NewzIntel.com

Category: Donald Trump

  • MIL-OSI USA: Government Watchdog Finds Trump Has Illegally Impounded Funding for 4th Time in Recent Weeks

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Washington State Patty Murray

    GAO finds Trump illegally impounded funding for K-12 schools across America to make energy efficiency upgrades—lowering schools’ costs and upgrading students’ classrooms

    Washington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, issued the following statement on another Government Accountability Office (GAO) decision announced this morning, which concludes that President Trump has—in violation of the Impoundment Control Act (ICA)—illegally impounded funding provided by Congress for the Renew America’s Schools program, which was created on a bipartisan basis in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law:

    “It’s a day that ends in y—and that means President Trump is breaking the law to block funding that helps families and communities across the country.

    “I don’t think a person in America was clamoring to cut off funding Congress provided on a bipartisan basis for schools to make upgrades to students’ classrooms—but that’s exactly what President Trump has done.

    “Denying schools funding for energy efficiency upgrades that save them money isn’t just illegal, it’s stupid and harmful—and it’s time President Trump stop blocking this funding alongside all the other key investments he’s holding up.”

    In its decision, GAO also highlighted how the Trump administration’s decision to pull down a public website detailing its spending decisions inhibited its ability to conduct its investigation—yet more evidence that claims by this administration of a commitment to radical transparency are a farce and another reminder of the importance that the website get restored, as the law requires and a court recently required the administration to do.

    In its decision today, the GAO concluded that:

    “Congress in IIJA created a grants program at DOE for energy efficiency improvements at public school facilities. …. DOE has obligated 17 percent of its FY 2025 funding and expended 0 percent. …. For FY 2026, OMB proposed canceling nearly $196 million ‘from unobligated balances made available for fiscal years 2022 through 2026 in the ‘Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy’ account provided for Grants for Energy Efficiency Improvements and Renewable Improvements at Public School Facilities. …. We conclude that DOE violated the ICA by delaying the obligation of FY 2025 funds appropriated by IIJA for the Schools Program. …. The Constitution grants the President no unilateral authority to withhold funds from obligation.”

    Presidents do not wield the power to unilaterally withhold or block investments that have been enacted into law through “impoundment.” This foundational principle has been affirmed time and again. The Impoundment Control Act of 1974 makes this plain and establishes limited procedures the president can and must follow to propose delaying or rescinding enacted funding. The ICA also charges GAO with the responsibility of investigating and reporting to Congress when the president illegally withholds funding.

    The GAO has now acknowledged that it has opened 46 impoundment investigations and counting.

    Today’s announcement follows:

    The ICA authorizes the Comptroller General to file suit when the president illegally impounds funding.

    Since his first hours in office, President Trump has illegally blocked funding owed to communities across the country through a variety of different means. Senate and House Appropriations Committee Democrats have been tracking Trump’s illegal funding freeze and found that, as of June 3, President Trump is blocking at least $425 billion in funding owed to the American people.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Murray Statement on Vote Against EEOC Nominee Andrea Lucas

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Washington State Patty Murray

    ICYMI: Senator Murray Grills EEOC Commissioner Lucas on Dismissal of Discrimination Cases Under Trump’s Gender EO

    ***WATCH: Senator Murray’s questioning of Ms. Lucas at nomination hearing***

    Washington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), a senior member and former Chair of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, released the following statement on her vote against the nomination of Andrea Lucas to serve a second term on the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). Ms. Lucas is a current member of the EEOC and serves as Acting Chair.

    At the HELP hearing last month on her nomination, Senator Murray grilled Ms. Lucas on the EEOC’s abrupt dismissal, since President Trump took office, of discrimination cases involving people who are nonbinary and the importance of the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act. Senator Murray also spoke out against Trump’s illegal firings of EEOC Commissioners Charlotte Burrows and Jocelyn Samuels, which she forcefully condemned in January and led a letter on in March demanding their immediate reinstatement.

    The Senate confirmed Ms. Lucas to a second term at the EEOC tonight in a party-line vote of 52-45.

    “In just a few short months as Acting Chair, Andrea Lucas has warped the mission of the EEOC beyond recognition and weaponized the agency to greenlight discrimination, roll back protections for people who are sexually assaulted at work, and intimidate anyone who challenges President Trump.

    “In no world should someone who doesn’t believe in the EEOC’s existence as an independent bipartisan agency be charged with leading it. And the Senate should not be confirming any EEOC nominee until President Trump reinstates the Democratic Commissioners he illegally fired for no reason.

    “Protecting Americans from discrimination at work shouldn’t be political. Andrea Lucas wants the EEOC to stand by and do nothing when Americans are discriminated against and instead go after anyone who disagrees with President Trump—she has no place leading an independent agency that’s supposed to protect workers.”

    ___________________________________

    Throughout her career, Senator Murray has championed workers’ rights and fought to combat employment discrimination, including as the top Democrat on the Senate labor committee from 2015-2022—among other things, Senator Murray fought back against a proposed DOL rule by the Trump administration that would allow federal contractors and subcontractors to justify discrimination against women, LGBTQ+ people, and members of certain religious groups on ideological grounds. Senator Murray first introduced the Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act—comprehensive labor legislation to protect workers’ right to stand together and bargain for fairer wages, better benefits, and safer workplaces—in the 116th Congress, and also leads the Bringing an End to Harassment by Enhancing Accountability and Rejecting Discrimination (BE HEARD) in the Workplace Act, comprehensive legislation to prevent workplace harassment, strengthen and expand key protections for workers, and support workers in seeking accountability and justice.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: On 60th Anniversary of Creation of Medicaid and Medicare, Governor Walz Highlights Impacts of Federal Cuts on Health Care for Minnesotans

    Source: US State of Minnesota

    Governor Tim Walz today visited a hospital in Maplewood to discuss the anticipated impacts that President Trump’s Medicaid cuts will have on health care for Minnesotans, particularly in Greater Minnesota. Wednesday marks the 60th anniversary of the signing of Medicaid and Medicare into law by President Lyndon B. Johnson.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: “America’s Most Wanted” Fugitive Arrested: ICE Nabs Egyptian Criminal Convicted of Aggravated Assault, Robbery, and More

    Source: US Department of Homeland Security

    Other worst of the worst criminals arrested yesterday include child pedophiles, rapists, and drug traffickers 

    WASHINGTON — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrested Yehia Elham Badawi, a 48-year-old criminal illegal alien from Egypt with an extensive rap sheet including robbery, aggravated assault, and multiple violent felonies stemming from a 1994 shootout that left a Philadelphia police officer seriously wounded. This criminal illegal alien was featured on America’s Most Wanted in 1996.  

    According to reports, Badawi was wanted in connection with a violent armed robbery at a Philadelphia supermarket where he and an accomplice, both armed with rifles and wearing masks, fled the scene on bicycles, triggering a chase. During the pursuit, a police officer was shot and seriously injured. One assailant was shot and captured at the scene. Badawi fled the state and was later arrested in Salt Lake City, Utah.  

    On July 30, 2025, Badawi was taken into custody by ICE Philadelphia. Badawi’s extensive list of convictions includes: 

    • Criminal attempt
    • Criminal conspiracy 
    • Possession of an instrument with criminal intent
    • Simple assault
    • Aggravated assault 
    • Recklessly endangering another person 
    • Robbery 
    • Theft by unlawful taking
    • Receiving stolen property

    “Thanks to the brave men and women of ICE, under the leadership of President Trump and Secretary Noem, one of America’s Most Wanted is finally off American streets,” said Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin. “DHS is unapologetically cracking down on criminal illegal aliens who think they can hide. They can’t. We WILL find them. America is no longer a safe haven for the world’s criminals.”  

    Other Notable Arrests:

    • Juan Ocana-Sanchez, a criminal illegal alien from Mexico, convicted of lewd acts with a child under 14 in Vista, CA.
    • Ivan Perez-Puac, a criminal illegal alien from Guatemala, convicted of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon in Austin, TX.
    • Tamio Domnick, a criminal illegal alien from the Marshall Islands, convicted of sexual assault in Washington County, AR.
    • Fernando Aranda-Esparza, a criminal illegal alien from Mexico, convicted of sale of cocaine in Greenville County, SC.

    Join ICE law enforcement today to help DHS remove murderers, pedophiles, gang members, and other violent criminal illegal aliens. For more information or to apply, visit: www.ice.gov/careers

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Breaking: D. Trump signs decree on tariff rate changes with dozens of trading partners

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

    NEW YORK, July 31 (Xinhua) — U.S. President Donald Trump on Thursday signed an executive order further changing tariff rates with nearly 70 trading partners.

    The decree introduces “additional ad valorem duties on goods from certain trading partners.”

    According to an appendix to the White House press release, most of the new tariff rates range from 10 percent to 40 percent.

    The new tariffs will come into force seven days after the date of the decree, except in cases related to logistics. –0–

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI USA News: From Coast to Coast, Americans Are Seeing the Benefits of President Trump’s Big Beautiful Bill

    Source: US Whitehouse

    Americans will see the benefits of President Donald J. Trump’s landmark One Big Beautiful Bill for years to come through historic tax relief, strengthened public programs, secure borders, military investments, and much more.

