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Category: Trump

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: The US has sanctioned UN special rapporteur Francesca Albanese – here’s why she’s the wrong target

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Alvina Hoffmann, Lecturer in Diplomatic Studies, Department of Politics and International Studies, SOAS, University of London

    The United States has imposed sanctions against the UN’s special rapporteur in the Palestinian territories, Francesca Albanese. It’s an unprecedented situation. The US secretary of state, Marco Rubio, cited as the reason her direct engagement with the International Criminal Court “in efforts to investigate, arrest, detain, or prosecute nationals of the United States or Israel”.

    The statement also described Albanese’s “threatening letters to dozens of entities worldwide, including major American companies” as an escalation of her strategies. The sanctions were framed as preventing “illegitimate ICC overreach and abuse of power” and as part of Trump’s Executive Order 14203 on imposing sanctions on the ICC.

    This raises the question: who are special rapporteurs and why would Albanese’s performance of her role elicit such a strong reaction from the US? Special rapporteurs are independent human rights experts, part of the UN Human Rights Council’s special procedures system established in 1979. There are 46 “thematic mandates” on issues such as extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances and the environment, and 14 “country mandates”, including in Palestine.

    Experts on human rights from academia, advocacy, law and other relevant professional fields are appointed to fulfil a variety of tasks. These include undertaking country visits, sending communications to states about individual cases of human rights violations, developing international human rights standards, engaging in advocacy and providing technical cooperation based on their legal and thematic expertise.

    In 1967, 22 years after it was set up, the United Nations established institutional provisions for independent experts on human rights. This happened first in 1967 when it appointed an ad hoc working group of experts on apartheid and racial discrimination in southern Africa. In 1968 the same group of experts was appointed to investigate “Israeli Practices Affecting the Human Rights of the Palestinian People and Other Arabs of the Occupied Territories”. This is still in place today.

    Neither South Africa nor Israel allowed experts to enter their territories to inspect their human rights record at the time. But in 2003, nearly a decade after it first held democratic elections, South Africa issued a standing invitation to all thematic special procedures, meaning they committed themselves, at least in theory, to always accept requests to visit from rapporteurs.

    Attacks on individual rapporteurs

    Albanese, a specialist in international human rights law, is the eighth rapporteur since the creation of her mandate in 1993. She was appointed to this pro bono position in 2022 for three years, and her mandate was recently renewed for another period of three years.

    It was her most recent report from June 30 which led to her being sanctioned by the US. The report focused on the role of the corporate sector in “colonial endeavours and associated genocides” and named over 60 companies as “complicit”.

    A host of institutions and leading human rights figures have come to her defence. Agnes Callamard, a former special rapporteur on extrajudicial killings, now the secretary general of Amnesty international noted the “chilling effects for all special rapporteurs” of the US decision. Top UN human rights officials denounced this dangerous precedent and called for its reversal.

    In February 2024, the government of Israel declared Albanese persona non grata in response to her remark that “the victims of the October 7 massacre were not murdered because of their Jewishness, but in response to Israeli oppression”. As with the newly imposed sanctions, she called this step a distraction and called upon the world to keep their focus on Gaza.

    Diplomatic immunity

    Special rapporteurs are granted diplomatic immunity which, in theory, should enable them to speak up or write critical reports without the fear of reprisals. But in 1989 and 1999 the ICJ had to intervene with an advisory opinion on two cases when this status was jeopardised after the home countries of two special rapporteurs tried to restrict their freedom of speech. This involved Romanian national Dumitru Mazilu, tasked with writing a report on “Human rights and youth”, and Malaysian national Dato’ Param Cumaraswamy, special rapporteur on the independence of judges and lawyers.

    Special rapporteurs wrote a collective letter denouncing the second case, when the Malaysian government filed several legal proceedings against Cumaraswamy. The body of experts called this “judicial harassment of a special rapporteur” and “a challenge to the status of the United Nations as a whole, its officials and its experts on mission”.

    Special rapporteurs occupy an ambiguous institutional position. They take their mandate from the Human Rights Council, but they act in their personal capacity, and hence are not considered to be UN officials. In practice, they need to balance relations carefully between the UN secretariat, civil society, state representatives and, at times, their own countries.

    The advisory opinions helped clarify that it was the secretary general, as the head of the United Nations, that entrusts them with the privileges of diplomatic immunity. The arrangement also leaves the door open for national courts to disagree with the secretary general. This enabled individual countries in some cases to exercise some form of control over their own nationals.

    The recent attack on Albanese adds to the broader budgetary crisis of the UN, as the Trump administration is withholding funds of about US$1.5 billion (£1.2 billion) in addition to other countries such as China, Russia and Saudi Arabia. These are serious challenges for the UN human rights and humanitarian aid programmes. As past cases of attacks against individual rapporteurs have shown, it is important for all rapporteurs to stand together as one body and defend the integrity of the system as a whole.

    Despite these attacks on her integrity and person, Albanese maintains faith in the human rights law instruments. As she stated during a public talk I attended at SOAS University of London in November 2024, we are yet to unlock the full potential of these instruments. This can only be done as a collective.

    Alvina Hoffmann has previously been funded by the Economic and Social Research Council (UKRI).

    – ref. The US has sanctioned UN special rapporteur Francesca Albanese – here’s why she’s the wrong target – https://theconversation.com/the-us-has-sanctioned-un-special-rapporteur-francesca-albanese-heres-why-shes-the-wrong-target-261788

    MIL OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Analysis: Gaza is starving – how Israel’s allies can go beyond words and take meaningful action

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Simon Mabon, Professor of International Relations, Lancaster University

    In the past two months, more than 1,000 people seeking food have been killed, according to the UN Human Rights Office. While the figure has been disputed by Israel and the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation which was set up to distribute aid, 28 nations this week condemned the “horrifying” killing of Gazans trying to get food.

    As the Israel Defense Forces continues its assault in the city of Deir al-Balah in central Gaza, including an attack on the staff residence of the World Health Organization on July 21, UN bodies are warning that the besieged strip’s last lifelines are collapsing.

    Already around 60,000 Gazans have been killed and growing numbers are now dying from hunger and malnutrition, according to the Hamas-led Gaza Health Ministry. More than 90% of the private homes in Gaza have been damaged or destroyed.

    For all the talk of a ceasefire – one that is long overdue – there is little hope. Israeli military operations continue and Gazans must risk their lives in search of food and aid.

    Sign up to receive our weekly World Affairs Briefing newsletter from The Conversation UK. Every Thursday we’ll bring you expert analysis of the big stories in international relations.

    Malnutrition is rife. According to the IPC’s report in May – the international organisation that monitors food security – “goods indispensable for people’s survival are either depleted or expected to run out in the coming weeks” with nearly 500,000 people considered to be facing “catastrophe”, with a further 1.1 million in an “emergency” risk category.

    For the IPC, the catastrophe category is one of extreme food shortages, critical malnutrition leading to starvation and high death rates. The emergency category is one of severe food shortages, very high malnutrition and even death.

    Israeli officials continue to speak of moving Gazans into what has been termed a “humanitarian city” but what former Israeli prime minister Ehud Olmert described as a “concentration camp”. In the same interview Olmert called decision to move Gazans into the camp as “ethnic cleansing”.

