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Category: MIL-OSI

  • MIL-OSI USA: S. 4294, Cross Border Aerial Law Enforcement Operations Act

    Source: US Congressional Budget Office

    S. 4294 would authorize the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to establish a program to conduct joint aerial law enforcement operations along the northern border of the United States and increase communication and collaboration with Canada. Under the bill, such a program could only be established pursuant to a bilateral agreement with the Canadian government. S. 4294 would require DHS to report to the Congress within 30 days of implementing the program about its scope and within two years of enactment if DHS fails to establish the program. Lastly, S. 4294 would require DHS to report to the Congress on the use of unmanned aircraft systems at the northern border. 

    Based on the time it took to implement similar agreements, CBO expects that DHS would begin to incur costs in 2025 but not fully implement the program until 2026. Using information from DHS, CBO estimates that the department would need five people each year, at an average annual cost of about $230,000 per employee in 2025, for a total of $6 million in personnel costs over the 2024-2029 period. Additionally, based on the department’s current spending on aircraft fuel and maintenance, CBO estimates that DHS would need $2 million over the 2024-2029 period to fund additional aerial operations. In total, CBO estimates that implementing S. 4294 would cost $8 million over the 2024-2029 period. Any related spending would be subject to the availability of appropriated funds.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: B.C.’s plan for involuntary addiction treatment is a step back in our response to the overdose crisis

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Kora DeBeck, Professor, School of Public Policy; Dorothy Killam Fellow; CIHR Applied Public Health Chair, Simon Fraser University

    British Columbia Premier David Eby recently announced that his government plans to open highly secure facilities where people struggling with mental health, serious brain injuries and severe addictions will receive involuntary care.

    The B.C. government describes the move as a new phase of its response to the addiction crisis that includes a promise to change the law to “ensure that people, including youth, can and should receive care when they are unable to seek it themselves.”

    Unregulated drugs kill an average of six British Columbians every day. Since a public health emergency was declared in 2016, more than 15,000 people in B.C. have died from consuming unregulated drugs.

    Interventions and services

    Policymakers along with affected communities are struggling to identify, implement and scale up necessary interventions and services. Many highlight that we need all the tools in our toolkit to respond to this unprecedented crisis.

    Currently, involuntary admissions to care facilities are possible for people with a “disorder of the mind” through B.C.’s Mental Health Act. Between 2011-12 and 2020-21, the number of voluntary admissions in B.C. remained relatively stable (10,000 to 12,000) but involuntary admissions increased from 11,000 to more than 17,000 during this time period.

    Expanding involuntary care to people with addictions is intuitively appealing to some. Supporters of the idea position it as compassionate intervention that keeps the most vulnerable safe. But drug addiction and treatment are complex.

    While parents, policymakers and others rightfully want to do everything they can to protect young people from harmful drugs, in the long run, involuntary treatment will cause more harm than good.

    Involuntary treatment is dangerous

    Scientific evidence is lacking that supports involuntary addiction treatment as an effective approach for reducing substance use and related harms among vulnerable populations. A 2020 study of more than 3,000 people who use drugs in Vancouver found no significant improvements in substance use outcomes among those who were coerced into addiction treatment compared to people who received no treatment.

    We also know that substance dependence is a complex chronic condition and relapse is common. Relapse after a period of abstinence is a particularly dangerous time due to reduced tolerance. Indeed, the risk of overdose death has been found to be highest immediately after discharge from compulsory care, voluntary treatment and hospitals, as well as upon release from prison.

    A lack of effectiveness paired with serious increased risk of a fatal overdose, particularly in the era of illicit fentanyl, are not the only weaknesses of involuntary treatment for people with addictions.

    Involuntary treatment can undermine trust

    Accounts from young people who have experienced being coerced into treatment highlight that involuntary care can be counterproductive and risks pushing vulnerable young people away from the very services they need most.

    After consulting with young people who use drugs, the B.C. Representative for Children and Youth in 2021 cautioned that involuntary care “may create distress in young people to the extent that they may come to distrust the health-care system and be less inclined to seek support when it is needed.”

    Research scientist Danya Fast, who has more than a decade of experience working with young people who use drugs, has described seeing “the lengths that some young people would go to in order to evade or escape from [institutional] places, often with devastating effects. I knew that even the threat of involuntary hospitalization could lead some to avoid calling 911 if someone was overdosing and needed help.”

    Furthermore, a 2023 qualitative study with parents who resorted to involuntary treatment in Alberta describes how for some, forcing their child into treatment harmed their relationship, and for many, did not result in improvements in their children’s risky substance use behaviours.

    Addiction treatment in the era of fentanyl

    In the context of forced addiction treatment, it’s important to recognize that the effectiveness of current medications for opioid dependence (typically methadone and suboxone) is limited, particularly for young people.

    In a study among young people who used opioids in Vancouver between 2005-2018, initiating an opioid agonist therapy (primarily methadone or suboxone) was not found to be protective for non-fatal overdose. In addition, 60 per cent of young people who initiated methadone prematurely discontinue their treatment.

    This is consistent with emerging evidence from B.C. indicating that retention on methadone and suboxone have both been consistently declining over the last decade, which corresponds to the emergence of illicitly manufactured fentanyl in the province.

    Given the volatility of street drugs and increasing exposure to and dependence on highly potent fentanyl, the clinical management of opioid dependence is increasingly complex. This reality makes forcing people into addiction treatment against their will particularly concerning.

    There is also widespread evidence that the existing voluntary addiction treatment system is inadequate and fails to provide appropriate care. It is our view that resources are better directed towards improving the existing voluntary treatment system and ensuring there are comprehensive supports available throughout the continuum of care.

    Alternatives to involuntary treatment

    The safety of our children and communities would be enhanced if governments strengthened and expanded the voluntary treatment system and evidence-based prevention programs. Substance dependence is a chronic relapsing condition. Therefore, accessible harm reduction programs and addressing the toxic supply of drugs are critical steps to prevent overdose deaths and other drug related harms.

    B.C.’s provincial health officer issued a report in July 2024 outlining how a public health approach could be leveraged to provide alternatives to the toxic drug supply.

    While some may think we have already tried drug regulation, current prescribed “safe” supply programs include less than five per cent of the estimated 115,000 people in B.C. with an opioid use disorder.

    Analyses of overdose fatalities also indicate that the majority of people who died from drug poisonings did not have a diagnosed opioid use disorder or use opioids on a daily basis. These individuals would not have been eligible for existing prescribed safe supply.

    This underscores that current initiatives are not reaching the vast majority of the population at risk of a toxic drug poisoning. There are also many different approaches and models that could be considered for drug regulation.

    As we have outlined previously, innovation and transformational policy action to strictly regulate the production, distribution and consumption of currently illegal drugs is a promising way forward.



    Read more:
    Drug prohibition is fuelling the overdose crisis: Regulating drugs is the way out

    We empathize and relate to parents and caregivers who want to do everything possible to protect their children. However, we cannot “treat” our way out of our current crisis and involuntary treatment is a particularly risky and harmful tool.

    Evidence-based interventions across the pillars of early prevention, voluntary treatment and harm reduction, along with rigorous drug regulation that tightly controls the production, distribution and consumption of currently illegal drugs, will give us the most control over the toxic drug supply. This mix of foundational and innovative public health tools will be best positioned to reduce risky substance use and related health and social harms.

    Kora DeBeck receives funding from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, the US National Institutes of Health and the National Killam Program. She is also a Research Scientist with the BC Centre on Substance Use.

    Perry Kendall was a cofounder of Fair Price Pharma, a not-for-profit dedicated to providing low-cost Canadian access to diacetylmorphine morphine as a treatment option for individuals whose treatment needs are not met by first-line available medications for opioid substance use disorder. He is no longer on the board, but remains a vocal advocate for the expansion of evidence-based therapeutics for opioid substance use disorder.

    – ref. B.C.’s plan for involuntary addiction treatment is a step back in our response to the overdose crisis – https://theconversation.com/b-c-s-plan-for-involuntary-addiction-treatment-is-a-step-back-in-our-response-to-the-overdose-crisis-239367

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI: Amalgamated Bank Issues Annual Environmental, Social and Governance Report for 2023

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, Sept. 25, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Amalgamated Bank, a subsidiary of Amalgamated Financial Corp. (Nasdaq: AMAL), today announced the publication of its 2023 Environmental, Social and Governance (“ESG”) Report. The annual report provides a comprehensive overview of Amalgamated Bank’s performance in its approach to addressing ESG risk as a part of delivering value for clients and investors.

