NewzIntel.com

Category: Trump administration

  • MIL-OSI USA: Wicker Stresses Peace Through Strength to AF Association, Updates on One Big Beautiful Bill

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Mississippi Roger Wicker

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, spoke at the Air Force Association Chapter Meeting in Meridian, Mississippi. He highlighted the history of refueling airplanes in Meridian, a particularly relevant topic amid the U.S. Air Force’s ongoing KC-46 basing decision process. Chairman Wicker also discussed his plan to rebuild the American military, which he had published a year to the day earlier in his landmark report, 21st Century Peace Through Strength. Below are excerpts from his speech, lightly edited for clarity.  

    Click Here for Full Remarks.

    On Being Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee and Implementing Peace Through Strength:

    “I’m the first Chairman of the Armed Services Committee from Mississippi since John C. Stennis was Chairman of Armed Services. It is a dream for me to be able to do that, and particularly at a time like this. We need to be ready to defend ourselves against the axis of aggressors – China, Russia, North Korea, and Iran – that I talk about in my paper, 21st Century Peace Through Strength. Three of those powers have nuclear weapons. One of them is days, perhaps weeks, away from having a nuclear weapon. I absolutely stand with President Trump and Prime Minister Netanyahu that our policy should firmly be: Iran never gets a nuclear weapon. Iran hates the United States. They hate the West, they hate democracies, and their aim is to destroy us. They don’t get a nuclear weapon. We can stop it, or we can do as other administrations did and take them at their word that they’re only trying to enrich uranium for peaceful purposes. Do you know how much oil is in the Middle East, and how little they need nuclear power in the Middle East, in Iran, to power themselves? There is no reason in the world for them to want enriched uranium other than to create a nuclear bomb. It would mean the destruction, almost certainly, of our ally Israel.”

    On the KC-46 Basing Decision and Meridian’s History of Refueling:

    ”Let’s talk about some of the things that we’re doing for KC-46 here at the 186. Six point seven million dollars in the last National Defense Authorization Act to accelerate the planning and design of a corrosion control hangar. One million dollars to update the fuel hydrant system, $5.6 million to support planning and design of a maintenance hangar, $1.9 million to support the planning and design of a base supply warehouse at Key Field. There’s more to come, and there’s more we’re doing. I, along with Senator Hyde-Smith and Congressmen Michael Guest and Trent Kelly are going to do the best we can to bring the KC-46 to Meridian. 1971, I was in ROTC, and I’m at field training at Grissom Air Force Base. In 1972, we had dinner with Al Key, mayor of Meridian. His brother Fred had set the record – 27 days in air flight without ever landing. Let me tell you, folks, we invented air refueling in Meridian, Mississippi, and I think that ought to give us a leg up for the KC-46. One man was flying the plane for 27 straight days, and when his brother would come up in another biplane to refuel with a hose, the pilot would get out on the wing of that plane, leaving the cockpit, and they would refuel that plane. They did that for 27 days.”

    On the One Big Beautiful Bill and the Golden Dome:

    “There is one piece of legislation that just passed the House and is now being considered in the Senate called the One Big Beautiful Bill, which includes funding for the Golden Dome. I was talking to Donald J. Trump in the Oval Office, and I was advocating for Iron Dome for America. We think the technology is there to do it for the entire continent. He said, “I think we ought to call it the Golden Dome.” It’s going to be expensive, but I think we have to do this, and we’ve got the technology to do that. North Korea can get a missile to the continental United States right now. China can get a missile to the United States right now, and Russia can. We need that protection. What we had to worry about 15 years ago does not compare to what we have now. A cyberattack is a part of national defense now. It is the next quantum leap of what we’re worried about, and that’s why I’m going to vote for this One Big Beautiful Bill. It’s got $150 billion for defense. The President of the United States is behind the Armed Services Committee of the Senate and the House on putting at least $150 billion in this. It will just get us started. But we are behind. We need to be at 5 percent of our national economy. We are in a position now, with the help of this One Big Beautiful Bill, of getting us back to 5 percent of our economy and having the ability to prevent war. There has never been a war started against a country because that country was too strong. Wars start because the victim country is not strong enough. We are determined to get us back to the point where we are so strong that we never have to send these people into combat. That’s the way to stay out of war, and the opposite is the way we’ve always gotten into war.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Shangri-La Dialogue 2025 kicks off in Singapore amid geopolitical tensions

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

    People in uniforms perform security duties outside the Shangri-La Hotel, the venue for the 22nd Shangri-La Dialogue, in Singapore, May 30, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    The 22nd edition of the Shangri-La Dialogue, Asia’s premier defense and security summit, opened in Singapore on Friday amid geopolitical tensions.

    This year’s dialogue drew representatives from 47 countries, including 40 ministerial-level delegates, 20 chief of defense forces-level delegates, over 20 senior defense officials, and prominent academics, according to the Singapore Ministry of Defense.

    A Chinese delegation from the National Defense University of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army is attending the event.

    French President Emmanuel Macron is set to deliver a keynote speech late Friday, where he’s expected to position France — and Europe — as champions of international cooperation and rules-based trade.

    U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is set to speak on Saturday about America’s “new ambitions for Indo-Pacific security.” Observers say he faces a tough task in convincing Asian allies, many of whom remain uneasy about President Donald Trump’s disruptive policies, not least those related to trade.

    Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim will also give a speech on Saturday and make clear how, amid global geopolitical uncertainties and sharpened geo-economic fault lines, Malaysia as ASEAN’s current chair, provides strategic leadership for the region and beyond, according to the International Institute for Strategic Studies, the organizer.

    EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas is also scheduled to speak on Saturday.

    Analysts say key topics will likely include regional cooperation, the U.S. security policies and the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. The implications of sweeping U.S. tariffs are also likely to attract attention, as officials will use the platform to reassure partners and navigate an increasingly multipolar security landscape.

    The Dialogue runs from Friday through Sunday.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: US begins additional vetting for anyone seeking visa to travel to Harvard

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

    This photo taken on May 24, 2025 shows a view of the Harvard University campus in Cambridge, Massachusetts, the United States. [Photo/Xinhua]

    The U.S. Department of State on Friday ordered all U.S. embassies and consulates worldwide to “immediately begin additional vetting” for anyone seeking a visa to travel to Harvard University for “any purpose.”

    According to a diplomatic cable signed by Secretary of State Marco Rubio and seen by local media, the “additional vetting” comprises “a complete screening of the online presence” of the applicants, and “such applicants include, but are not limited to prospective students, students, faculty, employees, contractors, guest speakers, and tourists.”

    The word “any” is underlined with bold font in the passage, while the cable states that the screening applies to “any” nonimmigrant visa applicant for “any” purpose.

    The cable instructs U.S. consular officers to have applicants who are otherwise eligible for a visa to set their social media accounts to public and then refer their cases to the Fraud Prevention Unit, who should conduct a comprehensive and thorough vetting of each such applicant, including social media activity … and more generally any online presence, to identify possible inadmissibilities.

    “The enhanced vetting measures described in this guidance aim at ensuring that consular officers can appropriately identify such visa applicants with histories of anti-Semitic harassment and violence, and to duly consider the visa eligibility under U.S. immigration law,” the cable states.

    The move is an escalation of the Trump administration’s feud with the Ivy League institution as it applies to more than just students, local media claimed. It will also serve as a pilot for expanded social media screening and vetting visa applicants across the board.

    The U.S. government on Tuesday suspended scheduling new interviews for student-visa applicants, saying it was considering requiring all foreign students applying to study in the United States to undergo social media vetting.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Murray on President Trump’s Budget Request 

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Washington State Patty Murray
    Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, issued the following statement on the release of President Trump’s fiscal year 2026 budget request, which proposes slashing critical investments in non-defense programs that matter immensely to families and our country’s competitiveness and future.
    “It’s telling that President Trump has chosen to release his budget on a Friday night with no fanfare whatsoever. That’s probably because his budget would raise costs for working people, destroy basic services we all count on, and let our adversaries run circles around us—all while President Trump works to shower billionaires like himself in new tax breaks. 
    “For President Trump: it’s no billionaire left behind—and good luck to everyone else.  
    “This budget would outright eliminate programs that help working families afford the basics, gut investments in our students and schools, slash Pell Grants, and kick hundreds of thousands of Americans out of their homes. President Trump wants to let America’s small businesses go under, turn his back on our Tribes, and let trash pile up at our national parks.  
    “America’s research enterprise has long been the envy of the world, driving awe-inspiring technological progress and producing medical treatments and cures that have saved millions of lives. But President Trump is now proposing to destroy it by nearly halving the NIH’s budget and gutting all kinds of cutting-edge scientific research. You might as well gift wrap the future and hand it to China. 
    “President Trump apparently wants to make our communities less safe and healthy—because he is now asking Congress to gut funding to prevent violent crime, crack down on drug trafficking, tackle the opioids and mental health crises, and protect people’s health. 
    “This president wants to explode the debt and deficit by trillions of dollars to help line billionaires’ pockets while kicking millions off their health care and shredding investments that matter most to families and our country’s success.  
    “This is now the latest budget request in history, and remarkably, it is not even complete, because it still lacks all manner of essential details. 
    “This is a draconian proposal to hurt working people and our economy, and it is dead on arrival in Congress as long as I have anything to say about it. But this is just another reminder we need Republicans to join us to reject these reckless cuts, focus on the investments we actually need to make in our communities and security, and to finally force Trump to follow the law and end his devastating funding freeze.” 
    On President Trump’s proposed budget for Hanford, Howard Hanson Dam, and the Puget Sound Geographic Program, Senator Murray said:
    “The president’s proposed budget for Hanford is utterly unacceptable and will be going nowhere as far as I am concerned. Trump’s proposal for Hanford would force us to fall behind on the cleanup mission at a critical time, leaving key milestones unmet and raising the cost of the cleanup in the long run—not to mention increasing the safety and environmental risks for the Tri-Cities. Writing spending bills will be challenging, but I’ll be fighting to support Hanford, the workers powering the cleanup mission, and the Tri-Cities community. 
    “Similarly, it is disappointing that Trump is providing zero construction funding for the Howard Hanson Dam, a shovel-ready project that is absolutely critical to ensuring long-term water reliability for over one million people in Washington state and saving endangered salmon. Trump is also proposing a devastating $25 million cut to the Puget Sound Geographic Program, which will seriously set back progress to save our salmon and protect and restore our water quality and ecosystems throughout the Puget Sound. Trump’s budget request for Geographic Programs appears to continue a corrupt pattern of targeting blue states by ripping away their funding while sparing red states—this is a politically motivated abuse of power that should be deeply troubling to everyone. 
    “As I’ve said many times, President Trump’s shortsightedness is going to have severe consequences down the road. I will be tearing up Trump’s budget and working hard to help write a new one.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Coinciding with Older Americans Month, Leaders of House Democratic Task Force on Aging & Families Introduce Older American Bill of Rights

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky (9th District of Illinois)

    Full Text of Resolution (PDF)

    WASHINGTON – Today, coinciding with Older Americans Month, the House Democratic Caucus Task Force on Aging & Families, chaired by U.S. Representatives Jan Schakowsky (IL-09) and Doris Matsui (CA-07), introduced the Older Americans Bill of Rights. This resolution, which identifies and establishes fundamental rights that every older American and their families deserve, is centered around four pillars including: guaranteeing access to affordable, equitable and comprehensive health care; financial and retirement security for seniors and their families; full participation and contribution to their communities; and aging with dignity and respect.

    “Right now, Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid benefits are under attack. Older Americans have spent their lives working to raise families, pay their taxes, protect our country, and build our communities, yet Trump and his fellow Republicans are working to cut your hard-earned benefits. Older Americans have earned the right to retire with dignity and respect, and deserve high quality health care and financial security,” said Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky. “As Co-Founder and Co-Chair of the House Democratic Caucus Task Force on Aging and Families, I feel that it is imperative we reintroduce the Older Americans Bill of Rights. We must protect the earned benefits of older Americans and ensure that they, their families, and their caregivers have all the resources they need to not just survive—but thrive.”

    “Older Americans have worked hard their entire lives to contribute to our economy, care for our families and enrich our communities. It is now up to us to guarantee seniors the right to affordable, high-quality health care, financial security, and livable communities that support aging at home,” said Congresswoman Doris Matsui. “Many seniors now face difficulties achieving retirement security, a challenge only exacerbated by the rising costs in health care and prescription drugs. As the Trump Administration moves to cut funding for Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security benefits, these affordability challenges will only get worse. The Older American Bill of Rights is a forceful response to these threats that reinforces how Democrats stand with our older Americans and will fight for their priorities. Our seniors have earned the right to retire and age with dignity.”

    “Older Americans have worked hard all their lives and deserve to retire with the benefits and financial security they have spent decades paying into,” said House Democratic Caucus Chairman Pete Aguilar (D-CA). “As Republicans continue their attacks on the basic needs programs that Seniors rely on to make ends meet, I am proud to join the Chairs of the House Democratic Caucus Task Force on Aging & Families in reintroducing the Older Americans Bill of Rights to help guarantee that our seniors can retire and age with the dignity, respect and peace of mind they deserve.”

    Every day in the United States, 10,000 Americans turn 65 years old, and this number is expected to significantly increase over the next few decades. The Task Force was created to listen and respond to the concerns of older Americans. Over the years, the Task Force has worked to raise awareness and prioritize aging-related issues, including by introducing the Older Americans Bill of Rights. 

    Today, when we face serious assaults on Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security, communicating House Democrats’ focus on protecting and strengthening the rights of aging Americans is more important than ever.