    All the while, the world’s leaders look on. Most are apparently content to condemn – but little action has been taken.

    The clamour for Israel’s allies to take a harder stance on its actions in Gaza is growing louder by the day. On July 23, a group of 38 former EU ambassadors published an open letter to EU heads of states and senior officials accusing Israel of taking “calculated steps towards ethnic cleansing” and calling out the EU’s failure to “respond meaningfully to these horrific events”.

    But what do actions look like? Pressure must be applied to the Netanyahu government. In the UK, both prime minister Keir Starmer and foreign minister David Lammy have been quick to stress that the UK has urged Israel to respect international law.

    They point to the sanctions the UK has imposed on Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich, two rightwing ministers in Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition government, as a result of their repeated incitements of violence against Palestinians. While Lammy suggests that further sanctions could follow if Israel does not change its behaviour in Gaza and bring about an end to the suffering, the atrocities continue.

    Practical steps to pressure Israel

    Pressure is growing on the UK government to recognise Palestine as a state – something that I was told by a contact in the Labour government more than a year ago was on Labour’s agenda before October 7. Lammy insists the government is committed to a two-state solution, but this is not diplomatically viable given that the UK only recognises one state involved in these events.

    The state of Palestine is recognised as a sovereign entity by 147 other members of the UN. That’s 75% of all members.

    Other steps could be a full arms embargo, something that has long been called for but rejected by the UK government, which has banned some, but by no means all arms sales to Israel. A number of countries have properly banned arms sales to Israel since October 2023, including Italy, Spain, Canada, the Netherlands, Belgium and Japan.

    There are other more incendiary options. One would be for the UK and others to properly adhere to their obligations under international law.

    The International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant for the Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his defence minister, Yoav Gallant, in November 2024. There are 125 countries that have signed up to the ICC (the US isn’t one of them). They could arrest Netanyahu if he enters their countries.

    There are a range of other things that could be tried. A look at what the international community did to make South Africa a pariah during the later years of apartheid would be worthwhile.

    EU should use its diplomatic muscle

    As Israel’s biggest trading partner, the EU has the potential to wield considerable clout, so the question must be asked: why has so little been done, beyond mere words.

    In June, the EU found Israel to be in breach of its human rights commitments under the terms of the EU-Israel association agreement. Yet to date there have been as yet no moves to suspend trade.

    Kaja Kallas, the EU’s foreign policy chief declared that “all options remain on the table if Israel doesn’t deliver” on its pledges. These include full or partial suspension of the EU-Israel Association Agreement, sanctions on members of government, military or settlers, trade measures, arms embargoes, or the suspension of academic cooperation – including the prestigious Horizon Europe Research and Innovation programme.

    Of course, getting all 27 member states to agree to such an approach is easier said than done. And national leaders will obviously have to consider that taking steps to put pressure with Israel could damage relations with the Trump administration in the US.

    But all the while, the situation on the ground is deteriorating, with the world watching while Gaza burns. The failure by Israel’s allies to take meaningful steps to pressure Israel to prevent the wanton killing and displacement is a stain on humanity.

    After the horrors of the second world war, Rwanda, Myanmar and Srebrenica, the world said “never again”. Without action, there’s a risk it will shrug its shoulders and say “never mind”.

    Get your news from actual experts, straight to your inbox. Sign up to our daily newsletter to receive all The Conversation UK’s latest coverage of news and research, from politics and business to the arts and sciences.

    Simon Mabon receives funding from Carnegie Corporation of New York and The Henry Luce Foundation.

    – ref. Gaza is starving – how Israel’s allies can go beyond words and take meaningful action – https://theconversation.com/gaza-is-starving-how-israels-allies-can-go-beyond-words-and-take-meaningful-action-261783

    MIL OSI Analysis –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Illegal Alien Caught Dragging Trafficked Woman Back to Captivity Arrested After His Removal Proceedings Were Terminated by Biden Administration

    Source: US Department of Homeland Security

    ICE immediately lodged an arrest detainer to ensure this criminal illegal alien will never be released into American communities

    WASHINGTON — On July 15, 2025, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) issued a detainer for Jose Armando Carcamo-Perdomo, an illegal alien from Honduras, charged by local police with kidnapping and assault. This criminal illegal alien is suspected of sex trafficking and assaulting a Chinese woman.

    According to local reports, Carcamo “kept the sex-trafficking victim hostage for five days without food or water — while he beat her and sexually assaulted her.” A nearby Ring doorbell camera recorded Carcamo picking up the victim on the street and abducting her. Local reports say he is also accused of tying her up, punching, and raping her. 

    “This accused kidnapper and suspected sex trafficker was just one of the countless criminal illegal aliens who inexplicably had their removal proceedings terminated by the Biden Administration and were allowed to remain in the country,” said Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin. “Thanks to the leadership of President Trump and Secretary Noem, criminal illegal aliens are being locked up and will no longer be allowed to terrorize American communities. Our message is clear: criminals are not welcome in the United States.” 

    Carcamo illegally entered the United States at the southern border on November 24, 2020. Under the Biden Administration, ICE filed a motion with an immigration judge to have his removal proceedings terminated.  

    On September 8, 2023, a judge granted the Biden Administration’s motion.  

    Following his arrest for kidnapping and assault, ICE, in accordance with the Laken Riley Act, issued a detainer for his arrest to ensure this criminal illegal alien will never be released into American communities.

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Welch Denounces Trump’s Attacks on DOJ’s Civil Rights Division in Judiciary Subcommittee Hearing 