    Here is some of what is being written in local news outlets across the country:

    KCRG-TV (Cedar Rapids, IA): Small businesses say ‘no tax on tips’ a step in the right direction

    “Some business owners in eastern Iowa say new ‘no tax on tips’ provisions will help grow local businesses … It’s a relief some businesses say will make a huge difference with their employees.

    ‘More money in their pocket which will mean more money in the community,’ said Crystal Blin. Blin owns 319 social house, a bowling alley in Independence. She said small businesses can struggle to recruit employees against bigger companies, but no tax on tips means higher take home pay, which could help close the gap. …

    Some view no tax on tips as a reinvestment in their workers and a way to offer some stability. ‘In the service industry too, you’re always constantly worried about what that end of the year number is going to be, and now with this we kind of have some relief with that,’ said Cora Krueger. Krueger is the assistant general manager of Denali’s on the River … ‘The more money we can put in our employees pockets, that means that they can take those dollars and support our local community and surrounding communities,’ Blin said.”

    WENY-TV (Elmira, NY): Seniors Get a Boost: What to Know about the New Senior Tax Break Included in “One, Big, Beautiful Bill Act”

    “A new tax break is heading to seniors’ wallets. It comes in the form of a new deduction tucked into the ‘One, Big, Beautiful Bill Act,’ recently signed into law by President Donald Trump … Starting next year, the IRS is cutting many retirees a bit more slack. Under the new law, individuals age 65 and older can claim an additional $6,000 deduction—on top of the existing standard senior deduction. Married couples where both qualify? That’s a $12,000 tax break.”

    KSTP-TV (Saint Paul, MN): How the new US federal government $1,000 ‘baby bonus’ can help children

    “President Trump’s ‘big beautiful bill’ includes a new savings plan for children with a one-time deposit of $1,000 from the federal government for newborns … For new parents, it’s being called a ‘baby bonus.’ Every baby born this year, next year, and in 2027 will get the bonus, which parents can add to the account.”

    The Charlotte Observer (Charlotte, NC): How the “Big Beautiful Bill” boosts QSBS benefits for startup employees and founders

    “The new GOP budget legislation includes a massive win for startup employees and founders: dramatically expanded Qualified Small Business Stock (QSBS) benefits that could save qualifying investors from paying 28% capital gains taxes on millions of dollars in returns. The changes increase the maximum tax exclusion from $10 million to $15 million while allowing partial benefits after just three years instead of the current five-year minimum.”

    WCMH-TV (Columbus, OH): Anduril, the company behind Ohio’s new megaproject, favored in ‘Big Beautiful Bill’

    “As Anduril Industries ambitiously hopes to open its central Ohio-based drone and vehicular weapons manufacturing plant by July 2026, the defense systems manufacturer is already securing business. Trump’s new government spending bill allocates several billion dollars to border security and includes favorable policies for Anduril.”

    Anchorage Daily News (Anchorage, AK): Alaska has the chance to seize prosperity with the Big Beautiful Bill

    “These investments strengthen Alaska’s role in domestic energy production and in Arctic policy. At a time when global energy markets are uncertain and international competition is increasing, this legislation ensures Alaska is part of the solution. It’s also worth emphasizing that the bill doesn’t relax standards or bypass environmental oversight. It supports development within existing regulatory frameworks and honors Alaska’s history of balancing economic activity with environmental responsibility.”

    Fort Worth Star-Telegram (Forth Worth, TX): Trump signs ‘One Big Beautiful Bill’ into law. How much money will Texans save?

    “Right now, taxpayers can deduct up to $10,000 in state and local taxes from their federal income tax bill. The One, Big, Beautiful Bill Act raises that to $40,000 for 2025. The amount will go up 1% each year in 2026, 2027, 2028 and 2029. There are additional limitations for people earning more than $500,000 a year.”

    Startland News (Kansas City, MO): KC Tech Council celebrates tax fix in Trump’s ‘One Big Beautiful Bill’ that boosts growing businesses

    “A tax fix included in the recently signed ‘One Big Beautiful Bill’ — sprawling legislation meant to overhaul taxes in the United States — marks a major win for Kansas City’s tech and innovation economy, said Kara Lowe. At issue: a long-awaited change to Section 174 research and development expensing that now allows businesses to fully and permanently expense such investments, explained Lowe, CEO of KC Tech Council, which championed the fix alongside TECNA (Technology Councils of North America).”

    WCAU-TV (Philadelphia, PA): Trump’s ‘big beautiful bill’ locks in key tax breaks for homeowners—here’s what to know

    “President Donald Trump’s tax and spending bill revives and expands homeowner tax breaks — while making the current mortgage interest deduction cap permanent. The $750,000 limit on deductible mortgage debt ($375,000 for single filers) had been set to expire after 2025 and revert to the previous $1 million cap. Under the new law, that change is off the table.

    The bill also temporarily raises the SALT deduction cap from $10,000 to $40,000 per household for tax years 2025 through 2029, with a phaseout beginning at $500,000 of income in 2025. The deduction cap reverts to $10,000 in 2030. The change could be especially impactful for homeowners in high-tax states like New York, New Jersey and California, where deductible state and local taxes often exceed the previous $10,000 cap.”

    The Orange County Register (Irvine, CA): Big Beautiful bill delivers win for HSAs

    “Starting Jan. 1, 2026, Americans enrolled in Bronze or Catastrophic Affordable Care Act plans may contribute to HSAs — around 7.3 million people who previously lacked access in 2025. The bill also allows HSA funds to pay for direct primary care memberships — modernizing how Americans can save for and manage health care expenses — and makes permanent the ability of high-deductible health plans to waive the deductible for telehealth visits.”

    KARK-TV (Little Rock, AR): New federal budget includes relief for Arkansas farmers

    “Reference prices — set federal rates that trigger support payments when market prices drop — are one of the most relied-on tools in the farm safety net. For Arkansas rice producers, who say they’ve been using outdated prices from 2012, the new adjustment is expected to make a meaningful difference in margins.

    ‘We hope that this gives us some stability and some consistency where we can make better decisions,’ Coker said. ‘That affects everything — labor, equipment, fertilizer — it all depends on what we can afford.’”

    The Tennessean (Nashville, TN): Big Beautiful Bill includes tax credit for school vouchers: Here’s how much, how it works

    “As an example, if someone donates $1,000, they can later receive a $1,000 credit on their federal tax return, so long as they itemize their tax return and have a tax liability to apply the credit toward. That means the federal government absorbs the cost of the scholarships, essentially making them federal school vouchers.

    The tax credit far outweighs the benefits of a typical tax-deductible, charitable donation. At most, people are allowed to deduct 50% of their adjusted gross income for charitable donations, according to the IRS. In some cases 20% and 30% limits apply.

    ‘This is an unprecedented tax break, at the federal level,’ he said. ‘It’s just a super-sized incentive.’”

    Antelope Valley Press (Los Angeles, CA): President Trump’s Big Beautiful Bill is a step ahead for America

    “President Donald Trump’s ‘Big Beautiful Bill’ is the latest political victory in an action-packed first six months in office. The bill restores some good governance that protects taxpayers and citizens and is a huge boost to working families and entrepreneurs. The bill should increase prosperity and start to slow our unsustainable growth in government spending.”

    MageeNews.com (Mendenhall, MS): The “OBBB” Puts Americans and Farmers First

    “For working Americans including our farmers, ranchers and landowners, the OBBB was and is a series of HUGE ‘wins.’ Perhaps the greatest win was the significant tax relief delivered to all hardworking Americans. Recognizing that ‘Farm Security is National Security,’ these wins through the OBBB will strengthen our American producers for years – for generations – of future farm families.”

    The Berkeley Independent (Summerville, SC): 529 updates in ‘One Big Beautiful Bill’ give families even more flexibility for educational savings

    “As administrator of South Carolina’s Future Scholar 529 Plan, I’m happy to share that the recent passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act spells good news for South Carolina families who are using tax-advantaged 529 savings plans to save for their children’s education. The bill expands qualified uses for 529 funds, providing greater flexibility for families and making an already effective program even more beneficial.”

    Agweek (Fargo, ND): ‘One Big Beautiful Bill’ enhances farm program safety net

    “The large reconciliation bill, or the so-called ‘One Big Beautiful Bill,’ was passed by Congress and signed into law in early July … there are some adjustments and enhancements in the legislation that could be very beneficial to farmers, including increased reference prices and improved crop insurance provisions. … Approximately 90% of the added funding for ag-related programs in the reconciliation bill is targeted to farm ‘safety net’ programs, such as PLC, ARC-CO, crop insurance, and the Dairy Margin Coverage Program.”

    Sen. Marsha Blackburn (The Chronicle of Mt. Juliet, Mt. Juliet, TN): One Big Beautiful Bill is a victory for American people

    “On Independence Day, President Trump made history. He signed into law the One Big Beautiful Bill—a once-in-a-generation victory that fulfills his promise to Make America Great Again. By providing the largest tax cut in our nation’s history, it will supercharge our economy. Tennessee households will save an average of $2,600 in taxes next year and see an average annual take-home pay increase of over $10,000. With the largest-ever investment in border security, it empowers the Department of Homeland Security to complete President Trump’s border wall and hire thousands of new Border Patrol agents. It also bolsters our military, enacts common-sense permitting reforms to make America energy dominant again and eliminates hundreds of billions of dollars in far-left, Green New Deal spending, putting our nation on a more sustainable fiscal path.”