    Original cosponsors of the Older American Bill of Rights also include Reps. Debbie Dingell (MI-06), Lloyd Doggett (TX-37), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC), Maxwell Frost (FL-10), Betty McCollum (MN-04), Julia Brownley (CA-26), Mark Takano (CA-39), Emanuel Cleaver (MO-05), Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), Stephen F. Lynch (MA-08), Bill Keating (MA-09), Nanette Barragán (CA-44), Paul D. Tonko (NY-20), Juan Vargas (CA-52), Dwight Evans (PA-03), Sylvia Garcia (TX-29), Grace Meng (NY-06), Henry Johnson (GA-04),and Terri Sewell (AL-07)

    The Older American Bill of Rights is endorsed by Social Security Works, AFL-CIO, Long Term Care Community Coalition, The National Association of Nutrition and Aging Services Programs (NANASP), Elder Justice Coalition, the Alliance for Retired Americans, the Diverse Elders Coalition, Gerontological Society of America, and Alliance for Aging Research.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Attorneys general oppose Trump ban on transgender military service

    Source: Washington State News

    SEATTLE — The president’s discriminatory ban on transgender military service members undermines state and national security, attorneys general in 20 states argued in a brief filed in the Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit on Friday. The brief was filed in support of a lawsuit from personnel seeking to overturn the order.

    Washington Attorney General Nick Brown co-authored the amicus brief that says the president’s order “not only violates the Constitution…but it will also weaken our nation’s military, including the National Guards operated by all Amici States.”

    The brief was filed in Shilling v. Trump, which was brought by lead plaintiff and decorated U.S. Navy Commander Emily Shilling. Shilling, who has served for over 20 years and flown over 60 combat and high-risk missions, is transgender and wants to continue working for the American public. Back in February, Brown’s office — joined by 20 other states — filed an amicus brief in support of the plaintiffs. The district court relied on that brief in issuing a preliminary injunction halting implementation of the president’s executive order nationwide.

    Friday’s amicus filing reaffirms that the injunction is necessary to protect important state interests.

    The attorneys general describe how the president’s action deprives states’ National Guard units of experienced and qualified soldiers at a time when recruitment is especially challenging. Trump’s blatantly discriminatory policy is also fundamentally at odds with state laws protecting transgender individuals.

    Washington was joined by the attorneys general of 19 other states in the filing, which was co-authored by Brown’s office and the Vermont Attorney General’s Office. The other states joining are California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Rhode Island, and Wisconsin.

    The brief is available here.

    -30-

    Washington’s Attorney General serves the people and the state of Washington. As the state’s largest law firm, the Attorney General’s Office provides legal representation to every state agency, board, and commission in Washington. Additionally, the Office serves the people directly by enforcing consumer protection, civil rights, and environmental protection laws. The Office also prosecutes elder abuse, Medicaid fraud, and handles sexually violent predator cases in 38 of Washington’s 39 counties. Visit www.atg.wa.gov to learn more.

    Media Contact:

    Email: press@atg.wa.gov

    Phone: (360) 753-2727

    General contacts: Click here

    Media Resource Guide & Attorney General’s Office FAQ

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: May 29th, 2025 Heinrich Presses Trump Administration on Plans to Transfer Public Lands

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Mexico Martin Heinrich
    WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Ranking Member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, sent a letter to U.S. Department of the Interior Secretary Doug Burgum demanding answers on the Department’s plans to transfer National Park System units out of federal management. The letter follows Heinrich’squestioning of Secretary Burgum during a Senate Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Subcommittee hearing, where Burgum failed to provide sufficient answers on the Trump Administration’s plan to transfer hundreds of sites managed by the National Park Service (NPS) to the states.
    “The Administration’s budget proposes a $900 million reduction to the operation of the National Park System – approximately a 30 percent cut. In the same budget submission, the Administration proposed ‘transferring smaller, lesser visited parks to [s]tate and tribal governments,” Heinrich wrote in his letter to Secretary Burgum.
    The Administration’s proposal to reduce NPS’s budget and transfer management responsibilities of park system units to states threatens local economies and businesses. In fact, national parks are engines of economic growth. In 2023, visitors to NPS sites contributed an estimated $55.6 billion to the economy and supported over 400,000 jobs.
    Heinrich noted that only Congress has authority to transfer NPS units in most circumstances, stating clearly his opposition to transferring these sites to the states, “As you know, most NPS units were established legislatively, and transferring them out of federal management would require legislation from Congress. As the Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, which has jurisdiction over legislation regarding the National Park System, I am opposed to the Administration’s proposal to transfer NPS sites to the states.”
    Heinrich continued, emphasizing his concerns over the Secretary’s lack of information on the units under consideration, and what states the Administration hopes to transfer the units to,“You told me that you have not yet consulted with the states that you hope to transfer these units to, nor have you determined which units are under consideration… You told the House Committee on Appropriations, Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies, that there are ‘over 400 other locations that the National Park Service manages’ that are under consideration for divestment, but you did not provide any detail about which units those are, other than that they are not the ‘crown Jewels.”’
    Heinrich concluded his letter by asking for detailed answers from Secretary Burgum to the following questions:
    At the hearing in the House Appropriations Committee, you said the administration is not considering transferring any of the “crown jewel” national parks. Please list which NPS units the administration is not considering transferring to states and which units the administration is considering transferring to states. For each unit the administration is considering transferring to states, please describe why the administration is considering the transfer.
     What factors will the administration consider when generating its list of which NPS units to transfer and which units not to transfer? In responding to this question, please provide a comprehensive list of all factors the Department will consider.
     For each NPS unit the Department is considering transferring to a state, has the Department conducted or does the Department plan to conduct a comprehensive analysis to understand the economic impact to local gateway communities? If so, please provide a copy of the analysis.
     For each NPS unit the Department is considering transferring to a state, has the Department conducted or does the Department plan to conduct a comprehensive analysis to understand if the state is equipped (e.g., possesses sufficient resources and funding) to manage the site? If so, please provide a copy of the analysis.
    Read the full letter here and below.
    Dear Secretary Burgum:
    Earlier this month, the Trump administration released its preliminary 2026 budget request outlining significant cuts to government agencies, including steep cuts to the Department of the Interior’s National Park Service (NPS). The administration’s budget proposes a $900 million reduction to the operation of the National Park System – approximately a 30 percent cut.
    In the same budget submission, the administration proposed “transferring smaller, lesser visited parks to [s]tate and tribal governments.” The administration’s proposal to reduce NPS’ budget and transfer management responsibilities of park system units to states threatens local economies and businesses. In fact, national parks are engines of economic growth. In 2023, visitors to NPS sites contributed an estimated $55.6 billion to the economy and supported over 400,000 jobs.
    As you know, most NPS units were established legislatively, and transferring them out of federal management would require legislation from Congress. As the ranking member of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, which has jurisdiction over legislation regarding the National Park System, I am opposed to the administration’s proposal to transfer NPS sites to the states. States do not have the same resources as the Federal government to manage and maintain these sites that tell the complex story of our nation. The budget proposal makes clear that the administration expects the states to shoulder the burden of managing these sites without any additional funding or resources, many of which have significant and costly deferred maintenance backlogs.
    You appeared before the Senate Committee on Appropriations, Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies, earlier this week to outline the administration’s budget submission. At that hearing, I asked you about the administration’s plan to transfer hundreds of NPS units to the states. You told me that you have not yet consulted with the states that you hope to transfer these units to, nor have you determined which units are under consideration. Earlier in the week, you told the House Committee on Appropriations, Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies, that there are “over 400 other locations that the national park service manages” that are under consideration for divestment, but you did not provide any detail about which units those are, other than that they are not the “crown Jewels.”
    In light of these outstanding questions and concerns, I request you provide comprehensive responses to the following questions by June 6, 2025:
    1. At the hearing in the House Appropriations Committee, you said the administration is not considering transferring any of the “crown jewel” national parks. Please list which NPS units the administration is not considering transferring to states and which units the administration is considering transferring to states. For each unit the administration is considering transferring to states, please describe why the administration is considering the transfer.
    2. What factors will the administration consider when generating its list of which NPS units to transfer and which units not to transfer? In responding to this question, please provide a comprehensive list of all factors the Department will consider.
    3. For each NPS unit the Department is considering transferring to a state, has the Department conducted or does the Department plan to conduct a comprehensive analysis to understand the economic impact to local gateway communities? If so, please provide a copy of the analysis.
    4. For each NPS unit the Department is considering transferring to a state, has the Department conducted or does the Department plan to conduct a comprehensive analysis to understand if the state is equipped (e.g., possesses sufficient resources and  funding) to manage the site? If so, please provide a copy of the analysis.
    Thank you, in advance, for your prompt responses to these questions. If you have any questions or need additional information, please do not hesitate to contact my staff at (202) 224-4971.
    Sincerely,

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: May 30th, 2025 Heinrich Leads Letter to the Department of the Interior Inspector General Urging Evaluation of Threats Posed by Workforce Reductions at the Bureau of Reclamation

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Mexico Martin Heinrich
    Heinrich and Senators to the DOI Acting Inspector General: “We are concerned that the Administration’s actions to gut the agency of qualified public servants could leave critical water infrastructure and communities vulnerable to operational disruptions”
    WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Ranking Member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, led seven Democratic Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee colleagues in a letter urging the U.S. Department of the Interior Acting Inspector General (IG) Caryl Brzymialkiewicz to evaluate the extent to which  the Trump Administration’s workforce reductions at the Bureau of Reclamation (BOR) prevent the agency from fulfilling its statutory mission and implementing relevant programs and activities authorized by Congress.
    “Recent reductions in workforce significantly threaten BOR’s ability to safely and reliably deliver water to communities and farmers, keep waterways flowing for fish and wildlife across the western United States, and produce reliable electricity,” the senators began.
    The BOR is the largest wholesale water supplier in the United States – delivering trillions of gallons of water to more than 31 million people. The BOR also is the second largest producer of hydroelectric power in the country. The facilities the BOR operate generate 40 million megawatt-hours of electricity each year.
    According to reports, the BOR has lost 1,400 public servants, around 25 percent of the agency’s entire workforce, since the Administration began its assault on the federal workforce.
    The senators continued, expressing concern over the lack of strategy and harm to public safety that workforce reductions pose, “Rapid reductions to BOR’s workforce raise significant concerns about the Bureau’s ability to meet its core responsibilities, particularly inspecting dams and identifying threats to public safety.”
    “BOR needs experienced personnel with the necessary expertise to manage critical infrastructure. We are concerned that the Administration’s actions to gut the agency of qualified public servants could leave critical water infrastructure and communities vulnerable to operational disruptions,” the senators continued.
    The senators concluded their letter by requesting that the IG evaluate whether recent workforce reductions at BOR inhibit the Bureau from carrying out its obligations.
    The letter is led by Ranking Member Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.). The letter is signed by Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources Democratic members U.S. Senators Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), and Rueben Gallego (D-Ariz.), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), and Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.).
    The full text of the letter is here and below:
    Dear Acting Inspector General Brzymialkiewicz:
    We write to request that your office evaluate the extent to which workforce reductions at the Bureau of Reclamation (“Bureau” or “BOR”) prevent the agency from fulfilling its statutory mission and implementing relevant programs and activities authorized by Congress. The Bureau is the largest wholesaler of water in the United States—delivering trillions of gallons of water to more than 31 million people. The Bureau is also the second largest producer of hydroelectric power in the country. The facilities BOR operate generate 40 million megawatt-hours of electricity each year. However, recent reductions in workforce significantly threaten BOR’s ability to safely and reliably deliver water to communities and farmers, keep waterways flowing for fish and wildlife across the western United States, and produce reliable electricity.
    According to reports, BOR has lost 1,400 public servants since the administration began its assault on the federal workforce. The positions reportedly eliminated include mechanics, engineers, and fish biology specialists—personnel with considerable expertise. Through firings of probational workers, buyouts, early retirements, and other related actions, BOR has shrunk by 25 percent. This workforce reduction has lacked a coherent, mission- and safety- driven strategy and instead led to the departure of experienced personnel—some with over 20 years of experience—leaving the Bureau susceptible to operational disruptions.
    Rapid reductions to BOR’s workforce raise significant concerns about the Bureau’s ability to meet its core responsibilities, particularly inspecting dams and identifying threats to public safety. BOR manages over 450 dams throughout 17 western states. Previously, BOR’s dam safety program identified over 300 high and significant hazard dams at more than 200 facilities. The age and complex nature of dam systems necessitates having experienced staff trained in the operation of such systems. In fact, as your office identified in a September 2023 report, approximately 90 percent of BOR’s dams are more than 50 years old and “[a]ging dams increaset he risk of dam failures.” BOR needs experienced personnel with the necessary expertise to manage critical infrastructure. We are concerned that the administration’s actions to gut the agency of qualified public servants could leave critical water infrastructure and communities vulnerable to operational disruptions.
    Your office is responsible for promoting “accountability, integrity, economy, efficiency, and effectiveness within” the DOI and identifying “ways to improve the DOI’s programs and operations by offering specific, actionable recommendations that lead to positive change.” We therefore urge you to evaluate whether recent workforce reductions at BOR inhibit the Bureau from carrying out its obligations.
    Thank you for your attention to this important matter.
    Sincerely,

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: May 30th, 2025 Heinrich Invites U.S. Forest Service Chief to Pecos Watershed

