exercised by Mr. Michaël GALY are terminated;

    – the functions of Prefect of Aube exercised by Ms. Cécile DINDAR are terminated.

    On the proposal of the Minister of National Education and the Minister of Higher Education and Research:

    – the functions of rector of the Limoges academy exercised by Ms Carole DRUCKER-GODARD are terminated.

    On the proposal of the Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs:

    – the functions of Director General of Globalization, Culture, Education and International Development exercised by Mr. Aurélien LECHEVALLIER are terminated, effective September 22, 2024.

    On the proposal of the Minister of the Armed Forces and Veterans:

    – various individual measures were adopted concerning general officers of the army, the navy, the air and space force, the general directorate of armaments and the army commissariat service;

    – the functions of Director General of Digital and Information and Communication Systems exercised by Mr. Vincent TEJEDOR are terminated.

    On the proposal of the Minister of National Education and the Minister of Labor and Employment:

    – the functions of High Commissioner for Vocational Education and Training exercised by Mr. Geoffroy de VITRY are terminated.

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

    MIL Translation OSI

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Government meeting (2024, No. 29)

    MILES AXLE Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    1. On the draft federal law “On Amendments to the Federal Law “On the State Defense Order” (in terms of creating legal grounds for the Federal Treasury to exercise its powers for automated monitoring of prices for products under the state defense order in the state integrated information system for managing public finances “Electronic Budget”)

    The bill is aimed at identifying risks affecting the cost of products supplied under state defense orders, in the order of a preventive risk-oriented approach for the response of state customers of state defense orders, implementing organizations, and federal executive bodies to such facts.

    2. On the draft federal law “On Amendments to Article 32 of the Federal Law “On Special Economic Zones in the Russian Federation” and Article 22 of the Land Code of the Russian Federation”

    The bill proposes to lift restrictions on residents of special economic zones attracting additional borrowed financing by transferring lease rights as collateral to credit institutions.

    3. On amendments to the distribution of subsidies to the budgets of constituent entities of the Russian Federation for the creation of modular non-capital accommodation facilities during the implementation of investment projects for 2024, approved by Appendix 31 (Table 140) to the Federal Law “On the Federal Budget for 2024 and for the Planning Period of 2025 and 2026”

    The draft order is aimed at approving the subject-by-subject distribution of funds within the framework of the implementation of the state program of the Russian Federation “Tourism Development”.

    4. On the allocation of budgetary appropriations to the Ministry of Industry and Trade of Russia in 2024 from the reserve fund of the Government of the Russian Federation for the purpose of providing a subsidy from the federal budget to the autonomous non-profit organization “Center for Support of Engineering and Innovation” for the provision of grants to Russian organizations for conducting research and development work

    The draft order is aimed at supporting innovative projects for the development and creation of production in priority industries, including in the areas of transport and oil and gas engineering.

    5. On the draft federal law “On Amendments to the Federal Law “On the State Corporation for Space Activities “Roscosmos””

    The bill is aimed at improving the regulation of legal relations related to the management of state property and clarifying certain powers of the state corporation.

    6. On the allocation of budgetary allocations to Rosavtodor in 2024 from the reserve fund of the Government of the Russian Federation to ensure the accelerated implementation of measures for the construction and reconstruction of highways

    After the completion of construction of a number of sections of the federal highway M-7 “Volga”, they will become part of the M-12 “Vostok” highway as part of its extension from Kazan to Yekaterinburg.

    7. On the allocation of budgetary appropriations from the reserve fund of the Government of the Russian Federation to the Russian Emergencies Ministry in 2024 for the purpose of providing another interbudgetary transfer to the budget of the Kursk region for the financial support of certain measures to eliminate the consequences of the attack of the Ukrainian armed forces on the territory of the Kursk region, meaning the provision of financial assistance to affected citizens in connection with the complete loss of their essential property

    Moscow, October 2, 2024

    The content of the press releases of the Department of Press Service and References is a presentation of materials submitted by federal executive bodies for discussion at a meeting of the Government of the Russian Federation.