    Sen. Katie Britt (The Alexander City Outlook, Alexander City, AL): The one big beautiful bill delivers for Alabama

    “There’s been a lot of national conversation about how transformational this bill is. But let’s talk about what it means for Alabama. To start, Alabamians can expect to keep more of their hard-earned money because of this bill. We extended President Trump’s 2017 tax cuts and, as a result, prevented the largest tax hike in modern history. Alabama families were staring down an average of a $2,200 tax increase—we made sure that didn’t happen. We made sure to take care of our seniors as well, who will now be able to deduct up to $6,000 – $12,000 for couples filing jointly – from their taxes annually.”

    Sen. Mike Crapo (The Post Register, Idaho Falls, ID): A stronger future for Idahoans

    “Responsibility to Idaho taxpayers: The law also achieves the most significant spending reductions in history by slashing Green New Deal spending, eliminating tax loopholes, and rooting out waste, fraud and abuse in federal spending programs. When combined with the pro-growth elements of President Trump’s economic agenda, the Council of Economic Advisers estimates the United States will achieve nearly $4.5 trillion in deficit reduction over ten 10 years.”

    Sen. Steve Daines (Clark Fork Valley Press, Plains, MT): Big Beautiful Bill is a win for Montana

    “President Trump’s Big Beautiful Bill is a tremendous win for Montana. It will spur economic growth, strengthen border security as well as expand Montana’s energy sector and provide much-needed funding for our military. And thanks to the diligent work of the entire Montana congressional delegation, we defeated attempts to sell our public lands.”

    Sen. Deb Fischer (Syracuse Journal-Democrat, Syracuse, NE): How the One Big, Beautiful Bill Delivers Tax Relief to Nebraska Families

    “When Americans went to the polls last November, they sent a clear message. They want a government that prioritizes safer neighborhoods, more affordable energy, and real economic relief — especially for working families. Earlier this month, Congress responded with a tangible solution. We stopped a $4 trillion tax hike and advanced a law that locks in the economic policies that have helped families and small businesses thrive. This new law cements the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) into permanent policy, preserving critical tax benefits for families across the country. For the average Nebraska household, that means $2,400 a year in savings — money that can help pay for groceries, utilities, or a child’s education.”

    Rep. Ken Calvert (The Desert Sun, Palm Springs, CA): Tax Relief on the way for Coachella Valley taxpayers

    “The Coachella Valley is home to a unique mix of residents, including large populations of retired senior citizens and employees who support the region’s tourism economy. Despite the different demographics of these two groups, they will both see targeted benefits from the recent working family tax law I voted to pass earlier this month. Retired Americans who live on a fixed income rely heavily on the Social Security and Medicare benefits. Protecting those benefits is a top priority for our seniors – and it’s one of my top priorities, too. I promised the seniors I represent that I would not cut their benefits, and the recent tax and spending bill that was signed into law honors that commitment. There are no cuts to either Social Security or Medicare benefits in the bill.”

    Rep. Jeff Crank (The Colorado Springs Gazette, Colorado Springs, CO): Why I voted in favor of the One Big, Beautiful Bill

    “The One Big, Beautiful Bill, some of the most conservative legislation worked on in Congress, delivers the largest tax cuts in American history, ensures no tax on tips or overtime, protects Medicaid for our nation’s most vulnerable, increases defense spending, secures our borders and more. The bill promises a prosperous future for our country, yet there are some who continue to promote falsehoods about what this bill does. As the Representative for Colorado’s 5th Congressional District, it is my duty to outline why I voted for this bill. Let’s get this straight: the One Big, Beautiful Bill protects the Medicaid system for the most vulnerable and those that truly need it; benefits for pregnant women, children, seniors, and individuals with disabilities would see no changes with their Medicaid plans.”

    Rep. Randy Feenstra (The Gazette, Cedar Rapids, IA): ’Big Beautiful Bill’ grows our economy

    “For farmers and small businesses, the ‘One, Big, Beautiful Bill’ protects millions of smaller operations and businesses from excessive taxation by raising the death tax exemption. These entities also will benefit from doubled small business expensing, immediate R & D expensing, and deductions on qualified business income. It also increases reference prices for corn and soybeans, strengthens crop insurance, and fully funds foreign animal disease prevention, mitigation, and response.”

    Rep. Brett Guthrie (The Owensboro Messenger and Inquirer, Owensboro, KY): Here’s the truth: The One Big Beautiful Bill actually strengthens Medicaid

    “The Medicaid provisions included in the One, Big Beautiful Bill ensure our most vulnerable Americans continue receiving the support they need. It strengthens the program by removing deceased recipients from the Medicaid rolls, requiring states to conduct more frequent eligibility checks for the expansion population, ensuring that individuals are not enrolled in multiple states and enacting commonsense work requirements for able-bodied Americans who choose not to work. Additionally, our bill expands access to Home and Community Based Services for low-income seniors and individuals living with a disability.”

    Rep. Lisa McClain (The Detroit News, Detroit, MI): Big Beautiful Bill is a win for Michiganians

    “This landmark legislation combines common-sense reforms with bold investments in our communities. At its heart, the bill is about rebuilding the American dream from the ground up; making it more affordable to live, work and raise a family in Michigan. Whether you’re running a small business, working long shifts at a restaurant or raising kids, this bill will make your life better.”


    Rep. Tom Tiffany (Wausau Pilot & Review, Wausau, WI): What the One Big Beautiful Bill means for you

    “The bill also raises the Child Tax Credit to $2,200 per child and establishes a $1,000 investment account for American newborns, helping give every child a head start. It also supports working parents by expanding the Employer-Provided Child Care Credit, encouraging more businesses to offer affordable child care.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICE issues over 1,000 tentative job offers to shore up agency’s enforcement efforts

    Source: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement is proud to announce that it has issued over 1,000 tentative job offers since July 4, marking a significant milestone in its ongoing recruitment efforts. This achievement comes as ICE, under President Donald J. Trump and Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem’s strong leadership, intensifies its mission to protect American communities and uphold the rule of law.

    “We’re excited to welcome patriots who want to serve their country and make a difference in people’s daily lives,” said acting ICE Director Todd M. Lyons. “People who have received tentative offers will qualify for the incredible benefits we’re offering under this unprecedented initiative — including $50,000 bonuses and student loan forgiveness.”

    ICE extended first-round job offers to several former ICE officers and agents who retired under the previous administration.

    “People were frustrated under the Biden administration,” said Lyons. “They couldn’t do the jobs they signed up to do. Now, people are lining up to work with us because they know our officers and agents are allowed to enforce immigration law fairly and across the board, and that’s a cause people really believe in.”

    For media inquiries about ICE activities, operations or policies, contact ICE’s Office of Public Affairs at ICEMedia@ICE.dhs.gov.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: PSI Chairman Johnson Writes to Secretary Hegseth about DoD’s Efforts to Assist Service Members Wrongfully Terminated Under Biden’s COVID-19 Injection Mandate

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Wisconsin Ron Johnson

    WASHINGTON – On Tuesday, Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations Chairman Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) sent a letter to Department of Defense (DoD) Secretary Pete Hegseth requesting a briefing on the DoD’s efforts to apologize, reinstate, and provide back pay to service members who were terminated after refusing to take the COVID-19 injection.

     In 2021, then-Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin issued a COVID-19 vaccine mandate which resulted in the termination of approximately 8,700 active-duty service members who refused the injection.

    “This dismissal of thousands of brave men and women from the military was a despicable act that damaged our armed forces,” the chairman wrote.

    Tuesday’s letter follows a Daily Caller article about former service members who are reportedly still waiting to be made whole following the Biden administration’s disastrous COVID-19 vaccine mandate. 

    During the first few days of President Trump’s second term, he issued an executive order enabling these wrongfully discharged service members to revert to their former rank and receive full back pay, benefits, bonus payments, or compensation. In February 2025, Sec. Hegseth announced that service members could seek reinstatements and back pay.

    “I have no doubt that you are committed to assisting our service members, which is why I want to bring to your attention a July 24, 2025 Daily Caller article that featured several former military personnel who have still not received back pay after being terminated for refusing the injection,” Chairman Johnson wrote to Secretary Hegseth. 

    Read more about Chairman Johnson’s letter in Daily Caller.

    The full text of the letter can be found here. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: News 07/29/2025 Blackburn Introduces Legislation to Ban the National Education Association from Influencing Congress

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. –  Today, U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) introduced the Terminating Education Association Congressional Handouts (TEACH) Act to ban the National Education Association (NEA) from influencing the decisions of the federal government. This follows Senator Blackburn’s legislation to revoke the congressional charter of the NEA, the nation’s largest teachers’ union and the only labor union with a federal charter.

    “The National Education Association has abandoned its mission of supporting America’s teachers and students in the name of pushing its far-left political agenda,” said Senator Blackburn. “The NEA has become nothing more than a radical-left activist group, and it has no business using its status as a congressionally chartered entity to push woke gender ideology, antisemitism, and propaganda on America’s students.”

