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Category: MIL-OSI

  • MIL-OSI Canada: The CRA invites taxpayers to share ideas for service improvements

    Source: Government of Canada News (2)

    The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) is committed to providing a high-quality service experience for taxpayers and benefit recipients.

    September 25, 2024                                                     Ottawa, Ontario                                                        Canada Revenue Agency

    The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) is committed to providing a high-quality service experience for taxpayers and benefit recipients. To deliver on these efforts, the CRA is launching public consultations to hear from individuals, non-professional representatives, and tax intermediaries about their experiences with CRA services.

    The CRA service consultations 2024 will play an important role in further understanding the experiences of those who rely on CRA services, and identifying areas where improvements are needed. As the CRA adapts to an ever-changing environment, ensuring our services remain accessible, responsive, and tailored to the evolving needs of clients is our top priority.

    How to participate

    From September 25 to December 2, 2024, individuals, non-professional representatives, and tax intermediaries have the opportunity to share feedback on their experiences interacting with CRA services through an online questionnaire. The CRA will also hold both in-person and virtual consultation sessions with members of these groups by invitation, allowing for more in-depth discussions.

    • Every voice matters: participate in the online questionnaire to share your feedback and help shape the future of CRA services.

    To ensure the privacy of participants and that a wide range of perspectives is captured, the recruitment of participants and reporting will be managed by an independent third party.

    What we hope to learn

    As the world changes with new technologies and evolving trends, your expectations of government services are also shifting. The CRA is the administrator of a complex tax system and recognizes the need to be responsive to these changes to deliver services that strive to put people first. We know taxpayers and benefit recipients deserve a better service experience and we want to focus on what matters most to them. This is why we need feedback. Through these consultations, we aim to understand the specific challenges they are facing and identify areas where our services fall short of their expectations.

    How feedback shapes improvements

    Over the past few years, there has been a growing demand for digital-first, seamless experiences, prompting the CRA to modernize its services to enhance ease of access. Previous feedback has been pivotal in driving service improvements, and these consultations are another important step in ensuring our services address the needs of our clients. Recent key improvements include:

    • Introducing a digital application for the Disability Tax Credit to streamline the process for those who rely on this essential support.
    • Enhancing the CRA’s sign-in services to ensure faster and more secure access to online accounts.
    • Implementing the Learn about your taxes online learning tool to help young people better understand and manage their tax obligations.
    • Increasing Contact Centre hours to improve access to timely support, recognizing the challenges individuals and businesses face in reaching us, we are working to ensure they can get the help they need when they need it.
    • Expanding the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program (CVITP), which helps vulnerable and lower-income populations access free tax-filing support.

    While we’ve made progress, the CRA recognizes that challenges remain and there is still more work to be done. Encouraging participation in these consultations will play a key role in shaping the future of CRA programs and services, making it easier for taxpayers to understand their tax obligations and receive the benefits and credits they may be eligible for.

    For more information on the consultations and to participate, visit CRA service consultations 2024. 

    Justine Lesage
    Director of Communications
    Office of the Minister of National Revenue
    Justine.Lesage@cra-arc.gc.ca

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: NH Delegation Welcomes $60 Million in Tax Credits for Community Development to Support Small Businesses and Spur Economic Growth

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Chris Pappas (D-NH)

    Today the New Hampshire delegation announced that Mascoma Community Development, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Mascoma Bank of Lebanon, was awarded $60 million in New Markets Tax Credits (NMTC) to incentivize development in underserved communities.

    “Investments into our communities and small businesses are helping develop local economies, create more good-paying jobs, and strengthen our quality of life,” said Congressman Pappas. “These funds will incentivize economic development in New Hampshire’s underserved communities to ensure no city or town is left behind. I’ll continue to advocate for programs that help our state, small businesses, and communities grow and thrive.” 

    “Underserved communities and small businesses often struggle to get the capital they need to grow, which is why this investment is key to the overall economic success of our state. I’m glad to see this award going to Mascoma Community Development to help ensure small businesses and entrepreneurs working to develop these communities have the resources they need to succeed,” said Senator Shaheen. “I look forward to continuing to support programs that provide development opportunities, create jobs and grow our economy in communities across New Hampshire.” 

    “Investing in Granite State businesses and ensuring that they have access to the capital that they need is a key way to help our local economy thrive,” said Senator Hassan. “This federal funding will promote development and growth in the Upper Valley and throughout New Hampshire, and I will keep supporting programs that help create jobs and invest in our state.” 

    “Small businesses and local entrepreneurs are the backbone of New Hampshire’s economy and way of life,” said Congresswoman Kuster. “These resources heading to Mascoma Community Development will go a long way toward uplifting our Main Street businesses and the communities they serve, and I look forward to seeing the benefit the New Market Tax Credit program continues to have on New Hampshire’s economic growth.” 

    This award is provided by the U.S. Department of Treasury’s Community Development Financial Institutions Fund (CDFI Fund), which promotes development in low-income urban and rural communities by investing in mission-driven financial institutions. Tax credit allocations awarded to Community Development Entities (CDE), such as Mascoma Community Development, enable CDEs to raise additional capital to invest in low income and distressed communities in return for tax credits. The total tax credit provided to investors equals 39 percent of the original investment and is spread over a seven-year period. 

    Historically, NMTC Program awards have generated $8 of private investment for every $1 invested by the federal government. Through the end of fiscal year 2023, NMTC Program award recipients deployed more than $66 billion in investments in low-income communities and businesses, supporting more than 894,000 jobs and the construction or rehabilitation of nearly 259.5 million square feet of commercial real estate.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Casten, Brownley Propose Voluntary Carbon Footprint Label for Food

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Sean Casten (IL-06)

    September 25, 2024

    Washington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Congressman Sean Casten (IL-06) and Congresswoman Julia Brownley (CA-26) introduced the Voluntary Food Climate Labeling Act, legislation to revolutionize the way consumers learn about the climate impact of the food they purchase.

    Under the legislation, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will work with food producers, manufacturers, and retailers to develop a voluntary food climate label to place on products that will contain EPA-verified information relating to the carbon footprint of that product.

    “A growing number of consumers are eager to know the climate impacts of the items they purchase,” said Rep. Sean Casten. “The Voluntary Food Climate Labeling Act provides them with the information they need to make climate-conscious decisions–if they so choose–with their hard-earned money, empowering them to take control of their own carbon footprint.”

    “The food and agriculture sector currently contributes an estimated 10 percent of the total greenhouse gas emissions in the United States,” said Congresswoman Julia Brownley. “While a majority of U.S. consumers say that sustainability is important to them when purchasing food, research shows that consumers struggle to identify which products are the most sustainable. This food climate label would help consumers more easily identify sustainable foods and food production, creating a simple and effective solution to address one of the significant causes of greenhouse gas emissions. Creating this label will be a real win-win for the agriculture sector, consumers, and our environment.”

    The label will include information on the greenhouse gas emissions released during the production, manufacturing, distribution, consumer use, end-of-life reuse, and recycling of a food product. This will help food producers, manufacturers, and retailers showcase the work they’ve done to reduce their carbon footprint, while empowering consumers with more information to shop more sustainably.

    Text of the legislation can be found here.

    How it Works:

    • The legislation would establish the Voluntary Food Climate Labeling Program at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), in consultation with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) in implementing the program.
    • Entities selling food products will be allowed, but not mandated, to apply to the Program to put a food climate label on the packaging of their food product.
    • The label will:
    • Provide a numerical summary of the best available information regarding the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions released during the growing of the food ingredients, manufacturing, processing, packaging, distribution, storage, presentation in the retail establishment, consumer use (including the energy involved in refrigeration and cooking), end-of-life reuse, recycling, composting, treatment, and disposal of the food and its packaging.
    • Of the above information, the food producer, manufacturer, or retailer will provide the “cradle-to-gate” information, from the growing of the food to its arrival at the retail establishment. Because the rest of the food lifecycle – including how it is stored, prepared, and disposed of – is beyond the control of these businesses, EPA will provide the information on the rest, based on the typical use case, in consultation with the producer, manufacturer, or retailer.
    • In addition, the label will:
    1. Convey the information in a manner determined to be most useful to the consumer at the point of sale;
    1. Not convey that any given food is acceptable or unacceptable – that kind of decision being left to the consumer, presumably as informed by the factual information conveyed through the label;
    1. Convey that the information has been verified by EPA;
    1. Include a logo to help the consumer identify the label;
    1. Include a QR code to provide the consumer access to the above-described in-depth information.
    1. In specifying the visual form, the information to be included, and the method for verification, the EPA shall consult with food industry stakeholders, and may do so through the establishment of a federal advisory committee or a negotiated rulemaking.

    # # #

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Translation: SDG Flag Day in Lugano: the important role of cities in implementing the Sustainable Development Goals

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

    Source: Switzerland – Department of Foreign Affairs in French

    Federal Department of Foreign Affairs

    Bern, 25.09.2024 – Since 2019, the SDG Flag Day has been held every year on 25 September, at the initiative of the business community (UN Global Compact). Schools, municipalities, organisations, companies and governments raise a flag depicting the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to symbolically express their support for the 2030 Agenda and the SDGs. By participating in the SDG Flag Day event in Lugano, the two Federal Council delegates for the 2030 Agenda, Markus Reubi and Daniel Dubas, are emphasising the importance of cities in implementing the 2030 Agenda.

    Access to green spaces and public spaces, sustainable transport systems, waste sorting or urban planning with all stakeholders: cities are particularly confronted with the challenges of sustainability. Although they only cover 3% of the Earth’s surface, they consume three quarters of the world’s resources and are responsible for 75% of global emissions. This is why SDG 11 “Sustainable cities and communities” of the 2030 Agenda also addresses this central theme.

    Cities and municipalities must be designed to be more inclusive, resilient and green. On this year’s SDG Flag Day, the City of Lugano is illustrating with various examples how it is contributing to the implementation of the 2030 Agenda.

    “With his program

    Today’s event in Lugano is the starting point for closer collaboration between the FDFA and various cities in the field of sustainability, which will be supported by a city symposium at the 2025 edition.

    Agenda 2030The 2030 Agenda is the global framework for local, national and international efforts to find common solutions to major global challenges, such as climate change, resource exploitation, biodiversity conservation and health crises. The 2030 Agenda was adopted on 25 September 2015 by 193 UN Member States, including Switzerland. It applies to all States and sets sustainable development goals until 2030. In Switzerland, too, the 2030 Agenda outlines the broad outlines of sustainable development policy. The 17 SDGs and their 169 targets are at the heart of the 2030 Agenda. They are structured around five principles that guide action: people, planet, prosperity, peace and partnership. With these five principles, the 2030 Agenda aims to ensure human well-being, economic development and environmental protection and addresses aspects such as peace, the rule of law and governance. The SDG Flag Day event is an initiative of the United Nations Global Compact, a global network of businesses committed to the goals of the 2030 Agenda.

    Address for sending questions

    Communication DFAE Federal Palace WestCH-3003 BernTel. Press Service: 41 58 460 55 55E-Mail: kommunikation@eda.admin.chTwitter: @EDA_DFAE

    Author

    Federal Department of Foreign Affairshttps://www.eda.admin.ch/eda/fr/dfae.html

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

    MIL Translation OSI

  • MIL-OSI USA: McCaul, Rogers, Turner, Cole, Calvert, Díaz-Balart Demand Biden-Harris Admin Release Unclassified Ukraine Strategy

    Source: US House Committee on Foreign Affairs

    Media Contact 202-226-8467

    Washington, D.C. – Today, House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Michael McCaul (R-TX), House Armed Services Committee Chairman Mike Rogers (R-AL), House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence Chairman Mike Turner (R-OH), House Appropriations Chairman Tom Cole (R-OK), House Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense Chairman Ken Calvert (R-CA), and House Appropriations Committee’s Subcommittee on State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Chairman Mario Díaz-Balart (R-FL) released a statement demanding the Biden-Harris administration release an unclassified version of the Ukraine strategy as required by law.

    “The Biden-Harris administration must immediately release an unclassified version of its strategy for how U.S. and allied assistance will hasten a Ukrainian victory in Russia’s war of aggression. After submitting the strategy months after the congressionally-mandated deadline, the decision to fully classify it is unacceptable and defies critical provisions that House Republicans fought to enact as part of the National Security Supplemental and the FY24 spending bills. Given the vital U.S. interests at stake in Ukraine defeating Putin’s invading forces, all of Congress and the American people deserve to understand how their hard-earned tax dollars are being spent.”

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Translation: Agency invites taxpayers to share ideas for improving services

    MIL OSI Translation. Canadian French to English –

    Source: Government of Canada – in French 1

    The Canada Revenue Agency is committed to providing a high-quality service experience to taxpayers and benefit recipients.

    September 25, 2024 Ottawa, Ontario Canada Revenue Agency

    The Canada Revenue Agency is committed to providing a high-quality service experience to taxpayers and benefit recipients. In this spirit, the Agency is launching public consultations to hear from individuals, non-professional representatives and tax intermediaries on their appreciation of the Agency’s services.

    THE Consultations on Agency 2024 services will serve, on the one hand, to better understand the experience of people who rely on the Agency’s services and, on the other hand, to identify areas where improvements are desirable. As the Agency adapts to a constantly changing environment, its top priority remains to ensure that its services remain accessible, responsive and adapted to the changing needs of clients.

    How to participate

    From September 25 to December 2, 2024, individuals, non-professional representatives, and tax intermediaries will have the opportunity to share their impressions of their interactions with the Agency’s services through an online questionnaire. The Agency will also hold in-person and online consultation sessions with members of these groups by invitation to conduct more in-depth discussions.

    Every voice counts: Answer the online questionnaire to share your thoughts and help shape the future of the Agency’s services.

    To ensure participant confidentiality and to obtain a broad range of perspectives, participant recruitment and reporting will be managed by an independent third party.