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Peter Welch (D-Vermont)
    WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Raking Member of the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on The Constitution, this week denounced the President Trump’s attacks on the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) Civil Rights Division, including the Administration’s plans to freeze all new civil rights cases or investigations at the division. 
    Ahead of yesterday’s hearing, Senator Welch released a memorandum with the new policy statements provided to career attorneys at the Civil Rights Division. These directives, which have not previously been made public, show how the Division’s enforcement priorities have been narrowed, changed, and in some cases reversed under the leadership of Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights Harmeet Dhillon, to mirror and advance President Trump’s political agenda. The memo also sheds light on Assistant Attorney General Dhillon’s efforts to oust career attorneys through reassignments and resignations. Senator Welch’s office obtained data showing that since the beginning of President Trump’s second term, more than 368 individuals have left the Civil Rights Division and only two Section chiefs remain in place. 
    “The Civil Rights Division is a crown jewel in the Department of Justice of the United States of America,” said Senator Welch. “But there’s a profound difference in the Justice Department today than there was the day before the election. The new policy directives that are being issued to DOJ attorneys is the zealous and faithful pursuit of, ‘The priorities of the President.’ No! It’s the priorities of the Constitution. It’s the priorities of the legislation passed by Congress. It is not the priorities of any person, even if that person is the President of the United States. That is not what the job of the Justice Department is to do.” 
    Watch Senator Welch’s full remarks below:  
    Read Senator Welch’s opening remarks as delivered here. 
    Senator Welch questioned Ms. Dhillon about whether the Trump Administration influenced the DOJ’s highly irregular decision to order mid-decade redistricting of Texas’ congressional districts. The Senator also called out Ms. Dhillon for her refusal to acknowledge that President Biden won the 2020 Presidential Election.   
    Read key excerpts from Senator Welch’s exchange with Ms. Dhillon: 
    “As you know, President Trump has recently ‘encouraged’—I’ll use that—Texas Republicans to do mid-cycle redistricting in order to gain more seats in the House of Representatives. I understand that after the President made that decision, or that announcement, you personally sent a letter on July 7 to Texas—in your capacity as Assistant Attorney General—arguing that four Democratic districts violate federal law,” said Senator Welch. “Before you sent the letter on July 7, did you have any conversation with any representatives of the White House?”   
    Ms. Dhillon: “Senator, as you’re aware, there are privileges that are involved in all Executive Branch communications and without—I’m not able to testify without breaching the Department of Justice’s guidelines in that regard. So, I’m unable to answer any questions about conversations I may have had with other Executive Branch officials.”   
    Senator Welch: “I’m not asking you what the content of the conversation was. I’m asking whether there was any conversation with anyone from the White House before you sent that July 7 letter.”  
    Ms. Dhillon: “Senator, I have the same answer. I think you’re aware of the scope, the broad scope of privileges that apply to lawyers’ conduct.” 
    Senator Welch: “Well, here’s what I’m aware of: the President made a directive—which is highly unusual—telling a legislature, the Texas legislature, mid-decade to do redistricting when we do that every ten years. And oh, it just so happened the Assistant Attorney General sent a letter to that legislature—after the President made his announcement—and said that your investigations suggest four districts are in violation of federal law.” 
    Ms. Dhillon: “Is there a question, Senator?” 
    Senator Welch: “There’s a point here that it’s hard to believe that that wasn’t coordinated.” 
    Senator Welch has been a leading voice in pushing back against the Trump Administration’s attacks on the rule of law and efforts to undermine the Department of Justice. In April, Senator Welch led six Senate Judiciary Committee colleagues in demanding answers from the DOJ concerning the Trump Administration’s efforts to dismantle the Department’s Civil Rights Division. The Senators separately called for Senator Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.), Chair of the Judiciary Subcommittee on the Constitution, to immediately hold an oversight hearing with Assistant Attorney General Dhillon on the politicization of DOJ’s Civil Rights Division. 
    During President Trump’s first week in office, Senator Welch slammed the President’s plans to freeze all new civil rights cases or investigations at DOJ’s Civil Rights Division and suggestions that it would sideline police reform agreements established by the Biden Administration.  

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA News: Fact Sheet: President Donald J. Trump Secures Major Settlement with Columbia University

    Source: US Whitehouse

    SECURING HISTORIC SETTLEMENT WITH COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY: Today, President Donald J. Trump secured a historic settlement with Columbia University to address violations of federal civil rights laws and to restore fairness, merit, and safety in higher education.

    • The agreement ensures Columbia will not engage in unlawful racial discrimination in hiring, admissions, or university programming. Columbia will provide access to all relevant data and information to rigorously assess compliance with its commitment to merit-based hiring and admissions. 
    • Columbia will pay the United States $200 million to settle claims related to discriminatory practices, marking a significant win for accountability in academia.
    • Columbia will also pay the largest employment-discrimination public settlement in almost 20 years. Over $20 million will be paid to resolve alleged civil rights violations against Jewish Columbia employees that occurred on its campus following the October 7, 2023, Hamas terror attacks. This is also the largest ever settlement for victims of anti-Semitism and for workers of any religion.
    • The agreement secures privacy, dignity, and fairness in women’s sports, programing, facilities, and housing.
    • The agreement mandates a comprehensive review of Columbia’s portfolio of programs in regional areas, starting with those relating to the Middle East, and fosters new faculty appointments to promote intellectual diversity.
    • Columbia will strengthen oversight of international students by reviewing admission processes, including by assessing applicants’ reasons for wishing to study in the U.S., sharing relevant data with the Federal Government, and reducing financial dependence on overwhelming international student enrollment.
    • Columbia will enhance campus safety and ensure a safe learning environment by appropriately enforcing strict rules against disruptive protests, prohibiting masked protests, and maintaining trained security officers and ongoing cooperation with the New York Police Department.
    • The agreement establishes robust oversight, including with an independent Resolution Monitor and an Administrator, to ensure Columbia complies with the agreement and federal laws.
    • Consistent with Columbia’s announcement in March, student discipline and rules have been moved from an unaccountable faculty senate to the Office of the Provost, providing for stronger oversight, transparency, and accountability.
    • The agreement reinstates most terminated federal grants, restores Columbia’s eligibility for future grants and awards, and closes pending investigations into the university.

    ADDRESSING DISCRIMINATORY PRACTICES AT COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY: The Trump Administration took action to address Columbia University’s violations of federal civil rights laws, protecting students and upholding fairness in higher education.

    • The settlement culminates after concerning public incidents and subsequent civil rights investigations and actions regarding Columbia’s alleged discrimination on the basis of race and national origin.
    • Columbia’s failure to ensure a safe, non-discriminatory campus environment, including issues with protest policies and disciplinary processes, raised urgent concerns about student safety and free inquiry.
    • By securing this settlement, the Trump Administration is ensuring that Columbia upholds merit-based standards, complies with federal law, and fosters an environment of academic excellence and safety for all students.

    ADVANCING REFORMS IN HIGHER EDUCATION: President Trump is holding elite universities accountable, ensuring they prioritize fairness, merit, and American values.  

    • The Administration has challenged elite universities like Harvard and Columbia for discriminating against student and staff, failing to protect students from violent anti-Semitism, and otherwise failing to be a responsible steward of taxpayer dollars.
    • President Trump signed a Proclamation to safeguard national security by suspending the entry of foreign nationals seeking to study or participate in exchange programs at Harvard University. 
    • The Administration successfully negotiated a resolution with the University of Pennsylvania to keep men out of women’s sports and restore the trophies and records of women.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Simpson Works to Ensure the Lava Ridge Wind Project is Blown Away