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    Please note; This information is raw content directly from the information source. It is accurate to what the source is stating and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    http://government.ru/meetings/52881/

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Suspicious fire at Torrensville

    Source: South Australia Police

    Police are investigating a suspicious fire at Torrensville early this morning.

    About 3am on Thursday 3 October, police and emergency services were called to Henley Beach Road after reports of a fire at a business premises.

    Fire crews were quickly on scene and doused the flames.  Fortunately, there was no structural damage to the property and there were no reports of injuries.

    The fire was believed to have been caused by a Molotov cocktail at the front of the building.

    Crime Scene Investigators and Western District Detectives will make their way to the scene this morning to further investigate the incident.

    Anyone who may have dashcam footage or saw any suspicious activity in the area at the time are asked to contact Crime Stoppers.  You can anonymously provide information to Crime Stoppers online at https://crimestopperssa.com.au or free call 1800 333 000.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Lankford Issues Joint Statement with Bipartisan Task Forces for Combating Antisemitism on FBI Hate Crime Statistics Report

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Oklahoma James Lankford
    OKLAHOMA CITY, OK — Senators James Lankford (R-OK) and Jacky Rosen (D-NV) along with Representatives Kathy Manning (NC-06) and Chris Smith (NJ-04), co-chairs of the Senate and House Bipartisan Task Forces for Combating Antisemitism, respectively, released the following statement in response to the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s (FBI) 2023 Hate Crime Statistics Report. The FBI data shows anti-Jewish hate crimes increased in 2023 by nearly 63 percent from 2022, which is the highest number recorded in almost three decades.
    “We are deeply alarmed by the dramatic increase in hate crimes targeting Jewish Americans over the past year, as noted in the FBI’s 2023 Hate Crimes Statistics Report,” said the Members. “With antisemitism skyrocketing across the United States following Hamas’s October 7 terrorist attack on Israel, a whole-of-government approach is needed to protect Jewish communities from violence and hate.”
    Anti-Jewish hate crimes rose from 1,122 to 1,832 incidents from 2022 to 2023. According to the FBI, a total of 16,009 law enforcement agencies, which represent 95.2 percent of the agencies enrolled in the hate crime data collection program, participated in hate crimes reporting for 2023.
    They continued: “As the co-chairs of the House and Senate Bipartisan Task Forces for Combating Antisemitism, we remain steadfast in our commitment to root out the scourge of antisemitism. We’ll continue working across party lines to ensure the federal government keeps Jewish Americans safe from discrimination.”
    Jewish Americans make up around two percent of the US population, yet antisemitic hate crimes accounted for 15.4 percent of all hate crimes reported by the FBI. Anti-Jewish incidents comprised a little over two-thirds of all religion-based hate crimes. 
    As co-chair of the Senate Bipartisan Taskforce for Countering Antisemitism, Lankford has been leading the fight against rising antisemitism. Lankford, along with the co-chairs of the Senate and House Bipartisan Task Forces, introduced a bill to take historic action to counter antisemitism in the United States by establishing a first-ever National Coordinator to Counter Antisemitism. In May, Lankford and Rosen sent a letter urging the Department of Education to designate a senior official to oversee efforts to combat antisemitism on college campuses. They also called on the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee to hold a full hearing on rising antisemitism on college campuses.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Baldwin Introduces Bill to Prevent Fentanyl Trafficking Through U.S. Transportation Networks

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Wisconsin Tammy Baldwin

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) introduced new legislation to crack down on the trafficking of illicit synthetic drugs, like fentanyl, using the U.S. transportation network. The bill would create first-ever inspection strategies to stop drug smuggling by commercial aircraft, railroads, vehicles, and ships. The legislation would boost state, local and tribal law enforcement resources, deploy cutting edge non-intrusive detection technologies, and increase inspections at ports of entry.