    What the Agency hopes to learn

    New technologies and emerging trends are changing the world, and so are taxpayers’ expectations of government services. The Agency, which administers a complex tax system, recognizes the need to adapt to these changes in order to provide people-centred services. It also recognizes that taxpayers and benefit recipients deserve a better service experience and want to focus on what matters most to them. That’s why it needs their feedback. The consultations will help us understand the specific challenges they face and identify specific services that are not meeting their expectations.

    How taxpayer feedback shapes the Agency’s services

    In recent years, demand for a seamless digital experience has increased, prompting the Agency to modernize its services to make them easier to access. Feedback collected in the past has played a vital role in improving services, and the upcoming consultations will be another important step in ensuring service delivery is tailored to the needs of our clients. Key improvements the Agency has made include:

    Creating a digital form for the Disability Tax Credit to simplify the process for those who rely on this critical support. Enhancing the Agency’s login services to ensure faster and more secure access to online accounts. Launching the Understanding Your Taxes e-learning tool to help youth better understand and manage their tax obligations. Extending contact centre hours to improve access to timely support. Recognizing the challenges individuals and businesses face in reaching the Agency, the Agency is working to ensure they can get the help they need when they need it. Expanding the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program (CVITP), which helps vulnerable and low-income individuals access free support with filing their taxes.

    While progress has been made, the Agency recognizes that challenges remain and that more work needs to be done. Encouraging participation in these consultations will play a key role in shaping the Agency’s future programs and services, making it easier for taxpayers to understand their tax obligations and access the benefits and credits to which they are entitled.

    To learn more about the consultations and to complete the questionnaire, go to ARC Services Consultations 2024.

    Justine LesageDirector of CommunicationsOffice of the Minister of National RevenueJustine.Lesage@cra-arc.gc.ca

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

    MIL Translation OSI

  • MIL-OSI Security: Stockton Man Pleads Guilty to Firearm Offense

    Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime Alerts (b)

    SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Ricardo Sanchez, 32, of Stockton, pleaded guilty today to being a felon in possession of a firearm, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.

    According to court documents, on Aug. 20, 2023, law enforcement officers found Sanchez to be in possession of a Springfield Armory Hellcat 9 mm semi-automatic pistol. Sanchez is prohibited from possessing a firearm due to multiple prior felony convictions, including conspiracy to commit a crime and inflicting injury on a spouse/cohabitant or fellow parent.

    This case is the product of an investigation by the Sacramento Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Whitnee Goins is prosecuting the case.

    Sanchez is scheduled to be sentenced on Jan. 6, 2025, by U.S. District Judge William B. Shubb. Sanchez faces a maximum statutory penalty of 15 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The actual sentence, however, will be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables.

    This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the U.S. Department of Justice launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

    This case is the result of the ongoing collaboration between the Sacramento Police Department and its local, state, and federal partners as part of a Public Safety Partnership (PSP) to address violent crime in our community. Started in 2022, the Sacramento PSP is a multifaceted violence-reduction strategy that relies on innovative data-driven strategies to promote public and community safety. Participating PSP partners include the Sacramento County’s District Attorney’s Office, the FBI, the DEA, the ATF, the U.S. Marshals Service, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Boebert’s Legislation to Protect Native Fish Species and Responsible Water & Power Users Passes in the House of Representatives

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Lauren Boebert (Colorado, 3)

    Washington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Congresswoman Lauren Boebert (CO-03) applauded final passage of her legislation H.R. 4596, “Upper Colorado and San Juan River Basins Endangered Fish Recovery Programs Reauthorization Act:” 

    “Passage of my bill to reauthorize the Upper Colorado and San Juan River Basin Recovery Programs is a major win for Colorado and the West. These important programs, which will be extended for an additional seven fiscal years, will ensure that 2,500 water and power projects continue, and provide legal certainty for water and power users throughout Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming. 

    With strong bicameral, bipartisan momentum and significant stakeholder support, I’m confident this bill will become law and this important program will be reauthorized,” said Congresswoman Boebert.

    “Congresswoman Boebert is true fighter for Colorado’s rich biodiversity, and her bill to reauthorize the endangered fish recovery programs in the San Juan and Upper Colorado River Basins will ensure these species are healthy for future generations to enjoy. I’m so glad to see this commonsense, science-based legislation pass the House today, and look forward to seeing it signed into law,” said House Natural Resources Committee Chairman Bruce Westerman

    Background:

    The House of Representatives voted to pass Congresswoman Lauren Boebert’s bill H.R. 4596, the Upper Colorado and San Juan River Basins Endangered Fish Recovery Programs Reauthorization Act.

    Congresswoman Boebert’s bicameral bill, which passed with overwhelming bipartisan support, provides a clean, seven-year reauthorization of the Upper Colorado and San Juan Recovery Programs that protect four threatened and endangered native fish species in the Upper Colorado and San Juan River Basins by extending conservation programs at current funding levels for seven additional fiscal years.

    The Upper Colorado and San Juan Recovery Programs were established in 1988 to achieve full recovery of four federally listed endangered fish species including the humpback chub, bonytail, Colorado pikeminnow, and razorback sucker. Those designations led to the threat of significant water and power-use restrictions.

    The recovery programs facilitate water delivery from the Navajo, Flaming Gorge, and Aspinall Unit reservoirs which collectively can store more than 6.5 million acre-feet of water as part of the Colorado River Storage Project.

    For over three decades, states, tribes, local communities, environmental groups, energy users, and water users, have partnered to help recover four threatened and endangered fish species while continuing water and power facility development and operations in the Upper Colorado River Basin and the San Juan River Basin.

    Non-federal partners contribute $11 million per year in water contributions, plus another $750,000 in staffing and in-kind contributions. Participating states contribute $500,000 to base funding each year in cash equivalents for recovery actions, including for fish hatcheries and non-native fish removal.

    The Fish and Wildlife Service contributes $1.56 million per year in base funding. The Bureau of Reclamation provides cost-shared contributions to both base and capital funding. Reclamation’s capital funding supports major infrastructure projects at reservoirs, diversion dams, canals, and floodplains across the basin.

    Without these programs, these 2,500 water and power users would have to perform extremely burdensome Section 7 consultations for all 2,500 individual projects.

    Because of the success of these programs, the humpback chub and the razorback sucker are success stories with the chub been downlisted from endangered to threatened and the razorback being recommended for downlisting. 

    Rep. Boebert’s bill is the result of months of hard work with local stakeholders, the Bureau of Reclamation, and Senators Hickenlooper and Romney, and others to provide a long-term solution by reauthorizing these vital programs until 2031.

    Groups supporting Congresswoman Boebert’s Upper Colorado and San Juan River Basins Endangered Fish Recovery Programs Reauthorization Act include: Aurora Water, Central Utah Water Conservancy District, Clifton Water District, Colorado River District, Colorado River Energy Distributors Association, Colorado Springs Utilities, Colorado Water Congress, Delta County Commissioners, Denver Water, Dolores County Commissioners, Dolores Water Conservancy District, Grand Valley Water Users, Huerfano County Commissioners, LaPlata Water Conservation District, Mesa County Farm Bureau, Montezuma County, Municipal Subdistrict, Northern Colorado Water Conservancy District, Pueblo Water, Purgatoire River Water Conservancy District, Rio Blanco Board of Commissioners, Rio Blanco Water Conservancy District, Rio Grande Water Conservation District, San Juan Water Commission, Southern Ute Tribe, Southeastern Colorado Water Conservancy District, Southwestern Water Conservation District, Tri-County Water Conservancy District, Utah Waters Users Association, Ute Mountain Ute Tribe, and Ute Water Conservancy District.

    Co-sponsors of Congresswoman Boebert’s bill include Rep. John Duarte (CA-13), Rep. Paul Gosar (AZ-09), Rep. Doug LaMalfa (CA-01), Rep. Doug Lamborn (CO-05), Rep. Harriet Hageman (WY-AL), Rep. Troy Nehls (TX-22), and Rep. Dan Newhouse (WA-04). 

    Full text of Rep. Boebert’s Upper Colorado and San Juan River Basins Endangered Fish Recovery Programs Reauthorization Act can be found HERE. Full replay of Rep. Boebert’s remarks on the House floor can be found HERE.

    ###

    For updates, subscribe to Congresswoman Boebert’s newsletter here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Grassley, Ernst Leverage Newly Obtained Records on ATF’s Unlawful Misclassification Scandal to Seek Answers & Accountability

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Iowa Chuck Grassley

    WASHINGTON – Upon obtaining an unreleased report via protected whistleblower disclosures, Iowa Sens. Chuck Grassley and Joni Ernst are raising additional questions about the Office of Personnel Management (OPM)’s decision to reinstate the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosive (ATF)’s position classification authority. The Office of Special Counsel previously substantiated whistleblower claims ATF repeatedly and unlawfully labeled administrative positions as “law enforcement,” costing the taxpayer at least $20 million. 
    The new records show the Justice Department (DOJ) Justice Management Division (JMD), which is supposed to determine whether DOJ is properly classifying law enforcement positions, requested the National Academy of Public Administration (NAPA) assess the agency’s practices. The resulting report reveals far-reaching failures across DOJ and raises flags about findings in an ATF Human Capital Management Evaluation (HCME) audit OPM conducted but has yet to publish.
    “[OPM] must fully explain, in detail, the actions taken by ATF, the Justice Department, and JMD to come into full compliance with the law, as well as the oversight mechanisms put in place to prevent millions of taxpayer dollars from being subjected to further ‘substantial waste’ due to the ATF’s illegal misconduct,” Grassley and Ernst wrote. “Further, the Justice Department must provide answers to the taxpayers about how those who were involved in or allowed ATF’s illegal misclassification scheme to continue have been held accountable. The American public deserves transparency from the OPM.”
    Notable excerpts from the NAPA report:

    DOJ’s lack of effective oversight enabled ATF’s illegal misclassification scheme to persist; JMD only denied one ATF classification request in the past eight years, despite OPM identifying 91 misclassified positions. 

    Grassley and Ernst are requesting OPM provide the complete, unpublished ATF HCME audit. However, the NAPA report discusses the following audit contents:

    “[S]ome ATF [human resources] staff raised their concerns about the [illegal classifications] to the ATF leadership, but leaders rejected their concerns” and “ignored warnings by ATF officials.” 

    The senators’ full letters to JMD and ATF, as well as OPM, are available at the corresponding links. 
    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SBA Announces Over $3 Million in Awards to Advance Local Entrepreneurial Ecosystems for STEM, R&D-Focused Small Businesses and Startups

    Source: United States Small Business Administration

    WASHINGTON – Today, Administrator Isabel Casillas Guzman, head of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and the voice in President Biden’s Cabinet for America’s more than 34 million small businesses, announced the 2024 Growth Accelerator Fund Competition (GAFC) Stage Two winners. Forty-four accelerator partnerships received between $50,000 and $150,000 each to advance their work supporting small businesses and startups in STEM and research and development (R&D) across priority areas like national and economic security, domestic manufacturing and production, and sustainability and biotechnology. 

    “Innovation happens everywhere and the Biden-Harris Administration is continuing to build on its commitment to promote sustainable and inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystems that advance research and development and commercialization in communities across the nation,” said Administrator Guzman. “The 2024 GAFC Stage Two award winners will drive forward the Investing in America agenda and strengthen America’s global competitiveness by continuing to support the expanding and increasingly diverse entrepreneurs across the nation and provide them with the opportunities that lower barriers for market and capital access.”

    GAFC Stage One prizes emphasized ecosystem network building, while Stage Two efforts focus on the enhanced support that can be provided to small businesses and startups through these Growth Accelerator Partnerships. These partnerships span public, private, nonprofit, and academic institutions, fostering collaboration across industries and geographies, with lead awardees headquartered in 34 U.S. states and territories, including Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico, and assisting innovators nationally.

    “Since its launch in 2014, the SBA’s Growth Accelerator Fund Competition (GAFC) has made a positive difference to local and national innovation-focused entrepreneurship organizations and the communities they support. The competition has grown to be a core component and vital source of support to our nation’s innovation ecosystem. Over the last decade, SBA has awarded 566 prizes totaling over $33 million to winners across the U.S. and U.S. territories. We are delighted to announce 31 of this year’s Stage Two winners are new to the program, and we are inspired to witness communities of ecosystem developers coming together to build new relationships and networks with GAFC funding,” said Bailey G. DeVries, Associate Administrator for SBA’s Office of Investment and Innovation. 

    Growth Accelerator Fund Competition Stage Two Winners

    Learn more about each GAFC partnership in the public directory located at https://bit.ly/GAFC24Directory. 

    National and Economic Security

    • Ala., The Catalyst Center for Business and Entrepreneurship
    • Calif., Starburst Accelerator
    • Colo., Catalyst Accelerator
    • Ind., Central Indiana Corporate Partnership
    • Ind., Indiana Center for Emerging Technologies
    • La., Maven Scouts
    • Md., Rural Autonomous Innovation Network (RAIN) Association of University Research Parks (AURP)
    • Mo., Codefi Foundation on Rural Innovation
    • Mont., Early Stage Montana
    • Neb., Invest Nebraska
    • N.M., NewSpace Nexus

    Domestic Manufacturing and Production

    • Ariz., Startup Tucson
    • Ark., Endeavor NWA Entrepreneurs
    • District of Columbia, National Disability Institute
    • Fla., Florida Institute of Technology
    • Fla., International Business Innovation Association
    • Hawaii, XLR8HI
    • N.C., RIoT
    • N.D., Grand Farm Research and Education Initiative Inc.
    • N.Y., FuzeHub
    • N.Y., Southern Tier High Technology Incubator Inc.
    • Utah, Utah Advanced Materials Manufacturing Institute
    • Wash., 360 Social Impact Studios

    Sustainability and Biotechnology

    • Alaska, Spruce Root Inc.
    • Calif., Los Angeles Cleantech Incubator
    • Conn., The Community Foundation-Mission Investments Company
    • Ill., University of Illinois Research Park LLC
    • Maine, Central Maine Growth Council
    • Mass., SeaAhead Inc.
    • Minn., RuralWorks Partners LLC
    • N.C., Eva Garland Consulting LLC
    • N.Y., The Hudson Valley Venture Hub at SUNY New Paltz
    • Ore., Oregon Health and Science University
    • Pa., University City Science Center
    • Puerto Rico, CARBONO3 LLC
    • Tenn., BioTN Foundation Inc.
    • Tenn., Native American Investment and Capital Alliance
    • Texas, Health Wildcatters
    • Texas, Impact Hub Houston
    • Utah, Altitude Lab
    • Va., FedTech
    • Vt., LaunchVT
    • W.Va., U.S. Research Impact Alliance Corp.
    • Washington, D.C., Women in Engineering ProActive Network 

    “Supported by SBA’s Investment and Innovation Ecosystem Development (IIED) Division, the Growth Accelerator Fund Competition awards boost strategic partnerships that create a national network so entrepreneurs can tap into significant capital and resources. Our work emphasizes the value of strategic connections and relationships across a wide variety of entrepreneur support organizations and accentuates how the work they are doing can successfully impact the growth and advancement of our federal innovation ecosystem,” said Brittany Sickler, Director of Ecosystem Development, for SBA’s Office of Investment and Innovation. “We are changing the trajectory for underserved communities and founders so that more startups and small businesses can scale and grow. “

    For more information about the Growth Accelerator Fund Competition, please visit SBA’s Growth Accelerator Fund Competition (americasseedfund.us). 