    Source: US State of Idaho

    WASHINGTON—This week, the House Committee on Appropriations voted to advance the Fiscal Year 2026 Interior, Environment and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill. Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson–Chairman of the House Interior and Environment Appropriations Subcommittee–authored language to prohibit any funds to approve construction activities related to the out-of-touch Lava Ridge Wind Project from being obligated unless and until the Secretary of the Interior has completed a review of the Department of the Interior’s Record of Decision.
    “After four years of an administration that ignored the voices of Idahoans and downplayed their concerns, President Biden’s BLM tried, and failed, to ram through the out-of-touch Lava Ridge Wind Project,” said Rep. Simpson. “Like many Idahoans, I am grateful that President Trump signed an executive order to kill this project on Day One. As Chairman of the House Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Subcommittee, my goal is to ensure that no future renewable wind project gets as close to implementation as the Lava Ridge Wind Project did. Now that we have an administration that has our backs, I am confident that Secretary Burgum understands Idahoans expect more out of the use of our public lands. The language included in my bill goes hand-in-hand with President Trump’s executive order. I look forward to working with the administration toward common-sense solutions.”
    Text of Rep. Simpson’s provision: None one of the funds made available by this Act may be obligated or expended for the purpose of processing or approving any notice to proceed with any construction activities relating to the Lava Ridge Wind Project right-of-way authorization unless and until the Secretary of the Interior has completed a review of the Department of the Interior’s Record of Decision authorizing the use of public lands through the Lava Ridge Wind Project right-of-way and, as appropriate, conducted a new, comprehensive analysis in accordance with Section 2(b) of the Presidential Memorandum titled ‘‘Temporary Withdrawal of All Areas on the Outer Continental Shelf from Offshore Wind Leasing and Review of the Federal Government’s Leasing and Permitting Practices for Wind Projects,’’ dated January 20, 2025.
    Rep. Simpson’s Previous Actions Against the Lava Ridge Wind Project 
    Rep. Simpson has been a strong vocal opponent of the Lava Ridge Wind Project and most recently authored language in the 118th Congress that blocked the final Environmental Impact Statement for the Lava Ridge Wind Project.
    Rep. Simpson also made an initial attempt to block the project by authoring language—passed by Congress and signed into law by the President—directing the Department of the Interior to reengage and incorporate feedback from the stakeholders on alternative plans before moving forward with Lava Ridge. The Department failed to meet the language requirements of that law.
    Additionally, Rep. Simpson questioned BLM Director Tracy Stone-Manning on the proposed Lava Ridge Wind Project on public lands in Magic Valley, Idaho, and if the pressure to increase renewable energy trumps the impacts on species and cultural sites. 
    Rep. Simpson and the Idaho Delegation introduced legislation that would prevent the Secretary of the Interior from approving a wind or solar project on public lands if the Legislature in the respective state has passed a resolution of disapproval.
    Rep. Simpson, the Idaho Delegation, Idaho Governor Brad Little, and Lt. Governor Scott Bedke sent a letter to the Idaho State Director for the BLM. They expressed concerns about the proposed Lava Ridge wind farm in south-central Idaho. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Nadler Statement on Columbia University Settlement

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jerrold Nadler (10th District of New York)

    Today, Congressman Jerrold Nadler (NY-12) issued the following statement on Columbia University’s $200 million settlement with the Trump Administration: 

    “I am deeply disappointed by reports of Columbia University’s outrageous and embarrassing $200 million capitulation to the Trump Administration’s repugnant extortion campaign.

    Let’s be clear: no investigation was ever conducted by the Department of Education’s Office of Civil Rights— the single body charged under federal law with investigating antisemitism on campus. Rather, unlike Harvard, my alma mater has allowed a once highly-respected institution to succumb to the Trump Administration’s coercive and exploitative tactics. Columbia has effectively waived the white flag of surrender in its battle at the heart of the Trump Administration’s war on higher education and academic freedom.

    While Columbia needs to do a better job at protecting its students against antisemitism on campus, this disgraceful and humiliating action will not, in anyway, improve the situation on campus for Jewish students.

    Columbia’s students, faculty, staff, and larger community deserve better than this cowardly decision.”

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Ranking Member Frankel Opening Remarks at Full Committee Markup of the National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Funding Bill

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Lois Frankel (FL-21)

    Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I’m going to start by recognizing the collegiality of our Chairman Mr. Diaz-Balart and the thoughtful members on both sides of the aisle. And of course, I want to thank our hardworking staff for their tireless efforts. But most of all, I want to recognize the brave and committed Americans—our diplomats, USAID workers, humanitarian teams, and public health experts and our partners around the world—who bring our country’s values to the world’s toughest places. They’re the ones who delivered vaccines to remote villages in Congo, who help girls in Ethiopia escape forced marriage and find education and safety. 

    I’ve seen their work up close–I know many of us have—and the impact of the programs we funded. Children who escaped the brutality of Assad’s Syria thriving in classrooms in Jordan. Mothers in Malawi learning skills to support their families. Pregnant women in Kenya staying healthy with support from HIV clinics. To all of these workers —past and present: You are the patriots. You represent the best of America. And those who are still serving deserve more than our thanks. They deserve the tools to get the job done.

    Mr. Chairman, I wish we had a bipartisan bill in front of us that I could support that honored that service and reflected America’s leadership. If we had a responsible allocation and a White House that understood diplomacy, development, and humanitarian aid, we could have gotten there. But instead, here we are, questioning whether any of this matters when the President just ignores the will of Congress and the laws we pass.

    So today, I strongly oppose the FY 2026 Republican bill. It’s not just a funding cut—it’s a reckless blueprint for American retreat. Our President seems to think relying on threats and bullying alone is a smart strategy. But chaotic tariffs, cruel immigration crackdowns, and this tepid foreign aid plan before us today is not going to make us more safe, secure, or more prosperous. And attention: we are ceding the world to China. And let me be clear: This bill does not lower costs for hard working families and retirees on day one as promised by President Trump—instead it puts hard earned finances at risk by hurting global stability.

    And tax breaks for billionaires is not a trade-off for millions of starving children and let me just say that this bill does not make one bit of difference in making up the $4 trillion addition to our debt when the Republicans pass what they call their Big Bill their Big Beautiful Bill I call it the Big Ugly Bill   And this bill is just adds to the list of  troubling actions by the Administration.

    Here’s what’s happened leading up: Foreign aid has been held up illegally, then justified by an inane clawback known as recission; USAID—an agency backed by Congress that fights poverty and prevents conflict—gutted; Over 10,000 development and humanitarian professionals dismissed by Elon Musk; 5,000 life-saving aid programs abruptly terminated; 1,300 State Department staff laid off; Offices shuttered. Decades of progress wiped out. How disgusting , the richest man in the world was allowed to pull the plug on programs that save the world’s poorest children.

    The infrastructure and staffing is no longer present to carry out the few programs that remain. Let me say this again with emphasis: The infrastructure and staffing is no longer present to carry out the few programs that remain.

    All while the world faces crisis after crisis: Wars and armed conflict, Extreme weather, Hunger and famine, Disease outbreaks, Mass migration, and Rising authoritarian regimes

    These aren’t distant problems. They land right at our door: Fragile states collapse and migration surges; Trade stops and U.S. farmers and businesses lose buyers ;Climate disasters destroy crops and homes; Broken health systems allow deadly viruses to spread; And when we step back, China and Russia step in—not to help, but to expand their grip.

    We’re leaving behind a gap they fill with money, weapons, and propaganda taking over the airwaves – reaching listeners who used to rely on Voice of America and our international broadcasting. They want to remake the world to fit their playbook.

    Meanwhile, sadly our allies are also slashing foreign aid —pushed to spend more on weapons by Mr. Trump. As global needs explode, democracy’s soft power is vanishing. This bill fails to meet this moment.

    Here’s what it really does:

    Cuts 22% from the international affairs budget – that’s $13 billion, diminishing funding for development and economic assistance:

    • Kids kicked out of the classroom and cut off from clean water
    • Farmers losing seeds and tools to make a living
    • Violence prevention programs vanishing
    • Local nonprofits shut down

    The bill slashes humanitarian aid by 42%:

    • In Nigeria, malnourished infants are dying without food
    • In Myanmar, hospitals are going dark
    • In The Gambia, support for survivors of female genital mutilation has ended—as the country debates making it legal again
    • In Ukraine, wounded soldiers go without care
    • In Ecuador, women entrepreneurs are losing lifelines and heading for our border

    This is a blow to our credibility, our moral standing, and our global influence. Soft power – interestingly enough – development and diplomacy – have been secret weapons abroad. Without them, we’re losing Americans on the ground who know the terrain, see trouble coming, and keep us one step ahead.