    “Amalgamated Bank’s unwavering commitment to operating with the best interest of our clients in mind is a cornerstone of our mission. We take pride in partnering with companies who prioritize environmental stewardship, champion social justice, and demonstrate exemplary corporate governance,” said Priscilla Sims Brown, Amalgamated Bank’s President and CEO. “And we continue our commitment to using our financial resources and corporate influence to advance economic, social and environmental change.”

    Highlights of the report include:

    Business Impact: Redefining Success

    In 2023, Amalgamated Bank achieved B-Corp recertification with a score of 155.3, almost double the score needed to qualify and over three times the score of an ordinary business; setting a new standard for corporate responsibility. Its funding to climate solutions totaled more than $2 billion representing more than 39% of its lending portfolio and Property Assessed Clean Energy (“PACE”) assessments. Nearly 70% of Amalgamated Bank’s lending portfolios are high-impact and 100% mission aligned.

    Climate Action: Leading the Charge on Sustainability

    Amalgamated Bank is also committed to aligning all of its business practices with the goals of the Paris Climate Agreement. While growing its total amount of loans and investments, Amalgamated Bank reported a fifth consecutive year of increasing the share dedicated to climate solutions. In 2023, Amalgamated Bank reported an industry leading emissions intensity of 14.7 tons of CO2e per million dollars invested and supported clean energy projects that resulted in 243,010 tons of avoided emissions.

    Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: A Workforce that Reflects Our Values

    For the second year in a row, its pay equity analysis showed substantial parity in pay for women and minorities. Based on last year’s pay equity analysis, the Bank earned an “A” on Arjuna Capital’s Racial and Gender Pay Scorecard, the highest score in the financial sector. The Bank received a perfect score on the Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s Corporate Index. The Bank’s workforce diversity data reveals that its commitment to building a diverse and vibrant workforce that reflects the communities it serves remains intact. In addition to EEO-1 aligned reporting, the Bank also discloses industry leading, workforce-related data on hiring, promotion, and departures.

    “We continue to develop financial products that prioritize environmental and social benefits alongside financial returns,” said Ivan Frishberg, Amalgamated Bank’s Chief Sustainability Officer. “Every product and service we offer is designed with more than the bottom line in mind, ensuring our impact extends far beyond financial success. We are proud to lead by example and set new standards for what it means to be a responsible and forward-thinking financial institution.”

    About Amalgamated Financial Corp.

    Amalgamated Financial Corp. is a Delaware public benefit corporation and a bank holding company engaged in commercial banking and financial services through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Amalgamated Bank. Amalgamated Bank is a New York-based full-service commercial bank and a chartered trust company with a combined network of five branches across New York City, Washington D.C., and San Francisco, and a commercial office in Boston. Amalgamated Bank was formed in 1923 as Amalgamated Bank of New York by the Amalgamated Clothing Workers of America, one of the country’s oldest labor unions. Amalgamated Bank provides commercial banking and trust services nationally and offers a full range of products and services to both commercial and retail customers. Amalgamated Bank is a proud member of the Global Alliance for Banking on Values and is a certified B Corporation®. As of June 30, 2024, our total assets were $8.3 billion, total net loans were $4.4 billion, and total deposits were $7.4 billion. Additionally, as of June 30, 2024, our trust business held $34.6 billion in assets under custody and $14.0 billion in assets under management.

    Investor Contact:
    Jamie Lillis
    Solebury Strategic Communications
    shareholderrelations@amalgamatedbank.com
    800-895-4172

    Source: Amalgamated Financial Corp.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Video: It’s Not Easy Trading Green

    Source: World Economic Forum (video statements)

    According to the WTO, world trade is set to grow by 3.3% in 2025 but numerous challenges remain in ensuring this growth aligns with global nature and climate goals.

    How should business and government collaborate to create trade frameworks that promote economic development while supporting next-generation technologies and ensuring environmental sustainability?

    This session builds on the work of the World Economic Forum’s Green Trade Initiative and First Movers Coalition (FMC).

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

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Mullin Leads Colleagues in Urging Biden-Harris Administration to Remove Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Politics from Support Services and Nutrition Programs for Seniors

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator MarkWayne Mullin (R-Oklahoma)

    Mullin Leads Colleagues in Urging Biden-Harris Administration to Remove Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Politics from Support Services and Nutrition Programs for Seniors

    U.S. Senator Markwayne Mullin (R-OK), member of the Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, led his colleagues in authoring a letter to the Administration for Community Living (ACL) to express concern about its recent regulation to require states to prioritize delivering Older Americans Act meal and support services to individuals based on their sexual orientation and gender identity. The lawmakers outline the harmful consequences of this recent change and urge the ACL to reverse its rulemaking.
    The Older Americans Act (OAA) authorizes support services and nutrition programs for older Americans such as congregate meal services, home-delivered meals (e.g. Meals on Wheels), transportation assistance, and caregiver respite. Since all older Americans qualify for services, states and area agencies on aging are required to prioritize the delivery of meals and support services to those with the “Greatest Social Need” and the “Greatest Economic Need.” The Biden-Harris administration’s new regulation under the OAA expands the definition of the “Greatest Social Need” to include social isolation caused by sexual orientation and gender identity among other factors. This expansion has not been approved by Congress and state administrators of OAA services have yet to determine how to comply with this new requirement.
    “The Older Americans Act was designed to fulfill essential services for our seniors, not serve as a vehicle for Kamala Harris’ gender identity politics. This expansion diminishes the prioritization placed on serving rural seniors like those in my state of Oklahoma,” said Sen. Mullin. “The Biden-Harris administration has once again expanded bureaucratic overreach without the consent of Congress or any real plan of how states might carry out this regulation. I want to thank my colleagues for recognizing the harm this haphazard expansion will cause and joining me in this effort to reverse it.”
    Sen. Mullin is joined by Ranking Member of the Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee Bill Cassidy (R-LA), Sen. Ted Budd (R-NC), and Sen. James Lankford (R-OK).

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Secretary Blinken hosted a Ministerial on the Los Angeles Declaration

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

    Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken hosted a Ministerial on the Los Angeles Declaration on Migration and Protection in New York City, New York, on September 25, 2024.
    Transcript: https://www.state.gov/secretary-antony-j-blinken-and-colombian-foreign-minister-luis-gilberto-murillo-at-the-ministerial-meeting-on-the-los-angeles-declaration-on-migration-and-protection/
    ———-
    Under the leadership of the President and Secretary of State, the U.S. Department of State leads America’s foreign policy through diplomacy, advocacy, and assistance by advancing the interests of the American people, their safety and economic prosperity. On behalf of the American people we promote and demonstrate democratic values and advance a free, peaceful, and prosperous world.

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

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

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

    State Department website: https://www.state.gov/
    Careers website: https://careers.state.gov/
    White House website: https://www.whitehouse.gov/

    #StateDepartment #DepartmentofState #Diplomacy

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4_J99AM1X4o

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Two McGarvey Bills to Support Veterans’ Education Passed by House of Representatives

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Morgan McGarvey (Kentucky-03)

    September 25, 2024

    WASHINGTON, D.C. (September 25, 2024) – Today, the House of Representatives voted to pass H.R. 7323, the Montgomery GI Bill-Selected Reserves (MGIB-SR) Tuition Fairness Act, a bipartisan bill led by Reps. Morgan McGarvey (KY-03) and Derrick Van Orden (WI-03) to increase access to educational opportunities for veterans by requiring public higher education institutions to charge in-state tuition rates for veterans using MGIB-SR. Included in this bill is the Veterans Flight Training Responsibility Act, another bipartisan veterans education initiative led by Rep. McGarvey and Rep. Tom Kean, Jr. (NJ-07) to give veterans expanded flexibility to use their education benefits for flight training.

    “Every veteran should have access to quality, affordable education when they return home—they’ve more than earned it,” said Rep. McGarvey. “As a member of the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, I’m always looking for bipartisan solutions to make sure veterans’ benefits work for them. The initiatives we passed today make sure our vets and reservists can pursue higher education on their own terms, without breaking the bank. This is a great first step, and we’ll keep working to get them signed into law.”

    The Montgomery GI Bill-Selected Reserves (MGIB-SR) Tuition Fairness Act directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to require public higher education institutions to charge in-state tuition rates for veterans using MGIB-SR. The bill is supported by Veterans of Foreign Wars, The American Legion, Special Operations Association of America, Veterans Education Project, Military Officers Association of America, and Reserve Organization of America. Bill text is available here.