    ###

    About SBA Office of Investment and Innovation

    The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Office of Investment and Innovation (OII) leads programs that provide the growth-oriented small business and startup community with access to financial capital, networks, assistance, and R&D funds to develop commercially viable innovations. Our work is underpinned by public-private partnerships that help small businesses on their trajectory from idea to IPO. 
     

    About the U.S. Small Business Administration

    The U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of business ownership. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow, expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Boussard & Gavaudan Holding Ltd (GBP): Results of Annual General Meeting

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Boussard & Gavaudan Holding Limited (the “Company”)
    a closed-ended investment company incorporated with limited liability under the laws of Guernsey
    with registration number 45582

    Legal Entity Identifier: 5493002XNM3W9D6DF327

    Results of Annual General Meeting

    The Company hereby gives notification that at the annual general meeting of the Company held on Wednesday, 25 September, 2024 at 11.30 a.m., all resolutions set out in the notice of meeting were duly passed. The Board would like to thank the shareholders of the Company for their continued support.

    The details of all resolutions passed are as follows:

    ORDINARY BUSINESS – ORDINARY RESOLUTIONS

    1.        That the Company’s annual report and audited financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2023 be received. (2,093,048 votes cast, all in favour, none against and none withheld)

    2.        That Mr Erich Bonnet who, being eligible and having offered himself for re-election, be re-appointed as a director of the Company. (2,093,048 votes cast, all in favour, none against and none withheld)

    3.        That Ms Sylvie Sauton who, being eligible and having offered herself for re-election, be re-appointed as a director of the Company. (2,093,048 votes cast, all in favour, none against and none withheld)

    4.        That Mr Luke Allen who, being eligible and having offered himself for re-election, be re-appointed as a director of the Company. (2,093,048 votes cast, all in favour, none against and none withheld)

    5.        That Mr Frédéric Hervouet who, being eligible and having offered himself for re-election, be re-appointed as a director of the Company. (2,093,048 votes cast, all in favour, none against and none withheld)

    For further information, please contact:

    Boussard & Gavaudan Investment Management, LLP
    Emmanuel Gavaudan
    +44 20 3751 5389

    JTC Fund Solutions (Guernsey) Limited
    Secretary
    +44 (0) 1481 702400

    25 September, 2024
    Website: www.bgholdingltd.com

    The Company is established as a closed-ended investment company domiciled in Guernsey. The Company has been authorised by the Guernsey Financial Services Commission as an authorised closed-ended investment scheme. The Company is registered with the Dutch Authority for the Financial Markets as a collective investment scheme pursuant to article 2:73 in conjunction with 2:66 of the Dutch Financial Supervision Act (Wet op het financieel toezicht). The shares of the Company (the “Shares”) are listed on Euronext Amsterdam. The Shares are also listed on the Official List of the UK Listing Authority and admitted to trading on the London Stock Exchange plc’s main market for listed securities.

    This is not an offer to sell or a solicitation of any offer to buy any securities in the United States or in any other jurisdiction. This announcement is not intended to and does not constitute, or form part of, any offer or invitation to purchase any securities or the solicitation of any vote or approval in any jurisdiction, nor shall there be any sale, issuance or transfer of the securities referred to in this announcement in any jurisdiction in contravention of applicable law.

    Neither the Company nor BG Master Fund ICAV have been, and neither will be, registered under the US Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “Investment Company Act”). In addition the securities referenced in this announcement have not been and will not be registered under the US Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”). Consequently any such securities may not be offered, sold or otherwise transferred within the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, US persons except in accordance with the Securities Act or an exemption therefrom and under circumstances which will not require the issuer of such securities to register under the Investment Company Act. No public offering of any securities will be made in the United States.

    You should always bear in mind that:

    • all investment is subject to risk;
    • results in the past are no guarantee of future results;
    • the investment performance of BGHL may go down as well as up. You may not get back all of your original investment; and
    • if you are in any doubt about the contents of this communication or if you consider making an investment decision, you are advised to seek expert financial advice.

    This communication is for information purposes only and the information contained in this communication should not be relied upon as a substitute for financial or other professional advice.

    END OF ANNOUNCEMENT

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Boussard & Gavaudan Holding Ltd (EUR): Results of Annual General Meeting

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Boussard & Gavaudan Holding Limited (the “Company”)
    a closed-ended investment company incorporated with limited liability under the laws of Guernsey
    with registration number 45582

    Legal Entity Identifier: 5493002XNM3W9D6DF327

    Results of Annual General Meeting

    The Company hereby gives notification that at the annual general meeting of the Company held on Wednesday, 25 September, 2024 at 11.30 a.m., all resolutions set out in the notice of meeting were duly passed. The Board would like to thank the shareholders of the Company for their continued support.

    The details of all resolutions passed are as follows:

    ORDINARY BUSINESS – ORDINARY RESOLUTIONS

    1.        That the Company’s annual report and audited financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2023 be received. (2,093,048 votes cast, all in favour, none against and none withheld)

    2.        That Mr Erich Bonnet who, being eligible and having offered himself for re-election, be re-appointed as a director of the Company. (2,093,048 votes cast, all in favour, none against and none withheld)

    3.        That Ms Sylvie Sauton who, being eligible and having offered herself for re-election, be re-appointed as a director of the Company. (2,093,048 votes cast, all in favour, none against and none withheld)

    4.        That Mr Luke Allen who, being eligible and having offered himself for re-election, be re-appointed as a director of the Company. (2,093,048 votes cast, all in favour, none against and none withheld)

    5.        That Mr Frédéric Hervouet who, being eligible and having offered himself for re-election, be re-appointed as a director of the Company. (2,093,048 votes cast, all in favour, none against and none withheld)

    For further information, please contact:

    Boussard & Gavaudan Investment Management, LLP
    Emmanuel Gavaudan
    +44 20 3751 5389

    JTC Fund Solutions (Guernsey) Limited
    Secretary
    +44 (0) 1481 702400

    25 September, 2024
    Website: www.bgholdingltd.com

    The Company is established as a closed-ended investment company domiciled in Guernsey. The Company has been authorised by the Guernsey Financial Services Commission as an authorised closed-ended investment scheme. The Company is registered with the Dutch Authority for the Financial Markets as a collective investment scheme pursuant to article 2:73 in conjunction with 2:66 of the Dutch Financial Supervision Act (Wet op het financieel toezicht). The shares of the Company (the “Shares”) are listed on Euronext Amsterdam. The Shares are also listed on the Official List of the UK Listing Authority and admitted to trading on the London Stock Exchange plc’s main market for listed securities.

    This is not an offer to sell or a solicitation of any offer to buy any securities in the United States or in any other jurisdiction. This announcement is not intended to and does not constitute, or form part of, any offer or invitation to purchase any securities or the solicitation of any vote or approval in any jurisdiction, nor shall there be any sale, issuance or transfer of the securities referred to in this announcement in any jurisdiction in contravention of applicable law.

    Neither the Company nor BG Master Fund ICAV have been, and neither will be, registered under the US Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “Investment Company Act”). In addition the securities referenced in this announcement have not been and will not be registered under the US Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”). Consequently any such securities may not be offered, sold or otherwise transferred within the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, US persons except in accordance with the Securities Act or an exemption therefrom and under circumstances which will not require the issuer of such securities to register under the Investment Company Act. No public offering of any securities will be made in the United States.

    You should always bear in mind that:

    • all investment is subject to risk;
    • results in the past are no guarantee of future results;
    • the investment performance of BGHL may go down as well as up. You may not get back all of your original investment; and
    • if you are in any doubt about the contents of this communication or if you consider making an investment decision, you are advised to seek expert financial advice.

    This communication is for information purposes only and the information contained in this communication should not be relied upon as a substitute for financial or other professional advice.

    END OF ANNOUNCEMENT

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICYMI: At Hearing, Warren Slams Trump for Role in Criminalizing Abortion, Pushes Back on Misinformation

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts – Elizabeth Warren
    September 25, 2024
    Warren: “The consequences (of overturning Roe v. Wade) have been disastrous. Women hemorrhaging in parking lots until they are closer to death, women airlifted to another state for an emergency abortion, women traveling from emergency room to emergency room, desperate for help, only to be turned away and left to miscarry at home.” 
    Warren: “Thanks to Donald Trump, doctors in nearly half the country now have to wonder if they will face criminal penalties for providing medically necessary care.”
    Video of Exchange (YouTube)
    Washington, D.C. – At a hearing of the Senate Finance Committee, Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) highlighted the dangerous consequences women have faced two years after Donald Trump’s Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade. Senator Warren recounted recent tragedies in states with abortion bans and warned that doctors’ ability to perform life-saving care in emergency situations is under attack. Just last week, ProPublica reported on the untimely deaths of two Georgia mothers, Amber Nicole Thurman and Candi Miller, who were denied timely care following rare, but treatable, complications from medication abortion. 
    Senator Warren pushed back on Republican efforts to use these womens’ deaths to spread misinformation about the safety of medication abortion, which Dr. Amelia Huntsberger, Obstetrician and Gynecologist, confirmed is “extremely safe.” When asked what is to blame for the unnecessary suffering women are facing when attempting to receive emergency medical care in states with abortion bans, Dr. Huntsberger clarified that “lawmakers, who may or may not have bothered to understand the complexity of pregnancy and medical care, made laws that are impacting physicians’ ability to act and to take care of their patients.” 
    Senator Warren also highlighted the stakes of the Supreme Court’s decision to dismiss a case related to the federal Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA), which requires hospitals that accept Medicare to provide stabilizing care to individuals with an emergency medical condition. Professor Michele Goodwin, JD, Georgetown University School of Law, described the Court’s failure to affirm the 200-year-old principle that federal law preempts state law as “incredibly dangerous.” 
    Senator Warren called for restoring the protections of Roe v. Wade to protect women’s lives and bodily autonomy.  
    Transcript: Hearing on Chaos and Control: How Trump Criminalized Women’s Health Care Senate Finance CommitteeSeptember 24, 2024
    Senator Elizabeth Warren: So it has been two years since Donald Trump’s Supreme Court overturned Roe versus Wade. The consequences have been disastrous. Women hemorrhaging in parking lots until they are closer to death, women airlifted to another state for an emergency abortion, women traveling from emergency room to emergency room, desperate for help, only to be turned away and left to miscarry at home. 
    Ms. Joshua, I am deeply sorry for what happened to you. It should not have happened to anyone. Trump’s abortion bans aren’t just causing unnecessary suffering, they’re killing women. 
    Last week, we learned about Amber Nicole Thurman. Amber lived in Georgia. She was mother to a six year old boy. She hoped to become a nurse. After learning she was pregnant, she fled to another state, where she got a medication abortion back in Georgia, Amber experienced a rare complication. She waited 20 hours before doctors performed the life saving surgery that she needed, but 20 hours made it too late. Anti-abortion extremists want to twist Amber’s story to spread misinformation about the safety of medication abortion. 
    Doctor Huntsberger, you are an OBGYN. How safe is medication abortion?
    Dr. Amelia Huntsberger, Obstetrician and Gynecologist: Extremely safe. We have decades of research on mifepristone demonstrating its safety. Risk of complications are always present with any medication, but are quite low. It’s also important to note that the same both medications and treatment with surgical procedures are identical for the management of early pregnancy loss or miscarriage and abortion, 
    Senator Warren: All right, so extremely safe, is what I heard you say. And in the rare case where there is a complication, is it treatable? 
    Dr. Huntsberger: Yes.
    Senator Warren: Eminently treatable. But anti-abortion extremists want to misdirect and cast blame on the providers, arguing that doctors are willfully misapplying the law. 
    Dr Huntsberger, tell us, what’s really going on here?
    Dr. Huntsberger: I think it’s important that instead of trying to shift blame to physicians who are practicing in a really hostile and challenging environment, for us to look at why they are in that circumstance in the first place, and that is because lawmakers, who may or may not have bothered to understand the complexity of pregnancy and medical care made laws that are impacting physicians’ ability to act and to safely take care of their patients. 
    Senator Warren: Okay, so the problem is not here with the physicians, it’s with the lawmakers who are passing these laws. I think what we’re seeing is Republican politicians who pass these medically unsound and dangerous laws that end up intimidating and confusing physicians who are just trying to provide care. 
    Tragically, another Georgia mother, Candy Miller, died at home because Georgia’s abortion ban made her afraid to seek the medical care that she needed. Amber and Candy should be alive today. 
    Now we have a federal law that is designed to prevent tragedies like this from occurring, the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act, EMTALA, as it’s known, requires hospitals to provide stabilizing care to individuals in an emergency situation. Earlier this year, the Supreme Court heard arguments about whether Idaho’s near total ban on abortion conflicts with EMTALA. 
    Professor Goodwin. You’re a constitutional law expert. The Supreme Court did not actually resolve this. They sent it back to the lower court. What should we take away from this? Does this mean we are now safe and we’ll have the protection in emergency circumstances? Go ahead, Professor Goodwin.
    Professor Michele Goodwin: No, we should all be deeply alarmed by the Supreme Court’s procedural move, rather than substantively answering the question that federal law trumps states’ laws. It’s been a principle in American law for over 200 years, and the Supreme Court’s failure to be clear on that, that a state law does not preempt federal law is something that is incredibly dangerous.
    Senator Warren: Okay. Dangerous. I hear alarm bills going off. The stakes couldn’t be higher. Thanks to Donald Trump, doctors in nearly half the country now have to wonder if they will face criminal penalties for providing medically necessary care. 
    44% of women of reproductive age now live in states where they don’t get to make decisions about their own bodies, and two women, undoubtedly more, have now died because they were not able to access the timely care they needed. We must restore the protection of Roe to make sure this never happens again.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Secretary-General’s remarks to the Security Council – on the Maintenance of International Peace and Security: Leadership for Peace [bilingual, as delivered; scroll down for all-English and all-French]

    Source: United Nations – English

    r. President, Excellencies,

    I thank the government of Slovenia for convening this high-level debate on Leadership for Peace. 