    “I’ve heard from parents who lost children, law enforcement fighting on the front lines, and advocates – all demanding we do more to stop the scourge of fentanyl,” said Senator Baldwin. “I’m fighting this crisis on all fronts – from stopping the precursor chemicals being manufactured in China, to boosting access to overdose reversal drugs, and everything in between. I’m proud to lead this legislation to give our law enforcement the tools they need to stop drug traffickers from using American airports, railways, ports, and roads to smuggle fentanyl into our communities.”

    According to U.S. Government authorities, drug traffickers exploit the U.S. transportation network to smuggle fentanyl, precursor chemicals and other illicit drugs into and throughout the country. Once drugs have entered the country, drug traffickers continue to rely on the national transportation network—trucks, trains and commercial aircraft—to move their product to its final destination.

    Senator Baldwin introduced this legislation with Senators Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Jon Tester (D-MT), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), and Ben Ray Luján (D-NM). The Stop Smuggling Illicit Synthetic Drugs on U.S. Transportation Networks Act of 2024 would:

    • Create a National Prevention Plan: Directs the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) to develop a comprehensive national strategy that examines the entire U.S. transportation network and ports of entry to prevent the smuggling of illicit synthetic drugs.
    • Boost Illegal Drug Detection by Air, Sea, Rail and Road: The bill establishes four new transportation-specific inspection programs—private and commercial aircraft, railroads, commercial vehicles and maritime vessels—to expand detection across all transportation modes and prevent interstate smuggling. State, local, tribal and territorial law enforcement would carry out inspections using non-intrusive technologies and canines, in coordination with federal law enforcement authorities – and without unduly delaying the movement of goods or interrupting interstate commerce.
    • Deploy High-Tech Detection Tools: Directs the Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) and the ONDCP to accelerate new emerging, non-intrusive technologies, including integrating AI and quantum, to detect illicit synthetic drugs. National laboratories, including Pacific Northwest National Laboratories, are already developing next-generation technologies for fentanyl detection. AI could help increase capacities to integrate multiple sources of data and overcome challenges in identifying fentanyl when it is mixed with other opioids to evade detection.
    • Increase Port of Entry Drug Detections: Currently, only 1-2 percent of passenger vehicles and 15-17 percent of commercial vehicles are scanned at U.S. ports of entry. The bill requires Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to inspect 100 percent of motor vehicles and railroads entering the country through a port of entry within five years, and all civil air cargo and maritime cargo within ten years.
    • Support Law Enforcement Workforce, Technology and Training: Authorizes the Secretary of Homeland Security to provide grants to state, local, tribal and territorial law enforcement to acquire new technology and canines and support overtime and other program-related expenses. It would also increase federal support to state and local crime scene investigators and forensics laboratories to process evidence related to fentanyl crimes and deaths.
    • Improve Data and Information Sharing to Prevent Drug Trafficking: Requires the Director of ONDCP to create a public-private task force to improve intelligence and information sharing among federal, state and local authorities and the private sector to combat drug trafficking.

    “The National Narcotic Officers’ Associations’ Coalition applauds Senator Cantwell for her work on the Stop Smuggling Illicit Synthetic Drugs on U.S. Transportation Networks Act. The surge in drug poisoning deaths, especially from fentanyl, shows that more needs to be done. We know that a large portion of illegal narcotics are trafficked through our transportation systems, and this legislation will provide the needed resources such as advanced detection technology and canines to enhance law enforcement’s ability to conduct inspections on our nation’s transportation systems,” said Eric Brown, President of the National Narcotic Officers’ Associations’ Coalition.

    “The Major Cities Chiefs Association thanks Senator Cantwell for taking an innovative approach to fentanyl interdiction with the Stop Smuggling Illicit Synthetic Drugs on U.S. Transportation Networks Act. In cities across the country, resources are strained and the fentanyl crisis is a factor. Federal support is welcome as MCCA member agencies work to curb this crisis and promote safer communities and public health. We look forward to additional engagement on the matter as it moves forward in Congress,” said Laura Cooper, Executive Director of the Major Cities Chiefs Association.