    The Veterans Flight Training Responsibility Act will cap flight training fees for veteran students at $108,480 for public flight training institutions and allow student veterans to use their GI Bill throughout the whole year, instead of requiring them to take time off or pay out of pocket. Bill text is available here.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: House Passes Rep. Harshbarger’s H.R. 5526, The Seniors’ Access to Critical Medications Act

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Diana Harshbarger (R-TN)

    Washington, D.C. – Monday, September 23, The United States House of Representatives passed Congresswoman Harshbarger’s H.R. 5526, The Seniors’ Access to Critical Medications Act of 2024 which ensures that medicare seniors have access to the critical medications they need. This legislation restores pandemic-era flexibilities issued by the Centers of Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) that allowed mail delivery of prescribed drugs to Medicare beneficiaries.

    “We shouldn’t have obstacles in the way of patients receiving the prescription medications they need,” said Congresswoman Diana Harshbarger. “The bipartisan Seniors’ Access to Critical Medications Act simply ensures that cancer patients as well as other patients have timely access to the appropriate oral medications, by allowing delivery of these medications, or allowing family members or caregivers to pick them up on the patient’s behalf.”

    Background

    Under the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’s (CMS) interpretation of physician self-referral law (commonly known as “Stark law”), it’s unlawful for a medical practice — such as a community oncology practice — to deliver a prescribed and filled drug to a patient by mail, courier, or UPS. CMS’ interpretation doesn’t even allow for a family member or caregiver to pick up a patient’s drug on their behalf.  

    

    During the pandemic, CMS recognized these barriers and issued a Stark waiver lifting the restrictions that hindered patient access to these crucial medications. H.R. 5526, The Seniors’ Access to Critical Medications Act of 2024, restores these flexibilities.

    See Rep. Harshbarger’s remarks on the House floor

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Van Orden Bill to Establish Educational Parity Between Reservists and Active-Duty Passes House

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Derrick Van Orden (Wisconsin 3rd)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Derrick Van Orden’s (WI-03) Montgomery GI Bill-Selected Reserves (MGIB-SR) Tuition Fairness Act passed the House on a bipartisan vote. The MGIB-SR Tuition Fairness Act establishes parity between reservists and active-duty personnel by requiring public higher education institutions to charge the same in-state tuition rates for veterans using MGIB-SR as veterans using other GI Bill programs.

    Prior to its passage, Rep. Van Orden spoke on the House floor encouraging his colleagues to support the MGIB-SR Tuition Fairness Act.

    [watch]

    Congressman Van Orden’s floor remarks, as prepared for delivery:

    Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

    I am honored to speak today on behalf of my legislation, H.R. 7323, The Montgomery GI Bill-Selected Reserves Tuition Fairness Act.

    This bill holds special meaning to me because the issue that this legislation addresses was raised by one of my constituents, Mr. Greg Tremeling, during a Veterans Day listening session.

    His voice, along with many other reservists and veterans, made clear the need for this change.

    This is what representative government should be—listening to our constituents and acting on their behalf.

    I am proud to represent the brave men and women serving at Fort McCoy, who make sacrifices every day to keep our nation secure.

    Earlier this year, we were tragically reminded of the ultimate sacrifice our servicemembers make when three Army Reserve soldiers lost their lives in a drone attack in Jordan.

    These servicemembers gave everything to defend our country, a solemn reminder that reservists face the same risks and make the same sacrifices as their active-duty counterparts.

    Their service must never be overlooked, and their sacrifices must always be honored.

    By passing this bill, we take a step toward ensuring parity between reservists and active-duty service members.

    By addressing a key disparity in educational benefits, my legislation will provide reservists with greater access to an affordable education.

    This is about more than just policy—it is about giving reservists the opportunities they deserve when they come home.

    Mr. Speaker, death does not care if you are in training, a reservist, or on active duty.

    The strength of our nation lies not only in its military power but in how we care for those who serve—whether it’s the three soldiers we lost in Jordan or veterans like Mr. Tremeling, who raised the need for change.

    By passing this bill, we honor their service and ensure future generations of reservists are supported.

    I urge all of my colleagues to support this legislation, and with that, I yield back.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Readout of the Secretary-General’s meeting with H.E. Mr. Lejeune Mbella Mbella, Minister for External Relations of the Republic of Cameroon [scroll down for French]

    Source: United Nations secretary general

    The Secretary-General met with H.E. Mr. Lejeune Mbella Mbella, Minister for External Relations of the Republic of Cameroon. The Secretary-General congratulated Mr. Mbella Mbella on the election of H.E. Mr. Philemon Yang of Cameroon as President of the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly. The Secretary-General and the Minister for External Relations discussed the situation in Cameroon and in the region.
     
     
    ***
     
    Le Secrétaire général s’est entretenu avec S.E. M. Lejeune Mbella Mbella, Ministre des Relations extérieures de la République du Cameroun. Le Secrétaire général a félicité M. Mbella Mbella pour l’élection de S.E. Monsieur Philemon Yang du Cameroun à la présidence de la 79e session de l’Assemblée générale des Nations Unies. Le Secrétaire général et le Ministre des Relations extérieures ont discuté de la situation au Cameroun et dans la région.
     
     

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Readout of the Secretary-General’s meeting with H.E. Mr. Volodymyr Zelenskyy, President of Ukraine

    Source: United Nations secretary general

    The Secretary-General met today with H.E. Mr. Volodymyr Zelenskyy, President of Ukraine. The Secretary-General and the President discussed the war in Ukraine and its global impact.

    The Secretary-General reiterated the UN’s full commitment to the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders. The Secretary-General also underlined the UN’s support for efforts towards a just and lasting peace in line with the UN Charter, international law, and relevant UN General Assembly resolutions.  

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Introducing the Rate of Last Resort

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    “Alberta has a unique competitive electricity market, which gives Albertans the power to choose the best energy provider, plan, and payment option to fit their needs. Consumers can purchase their power from over 50 competitive retailers, with the choice of either fixed or variable rate contracts.

    Albertans who don’t sign a competitive contract are automatically enrolled on the Rate of Last Resort from their local provider, which in the past has tended to be more expensive and volatile than competitive options.

    Alberta’s government is taking action to protect Alberta’s ratepayers and lower utility bills by helping consumers be better informed of their energy options. New regulations and legislation are set to come into effect on January 1, 2025, to help Albertans better understand their energy options and encourage them to find the rate best-suited to meet their needs. Following the Utilities Affordability Statutes Amendment Act, 2024, the default electricity rate is being renamed from the Regulated Rate Option (RRO) to the Rate of Last Resort (ROLR). The name change better reflects the nature of the rate consumers are paying and is part of ongoing consumer awareness initiatives.

    “Utility bills can make or break a tight budget when every nickel and dime counts. Our government is giving Albertans the tools needed to help save more their hard-earned dollars and make their monthly costs more predictable, while protecting the most vulnerable from sudden price spikes.”

    Nathan Neudorf, Minister of Affordability and Utilities

    To ensure Albertans are better informed about their electricity rate options, Alberta’s government has also introduced a rate confirmation requirement. The Utilities Consumer Advocate, under the Ministry of Affordability and Utilities, will contact all customers on the Rate of Last Resort every 90 days to confirm whether they would like to stay on the Rate of Last Resort and encourage them to explore their options. Rate of Last Resort providers will also be required to clearly indicate on customer bills that they are on the Rate of Last Resort, inform customers of their options in the competitive retail market, and update the terms and conditions of their service agreements.

    “Alberta’s unique electricity market gives consumers choice in their energy providers and plans. These new regulations bring more clarity and stability to default electricity rates so that Albertans can choose with confidence.”

    Chantelle de Jonge, parliamentary secretary, Affordability and Utilities

    However, not all Albertans are able to sign a competitive contract. In some rural areas, the Rate of Last Resort may be a consumer’s only option to receive power. Poor credit or other financial difficulties also may prohibit Albertans, often seniors and other vulnerable populations, from signing a competitive contract. Currently, the Rate of Last Resort varies month-to-month based on market prices and is approved by the Alberta Utilities Commission, not the government. To protect these customers from sudden and volatile price spikes, the Rate of Last Resort will be set every two years and can only be changed by a maximum of 10 per cent between the 2-year terms starting January 1, 2025. Through these new regulations, Alberta’s government is making the Rate of Last Resort more stable and predictable for Albertans unable to sign a competitive contract.

    “The team at the Utilities Consumer Advocate is available to help consumers understand Alberta’s retail energy market, including these changes, and help them identify options that will work best for their household, farm, or small business.”