    BACKGROUND

    • The National Education Association (NEA) voted to fight against President “Trump’s embrace of fascism,” promote LGBTQ events in public schools, and members backed severing all ties with the Anti-Defamation League. These latest examples of NEA’s blatant political bias, along with its recent promotion of hatred and antisemitism, are a clear departure from the organization’s intended purpose.
    • The NEA has a long list of egregious violations of public trust:
      • In the 2024 election cycle, 98 percent of NEA political donations went to Democrats. 
      • In 2023, the NEA partnered with the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network (GLSEN), who collaborated with the Target Corporation to promote an obscene, radical agenda in their stores.
      • In July 2021, the NEA adopted measures to support critical race theory.
      • The NEA stood in the way of reopening schools in 2020 and 2021 by threatening strikes and influencing CDC guidance process to make it harder for schools to reopen.
      • The NEA erased the word “Jewish” when referencing the Holocaust in their handbook. The NEA then erased the handbook from their website after being caught.

    THE TEACH ACT

    The TEACH Act would:

    • Ban the NEA from influencing the decisions of the federal government; and
    • Require the NEA to submit an annual certification to the Secretary of Education that the association has not engaged in any such attempts. 

    Click here for bill text.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Trump signs executive order increasing tariff on Canada to 35%

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

    U.S. President Donald Trump on Thursday signed an executive order increasing the tariff on Canada from 25 percent to 35 percent, with the higher tariff set to go into effect on Aug. 1, the White House said in a fact sheet.

    “Canada has failed to cooperate in curbing the ongoing flood of fentanyl and other illicit drugs, and it has retaliated against the United States for the president’s actions to address this unusual and extraordinary threat to the United States,” said the fact sheet.

    The White House said that in response to Canada’s “continued inaction and retaliation,” Trump has found it necessary to increase the tariff on Canada to “effectively address the existing emergency.”

    Goods qualifying for preferential tariff treatment under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) will continue to remain exempt from the new tariffs. Goods transshipped to evade the 35 percent tariff will be subject, instead, to a transshipment tariff of 40 percent.

    The fact sheet addressed the presidential action as “necessary and appropriate to protect American lives and the national security and foreign policy of the United States.”

    In February, Trump signed an executive order to impose an ad valorem duty rate of 25 percent on imports from Canada in response to the national emergency. In March, he determined that Canada had failed to adequately address the situation and proceeded with the imposition of the 25 percent tariff, according to the fact sheet.

    “Now, President Trump is taking further action to hold Canada accountable for its continued role in the illicit drug crisis,” the White House said.

    On Thursday, Trump also announced so-called “reciprocal tariff rates” of up to 41 percent on many countries.

    In April, Canada imposed 25-percent tariffs on U.S. vehicles that didn’t meet CUSMA rules and on non-Canadian, non-Mexican content in vehicles imported under CUSMA, as countermeasures, said its government.

    Canada was the top buyer of U.S. exports last year, importing 349 billion dollars worth of goods, while exporting 413 billion dollars to the United States as its third-largest source of foreign goods, according to the U.S. Department of Commerce.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Trump signs executive order modifying tariff rates with dozens of trading partners

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

    U.S. President Donald Trump steps off Marine One upon his arrival at the White House in Washington, D.C., the United States, on July 29, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    U.S. President Donald Trump on Thursday signed an executive order further modifying tariff rates with nearly 70 trading partners.

    The order hereby imposes “additional ad valorem duties on goods of certain trading partners.”

    Most of the new tariff rates range from 10 percent to 40 percent, according to an annex to the release from the White House.

    The new tariff rates will take effect seven days after the date of the executive order with exceptions on logistical grounds.

    Trump noted in the executive order that some U.S. trading partners, despite having engaged in negotiations, have offered terms that do not sufficiently address “imbalances” in trading relationship or have failed to align sufficiently with the United States on “economic and national security matters.”

    “There are also some trading partners that have failed to engage in negotiations with the United States or to take adequate steps to align sufficiently with the United States on economic and national security matters,” he said.

    According to the order, the U.S. Secretary of Commerce and the Secretary of Homeland Security, together with other senior officials, shall publish every six months a list of countries and specific facilities used in circumvention schemes, to inform public procurement, national security reviews, and commercial due diligence.

    In addition, major U.S. governmental agencies are directed and authorized to take “all necessary actions” to implement and effectuate this order, consistent with applicable law, including through temporary suspension or amendment of regulations or notices.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Environmental Justice Caucus Co-Chairs Markey, Duckworth, Booker Slam Trump Administration Plan to Eliminate EPA’s Ability to Protect Public Health from Climate Change

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts Ed Markey

    Washington (July 31, 2025) – Senators Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.)—co-chairs of the U.S. Senate Environmental Justice Caucus—issued the following statement after Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lee Zeldin announced his proposal to rescind the 2009 endangerment finding, a landmark determination that requires the EPA to address greenhouse gas emissions and pollution because of the threat that climate change poses to public health and welfare. By rescinding the endangerment finding, the Trump administration will effectively declaw the EPA, giving big businesses a green light to pollute our air and devastate environmental justice communities.

    “Once again, the Trump administration is sacrificing our children’s future to protect polluters in the present. Trump and Zeldin are annihilating the key legal foundation that requires our government to act on climate change because it threatens the health of Americans—their repeal of the endangerment finding is ignorant, runs counter to scientific fact and will put lives at risk. Environmental justice communities are particularly threatened by this wrong-headed decision, since they are most exposed to climate impacts and have the fewest resources to protect themselves. The Trump administration must reverse this decision—it flies in the face of science, the law, and our moral responsibility to protect our future.”

    As co-chairs of the Senate Environmental Justice Caucus, Markey, Duckworth, and Booker have long pushed to strengthen and defend environmental justice efforts across the country. Earlier this month, the three condemned Republicans’ cuts to environmental justice grants that were included in Donald Trump’s Big, Beautiful Betrayal. Earlier this week, Markey held a press conference outside EPA headquarters to rail against the Trump administration’s plans to rescind the endangerment finding. In March, Duckworth and Booker condemned the Trump administration for shutting down all of EPA’s environmental justice offices and slashing over 30 EPA regulations that have helped protect our nation’s public health and the environment for decades.

    In February, Markey, Duckworth, and Booker—along with Senator Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.)—urged EPA Administrator Zeldin to reopen the EPA’s Office of Environmental Justice and External Civil Rights (OEJECR), which Duckworth and Booker led the charge to create. Markey, Duckworth, and Booker also helped introduce legislation that would permanently codify the Office of Environmental Justice within the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) Environment and Natural Resources Division (ENRD) in response to Attorney General Bondi’s order eliminating all environmental justice efforts at the DOJ.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • Nifty, Sensex open lower as new Trump tariffs take effect

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Indian equity markets opened lower on Friday, tracking weak global cues following the announcement of new tariffs by former U.S. President Donald Trump. The pharmaceutical sector bore the brunt, with the Nifty Pharma index falling 2.75 per cent.

    At 9:25 AM, the Nifty 50 was down 51 points or 0.21 per cent at 24,716, while the BSE Sensex had declined 179 points or 0.22 per cent, trading at 81,005.

    In the broader market, both the BSE MidCap and BSE SmallCap indices posted marginal gains of 0.05 per cent.

    Among sectoral indices, Nifty FMCG stood out as the sole gainer, rising 1.46 per cent. Meanwhile, Nifty IT slipped 0.80 per cent and Nifty Metal declined 0.99 per cent, in addition to sharp selling in pharma stocks.

    Within the Nifty 50 pack, Hindustan Unilever (HUL) was the top gainer, rising 4.45 per cent, followed by Tata Consumer Products, Hero MotoCorp, Maruti Suzuki, and Trent. On the losing side, Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories led with a 1.41 per cent decline, followed by Cipla, ONGC, Larsen & Toubro, and Tata Steel.

    “Despite Nifty’s bounce yesterday, the index remains vulnerable unless it sustains a move above the 24,800 mark. A close above this level could potentially open the path toward 25,000. On the downside, immediate support lies at 24,600, followed by 24,500,” said Hardik Matalia, Derivatives Analyst at Choice Equity Broking.

    “As elevated volatility and conflicting technical signals prevail, traders are advised to follow a cautious ‘sell-on-rise’ approach, especially when using leverage. Book partial profits during rallies and maintain tight trailing stop-losses. Fresh long positions should only be considered if the Nifty sustains above 25,000,” he added.

    On July 31, former U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order imposing revised “reciprocal” tariffs on several countries including Syria, Laos, South Africa, and Myanmar. The new tariff rates, ranging from 10 per cent to 41 per cent, are set to take effect from August 7.

    Strong earnings from U.S. tech giants Microsoft and Meta Platforms failed to lift Wall Street. The S&P 500 fell 0.37 per cent, marking its third straight day of losses. The Dow Jones Industrial Average declined 0.74 per cent, while the Nasdaq Composite remained flat with a marginal dip of 0.03 per cent.

    “In the near term, markets will be influenced by tariff-related developments. Since the implementation date is August 7, affected countries still have time to negotiate for revisions. Yesterday’s market behavior indicates that investors view the 25 per cent tariff as a short-term issue,” said Dr. V.K. Vijayakumar, Chief Investment Strategist at Geojit Financial Services.

    Asian markets also opened weak. South Korea’s Kospi led the regional decline with a 2.94 per cent fall, followed by Japan’s Nikkei 225, which dropped 0.38 per cent. Shanghai Composite shed 0.10 per cent, while Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index edged up 0.13 per cent.