    And as always, my, my, my. Here we go again–Republicans couldn’t resist one more swipe at women: Slashing family planning programs that save hundreds of thousands of lives each year and prevent millions of unplanned pregnancies, Reinstating the Global Gag Rule—which blocks funding to foreign groups that even talk about abortion; you can’t even say the word “abortion”, not do abortion, say the word “abortion”– you lose your funding, Gutting the UNFPA—which provides basic reproductive and maternal care in over 150 countries

    And while this bill guts humanitarian programs and walks away from the world’s most vulnerable, the administration is also on the road to destroying one of the smartest, most effective tools of U.S. foreign policy: the Women, Peace, and Security agenda. WPS is not some fringe idea. It’s the law, signed by guess who, Donald Trump. It passed with strong bipartisan support. And here’s why: Women experience conflict differently than men—often bearing the brunt of sexual violence, displacement, and the burden of caring for families amid chaos—yet they are too often excluded from life changing decisions. The WPS agenda has helped train diplomats, strengthen alliances, and put more women at the center of peace and security.

    When women are at the table for peace talks, recovery, and crisis response, the results are better. Period. Peace lasts longer. Communities recover faster. And Missions succeed. And yet, this administration shut down the State Department’s office that leads that work—right when we need women’s leadership the most. That’s not just shortsighted. It makes the world less safe and works directly against our own interests.

    The bill also abandons multilateral institutions and organizations—UNICEF, the UN Development Program, the African and Asian Development Banks, the World Bank, the World Health Organization—undermining our ability to shape the global agenda and ceding ground to autocrats. Guess who? Attention: China is going to take over this world.

    So why should Americans care that these cuts are going to cost more than they save? Because these cuts hurt American families, too.  When we walk away from the world: Chaos spreads; Troops are put in harm’s way; Our adversaries gain ground; And we pay the price—in dollars, and in lives.

    And look, I say this not just as a lawmaker, but as a mother. My son served in the Marines. He was sent to two wars–Iraq and Afghanistan– I know what it means when diplomacy fails. The cost isn’t hypothetical—it hits our soldiers and their families the hardest.

    Let me remind you: the international affairs budget was already less than 1% of our federal spending. But it delivered huge returns: Markets for American goods; Stability abroad; Protection from pandemics; Fewer troops sent into harm’s way.

    Last week, we passed an $832 billion defense bill—that’s hard power. But even our top generals warn: without soft power alongside it, that number will only keep rising. So, Mr. Chairman, This bill is a lost opportunity. It’s a failure to lead. It hurts American families because when health systems collapse, people get sick.  When trade stalls, jobs vanish. When diplomacy fails, our loved ones go to war.  So let me close with this: Democrats aren’t giving up. We’re ready to work together with Republicans to reach a bill that reflects our values, keeps our promises, and protects American lives. Because we can’t bomb and drone our way to peace and prosperity.  A strong America doesn’t hide. And it doesn’t bully. A strong America leads—with vision, with courage, and compassion. And That’s the bill we should be fighting for. Thank you. I yield back.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICYMI: Ranking Member Frankel Passes Amendment to Strengthen U.S.-Africa Partnership, Introduces Amendment to Improve Foreign Assistance Staffing at State Dept

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Lois Frankel (FL-21)

    Today, during the full committee markup of the National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Appropriations funding bill, Ranking Member Frankel introduced two amendments to safeguard American leadership on the world stage.

    The first ensures that no less than 15% of economic development funds in the bill be directed toward programs in Africa. The amendment passed with unanimous bipartisan support. From Rep. Frankel’s remarks: “By 2050, Africa will be home to a quarter of the world’s population—and nearly half of all global youth. Some cities are booming. Startups are thriving. And across the continent, countries are leapfrogging traditional development paths through mobile banking, financial technology, and energy innovation. By 2030, Africa’s consumer market is expected to top $2.5 trillion. The question is: will the United States be at the table, or will we let others, like China, steer the ship?

    At the same time, we must be clear-eyed. Diseases still ravage vulnerable communities. Young people need access to quality education, job training, and opportunity—so that success is not reserved for elites alone. And while we weigh our options, China is not waiting. It is investing billions in African infrastructure, digital networks, mining operations, and military influence. China is writing the rules of the road—and we’re at real risk of being left behind. We cannot afford to cede this ground. Because this is about more than development assistance—it’s about protecting our shared future.”

    The second amendment aimed to ensure proper staffing at the State Department to effectively take on what remains of USAID programs after they were dismantled by the Trump Administration. The amendment directed the State Department to prioritize rehiring USAID experts who the Administration previously fired. The amendment did not pass. 

    From Rep. Frankel’s remarks: “Babies are dying—not because we lack the science or the resources—but because the Trump Administration chose to dismantle the very programs that could have saved them. The systems that once monitored health outcomes are shutting down, and the true scope of the harm—and the risk to our own national security—is becoming harder to measure.

    We may never be able to fully undo the catastrophic damage caused by the Trump Administration and its DOGE acolytes. But we can start to put things right. That’s what this amendment does. It ensures that the State Department isn’t set up to fail. It brings back the experts. It restores some measure of accountability and gives us the eyes and ears on the ground we need to ensure our humanitarian investments are effective, transparent, and actually reaching the people who need help most. This isn’t just a bureaucratic fix—it’s a moral imperative.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Republicans Threaten National Security, Abdicate United States World Leadership, and Slash Humanitarian Assistance

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Lois Frankel (FL-21)

    Today, House Appropriations Committee Republicans pushed ahead with their fiscal year 2026 National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs funding bill that weakens our national security and puts the American people and public health preparedness at risk.

    House Republicans are proposing a 22 percent cut to the bill’s overall funding level.

     
    This bill:

    • Threatens national security, abdicates United States world leadership and guts development and humanitarian programs by underfunding the operations and staffing of the State Department and completing the demise of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), as well as other tools of America’s soft power and global leadership. 
    • Cedes world leadership to China by abandoning our allies and eliminating funding for the United Nations (UN) and other multilateral and international financial institutions, including any funding for the UN Regular budget, the UN Development Program, UN Women, and UNICEF.
    • Threatens women’s health globally by prohibiting the United States from contributing to the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), substantially underfunding bilateral family planning, and reinstating the expanded Global Gag Rule on non-governmental organizations that receive U.S. assistance.
    • Hampers the United States’ response to the climate crisis by eliminating support for communities’ ability to adapt to weather changes, sustainably manage their land and natural resources, and expand access to clean energy.

    “The Republicans’ proposed FY26 Appropriations bill for National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs charts a dangerous course of recklessness and retreat—leaving a vacuum for adversaries like China to fill,” State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Ranking Member Lois Frankel (D-FL-22) said. “Slashing investments in diplomacy, development, and humanitarian aid is not just shortsighted—it’s a grave mistake. These cuts may look like savings on paper, but they come at a steep cost that every American family will feel. When global health systems collapse, people get sick. When markets dry up, paychecks shrink. When diplomacy fails, our loved ones are sent to war. I look forward to working toward a budget that meets the moment—one that strengthens our security, grows our economy, and reaffirms America’s leadership on the world stage.”