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Mexico Martin Heinrich
    WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Ranking Member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, sent a letter inviting U.S. Forest Service Chief Tom Schultz to visit the Upper Pecos Watershed in Northern New Mexico and hear from local leaders, Tribes, community members, farmers, business owners, and recreationists about the importance of protecting the Upper Pecos Watershed from new mining operations.
    “For decades, the community in the Upper Pecos Watershed of New Mexico has been united in an effort to protect the river basin from the very real threat of mine waste pollution. Everyone in the community can agree that the Pecos River is an invaluable lifeline. With headwaters in Northern New Mexico, the Pecos supports a wide range of uses from recreation and agriculture to traditional use by the Pueblos in the area. Unfortunately, this region has a history of poorly managed mining projects,”Heinrich wrote to U.S. Forest Service Chief Tom Schultz.
    “The area is still recovering from a devastating 1991 mine spill, which threatened the health and economic survival in the immediate community and for hundreds of miles throughout the state. Thanks to decades of hard work and millions of dollars, this watershed is once again one of the cleanest and most productive in the state – though the remediation is not complete,” Heinrich stated.
    In 1991, a toxic waste spill from a closed mine in the Upper Pecos Watershed caused more than 11 miles of fish kill in the river and required a clean up effort that took decades and millions of dollars to complete. For years, there has been a community-led effort to protect the area from future mining claims to avoid similar threats and pollution.
    In response to a letter sent by Heinrich and the N.M. Congressional Delegation, in December 2024, President Biden’s Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and Forest Service initiated a process to propose a 20-year withdrawal to help secure the region’s water and air quality, cultural resources, critical fish and wildlife habitat, and recreational opportunities. The withdrawal, for lands in San Miguel and Santa Fe counties, encompassed multiple Pecos River tributaries, including Dalton Canyon, Macho Canyon, Wild Horse Creek, Indian Creek, and Doctor Creek.
    On December 16, 2024, the BLM and Forest Service initiated a 90-day public comment period to gather input on the proposal. During the comment period, the two agencies were scheduled to host a public meeting for the proposed Upper Pecos River Watershed Protection Area withdrawal on February 26, 2025. This public meeting was cancelled by the Trump Administration on February 19, 2025, with no further explanation. Despite the cancellation, the Administration received hundreds of public comments in support of the mineral withdrawal.
    On April 7, 2025, reporting from Source New Mexico revealed the Trump Administration plans to reverse the BLM and the Forest Service’s decision to protect the Upper Pecos Watershed from new mining operations.
    “I am concerned by the Forest Service’s decision to reverse the temporary protection and discontinue the process for a longer-term withdrawal. This decision was made without proper community engagement or review of the hundreds of positive comments that were submitted during the public comment period,” Heinrich continued in his letter to Chief Schultz.
    In response to the Trump Administration’s reversal, Heinrich reintroduced his Pecos Watershed Protection Act to permanently withdraw all federally managed minerals in the watershed from development — preventing the leasing, patent, or sale of all publicly owned minerals.
    To continue the effort to protect the Pecos, Heinrich invited Chief Schultz at the end of his letter, writing, “I would like to extend an invitation to you to visit New Mexico and the Pecos area so you can hear firsthand from local leaders, Tribes, community members, farmers, business owners, recreationists, and others while experiencing the beauty of this watershed. While there, you can see why this river is so valuable and witness the very real threat of mining pollution that still exists.”
    At the end of his letter, Heinrich included invitations to Chief Schultz from local and Tribal leaders that show the widespread community support for permanently protecting the Pecos.
    Read the community letter from over 20 local leaders and members of the Hispanic Conservation Leadership Council here.
    Read the invitation from the Pueblo of Jemez here.
    Read the invitation from the Pueblo of Tesuque here.
    Read Heinrich’s full letter here and below:
    Dear Chief Schultz:
    For decades, the community in the Upper Pecos Watershed of New Mexico has been united in an effort to protect the river basin from the very real threat of mine waste pollution. Everyone in the community can agree that the Pecos River is an invaluable lifeline. With headwaters in Northern New Mexico, the Pecos supports a wide range of uses from recreation and agriculture to traditional use by the Pueblos in the area. Unfortunately, this region has a history of poorly managed mining projects. The area is still recovering from a devastating 1991 mine spill, which threatened the health and economic survival in the immediate community and for hundreds of miles throughout the state. Thanks to decades of hard work and millions of dollars, this watershed is once again one of the cleanest and most productive in the state – though the remediation is not complete.
    To New Mexicans who are facing a threat to their way of life and cultural heritage, there is no doubt that this area should be permanently protected. The spill in 1991 left scars on the landscape and with those who depend on the river. We celebrated when the Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management announced last year that they would be pursuing a 20-year mineral withdrawal in the basin. The long-overdue action by the last Administration was a major victory for the Pecos Valley.
    However, I am concerned by the Forest Service’s decision to reverse the temporary protection and discontinue the process for a longer-term withdrawal. This decision was made without proper community engagement or review of the hundreds of positive comments that were submitted during the public comment period. The Administration also cancelled a public forum that would have allowed for discussion of the administrative withdrawal and demonstrated to your agency that this community is united by the beauty and health of the Pecos River.
    Therefore, I would like to extend an invitation to you to visit New Mexico and the Pecos area so you can hear firsthand from local leaders, Tribes, community members, farmers, business owners, recreationists, and others while experiencing the beauty of this watershed. While there, you can see why this river is so valuable and witness the very real threat of mining pollution that still exists.
    I am including letters and invites from local and tribal leaders that show the widespread support for this effort in the area. They represent just a few of many examples of community support for protecting the Pecos. Thank you for your attention to this request and I hope I can see you in New Mexico soon.
    Sincerely,

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Tuberville Announces 21 Alabamians Appointed to U.S. Service Academies for Class of 2029

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Tommy Tuberville (Alabama)

    WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) announced 21 Alabamians have accepted their appointment to a U.S. service academy. Senator Tuberville nominated these students to represent Alabama in the class of 2029 at one of the four service academies: the United States Air Force Academy, Military Academy, Merchant Marine Academy, and Naval Academy. This is Senator Tuberville’s fourth round of appointments since assuming office and first group of appointments since being named to serve on the Board of Visitors for the U.S. Air Force by President Trump earlier this year.  

    “America’s national security depends on brave young men and women who answer the call to serve in our armed forces,” said Senator Tuberville. “I couldn’t be more proud that Alabama will be well-represented in our military service academies for the Class of 2029. Receiving an appointment to one of these academies requires hard work, discipline, and determination, and I’m confident these students will carry these values with them to our service academies. It was an honor to nominate these Alabamians for an appointment, and I have no doubt that they’ll continue to make our state and country proud.”

    A complete list of the appointees can be found below.

    United States Naval Academy:

    • Joshua Robert DeFour: Madison, AL; Sparkman High School; son of Robert and Mary DeFour
    • Hagen Kristopher Holley: Hoover, AL; Spain Park High School; son of Steve and Ramona Holley
    • Natalie Holland McCabe: Tuscumbia, AL; Muscle Shoals High School;daughter ofTrip and Jill McCabe
    • Millicent Elizabeth McCormick: Pelham, AL; Pelham High School;daughter ofRonald and Amanda McCormick
    • Ellen Mary Vegerita: Brownsboro, AL; Huntsville High School; daughter of Frank and Christian Vegerita
    • Madison Lydia Walz: Auburn, AL; Auburn High School; daughter of Paul and Heather Walz
    • George Austin Wright: Demopolis, AL; Demopolis High School; son of Hess and Carrie Wright

    United States Military Academy:

    • Matthew James Buhl: Harvest, AL; Westminster Christian Academy; son of Joshua and Rachel Buhl
    • Jackson Best Cook: Mountain Brook, AL; Mountain Brook High School; son of Jackson and Catherine Cook
    • Cooper Daniel Gillis: Birmingham, AL; Homewood High School; son of Brent and Brooke Gillis
    • Aiden Elliot Harkey: Dothan, AL; Slocomb High School; son of Kathi Crick
    • Daniel Clark Hill II: Daphne, AL; Daphne High School; son of Daniel and Linda Kay Hill
    • Charles Hillman Jacobs III: Decatur, AL; Providence Classical School; son of Charles and Christy Jacobs
    • Aaron Jacob Lee: Orange Beach, AL; Plano West Senior High (TX); son of Larry and Heidi Lee
    • William McCarton Mitchell: Huntsville, AL; Alabama School of Cyber Technology & Engineering; son of Thomas and Irene Mitchell
    • Thomas B. Sigler: Madison, AL; Bob Jones High School; son of Jason and Brooke Sigler
    • Emily Chambers Spooner: Vestavia Hills, AL; Vestavia Hills High School; daughter of Alan and Melanie Spooner

    United States Air Force Academy:

    • John David Dallas: Auburn, AL; Auburn High School; son of Doug and Heather Dallas 
    • Kenneth Lee Jimmerson Jr.: Montgomery, AL; Brewbaker Technology Magnet High School; son of Kenneth Sr. and Michelle Jimmerson
    • Jack Messervy: Owens Cross Roads, AL; Huntsville High School;son of Chris and Kim Messervy
    • Richard Dean Rutledge III: Albertville, AL; Plainview High School; son of Richard D. Rutledge II and Susan Rutledge

    Four students also received scholarships to respective Academy Preparatory Schools:

    • Maggie Christine Mae Ingram; Marion Military Institute; McCalla, AL; Heritage Christian Academy; daughter of Jason and Cheryl Ingram
    • Judd Johnston Lunsford; Marion Military Institute; Huntsville, AL; Randolph High School; son of Bill and Ingrid Lunsford
    • Stanley Hawkins McConnell Jr.; Marion Military Institute; Mobile, AL; UMS-Wright Preparatory School; son of Stan and Anna McConnell
    • Cammi Emma Tillery; USMA Prep School; Enterprise, AL; Enterprise High School; daughter of Robert and Heidi Tillery

    Senator Tommy Tuberville represents Alabama in the United States Senate and is a member of the Senate Armed Services, Agriculture, Veterans’ Affairs, HELP and Aging Committees.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congresswoman Cherfilus-McCormick Statement on Trump Administration, Says It Will “Aggressively” Revoke Visas of Chinese Students Studying in the U.S.

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D-Florida 20th district))

    WASHINGTON, DC — Today, Congresswoman Sheila Cherfilus McCormick (D-FL) issued the following statement on the Trump administration’s decision to revoke Harvard’s Student and Exchange Visitor Program certification, which allows the university to admit international students. 

    “This aggressive visa revocation policy of Chinese students comes right after they were used to initiate a lawsuit ending affirmative action for all Americans. The strategy of divide-and-conquer is being used to exploit our differences, making it easier to undermine our collective progress.  
     
    “If we don’t stand together, we risk being pitted against one another.
     
    “We must recognize that our struggles are interconnected. Regardless of our backgrounds, we need to unite to defend our rights and ensure equal opportunities for everyone to succeed in this country.”

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Secretary Wright Announces Termination of 24 Projects, Generating Over $3 Billion in Taxpayer Savings

    Source: US Department of Energy

    WASHINGTON— U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright today announced the termination of 24 awards issued by the Office of Clean Energy Demonstrations (OCED) totaling over $3.7 billion in taxpayer-funded financial assistance. After a thorough and individualized financial review of each award, DOE found that these projects failed to advance the energy needs of the American people, were not economically viable and would not generate a positive return on investment of taxpayer dollars. 

    Of the 24 awards cancelled, nearly 70% (16 of the 24 projects) were signed between Election Day and January 20th. The projects primarily include funding for carbon capture and sequestration (CCS) and decarbonization initiatives. By terminating these awards, DOE is generating an immediate $3.6 billion in savings for the American people.

    “While the previous administration failed to conduct a thorough financial review before signing away billions of taxpayer dollars, the Trump administration is doing our due diligence to ensure we are utilizing taxpayer dollars to strengthen our national security, bolster affordable, reliable energy sources and advance projects that generate the highest possible return on investment,” said Secretary Wright. “Today, we are acting in the best interest of the American people by cancelling these 24 awards.”

    Earlier this month, DOE issued a Secretarial Memorandum entitled, “Ensuring Responsibility for Financial Assistance,” which outlined DOE’s policy for evaluating financial assistance on a case-by-case basis to identity waste of taxpayer dollars, protect America’s national security and advance President Trump’s commitment to unleash affordable, reliable and secure energy for the American people. DOE utilized this review process to evaluate each of these 24 awards and determined that they did not meet the economic, national security or energy security standards necessary to sustain DOE’s investment.

    DOE’s Secretarial Policy on Ensuring Responsibility for Financial Assistance is available here.

                                                                                          ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Newsom announces appointments 5.30.25

    Source: US State of California Governor

    May 30, 2025

    SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today announced the following appointments:

    Connie Nakano, of Elk Grove, has been appointed Assistant Director of the Office of Strategic Initiatives and Equity at the Department of Aging. Nakano has been Assistant Director of Communications at the Department of Aging since 2021. She was Assistant Deputy of Communications at the California Transportation Commission from 2020 to 2021. Nakano was a Public Information Officer at the California Department of Rehabilitation from 2017 to 2020. She was a Senior Marketing Specialist at the California Earthquake Authority from 2009 to 2017. Nakano was a National Interactive Account Manager at the Sacramento Bee from 2008 to 2009. She was an Advertising Account Manager at KMAX TV from 2004 to 2007. Nakano was an Advertising Account Manager at Valley Yellow Pages from 2002 to 2004. She was a Sales and Marketing Coordinator at KQCA 58 from 2000 to 2002. Nakano earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications from California State University, Sacramento. This position does not require Senate confirmation, and the compensation is $161,064. Nakano is a Democrat.