    The topic is rooted in a fundamental truth: Peace is never automatic.

    Peace demands action.

    And peace demands leadership.

    Instead, we’re seeing deepening geo-political divisions and mistrust.

    Impunity is spreading, with repeated violations of international law and the UN Charter.

    Conflicts are multiplying, becoming more complex and deadlier.

    All regions are affected.

    And civilians are paying the steepest price.

    From Gaza to Ukraine to Sudan and beyond — wars grind on, suffering grows, hunger deepens, lives are upended, and the legitimacy and effectiveness of the United Nations, and this Council, are undermined. 

    Mr. President, Excellencies,
    Leadership for peace requires action in at least two key areas.

    First — leadership for peace means all Member States living up to their commitments in the UN Charter, in international law and in recent agreements such as the Pact for the Future.

    Among other things, the Pact calls for strengthening tools and frameworks to prevent conflict, sustain peace and advance sustainable development, with the full, equal and meaningful participation of women.

    It calls for updating our tools for peace operations to allow for more agile, tailored responses to existing, emerging and future challenges.
    It reinforces the commitment to all human rights — civil, political, economic, social and cultural.

    It includes initiatives around disarmament, peacebuilding, and managing threats posed by lethal autonomous weapons and artificial intelligence and in new domains, including outer space and cyberspace. 

    It calls for measures to quickly address complex global shocks.

    And it contains a new push to reform key institutions of global governance, including the global financial architecture and this very Council.

    The Pact is a down-payment on these reforms.

    But we will need strong political will to implement them, and rebuild the legitimacy and effectiveness of this Council.

    Which brings me to my second point about leadership for peace.  

    Leadership for peace means ensuring that the UN Security Council acts in a meaningful way to ease global tensions and help address the conflicts that are inflicting so much suffering around the world.

    Geopolitical divisions continue to block effective solutions.

    A united Council can make a tremendous difference for peace.

    A divided Council cannot.

    It is imperative that Council Members spare no effort to work together to find common ground.

    And it has proven capable of doing so in some key areas.

    From currently overseeing 11 peacekeeping operations on three continents, involving nearly 70,000 uniformed peacekeeping personnel…

    To resolutions that help keep vital humanitarian aid flowing to the world’s hotspots…

    To the landmark Resolution 2719, which provides for African-Union led peace support operations authorized by the Council to have access to UN assessed contributions…

    To the groundbreaking Resolutions that recognized the clear implications of peace and security challenges on the lives of women and youth…

    To this Council’s growing ties to regional and sub-regional organizations to foster consensus and peace.
    These examples — and more — prove that forging peace is possible.

    When we consider the most difficult and intractable conflicts on this Council’s agenda, peace can seem an impossible dream.

    But I strongly believe that peace is possible if we stick to principles. 

    Peace in Ukraine is possible.

    By following the UN Charter and abiding by international law. 

    Peace in Gaza is possible.

    By sparing no effort for an immediate ceasefire, the immediate release of all hostages, and the beginning of an irreversible process towards a two-State solution.

    Peace in Sudan is possible.
    By sending a clear message to the warring parties that all Members of this Council — including the five permanent Members — will not tolerate the horrific violence and desperate humanitarian crisis being unleashed on innocent civilians.

    Monsieur le Président, Excellences,

    Les situations à l’ordre du jour de ce Conseil sont complexes et ne peuvent être résolues en un jour.

    Mais l’ampleur du défi ne doit pas nous décourager.

    Notre seul espoir d’avancer sur la voie de la paix réside dans une collaboration active et l’unité entre les membres du Conseil. 

    Aujourd’hui, j’appelle tous les États membres à se montrer à la hauteur de cette grande responsabilité – à la hauteur de la promesse de la Charte des Nations unies.

    Contribuez au succès de ce Conseil – et non à son affaiblissement.

    Faisons en sorte que le Conseil soit un forum efficace et représentatif pour la paix – aujourd’hui comme dans les années à venir.

    ****

    [all-English]

    Mr. President, Excellencies,

    I thank the government of Slovenia for convening this high-level debate on Leadership for Peace. 

    The topic is rooted in a fundamental truth: Peace is never automatic.

    Peace demands action.

    And peace demands leadership.

    Instead, we’re seeing deepening geo-political divisions and mistrust.

    Impunity is spreading, with repeated violations of international law and the UN Charter.

    Conflicts are multiplying, becoming more complex and deadlier.

    All regions are affected.

    And civilians are paying the steepest price.

    From Gaza to Ukraine to Sudan and beyond — wars grind on, suffering grows, hunger deepens, lives are upended, and the legitimacy and effectiveness of the United Nations, and this Council, are undermined. 

    Mr. President, Excellencies,
    Leadership for peace requires action in at least two key areas.

    First — leadership for peace means all Member States living up to their commitments in the UN Charter, in international law and in recent agreements such as the Pact for the Future.

    Among other things, the Pact calls for strengthening tools and frameworks to prevent conflict, sustain peace and advance sustainable development, with the full, equal and meaningful participation of women.

    It calls for updating our tools for peace operations to allow for more agile, tailored responses to existing, emerging and future challenges.

    It reinforces the commitment to all human rights — civil, political, economic, social and cultural.

    It includes initiatives around disarmament, peacebuilding, and managing threats posed by lethal autonomous weapons and artificial intelligence and in new domains, including outer space and cyberspace. 

    It calls for measures to quickly address complex global shocks.

    And it contains a new push to reform key institutions of global governance, including the global financial architecture and this very Council.

    The Pact is a down-payment on these reforms.

    But we will need strong political will to implement them, and rebuild the legitimacy and effectiveness of this Council.

    Which brings me to my second point about leadership for peace.  

    Leadership for peace means ensuring that the UN Security Council acts in a meaningful way to ease global tensions and help address the conflicts that are inflicting so much suffering around the world.

    Geopolitical divisions continue to block effective solutions.

    A united Council can make a tremendous difference for peace.

    A divided Council cannot.

    It is imperative that Council Members spare no effort to work together to find common ground.

    And it has proven capable of doing so in some key areas.

    From currently overseeing 11 peacekeeping operations on three continents, involving nearly 70,000 uniformed peacekeeping personnel…

    To resolutions that help keep vital humanitarian aid flowing to the world’s hotspots…

    To the landmark Resolution 2719, which provides for African-Union led peace support operations authorized by the Council to have access to UN assessed contributions…

    To the groundbreaking Resolutions that recognized the clear implications of peace and security challenges on the lives of women and youth…

    To this Council’s growing ties to regional and sub-regional organizations to foster consensus and peace.

    These examples — and more — prove that forging peace is possible.

    When we consider the most difficult and intractable conflicts on this Council’s agenda, peace can seem an impossible dream.

    But I strongly believe that peace is possible if we stick to principles. 

    Peace in Ukraine is possible.

    By following the UN Charter and abiding by international law. 

    Peace in Gaza is possible.

    By sparing no effort for an immediate ceasefire, the immediate release of all hostages, and the beginning of an irreversible process towards a two-State solution.

    Peace in Sudan is possible.
    By sending a clear message to the warring parties that all Members of this Council — including the five permanent Members — will not tolerate the horrific violence and desperate humanitarian crisis being unleashed on innocent civilians.

    Mr. President, Excellencies,

    The situations on this Council’s agenda are complex and do not have quick fixes.

    But the scale of the challenge should not deter us.

    Our only hope for progress on peace is active collaboration and unity among Council Members. 

    Today, I call on all Members to live up to this great responsibility, and to the promise of the UN Charter.

    Contribute to this Council’s success — not its diminishment.

    Let’s ensure that this Council serves as an effective and representative forum for peace — today and in the years to come.

    *******

    [all-French]

    Monsieur le Président, Excellences,

    Je remercie le Gouvernement slovène d’avoir organisé ce débat de haut niveau sur le leadership pour la paix.

    Le sujet traité repose sur une vérité fondamentale : la paix n’est jamais automatique.

    Il n’y a pas de paix sans action.

    Et il n’y a pas de paix sans leadership.

    Pourtant, les divisions géopolitiques et la méfiance ne font qu’empirer.

    L’impunité gagne du terrain, et l’on assiste à des violations répétées du droit international et de la Charte des Nations Unies.

    Les conflits se multiplient ; ils deviennent plus complexes et plus meurtriers.

    Toutes les régions sont touchées.

    Et ce sont les civils qui paient le plus lourd tribut.

    De Gaza à l’Ukraine en passant par le Soudan – mais pas seulement – les guerres s’éternisent, la souffrance s’amplifie, la faim s’aggrave, des vies sont bouleversées et la légitimité et l’efficacité de l’ONU et de ce Conseil sont remises en cause.

    Monsieur le Président, Excellences,

    Le leadership pour la paix exige d’agir dans au moins deux grands domaines.

    Premièrement, le leadership pour la paix suppose que tous les États Membres respectent les engagements qu’ils ont pris dans le cadre de la Charte des Nations Unies, du droit international et des accords récents, tels que le Pacte pour l’avenir.

    Ainsi, le Pacte invite notamment à renforcer les outils et les cadres de prévention des conflits, de pérennisation de la paix et d’action au service du développement durable, avec la participation pleine, égale et véritable des femmes.

    Il demande que nous renouvelions les outils à notre disposition pour les opérations de paix, afin de trouver des réponses plus souples et mieux adaptées aux défis existants, émergents et à venir.

    Il réaffirme l’importance attachée à tous les droits humains : civils, politiques, économiques, sociaux et culturels.

    Il prévoit des initiatives dans les domaines du désarmement, de la consolidation de la paix et de la gestion des menaces que représentent les armes létales autonomes et l’intelligence artificielle, ainsi que dans de nouveaux domaines, notamment l’espace extra-atmosphérique et le cyberespace.

    Il préconise de prendre des mesures afin de pouvoir agir rapidement face aux chocs mondiaux complexes.

    Et il cherche à donner un nouvel élan à la réforme des principales institutions de la gouvernance mondiale, y compris l’architecture financière mondiale et même le Conseil de sécurité.

    Le Pacte constitue un engagement concret en faveur de ces réformes.

    Mais nous aurons besoin d’une volonté politique ferme pour les mettre en œuvre et rétablir la légitimité et l’efficacité de ce Conseil.

    Ce qui m’amène à mon deuxième point sur le leadership pour la paix.

    Le leadership pour la paix suppose de donner au Conseil de sécurité les moyens d’agir véritablement pour apaiser les tensions mondiales et contribuer à régler les conflits qui causent tant de souffrances dans le monde.

    Les divisions géopolitiques demeurent un obstacle à des solutions efficaces.

    Un Conseil uni peut jouer un rôle déterminant en faveur de la paix.

    Un Conseil divisé ne le peut pas.

    Il est impératif que les membres du Conseil se concertent sans ménager leurs efforts pour trouver un terrain d’entente.

    Le Conseil a prouvé qu’il était capable de parler d’une seule voix dans certains domaines importants.

    Il supervise actuellement 11 opérations de maintien de la paix sur trois continents, où sont déployés près de 70 000 Casques bleus…

    Il adopte des résolutions qui contribuent à l’acheminement ininterrompu d’une aide humanitaire vitale vers les points chauds de la planète…

    Il a adopté une résolution historique, la résolution 2719, qui permet aux opérations d’appui à la paix dirigées par l’Union africaine et autorisées par le Conseil d’avoir accès aux contributions des États Membres de l’ONU…

    Il a adopté des résolutions pionnières par lesquelles il a pris acte des incidences manifestes des problématiques de paix et de sécurité sur la vie des femmes et des jeunes…

    Et il ne cesse de nouer des relations avec les organisations régionales et sous-régionales pour favoriser le consensus et la paix.

    Tous ces exemples – et bien d’autres – prouvent qu’on peut instaurer la paix.

    À la vue des conflits les plus complexes et les plus insolubles dont ce Conseil est saisi, on peut penser que la paix est un rêve irréalisable.

    Mais je crois fermement que la paix est possible si nous nous en tenons aux principes.

    La paix en Ukraine est possible.

    En suivant la Charte des Nations Unies et en respectant le droit international.

    La paix dans la bande de Gaza est possible.

    En travaillant d’arrache-pied pour obtenir un cessez-le-feu immédiat, la libération immédiate de tous les otages et la mise en chantier d’un processus irréversible pour qu’une solution des deux États voie le jour.

    La paix au Soudan est possible.

    En envoyant un message clair aux parties belligérantes, à savoir que tous les membres de ce Conseil – y compris les cinq membres permanents – ne toléreront pas la terrible violence et la crise humanitaire effroyable que subissent des civils innocents.