    On the institutional front, foreign institutional investors (FIIs) extended their selling streak for a ninth consecutive session, offloading equities worth ₹5,588 crore on July 31. In contrast, domestic institutional investors (DIIs) remained net buyers for the 19th straight session, investing ₹6,372 crore.

    -IANS

  • MIL-OSI Russia: D. Trump demanded that 17 pharmaceutical companies reduce drug prices within 60 days

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

    WASHINGTON, July 31 (Xinhua) — U.S. President Donald Trump on Thursday sent letters to the heads of 17 pharmaceutical companies, demanding that they lower drug prices within 60 days, threatening to take action if they refuse.

    On his Truth Social page, D. Trump published letters sent to 17 pharmaceutical manufacturers, including Eli Lilly, Pfizer and Merck. They demand that they take steps to reduce drug prices in the US.

    The letters were sent after Trump signed an executive order in May to restore the “most favored nation” policy, which is designed to lower drug prices by tying the cost of some medications in the U.S. to much lower prices in other developed countries.

    “Most of the proposals my administration has received to ‘solve’ this critical problem have promised the same thing: shifting blame and demanding policy changes that will result in billions of dollars in handouts to industry,” Trump said in the letters.

    “Going forward, the only thing I will accept from drug manufacturers is a commitment to protect American families from exorbitant drug prices and to stop European and other developed countries from freely using American innovations,” he said.

    D. Trump also warned that if the pharmaceutical companies that received the letters refuse to meet, “we will use every tool in our arsenal to protect American families from continued abuses in drug pricing.” The president did not specify what measures would be taken.

    Currently, brand-name drugs in the United States cost, on average, three times more than identical drugs in other countries, the letters say.

    Shares of major pharmaceutical companies fell after the letter news broke. On Thursday, shares of Eli Lilly and Pfizer fell more than 2 percent, while shares of Merck fell more than 4 percent. –0–

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: D. Trump signs executive order to change tariff rates with dozens of trading partners

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

    NEW YORK, July 31 (Xinhua) — U.S. President Donald Trump on Thursday signed an executive order further changing tariff rates with nearly 70 trading partners.

    The decree introduces “additional ad valorem duties on goods from certain trading partners.”

    According to an appendix to the White House press release, most of the new tariff rates range from 10 percent to 40 percent.

    The new tariffs will come into force seven days after the date of the decree, except in cases related to logistics.

    As D. Trump noted in the document, some US trading partners, despite participating in the negotiations, proposed conditions that do not sufficiently eliminate the “imbalance” in trade relations or do not meet US demands on “economic and national security issues.”

    “Some trading partners have failed to engage with the United States or to take adequate steps to sufficiently align their actions with the United States on economic and national security issues,” the president said.

    The order requires the Secretary of Commerce and the Secretary of Homeland Security, along with other senior officials, to publish every six months a list of countries and specific facilities used in tariff evasion schemes to inform government procurement, national security reviews, and commercial due diligence.

    In addition, key U.S. government agencies are directed and authorized to take “all necessary actions” to implement this order consistent with applicable law. –0–

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Marshall: Interest Rates Need to Come Down

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Kansas Roger Marshall

    Senator Marshall Joins Fox Business to Discuss Interest Rates and Trade Deals
    Washington – On Thursday, U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kansas), joined Fox Business to discuss the Federal Reserve’s refusal to lower interest rates, and how the President’s trade strategy isn’t harming Americans but will get us leverage on our geo-political rivals.

    Click HERE or on the image above to watch Senator Marshall’s full interview
    On the Federal Reserve not raising interest rates:
    “Well, I wasn’t surprised, because there’s a reason that President Trump calls him Jerome ‘Too Late’ Powell. Let’s go back to March of 2021, and Jerome Powell says inflation is going to be transitory. It’s 18 months later, and it’s just starting to peak, and it’s not a couple months after that before it starts coming down. So, he is indeed always too late.
    “And let me put an exclamation point behind what President Trump is saying. To that average Kansas farmer back home, they have an operation loan of a million dollars. We saw interest rates on those loans go from 2% to 9% and that’s what caused a record drop in net farm income. So, he’s right. Every point matters. And I’m not saying we should drop at two or three points, but dropping at a quarter point or a half point, come on. I think that the economy would dictate that. Now we don’t know what’s holding up Jay Powell, except he’s always too late.”
    On the real impact of the trade deals President Trump has secured:
    “Well, I’m going to trust Michelle Bowman, of course. She’s from Council Grove, Kansas, but let’s just think about this for a second. Of all the goods that Americans consume, only about 11% of them are imported. Only 11%. So, let’s just suppose there’s a 10% tariff on 11% of what we consume. Well, my little math says that’s going to be a 1.1% increase, assuming that’s all passed along to the consumer, and you know, it’s not going to. So, I think that these tariffs could cause a one-time hit of one or 2%, but I think the manufacturers are going to absorb a lot of that. The wholesalers are going to absorb a lot of that as well.
    “And meanwhile, we’re trying to balance this trillion-dollar trade deficit. So, I think President Trump is right on task. Look at what he’s doing; Cambodia and Thailand today, he’s surrounded China. He’s got Indonesia done, Japan, Australia, Vietnam, the Philippines, [and] South Korea. So, he’s going to push China. They’ve got till August. The 12th is their deadline, I believe. So, President Trump is doing a good job.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • Thailand returns some Cambodian soldiers ahead of key border talks

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Thailand’s army sent home two Cambodian soldiers from a group of 20 on Friday, ahead of a key meeting in Malaysia next week where defence ministers and military commanders will hold talks aimed at maintaining a ceasefire along their disputed border.

    Long-simmering tensions on the Thai-Cambodian border exploded into clashes last week, including exchanges of artillery fire and jet fighter sorties, the worst fighting between the Southeast Asian neighbours in over a decade.

    The clashes claimed at least 43 lives and left over 300,000 people displaced.

    A truce was achieved on Monday, following a push by Malaysia and phone calls from U.S President Trump who threatened to hold off tariff negotiations with both countries until fighting stopped.

    Thailand and Cambodia previously faced tariffs of 36% for sending goods to the U.S., their largest export markets. Following further negotiations, they will now pay a 19% tariff, the White House announced on Friday.

    In Bangkok, Thai government spokesperson Jirayu Houngsub told reporters on Friday that two Cambodian soldiers had been sent back, and the remaining 18 were being processed for violating immigration law.

    “The Cambodian soldiers intruded on Thai territory and the army took them into custody, treating them based on humanitarian principles,” he said.

    In a statement, the Cambodian defence ministry asked Thailand to return all the detained soldiers.

    “Cambodia is actively engaging in negotiations to secure their release, and reiterates its firm call for their immediate and unconditional release in accordance with the international humanitarian law,” a ministry spokesperson said.

    Defence ministers and military leaders from both sides, who were previously scheduled to meet in the Cambodian capital next week, will now hold talks in Malaysia, after Thailand sought a neutral venue for the meeting.

    The General Border Committee, which coordinates on border security, ceasefires, and troop deployments, will meet between August 4-7, Thai Acting Defence Minister Nattaphon Narkphanit told reporters.

    “Defence attachés from other ASEAN countries will be invited as well as the defence attachés from the U.S. and China,” a Malaysian government spokesperson told reporters, referring to the Southeast Asian regional bloc that the country currently chairs.

    Thailand and Cambodia have for decades claimed jurisdiction over undemarcated points along their 817-km (508-mile) land border, with ownership of several ancient temples at the centre of disputes.

    In May, a Cambodian soldier was killed in a skirmish, leading to a troop build-up and a diplomatic crisis, which eventually snowballed into five-days of intense fighting in late July.

    (Reuters)

  • MIL-OSI USA: Steil Applauds Groundbreaking Crypto Report

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Bryan Steil (Wisconsin-1)

    Washington, DC – Today, Congressman Bryan Steil (WI-01) released the following statement after the release of the White House Crypto Policy Report:

    “The golden age of Digital Assets is here and America will lead,” said Steil. I applaud President Trump and AI & Crypto Czar Sacks for promoting a stable regulatory regime for digital assets in the United States. This report expresses strong support for the CLARITY Act, provides a roadmap for building on the historic signing of the GENIUS Act, and charts a path forward for ensuring U.S. leadership in the Web3 revolution.”

    Background: 

    • Congressman Steil serves as the Chairman of the House Financial Services Subcommittee on Digital Assets, Financial Technology, and Artificial Intelligence.
    • Congressman Steil is an original cosponsor of the CLARITY Act. The CLARITY Act will establish a federal framework for the issuance and trading of digital assets in the United States.
    • The CLARITY Act passed through the House on July 17, 2025 on a non-partisan vote of 294-132.
       

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Veasey Statement on Republican Racist Redistricting Plan

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Marc Veasey (33rd District of Texas)

    Headline: Congressman Veasey Statement on Republican Racist Redistricting Plan

    Fort Worth, TX – Today, Congressman Marc Veasey (TX-33) released the following statement on the proposed congressional map by Republican lawmakers: 

    “Let’s be clear – this map is racist, it’s illegal, and it’s part of a long, ugly tradition of trying to keep Black and Brown Texas from having a voice. What Donald Trump and Greg Abbott are doing isn’t about democracy – it’s about consolidating power. Republicans are bending their knee to a wannabe king, drawing maps in backrooms to appease a man who tried to overthrow an election and now wants to overthrow the will of Texans.