    Patrick Schoch, of Byron, has been appointed to the 23rd District Agricultural Association Contra Costa County Fair Board. Schoch has been a Deputy Sheriff at the San Francisco Sheriff Office since 1998.  He served in the United States Marine Corps from 1994 to 2001 and in the United States Coast Guard from 2002 to 2024. This position does not require Senate confirmation, and there is no compensation. Schoch is a Republican.
     
    Jonathon Porter, of Tulare, has been appointed to the 24th District Agricultural Association Tulare County Fair Board. Porter has been a Risk Management Consultant at Nationwide since 2022 and the Administrator of Machado Dairy & Farming Company Inc. since 2014. He held multiple positions for the County of Tulare from 2020 to 2022, including Agricultural and Standards Inspector at the Agricultural Commissioner’s Office and Administrative Assistant. Porter is a member of the Cabrillo Civics Club of California. He earned a Master of Business Administration degree in Agricultural Business from Quantic School of Business and Technology and a Bachelor of Science degree in Agricultural Science from California State University, Fresno. This position does not require Senate confirmation, and there is no compensation. Porter is registered without party preference. 

    Press releases

    Recent news

    May 30, 2025

    News Sacramento, California – Governor Gavin Newsom today issued a proclamation declaring May 2025, as “Foster Care Month.”The text of the proclamation and a copy can be found below: PROCLAMATIONDuring Foster Care Month, we reaffirm to the more than 35,000 foster…

    May 30, 2025

    News What you need to know: The state recently welcomed 339 graduates from CAL FIRE, CDCR, and CHP to California’s already robust contingent of public safety officers. Sacramento, California – Strengthening the dedicated groups that protect the safety of Californians,…

    May 30, 2025

    News SACRAMENTO — In a callous moment during a townhall this morning, Republican U.S. Senator Joni Ernst shrugged off the devastating human toll of President Donald Trump’s proposed plan to fund tax breaks for the rich by gutting Medicaid and food assistance — saying,…

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Baldwin Holds Trump Accountable for Unlawfully Dismantling Minority Business Development Agency

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Wisconsin Tammy Baldwin
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) joined her colleagues in demanding the Trump Administration detail its compliance with a May 13 federal court injunction that ordered it to stop the illegal dismantling of the Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) and restore the agency’s personnel and grantmaking capacities. The lawsuit that resulted in the injunction was brought by twenty-one states, including Wisconsin.
    Despite the clear authority of Congress to establish and appropriate funding for the MBDA, President Trump issued an Executive Order in March effectively eliminating the agency. The Department of Commerce then fired virtually the entire workforce and cancelled the MBDA’s grant programs.
    “Twenty-one states sued the Administration, seeking a preliminary injunction to prevent the Administration from carrying out the Executive Order,” wrote Baldwin and the Senators in a letter to Keith Sonderling, Acting Under Secretary for MBDA. “The states argued that implementation of the Executive Order violates the Administrative Procedure Act, the Constitution’s Take Care Clause, and separation of powers principles under the Constitution.”
    Baldwin and the Senators underscored that in granting the injunction, the Court said President Trump’s Executive Order usurped Congress’s “power of the purse, by disregarding congressional appropriations” and its “vested authority to create and abolish federal agencies.”
    “The Court’s order detailing how the Trump Administration must comply with the injunction makes it clear that the MBDA’s personnel and grantmaking capabilities must be restored,” Baldwin and the Senators continued, and asked the Under Secretary to provide “a complete description of all actions taken by the Department or MBDA ‘to reverse any policies, memoranda, directions, or actions issued before’ the Injunction, intended to implement the Executive Order.”
    Earlier this month Senator Baldwin demanded answers from Sonderling regarding the dismantling of the MBDA. Baldwin also pressed Secretary Lutnick on March 25 and April 17, about the gutting of MBDA, despite his testimony before the Commerce Committee stating he would not support doing so.
    Senator Baldwin worked with Republicans to include the Minority Business Development Act of 2021 as an amendment to the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), making the MBDA permanent and increasing its funding authorization and reach. Baldwin then worked to bring a new Minority Business Development Center to Wisconsin, along with a $1.61 million grant to support its work assisting small businesses.
    The full letter is available here and below.
    Acting Under Secretary Sonderling:
    On May 13, 2025, the United States District Court for the District of Rhode Island issued a preliminary injunction in State of Rhode Island, et al. v. Donald J. Trump, et al. ordering the Department of Commerce (Department) to halt its unlawful dismantling of the Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) pursuant to President Trump’s Executive Order 14238, “Continuing the Reduction of the Federal Bureaucracy” (Executive Order). We write to ensure that the Department is complying with its obligations under the preliminary injunction.
    In 2021, Congress permanently authorized the MBDA in bipartisan legislation, the Minority Business Development Act of 2021 (MBDA Act), which was enacted as part of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. Last year, Congress funded the MBDA pursuant to the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2024, which appropriated $68.25 million for the “necessary expenses of the Minority Business Development Agency in fostering, promoting, and developing minority business enterprises, as authorized by law.” That same level of funding has been appropriated through the Full-Year Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2025 (P.L. 119-4) 
    Despite the clear directive and appropriations by Congress, President Trump’s Executive Order, issued on March 14, 2025, called for effectively eliminating the MBDA, among other agencies. Following the issuance of the Executive Order, the Trump Administration unilaterally dismantled the MBDA—terminating virtually all its staff, canceling its grant programs, and removing its signage from the Department.
    Twenty-one states sued the Trump Administration, seeking a preliminary injunction to prevent the Administration from carrying out the Executive Order. The states argued that implementation of the Executive Order violates the Administrative Procedure Act, the Constitution’s Take Care Clause, and separation of powers principles under the Constitution. The Court found that the state plaintiffs are likely to succeed on all of their claims and granted the injunction, halting implementation of the Executive Order. In its analysis of the states’ Constitutional claims, the Court said the following:
    By issuing the [Executive Order]—which effectively directs withholding the funds that Congress recently statutorily appropriated to [MBDA], resulting in the cessation of several of their programs, see supra—the Executive is usurping Congress’s: (1) power of the purse, by disregarding congressional appropriations; and (2) vested legislative authority to create and abolish federal agencies.
    The Court’s order detailing how the Trump Administration must comply with the preliminary injunction makes it clear that the MBDA’s personnel and grantmaking capabilities must be restored. This is good news for the American public. In Fiscal Year 2024 alone, the MBDA helped the country’s more than 12 million minority businesses access over $1.5 billion in capital and create or retain approximately 23,000 jobs.
    Given the important mission of the MBDA, it is essential that Congress and the public understand how the Trump Administration is complying with the preliminary injunction. Therefore, we are requesting you to report on the following by June 9, 2025:
    A complete description of all actions taken by the Department or MBDA to enjoin the implementation of Section 2 of the Executive Order. 
    A complete description of all actions taken by the Department or MBDA “to reverse any policies, memoranda, directions, or actions issued before” the injunction, intended to implement the Executive Order.
    Confirmation that the Department or MBDA has “not take[n] any further actions to eliminate [the MBDA] pursuant to” the Executive Order.
    A complete description of all actions taken by the Department or MBDA to take “all necessary steps to restore all [MBDA] employees and personal service contractors, who were involuntarily placed on leave or involuntarily terminated due to the implementation of” the Executive Order “to their status before March 14, 2025.”
    Confirmation that the Department or MBDA “shall not further pause, cancel, or otherwise terminate [MBDA] grants or contracts or fail to disburse funds to recipients in plaintiff States according to such grants or contracts for reasons other than the grantees or contractors’ non compliances with applicable grant or contract terms.”
    A complete description of all actions taken by the Department or MBDA to “take immediate steps to resume the processing, disbursement, and payment of already-awarded funding, and to release awarded funds previously withheld or rendered inaccessible due to or in reliance on Section 2 of the” Executive Order.
    In addition, in the event that any MBDA employees or personal service contractors are unable to resume their roles lost due to their involuntary terminations and leave under the Executive Order, please provide a complete description of all actions taken to address any gaps in staffing at the MBDA following implementation of the preliminary injunction.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Video: HUGE ANNOUNCEMENT: President Trump Doubles Steel Tariffs to 50% to Protect American Industry

    Source: United States of America – The White House (video statements)

    “We are going to be imposing a 25% increase. We’re going to bring it from 25% to 50%—the tariffs on steel into the United States of America—which will even further secure the steel industry in the United States.” –President Donald J. Trump

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w1d7LOR4x5c

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI USA: After Leading Congressional Delegation to Canada, Shaheen Highlights Harms of Trump’s Tariffs on Local Businesses and Summer Tourism

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Hampshire Jeanne Shaheen
    (Moultonborough, NH) – After leading a bipartisan Congressional delegation (CODEL) to Canada last week, U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) highlighted the local impacts of President Trump’s sweeping tariffs on Granite State businesses at Colby Footwear in Rochester and discussed the negative effects on the summer tourism season with the Mount Washington Valley Chamber of Commerce in North Conway. Photos from today’s events can be found here. 
    “In New Hampshire, we should be preparing to welcome Canadian visitors for the summer tourism season – but instead, local businesses and retail sectors across the state are worrying about how travel cancellations and higher costs resulting from the President’s reckless tariffs on Canada will impact their bottom line and ability to operate,” said Senator Shaheen. “I’ll continue listening to the challenges that Granite Staters are facing so I can ensure their voices are heard in Washington.” 
    Last week, Shaheen led U.S. Senators Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Tim Kaine (D-VA) and Peter Welch (D-VT) on a bipartisan delegation visit to Ottawa, Canada where they met with Prime Minister Mark Carney and members of his cabinet, the Business Council of Canada and other leading Canadian companies and business groups. The delegation reaffirmed the strong U.S.-Canada partnership and support for our bilateral relationship among Congress and the American people.   
    Senator Shaheen is helping lead efforts in Congress to mitigate the harmful impacts of President Trump’s tariffs. In January, Shaheen introduced the Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes on Imported Goods Act which would limit the president’s ability to leverage sweeping tariffs that increase costs for American consumers and families. Her effort to pass this bill by unanimous consent was blocked by Senate Republicans. In recent months, Shaheen has traveled across the Granite State to visit businesses including Chatila’s Bakery, C&J, DCI Furniture, Mount Cabot Maple, American Calan Inc. and NH Ball Bearings to hear directly from Granite Staters impacted by the administration’s tariffs.  
    Later in the day, Shaheen toured Castle in the Clouds in Moultonborough to discuss the upcoming summer tourism season and celebrate the site’s recent designation as a National Historic Landmark. In September of 2024, Shaheen sent a letter to National Park Service Director Charles Sams supporting the designation. 
    “Castle in the Clouds is a Granite State icon that does important work to help preserve New Hampshire’s stunning outdoor spaces and history,” said Shaheen. “I was glad to visit the beautiful landmark today to discuss the upcoming summer tourism season and the work we need to do to ensure Castle in the Clouds can thrive for future generations of Granite Staters to enjoy.” 
    Senator Shaheen has long drawn attention to the integral role Castle in the Clouds plays in fueling New Hampshire’s tourism economy. The 5,500-acre estate sees over 50,000 visitors annually. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Q&A: Big, Beautiful Bill Comes to the Senate

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Iowa Chuck Grassley
    Q: What is the Big, Beautiful Bill Act?
    A: The House of Representatives passed a 1,000-plus page bill in May that includes key measures to enact President Trump’s domestic policy agenda, including a once-in-a-generation opportunity to cut government bloat and prevent the biggest tax hike in American history.  The package also boosts resources for the military, beefs up border security and unleashes American energy to help fuel economic growth. Now, the sausage-making gets underway in the U.S. Senate. Unlike in the House of Representatives, deliberations in the Senate must abide by specific rules that apply to a reconciliation package. Those parameters include a fast-track process that requires only 51 Senate votes instead of 60; and the bill also must directly impact federal spending or taxes. I’ll be giving a thorough scrubbing to the legislation, including its impact on the farm safety net and food stamp (SNAP) program and efforts to root out waste, fraud and abuse in health care.
    Q: What is the Byrd rule?
    A: The Byrd rule is named after former Sen. Robert Byrd of West Virginia, who was long recognized as the “conscience of the Senate” for his deep-seated commitment to parliamentary procedures to protect the institutional role of the Senate in our system of checks and balances. The Byrd rule sets restrictions on reconciliation legislation considered in the Senate and was included unanimously in a federal budget law adopted 40 years ago and made permanent in 1990.
    Reconciliation legislation is used to change revenue and mandatory spending levels within budget resolution policies using an expedited timeline. Unlike the House of Representatives, debate in the Senate is limited to 20 hours and amendments must be germane. The Byrd rule was adopted to preserve the deliberative nature of the Senate and protect the integrity of the reconciliation process. It prevents abusive efforts to circumvent the process with non-budgetary policy matters that ought to be considered under regular order. For example, the Senate Democrat Majority tried to use the reconciliation process to ram through mass amnesty for illegal immigrants. This massive policy proposal failed to pass the Byrd rule.
    The Byrd rule allows any senator to raise a point of order against non-budgetary matters in a reconciliation bill. If a point of order is sustained, the provision is removed from the underlying legislation. An effort to waive the Byrd rule requires approval from three-fifths of the Senate. Over the years, the Byrd rule has created friction between the House and Senate. Don’t forget, the founders intentionally created a bicameral legislature to guarantee the rights of the minority party. The rules of the Senate are built around consensus, as opposed to the House of Representatives where the majority party dominates. As the story goes, George Washington told Thomas Jefferson that “we pour legislation into the senatorial saucer to cool it.” Keeping intact the institutional role of the Senate is an important check in our separation of powers. The Byrd rule is one of those pillars that prevents unrelated legislative agendas from evading Senate deliberation. Whereas the House had a tough row to hoe to pass the reconciliation package, the Senate has an even narrower row to cultivate to get to the finish line.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Chairman Lawler Concludes Bipartisan Middle East CODEL on Enhancing Regional Partnerships

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

    Washington, D.C. – 5/30/25… This week, Congressman Mike Lawler (NY-17), Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on the Middle East and North Africa, concluded a bipartisan Congressional Delegation (CODEL) to Saudi Arabia, Israel, and Jordan, where he and fellow House Foreign Affairs Committee members engaged with regional leaders to advance shared interests, address ongoing challenges, and reinforce America’s commitment to peace in the Middle East.