    Chris Hunt, Utilities Consumer Advocate

    Albertans are encouraged to explore their options and find the competitive rate best-suited to their needs. Last year, tens of thousands of households moved off the Rate of Last Resort to competitive contracts for a more affordable option. Albertans who are looking for help with their utility bills or are experiencing a dispute with their provider should contact the Utilities Consumer Advocate at 310-4855 or through their website.

    Quick facts

    • Albertans have three options when purchasing their electricity and natural gas utilities: the Rate of Last Resort, a competitive contract for a variable rate, or a competitive contract for a fixed rate.
      • The Rate of Last Resort is approved by the Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC) and is not determined by the government. Learn more about the rate setting process and current rates on the AUC’s website.
    • Approximately 26 per cent of residential customers purchase electricity through the Rate of Last Resort.
    • Approximately 29 per cent of eligible commercial customers and 40 per cent of farm customers purchase electricity through the Rate of Last Resort.

    Related information

    • Utilities Consumer Advocate
    • Alberta Utilities Commission

    Related news

    • Power rates slashed in half by new market rules (Sep 5, 2024)
    • Power watchdog supports Alberta’s electricity market reforms (Aug 5, 2024)
    • Preventing power price spikes (Jun 26, 2024)
    • Making utility bills more affordable (Apr 22, 2024)
    • Making electricity more affordable (Apr 18, 2024)

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Port of Vancouver grain terminal strike: Joint statement

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    “Alberta’s government is extremely concerned about the grain terminal labour disruption at Canada’s largest port, the Port of Vancouver. Harvest is underway, and each day this strike continues will have far-reaching impacts on our agriculture industry, the supply chain and Canada’s economy.

    “A strike at the West Coast terminals has the potential to back up the entire grain-handling system. Local elevators may stop taking grain and farmers have limited abilities to store grain on their farms for extended periods of time. This could lead to spoilage or severe quality downgrades for the grain, causing financial hardship for both farmers and grain handlers.

    “While we respect the collective bargaining process and understand the parties have agreed to resume negotiations alongside federal mediators, the damage caused by this disruption will be devastating to our grain handling industry, disrupting about $35 million of grain exports each day the work stoppage continues, including $11 million of Alberta exports.

    “Alberta has one of Canada’s most competitive agriculture sectors and our producers rely on grain terminal systems to remain up and running to meet international demand. According to the Grain Growers of Canada, more than 52 per cent of the grain produced in Canada was shipped through terminals at the Port of Vancouver last year.

    “Our grain supply feeds Canadians and millions of people around the world. A prolonged work stoppage could undermine Canada’s position as one of the world’s most stable and reliable food suppliers. Over the past year, the world watched as labour disruptions in federally regulated sectors undermined our country’s reputation as a stable trading partner. We call, once again, on the federal government to step in and act now to avoid immediate and long-term damage to Canada’s economy and our farming families.

    “Market access is critical for Alberta’s farmers, ranchers and agri-food businesses. This strike is another blow to the agriculture industry, following closely after China initiated an anti-dumping investigation into canola seed imports.

    “The federal government must improve its approach to labour relations, particularly in federally regulated transportation sectors. The continuous strikes we have seen are a direct result of these failed relations and must be urgently addressed to restore stability in our supply chains.

    “That is why Alberta’s government has sent a letter continuing to call on the federal government to respond proactively and more effectively to labour disputes that have potential to create widespread damage to critical supply chains, as well as to our country’s economy and reputation as a reliable trading partner.”

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: MATSUI APPLAUDS BIDEN ADMINISTRATION’S WORK TO LOCALIZE 988 CALLS

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Doris Matsui (D-CA)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Doris Matsui (CA-07) released the following statement in response to the Biden Administration’s announcement that wireless carriers will start to route callers to the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by their approximate location, rather than their area code.

    “Imagine the immense courage it takes to pick up the phone and dial 9-8-8 only to find you’re speaking with someone across the country,” said Congresswoman Matsui. “9-8-8 must be a reliable lifeline backed by a reliable crisis system. That’s why I’m thrilled that the Biden Administration took this significant step to ensure individuals in mental health crisis are linked with local support.”

    Specifically, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) announced that geo-routing implementation began last week with two major U.S. wireless carriers that combined make up about half of all wireless calls to 988. Additionally, Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel announced that next month, the FCC will vote on final rules to require geo-routing from all U.S. carriers in specified timeframes.

    Congresswoman Matsui is a longtime champion of the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline and improving access to community mental health resources. She co-led the Local 988 Response Act of 2023, which would have required the FCC to promulgate regulations requiring carriers to geo-route 988 callers.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: MATSUI, CITY OF WEST SACRAMENTO ANNOUNCE $15 MILLION IN FEDERAL FUNDING FOR BRYTE PARK

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Doris Matsui (D-CA)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Doris Matsui (CA-07) and the City of West Sacramento announced $15 million in federal funding for the city’s Bryte Park Master Plan Implementation Project.

    “The partnership between the federal government and the City of West Sacramento is crucial to deliver tangible results for our residents. This infusion of federal funds goes right into the heart of the city to reinvigorate Bryte Park,” said Congresswoman Matsui. “Parks have a transformative impact – expanding access to green space and recreation options creates a healthier, more resilient community. That’s why I have been such a strong advocate for our city staff and their forward-thinking approach to bring community conscious amenities where they are needed most.”

    “I am excited about these much-needed renovations coming to Bryte Park!” said West Sacramento Mayor Martha Guerrero. “These amenities, which will include upgraded fields for both adult and youth sports used by our entire community, will enhance quality of life, promote healthier lifestyles, and provide a space for families to connect and thrive.”

    West Sacramento’s Bryte Park Master Plan will transform the park by developing a lighted, all-weather soccer field, an aquatics facility, a dog park, an outdoor amphitheater, and ample green space.

    The funding comes from the National Park Service’s Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership (ORLP) Grants Program. The nationally competitive program provides matching grants to assist communities with little to no access to outdoor recreation opportunities in urban areas. Funds can be used for the acquisition and development of, or to substantially renovate public parks and other outdoor recreation spaces. West Sacramento was one of four communities across the country to receive the top allotment of $15 million.

    A rendering of the project is available below.

     

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    MIL OSI USA News –

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

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jim McGovern (D-MA)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Representative Jim McGovern (MA-02), U.S. Representative Alma S. Adams, Ph.D. (NC-12), 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.  

    “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.”

    “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.”

    “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:

    Create a new grant program within the existing USDA Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), using funds provided for climate-smart conservation practices by the IRA 

    Provide grants for on-farm infrastructure improvements to convert medium or large CAFOs to either crop production or pasture-based livestock operations 

    Require that grant recipients permanently cease operation of a CAFO within 180 days 

    Prevent grant funds from being misused for new unsustainable facilities, such as methane digesters or manure lagoons 

    Require 10% non-federal cost-sharing, with the option of lower cost-sharing amounts for socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers 

    Protect grant applicants from retaliation under the Packers and Stockyards Act

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Burgess, Carter on the Passage of the HEALTH Panel Act in the House Budget Committee

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Michael C Burgess MD (R-TX)

    Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Michael C. Burgess, M.D. (R-TX) released the following statement after the passage of the HEALTH Panel Act through the House Budget Committee.

    Congressman Burgess and Congressman Buddy Carter (R-GA) introduced H.R. 9686, the HEALTH Panel Act which will give authority back to the House and the Senate to appoint the Panel of Health Advisors in the Congressional Budget Office. This bill will also require the CBO provide an annual report to the Budget Committee detailing the panel’s work and recommendations.

    “The passage of the HEALTH Panel Act through the House Budget Committee is a major win for American patients, physicians, and the U.S. health care system,” said Congressman Burgess. “Unelected officials in the Congressional Budget Office should not have the power to influence the legislative process as it pertains to health care policies. This commonsense legislation will grant congressional authority to codify a bipartisan Panel of Health Advisors within the CBO that prioritize the needs of the patient and not their own partisan agenda. Thank you to Congressman Carter for joining me in revitalizing this panel with statutory authority.”

    “It’s no secret that health care is expensive. As one of the primary drivers of our nation’s runaway $35 trillion in debt, it is critical that CBO have the authority required to accurately project the budgetary impact new health care policies will have. The HEALTH Panel Act is a necessary, common-sense step to improve both cost estimates and congressional oversight of this key panel, and I hope to see it on the House floor soon,” said Congressman Carter.

    Click HERE for bill text.

    Background:
    The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) Panel of Health Advisors was informally established 20 years ago and consists of healthcare experts and stakeholders that advise CBO on issues pertaining to health care policy.

    The core purpose of the panel is to provide technical and functional expertise and recommendations to CBO to improve its studies, analyses, and cost estimates related to health care issues and policies. Yet, there is no statutory authority for this panel, nor is there any clear guidance on the responsibilities of the panel.