    Congresswoman Lois Frankel’s full remarks are here.

    “President Trump is aggressively pursuing an America-last agenda that will only see America become weaker, more isolated, and more ostracized. Snubbing our allies and turning our back on the world does not make us strong. It makes us weak. It makes us an unreliable ally and an untrustworthy partner,” Appropriations Committee Ranking Member Rosa DeLauro (D-CT-03) said. “Republicans are slashing humanitarian assistance by more than a third, and foreign assistance by over 20 percent – causing tragic and preventable death around the world and creating a power vacuum that China is eager to exploit. Their bill dismisses our international partners – U.N. agencies and NGOs that deliver lifesaving aid to the most vulnerable people around the globe. And their bill surrenders our efforts to combat the climate crisis – eliminating support for climate adaptability and clean energy, ignoring the nexus between climate, conflict, and migration, and jeopardizing the safety and security of our children, and our grandchildren. I will not stop fighting to protect America’s interests, and against the Trump Administration’s and Republicans’ dangerous dismantling of our diplomatic and humanitarian efforts across the world.”

    Congresswoman DeLauro’s full remarks are here.

    This funding bill was considered amidst the looming threat of Office of Management and Budget (OMB) sending a proposal to, in effect, unilaterally and unlawfully cancel expiring appropriations (a misnomer OMB Director Vought erroneously calls a “pocket rescission,” which is just another term for unlawful impoundment). Instead of rising to the occasion to combat those threats, Republicans capitulated to the demands of Director Vought. They continued their go-it-alone approach to government funding instead of working with Democrats to enact bipartisan laws that serve American interests.

    During today’s markup, Democrats also fought to:

    • Restore humanitarian assistance after Republicans decimated efforts to address crises and save lives around the world.
    • Produce a report on the impact President Trump’s cuts, mass firings, and chaotic foreign policy changes have had on the expansion of China’s global influence.
    • Require adequate staffing to implement oversight of foreign assistance following the firing of thousands of employees at the U.S. Department of State and the United States Agency for International Development.
    • Reverse Republican cuts and eliminate policies that threaten women’s health globally.

    House Republicans rejected these efforts.

    A summary of the bill is here. A fact sheet is here.

    The text of the bill, before the adoption of amendments in full committee, is here. The bill report, before the adoption of amendments in full Committee, is here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: DOE Announces Site Selection for AI Data Center and Energy Infrastructure Development on Federal Lands

    Source: US Department of Energy

    The forthcoming solicitations will drive innovation in reliable energy technologies, contribute to lower energy costs, and strengthen American leadership in artificial intelligence

    WASHINGTON– The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) today announced the next steps in the Trump administration’s plan to accelerate the development of AI infrastructure through siting on DOE lands.  DOE has selected four sites—Idaho National Laboratory, Oak Ridge Reservation, Paducah Gaseous Diffusion Plant and Savannah River Site—to move forward with plans to invite private sector partners to develop cutting edge AI data center and energy generation projects.  

    Today’s announcement supports the Trump administration’s goals of utilizing Federal lands to lower energy costs and help power the global AI race, as outlined in President Trump’s Executive Orders on Accelerating Federal Permitting of Data Center Infrastructure, Deploying Advanced Nuclear Reactor Technologies for National Security, and Unleashing American Energy.  

    “By leveraging DOE land assets for the deployment of AI and energy infrastructure, we are taking a bold step to accelerate the next Manhattan Project—ensuring U.S. AI and energy leadership,” said Energy Secretary Chris Wright. “These sites are uniquely positioned to host data centers as well as power generation to bolster grid reliability, strengthen our national security, and reduce energy costs.”

    DOE received enormous interest in response to its April request for information (RFI) that helped inform the selection of these sites. The chosen locations are well-situated for large-scale data centers, new power generation, and other necessary infrastructure. 

    DOE looks forward to working with data center developers, energy companies, and the broader public in consultation with states, local governments, and federally recognized tribes that these projects will serve to further advance this important initiative. More details regarding project scope, eligibility requirements, and submission guidelines at each site will be available with the site-specific releases. These solicitations are expected to be released in the coming months and partners could be selected by the end of the year. DOE is also evaluating additional sites that could issue solicitations in the future.  

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Cliff Bentz Works with White House and Oregon’s Governor to Secure Federal Relief for Oregon Following March Storms

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Cliff Bentz (R-Ontario)

    WASHINGTON, D.C.– On May 22, 2025, Congressman Cliff Bentz (OR-02), following a meeting with community leaders, and calls with County Commissioners and community leaders of the affected counties, sent a letter to the Acting Region 10 Administrator of FEMA, Vincent Maykovich, urging a federal emergency declaration in response to the severe weather damage in Coos, Curry, and Douglas Counties. 
     
    On March 12, 2025, a state of emergency was declared by Governor Kotek, triggering the necessary process of measuring damage resulting from the storms. Congressman Bentz stayed in close contact with the Oregon Emergency Management Agency (OEM), which determined that the storms and resulting flood events had caused approximately $9.5 million in damage. On May 19, 2025, Governor Kotek made the required formal request of a presidential declaration. This step by the Governor’s office cleared the way for Congressman Bentz to request that the Executive branch provide assistance to the affected communities. On July 22nd, 2025, in response to these requests, President Trump issued a major disaster declaration for Public Assistance for the counties of Coos, Curry, and Douglas, marking a critical first step in helping these communities repair and rebuild following the storms.

    Congressman Bentz issued the following statement:
     
    “In March of this year, severe storms caused significant damage to people and property in Coos, Douglas, and Curry Counties. Landslides, mudslides, flooding, and weather-related events lead to severe destruction. A Preliminary Damage Assessment by Oregon Emergency Management Agency (OEM) found that the damage caused by the storms totaled approximately $9.5 million across 25 impacted public entities. This far exceeds what these the people of these counties can bear, making the need for federal assistance essential. During the flood event, I held a round table discussion regarding the steps that would need to be taken to obtain federal assistance. The OEM, the Governor, and Commissioner Tim Freeman of Douglas County, are all to be commended for their work in gathering the facts and taking the actions necessary to support the request for this assistance. I also want to thank President Trump, his staff, and FEMA, for their essential help and support.”