    “To Trump, Abbott, and the servile Republicans, I say this: Black people in this country fought, bled, and died for the right to vote, and we will never bend the knee again to any man. Not to Trump. Not Abbott. Not to anyone who thinks they can shut us out.

    “Trump and the Republican cowards want to rig the system because they know they can’t win when every voice counts and every vote matters. So instead of earning our votes, they are trying to erase us. 

    “But we are still here. We will fight in the courts, in the streets, and at the ballot box. No matter how hard they try, we aren’t going anywhere.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Government announces measures to assist exporters

    Source: Government of South Africa

    The Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic) has announced a set of measures in response to the tariff hike on South African exports to the United States, which comes into effect this month.

    “The dtic has announced a set of measures in response to the imminent 30% tariff hike on South African exports to the United States, which comes into effect on 1 August 2025.

    “These urgent interventions are part of the dtic’s ongoing commitment to protecting jobs, preserving market access in the United States, and promoting export diversification to alternate markets in Africa, the EU [European Union], Asia, Latin America, and other strategic partners,” Minister Parks Tau said in a statement ahead of the start of the implementation of the tariff.

    In Thursday’s statement, Tau said key among the interventions is the establishment of an Export Support Desk, which will serve as a direct point of contact for companies affected by the US tariff hike.

    “The Desk will provide updates on developments and tailored advisory services to exporters on alternative destinations, guidance on market entry processes, insights into compliance requirements and linkages to South African Embassies and High Commissions abroad.”

    READ | SA reaffirms commitment to US trade deal

    In July, President Cyril Ramaphosa noted the correspondence from the United States (US) President Donald Trump on the unilateral imposition of a 30% trade tariff against South Africa.

    In a letter addressed to President Ramaphosa, President Trump announced that he would subject imports from South Africa to new 30% tariffs, that would take effect from 1 August 2025.

    On Thursday, the dtic said the tariff hike poses a “direct threat” to the country’s export capacity, particularly in strategic sectors such as automotive, agro-processing, steel and chemicals, amongst others.

    “As government, we are fully committed to supporting our exporters through this challenging time. We are working with urgency and resolve to implement real and practical interventions that defend jobs and position South Africa competitively in a shifting global landscape.

    “The stakes are high and we must respond decisively to ensure our export industries remain resilient, competitive, and globally integrated into diversified markets.

    “Exporters are encouraged to engage directly with the Export Support Desk and also to visit the dtic website regularly for updates and support mechanisms. The dtic remains steadfast in its mission to assist local producers and safeguard South Africa’s trade interests amid growing global uncertainty,” the Minister explained.

    The contact details of the Export Support Desk are as follows:

    Exporters to the United States and Market Enquiries related to the Americas can contact:
    •    Ms. Nthatisi Moraloge 
    NMoraloge@thedtic.gov.za 
    (012) 394-1125
    Or 
    •    Mr. Karabo Modimokwane
    KModimokwane@thedtc.gov.za
    (012) 394-1164

    Market Enquiries related to other markets:

    In the African region exporters can contact: 
    •    Ms. Zamaswazi Nkosi 
    ZPNkosi@thedtic.gov.za 
    (012) 394-3533

    Or

    •    Mr. Mncedisi Madela
    MMadela@thedtic.gov.za 
    (012) 394-5659

    Or

    •    Ms. Sithembile Shongwe 
    SLShongwe@thedtic.gov.za 
    Or

    •    Ms. Sibongimpilo Mashatola
    SMashatola@thedtic.gov.za
    (012) 394-5507

    In ASEAN and Asia, exporters can contact:

    •    Ms. Meresina Ranphabana 
    MRanphabana@thedtic.gov.za 
    (012) 394-5918

    Or 
    •    Ms. Mundzhedzi Mahosi
    MMahosi@thedtic.gov.za 
    (012) 394-5645

    Or 
    •    Ms. Ledile Bambo  
    LBambo@thedtic.gov.za 
    (012) 394-1997

    Or 
    •    Mr. Kenneth Malatsi 
    MMahosi@thedtic.gov.za 
    (012) 394-1061

    In the Europe region, exporters can contact :

    •    Ms. Hloniphile Nkiwane
    HNkiwane@thedtic.gov.za 
    (012) 394-3496

    Or

    •    Mr. Seth Pule 
    SPule@thedtic.gov.za 
    (012) 394-3087

    In the Middle East, exporters can contact :
    •    Mr. Waseem Rinquest 
    WRinquest@thedtic.gov.za 
    (012) 394-5863

    Or

    •    Ms. Mpho Sebatana
    MSebatana@thedtic.gov.za 
    (012) 394-3415

    – SAnews.gov.za 

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • Trump issues executive order formalising India’s tariff at 25 percent

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    As the deadline for tariffs neared, US President Donald Trump imposed the threatened tariff of 25 per cent on India starting Friday as the prolonged negotiations appeared to have stalled.

    His executive order, issued late Thursday, did not include penalty tariffs on buying Russian energy or for BRICS membership, which he had also threatened.

    When Trump initially threatened the 25 per cent tariff, India said it “will take all steps necessary to secure our national interest”.

    In the order setting the tariff rates for various countries, he claimed he was acting because “large and persistent annual US goods trade deficits constitute an unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security and economy of the United States”.

    The 25 per cent tariff for India was higher than the rate ranging between 15 per cent and 19 per cent he imposed on most countries listed in the order.

    While India was one of the first countries to start negotiations with the US, the talks appeared to have foundered, and Trump made the threat of 25 per cent on Wednesday, but later that day, he held out a ray of hope, saying, “We’re talking to India now, we’ll see what happens”.

    He also did not issue a formal letter to India as he had to other countries.

    But it appears that last-minute negotiations did not lower the tariffs.

    While the negotiations were taking place, Trump repeatedly called Prime Minister Narendra Modi and India his friends.

    (IANS)

  • MIL-OSI USA: CISA Rolls Out Free, Automated Tool for Fighting Malware

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: CISA Rolls Out Free, Automated Tool for Fighting Malware

    When malware threats arise, users in the public and private sector have to react quickly to protect their systems

    Thorium allows users to set up a customized and automated platform that is able to quickly analyze the threats and then add or remove tools based on the evolving needs presented by each new threat

    Thorium is capable of scheduling over 1,700 jobs per second, and then processing 10 million files per hour for each user

    “President Trump and Secretary Noem are getting CISA back on-mission, and the release of CISA’s new anti-malware tool Thorium is the next step towards that goal

    Just like individual tools in a toolbox, certain anti-malware systems are meant to be combat specific,” said Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin

     “Thorium creates a customizable and automated system that streamlines the analysis and combatting of malware with the proper tools

    This new CISA tool optimizes the collaboration between the public sector and the private sector

    ” 

    Under the Trump Administration, CISA is returning to its core mission of protecting the American homeland in cyberspace

    Tools like Thorium, and the processes that develop them, are examples of what the nation’s premiere cybersecurity agency is capable of

    For more information and installation instructions, visit Thorium on CISA

    gov

    # # #

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Migrant Crossings at the Darien Gap Continue to Plummet, Crossings Are Down 99.98%

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: Migrant Crossings at the Darien Gap Continue to Plummet, Crossings Are Down 99

    98%

    lass=”text-align-center”>In May, only 13 crossings were recorded—June dropped further to just 10
    WASHINGTON – Today, the U

    S

    Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced migrant crossings at the Darien Gap have dropped 99

    98% for the months of May and June 2025 compared to a peak under the Biden Administration in August 2023

      
    Under the Biden Administration, crossings in a single month exceeded 82,000

    In May 2025, there were only 13 crossings and the number fell again in June 2025 to just 10

    This is a massive decline in illegal migration through one of the key channels normally utilized by would-be illegal aliens to invade our country

      
    “The dangerous Darien Gap trek is notorious for exposing migrants, including children and the most vulnerable, to sexual abuse, trafficking, and exploitation,” said Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin

    “In Panama’s Darien Gap, migrants are now turning BACK before they even reach our border— only 10 migrants crossed in June

    This is more than a 99

    98% drop from the Biden high when 82,000 illegal aliens crossed in a single month

     The world is hearing our message that America’s borders are closed to lawbreakers

     Thanks to President Trump and Secretary Noem, we have the most secure border in American history

    ” 
    With the most secure border in American history, DHS is focused on deporting those who break our nation’s laws

    If you are here illegally, use the CBP Home App to take control of your departure and receive financial support to return home

    Illegal aliens who use the CBP Home App to self-deport also receive cost-free travel and a $1,000 exit bonus, paid after their return is confirmed through the app

     
    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: As Trump defunds federal firefighting, California steps up: introducing the world’s largest helicopter firefighting fleet

    Source: US State of California 2

    Jul 31, 2025

    What you need to know: California has completed a multi-year effort to modernize its aerial firefighting fleet, with the final delivery of two state-of-the-art Fire Hawk helicopters arriving in Sacramento – bringing CAL FIRE’s Fire Hawk fleet to a total of 16 stationed throughout the state.

    SACRAMENTO – In stark contrast to the Trump administration’s cuts to public safety and emergency response, California continues to ramp up its firefighting arsenal: the state now has the largest civilian helicopter firefighting fleet in the world.