    “Deaths and adverse events from illicit synthetic drugs continue to be at epidemic proportions, yet funding for forensics labs remains stagnant.  This bill prioritizes resources for the professionals on the front lines of the fight against illicit drugs, including fentanyl and other novel psychoactive substances.  We commend members of the Commerce Committee for taking this approach to ensure our forensic experts have the necessary resources and data to combat this epidemic,” said Matthew Gamette, Chair of the Consortium of Forensic Science Organizations.

    “The Association of State Criminal Investigative Agencies (ASCIA) appreciates Senator Cantwell’s introduction of the Stop Smuggling Illicit Synthetic Drugs on U.S. Transportation Networks Act of 2024. While recent figures show progress in reducing drug poisoning deaths in the U.S., we are nowhere near where we need to be to protect Americans from the ongoing threat.  This bill would strengthen the ability of agencies at all levels of government to detect and disrupt drug trafficking,” said Drew Evans, President of the Association of State Criminal Investigative Agencies.

    “The National High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Directors Association appreciates Senator Cantwell’s efforts to combat the fentanyl crisis and her support for providing critically needed tools and resources for state, local, tribal and federal law enforcement to interdict fentanyl shipments before negatively impacting the communities across the country. Given the profound impact fentanyl has had on families, schools, and communities, this bill will be instrumental in enabling law enforcement agencies participating in the HIDTA program to develop new and innovative strategies to tackle this crisis,” said F. Mike McDaniel, President of the National High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Directors Association.

    “The Major County Sheriffs of America (MCSA) strongly supports the Stop Smuggling Illicit Synthetic Drugs on U.S. Transportation Networks Act of 2024. This vital legislation will equip law enforcement with effective tools to combat drug smuggling and the fentanyl crisis, while also enhancing data sharing in the fight against drug trafficking. We extend our gratitude to Senators Cantwell, Tester, Baldwin, Rosen, and Luján for their leadership in advancing this important initiative,” said Megan Noland, Executive Director of Major County Sheriffs of America.

    Senator Baldwin has been fighting to combat the fentanyl and opioid crisis, disrupting supply chains and bolstering support for prevention and recovery services. As Chair of the Senate Commerce Subcommittee that oversees the U.S. Coast Guard, Senator Baldwin held a hearing in September  on the Coast Guard’s role in combatting the fentanyl crisis and stemming the flow of drugs into the United States. She worked to pass the FEND Off Fentanyl Act to stem the flow of the drug from coming into the U.S. by cracking down on Chinese chemical suppliers and Mexican cartels. Senator Baldwin also fought to pass a bipartisan bill that would have helped bolster border security and technology and reform parts of the immigration system.

    As Chair of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies (LHHS), Senator Baldwin wrote the government funding bill that funds the opioid response program and successfully fought to get it signed into law. Senator Baldwin also led the charge to improve the reach of the funding through her State Opioid Response Grant Authorization Act, giving Wisconsin increased funding and more flexibility in administering federal investments.

    A one-pager on this bill is available here. Full text of this legislation is available here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: King Street Rail Yard to Receive Major Upgrades, Allowing State-of-the-Art Trains to Service Seattle