    Monsieur le Président, Excellences,

    Les situations à l’ordre du jour de ce Conseil sont complexes et ne peuvent être résolues en un jour.

    Mais l’ampleur du défi ne doit pas nous décourager.

    Notre seul espoir d’avancer sur la voie de la paix réside dans une collaboration active et l’unité entre les membres du Conseil.

    Aujourd’hui, j’appelle tous les États membres à se montrer à la hauteur de cette grande responsabilité – à la hauteur de la promesse de la Charte des Nations Unies.

    Contribuez au succès de ce Conseil – et non à son affaiblissement.

    Faisons en sorte que le Conseil soit un forum efficace et représentatif pour la paix – aujourd’hui comme dans les années à venir.
     

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Boebert’s Legislation to Protect Native Fish Species and Responsible Water & Power Users Passes in the House of Representatives

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Lauren Boebert (Colorado, 3)

    Washington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Congresswoman Lauren Boebert (CO-03) applauded final passage of her legislation H.R. 4596, “Upper Colorado and San Juan River Basins Endangered Fish Recovery Programs Reauthorization Act:” 

    “Passage of my bill to reauthorize the Upper Colorado and San Juan River Basin Recovery Programs is a major win for Colorado and the West. These important programs, which will be extended for an additional seven fiscal years, will ensure that 2,500 water and power projects continue, and provide legal certainty for water and power users throughout Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming. 

    With strong bicameral, bipartisan momentum and significant stakeholder support, I’m confident this bill will become law and this important program will be reauthorized,” said Congresswoman Boebert.

    “Congresswoman Boebert is true fighter for Colorado’s rich biodiversity, and her bill to reauthorize the endangered fish recovery programs in the San Juan and Upper Colorado River Basins will ensure these species are healthy for future generations to enjoy. I’m so glad to see this commonsense, science-based legislation pass the House today, and look forward to seeing it signed into law,” said House Natural Resources Committee Chairman Bruce Westerman

    Background:

    The House of Representatives voted to pass Congresswoman Lauren Boebert’s bill H.R. 4596, the Upper Colorado and San Juan River Basins Endangered Fish Recovery Programs Reauthorization Act.

    Congresswoman Boebert’s bicameral bill, which passed with overwhelming bipartisan support, provides a clean, seven-year reauthorization of the Upper Colorado and San Juan Recovery Programs that protect four threatened and endangered native fish species in the Upper Colorado and San Juan River Basins by extending conservation programs at current funding levels for seven additional fiscal years.

    The Upper Colorado and San Juan Recovery Programs were established in 1988 to achieve full recovery of four federally listed endangered fish species including the humpback chub, bonytail, Colorado pikeminnow, and razorback sucker. Those designations led to the threat of significant water and power-use restrictions.

    The recovery programs facilitate water delivery from the Navajo, Flaming Gorge, and Aspinall Unit reservoirs which collectively can store more than 6.5 million acre-feet of water as part of the Colorado River Storage Project.

    For over three decades, states, tribes, local communities, environmental groups, energy users, and water users, have partnered to help recover four threatened and endangered fish species while continuing water and power facility development and operations in the Upper Colorado River Basin and the San Juan River Basin.

    Non-federal partners contribute $11 million per year in water contributions, plus another $750,000 in staffing and in-kind contributions. Participating states contribute $500,000 to base funding each year in cash equivalents for recovery actions, including for fish hatcheries and non-native fish removal.

    The Fish and Wildlife Service contributes $1.56 million per year in base funding. The Bureau of Reclamation provides cost-shared contributions to both base and capital funding. Reclamation’s capital funding supports major infrastructure projects at reservoirs, diversion dams, canals, and floodplains across the basin.

    Without these programs, these 2,500 water and power users would have to perform extremely burdensome Section 7 consultations for all 2,500 individual projects.

    Because of the success of these programs, the humpback chub and the razorback sucker are success stories with the chub been downlisted from endangered to threatened and the razorback being recommended for downlisting. 

    Rep. Boebert’s bill is the result of months of hard work with local stakeholders, the Bureau of Reclamation, and Senators Hickenlooper and Romney, and others to provide a long-term solution by reauthorizing these vital programs until 2031.

    Groups supporting Congresswoman Boebert’s Upper Colorado and San Juan River Basins Endangered Fish Recovery Programs Reauthorization Act include: Aurora Water, Central Utah Water Conservancy District, Clifton Water District, Colorado River District, Colorado River Energy Distributors Association, Colorado Springs Utilities, Colorado Water Congress, Delta County Commissioners, Denver Water, Dolores County Commissioners, Dolores Water Conservancy District, Grand Valley Water Users, Huerfano County Commissioners, LaPlata Water Conservation District, Mesa County Farm Bureau, Montezuma County, Municipal Subdistrict, Northern Colorado Water Conservancy District, Pueblo Water, Purgatoire River Water Conservancy District, Rio Blanco Board of Commissioners, Rio Blanco Water Conservancy District, Rio Grande Water Conservation District, San Juan Water Commission, Southern Ute Tribe, Southeastern Colorado Water Conservancy District, Southwestern Water Conservation District, Tri-County Water Conservancy District, Utah Waters Users Association, Ute Mountain Ute Tribe, and Ute Water Conservancy District.

    Co-sponsors of Congresswoman Boebert’s bill include Rep. John Duarte (CA-13), Rep. Paul Gosar (AZ-09), Rep. Doug LaMalfa (CA-01), Rep. Doug Lamborn (CO-05), Rep. Harriet Hageman (WY-AL), Rep. Troy Nehls (TX-22), and Rep. Dan Newhouse (WA-04). 

    Full text of Rep. Boebert’s Upper Colorado and San Juan River Basins Endangered Fish Recovery Programs Reauthorization Act can be found HERE. Full replay of Rep. Boebert’s remarks on the House floor can be found HERE.

    ###

    For updates, subscribe to Congresswoman Boebert’s newsletter here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Project Guacamaya uses daily satellite images, Amazon-specific AI models in battle against deforestation

    Source: Microsoft

    Headline: Project Guacamaya uses daily satellite images, Amazon-specific AI models in battle against deforestation

    “Technology will be a game-changer in saving the Amazon,” says Pablo Arbeláez, director of the CinfonIA Research Center.

    Using data, machine learning, cloud technology, data science and other technology, patterns of deforestation are identified faster, allowing for quicker action to be taken in at-risk areas. The audio language model is a custom-made multimodal language model called CLAP, developed by Microsoft. The image models are trained from open-source models and the framework used to develop the image models, Pytorch Wildlife, was also created by Microsoft.

    “I think it shows the best of private sector, NGOs, universities and governments working together,” says Juan Lavista Ferres, Corporate Vice President and Chief Data Scientist at Microsoft’s AI for Good Lab. “This is a great example of how AI accelerates and supports the work of conservationists. We’ve already made significant progress through this collaboration and I’m looking forward to more impact.”

    [embedded content]

    Several key updates have occurred in Project Guacamaya over the past year, giving researchers more options and better ability to track and understand deforestation patterns, including:

    • Daily satellite images from Planet Labs: Prior to this update, imagery was provided monthly. Now, with daily updates, researchers can set up daily alerts using images from the satellites monitoring the Amazon.
    • Amazon-specific AI models: Now, researchers studying animals found in the Amazon can use a region-specific AI model that is more accurate in identifying the species found in the rainforest, allowing them to work 10x faster.
    • Governmental collaboration: The Institute of Hydrology, Meteorology and Environmental Studies (IDEAM), which provides the official deforestation reports for Colombia, will now use Project Guacamaya’s models in its reporting.
    • Open-source biodiversity model: The project has released Pytorch Wildlife, an open-source platform that is specifically designed for creating, modifying and sharing powerful AI conservation models.

    “With this connection of knowledge, institutions and technology, we want the country to move more forcefully in making critical decisions on how to maintain and conserve ecosystems,” says Hernando García Martínez, general director of the Instituto Humboldt. “We need people to understand the value of nature.”

    Top image: Amazon-specific AI has made it 10 times easier for scientists studying the wildlife in the Rainforest to identify species found in Colombia, since the model narrows down the focus to animals who live in the region.

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: This is how we can minimise the impact of heavy rain

    Source: Anglia Ruskin University

    Published: 25 September 2024 at 16:00

    VIEWPOINT: ARU expert explains how to reduce flood risks – and build a better society

    By Maryam Imani, Anglia Ruskin University

    A month’s worth of rain has poured down in just a few hours in parts of central and southern England. More than 300 flood-related emergency calls were made, major roads were submerged, trains were delayed, and an enormous sinkhole opened up on a football pitch in south London.

    This follows similar torrential rain across central and eastern Europe two weeks ago, which led to flash floods and widespread damage and deaths. As climate change alters rain patterns and makes extreme downpours more common, and more extreme, such flooding is increasingly the new normal.

    Intense rain doesn’t lead to serious floods every time, of course. Sometimes we get lucky: a well-timed low tide might help, or a rainstorm could be surprisingly localised in a place where water can easily flow into the sea, a river or a pond. And some of the actions taken by humans to minimise the risk of catastrophic floods can actually make life more pleasant anyway, even when it isn’t raining. For this reason, we should see rains like this not just as a challenge, but as an opportunity.

    Minimising the risk of disaster

    There are various things we can do to minimise flood risks before and after torrential rains and prevent smaller floods from escalating into disasters.

    We can build bigger and better drainage and stormwater infrastructure, for instance, and make sure drains are unblocked and flood walls are properly maintained. This is an example of so-called “hard” flood defences.

    Features like ponds and wetlands, larger parks, or trees on hillsides, help slow down or store rainwater and can ensure the flow is spread out over days or even weeks. Water flows much faster over bare ground, and especially over concrete roads and buildings, where urban drainage systems can soon be overwhelmed – causing floods. These features are known variously as “nature-based solutions” or “sustainable drainage systems” or “blue-green infrastructure”.

    We can also use smart technologies for flood warning systems and we can ensure people are aware and prepared. We can ensure people don’t live in flood-prone areas in the first place, through climate-resilient planning, and that those who do live there are insured and have flood-proofed their homes as best they can.

    More sustainable flood management

    In the UK, several exemplary projects address flood management. The most iconic is the Thames Barrier in London, which protects the city from storm surges and high tides coming from the North Sea. Another is the the Leeds Flood Alleviation Scheme, which protects over 3,000 properties and 500 businesses in the UK’s fourth-largest urban area. It involves a combination of hard defences – weirs, flood walls – and natural solutions like planting trees and constructing water storage areas.

    The National Storm Overflows Plan for England report is being reviewed by the UK government for approval by December 2024. One of its recommendations is to make sustainable drainage systems mandatory.

    A government scheme (Flood Re) also ensures homeowners in flood-risk areas can protect their homes and obtain affordable insurance. And various rivers have been allowed to “wiggle” once again, by flooding over nearby fields. This has proven effective at reducing peak flows during storms, which is especially beneficial downstream where people live and where rivers are often encased in human-made banks.

    These initiatives are part of a broader trend toward more sustainable flood management practices. Key projects such as the “slowing the flow” project in Pickering, Yorkshire or projects along the River Derwent in Cumbria focus on reconnecting rivers with their floodplains.

    Worldwide lessons

    The Netherlands is one of the world leaders in flood management. The Delta Works, a massive system of dams, sluices, locks, dikes and storm-surge barriers, protects the country, much of which is below sea level, from flooding due to rainfall and rising sea levels.

    The Room for the River programme, started in 2007, manages higher water levels in rivers by lowering flood plains, creating water buffers, relocating levees, increasing the depth of side channels, and constructing flood bypasses. Urban adaptations, such as those in Rotterdam, are also crucial for managing flash flooding.

    Japan, particularly in flood-prone areas like Tokyo, has built massive underground flood tunnels to divert rainwater during storms. This system helps protect the city from excessive rainfall and typhoons. In many European countries, sustainable drainage systems are now integrated into urban planning. This helps absorb excess rainwater during storms, while offering ecological and social benefits too (grass and ponds are ultimately a lot nicer than bare concrete).

    It’s crucial to be aware of the problem of intense rain and view it as a chance to improve society. Prolonged droughts highlight the need to focus on storing and using excess water during high-demand times, which can be done by creating wetlands, storing floodwaters or by enabling the soil to store and retain more moisture.

    Engineers can’t do all this by themselves. Neither can tree-planters or wetland creators. We need a hybrid approach combining engineering solutions with nature and community efforts.

    Maryam Imani, Associate Professor of Water Systems Engineering, Anglia Ruskin University

    This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

    The opinions expressed in VIEWPOINT articles are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of ARU.

    If you wish to republish this article, please follow these guidelines: https://theconversation.com/uk/republishing-guidelines

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Open day at new crematorium

    Source: City of Plymouth

    The Park, Plymouth’s brand new crematorium, is drawing back the curtain for a free public open day.

    Taking place on Saturday 12 October, residents are being invited to take a look around the entire facility and have a glimpse behind-the-scenes at areas not normally seen by the public.

    As well as organised tours, information about what is on offer to remember a loved ones will be on display while the new café will also be open for visitors to purchase refreshments.

    Funeral services at The Park, which located off Merrifield Road in Plympton, began earlier this summer.

    Councillor Sally Haydon, Cabinet member for Cabinet Member for Community Safety, Libraries, Cemeteries & Crematoria, said: “I’m so pleased to be able to open the door to residents and invite them in to see the incredible facility that we have created for the people of Plymouth.

    “Whilst we often don’t like to think about bereavement during our everyday lives, this marks a great opportunity to take a look behind the scenes, allow our team to dispel any common myths and show the public how we look after their loved ones from the service to final resting place.”

    The Park is built of Plymouth Limestone and inside benefits from light and airy ceremony rooms that look out onto pooled water and the countryside beyond. .

    There are a total of three different ceremony rooms, each catering for a different size congregation. Each of these rooms can be customised by families to suite their wishes, including with changes in the lighting and furniture.