    This bill will establish congressional appointment authority and require the panel report to the Budget Committee.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congresswoman Norma Torres Co-leads Reintroduction of Bicameral Legislation Holding Judiciary Accountable to Its Employees

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Norma Torres (35th District of California)

    September 25, 2024

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, 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 alongside 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 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.

    “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.”

    “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 the 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.”

    “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.”

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

    Full bill text 

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Assistant Leader Neguse Advances Disaster Management Costs Modernization Act Through Committee, Bringing Bill Closer to House Floor for Vote

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Joe Neguse (D-Co 2)

    Washington, D.C. — Today, House Assistant Minority Leader Joe Neguse successfully advanced his bill, the Disaster Management Costs Modernization Act, through the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee which now heads to the House Floor for consideration. The bipartisan, bicameral legislation helps communities build long-term capacity for disaster recovery by allowing for state and local governments to use Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) disaster management costs for multiple disasters. 

    “Communities in my district have received FEMA disaster assistance as recently as last month. This critical support makes it easier to coordinate response and rebuilding efforts at the state and local levels – and, if enacted, the Disaster Management Costs Modernization Act will allow these funds to also bolster community resilience for future disasters,” said Assistant Leader Neguse. “As Americans continue to see an increase in climate-induced disasters, pursuing policy solutions like these are more important than ever. I look forward to getting this bill through the House and across the finish line.” 

    “Natural disasters have become more frequent and more severe as a result of climate change, making it important for Congress to ensure communities have the resources they need to mitigate damage and save lives,” Ranking Member Larsen said. “Thanks to the leadership of Representative Neguse, the T&I Committee passed the Disaster Management Costs Modernization Act today, which allows states, territories and Tribes to transfer excess disaster recovery funds to build capacity. This important legislation ensures critical funding will not go to waste and helps communities remain vigilant against future natural disasters. I look forward to this bill getting a vote in the full House.”

    Under current law, management costs awarded for one disaster may only be used for that disaster. Assistant Leader Neguse’s Disaster Management Costs Modernization Act would allow recipients to retain excess management costs, or use them towards other open disasters, bolstering a community’s capacity to prepare for, recover from, or mitigate the impacts of major disasters or emergencies. 

    More specifically, the legislation:

    • Authorizes FEMA to permit recipients to retain excess management costs for up to five years after the close-out of a disaster; and

    • Permits grant recipients to use excess management funds for capacity building activities to prepare for or recover from other disasters.  

    Background

    Colorado Congressman and House Assistant Minority Leader Joe Neguse has been leading efforts in Congress to expand access to critical federal disaster assistance for communities impacted by natural disaster. Recently, he introduced a package of legislation to streamline access to federal assistance under the Small Business Administration for families and communities impacted by natural disasters. 

    Also, in July, when the Alexander Mountain Fire and Stone Canyon Fire threatened parts of his congressional district, Neguse acted swiftly to secure federal funds authorized by FEMA to fight the fires. He has also fought to secure proper cost coverage for Coloradans impacted by the Marshall Fire in December 2021. 

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: House GOP Chairmen Demand Biden-Harris Administration Release Unclassified Ukraine Strategy

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart (25th District of FLORIDA)

    CategoriesMIL OSI

    WASHINGTON, D.C.– U.S. Representative Mario Díaz-Balart (R-FL), Chairman of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs joined U.S. Reps Tom Cole (R-OK), Chairman of the House Appropriations Committee, Ken Calvert (R-CA), Chairman of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, Mike Rogers (R-AL), Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, Michael McCaul (R-TX), Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, and Mike Turner (R-OH), Chairman of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, in a joint 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 USA: PASSED: Lee and Steel’s Bipartisan, Bicameral Bill to Unleash American Geothermal Energy Passes House

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Susie Lee (NV-03)

    WASHINGTON –Congresswoman Susie Lee’s (NV-03) bipartisan, bicameral bill (H.R.6474) to expedite geothermal exploration and development passed the U.S. House of Representatives. The legislation cuts government red tape by giving geothermal projects the same flexibility to explore and develop on previously disturbed or studied public lands that the oil and gas industry has had for nearly two decades. That means clean energy projects will be on a more level playing field while creating jobs, cutting emissions, and reducing foreign energy dependence. 

    Congresswoman Lee championed this legislation with Congresswoman Michelle Steel (R-CA-45) in the House and Senators Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV) and Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) in the Senate. 

    Nevada is already the second-largest producer of geothermal in the country, but government red tape is getting in the way of truly maximizing Nevada’s — and the nation’s — abundant resources with next-generation geothermal technology.  

    Nevada is now home to the country’s first enhanced geothermal plant, “Project Red,” the result of a partnership between Google and Fervo Energy — which is actively producing carbon-free energy to power Google Cloud operations in Las Vegas as well as data centers across the state. The U.S. Department of Energy has found that enhanced geothermal systems such as Project Red could extend geothermal energy production nationwide and affordably power the equivalent of more than 65 million U.S. homes.  

    “If we want to fully unleash our renewable energy potential, then we need to cut the red tape that has been a barrier to the growth of geothermal energy development,” said Congresswoman Lee. “I want to thank Congresswoman Steel for partnering on this commonsense, bipartisan bill to strengthen energy independence and help lower costs for the working families we represent.” 

    “Geothermal energy is a vital tool to make America more energy independent and less reliant on our adversaries. This legislation will provide a cleaner energy future and allow my home state of California to seize the reins as a leading national energy provider,” said Congresswoman Michelle Steel. “I was honored to work with Representative Susie Lee to successfully pass this legislation through the House of Representatives and look forward to its passage in the Senate.” 

    “The common-sense improvements to geothermal leasing and permitting passed by the U.S. House of Representatives will help expedite geothermal exploration,” said Tim Latimer, Co-Founder and CEO, Fervo Energy. “Thank you to Representatives Michelle Steel (R-CA) and Susie Lee (D-NV) for leading on this critical issue. We urge the U.S. Senate to pass similar improvements – like those in the Energy Permitting Reform Act — which the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee advanced on a 15-4 bipartisan vote.” 

    Congresswoman Lee has made cutting government red tape a priority — in March, she sent a letter to Department of the Interior Secretary Deb Haaland calling for the Department to reduce barriers to geothermal projects. Lee is also leading bipartisan legislation to cut red tape that is slowing down housing, infrastructure, conservation, and other projects on public lands, which passed the House in July and was endorsed by Republican Governor Joe Lombardo. 

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: English/Español:Díaz-Balart Leads Letter Condemning the Biden-Harris Admin for Allowing U.S. Entry of Cuban Communist Party Pilot Allegedly Linked to Brothers of the Rescue Aircraft Shoot Down

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart (25th District of FLORIDA)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Los legisladores Mario Díaz-Balart (FL-26), María Elvira Salazar (FL-27), Carlos A. Giménez (FL-28), y Alex Mooney (WV-2), enviaron una carta al Secretario de Estado Antony Blinken y al Secretario de Seguridad Nacional Alejandro Mayorkas expresando profundas preocupaciones sobre informes que indican que un alto operativo de la dictadura cubana, presuntamente involucrado en el atroz asesinato de americanos, fue recientemente admitido en Estados Unidos.

    Lea la carta en ingles aquí o a continuación:

    “As Members of Congress with constituents directly impacted by the brutality of the Castro regime, we write with profound concern regarding reports that a high-level operative in the Cuban dictatorship who is alleged to have participated in the heinous murder of Americans was recently admitted into the United States.

     “According to numerous press reports, Cuban Lieutenant Colonel Luis Raúl González-Pardo Rodríguez entered the United States within the past few weeks. Additional reports, as well as a letter from survivors, contend that Gonzalez-Pardo participated in the Brothers to the Rescue shootdown of 1996. That shootdown resulted in the murders of three American citizens and one legal permanent resident, respectively: Carlos Costa, Mario de la Peña, Armando Alejandre, and Pablo Morales. These humanitarians were working to rescue refugees at sea who were escaping totalitarian Cuba, and saved countless lives since the Brothers to the Rescue’s founding. As both the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) affirmed after the attack, these civilian, unarmed Cessnas were shot down by MiGs in international waters. This was a flagrant violation of international law. 

     “The families of these victims deserve justice. It was an insult to them and a disgraceful travesty of justice that the Obama Administration released the one person who had been held accountable for their murders, Gerardo Hernandez, in a concession to the regime in Cuba. Now, the possibility that another person who may have participated in that heinous act was granted the extraordinary privilege of U.S. entry is yet another affront.