    Text of letter sent to the White House available, here. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Lee Bills Ban D.C. Council’s Secret Meetings, Close “Emergency” Loophole

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Utah Mike Lee
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) introduced legislation today overturning a recent move by the City Council of the District of Columbia (DC) to hold secret planning meetings in retaliation against President Trump’s recent executive order to improve the city’s crime rates and cleanliness. The legislation includes a Joint Resolution outlawing the City Council’s secret meetings and a bill to close an “emergency” loophole used to evade Congressional oversight and public input. U.S. Representative Harriet Hageman (R-WY) led companion legislation in the House of Representatives.
    “D.C.’s corrupt City Council is taking out its hatred for President Trump on the nation’s capital by holding secret meetings, breaking with longstanding rules,” said Senator Mike Lee. “Americans deserve transparency from Washington – not petty corruption and secret political vendettas. My legislation will ban the Council’s shady meetings and remove the loophole they’ve exploited to keep their citizens in the dark.”
    “The American people deserve transparency, not backroom deals and political scheming,” said Congresswoman Harriet Hageman. “The Council of the District of Columbia and Mayor attempting to eliminate and bypass open meeting laws is nothing more than a partisan tactic to hide their agenda and undermine President Trump’s efforts to restore safety and order in our nation’s capital. It is Congress’ duty to oversee D.C., and I will not sit back while D.C. officials plot in secret to defy federal authority and destroy public trust. This bill ensures D.C. officials are accountable to the public and Congress and can no longer hide behind closed-door meetings.”
    Background
    The Constitution of the United States and standing D.C. law both require the D.C. City Council be subject to congressional checks and balances. Article I, Section 8 of the Constitution requires Congress “to exercise exclusive legislation in all cases whatsoever” related to D.C. governance. But in retaliation against President Trump’s efforts to clean up the city, the City Council has stripped itself of the transparency it owes the American public in favor of secret planning meetings.
    The Council has exploited emergency loopholes to insulate itself from congressional disapproval and plot against the President’s agenda to improve the city’s safety and cleanliness. While actions by D.C.’s City Council are normally mutable by a vote of disapproval from Congress, current law allows immunity from this oversight in the case of emergency actions. The Council has wrongfully categorized its vendetta against President Trump an “emergency” in a politically-motivated move that even the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of D.C. dubbed a slippery slope, as “it is undisputed that public access to government meetings is a cornerstone of our democracy.”
    Senator Lee’s Joint Resolution will overturn the City Council’s move to hold secret meetings, and the corresponding bill will close the “emergency” loophole currently allowing the Council to evade Congressional oversight and hide from the American people.
    Read exclusive coverage from The Washington Post here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Drones Dominating the Skies with Increased Production Presenting a Rare Opportunity to Capitalize on Exponential Growth

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    PALM BEACH, Fla., July 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — FN Media Group News Commentary – A recent release from the Department of Defense (DOD) said that: “The Pentagon to Increase Low-Cost Drone Production in U.S. It said that the Defense Department, with help from industry, will ramp up production and fielding of drones to maintain battlefield superiority. Recently at the Pentagon, 18 American-made drone prototypes were on display. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who toured the displays, said the drones that are manufactured using off-the-shelf components for rapid production are examples of disruptive thinking. Emil Michael, undersecretary of defense for research and engineering, said the prototypes on display went from concept to development in just an average of 18 months, a process that normally takes up to six years. The department will continue to rapidly innovate and scale up production of drones and other systems using cost, resilience, firepower and range as driving factors, which are areas DOD wants to improve upon,” Michael said. Hegseth said in a July 10, 2025, memorandum that he’s rescinding restrictive policies that hindered drone production. “Drones are the biggest battlefield innovation in a generation, accounting for most of this year’s casualties in Ukraine. Our adversaries collectively produce millions of cheap drones each year,” he said, noting the U.S. military is lacking needed quantities of lethal small drones.  Active Companies in the drone industries include ZenaTech, Inc. (NASDAQ: ZENA), Mercury Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ: MRCY), Safe Pro Group Inc. (NASDAQ: SPAI), RTX Corporation (NYSE: RTX), AIRO Group Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: AIRO).

    The DOD release added: “The secretary said there are three goals: Prioritizing the purchase of American-made drones and parts with help from industry’s private capital; Arming combat units with low-cost drones made by America’s world-leading engineers and artificial intelligence experts; and Training with drones in realistic battlefield scenarios, led by leaders who are not risk averse.” The report concluded: “President Donald J. Trump signed a June 6, 2025, executive order to speed up U.S. drone production using the latest innovative industry technologies. The president said he supports reducing regulatory uncertainty and streamlining approval and certification processes for safe and secure drone production. Also, the Federal Aviation Administration and DOD will coordinate to streamline the approval processes to expand access to airspace for conducting drone training, Trump said.”

    ZenaTech (NASDAQ:ZENA) ZenaDrone Partners with Eagle Point Funding to Win US Defense Customers – ZenaTech, Inc. (FSE: 49Q) (BMV: ZENA) (“ZenaTech”), a business technology solution provider specializing in AI (Artificial Intelligence) drones, Drone as a Service (DaaS), Enterprise SaaS, and Quantum Computing solutions, today announces that its subsidiary ZenaDrone has signed a strategic partnership agreement with Eagle Point Funding, a specialized consultancy for technology and defense-focused companies, to help win US defense contracts. By leveraging Eagle Point’s deep expertise in R&D grant program opportunities, the company will gain structured support in identifying and preparing competitive proposals, and in establishing and expanding relationships within key US defense and government agencies.

    “Our collaboration with Eagle Point Funding will accelerate testing, pilot deployments, and enable long-term procurement discussions—helping ZenaDrone to advance as a key provider of American-made drone solutions,” said Shaun Passley, Ph.D., ZenaTech CEO. “Their expertise in navigating federal R&D funding programs such as SBIR and Department of Defense solicitations (DoD BAA), gives us a powerful advantage as we develop next-generation drone technologies aligned with US defense priorities. This partnership enhances our ability to accelerate product development, expand defense agency relationships, and unlock new growth without equity dilution.”

    Eagle Point Funding helps technology companies secure non-dilutive federal R&D grants and contracts from agencies such as the DoD, Air Force, Navy, and others. They specialize in programs such as the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR), Air Force Works (AFWERX), and the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), guiding clients through the application process to win contracts.

    ZenaDrone has previously completed paid trials with the US Air Force and Navy Reserve, demonstrating its ability to deliver solutions including delivery of critical supplies such as blood in the field. The companies’ suite of drones for military use includes the ZenaDrone 1000, the IQ Nano and the IQ Square drone that are designed for a variety of applications including inspections, surveillance, reconnaissance, and indoor inventory management for warehouses and armories. Continued… Read this full release by visiting: https://www.financialnewsmedia.com/news-zena/

    Other recent developments in the drone industries include:

    Mercury Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ: MRCY), a technology company that delivers mission-critical processing to the edge, recently announced it signed two agreements with a European defense prime contractor to expand and accelerate production of processing subsystems and components for radar and electronic warfare missions.

    In June, Mercury extended this decades-long customer relationship with a five-year agreement that will enable faster, higher-volume production of sensor processing subsystems powered by Mercury’s HDS6605 6U OpenVPX multiprocessing boards for airborne, land-based, and sea-based radar systems.

    Safe Pro Group Inc. (NASDAQ: SPAI), a leader in artificial intelligence (AI)-powered defense and security solutions, recently announced the successful integration of its patented AI object detection models with drone platforms selected for the U.S. Army’s Short Range Reconnaissance (SRR) Program of Record. Safe Pro is seeking to provide the U.S. Army’s future fleet of drones with enhanced explosive threat detection, force protection and essential intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities utilizing the Company’s AI-powered computer vision technologies.

    This integration supports the U.S. Army’s evolving need for real-time threat detection and ISR capabilities across its next-generation drone fleet. Safe Pro’s proprietary computer vision technology enhances these drones with battlefield-proven AI models capable of rapidly identifying explosive threats and other hazards in complex environments.