    The site benefits from a new café, which is open to serve refreshments for people attending funerals and also for those visiting the site to pay their respects.

    Crucially, though, it has two rooms available for families to hire for wakes, memorialisation events or other family functions. The rooms will be able to accommodate up to 40 guests or combine both rooms with the retractable wall and it will hold 75 guests.

    More information can be found at https://plymouthcrematoria.com

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Further success for Edinburgh pupils

    Source: Scotland – City of Edinburgh

    Liberton High School pupils celebrate after receiving exam results.

    Edinburgh’s pupils continue to be amongst the best performing in Scotland.

    Results from the SQA Insight report shows Edinburgh’s learners are performing better than their virtual comparators in 14 out of 15 key measures,  with 7% more pupils gaining at least one Advanced Higher than in other areas in Scotland.

    Edinburgh learners are also out-performing their virtual comparators in Literacy and Numeracy for all stages and levels.

    A virtual comparator is a sample of students from other areas of Scotland who have similar characteristics to a school’s students.

    The news builds on the SQA exam results in August showing levels of attainment for pupils across Edinburgh remaining above those achieved before the Covid pandemic.

    Insight provides teachers and lecturers with a summary of how learners have performed in their exams and coursework for each subject at National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher level over the past year.

    Councillor Joan Griffiths, Education Convener for the City of Edinburgh Council, said:

    This has been another positive year for our pupils. I want to congratulate them, as well as all our teaching and support staff. Their hard work has certainly paid off and praise should go to them as well as all the parents and carers who have supported the children.

    I welcome the results from the SQA Insights report. We have invested heavily in improving the skills of our workforce and I am confident that our staff will continue to improve the quality of teaching and learning to meet the needs of the city’s young people.

    Let’s not forget there is no wrong pathway for our young people as everyone’s learner journey is different. School is about ensuring all our young people are able to fulfil their potential by attaining the highest level of achievements possible and by receiving the best possible experience. We want all our learners to find their pathways into the world of higher and further education, employment or training and to narrow the gap between those living in different areas of affluence.

    Course reports – written by principal assessors and principal verifiers – are published to give an insight into how learners performed, detailing which areas of the course assessment where learners performed well, and which areas proved to be more demanding.

    Principal assessors and other senior appointees are experienced teachers and lecturers who work with SQA to produce the course reports and highlight examples where candidates have performed well in their external assessments.

    The reports also contain advice for teachers, lecturers, and training practitioners on preparing learners for the coming year’s assessments, as well as statistical data relating to grade boundaries.

    Published: September 25th 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI USA: VIDEO RELEASE: Sen. Johnson’s Full Roundtable Discussion, American Health and Nutrition: A Second Opinion

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Wisconsin Ron Johnson

    WASHINGTON – On Monday, U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) led a roundtable discussion titled, American Health and Nutrition: A Second Opinion. Sen. Johnson and a panel of experts provided a foundational and historical understanding of the changes that have occurred over the last century within agriculture, food processing, and healthcare industries which impact the current state of national health.  

     

    Watch the full four-hour discussion here. 

    PARTICIPANTS: 

    Dr. Casey Means

    Dr. Casey Means is a medical doctor, New York Times bestselling author, tech entrepreneur (Levels), aspiring regenerative gardener, and outdoor enthusiast. While training as a surgeon, she saw how broken and exploitative the healthcare system is and left to focus on how to keep people out of the operating room. 

    Dr. Jordan Peterson

    Dr. Jordan B. Peterson is a renowned psychologist, author, and online educator. His bestselling books, including “12 Rules for Life” and “Beyond Order,” have sold millions of copies worldwide. Dr. Peterson’s lectures and podcasts consistently attract large audiences, providing valuable insights into topics such as mythology, psychology, and personal development.

    Calley Means

    Calley Means is the co-founder of Truemed, a company that enables tax-free spending on food and exercise. He recently started an advocacy coalition with leading health and wellness companies called End Chronic Disease. Earlier in his career, he was a consultant for food and pharma companies and is now exposing practices they use to weaponize our institutions of trust. 

    Mikhaila Fuller

    Mikhaila Fuller is a podcaster, lifestyle and diet blogger, the Co-Founder and CEO of Peterson Academy, and the founder of Fuller Health and The Lion Diet. The Lion Diet is a therapeutic and plant free ketogenic diet that can be used to treat autoimmunity and psychiatric disorders. On “The Mikhaila Peterson Podcast,” she discusses health, cultural phenomena, politics, and other topics.

    Alex Clark

    Alex Clark is a food activist, advocate for healthier food systems, and host of the “Culture Apothecary” podcast. She is committed to educating consumers on the importance of organic farming and the dangers of harmful additives in food products. Clark’s mission is to inspire positive change in both personal health choices and industry standards, driving the movement toward cleaner, more responsible food production.

    Vani Hari (Food Babe)

    Vani Hari, known as the “Food Babe,” is a food activist, author, and speaker committed to improving food quality and safety. She has built a powerful platform through her blog, advocating for transparency in food labeling, and the removal of harmful chemicals from processed foods. Her activism has spurred significant changes in the food industry, encouraging consumers to make healthier, more informed choices while prompting companies to adopt cleaner practices. 

    Jillian Michaels

    Jillian Michaels is a globally recognized fitness expert, entrepreneur, and best-selling author. With her no-nonsense approach to health, she has inspired millions through her fitness programs, books, and digital platforms. Best known for her role on “The Biggest Loser,” Michaels promotes a balanced approach to fitness and nutrition, emphasizing long-term health and self-empowerment.

    Max Lugavere

    Max Lugavere is a leading health and wellness advocate, filmmaker, and New York Times bestselling author of “Genius Foods.” His work focuses on the link between diet, lifestyle, and brain health, and he has become a trusted voice in educating people about how nutrition impacts cognitive function.

    Dr. Chris Palmer

    Dr. Chris Palmer, MD is a Harvard-trained psychiatrist, researcher, and author of “Brain Energy,” where he explores the groundbreaking connection between metabolic health and mental illness. He is a leader in innovative approaches to treating psychiatric conditions, advocating for the use of diet and metabolic interventions to improve mental health outcomes. Dr. Palmer’s work is reshaping how the medical field views and treats mental health disorders. 

    Brigham Buhler

    Brigham Buhler is the founder and CEO of Ways2Well, a healthcare company that provides personalized preventative care through telemedicine. With a strong background in the pharmaceutical industry, Buhler has focused on making healthcare more accessible by harnessing the power of technology to deliver effective and tailored treatments. His vision for improving health outcomes has positioned him as a leader in modern, patient-centered healthcare solutions.

    Courtney Swan

    Courtney Swan is a nutritionist, real food activist, and founder of the popular platform “Realfoodology.” She advocates for transparency in the food industry, promoting the importance of whole foods and clean eating. Swan is passionate about educating the public on the benefits of a nutrient-dense diet, and she encourages sustainable, chemical-free farming practices to ensure better health for people and the planet.

    Jason Karp

    Jason Karp is the Founder and CEO of HumanCo – a mission-driven company that invests in and builds brands focused on healthier living and sustainability. In addition to HumanCo, Jason is the Co-Founder of Hu Kitchen, known for creating the #1 premium, organic chocolate in the U.S.. Prior to HumanCo, Jason spent over 21 years in the hedge fund industry where he was the Founder and CEO of an investment fund that managed over $4 billion. Jason graduated summa cum laude from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.

    Grace Price

    Grace Price is an 18-year-old citizen scientist and health activist. Grace gained recognition for her documentary Cancer: A Food-Borne Illness, which challenged the commonly held belief that cancer is a genetic disease. The main focus of her work is advocating for the health of her generation through exposing the corruption behind big food and pharmaceutical conglomerates. 

    Dr. Marty Makary

    Dr. Marty Makary MD, MPH is a surgeon and public policy researcher at Johns Hopkins University. He writes for The Washington Post and The Wall Street Journal and is the author of two New York Times bestselling books, “Unaccountable” and “The Price We Pay.” He has been an outspoken opponent of broad vaccine mandates and some COVID restrictions at schools. Dr. Makary holds degrees from Bucknell University, Thomas Jefferson University, and Harvard University. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Johnson Re-Introduces Bipartisan, Bicameral Legislation to Hold Judiciary Accountable To Its Employees

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Hank Johnson (GA-04)

    Reps. Johnson, Nadler, Torres Re-Introduce Bill In House To Protect Employees of the Federal Judiciary Against Discrimination, Sexual Harassment, Retaliation, and Other Forms of Workplace Misconduct

    Sens. Hirono, Murkowski Introduce Bill in Senate

    Legislation would protect workers and whistleblowers, create effective workplace misconduct prevention programs, investigate complaints, and hold the powerful accountable

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Rep. Hank Johnson (GA-04), ranking member of the Judiciary Subcommittee on Courts, Intellectual Property and the Internet, in concert with Judiciary Committee Ranking Member Rep. Jerrold Nadler (NY-12), and Rep. Norma Torres (CA-35), senior member of the Appropriations Committee and member of the Financial Services and General Government Subcommittee that oversees the Federal Judiciary – and Sen. Mazie Hirono (HI), a senior member of the Senate Judiciary Committee and Sen. Lisa Murkowski (AK) – reintroduced the Judiciary Accountability Act of 2024 (JAA).

    The JAA would ensure the more than 30,000 employees of the federal judiciary have strong statutory rights and protections against discrimination, sexual harassment, retaliation, and other forms of workplace misconduct.

    The foundational federal anti-discrimination statutes — such as Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 — still do not apply to the federal judiciary, making it one of the only employers in the entire country – public or private – whose employees are not protected by federal civil rights laws that prohibit discrimination and retaliation. The federal judiciary has faced sustained criticism for its approach to preventing, investigating, and redressing sexual harassment and discrimination by judges and other high-level judicial branch officials. This summer, back-to-back reports were released — one from the U.S. Government Accountability Office, the other from the Federal Judicial Center and National Academy of Public Administration— underscoring that the internal dispute resolution mechanisms implemented by the judiciary to combat these issues have instead led to a lack of accountability for judges who mistreat employees.

    “It is the height of injustice that judiciary employees who support the daily functioning of our courts lack basic workplace protections,” said Rep. Hank Johnson, Ranking Member of the Judiciary Subcommittee on Courts. “These protections are already provided to congressional and executive branch staff. Why should we continue to exempt our third branch of government? In the face of clear, repeated evidence of unaccountable judges committing egregious misconduct, Congress has the power and the duty to fix it and ensure judicial employees who use their voices and bravely sharing their experiences do not do so in vain. I’m pleased to lead re-introduction of the Judiciary Accountability Act, which is common-sense legislation that would align the federal judiciary with not just the rest of the federal government but with private sector workplaces as well.”

    “It is unconscionable that over 60 years after the signing of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, employees of the federal judiciary are not protected from workplace discrimination,” said Ranking Member Jerrold Nadler. “The lack of protections undermines credibility in the court, which is why I’m proud to reintroduce the Judiciary Accountability Act, to bring the same basic rights available to congressional and executive branch staff to the judicial branch.”

    “The Judiciary Accountability Act is a significant step towards ensuring the safety and rights of judiciary employees. It is crucial that judiciary employees feel secure in expressing concerns about misconduct without fearing for their safety or job security. All Judiciary members are entitled to fundamental workplace rights that safeguard them from harassment and discrimination,” said Rep. Norma Torres. “The era of judges abusing their power and instilling fear in the work environment is over. That is why I am honored to co-lead the Judiciary Accountability Act alongside ranking member of the Judiciary Subcommittee on Courts, Rep. Johnson. We are deeply committed to providing protections backed up by the full force of United States law for employees who come forward after experiencing sexual harassment. Our federal Judiciary must set an example of accountability in addressing sexual harassment, and the provisions outlined in this bill will help achieve that goal.”

    “No one is above the law, but most federal judiciary employees lack essential workplace protections, preventing them from obtaining justice when they face discrimination and harassment,” said Senator Hirono. “Employees of the federal judiciary dedicate their careers to providing justice, and they deserve justice when they face misconduct in the workplace. Yet these employees are among the only ones in the United States who lack the right to sue when they face discrimination or harassment. The Judiciary Accountability Act will help to protect the 30,000 federal judiciary employees by extending basic anti-discrimination protections to cover them, giving them access to federal court to vindicate those rights, and helping to ensure more accountability in the federal courts.”

    “The Judiciary Accountability Act expands federal laws that prohibit workplace harassment and discrimination to employees of the judiciary, putting them on par with executive branch, congressional, and private sector employees who have long-had these protections,” said Senator Murkowski. “This legislation not only helps safeguard employees from mistreatment at work, but also establishes a review system to foster accountability when those rights are violated. I appreciate the opportunity to lead this bipartisan legislation with Senator Hirono to cultivate transparency and a positive working environment within the judicial branch.”

    The Judiciary Accountability Act will:

    • Give judicial branch employees the same anti-discrimination rights and remedies private sector and government employees have had for decades. Today, judicial branch employees are not protected by the federal civil rights statutes that prohibit discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex (including sexual orientation and gender identity), national origin, age, and disability. The Judiciary Accountability Act would correct that injustice.

    • Protect judicial branch employees from retaliation against them by providing them with the right to sue for relief if they are retaliated against. Unlike most other federal employees, judicial branch employees currently have no statutory protection against retaliation. At a House Judiciary Committee hearing in 2020, multiple witnesses testified that they and others were afraid to come forward about the sexual harassment they suffered or witnessed.

    • Establish a comprehensive workplace misconduct prevention program overseen by an improved and expanded Office of Judicial Integrity. The Office’s Board of Directors would include members experienced in investigating and enforcing civil rights laws against workplace discrimination, as well as experience assisting victims of discrimination, retaliation, sexual harassment, and sexual assault. The Office would administer a nationwide, confidential reporting system and a comprehensive training program addressing workplace behavior and bystander intervention, among other duties.