     “The remaining survivors of the Brothers to the Rescue shootdown have demanded an investigation into the vetting process that allowed González-Pardo into the United States, and whether he lied on his forms. We reiterate their call, and are deeply concerned about the seeming influx of high-level Cuban Communist Party operatives into the United States .”

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Improving resilience on State Highway 63 in Marlborough

    Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

    New resilience work is about to get underway on State Highway 63 in Marlborough, on the Blenheim side of The Wash Bridge.

    New resilience work is about to get underway on State Highway 63 in Marlborough, on the Blenheim side of The Wash Bridge.

    Contractors will be on-site from Monday, 7 October, with work expected to continue until early December.

    They will raise the height of the road by 1.5 meters to minimise future flooding and carry out culvert improvements as well.

    Mark Owen, Regional Manager Wellington/Top of the South, says this section of state highway between Blenheim and St Arnaud is prone to flooding.

    “Making these improvements and increasing the highway’s resilience will help keep the road open in bad weather, and ensure people, products, and places remain connected.”

    “It means the transport network will be stronger and better prepared for any future disruption,” Mr Owen says.

    During the work, one lane of the highway will remain open under stop/go temporary traffic management. A 30 km/h temporary speed limit will also be in place. Road users can expect delays of up to 10 minutes.

    Mr Owen says the work is funded by the Transport Resilience Fund.

    “The fund is about covering the cost of resilience improvements on the state highway network and minimising damage from future weather events.”

    “Marlborough residents know only too well how big an impact floods can have. Investments like this can make a big difference,” Mr Owen says.

    Other resilience works are planned for Marlborough. They include State Highway 6 Canvastown at Racecourse Bridge, State Highway 6 Rai Saddle and State Highway 1 at Dashwood. More information about these projects will be shared before they get underway. 

    Works Schedule: 

    • Stop/Go temporary traffic management in place from Monday. 7 October to Friday. 6 December, 7:30 am – 5 pm – No work on Saturdays or Sundays or public holidays.
    • The road will reopen to two lanes outside of work hours.
    • A temporary speed limit of 30 km/h will be in place at the site 24/7.
    • Expect delays of up to 10 minutes.

    More Information: 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: CFTC Orders U.S. Trading Firm to Pay $800,000 Penalty for Federal Natural Gas Futures Position Limits Violations

    Source: US Commodity Futures Trading Commission

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Commodity Futures Trading Commission today issued an order filing and simultaneously settling charges against Aspire Commodities LLC (Aspire) for exceeding the federal spot month speculative position limits for cash-settled reference contracts to the New York Mercantile Exchange’s (NYMEX) physically-delivered Henry Hub Natural Gas (NG) futures contract on seven occasions from 2022 to 2024.

    The order requires Aspire, an energy trading firm with locations in Houston and Dorado Beach, Puerto Rico, to pay an $800,000 civil monetary penalty, and to cease and desist from further violations of the Commodity Exchange Act and CFTC regulations. Aspire admits the facts in the order.

    Case Background

    From 2022 to 2024, the ICE Futures U.S. Energy Division (IFED) and the Nodal exchanges granted Aspire conditional limit exemptions, which allowed the company to exceed the federal spot month speculative position limit by an additional 8,000 NYMEX NG cash-settled equivalent contracts on each of the exchanges during the NG contract spot month so long as Aspire did not hold or trade positions in the physically-delivered NYMEX NG contract during the final three trading days in the contract’s spot month.

    This order finds Aspire violated those conditions seven times over a two-year period by exceeding the federal spot month speculative position limits in cash-settled reference NG futures contracts.

    The CFTC thanks IFED and Nodal exchanges for their assistance in this matter.

    The Division of Enforcement staff responsible for this case are James W. Deacon, Carrie Kennedy, James H. Holl, III and Rick Glaser.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Readout of Deputy Secretary of Defense Hicks’ Meeting With Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri

    Source: United States Department of Defense

    Pentagon Spokesman Eric Pahon provided the following readout:

    Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen Hicks hosted Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri at the Pentagon today to discuss priorities for strengthening the U.S.-India defense partnership through defense industrial cooperation, technology innovation, and operational cooperation.

    She noted that the United States and India continue to break new ground in areas of cooperation that will enhance the security of both countries, as well as the broader Indo-Pacific region.

    Deputy Secretary Hicks thanked Foreign Secretary Misri for India’s strong support of the maritime security and logistics initiatives announced at the Quad Leaders Summit last weekend.

    They also discussed ongoing efforts to co-produce jet engines, land mobility systems, and munitions, as well as the continued progress through the India-U.S. Defense Acceleration Ecosystem (INDUS-X) to foster joint innovation among defense industry stakeholders in both countries.

    Deputy Secretary Hicks highlighted the success of the recent INDUS-X Summit, which resulted in the announcement of a new joint innovation challenge for space domain technologies, as well as an upgraded memorandum of understanding between the U.S. Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) and the Indian Defense Ministry’s Innovations for Defense Excellence (iDEX) office.

    The two officials also discussed regional security issues and a range of operational cooperation initiatives aimed at promoting stability and security in the Indo-Pacific.

    Deputy Secretary Hicks expressed the importance of continuing to advance progress across all areas of the Major Defense Partnership, and pledged to deepen cooperation to promote a shared vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Statement of Commissioner Summer K. Mersinger Regarding Extension of No-Action Position from Certain Reporting Obligations

    Source: US Commodity Futures Trading Commission

    I support an extension of the staff no-action position in Letter No. 20-30 from certain reporting obligations under the Commodity Futures Trading Commission’s[1] Ownership and Control Reports (“OCR”) final rules.

    However, I feel compelled to reiterate what I said last year when Commission staff extended this same relief:

    “I urge staff and the Commission to develop and issue an OCR proposed rulemaking soon—so that staff is not compelled to issue yet another extension when this one expires a year from now.”[2]

    Yet, here we are in exactly the situation I had hoped we would avoid—issuing another extension in a seemingly endless series of extensions instead of addressing a known issue head-on.  Commission staff has taken a no-action position with respect to certain reporting obligations under the OCR final rules since 2014.  But despite a petition to address this issue, we have spent the past decade repeatedly kicking the can down the road.[3]

    Instead of using Commission resources and staff time to issue unnecessary rules codifying existing expectations[4] or providing guidance to our most sophisticated markets on lightly traded contracts[5], maybe it is time to focus on fixing what is actually broken, like the OCR rules which are the subject of today’s no-action relief.

    [1] This statement will refer to the Commodity Futures Trading Commission as the “Commission” or “CFTC.”  All web pages cited herein were last visited on September 24, 2024.

    [2] Statement of Commissioner Summer K. Mersinger Regarding Extension of Staff No-Action Position Regarding Ownership and Control Reports (September 22, 2023), available at https://www.cftc.gov/PressRoom/SpeechesTestimony/mersingerstatement092223b.

    [3] Extension Letter at 1-2 (“Since 2014, [the Division of Market Oversight (‘DMO’)] has taken a no-action position with respect to reporting entities from certain reporting obligations under the OCR [f]inal [r]ule.  In September 2017, DMO issued no-action letter 17-45 (‘NAL 17-45’).…. NAL 17-45 extended the time period for the no-action position, which was itself previously granted and extended in several prior no-action letters, from certain reporting obligations under the OCR [f]inal [r]ule….

    Subsequent to the issuance of NAL 17-45, on June 14, 2018, [the Futures Industry Association (‘FIA’)] and [the Commodity Markets Council (‘CMC’)] submitted a petition to the Commission, which requested, among other things, that the Commission codify the no-action positions provided in NAL 17-45…. As of the date of this letter, the Commission has not acted upon FIA and CMC’s petition….

    On September 25, 2020, DMO issued no-action letter 20-30 (‘NAL 20-30’), which extended the no-action position in NAL 17-45.  On September 22, 2023, DMO issued no-action letter 23-14 (‘NAL 23-14’), which extended the no-action position in NAL 20-30 with respect to each obligation covered by NAL 23-14 ‘until the earlier of: (a) the applicable effective date or compliance date of Commission action addressing such obligation or (b) September 30, 2024.’  Therefore, without further action by the Commission, by its terms NAL 23-14 will expire on September 30, 2024.” (emphasis added).

    [4] See Dissenting Statement of Commissioner Summer K. Mersinger Regarding Amendments to Part 40 of the CFTC’s Regulations (September 12, 2024), available at https://www.cftc.gov/PressRoom/SpeechesTestimony/mersingerstatement091224b.