    Governor Gavin Newsom today announced a monumental achievement in CAL FIRE’s ongoing commitment to protecting California, as the final two of sixteen Sikorsky S-70i Fire Hawk helicopters arrived at McClellan Airfield in Sacramento. This arrival completes a multi-year transition that significantly upgrades the department’s aerial firefighting capabilities. This year also marks the full conversion of all ten CAL FIRE Helitack bases from the Vietnam-era Huey UH-1H helicopters to the state-of-the-art Fire Hawk. It’s a full circle moment on an effort that the Governor initiated at the beginning of his first term. 

    This comprehensive modernization effort, which began with the first base receiving a Fire Hawk in 2020, represents a substantial statewide initiative and a long-term investment in the safety and protection of California’s communities, property, and natural landscapes.

    Our fleet of Fire Hawk helicopters – now the largest in the world – is a proven tool in our growing firefighting arsenal. During the devastating Los Angeles fires, we saw them in action, conducting critical missions at night which stopped the Palisades Fire from dipping into Mandeville Canyon and toward the 405 freeway. Hundreds of homes were saved because of these state-of-the-art helicopters and their heroic pilots.

    With the Trump Administration pulling back on federal firefighting, California continues to step up to protect our communities.

    Governor Gavin Newsom

    Earlier this month, the Governor sent a model executive order to the White House for the President to issue to help the federal government match California’s efforts and better manage its forestlands, which make up 57% of California’s forests (compared to just 3% managed by the state). 

    This comes amid the Trump administration’s dangerous cuts to the U.S. Forest Service, which also threatens the safety of communities across the state. The U.S. Forest Service has lost 10% of all positions and 25% of positions outside of direct wildfire response – both of which are likely to impact wildfire response this year. Just last week, the Trump administration proposed a massive reorganization that would shutter the Pacific Regional Forest Service office and other regional Forest Service offices across the West, compounding staff cuts and voluntary resignations across the agency.

    The world’s largest aerial firefighting fleet – just got even bigger

    The new Fire Hawk helicopters add to the largest aerial firefighting fleet in the world. Governor Newsom recently announced that the state’s second C-130 Hercules airtanker is ready for firefighting operations. 

    CAL FIRE’s history with helicopters in firefighting dates back to the 1960s, when the Department first utilized choppers for reconnaissance and transport. Their versatility and ability to operate in challenging terrain led to their adoption for fire suppression in support of ground crews. 

    “The completion of our S-70i Fire Hawk fleet and the transition of all Helitack bases is thanks to the dedication of the entire CAL FIRE aviation program,” said CAL FIRE Chief and Director Joe Tyler. “This is about equipping our firefighters with the most advanced tools available to respond to the increasing complexities of wildland fires.”

    In the 1980s, CAL FIRE began its helicopter fleet with the Bell Huey, and for over four decades, the Huey has been the workhorse of the CAL FIRE Helitack program.

    The impacts of the transition to the purpose-built S-70i Fire Hawk, which began in 2018, are significant:

    • Increased water-dropping capacity: The Fire Hawk can carry nearly three times as much water as its predecessors (1000 gallons), allowing for more effective and immediate suppression efforts.
    • Enhanced night operations: Outfitted for night operations, the Fire Hawk extends CAL FIRE’s ability to fight fires around the clock, a critical advantage in containing rapidly spreading incidents. This capability proved valuable in January when CAL FIRE responded to the Palisades Fire. Multiple CAL FIRE helicopters, and partner agency aircraft, conducted crucial night operations in the Mandeville Canyon area, dropping over 375,000 gallons of water. Operating at low altitudes under night vision goggles (NVG) and navigating complex terrain and hazards such as high-tension power lines, flight crews were instrumental in halting the fire’s advance toward residential neighborhoods. Had the fire breached Mandeville Canyon, projections indicated a rapid spread toward the 405 Freeway corridor, putting hundreds of homes at risk. The combined nighttime and daylight operations ultimately prevented structural loss and showcased the value of CAL FIRE’s modernized aerial fleet and highly trained personnel in defending high-risk urban interface zones. CAL FIRE flew its first night mission with the Fire Hawk in 2022 in response to the Electra Fire.
    • Expanded crew and capabilities: With the capacity for more crew and an external permanently affixed hoist, the Fire Hawk provides greater flexibility for personnel deployment and rescue operations.
    • Improved flight safety: These state-of-the-art helicopters offer a greater degree of safety for firefighters and the community.

    Governor Newsom receives a demo of a CAL FIRE Fire Hawk simulator.

    California’s unprecedented wildfire readiness 

    As part of the state’s ongoing investment in wildfire resilience and emergency response, CAL FIRE has significantly expanded its workforce over the past five years by adding an average of 1,800 full-time and 600 seasonal positions annually – nearly double that of the previous administration. Over the next four years and beyond, CAL FIRE will be hiring thousands of additional firefighters, natural resource professionals, and support personnel to meet the state’s growing demands.

    In recent months, the Governor has announced millions of dollars in investments to protect communities from wildfire – with $135 million available for new and ongoing prevention projects and $72 million going out the door to projects across the state. This is part of over $5 billion the Newsom administration, in collaboration with the legislature, has invested in wildfire and forest resilience since 2019. Additionally, 54 new vegetation management projects spanning nearly 12,000 acres have already been fast-tracked to approval under the streamlined process provided by the Governor’s March 2025 state of emergency proclamation.

    This builds on consecutive years of intensive and focused work by California to confront the severe ongoing risk of catastrophic wildfires. New, bold moves to streamline state-level regulatory processes builds long-term efforts already underway in California to increase wildfire response and forest management in the face of a hotter, drier climate.

    Featured, Press releases

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Amo Hosts Press Call About Skyrocketing Costs and Decimation of Social Safety Net During Trump’s First Six Months

    Source: US Congressman Gabe Amo (Rhode Island 1st District)

    Congressman Amo joined local press to highlight how Trump’s chaotic tariffs, Big, Ugly law, and illegal withholding of federal funds is hurting Rhode Islanders.

    Providence, RI – Today, Congressman Gabe Amo (D-RI) hosted a press call with Rhode Island news outlets highlighting President Donald Trump’s terrible track record of delivering for the Ocean State. 

    “I’ve been working aggressively over the last six months to fight Trump’s betrayal of Rhode Islanders,” said Congressman Gabe Amo (D-RI). “Time and time again, Trump and Congressional Republicans have broken promises. Costs are skyrocketing, they’re stripping 47,000 Rhode Islanders of health care, gutting disaster response, and imposing erratic tariffs – making it impossible for small Rhode Island manufacturers to hire and compete. I’ve voted against their disastrous agenda, signed amicus briefs to stop these illegal actions in the courts, agitated at protests in DC and Rhode Island, and will continue to fight Trump’s treachery every step of the way.”

    Video of the full press call can be found here. 

    Background

    Congressman Amo will spend the month of August, while Congress is not in session, meeting with Rhode Islanders to learn how they are being impacted by Trump’s treachery.

    Today, he joined primary care providers at East Bay Community Action Program to discuss the impact of Medicaid and Medicare cuts on their ability to serve Rhode Islanders. 

    On July 26, 2025 Amo joined Accessibility is Beautiful to celebrate the 35th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and highlight the importance of Medicaid to disabled Americans. 

    On May 20, 2026, he joined the Congressional Black Caucus on the lawn of the U.S. Capitol to highlight the disproportionate harm Trump’s cuts will have on Black and Brown communities. 

    On March 28, 2025 Amo visited Woonsocket Head Start and met the littlest Rhode Islanders whose families may be impacted by cuts to SNAP and Medicaid. 

    On March 18, 2025, with Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse and Congressman Seth Magaziner, Amo met with providers at Butler Hospital in Providence to raise the alarm about the impact of Medicaid cuts to Rhode Islanders seeking behavioral and mental health care.

    On March 17, 2025, Amo met with emergency food providers at the Rhode Island Food Bank and the MLK Center to discuss the harm SNAP cuts will have on hungry Rhode Island families.

    On March 10, 2025, Amo stood with Senator Sheldon Whitehouse and Congressman Seth Magaziner calling out the harms of Medicaid cuts to the 45% of new moms and babies in Rhode Island covered by the program. 

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Simpson Highlights Efforts to Make Housing More Affordable

    Source: US State of Idaho

    Rep. Simpson Highlights Efforts to Make Housing More Affordable

    Washington, August 1, 2025

    WASHINGTON—Today, Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson highlighted his recent legislative actions to address housing affordability in America. These actions include supporting President Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill, voting to advance the Fiscal Year 2026 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, and cosponsoring the Housing Supply Frameworks Act introduced by Representative Mike Flood of Nebraska.
    “Idaho is one of the fastest-growing states in the nation, and one of the top concerns I’ve heard in recent years is what Congress is doing to tackle the housing affordability crisis,” said Rep. Simpson. “Thanks to President Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill and its historic tax relief provisions, addressing this issue has now become a reality. The pro-growth policies in the bill will unleash American economic prosperity and make housing more affordable by putting more money back into the pockets of Idahoans and all Americans. I was proud to support the One Big Beautiful Bill and will continue supporting policies that make housing a priority.”
    Efforts to Make Housing More Affordable:

    H.R. 1 – The One Big Beautiful Bill Act. President Trump signed this legislation into law on July 4th, 2025. The One Big Beautiful Bill extends and expands the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit, permanently extends the tax deduction on mortgage interest, and makes improvements to the Opportunity Zone program.
    H.R. 4552 – The Fiscal Year 2026 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act. This legislation maintains funding at responsible levels for housing programs and refocuses housing assistance to promote self-sufficiency while continuing to support America’s most vulnerable.
    H.R. 2840 – The Housing Supply Frameworks Act. This legislation directs the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to develop frameworks for best practices on zoning and land-use policies.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • Indian stock markets end lower as India-US trade deal stalls

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Indian stock markets ended in negative territory on Friday after the announcement of fresh tariffs by the United States on imports from India. The 25 per cent tariff declaration by US President Donald Trump impacted investor sentiment, leading to broad-based selling across sectors.