    • Establish an Office of Employee Advocacy to assist judicial branch employees in matters related to workplace discrimination and harassment. The Office of Employee Advocacy would advise covered judicial employees about their rights and the resources available to them, provide legal assistance where appropriate, and operate an anonymous reporting hotline for covered judicial employees.

    • Require regular assessments of workplace culture to determine the effectiveness of judicial branch policies designed to prevent and remedy harassment and discrimination.

    • Make clear that discrimination and retaliation constitute judicial misconduct and ensure that the judicial misconduct laws apply to all federal judges, regardless of whether they subsequently resign, retire, or pass away.

    Cosponsors: Reps. Madeleine Dean (PA), Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ), Rashida Tlaib (MI), Adam Schiff (CA), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC)

    What Groups Are Saying

    “Sexual harassment in the judiciary is a judicial ethics problem” said Debra Perlin, Policy Director at Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW).  “The public’s trust in our democracy depends on the credibility of an accountable judicial branch. Repeated credible complaints of sexual harassment and assault in the judiciary undermines that accountability. CREW applauds Congressman Johnson and Senator Hirono for reintroducing the Judiciary Accountability Act to extend protections against sexual harassment and discrimination to judicial branch employees, who are essential to our courts.”

    “Legal Momentum, The Women’s Legal Defense and Education Fund is proud to endorse the Judicial Accountability Act as it is a long-overdue and crucial step forward in the fight to advance workplace gender equality.  Our nation’s federal judicial workers deserve a workplace free from discrimination, sexual harassment, and other forms of misconduct, and it is unacceptable that federal judges are exempt from the very laws they are tasked with enforcing. History has proven time and time again that protections that benefit women benefit everyone, and when employees feel safe to advocate for themselves at work, the entire system only grows stronger,” said Azaleea Carlea, Legal Director of Legal Momentum.

    Fix the Court Executive Director Gabe Roth said: “Anti-harassment policy is one of the many areas in which the judiciary falls short when compared to the other two branches and the rules that apply to them. Among the shortcomings, though, this is the most indefensible. I applaud Reps. Johnson and Torres for their legislation to finally bring third branch workplace policies up to par to give employees both the remedies they need should they experience misconduct and the resources they deserve to help prevent harassment, discrimination, and retaliation from happening in the first place.”

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Reps. Adams, McGovern; Sen. Booker Introduce Climate-Smart Farm Conversion Bill

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Alma Adams (12th District of North Carolina)

    Bicameral legislation would enable producers to transition away from factory farming model using conservation dollars

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Alma S. Adams, Ph.D. (NC-12), Representative Jim McGovern (MA-02), and U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) introduced the Industrial Agriculture Conversion Act (IACA), which would allow farmers to voluntarily convert their on-farm infrastructure toward more climate-friendly uses with USDA conservation dollars. 

    The IACA would use existing agricultural conservation funds to support farmers transitioning from concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs) to more sustainable and humane production systems. Reps. Adams and McGovern are leading the bill in the House, and Sen. Booker introduced companion legislation in the Senate.  

    “Farmers want to produce food in ways that are good for people and the planet, but aren’t always empowered to do so in a consolidated food system like ours. I’m thrilled to introduce the Industrial Agriculture Conversion Act, which unlocks climate-forward conservation dollars to assist producers who want to transition out of the factory farm model,” said Congresswoman Adams. “Whether pasture-based or plant-based, farmers want to farm sustainably, humanely, and resiliently. I’m glad to support them in partnership with Representative McGovern, Senator Booker, and dozens of organizations on the ground.” 

    “We need a food system that feeds everyone while doing right by the people, the planet, and animals” said Congressman McGovern. “Farmers are at the center of that vision, and we need to do everything we can to support them. I’m proud to co-lead this bill with Representative Adams and Senator Booker so that we can empower farmers to break free from a broken system and thrive as independent producers.” 

    “Corporate meatpackers use their market power to trap producers in the factory farm system with terrible profit margins and unsustainable debt,” said Senator Booker. “Their practices contribute to climate change and destroy rural communities. This legislation leverages conservation funding to give farmers a completely voluntary new path forward by providing them with the resources they need to transition to a more climate-friendly and humane production system that is good for people, animals, and the planet.” 

    The IACA is the first stand-alone federal legislation to assist producers who want to make the move from intensive animal agriculture to pasture-based animal agriculture or specialty crop production. It would allow the USDA to create a grant program for eligible climate-smart conversion projects, funded by the Inflation Reduction Act’s pathbreaking investments in agricultural conservation. Earlier this year, Congresswoman Adams, Congressman McGovern, and Senator Booker all signed a letter cautioning against the use of IRA conservation money towards industrial agriculture; the IACA would ensure the integrity and effectiveness of these funds. 

    “Factory farming is not just a nightmare for animals—contract farmers who were promised easy profits and the chance to ‘feed the world’ find themselves taking on seemingly endless debt to raise animals in this cruel industrial model, threatening the security of their families and farms,” said Kara Shannon, director of farm animal welfare policy for the ASPCA. “The Industrial Agriculture Conversion Act offers resources to support farmers who are climbing the ladder out of the pit of factory farming and want to transition to more humane and economically sustainable practices. We commend Representatives Adams and McGovern, and Senator Booker for introducing this groundbreaking legislation to create a more compassionate food system that respects animals, farmers, rural communities and our environment.”  

    “The factory farming industry preys on our nation’s farmers by trapping them in exploitative contracts and depriving them of meaningful autonomy. The Industrial Agriculture Conversion Act seeks to promote competition in our food system by creating a program for farmers who wish to transition from the highly consolidated factory farming model to climate-smart practices, such as specialty crop production,” said Frances Chrzan, senior federal policy manager, the Transfarmation Project of Mercy For Animals. “We applaud Rep. Alma Adams, Rep. McGovern, and Sen. Cory Booker for introducing legislation to create kinder and more sustainable pathways for farmers, which will benefit not only farmers and our economy but human health, the environment, and farmed animals.”  

    “I know firsthand the difficulty both financially and socially in transitioning from a confinement animal system to a regenerative farming system, having transitioned our farm in 1996,” said Ron Holter of Holterholm Farms. “Financially there is often a lag time from the beginning of what can be an expensive transition to eventually achieving an improved income while the land heals and the livestock become accustomed to a healthier, happier lifestyle. Transitional funds like those provided in the Industrial Agriculture Conversion Act would be a blessing to farmers attempting to move to more regenerative, livestock friendly systems.”    

    “We took on over $400,000 in debt to become contract chicken farmers and came close to foreclosure when we decided to get out of industrial animal agriculture. When we cancelled our contract, the integrator came out to our farm, picked up their $20 sign and drove away without another thought,” said Paula Boles, co-owner of JB Farms. “We know too many farmers have similar stories of being exploited by integrators and left with few options to keep their farms going. The Industrial Agriculture Conversion Act would help support farmers like us across the country who want to transition to more sustainable and economically viable farming systems.”  

    “In North Carolina’s Duplin and Sampson counties, hogs outnumber people by approximately 30-to-1. The vast majority of these industrial agricultural operations use an outdated cesspit and spray field system in which hog feces and urine are flushed into open-air pits and sprayed onto nearby fields, causing higher rates of anemia, kidney disease, and infant mortality among local communities,” said Dr. Rania Masri, Co-Director of the NC Environmental Justice Network. “NCEJN applauds Rep. Alma Adams, from North Carolina, for introducing the Industrial Agriculture Conversion Act and speaking up for the contract farmers, trapped as serfs on their own land, and the communities who are struggling against this polluting industry.”  

    “Too many farmers have been exploited and trapped in the factory farm system for too long, which is why Farm Aid applauds the introduction of the Industrial Agriculture Conversion Act,” said Hannah Tremblay, Policy and Advocacy Manager of Farm Aid. “We’re especially excited that livestock farmers will have an opportunity to be a part of the solution to climate change through the funding for climate-smart conversion projects.”  

    “The Industrial Agriculture Conversion Act will release farmers ensnared in the highly flawed industrial animal agriculture model and usher in much-needed sustainable food and farm system reform. ‘Get Big or Get Out’ has failed farmers, rural communities, and our country. The IACA will help farmers and rural America get out from under CAFOs and thrive,” said Harry Manin, deputy legislative director of the Sierra Club. 

    “The factory farm system that traps farmers under mountains of debt and damages rural communities, public health and the environment didn’t happen by accident,” said Patty Lovera of the Campaign for Family Farms and the Environment. “Factory farms are the result of decades of failed enforcement, bad farm policy and direct government support, including federally-guaranteed loans for new factory farms. The Industrial Agriculture Conversion Act would be a critical first step in the transition away from factory farms to a system based on independent, family farm livestock production.” 

    “Today’s factory farm system stacks the cards against farmers, workers, consumers, and the environment while letting Big Ag corporations reap all the rewards. The Industrial Agricultural Conversion Act is an important opportunity to transition our food and agriculture sector away from factory farms and an important lifeline for those squeezed by corporate consolidation,” said Rebecca Wolf, senior food policy analyst for Food and Water Watch.  

    “This bill would give small farmers more control over their operations to not have the larger corporations controlling what they do on their own farms. Factory farms put a strain on our health. This gives those farmers an opportunity to create a better product for our communities and consumers and improve our food system as a whole,” said Philip Barker, farmer and co-founder/co-project director of Operation Spring Plant, Inc. 

    “More than ever before, consumers want the assurance that the products they buy are aligned with their values. The data shows us that 80% of U.S. consumers are concerned about the environmental impact of the products they buy,” said David Levine, Co-founder and President of the American Sustainable Business Network. “In just the last few years, the sale of meat with labels boasting environmental and labor benefits increased 18% compared to conventionally labeled meat products. In addition, the sustainable fashion industry market is expected to more than double to $15 billion by 2030. Sustainable business is no longer just about doing the right thing, it’s also a wise investment and makes good business sense. Once farmers can move out of the industrial model, they will see higher profits and more resiliency to extreme weather and volatile markets, the Industrial Agriculture Conservation Act will begin to provide the needed support to take that first step to transition.”  

    “Over a decade ago I began to transition away from conventional cattle production to more sustainable, humane and regenerative practices and I’ve seen more benefits than I can name in the health of my animals and land. But without the kind of support this legislation offers, doing the right thing has been a slow and extremely risky process for myself and farmers like me across the country,” said Don Jackson, owner of Pompey’s Rest Farm. “The Industrial Agriculture Conversion Act gives farmers a way out of a destructive system that’s squeezing them dry, and that’s a wonderful thing.” 

    Specifically, the IACA would: 

    The text of the Industrial Agriculture Conversion Act is available here. 

    A section-by-section of the IACA is available here. 

    A list of endorsers of the IACA at the time of publication is available here. 

    ### 

    Congresswoman Alma S. Adams, Ph.D. represents North Carolina’s 12th Congressional District (Charlotte, Mecklenburg County, Cabarrus County) and serves on the House Committee on Agriculture, and the House Committee on Education & the Workforce, where she serves as ranking member of the Workforce Protections Subcommittee. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Connolly Applauds 2025 IVF Coverage for Federal Employees

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Gerry Connolly (D-Va)

    Today, Congressman Gerry Connolly (D-VA), the Ranking Member of the House Subcommittee on Cybersecurity, Information Technology, and Government Innovation and the author of the Family Building FEHB Fairness Act, released the following statement after the Office of Personnel Management announced its overview for FEHB coverage of IVF in 2025:

    “I am thrilled that, today, OPM has announced expanded fertility benefits for federal employees who receive coverage through the FEHB Program. In 2025, every FEHB enrollee, regardless of where they live and work, will be able to choose from multiple nationwide plans that offer comprehensive IVF coverage. Additionally, every FEHB plan will be required to cover the prescription drugs required for three cycles of IVF annually, ensuring every enrollee in the country is able to choose a plan with fertility coverage. Providing federal employees with options to start and grow their families will in turn help the government recruit and retain the federal workforce of the future.

    Federal employees, like every American, must have the right to start and build a family on their own terms. I applaud the Biden-Harris Administration for this monumental improvement in coverage for our dedicated federal employees, and I look forward to my continued partnership with them as we work to pass the Right to IVF Act and codify better coverage in federal law.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Wittman, Stefanik Call For Air Force to Reduce Supply Chain Dependency on China

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-01)

    WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-01) and Congresswoman Elise Stefanik (NY-21) called the U.S. Air Force to reduce its supply chain dependency on China for critical weapons platforms. The service branch was reported to have increased its usage of Chinese suppliers by 68.8% over the past year.

    “Despite the Pentagon having identified China as the greatest strategic threat to the United States, the department continues to rely on China for components in critical weapons platforms that are being produced to deter conflict,” said Congressman Wittman. “With our Army and Navy both able to decrease their reliance on Chinese suppliers over the past year, it is unacceptable for our Air Force to still rely on 130 Chinese suppliers across 15 critical technology areas. The service branch must do everything it can to reduce this dire threat to U.S. national security.”

    “I am proud to work with Congressman Wittman to demand the Air Force address and mitigate the presence of Communist Chinese manufacturers in their supply chains,” said Congresswoman Stefanik. “It is completely unacceptable that the Department of the Air Force has increased their reliance on Communist China for components in our critical weapons and defense platforms.”

    To read the full letter, click here or scroll below.

    __________

    The Honorable Frank Kendall
    Secretary of the Air Force
    U.S. Department of Defense
    The Pentagon
    Washington, D.C. 20301

    The U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) has identified the People’s Republic of China (PRC) as the greatest strategic threat to the United States. However, DOD continues to rely on the PRC for components in critical weapons platforms that are being produced to deter conflict. It is unacceptable that a wide swath of defense programs, as well as defense-critical sectors of the U.S. economy, are dependent on PRC suppliers. This is a serious national security risk. 

    In addition to identifying the PRC as a pacing threat, DOD has also recognized that the PRC seeks to defeat the United States without engaging in armed conflict. Allowing China access and leverage over DOD supply chains empowers Beijing to do just that. The reliance on the PRC for components is a well-established challenge to new programs and legacy programs alike which will take great effort to mitigate. For example, in 2016 the U.S. Air Force identified avionics in 50 weapons systems, including the F-35, with embedded PRC-related hardware vulnerabilities. Several other DOD programs have faced similar challenges; DOD is still reliant, for example, on PRC optics suppliers for optical sighting and ranging equipment.