    [5] See Dissenting Statement of Commissioner Summer K. Mersinger on Guidance Regarding the Listing of Voluntary Carbon Credit Derivative Contracts (September 20, 2024), available at https://www.cftc.gov/PressRoom/SpeechesTestimony/mersingerstatement092024.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Maryland Woman Sentenced for Conspiring to Destroy the Baltimore Region Power Grid

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

    Sarah Beth Clendaniel, 36, of Catonsville, Maryland, was sentenced today to 18 years in prison and a lifetime of supervised release for conspiring to damage or destroy electrical facilities in Maryland and a concurrent sentence of 15 years in prison and three years of supervised release for being a felon in possession of a firearm.

    “Those who seek to attack our country’s critical infrastructure will face the full force of the U.S. Department of Justice,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “Sarah Beth Clendaniel sought to ‘completely destroy’ the city of Baltimore by targeting five power substations as a means of furthering her violent white supremacist ideology. She will now spend the next 18 years in federal prison. The Justice Department will continue to aggressively counter, disrupt, and prosecute those who seek to launch these kinds of hate-fueled attacks that target our critical infrastructure, endanger entire cities, and threaten our national security.” 

    “The defendant plotted to disable the power grid around the entire Baltimore region and cause harm to thousands of people in pursuit of a racially motivated violent extremist agenda,” said FBI Director Christopher Wray. “Her plan failed thanks to the great work of the FBI and our law enforcement partners. Today’s sentencing should serve as a warning to others that you will be held accountable if you attempt to carry out violent attacks on our infrastructure or threaten the safety of those in our communities.”

    “Such cowardice, designed to disrupt and endanger the lives of Maryland’s citizens, will not be tolerated,” said U.S. Attorney Erek L. Barron for the District of Maryland. “My office remains committed to protecting the security and well-being of the community by prosecuting such conduct to the full extent of the law.”

    According to her plea agreement and other court documents, in 2018, Clendaniel became acquainted with Brandon C. Russell, a Florida resident, who is currently charged with conspiracy to damage or destroy electrical facilities in Maryland and is awaiting trial. Clendaniel and Russell espouse a white supremacist ideology and advocate a concept known as “accelerationism.” To “accelerate” or to support “accelerationism” is based on a white supremacist belief that the current system is irreparable and without an apparent political solution, and therefore violent action is necessary to precipitate societal and government collapse.

    According to court documents, from at least December 2022 through February 2023, Clendaniel conspired with Russell to damage energy facilities involved in the transmission and distribution of electricity and to cause a significant interruption and impairment of the Baltimore regional power grid. The intended monetary loss associated with the planned attacks would have exceeded $75 million.

    As set forth in her plea agreement, Clendaniel admitted that she communicated and planned over encrypted communication applications (ECA) to carry out attacks against energy facilities. Russell and Clendaniel communicated their plans to commit an attack on the Baltimore region power grid to a confidential human source (CHS-1).

    Their plans began to coalesce on Jan. 12, 2023, when CHS-1 and Russell discussed the planned substation attack in Maryland with a goal of working with Clendaniel to “maximize impact” and “to coordinate to get multiple [substations] at the same time.” Later that same day, Clendaniel, using the moniker “Nythra88,” sent a message to CHS-1 on ECA confirming her support of the attack.

    In the ensuing conversation, which continued through Jan. 14, 2023, Clendaniel told CHS-1 that she lived near Baltimore. She also stated that she was a felon, and had previously, but unsuccessfully, attempted to obtain a rifle. She asked CHS-1 to purchase a rifle for her, stating that she wanted to “accomplish something worthwhile” and that she wanted the rifle “within the next couple of weeks” to “accomplish as much as possible before June, at the latest.” On Jan. 18, 2023, on ECA, Clendaniel told CHS-1 that she had identified a few potential locations to target in her attack. CHS-1 stated that CHS-1 would have to be the “driver” and Clendaniel would have to be the “shooter” in the attack. Clendaniel confirmed that she was “determined to do this” and stated she would have done something earlier on her own if she had not lost her rifle “a few months ago.” The conversation continued with CHS-1 and Clendaniel discussing the specifics of the desired rifle and agreeing that Clendaniel would send CHS-1 a “wish list,” which she did the following day.

    At various times from Jan. 21, 2023, through Jan. 29, 2023, CHS-1 exchanged encrypted messages, separately with Clendaniel and with Russell, in which they discussed in detail the rifle and specific firearms accessories that Clendaniel wanted and potential targets for their attack.

    On Jan. 29, 2023, Clendaniel told CHS-1 that the five substations she planned to target included “Norrisville, Reisterstown, and Perry Hall.” Clendaniel described how there was a “ring” around Baltimore and if they hit a number of them all in the same day, they “would completely destroy this whole city.” She added that they needed to “destroy those cores, not just leak the oil . . . ” and that a “good four or five shots through the center of them . . . should make that happen.” Further, she stated that: “[i]t would probably permanently completely lay this city to waste if we could do that successfully.” When CHS-1 asked if it would accomplish a “cascading failure,” Clendaniel replied, “[y]es . . . probably” and that the attack targets are all “major ones.” Clendaniel also said that the most difficult target that they would have to do together has “fire walls on three sides.”

    During that conversation, Clendaniel sent CHS-1 five links to the “Open Infrastructure Map” which showed the locations of five specific Baltimore, Gas and Electric (BGE) electrical substations in Maryland. BGE is an energy company that utilizes substations, like the five targeted sites, to produce, convert, transform, regulate and distribute energy. Three of the five substations were located near the towns of Norrisville, Reisterstown, and Perry Hall. The remaining two substations were in the vicinity of Baltimore City. Each location is a BGE substation with significant infrastructure.

    On or about Jan. 31, 2023, Russell discussed with CHS-1 the attack of the targeted substations on ECA, including how to “make sure it’s done right,” how “it has been studied,” and how to make it “cascading” so as to maximize damage. Russell and Clendaniel believed that attacking these five electrical substations in the greater Baltimore area would serve accelerationism.

    On Feb. 3, 2023, law enforcement agents executed a search warrant at Clendaniel’s residence in Catonsville, Maryland. During the search, law enforcement agents recovered from Clendaniel’s bedroom various firearms and hundreds of rounds of ammunition. Federal law prohibits Clendaniel from possessing these items because she is a convicted felon, including convictions in Cecil County, Maryland, for robbery in 2006 and robbery and attempted robbery in 2016.

    The FBI investigated the case.

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kathleen O. Gavin and Michael Aubin for the District of Maryland prosecuted the case with valuable assistance from the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section.

    The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland is a partner in the Justice Department’s United Against Hate community outreach program. The United Against Hate initiative seeks to directly connect federal, state, and local law enforcement with traditionally marginalized communities in order to build trust and encourage the reporting of hate crimes and hate incidents. Attorney General Garland announced the nationwide launch of the initiative and its expansion to all 94 U.S. Attorneys’ Offices.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: RM of Lac du Bonnet — Update – Lac du Bonnet RCMP respond to fatal two-vehicle collision

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    On September 17, 2024, after an in-depth investigation and in consultation with Manitoba Public Prosecution Service, Lac du Bonnet RCMP arrested Paul Robinson, 37, from Winnipeg for Dangerous Operation of a Motor Vehicle Causing Death and Impaired Operation of a Motor Vehicle While Impaired by Drug. These charges are in relation to the death of an 82-year-old male from the RM of Lac du Bonnet in August 2023.

    Robinson was released with a court date in Beausejour Provincial Court on November 4, 2024.

    On August 1, 2023, at approximately 6:20 am, Lac du Bonnet RCMP responded to a report of a two-vehicle collision at the intersection of Provincial Road 313 and Channel Drive, located approximately 15 kilometres east of Lac du Bonnet.

    A pickup truck, being driven by a 32-year-old male from Winnipeg, was travelling eastbound on PR313 when it collided into the rear of a minivan, being driven by an 82-year-old male from the RM of Lac du Bonnet, which was in the process of making a left hand turn onto Channel Drive.

    The driver of the pickup truck was transported to hospital with serious but non-life-threatening physical injuries. The driver of the minivan was ejected from the vehicle and pronounced deceased on scene.

    Lac du Bonnet RCMP, along with a Forensic Collision Reconstructionist, continue to investigate.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Maryland Woman Sentenced to 18 Years in Federal Prison for Conspiring to Destroy the Baltimore Region Power Grid

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

    Baltimore, Maryland – On September 25, 2024, Senior United States District Judge James K. Bredar sentenced Sarah Beth Clendaniel, a Catonsville, Maryland resident, to 18 years in federal prison, followed by a lifetime of supervised release, for conspiring to damage or destroy electrical facilities in Maryland, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1366(a), and a concurrent sentence of 15 years for being a felon in possession of a firearm, and 3 years of supervised release, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1).