    The BSE Sensex declined by 585.67 points or 0.72 per cent to close at 80,599.91. The index opened lower at 81,074.41 and continued to face pressure throughout the session, touching an intra-day low of 80,495.57. The NSE Nifty also witnessed a decline of 203 points or 0.82 per cent, ending at 24,565.35.

    Major drag was seen in the Pharma, IT, and Auto sectors. Stocks such as Tata Steel, Maruti Suzuki, Infosys, Tata Motors, Tech Mahindra, Bharti Airtel, BEL, Bajaj FinServ, ICICI Bank, HCL Tech, Mahindra and Mahindra, and TCS were among the top losers on the Sensex. However, select stocks like Trent, Asian Paints, Hindustan Unilever, and ITC ended the session in green.

    On the sectoral front, Nifty Pharma declined 3.33 per cent, followed by Nifty IT which was down 1.85 per cent, and Nifty Auto which slipped 1.04 per cent. Nifty Bank ended 0.62 per cent lower. Meanwhile, Nifty FMCG bucked the trend to close in green with a gain of 384 points.

    The broader market also mirrored the benchmark indices. Nifty Midcap 100 fell by 1.33 per cent, Nifty Smallcap 100 declined by 1.66 per cent, and Nifty 100 ended 0.91 per cent lower.

    According to market analysts, the markets extended their corrective phase amid concerns over global trade tensions and ongoing foreign fund outflows. “Markets continue to grapple with a mixed earnings season, while the recent tariff announcement and persistent foreign fund outflows are further weighing on sentiment,” said Ajit Mishra, SVP, Research, Religare Broking Ltd.

    Technical analysts also cautioned about key support levels. “A further decline is likely if Nifty slips below 24,400. On the upside, resistance is expected at 24,600–24,650 and 24,850,” said Rupak De, Senior Technical Analyst at LKP Securities.

    -IANS

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Trade – Trump’s tariffs cement new multipolar global economy: deVere CEO

    Source: deVere Group

    August 1 2025 – Donald Trump’s sweeping new tariffs are not just reshaping global trade – they are accelerating the rise of a multipolar global economy.

    The shift away from a US-dominated system is no longer theoretical, it is active and accelerating.

    “Multipolarity now defines the direction of global trade,” says Nigel Green, CEO of deVere Group, one of the world’s largest independent financial advisory and asset management organizations.

    “These tariffs are forcing countries to rewire their trade, capital, and strategic priorities. The world is moving toward multiple centres of economic power and influence.”

    Effective August 7, the US will impose tariffs on nearly every major trading partner.

    Countries running a trade deficit with the US face a 15% floor. Canada has been hit with 35%. Brazil, 50%.

    India now faces a 25% rate, alongside a financial penalty for continuing energy and defence ties with Russia—despite being positioned by Trump as a close ally.

    “India’s inclusion shows how quickly partners can become pressure points. This pressure is already nudging New Delhi toward deeper cooperation with trade rival Beijing. The consequences will be long-term.”

    While trade deals with China and Mexico remain under negotiation, the broader international response is already unfolding.

    “Beijing, Moscow, and increasingly Delhi are coordinating more closely on trade, infrastructure and investment. Long-time allies like Switzerland and Taiwan are reassessing risk. Many governments are seeking to reduce exposure to Washington’s economic leverage altogether.

    “This isn’t a rerun of past trade disputes. It is a global shift away from reliance on the US as the central node. New trade networks are forming by necessity, not necessarily by preference.”

    Diplomatic talks with China have intensified in recent months, with meetings in Geneva, London and Stockholm.

    Beijing is focused on securing a continued freeze on US semiconductor export controls. Washington is demanding action on fentanyl, greater access for American firms, and increased Chinese purchases of US goods. But the real story lies beyond the negotiating table.

    “Tariffs are being baked in as permanent features of the new economic order. Countries are responding by building systems that can operate without US permission.”

    The US tariff list now stretches across continents. Switzerland faces 39%. South Africa, Libya, Algeria, Serbia, and several others between 30% and 41%. Taiwan, Israel, Pakistan, and Norway are all in the 15–20% range. The sweep is deliberate—and global.

    “Markets are adjusting. Capital is shifting. Supply chains are realigning around regional strength, not global scale.”

     

    Nigel Green continues: “The dollar remains dominant, but its influence is no longer unchallenged.

    “Central banks are pursuing alternatives. Reserve diversification is accelerating. Regional trading blocs are pushing forward with new payments infrastructure, less reliant on Washington’s rules.

    “This fragmentation is the new baseline. The post-war consensus on trade and financial cooperation is fading. What replaces it is a world of multiple economic power and influence centres, each with their own rules and reach.”

    For investors, the implications are direct. Correlations are weakening. Policy risk is climbing. Exposure to geopolitical realignment is no longer abstract, it’s active.

    “Anyone still expecting a return to the old system is behind the curve. This is the direction of travel now. Global trade will be multipolar. Capital allocation must reflect that.”

    The deVere CEO concludes: “It locks in a new world order where influence is distributed, and alignment is increasingly transactional. For global investors, it marks the start of a generation-defining realignment.

    “From here, economic and trade power is going to become more fragmented—and competition for it more intense.”

    deVere Group is one of the world’s largest independent advisors of specialist global financial solutions to international, local mass affluent, and high-net-worth clients.  It has a network of offices around the world, more than 80,000 clients, and $14bn under advisement.

    MIL OSI – Submitted News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Statement by Prime Minister Carney on Canada-U.S. trade

    Source: Government of Canada – Prime Minister

    “President Trump has announced that the United States will increase its tariffs to 35% on those Canadian exports that are not covered under the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement, or CUSMA. While the Canadian government is disappointed by this action, we remain committed to CUSMA, which is the world’s second-largest free trade agreement by trading volume.

    The U.S. application of CUSMA means that the U.S. average tariff rate on Canadian goods remains one of its lowest for all of its trading partners. Other sectors of our economy – including lumber, steel, aluminum, and automobiles – are, however, heavily impacted by U.S. duties and tariffs. For such sectors, the Canadian government will act to protect Canadian jobs, invest in our industrial competitiveness, buy Canadian, and diversify our export markets.

    The United States has justified its most recent trade action on the basis of the cross-border flow of fentanyl, despite the fact that Canada accounts for only 1% of U.S. fentanyl imports and has been working intensively to further reduce these volumes. Canada’s government is making historic investments in border security to arrest drug traffickers, take down transnational gangs, and end migrant smuggling. These include thousands of new law enforcement and border security officers, aerial surveillance, intelligence and security operations, and the strongest border legislation in our history. We will continue working with the United States to stop the scourge of fentanyl and save lives in both our countries.

    While we will continue to negotiate with the United States on our trading relationship, the Canadian government is laser focused on what we can control: building Canada strong. The federal government, provinces, and territories are working together to cut down trade barriers to build one Canadian economy. We are developing a series of major nation-building projects with provincial, territorial, and Indigenous partners. Together, these initiatives have the potential to catalyse over half a trillion dollars of new investments in Canada.

    Canadians will be our own best customer, creating more well-paying careers at home, as we strengthen and diversify our trading partnerships throughout the world. We can give ourselves more than any foreign government can ever take away by building with Canadian workers and by using Canadian resources to benefit all Canadians.”

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • India-US partnership has endured transitions and challenges: MEA

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    India and the United States share a comprehensive global strategic partnership rooted in shared interests, democratic values, and strong people-to-people ties, a relationship that has withstood various transitions and challenges over time, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Friday.

    “India and the United States share a comprehensive global strategic partnership anchored in shared interests, democratic values, and robust people-to-people ties. This partnership has weathered several transitions and challenges. We remain focused on the substantive agenda that both countries have committed to and are confident that the relationship will continue to move forward,” MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated during a weekly media briefing in New Delhi. His remarks came in response to a question on India-US ties following Washington’s recent tariff announcement.

    Earlier this week, US President Donald Trump announced the imposition of 25 per cent reciprocal tariffs on Indian goods, along with an unspecified penalty over India’s purchases of Russian energy, effective from August 1.

    “India will be paying a tariff of 25 per cent,” Trump posted on his social media platform, Truth Social.

    He also warned of an additional tariff penalty on India for its continued energy trade with Russia. Trump had earlier declared that all countries purchasing Russian energy would face secondary tariffs of up to 100 per cent if Moscow failed to agree to a ceasefire in Ukraine.

    Initially, the threat to India was perceived by experts as a negotiating tactic aimed at expediting a trade agreement. Both Trump and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick had recently indicated optimism about reaching a deal with India, describing it as one of the first countries likely to finalize an agreement.

     

    –IANS