    According to Govini’s 2024 National Security Scorecard, the Department of the Air Force (DAF) is still reliant on 130 PRC suppliers across fifteen critical technology areas essential for U.S. national security. While the scorecard shows that the Departments of the Army and Navy both decreased their reliance on PRC suppliers over the past year, DAF was reported to have increased its usage of PRC suppliers by 68.8 percent. It is unacceptable for any organization in DOD to be increasing their reliance on PRC supply chains for critical capabilities and platforms.  

    Asked about the Govini scorecard, DAF told Forbes on August 23 that identifying PRC activities and supplies is a “whole-of-DAF” effort and that these are serious and merited concerns. We agree with that sentiment. However, DAF’s increased reliance on PRC suppliers over the last year do not match the concerns expressed. 

    Increasing dependence on PRC suppliers is clearly the wrong direction especially when both the Army and the Navy are moving to reduce their exposure. We therefore request the following information by October 7, 2024:

    1. Which DAF-related supply chains have become more dependent on PRC suppliers in the past year, what caused the increased dependency, and which if any programs are now more reliant on PRC suppliers today than a year ago?

    2. What is the DAF’s strategy to address its supply chain vulnerabilities, and how has the DOD National Defense Industrial Strategy informed its approach?

    3. What are the roadblocks – informational, financial, statutory, or otherwise – that have hindered DAF’s strategy from being maximally effective?

    Thank you for your attention to this important matter, and we look forward to hearing your reply.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Warner, Capito Introduce Methane Reduction and Economic Growth Act

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Commonwealth of Virginia Mark R Warner
    WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner (D-VA) and Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) introduced legislation to create a tax credit that will incentivize the capture and repurposing of methane emissions from active and abandoned mines. Methane is a greenhouse gas that is 28 times more potent than carbon dioxide, and coal mines are the country’s fifth-largest source of methane emissions. Leveraging methane capture technology can not only prevent harmful emissions from entering our atmosphere, but also allow the gas to be converted or reused for productive use, providing an additional supply of lower-emission energy that has numerous industrial and commercial applications.
    “Capturing and repurposing methane from Virginia’s active and abandoned mines will have a significant impact in the Commonwealth and across the country,” Sen. Warner said. “This legislation will lead to new investment in methane capturing efforts, and will contribute meaningfully to efforts across the country to repurpose methane that otherwise would have harmful impacts when emitted into the atmosphere while at the same time boosting the economy and creating jobs.”
    “Allowing methane capture efforts to be eligible for the 45Q Carbon Capture Utilization and Storage tax credit would result in positive environmental, economic, and investment impacts for West Virginia. I’m proud to help introduce this legislation, which could help capture and utilize mine methane emissions as a fuel source from coal mines, creating another step for West Virginia to continue leading in an ‘all-of-the-above’ energy approach,” Sen. Capito said.
    Specifically, the Methane Reduction and Economic Growth Act would amend Section 45Q of the Internal Revenue Code – which houses an existing tax credit for carbon capture and sequestration – to create a Mine Methane Capture Incentive Credit. The new credit would credit taxpayers based on the amount of qualified methane that is captured and injected into a pipeline or is otherwise used for producing heat or energy. Qualified methane includes methane which:
    Is captured from mining activities, including underground mines, abandoned or closed mines, or surface mines;
    Would otherwise be released into the atmosphere as industrial greenhouse gas emission; and
    Is measured at the source of capture and verified at the point of injection or utilization.
    Sen. Warner has been a leader on efforts to clean up and reclaim abandoned mine lands (AML) in Virginia, including by securing funding for this process through the bipartisan infrastructure law he helped to negotiate.
    The Methane Reduction and Economic Growth Act would give a boost to existing efforts in Virginia, which recently received more than $99 million in federal funding to capture and convert methane emissions from coal mines and landfills. Companion legislation has been introduced in the House of Representatives by Reps. Reps. Carol Miller (R-WV) and Terri Sewell (D-AL).
    “Finding ways to incentivize the capture of mine methane will have a positive impact here in Virginia,” Jonathan Belcher, Executive Director of the Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority, said. “Encouraging beneficial use of methane, which would otherwise be wasted and emitted into the atmosphere, stimulates our economy by creating jobs in our local communities and improves our tax base, while reducing emissions both at a local and global level. Captured methane can be sold into existing marketplaces to help drive down costs for consumers and can be used as both a fuel source and a manufacturing feedstock, which will assist our existing industry and encourage new economic development in the region. We applaud Senator Warner for his leadership on this issue and his focus on the economic health of Southwest Virginia.”
    “This is a perfect example of how Washington ought to work,” Cecil Roberts, International President of the United Mine Workers of America, said. “This is strong bi-partisan legislation that will grow coalfield jobs, support coalfield communities and help reduce methane emissions. It is a win-win for workers and communities in Virginia and across Appalachia and I thank Senators Warner and Capito for taking the lead. The UMWA wholeheartedly supports this legislation and will work to secure its passage.”
    A copy of the bill text can be found here. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Report on academic freedom rejected

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government today strongly condemned and rejected the report on Hong Kong’s academic freedom published by the so-called Human Rights Watch and Hong Kong Democracy Council, noting that its content is all malicious smears and sweeping remarks.

    In a statement, the Hong Kong SAR Government said the fundamental rights and freedoms of Hong Kong residents have all along been guaranteed at the constitutional level by the Basic Law and added that the laws of Hong Kong to safeguard national security attach special importance to human rights.

    The Hong Kong National Security Law (HKNSL) and the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance (SNSO) have clearly stipulated that human rights shall be respected and protected in safeguarding national security in the city and that the rights and freedoms its residents enjoy under the Basic Law and the provisions of the International Covenant on Civil & Political Rights and the International Covenant on Economic, Social & Cultural Rights as applied to Hong Kong shall be protected in accordance with the law, the statement said.

    Any measures or enforcement actions taken under the relevant laws must observe this principle, it added.

    After the implementation of the HKNSL, Hong Kong residents continue to enjoy various rights and freedoms, including the freedom of academic research, literary and artistic creation and other cultural activities, freedom of expression, freedom of assembly and freedom of association.

    According to Article 137 of the Basic Law, educational institutions of all kinds may retain their autonomy and enjoy academic freedom. Hong Kong residents can exercise their freedom of expression legitimately, including criticising government policies or decisions made by officials.

    The offences stipulated in the NSL and the SNSO clearly define their elements, penalties, exceptions and defences. These laws actively prevent, suppress and punish acts and activities that endanger national security, in accordance with the principle of the rule of law.

    Additionally, they target an extremely small minority of people and organisations that pose a threat to national security, while protecting the lives and property of the public. Law-abiding people including students, scholars, and other academics will not engage in acts and activities that endanger national security and will not unwittingly violate the law, and have no reason to be worried.

    The Hong Kong SAR Government has noticed that most of the interviewees of the so-called report have used pseudonyms, a tactic frequently adopted by anti-China forces, making it difficult to ascertain if the interviewees truly exist. The authenticity and credibility of the report is questionable.

    As regards the report containing fabricated content and irresponsible remarks that academic freedom has declined in Hong Kong, the statement said that academic freedom is an important social value treasured in Hong Kong and the cornerstone of its higher education sector.

    The Hong Kong SAR Government attaches great importance to upholding academic freedom and institutional autonomy, which are both enshrined in the Basic Law. These safeguards are clear and specific, and their effectiveness has never changed.

    Since the implementation of the NSL, academics or post-secondary education institutions in Hong Kong continue to conduct normal exchange activities between their foreign or external counterparts.

    National security is essential for the prosperity and stability of society, as well as for its people to live and work in peace and contentment, and without security and stability, there is no way to talk about anything, the statement noted.

    It also recalled the painful experiences Hong Kong endured in 2019, including the riots in campuses that severely disrupted normal teaching and academic research.

    The HKNSL and SNSO complement each other, providing a strong framework for safeguarding national security in Hong Kong. This allows all sectors, especially higher education, to flourish in a safe and stable environment, enabling scholars and students to pursue their studies and research in a stable, secure, and inclusive setting, the statement added.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: CFTC Charges Texas Associated Person with Misappropriation of Nonpublic Information and Execution of Fictitious Trades

    Source: US Commodity Futures Trading Commission

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Commodity Futures Trading Commission announced today it filed a civil enforcement action in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas against John Cartwright, a Houston resident.

    The complaint charges Cartwright, an associated person of introducing broker Classic Energy LLC, received confidential information from a Classic customer for brokering natural gas block trades and tipped this information to Peter Miller, an individual proprietary trader. Miller, in turn, traded based on this information and shared his trading profits with Cartwright.

    “Market intermediaries play a vital role ensuring markets for energy derivatives are competitive and liquid,” said Director of Enforcement Ian McGinley. “The CFTC vigorously pursues those who use their positions for personal gain by misappropriating their customers’ confidential information.”

    The CFTC seeks monetary penalties, disgorgement, restitution, registration and trading bans, and a permanent injunction against further violations of the Commodity Exchange Act and CFTC regulations.

    Case Background

    The complaint alleges from at least June 2016 to September 2019, Cartwright, while employed by Classic, disclosed material nonpublic information obtained from his customer in breach of his duties to that customer.

    Specifically, when this customer disclosed to Cartwright orders for block trades in natural gas futures, Cartwright disclosed this information only to Miller, who then traded using a spread trading strategy that involved entering into non-arm’s length, fictitious block trades in financially settled natural gas futures contracts with the customer; and electronically executing physically-delivered natural gas futures trades for the same quantity and contract month.

    By trading in this manner, Miller obtained advantageous prices for his block trades and sequenced his spread trades in a manner that maximized his ability to profit unlawfully. Cartwright provided legitimacy to the block trades by confirming their execution to NYMEX as if they were handled in the normal course of Cartwright’s brokerage services. According to the complaint, Miller shared his profits from these trades with Cartwright.

    The CFTC previously filed a complaint against Miller and entered an order against Classic for their roles in the scheme. [See CFTC Press Release Nos. 8396-21 and 8634-22]

    The Division of Enforcement staff responsible for this case are Lauren Fulks, Alison Auxter, Thomas Simek, Christoper Reed, Charles Marvine, and former staff member Clem Ashley. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Grassley, Ernst Leverage Newly Obtained Records on ATF’s Unlawful Misclassification Scandal to Seek Answers & Accountability

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Iowa Chuck Grassley

    WASHINGTON – Upon obtaining an unreleased report via protected whistleblower disclosures, Iowa Sens. Chuck Grassley and Joni Ernst are raising additional questions about the Office of Personnel Management (OPM)’s decision to reinstate the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosive (ATF)’s position classification authority. The Office of Special Counsel previously substantiated whistleblower claims ATF repeatedly and unlawfully labeled administrative positions as “law enforcement,” costing the taxpayer at least $20 million. 
    The new records show the Justice Department (DOJ) Justice Management Division (JMD), which is supposed to determine whether DOJ is properly classifying law enforcement positions, requested the National Academy of Public Administration (NAPA) assess the agency’s practices. The resulting report reveals far-reaching failures across DOJ and raises flags about findings in an ATF Human Capital Management Evaluation (HCME) audit OPM conducted but has yet to publish.
    “[OPM] must fully explain, in detail, the actions taken by ATF, the Justice Department, and JMD to come into full compliance with the law, as well as the oversight mechanisms put in place to prevent millions of taxpayer dollars from being subjected to further ‘substantial waste’ due to the ATF’s illegal misconduct,” Grassley and Ernst wrote. “Further, the Justice Department must provide answers to the taxpayers about how those who were involved in or allowed ATF’s illegal misclassification scheme to continue have been held accountable. The American public deserves transparency from the OPM.”
    Notable excerpts from the NAPA report:

    DOJ’s lack of effective oversight enabled ATF’s illegal misclassification scheme to persist; JMD only denied one ATF classification request in the past eight years, despite OPM identifying 91 misclassified positions. 

    Grassley and Ernst are requesting OPM provide the complete, unpublished ATF HCME audit. However, the NAPA report discusses the following audit contents:

    “[S]ome ATF [human resources] staff raised their concerns about the [illegal classifications] to the ATF leadership, but leaders rejected their concerns” and “ignored warnings by ATF officials.” 

    The senators’ full letters to JMD and ATF, as well as OPM, are available at the corresponding links. 
    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Close of Offer to New Applications

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Octopus Apollo VCT plc

    Close of Offer to New Applications

    Octopus Apollo VCT plc (the ‘Company’) announces that further to the Company’s offer for subscription to raise up to £85 million (£70 million with an over-allotment facility of a further £15 million), in the 2023/2024 and 2024/2025 tax years (the ‘Offer’) as set out in a Prospectus dated 16 November 2023, and Supplementary Prospectuses dated 29 April 2024 and 24 June 2024, the Board of the Company declares that total subscriptions have now reached £85 million and therefore the Offer is now closed to new subscriptions.

    For further information please contact:

    Rachel Peat
    Octopus Company Secretarial Services Limited
    Tel: +44 (0)80 0316 2067

    LEI: 213800Y3XEIQ18DP3O53

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: NASS to publish 2023 Irrigation and Water Management report earlier

    Source: US National Agricultural Statistics Service News

    IIssued Sept. 25, 2024, by the Agricultural Statistics Board of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, National Agricultural Statistics Service. For more information, contact Lance Honig at Lance.Honig @usda.gov or (202) 690-0912.

    The USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) has changed the publication date of the 2023 Irrigation and Water Management data report. The data from this 2022 Census of Agriculture Special Study was scheduled to be released Nov. 14, 2024, at noon EDT. The new release date is Thursday, Oct. 31, 2024, at noon EDT.

    All NASS reports are available online at nass.usda.gov/Publications.

    MIL OSI USA News –