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Washington Maria Cantwell
    10.02.24
    King Street Rail Yard to Receive Major Upgrades, Allowing State-of-the-Art Trains to Service Seattle
    Upgrades will remove final obstacle to Washingtonians enjoying brand-new Amtrak Airo trainset; Seattle will be first city in the U.S. to deploy Airo trains
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) announced that Amtrak will invest nearly $300 million in conducting major upgrades to the King Street Station rail yard. The project will support the introduction of new, state-of-the-art Amtrak Airo trains, which are set to enter service in 2026.
    “These federal funds will enable Seattle to become the first place in America to host Amtrak’s new Airo trains, which will offer Washingtonians a more environmentally friendly and modern ride along the I-5 corridor. Building more capacity at Seattle’s King Street Yard will not only create full-time construction jobs, it means decades of jobs security for the dedicated train mechanics already working there,” Sen. Cantwell said.
    Amtrak’s Airo trains feature redesigned interiors with improved comfort and accessibility, and will produce 90% less particulate emissions than their predecessors. They will also eliminate the need for engine changes at certain stations, resulting in reduced downtime at those stops. Seattle will be home to the first Airo trains in the country.
    The King Street Coach Yard employs 135 mechanical workers, and the upgrade project will support 120 construction jobs.
    In addition to supporting the new trains, the upgraded rail yard will enable modern, more efficient maintenance practices. Trains for the Cascades, Coast Starlight, Empire Builder, and Sounder routes are all maintained in Seattle. The renovated yard will operate without the use of fossil fuels for heating, allowing it to take advantage of the Pacific Northwest’s abundant renewable energy.
    Thanks to Sen. Cantwell’s leadership, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law provided $58 billion for passenger rail, including $22 billion for Amtrak – the largest bipartisan investment in passenger rail in history.
    Following route cancellations during the pandemic, Sen. Cantwell urged the Amtrak CEO and director nominees to commit to the full-service restoration of the Amtrak Cascades route. Due to her advocacy, the Seattle to Vancouver, B.C., service has been open since September 2022. And in March 2023, Sen. Cantwell announced that a second daily trip was restored, bringing service back to pre-pandemic levels. Recently, in December 2023, Amtrak fulfilled another promise to Sen. Cantwell and added two more daily roundtrips between Seattle and Portland for a total of seven daily round trips.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: WA Law Enforcement & Tribes Receive $6.9M From DOJ For Resources to Fight Fentanyl Crisis, Gun Violence, Violence Against Women