    With Iran continuing to actively fund terror proxies and pursue a nuclear weapons program, the delegation placed a strong emphasis on deepening security coordination with key U.S. allies. In particular, the group explored emerging diplomatic opportunities in Syria and Lebanon, two countries where Iran’s malign influence has waned and where strategic engagement could help foster long-term stability.

    Conversations also centered on defeating Hamas, securing the release of the remaining hostages in Gaza, and ensuring humanitarian aid reaches Palestinian civilians directly, without interference from Hamas. The CODEL built on the momentum of President Trump’s recent visit to the region and explored new opportunities for economic cooperation and investment, especially in AI and emerging technologies across Saudi Arabia and the Gulf states.

    Joining Congressman Lawler on the delegation were Congresswoman Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (FL-20), Ranking Member of the Middle East and North Africa Subcommittee, and Congressman Michael McCaul (TX-10), Chairman Emeritus of the House Foreign Affairs Committee. 

    In Saudi Arabia, the delegation held high-level meetings with the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, H.E. Adel Al-Jubeir, and engaged with leading U.S. defense and technology companies. They also met with Diriyah Gate Development Authority CEO Gerard “Jerry” J. Inzerillo and toured the UNESCO World Heritage Site At-Turaif District in Diriyah, the historic capital of the first Saudi dynasty (1744-1818). 

    In Israel, the delegation met with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, received briefings on U.S.-Israel missile defense coordination, and visited key religious and cultural sites, including the Western Wall, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, and the City of David.

    “Prime Minister Netanyahu’s determined leadership during this time of war has fundamentally shifted the security landscape of the Middle East and made it a safer place,” said Congressman Lawler. “The U.S.-Israel alliance remains ironclad as we pursue diplomatic solutions for lasting peace in the region.”

    In Jordan, the delegation met with His Majesty King Abdullah II and senior cabinet officials to reinforce the strategic partnership between the U.S. and Jordan. Congressman Lawler also led a discussion with Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Maj. Gen. Yousef Huneiti, as well as Jordan’s ministers of Economic Affairs, Investment, and Planning and International Cooperation. 

    The delegation also met with the Petra Development and Tourism Region Authority to explore avenues for expansion in tourism, cultural preservation, and sustainable development.

    “This CODEL served as a vital opportunity to strengthen our alliances, confront shared threats, and demonstrate bipartisan American leadership in support of our partners,” said Congressman Lawler. “As Chairman of the MENA Subcommittee, I remain committed to deepening U.S. engagement in the region and working with our partners to build a more secure, prosperous, and stable Middle East.”

    “Amidst President Trump’s efforts to end the war in Gaza & secure normalization agreements, I was honored to visit several of our allies and partners in the Middle East. These nations will play pivotal roles in shaping the future of the region — a future defined by peace and prosperity. I am grateful to our friends in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Israel, and the Kingdom of Jordan for welcoming us, and I look forward to our continued partnership with these regional leaders as we work toward greater peace and stability across the Middle East,” said Congressman McCaul.

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

    ###

    Official Photos from the congressional delegation can be found HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA News: MADE IN THE USA: President Trump’s Vision is Revitalizing American Industry

    Source: US Whitehouse

    President Donald J. Trump heads to Pennsylvania today, where he’ll champion the partnership he brokered between U.S. Steel and Nippon Steel — a $14 billion investment that will create at least 70,000 jobs and ensure steel is made in America for decades to come.

    AMERICAN JOBS, AMERICAN STEEL.

    The landmark agreement comes alongside a host of companies from across industries that are onshoring their production and investing in American manufacturing as President Trump relentlessly pursues his America First trade policies.

    Look no further than the automotive industry:

    • Stellantis announced a $5 billion investment in its U.S. manufacturing network, including re-opening its Belvidere, Illinois, plant and a $388 “megahub” in Detroit, Michigan.
    • General Motors announced an $888 million investment at its propulsion plant in Tonawanda, New York.
    • Volkswagen is planning to make a “massive” investment in its U.S. production.
    • Toyota announced it will boost hybrid vehicle production at its West Virginia plant.
    • Mercedes-Benz announced it will add a new vehicle to its Tuscaloosa, Alabama, manufacturing plant.
    • Honda plans to shift production of the Civic from Japan to the U.S.
    • Hyundai announced a $20 billion investment to support its U.S. vehicle production.
    • Kia plans to produce hybrid vehicles at its affiliate Hyundai’s Georgia factory.

    It’s not just the auto industry; scores of others are lining up to invest in America:

    • Project Stargate, led by Japan-based Softbank and U.S.-based OpenAI and Oracle, announced a $500 billion private investment in U.S.-based artificial intelligence infrastructure.
    • Apple announced a $500 billion investment in U.S. manufacturing and training.
    • NVIDIA, a global chipmaking giant, announced it will invest $500 billion in U.S.-based AI infrastructure over the next four years amid its pledge to manufacture AI supercomputers entirely in the U.S. for the first time.
    • IBM announced a $150 billion investment over the next five years in its U.S.-based growth and manufacturing operations.
    • Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) announced a $100 billion investment in U.S.-based chips manufacturing.
    • Johnson & Johnson announced a $55 billion investment over the next four years in manufacturing, research and development, and technology.
    • Roche, a Swiss drug and diagnostics company, announced a $50 billion investment in U.S.-based manufacturing and research and development, which is expected to create more than 12,000 jobs.
    • Bristol Myers Squibb announced a $40 billion investment over the next five years in its research, development, technology, and U.S.-based manufacturing operations.
    • Eli Lilly and Company announced a $27 billion investment to more than double its domestic manufacturing capacity.
    • United Arab Emirates-based ADQ and U.S.-based Energy Capital Partners announced a $25 billion investment in U.S. data centers and energy infrastructure.
    • Novartis, a Swiss drugmaker, announced a $23 billion investment to build or expand ten manufacturing facilities across the U.S., which will create 4,000 new jobs.
    • John Deere announced plans to invest $20 billion over the next decade in American expansion, production, and manufacturing.
    • United Arab Emirates-based DAMAC Properties announced a $20 billion investment in new U.S.-based data centers.
    • France-based CMA CGM, a global shipping giant, announced a $20 billion investment in U.S. shipping and logistics, creating 10,000 new jobs.
    • Sanofi announced it will invest at least $20 billion over the next five years in manufacturing and research and development.
    • Venture Global LNG announced an $18 billion investment at its liquefied natural gas facility in Louisiana.
    • Gilead Sciences announced an $11 billion boost to its planned U.S.-based manufacturing investment.
    • AbbVie announced a $10 billion investment over the next ten years to support volume growth and add four new manufacturing plants to its network.
    • Pratt Industries announced a $5 billion investment to create 5,000 new manufacturing jobs in Ohio, Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Arizona.
    • GlobalWafers, a Taiwanese silicon wafer manufacturer, announced a $4 billion investment in its U.S.-based production.
    • Thermo Fisher Scientific announced it will invest an additional $2 billion over the next four years to enhance and expand its U.S. manufacturing operations and strengthen its innovation efforts.
    • Merck & Co. announced it will invest a total of $9 billion in the U.S. over the next several years after opening a new $1 billion North Carolina manufacturing facility — including in a new state-of-the-art biologics manufacturing plant in Delaware, which will create at least 500 new jobs.
    • Clarios announced a $6 billion plan to expand its domestic manufacturing operations.
    • In addition to its overall investments, Amazon announced it is investing $4 billion in small towns across America, creating more than 100,000 new jobs and driving opportunities across the country.
    • Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, a leader in biotechnology, announced a $3 billion agreement with Fujifilm Diosynth Biotechnologies to produce drugs at its North Carolina manufacturing facility.
    • Kraft Heinz announced a $3 billion investment to upgrade its U.S. factories — its largest investment in its plants in decades.
    • NorthMark Strategies, a multi-strategy investment firm, announced a $2.8 billion investment to build a supercomputing facility in South Carolina.
    • Kimberly-Clark announced a $2 billion investment to expand its U.S. manufacturing operations, including a new advanced manufacturing facility in Warren, Ohio, an expansion of its Beech Island, South Carolina, facility, and other upgrades to its supply chain network.
    • Chobani, a Greek yogurt giant, announced $1.7 billion to expand its U.S. operations.
      • $1.2 billion to build its third U.S. dairy processing plant in New York, which is expected to create more than 1,000 new full-time jobs.
    • Corning announced it is expanding its Michigan manufacturing facility investment to $1.5 billion, adding 400 new high-paying advanced manufacturing jobs for a total of 1,500 new jobs.
    • Carrier announced an additional $1 billion investment in its U.S. manufacturing, innovation, and workforce expansion, which is expected to create 4,000 new jobs.
    • GE Aerospace announced a $1 billion investment in manufacturing across 16 states — creating 5,000 new jobs.
    • Anduril Industries announced a $1 billion investment for a new autonomous weapon system facility in Ohio.
    • Williams International announced a $1 billion investment for a new high-volume aviation gas turbine engine manufacturing facility in Okaloosa County, Florida.
    • Amgen announced a $900 million investment in its Ohio-based manufacturing operation.
    • Merck Animal Health announced an $895 million investment to expand their manufacturing operations in Kansas.
    • Schneider Electric announced it will invest $700 million over the next four years in U.S. energy infrastructure.
    • GE Vernova announced it will invest nearly $600 million in U.S. manufacturing over the next two years, which will create more than 1,500 new jobs.
    • Abbott Laboratories announced a $500 million investment in its Illinois and Texas facilities.
    • AIP Management, a European infrastructure investor, announced a $500 million investment to solar developer Silicon Ranch.
    • London-based Diageo announced a $415 million investment in a new Alabama manufacturing facility.
    • Lego announced a $366 million investment to build a new distribution center in Prince George County, Virginia.
    • The Bel Group announced a $350 million investment to expand its U.S.-based production, including at its South Dakota, Idaho and Wisconsin facilities — which will create 250 new jobs.
    • Dublin-based Eaton Corporation announced a $340 million investment in a new South Carolina-based manufacturing facility for its three-phase transformers.
    • Anheuser-Busch announced a $300 million investment in its manufacturing facilities across the country.
    • Germany-based Siemens announced a $285 million investment in U.S. manufacturing and AI data centers, which will create more than 900 new skilled manufacturing jobs.
    • Clasen Quality Chocolate announced a $230 million investment to build a new production facility in Virginia, which will create 250 new jobs.
    • Fiserv, Inc., a financial technology provider, announced a $175 million investment to open a new strategic fintech hub in Kansas, which is expected to create 2,000 new high-paying jobs.
    • Paris Baguette announced a $160 million investment to construct a manufacturing plant in Texas.
    • Siemens Healthineers announced a $150 million investment to expand production, including relocating manufacturing operations for its Varian company from Mexico to California. 
    • JBS USA announced a $135 million investment for a new sausage production facility in Perry, Iowa.
    • TS Conductor announced a $134 million investment to build an advanced conductor manufacturing facility in South Carolina, which will create nearly 500 new jobs.
    • Switzerland-based ABB announced a $120 million investment to expand production of its low-voltage electrification products in Tennessee and Mississippi.
    • Saica Group, a Spain-based corrugated packaging maker, announced plans to build a $110 million new manufacturing facility in Anderson, Indiana.
    • Hotpack, a Dubai-based maker of food packaging materials and related products, announced a $100 million investment to establish its first U.S. manufacturing facility in Edison, New Jersey.
    • Charms, LLC, a subsidiary of candymaker Tootsie Roll Industries, announced a $97.7 million investment to expand its production plant and distribution center in Tennessee.
    • Toyota Motor Corporation announced an $88 million investment to boost hybrid vehicle production at its West Virginia factory, securing employment for the 2,000 workers at the factory.
    • AeroVironment, a defense contractor, announced a $42.3 million investment to build a new manufacturing facility in Utah.
    • Paris-based Saint-Gobain announced a new $40 million NorPro manufacturing facility in Wheatfield, New York.
    • India-based Sygene International announced a $36.5 million acquisition of a Baltimore biologics manufacturing facility.
    • Asahi Group Holdings, one of the largest Japanese beverage makers, announced a $35 million investment to boost production at its Wisconsin plant.
    • Valbruna Slater Stainless announced a $28 million investment in its stainless steel and nickel alloys bars manufacturing plant in Fort Wayne, Indiana.
    • Cyclic Materials, a Canadian advanced recycling company for rare earth elements, announced a $20 million investment in its first U.S.-based commercial facility, located in Mesa, Arizona.
    • Guardian Bikes announced a $19 million investment to build the first U.S.-based large-scale bicycle frame manufacturing operation in Indiana.
    • Amsterdam-based AMG Critical Minerals announced a $15 million investment to build a chrome manufacturing facility in Pennsylvania.
    • NOVONIX Limited, an Australia-based battery technology company, announced a $4.6 million investment to build a synthetic graphite manufacturing facility in Tennessee.
    • LGM Pharma announced a $6 million investment to expand its manufacturing facility in Rosenberg, Texas.
    • ViDARR, a defense optical equipment manufacturer, announced a $2.69 million investment to open a new facility in Virginia.