    The sentence was announced by Erek L. Barron, United States Attorney for the District of Maryland and Special Agent in Charge William J. DelBagno of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Baltimore Field Office.

    “Such cowardice, designed to disrupt and endanger the lives of Maryland’s citizens, will not be tolerated,” said Erek L. Barron, United States Attorney for the District of Maryland. “My Office remains committed to protecting the security and well-being of the community by prosecuting such conduct to the full extent of the law.”

    “Those who seek to attack our country’s critical infrastructure will face the full force of the United States Department of Justice,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “Sarah Beth Clendaniel sought to ‘completely destroy’ the city of Baltimore by targeting five power substations as a means of furthering her violent white supremacist ideology. She will now spend the next 18 years in federal prison. The Justice Department will continue to aggressively counter, disrupt, and prosecute those who seek to launch these kinds of hate-fueled attacks that target our critical infrastructure, endanger entire cities, and threaten our national security.”  

    “The defendant plotted to disable the power grid around the entire Baltimore region and cause harm to thousands of people in pursuit of a racially motivated violent extremist agenda,” said FBI Director Christopher Wray. “Her plan failed thanks to the great work of the FBI and our law enforcement partners.  Today’s sentencing should serve as a warning to others that you will be held accountable if you attempt to carry out violent attacks on our infrastructure or threaten the safety of those in our communities.”

    “Sarah Beth Clendaniel engaged in a hate-filled scheme to destroy the infrastructure Marylanders rely on every day,” said Special Agent in Charge William J. DelBagno of the FBI’s Baltimore Field Office. “Through rigorous investigation and law enforcement partnerships, her radical plan was halted. Today’s sentence underscores the FBI’s commitment to protecting our national security and holding accountable those conspiring to commit violence.”

    According to her plea agreement and other court documents, in 2018, Clendaniel became acquainted with Brandon C. Russell, a Florida resident, who is currently charged with conspiracy to damage or destroy electrical facilities in Maryland and is awaiting trial. Clendaniel and Russell espouse a white supremacist ideology and advocate a concept known as “accelerationism.” To “accelerate” or to support “accelerationism” is based on a white supremacist belief that the current system is irreparable and without an apparent political solution, and therefore violent action is necessary to precipitate societal and government collapse.

    According to court documents, from at least December 2022 through February 2023, Clendaniel conspired with Russell to damage energy facilities involved in the transmission and distribution of electricity and to cause a significant interruption and impairment of the Baltimore regional power grid. The intended monetary loss associated with the planned attacks would have exceeded $75 million.

    As set forth in her plea agreement, Clendaniel admitted that she communicated and planned over encrypted communication applications (“ECA”) to carry out attacks against energy facilities. Russell and Clendaniel communicated their plans to commit an attack on the Baltimore region power grid to a confidential human source (“CHS-1”).

    Their plans began to coalesce on January 12, 2023, when CHS-1 and Russell discussed the planned substation attack in Maryland with a goal of working with Clendaniel to “maximize impact” and “to coordinate to get multiple [substations] at the same time.” Later that same day, Clendaniel, using the moniker “Nythra88,” sent a message to CHS-1 on ECA confirming her support of the attack.

    In the ensuing conversation, which continued through January 14, 2023, Clendaniel told CHS-1 that she lived near Baltimore. She also stated that she was a felon, and had previously, but unsuccessfully, attempted to obtain a rifle. She asked CHS-1 to purchase a rifle for her, stating that she wanted to “accomplish something worthwhile” and that she wanted the rifle “within the next couple of weeks” to “accomplish as much as possible before June, at the latest.” On January 18, 2023, on ECA, Clendaniel told CHS-1 that she had identified a few potential locations to target in her attack. CHS-1 stated that CHS-1 would have to be the “driver” and Clendaniel would have to be the “shooter” in the attack. Clendaniel confirmed that she was “determined to do this” and stated she would have done something earlier on her own if she had not lost her rifle “a few months ago.” The conversation continued with CHS-1 and Clendaniel discussing the specifics of the desired rifle and agreeing that Clendaniel would send CHS-1 a “wish list,” which she did the following day.

    At various times from January 21, 2023 through January 29, 2023, CHS-1 exchanged encrypted messages, separately with Clendaniel and with Russell, in which they discussed in detail the rifle and specific firearms accessories that Clendaniel wanted and potential targets for their attack.

    On January 29, 2023, Clendaniel told CHS-1 that the five substations she planned to target included “Norrisville, Reisterstown, and Perry Hall.”  Clendaniel described how there was a “ring” around Baltimore and if they hit a number of them all in the same day, they “would completely destroy this whole city.” She added that they needed to “destroy those cores, not just leak the oil . . . ” and that a “good four or five shots through the center of them . . . should make that happen.” Further, she stated that: “[i]t would probably permanently completely lay this city to waste if we could do that successfully.” When CHS-1 asked if it would accomplish a “cascading failure,” Clendaniel replied, “[y]es . . . probably” and that the attack targets are all “major ones.” Clendaniel also said that the most difficult target that they would have to do together has “fire walls on three sides.”

    During that conversation, Clendaniel sent CHS-1 five links to the “Open Infrastructure Map” which showed the locations of five specific Baltimore, Gas and Electric (“BGE”) electrical substations in Maryland. BGE is an energy company that utilizes substations, like the five targeted sites, to produce, convert, transform, regulate and distribute energy. Three of the five substations were located near the towns of Norrisville, Reisterstown, and Perry Hall. The remaining two substations were in the vicinity of Baltimore City. Each location is a BGE substation with significant infrastructure.

    On or about January 31, 2023, Russell discussed with CHS-1 the attack of the targeted substations on ECA, including how to “make sure it’s done right,” how “it has been studied,” and how to make it “cascading” so as to maximize damage. Russell and Clendaniel believed that attacking these five electrical substations in the greater Baltimore area would serve accelerationism.

    On February 3, 2023, law enforcement agents executed a search warrant at Clendaniel’s residence in Catonsville, Maryland.  During the search, law enforcement agents recovered from Clendaniel’s bedroom various firearms and hundreds of rounds of ammunition.  Federal law prohibits Clendaniel from possessing these items because she is a convicted felon, including convictions in Cecil County, Maryland for Robbery in 2006 and Robbery and Attempted Robbery in 2016.

    U.S. Attorney Barron commended the FBI for its work in the investigation and thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kathleen O. Gavin and Michael Aubin who are prosecuting the federal case.

    The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland is a partner in the U.S. Department of Justice’s United Against Hate community outreach program.  The United Against Hate initiative seeks to directly connect federal, state and local law enforcement with traditionally marginalized communities in order to build trust and encourage the reporting of hate crimes and hate incidents.  Department of Justice Attorney General Merrick B. Garland announced the nationwide launch of the initiative and its expansion to all 94 U.S. Attorneys’ Offices.

    For more information on the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, please visit www.justice.gov/usao-md and https://www.justice.gov/usao-md/community-outreach.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Eight arrested in connection with Tower Hamlets murder

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    Detectives investigating the murder of a man in Tower Hamlets have made eight arrests.

    Joshua McLean, 31, was fatally shot at about 20:27hrs on Tuesday, 6 August in Weavers Fields, Wilmot Street, E2.

    On Wednesday, 25 September, detectives from the Met’s Specialist Crime Command arrested eight males – all aged between 17 and 56 – on suspicion of murder. All eight suspects remain in police custody.

    Detective Inspector Jonny Newell, from the Met’s Specialist Crime Command, said: “Our thoughts remain with Joshua’s family who are absolutely devastated by this tragic incident.

    “I am grateful to those who have spoken to officers and provided information that assisted us in our enquiries, but would like to appeal to anyone who was in the area at the time of this incident to get in touch with police if they haven’t done so already.

    “If you have any information concerning this murder, we would like to hear from you.”

    Detective Chief Superintendent James Conway, responsible for policing in Hackney and Tower Hamlets, said: “The arrests today are a significant development in this detailed and painstaking investigation. I do not underestimate the impact Joshua’s murder has had on the local community and I am grateful to those who supported us in our enquiries.”

    Anyone with information is asked to contact the police via 101, quoting reference CAD 7454/06AUG.

    Information, images or footage can also be provided on a portal via https://mipp.police.uk/operation/01MPS24W82-PO1

    To remain anonymous, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or visit crimestoppers-uk.org.

    MIL Security OSI –