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Washington Maria Cantwell
    10.02.24
    WA Law Enforcement & Tribes Receive $6.9M From DOJ For Resources to Fight Fentanyl Crisis, Gun Violence, Violence Against Women
    Grants go to municipal police departments across the state, as well as the Quileute, Kalispel, & Colville Tribes; Money to help prosecution of sex & domestic violence crimes, speed ID of fentanyl overdoses, reduce sex crime DNA testing backlog
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) announced that several state and municipal law enforcement agencies, tribal justice departments and programs, and medical examiner offices will receive a total of $6,915,941 from the Department of Justice to help address some of the State of Washington’s most pressing public safety challenges. 
    “Washington state has made tremendous progress over the past decade in nearly eliminating its 30,000 rape kit backlog, but we can’t let up — this funding will help police labs test more DNA samples faster,” Sen. Cantwell said. “These federal resources will also help us better identify fatal drug overdoses, and provide more services to support and protect women in our cities and in tribal communities.”
    The money will be used to, among other things, process DNA evidence faster, prosecute violence against women and children cases, identify fatal overdoses, ease inmates’ transitions upon release, and mitigate the impact of juvenile gun violence.
    The grants announced by DOJ today include:
    $2,459,640 for the Washington State Patrol (WSP) in FY24 Formula DNA Capacity Enhancement for Backlog Reduction funding. This grant will provide additional training, supplies, equipment, and wages for the five existing casework DNA laboratories in the WSP Crime Laboratory Division. These resources will help increase the number of samples analyzed, as well as shorten the turnaround time for sample analysis.
    $1,710,078 for the Quileute Indian Tribe in FY24 Office on Violence Against Women Special Tribal Criminal Jurisdiction Grant Program funding. This grant will help support the tribe in prosecuting domestic and sexual violence, trafficking, stalking, violence against children, violation of a protection order, and assault of a tribal officer. The project also aims to help the tribe maintain sovereignty, including when a crime is committed by a non-tribal member on tribal land.
    $863,977 for the Lummi Indian Business Council in FY24 Office on Violence Against Women Special Tribal Criminal Jurisdiction Grant Program funding. This grant will help support the tribe in prosecuting domestic and sexual violence, trafficking, stalking, violence against children, violation of a protection order, and assault of a tribal officer. The project also aims to help the tribe maintain sovereignty, including when a crime is committed by a non-tribal member on tribal land.
    $610,000 for the Kalispel Indian Community in Office on Violence Against Women FY24 Tribal Sexual Assault Services Program funds. This grant will help the Kalispel Indian Tribe hire a full-time sexual assault advocate to provide crisis intervention, emergency services, advocacy and referrals; spread awareness for resources that support survivors of sexual assault; and manage an emergency hotline.
    $473,385 for the Washington State Patrol (WSP) in FY24 Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement Grants Program formula funding. This grant will be divided up across multiple law enforcement agencies to improve post-mortem exams, reduce backlogs, and better identify fatal drug overdoses. Recipients will include:
    $211,257 for the King County Medical Examiner to support a statewide fatal drug overdose surveillance network;
    $67,358 for the Pierce County Medical Examiner to outsource postmortem toxicology testing to a private laboratory;
    $33,500 to the Chelan County Coroner to purchase a mortuary cooling system and powered body lift with a scale;
    $22,700 for the Franklin County Coroner to purchase a yearlong maintenance contract for a drug identifying system, a body lift, and roller rack;
    $1,895 for the Lewis County Coroner to purchase a generator and battery for a mass fatality trailer and six scene lights;
    $19,972 for the Skagit County Coroner to purchase a fingerprint scanner, two elevated autopsy carts, and a scissor lift;
    $58,225 for the Spokane County Medical Examiner to purchase testing kits for a drug identifying system and adult body bags;
    $8,120 for the Yakima Valley Local Crime Laboratory to help obtain accreditation for the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network Program;
    $14,067 for the WSP Missing Persons and Unidentified Persons Unit to fund travel and registration for training and consultants to reduce the backlog;
    $31,249 for the WSP Toxicology Laboratory to outsource evidence kits to coroners and medical examiners across the state.
    $424,623 for the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation in FY24 Coordinated Tribal Assistance Solicitation funding. This funding will aid the tribe in hiring a new Reentry Coordinator to monitor inmates before their release, while in transition, and the following six months. The coordinator will help with identifying housing needs, employment, education, mental health and substance abuse counseling services, and more. 
    $268,588 for the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs (WASPC) in FY24 Project Safe Neighborhoods Formula Grant Program funding. This grant will help WASPC foster strategic partnerships with state and local partners across the Pacific Northwest, with the goal of reducing juvenile gun violence.
    $105,650 for the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs (WASPC) in FY24 Project Safe Neighborhoods Formula Grant Program funds. This grant will help the Kennewick Police Department continue under the Project Safe Neighborhood initiative for the Eastern District of Washington. KPD launched their Project Safe Neighborhood project one year ago to focus on improving data-informed procedures for deploying police and reducing violent crime – the first year focused on establishing a strategic plan, and the second year will focus on data-informed efforts specific to gun violence.
    For decades, Sen. Cantwell has remained a steadfast supporter of municipal and tribal law enforcement across Washington state, and has advocated for technology that helps investigators use DNA to solve crimes faster. Last year, she reintroduced a bill to reauthorize the Debbie Smith Act through 2029, which would provide state and local law enforcement agencies with resources to reduce the national backlog in analyzing DNA evidence from untested rape kits. In 2002, Sen. Cantwell cosponsored the Advancing Justice Through DNA Technology Act, which unanimously passed in the Senate. This bill included key provisions of the Debbie Smith Act and authorized $275 million over five years.
    Sen. Cantwell has pushed for more resources to help combat violence against women and children — as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives at the time, Sen. Cantwell voted to pass the Violence Against Women Act in 1994. She has continued to support reauthorizing and expanding this important law, such as by strengthening protections for indigenous women and children. According to the National Institute for Justice, over 1.5 million or 84% of American Indian and Alaska Native women report experiencing violence in their lifetime. To help tribal communities protect against domestic violence, Sen. Cantwell championed key provisions in the 2013 and 2022 VAWA reauthorizations, which secured a tribe’s power to seek justice against non-native perpetrators of domestic violence against Native women and children.
    Sen. Cantwell also drafted legislation that would help municipalities adopt a real-time mapping software that keeps track of overdoses  — helping first responders, law enforcement, and public health professionals better direct resources to places experiencing spikes. She introduced the Opioid Overdose Data Collection Enhancement Act last month.

    MIL OSI USA News –