    That doesn’t even include the U.S. investments planned by foreign countries:

    • United Arab Emirates committed to investing $1.4 trillion in the U.S. over the next decade.
    • Qatar committed to generating $1.2 trillion in an economic exchange between the two countries.
    • Japan announced a $1 trillion investment in the U.S.
    • Saudi Arabia committed investing $600 billion in the U.S. over the next four years.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: CLARKE ISSUES STATEMENT ON SUPREME COURT’S DISTURBING RULING TO REVOKE LEGAL STATUS OF MORE THAN 500,000 MIGRANTS

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Yvette D Clarke (9th District of New York)

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

    May 30, 2025

    MEDIA CONTACT: 

    e: jessica.myers@mail.house.gov

    c: 202.913.0126

    WASHINGTON, DC – Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke (NY-09) released the following statement:

    “I am truly outraged by the Supreme Court’s morally bankrupt and legally absurd decision to rubber stamp the Trump Administration’s efforts to strip more than half a million migrants in our nation of their protected status. With SCOTUS’ blessing, Donald Trump’s barbaric punishment of hundreds of thousands of innocent Cubans, Haitians, Venezuelans, and Nicaraguans living legally in our nation can proceed – and his administration can now take its cruel crusade against immigrant Americans to an unprecedented new level.

    “It’s stunning that our nation’s highest court has all but endorsed a nonsensical argument based only in this administration’s hysterical contempt for immigrants. We’re talking about the most vulnerable people in the world, each of whom was promised safety and protection in this nation, who are instead now staring down a death sentence if forced to return to their previous countries. With this decision, America has betrayed and backstabbed more than 500,000 children, women, and men. Let me be clear: that is a sin that cannot and will not be forgiven.

    “The Supreme Court of the United States gave its resounding approval of a xenophobic policy that punishes the very people it should be protecting, and that is utterly disgusting. In their hour of need, these innocents deserved only love. Tragically, the Trump Administration is capable of only hate.”

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Baldwin Slams Trump Administrations’ Cuts to Vital Job Training Program for Wisconsin Workers, Businesses

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Wisconsin Tammy Baldwin
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Ranking Member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health, and Human Services, released the following statement after the Trump Administration announced it is cutting funding for Job Corps and closing centers nationwide, including in Milwaukee.
    “Wisconsin is a state that makes things, but without a skilled workforce, our state risks losing that vital part of our identity and economy. Job training programs like Job Corps are a proven way to connect more Wisconsinites with careers that in turn fuel our economy,” said Senator Baldwin. “Congress appropriated funding for Job Corps, and the Trump Administration can’t just decide to not spend it because they want to make room for tax cuts for billionaires. At a time when Wisconsin businesses are demanding more skilled workers, the Trump Administration is cutting vital resources that put Wisconsinites on a fast-track to good-paying jobs in nursing, manufacturing, and the trades. Gutting Job Corps is a step in the wrong direction, exacerbating our state’s workforce shortage, locking students out of good-paying jobs, and hurting our Made in Wisconsin economy and businesses who rely on skilled workers to compete and grow.”
    Job Corps is the nation’s largest free, residential career training and education program for low-income young adults ages 16 through 24. Since 1964, three million students graduated from Job Corps. However, Thursday the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) announced it will begin shutting down contractor operated Job Corp centers nationwide, including in Milwaukee, jeopardizing job training for Wisconsin students and local communities.
    Senator Baldwin has been a champion for workforce training and apprenticeship programs, including Job Corps. During President Trump’s first term, Senator Baldwin blocked the administration from trying to close a Job Corps center near Laona that provides economic opportunities in rural Wisconsin. At a hearing for President Trump’s Fiscal Year 2026 budget proposal last week, Senator Baldwin pressed DOL Secretary Lori Chavez-Deremer on proposed cuts to workforce training programs, including the Job Corps program.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Padilla, Bipartisan Coalition of CA Delegation Members Demand Restoration of Critical Disaster Resiliency Program

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.)

    Padilla, Bipartisan Coalition of CA Delegation Members Demand Restoration of Critical Disaster Resiliency Program

    LOS ANGELES, CA — U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) joined U.S. Representative Jimmy Panetta (D-Calif.-19), Senator Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), and a bipartisan group of California delegation members in demanding the restoration of the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) program. The Trump Administration recently announced its decision to end the BRIC program and cancel all BRIC applications from Fiscal Years 2020-2023, a shortsighted move that jeopardizes pre-disaster mitigation measures and infrastructure resiliency efforts in California and throughout the country.
    President Trump signed the BRIC program into law as part of the 2018 Disaster Reform Act, helping fund local projects that reduce damage from flooding, tornadoes, and other weather-related events. Since its inception, the BRIC program has invested $5 billion in grants for resilient infrastructure. Projects in California include drought and earthquake mitigation projects in Kern and Tulare counties and wildfire management projects in Santa Cruz, Napa, Sonoma, and Nevada counties, all of which are still working to recover from the 2020 wildfires that were some of the deadliest and costliest wildfires in California history.
    “We are deeply concerned about the impact of this decision. If FEMA decides to ultimately withdraw its federal investment, these counties will be forced to abandon these life- and infrastructure-saving projects,” wrote the bipartisan coalition of lawmakers. “Ending the BRIC Program will result in higher costs for Americans, especially as natural disasters become more frequent and severe.”
    “The BRIC Program allows the State of California and its many communities to shift away from reactive disaster spending and toward research-supported, proactive investment in community resilience. We urge you to immediately reverse this decision and do all you can to support the work of this vital program,” continued the lawmakers.
    Every dollar spent on pre-disaster mitigation and preparedness saves between $6 and $13 in damages, cleanup costs, and economic impact. California stands to lose over $1 billion in disaster resilience and mitigation funding if the Administration proceeds with the cancellation of the BRIC program.
    In addition to Padilla, Panetta, and Schiff, the letter was also signed by Representatives Pete Aguilar (D-Calif.-33), Nanette Barragán (D-Calif.-44), Ami Bera (D-Calif.-06), Julia Brownley (D-Calif.-26), Salud Carbajal (D-Calif.-24), Judy Chu (D-Calif.-28), Gil Cisneros (D-Calif.-31), Jim Costa (D-Calif.-21), Mark DeSaulnier (D-Calif.-10), Vince Fong (R-Calif.-20), Laura Friedman (D-Calif.-30), John Garamendi (D-Calif.-08), Robert Garcia (D-Calif.-42), Josh Harder (D-Calif.-09), Jared Huffman (D-Calif.-02), Sara Jacobs (D-Calif.-51), Sydney Kamlager-Dove (D-Calif.-37), Ro Khanna (D-Calif.-17), Young Kim (R-Calif.-40), Mike Levin (D-Calif.-49), Sam Liccardo (D-Calif.-16), Ted Lieu (D-Calif.-36), Zoe Lofgren (D-Calif.-18), Dave Min (D-Calif.-47), Kevin Mullin (D-Calif.-15), Scott Peters (D-Calif.-50), Luz Rivas (D-Calif.-29), Linda Sánchez (D-Calif.-38), Brad Sherman (D-Calif.-32), Lateefah Simon (D-Calif.-12), Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.-14), Mike Thompson (D-Calif.-04), Norma Torres (D-Calif.-35), Derek Tran (D-Calif.-45), and David Valadao (R-Calif.-22).
    Senator Padilla previously joined over 80 of his colleagues in a bipartisan, bicameral letter urging Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem to reinstate the BRIC program.
    Full text of the California lawmakers’ letter is available here and below:
    Dear Secretary Noem and Mr. Richardson,
    We write with great concern regarding the decision to end the Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) program and cancel all BRIC applications from Fiscal Years 2020- 2023. Given its impact on the State of California, which stands to lose over one billion dollars in promised resilience funding, we urge you to reconsider this decision.
    The BRIC program, established in the 2018 Disaster Reform Act and signed into law by President Trump, has distributed $5 billion in grants since its inception, driving investment in resilient infrastructure. While we understand and support the need to find efficiencies and improve the BRIC program, these grants save federal dollars and help protect our most vulnerable communities through emergency preparedness.
    Projects in the State of California include drought and earthquake mitigation projects in Kern and Tulare counties and wildfire management projects in Santa Cruz, Napa, Sonoma, and Nevada counties, all of which are still working to recover from the 2020 wildfires that were some of the deadliest and costliest wildfires in the State’s history. This BRIC funding, which included a match from local homeowners, would have funded home hardening, defensible space fuels reduction, evacuation route fuel reduction, and landscape-scale fuel reduction work. We are deeply concerned about the impact of this decision. If FEMA decides to ultimately withdraw its federal investment, these counties will be forced to abandon these life- and infrastructure-saving projects.
    Moreover, pre-disaster mitigation and up-front investment saves taxpayer dollars. For every dollar spent in pre-disaster mitigation and preparedness, between $6 and $13 is saved in damages, cleanup costs, and economic impact. We support the Agency’s goal of reducing the amount of federal dollars spent on disaster recovery and believe the BRIC program helps to achieve future cost reductions. Ending the BRIC Program will result in higher costs for Americans, especially as natural disasters become more frequent and severe.
    Consequently, we respectfully request responses to the following questions by June 13, 2025:
    1. How many projects in California will be impacted by this decision?
    2. What is FEMA’s timeline and process for cancelling this funding?
    3. In a memo, Director Hamilton noted that not all projects will be impacted if they have already commenced. What stage of project completion will allow recipients to continue to receive funding?
    4. Former Director Hamilton also noted that FEMA will create a new, similar program. What are the details and timelines for the rollout of this program?
    The BRIC Program allows the State of California and its many communities to shift away from reactive disaster spending and toward research-supported, proactive investment in community resilience. We urge you to immediately reverse this decision and do all you can to support the work of this vital program.
    Sincerely,

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Murphy, Blumenthal Fight To Continue Funding For Emergency Housing Voucher Program

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Connecticut – Chris Murphy

    WASHINGTON—U.S. Senators Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) joined U.S. Senators Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), and Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), along with Representative Maxine Waters (D-Calif.-43), and nearly 100 lawmakers in urging Congressional Appropriations leadership to include robust funding for the Emergency Housing Voucher (EHV) program as part of Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 funding legislation. Tens of thousands of Americans depend on this vital program for safe, stable, and affordable housing. The letter comes as the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) announced in March that the program will soon run out of money due largely to rents rising at the fastest pace in decades.

    “[Public Housing Agencies] in every state have benefited from the improved voucher issuance and utilization that the EHV program provides, as have the people and communities they serve,” wrote the lawmakers. “Congress must provide sufficient and robust funding to ensure that the families who rely on EHVs don’t lose their housing.”

    “The EHV program provides rental assistance to help end and prevent homelessness. At a time when housing costs and homelessness continue to rise, we respectfully request that you provide adequate funding in the FY26 THUD Appropriations bill to renew all EHVs to ensure that those who have been served by the program do not lose their housing support and to ensure landlords continue receiving the rental payments they depend on to maintain their properties,” the lawmakers concluded.

    As of April, this critical program supports 107,000 individuals who are mostly children under five years old, older adults, individuals with disabilities, and domestic violence survivors. In Connecticut, hundreds of families rely on EHVs for housing, but the program is now at risk. Support for the program is especially important as the Trump Administration cuts vital HUD funding and support staff. The EHV program was established in 2021 through the American Rescue Plan. Congress originally authorized $5 billion in funding for 70,000 vouchers through September 2030, with increased flexibilities for public housing authorities that made the program more successful than typical housing vouchers.

    Several leading national housing groups — including the Council of Large Public Housing Authorities (CLPHA), Public Housing Authorities Directors Association (PHADA), National Association of Housing Redevelopment Officials (NAHRO), National Alliance to End Homelessness (NAEH), Center on Budget and Policy Priorities (CBPP), National Low Income Housing Coalition (NLIHC), the Moving-to-Work (MTW) Collaborative, and the National Housing Law Project (NHLP) — wrote a separate letter to Congressional appropriations leadership pushing for adequate funding and flexibilities for the EHV program.

    In addition to Murphy, Blumenthal, Padilla, Warren, and Waters, the bicameral letter was also signed by Senators Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Blunt Rochester (D-Del.), Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Andy Kim (D-N.J.), Angus King (I-Maine), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Mark Warner (D-Va.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), as well as Representatives Alma Adams (D-N.C.-12), Yassamin Ansari (D-Ariz.-03), Becca Balint (D-Vt.-AL), Nanette Barragán (D-Calif.-44), Joyce Beatty (D-Ohio-03), Donald Beyer (D-Va.-08), Sanford Bishop (D-Ga.-02), Suzanne Bonamici (D-Ore.-01), Julia Brownley (D-Calif.-26), Janelle Bynum (D-Ore.-05), Salud Carbajal (D-Calif.-24), André Carson (D-Ind.-07), Greg Casar (D-Texas-35), Gilbert Cisneros (D-Calif.-31), Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-Mo.-05), Steve Cohen (D-Tenn.-09), Joe Courtney (D-Conn.-02), Sharice Davids (D-Kan.-03), Danny K. Davis (D-Ill.-07), Maxine Dexter (D-Ore.-03), Lloyd Doggett (D-Texas-37), Cleo Fields (D-La.-06), Bill Foster (D-Ill.-11), Valerie Foushee (D-N.C.-04), Laura Friedman (D-Calif.-30), Jesús G. “Chuy” García (D-Ill.-04), Sylvia Garcia (D-Texas-29), Daniel Goldman (D-N.Y.-10), Jimmy Gomez (D-Calif.-34), Maggie Goodlander (D-N.H.-02), Al Green (D-Texas-09), Jahana Hayes (D-Conn.-05), James Himes (D-Conn.-04), Steven Horsford (D-Nev.-04), Val Hoyle (D-Ore.-04), Jonathan Jackson (D-Ill.-01), Sara Jacobs (D-Calif.-51), Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.-07), Robin Kelly (D-Ill.-02), Ro Khanna (D-Calif.-17), Greg Landsman (D-Ohio-01), John Larson (D-Conn.-01), Sam Liccardo (D-Calif.-16), Ted Lieu (D-Calif.-36), Stephen Lynch (D-Mass.-08), Morgan McGarvey (D-Ky.-03), James McGovern (D-Mass.-02), LaMonica McIver (D-N.J.-10), Gregory Meeks (D-N.Y.-05), Dave Min (D-Calif.-47), Gwen Moore (D-Wis.-04), Kevin Mullin (D-Calif.-15), Jerrold Nadler (D-N.Y.-12), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-D.C.-AL), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.-14), Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.-05), Jimmy Panetta (D-Calif.-19), Scott Peters (D-Calif.-50), Brittany Pettersen (D-Colo.-07), Stacey Plaskett (D-V.I.-AL), Ayanna Pressley (D-Mass.-07), Delia Ramirez (D-Ill.-03), Luz Rivas (D-Calif.-29), Raul Ruiz (D-Calif.-25), Andrea Salinas (D-Ore.-06), Linda Sánchez (D-Calif.-38), Janice Schakowsky (D-Ill.-09), Suhas Subramanyam (D-Va.-10), Shri Thanedar (D-Mich.-13), Rashida Tlaib (D-Mich.-12), Derek Tran (D-Calif.-45), Nydia Velázquez (D-N.Y.-07), Nikema Williams (D-Ga.-05), and Frederica Wilson (D-Fla.-24).

    Full text of the letter is available here and below:

    Dear Chair Hyde-Smith, Ranking Member Gillibrand, Chair Womack, and Ranking Member Clyburn:

    As you develop the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development (THUD) and Related Agencies Appropriations bill, we respectfully request that you include funding to ensure that the nearly 60,000 households who are currently being served by the Emergency Housing Voucher (EHV) program do not fall into homelessness.

    During the pandemic, Congress appropriated $5 billion in mandatory funding for the EHV program to help people experiencing or at risk of experiencing homelessness, including survivors of domestic violence and victims of human trafficking, access safe, stable and affordable housing during a moment of crisis.

    Since 2021, the success of the EHV program and its design, which includes critical administrative flexibilities that are responsive to a tumultuous housing market, cannot be overstated. The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) reported that EHVs are leasing at a rate faster than any previous housing voucher program within HUD and drove unprecedented collaboration among public housing agencies (PHAs), homeless services organizations, and victim services organizations to provide rapid and effective housing assistance to vulnerable populations. PHAs in every state have benefited from the improved voucher issuance and utilization that the EHV program provides, as have the people and communities they serve. Congress must provide sufficient and robust funding to ensure that the families who rely on EHVs don’t lose their housing.

    We understand that the Subcommittee must make difficult decisions. However, the EHV program provides rental assistance to help end and prevent homelessness. At a time when housing costs and homelessness continue to rise, we respectfully request that you provide adequate funding in the FY26 THUD Appropriations bill to renew all EHVs to ensure that those who have been served by the program do not lose their housing support and to ensure landlords continue receiving the rental payments they depend on to maintain their properties. Thank you for your consideration of this request and your continued support for the most vulnerable Americans.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Labrador Letter: Defending Biological Reality in Federal Corrections Policy

    Source: US State of Idaho

    Home Newsroom Labrador Letter: Defending Biological Reality in Federal Corrections Policy

    Op-Ed: Defending Biological Reality in Federal Corrections Policy
    by Attorney General Raúl Labrador
    How transgender-identifying individuals are housed in federal prisons is not a theoretical question. It directly affects the safety, privacy, and dignity of inmates, particularly women. Under the Biden Administration, federal agencies were instructed to disregard biological sex and could instead classify inmates based solely on how they self-identified. That policy treated personal identity claims as if they were biological facts and authorized prison officials to treat male inmates who identified as women the same as biological females in housing assignments and private spaces.
    This shift did not occur in isolation. It reflected a broader federal posture that prioritized gender ideology over operational safety and common sense. Prison officials were expected to override objective assessments in favor of self-identification, even when that meant placing biological males in private women’s facilities. This put the dignity, safety, and privacy of female inmates at risk on top of ignoring basic truth.
    In January, in one of President Trump’s first acts, he restored clarity and truth and away from gender ideology. Through Executive Order 14168, his administration reaffirmed that biological sex was the standard for housing inmates. The order also prohibited the use of federal taxpayer dollars to fund sex-reassignment surgeries and hormone procedures for inmates.
    Shortly after Executive Order 14168 was issued, multiple lawsuits were filed in federal court seeking to block its enforcement. The plaintiffs in those cases argued that housing transgender-identifying male inmates in male facilities and denying access to taxpayer-funded sex-reassignment procedures, violated the Eighth Amendment’s prohibition on cruel and unusual punishment. In response, a federal district court issued a preliminary injunction,halting the Trump administration’s policy before it could be fully implemented.
    That is when Idaho stepped forward. Together with Indiana, we led a 26-state coalition urging the United States Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit to reverse the lower court’s rulings. We filed an amicus brief defending the executive order and the authority of the federal government to establish policies that preserve safety, security, and institutional order within its correctional system.
    Our position is straightforward and common sense. The federal government is responsible for protecting the welfare of all prisoners in its custody. The Trump Administration has rightly determined that placing biological males in female spaces creates unacceptable and dangerous risks. Those risks include increased chances of violence and sexual assault, the violation of female inmates’ rights to privacy and dignity, and the coerced use of language and conduct that contradicts biological reality and truth.
    Contrary to the claims made in these lawsuits, the Constitution does not require the government to disregard biological sex. The Eighth Amendment does not prohibit policies that seek to protect the safety of inmates based on evidence and professional judgment. In fact, constitutional principles require that these policies be made by accountable decision-makers, not imposed through litigation.
    This case is part of a broader legal and cultural conflict. If federal policy treats gender identity as a substitute for biological sex, that approach will not remain limited to the prison system. It will affect how schools assign housing, how athletic programs determine eligibility, how shelters are operated, and how medical professionals are required to provide care. The consequences will be felt most by women and girls, who will be forced to bear the cost of policies built on fiction rather than fact.
    Idaho has led on this issue consistently. We were the first state to protect the integrity of women’s sports. We enacted laws to protect minors from irreversible gender procedures. And now we are leading again by defending a federal policy that affirms biological reality, respects constitutional boundaries, and places public safety above political ideology.
    Our coalition’s brief makes clear that the federal courts must allow the Executive Branch to exercise its lawful authority to run the prison system based on the realities faced by those who work in it. Policies grounded in biological truth are not discriminatory. They are essential to fairness, order, and the protection of individual rights.
    Idaho will not retreat from this responsibility. We will stand for the truth, for the Constitution, and for the women whose dignity and safety depend on it.
    This op-ed originally ran in TownHall on May 24, 2025

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: House and Senate Democrats Send Letter Calling on GAO to Investigate Federal Worker Firings

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Steny H Hoyer (MD-05)

    WASHINGTON, DC –  In response to the Trump Administration’s unprecedented purge of tens of thousands of federal workers without cause, Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Financial Services and General Government (FSGG) Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05), Ranking Member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Ranking Member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on FSGG Senator Jack Reed (D-RI), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Senator Gary Peters (D-MI), Acting Ranking Member on the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform Rep. Stephen F. Lynch (MA-08), Ranking Member of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform Subcommittee on Government Operations Rep. Kweisi Mfume (MD-07), and Ranking Member of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform Subcommittee on Delivering On Government Efficiency (DOGE) Rep. Melanie Stansbury (NM-01) led more than 30 Democrats in sending a letter to Comptroller General of the United States Gene L. Dodaro calling on the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to provide Congress with regular updates on how the Trump Administration’s personnel actions are affecting the federal workforce.

    “Over the past several months, the civil service has undergone an unprecedented level of change as tens of thousands of federal employees have been terminated, resigned, or placed on administrative leave,” the Members wrote. “Americans are already feeling the consequences – longer wait times for Social Security assistance, delayed veterans’ benefits, and disrupted disaster response are just a few examples of how these personnel actions are impacting people across the country. We are deeply concerned about the impact these actions will have on our government’s capacity to design, develop and deliver efficient services that connect agencies with the people they serve and meet the needs of the public.”

    Signatories include: Senator Angela D. Alsobrooks; Rep. Yassamin Ansari; Rep. Wesley Bell; Rep. Donald Beyer; Rep. Sanford D. Bishop, Jr.; Senator Richard Blumenthal; Rep. Shontel Brown; Rep. Greg Casar; Rep. Jasmine Crockett; Rep. Sarah Elfreth; Rep. Maxwell Frost; Rep. Robert Garcia; Rep. Glenn Ivey; Senator Timothy Kaine; Rep. Ro Khanna; Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi; Rep. Summer Lee; Rep. April McClain Delaney; Rep. Jennifer McClellan; Rep. Dave Min; Senator Patty Murray; Rep. Eleanor Holmes Norton; Senator Alex Padilla; Rep. Emily Randall; Rep. Jamie Raskin; Senator Bernard Sanders; Senator Brian Schatz; Rep. Lateefah Simon; Rep. Suhas Subramanyam; Rep. Rashida Tlaib; Rep. Eugene Vindman; and Senator Mark R. Warner.

    The full text of the letter is included below:
     

    May 29, 2025
     

    The Honorable Gene L. Dodaro
    Comptroller General of the United States
    Government Accountability Office
    441 G Street, N.W.
    Washington D.C. 20548

    Dear Comptroller General Dodaro:

    The 2 million federal employees who work across our country are the backbone of our federal government and are responsible for delivering vital services to the American people. These individuals dedicate their lives to public service and ensure our government fulfills its mission to make our country safer, healthier and more prosperous.

    Over the past several months, the civil service has undergone an unprecedented level of change as tens of thousands of federal employees have been terminated, resigned, or placed on administrative leave. Americans are already feeling the consequences – longer wait times for Social Security assistance, delayed veterans’ benefits, and disrupted disaster response are just a few examples of how these personnel actions are impacting people across the country. We are deeply concerned about the impact these actions will have on our government’s capacity to design, develop and deliver efficient services that connect agencies with the people they serve and meet the needs of the public.

    To assist our oversight of the federal government’s personnel actions, we request that the Government Accountability Office provide us with regular briefings to ensure Congress has timely data and information on the status of the federal workforce. Specifically, we request that GAO begin providing the information following each quarter through the end of fiscal year 2028 to be scheduled in coordination with applicable staff. Information on the total number of the following groups of federal employees in the 24 CFO agencies categorized by agency of employment, location, occupation and tenure by quarter –

    a. All terminated federal employees who are separated for any reason;

    b. Federal employees who took the deferred resignation program offer;

    c. Federal employees in their probationary period;

    d. Federal employees in their probationary period who were terminated;

    e. Federal employees on administrative leave.

    f. Federal employees hired.

    Any difficulties experienced by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) in its collection, analysis, and publication of human capital data.

    Thank you for your attention to this matter.

    Sincerely,

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: DHS Releases Statement on Major SCOTUS Victory for Trump Administration and the American People on Ending the CHNV Parole Program

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: DHS Releases Statement on Major SCOTUS Victory for Trump Administration and the American People on Ending the CHNV Parole Program

    lass=”text-align-center”>CHNV was an unlawful scheme to unleash over 530,000 poorly vetted aliens into America
    WASHINGTON – The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) secured a legal victory in its effort to terminate parole for more than 530,000 illegal aliens from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela (CHNV) who were released into the country by the Biden Administration

    The U

    S

    Supreme Court issued a 7-2 order, staying a District Court’s order pending appeal with the U

    S

    Court of Appeals for the First Circuit

    With this decision, DHS can once again start removing illegal aliens under the disastrous CHNV parole programs as the case progresses

    This order comes after an activist judge ruled that DHS could not outright end the CHNV program

    DHS released the following statement on the Supreme Court’s decision to allow the Trump Administration to keep Americans safe: 
    Statement Attributable to Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin 
    “Today’s decision is a victory for the American people

    The Biden Administration lied to America

    They allowed more than half a million poorly vetted aliens from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela and their immediate family members to enter the United States through these disastrous parole programs; granted them opportunities to compete for American jobs and undercut American workers; forced career civil servants to promote the programs even when fraud was identified; and then blamed Republicans in Congress for the chaos that ensued and the crime that followed,”  
    “Ending the CHNV parole programs, as well as the paroles of those who exploited it, will be a necessary return to common-sense policies, a return to public safety, and a return to America First

    ” 
    Read the U

    S

    Supreme Court’s ruling here

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: North Carolina Continues to Receive Historically High Emergency Assistance Under President Trump

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: North Carolina Continues to Receive Historically High Emergency Assistance Under President Trump

    North Carolina Continues to Receive Historically High Emergency Assistance Under President Trump

    President Trump turbocharged the emergency aid process to provide a 100% federal cost share in North Carolina for Public Assistance from the declaration date of September 29, 2024, to March 24, 2025

    WASHINGTON — In light of false reporting and charges from politicians, FEMA is setting the record straight

    North Carolina received one of the longest 100% cost share periods in FEMA’s history — 6 full months of full federal funding for debris removal and emergency protective measures

    Today, the state is still receiving a 90% cost share

    Due to the severity of the disaster with Hurricane Helene, exacerbated by the previous administrations’ mismanagement and neglect, FEMA is currently providing North Carolina a 90% federal cost share, far exceeding the normal 75% and the same amount the state of North Carolina requested on December 6, 2024

       Through FEMA’s Public Assistance program, which provides funds for state and local governments’ response and recovery work, the state received more than $484 million at a 100% federal cost share for 180 days, funding projects for road repair, debris removal, critical infrastructure repair and more

    Since January 20, 2025, more than $172 million in Public Assistance reimbursements has been approved to support the recovery efforts in North Carolina

    In addition to the higher threshold federal cost share, federal emergency management support to North Carolina has accelerated under President Trump’s administration

    More than 785 staff remain deployed on North Carolina, assisting with recertification of Direct Housing and Temporary Housing Units, supporting 2,700 Public Assistance projects, coordinating debris removal and survivor casework

    Over 45 of FEMA’s North Carolina staff are locally hired, joining the agency after Helene and bringing valuable local knowledge to the recovery efforts

    More than $455 million has been approved for North Carolina survivors to help pay for food, medicine, housing assistance and home repairs

    More than $22

    4 million has been provided to nearly 7,900 North Carolinians to repair or replace private roads and bridges damaged by Helene

    Nearly 12

    8 million cubic yards (CY) of debris have been removed from waterways, roads, homes and business, with more than 4

    7 million CY removed since President Trump took office

    amy

    ashbridge
    Fri, 05/30/2025 – 14:12

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: NASA’s SpaceX Demo-2 Launch Fifth Anniversary

    Source: NASA

    President Donald Trump walks onstage to speak to a crowd at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, following the launch of NASA’s SpaceX Demo-2 mission on May 30, 2020. The mission was the first crewed launch of the SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft and Falcon 9 rocket to the International Space Station as part of the agency’s Commercial Crew Program. This marked the first time American astronauts launched on an American rocket from American soil to low-Earth orbit since the conclusion of the Space Shuttle Program in 2011.
    Image credit: NASA/Bill Ingalls

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: “We all are going to die:” 6 catastrophic ways Trump’s Big Ugly Bill threatens Californians

    Source: US State of California 2

    May 30, 2025

    SACRAMENTO — In a callous moment during a townhall this morning, Republican U.S. Senator Joni Ernst shrugged off the devastating human toll of President Donald Trump’s proposed plan to fund tax breaks for the rich by gutting Medicaid and food assistance — saying, “Well, we all are going to die” when warned by her own constituents that slashing these programs would cost lives.

    Unfortunately, she’s right about one thing: people will die if President Trump’s Big Ugly Bill becomes law. President Trump’s bill is an all-out assault on America’s safety net, targeting the most vulnerable communities in every state, including California. 

    Here are 6 catastrophic cuts in the bill that would do real damage to Californians:

    ❌ Eliminate coverage for up to 3.4 million Californians, largely among those covered under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) expansion

    ❌ Cut at least $22 billion in federal Medicaid funding by imposing burdensome job loss penalties on low-income adults

    ❌ Punish states like California that use state funding to cover undocumented residents for non-emergency benefits by slashing federal support by at least $4 billion annually

    ❌ Restrict vital funding mechanisms, such as provider taxes and certain other payments that support hospitals and providers across California, that would result in the loss of billions of dollars

    ❌ Shut down nonprofit providers like Planned Parenthood by cutting them off from Medicaid funding

    ❌ Cut federal funding for SNAP in California by at least $2.3 to $4.9 billion annually, with at least 250,000 recipients likely to lose this benefit

    Governor Gavin Newsom recently spoke about the impacts of the Big Ugly Bill on the MeidasTouch Network: “No state, incidentally, has more to lose on that. 3.4 million Americans will lose support if that bill passes in its existent form in the United States Senate, here in California.”

    Press releases, Recent news

    Recent news

    May 30, 2025

    News What you need to know: With unprecedented speed, Governor Newsom is today announcing the availability of $800 million in competitive grant funding as part of Proposition 1 Bond Behavioral Health Continuum Infrastructure Program (BHCIP) Round 2 to develop a wide…

    May 30, 2025

    News What you need to know: CAL FIRE is awarding $72 million to projects across the state that help reduce catastrophic wildfire risk across California. Governor Newsom also announced 13 vegetation management projects spanning nearly 7,000 acres have already been…

    May 29, 2025

    News What you need to know: California is launching CalHeatScore – a groundbreaking tool to help protect vulnerable populations from dangerous heatwaves. The state’s new tool provides localized warnings and resources for extreme heat events. Governor Newsom is also…

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: As Trump cuts U.S. Forest Service, California deploys an extra $72 million to reduce wildfire risk and ‘rake the forest,’ fast-tracks critical projects

    Source: US State of California 2

    May 30, 2025

    What you need to know: CAL FIRE is awarding $72 million to projects across the state that help reduce catastrophic wildfire risk across California. Governor Newsom also announced 13 vegetation management projects spanning nearly 7,000 acres have already been approved for fast-tracking under his emergency proclamation.

    SACRAMENTO – As the Trump administration cuts the U.S. Forest Service and creates rampant uncertainty ahead of peak wildfire season, Governor Gavin Newsom today announced the state is continuing to ramp up its efforts to reduce wildfire risk and increase forest health. 

    CAL FIRE awarded nearly $72 million today to support large-scale, regionally based land management projects aimed at restoring forest health and resilience throughout California, while enhancing long-term carbon storage.

    Additionally, Governor Newsom announced that under his wildfire prevention emergency proclamation, which became operational on April 17, the state has already fast-tracked approval for 13 projects totaling nearly 7,000 acres, on top of the 2 million acres treated in recent years. These projects involve tribes and other partners, natural resource managers and fire districts. This is part of statewide efforts to advance projects in key locations to help protect communities from catastrophic wildfires. One week after applications opened to fast-track critical wildfire safety projects in mid-April, the state began issuing fast-track approvals for wildfire safety projects.

    “California is ‘raking the forests’ at a faster pace than ever before. Where’s the federal government?”

    Governor Gavin Newsom

    While 57% of California’s forests are federally managed, the state government manages only 3% of the forestland. The other 40% is privately owned and this work relies on partnership with private forestland owners. 

    More than 2,200 vegetation management projects are complete or underway, and in recent years, California has treated nearly 2 million acres – made possible by scaling up investments to 10 times the amount from when the Governor took office in 2019. California has funded over $350 million worth of projects on federal lands in the same time. CAL FIRE estimates that 83% of all tree mortality in California, which poses a significant wildfire risk, is on national forest lands. 

    ‘Raking the forest’ 

    Through its Forest Health Program, CAL FIRE is awarding 12 grants to local and regional partners carrying out projects on state, local, tribal, federal, and private lands. Designed to address critical forest health needs, these initiatives will reduce wildfire risk, improve ecosystem resilience, and enhance carbon sequestration across California’s diverse landscapes.

    Forest health grant projects focus on large, landscape-scale forestlands – no less than 800 acres in size – that are composed of one or more landowners and may cover multiple jurisdictions. 

    “CAL FIRE is proud to award Forest Health grants that will increase the wildfire resilience of California’s landscapes and communities and help restore ecosystems following wildfire,” said Alan Talhelm, Assistant Deputy Director of Climate and Energy at CAL FIRE. “These grants will provide our partners around the state with funds to complete projects that support local economies, protect watersheds, increase public safety, and sequester carbon.”

    The projects will employ a wide array of forest management strategies, with goals of wildfire resilience, watershed protection, habitat conservation for endangered species, recovery of fire-scarred and drought-impacted forests, and the reintroduction of fire as a natural ecological process. Projects include:

    • The Upper Mokelumne River Watershed Authority will conduct fuels reduction on 1,288 acres in El Dorado National Forest using mastication and hand thinning. This aims to lower wildfire risk, protect communities, improve forest resilience, and enhance wildlife habitat.
    • The Redwood Forest Foundation, Inc. will treat 867 acres of forest fuel in a rural, low-income area in Northern Mendocino County. This will create over 80 forestry jobs and additional jobs/learning for young adults via California Conservation Corps trail work.

    The majority of CAL FIRE’s Forest Health grants are funded through the Timber Regulation and Forest Restoration Fund (TRFRF), with additional support provided by California Climate Investments (CCI), a statewide initiative that directs billions of Cap-and-Invest dollars toward achieving the state’s climate goals.

    Fast-tracking critical wildfire prevention projects

    The approved projects for fast-tracking are focused on removing flammable dead or dying trees, creating strategic fuel breaks, creating safe egress along roadways, manual and mechanical removal of ladder fuels and beneficial fire use. Some of the approved projects include:  

    • The Prosper Ridge Community Wildfire Resilience Project in Humboldt County is the first approved project under the Governor’s emergency proclamation on wildfire. This collaborative state, federal, and tribal project will treat nearly 450 acres with a combination of mechanical thinning, manual treatments, and prescribed fire.
    • The Tonner Canyon South Vegetation Management Project aims to reduce wildfire risk on 354 acres south of Diamond Bar in Los Angeles County through hazardous vegetation removal, fuel break creation, and defensible space improvement.
    • The Scott Valley/Callahan Fuels Reduction and Forest Resiliency Project located on 2,917 acres in the Scott River watershed in Siskiyou County will use mechanical and manual treatments to increase vigor of the residual stands of timber for improved carbon sequestration, fire resiliency and individual tree health.
    • The Weed Community Forest Restoration and Enhancement Project located on 1,923 acres near the 2022 Mill Fire and is designed to protect the surrounding the community of Weed in Siskiyou County and provide safe ingress/egress to emergency responders.
    • The Sycuan Wildfire Resiliency Project covers over 240 acres in San Diego County and aims to protect the Sycuan Reservation from wildfire by reducing fire hazard, ensuring defensible space, and providing safe egress with the use of 300 grazing goats. 

    To move faster without compromising important environmental protections, the state developed a new Statewide Fuels Reduction Environmental Protection Plan. State agencies will monitor and oversee these projects from initiation to completion to provide support and ensure environmental protections and best management practices are followed.

    Accelerating investments in fuels reduction and wildfire resilience

    Following action by Governor Newsom and the Legislature last month, state conservancies are moving to deploy $170 million in voter-approved funding for wildfire resilience projects. The accelerated funding is part of the “early action” 2025 budget package. Governor Newsom signed the funding bill along with an executive order to ensure the wildfire safety projects benefit from the streamlining process created under the March 1 State of Emergency proclamation.

    Building on unprecedented progress 

    This builds on consecutive years of intensive and focused work by California to confront the severe ongoing risk of catastrophic wildfires, and Governor Newsom’s emergency proclamation signed in March to fast-track forest and vegetation management projects throughout the state. Additionally, to bolster the state’s ability to respond to fires, Governor Newsom announced last week that the state’s second C-130 Hercules airtanker is ready for firefighting operations, adding to the largest aerial firefighting fleet in the world. 

    New, bold moves to streamline state-level regulatory processes builds long-term efforts already underway in California to increase wildfire response and forest management in the face of a hotter, drier climate. A full list of California’s progress on wildfire resilience is available here.

    Highlights of achievements to date include:

    • Historic investments — Overall, the state has more than doubled investments in wildfire prevention and landscape resilience efforts, providing more than $2.5 billion in wildfire resilience since 2020, with an additional $1.5 billion to be allocated from the 2024 Climate Bond.
    • On-the-ground progress — More than 2,200 landscape health and fire prevention projects are complete or underway, and from 2021-2023, the State and its partners treated nearly 1.9 million acres, including nearly 730,000 acres in 2023.
    • Increasing transparency — The Governor’s Task Force launched an Interagency Treatment Dashboard to display wildfire resilience work across federal, state, local, and privately managed lands across the State. The Dashboard, launched in 2023, provides transparency, tracks progress, facilitates planning, and informs firefighting efforts.
    • Hardening communities — Adding to California’s nation-leading fire safety  standards, Governor Newsom signed an executive order to further improve community hardening and wildfire mitigation strategies to neighborhood resilience statewide. Since 2019, CAL FIRE has awarded more than $450 million for 450 wildfire prevention projects across the state and conducts Defensible Space Inspections on more than 250,000 homes each year.
    • Leveraging cutting-edge technology — On top of expanding the world’s largest aerial firefighting fleet, CAL FIRE has doubled its use of Uncrewed Aerial Systems (UAS) and the state is utilizing AI-powered tools to spot fires quicker.

    Press releases, Recent news

    Recent news

    May 29, 2025

    News What you need to know: California is launching CalHeatScore – a groundbreaking tool to help protect vulnerable populations from dangerous heatwaves. The state’s new tool provides localized warnings and resources for extreme heat events. Governor Newsom is also…

    May 29, 2025

    News Sacramento, California – Governor Gavin Newsom today issued a proclamation declaring May 2025, as “Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month.”The text of the proclamation and a copy can be found below: PROCLAMATIONCalifornia is home to more than 6…

    May 28, 2025

    News SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today announced the following appointments:LaCandice Ochoa, of Sacramento, has been appointed Deputy Director of the Independent Living and Community Access Division at the Department of Rehabilitation. Ochoa has been Dean of…

    MIL OSI USA News –