    RTX Corporation (NYSE: RTX) recently reported second quarter 2025 results. “We continued our momentum in the second quarter with organic sales and profit growth* across all three segments, including 16 percent commercial aftermarket growth,” said RTX Chairman and CEO Chris Calio. “Our backlog grew to $236 billion, up 15 percent versus prior year, and we secured major awards for our geared turbofan engines and integrated air and missile defense capabilities in the quarter.”

    “Our updated outlook reflects strong operational performance in the first half and incorporates our current assessment of the impact of tariffs. We are focused on delivering on the strong growth in our commercial and defense end markets and remain well positioned to drive long term profitable growth.”

    AIRO Group Holdings, Inc (NASDAQ: AIRO), a global leader in advanced aerospace and defense technologies, recently announced at EAA AirVenture 2025 in Oshkosh, WI, the development of its new middle-mile, medium-lift cargo drone and the expansion of its operations into the YMX Innovation Zone in Mirabel, Quebec. The initiative is led by its Electric Air Mobility segment, Jaunt Air Mobility, and its Canadian subsidiary, Jaunt Air Mobility Canada.

    Jaunt’s presence in this hub for Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) innovation strengthens its collaboration with Vertiko Mobilité, a Canadian leader in AAM operations and ground infrastructure development, and benefits from the support of Aéroports de Montréal (ADM).

    The new cargo drone is designed to carry 250–500 lbs. over distances of 200+ miles, aiming to provide an efficient, low-emission alternative to traditional middle-mile freight solutions such as box trucks and tractor-trailers.

    About FN Media Group:

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    DISCLAIMER:  FN Media Group LLC (FNM), which owns and operates FinancialNewsMedia.com and MarketNewsUpdates.com, is a third party publisher and news dissemination service provider, which disseminates electronic information through multiple online media channels. FNM is NOT affiliated in any manner with any company mentioned herein.  FNM and its affiliated companies are a news dissemination solutions provider and are NOT a registered broker/dealer/analyst/adviser, holds no investment licenses and may NOT sell, offer to sell or offer to buy any security.  FNM’s market updates, news alerts and corporate profiles are NOT a solicitation or recommendation to buy, sell or hold securities.  The material in this release is intended to be strictly informational and is NEVER to be construed or interpreted as research material.  All readers are strongly urged to perform research and due diligence on their own and consult a licensed financial professional before considering any level of investing in stocks.  All material included herein is republished content and details which were previously disseminated by the companies mentioned in this release.  FNM is not liable for any investment decisions by its readers or subscribers.  Investors are cautioned that they may lose all or a portion of their investment when investing in stocks.  For current services performed FNM has been compensated fifty one hundred dollars for news coverage of the current press releases issued by ZenaTech, Inc. by the Company.  FNM HOLDS NO SHARES OF ANY COMPANY NAMED IN THIS RELEASE.

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    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Welch Leads Bipartisan Legislation to Exempt Small Businesses from Trump Tariffs on Canada 

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Peter Welch (D-Vermont)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), a member of the Senate Finance Committee, led Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) and Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Susan Collins (R-Maine), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) in introducing the Creating Access to Necessary American-Canadian Duty Adjustments (CANADA) Act, legislation that would exempt United States-owned small businesses from tariffs imposed on Canada.  
    “Small businesses are the beating heart of Vermont’s economy, and they operate on the thinnest of margins. There’s no way small businesses can be expected to absorb the costs of President Trump’s tariffs. That’s especially true for smaller businesses across our state that rely on strong partnerships with Canada,” said Senator Welch. “This commonsense bill protects America’s Main Street businesses from Trump’s reckless trade war with Canada, and in turn helps Main Street customers.  
    “Instead of lowering costs for families, Trump’s destructive tariffs are raising prices and hurting American small businesses, from small manufacturers to Main Street shops, hotels, and restaurants that sustain thousands of local jobs. Trump’s chaotic trade war is burning bridges and ruining relationships with our closest ally and key trade partner, Canada, while driving away tourists and costing local economies billions. This bill would help restore our cherished relationship with our next-door neighbor and major economic partner, and bring relief to our communities and small businesses,” said Leader Schumer.  
    “President Trump’s tariffs are increasing prices on everyday goods and making it harder for businesses and working families to get by,” said Senator Shaheen. “Canada is New Hampshire’s northern neighbor and largest trading partner, meaning Granite State small businesses are especially hard hit by these blanket tariffs. By shielding small businesses from rising costs incurred by the President’s trade war, our legislation would give Main Street some much-needed relief and certainty to plan for the future and keep their businesses afloat.” 
    “I’ve heard loud and clear from small businesses in Alaska: tariffs are forcing prices to rise and making it difficult to plan long-term,” said Senator Murkowski. “We’re not just neighbors with Canada, we’re partners in everything from trade, tourism, defense, and fishing. I’m hopeful this legislation sends a clear message to the administration that we want to continue this strong partnership by alleviating the effects of these tariffs on our small businesses.” 
    “President Trump’s broad-based tariffs are causing economic chaos, uncertainty, and higher costs for families and businesses,” said Senator Kaine. “I’ve heard from small businesses across Virginia about how Trump’s trade wars have forced them to make tough decisions about how they’ll continue to operate. I’m proud to introduce this bipartisan bill with my colleagues to exempt small businesses from Trump’s tariffs on Canada, one of our closest allies and top trading partners.” 
    “Imposing tariffs on Canada, Maine’s closest trading partner, threatens jobs, drives up costs, and hurts small businesses that have long relied on cross-border cooperation and exchange,” said Senator Collins. “This bipartisan legislation would shield small businesses throughout the country from unnecessary economic harm while preserving the vital trade ties that support so many Maine communities.” 
    “Donald Trump is hell-bent on turning Main Street into Pain Street for America’s small businesses. Trump’s tariffs threaten to supercharge costs in New England and Massachusetts, a region and a state that relies on trade with Canada to meet the bottom line,” said Senator Markey. “Blanket tariffs will only lead to layoffs, closures, and economic pain. That’s not putting America first. I’m proud to join my colleagues to protect small businesses in the Bay State and all of New England from this disastrous trade war.”  
    “Trump’s Canada tariffs don’t make sense for ANYONE, but especially not for American small businesses. Taxes on products from Canada means small businesses in America will pay more for the inputs they use to make things here in the United States – meaning prices will go up, jobs will be lost and small companies will shut down. This is a commonsense bill to exempt small businesses from Trump trade taxes and cushion some of the blow of his senseless trade war with Canada,” said Senator Wyden. 
    President Trump has changed or modified his tariff proposals and policies 28 times in his second term. These tariffs have been difficult to navigate for small businesses across the United States—especially in Vermont, where Canada is the state’s largest trading partner. Tariffs lead to supply chain disruptions, increased costs of goods and materials, smaller profits and higher costs for consumers.  
    The CANADA Act is supported by Main Street Alliance and Small Business Majority. 
    “The relationship between Canada and the United States is a critical one for farmers, small business owners, and Main Streets across the US, but especially in the border states. It is essential for this relationship that US trade policy is predictable, purposeful, and designed to benefit both countries. The erratic, fact-devoid tariff emergencies put into effect by President Trump are making it harder for US businesses to start and operate while not even achieving the goals they claim to have in the first place. The Senate passing the CANADA Act by Sen. Peter Welch is a step in the right direction, with more to do to restore US global leadership and rebuild trust that’s been unfortunately damaged over the past 7 months,” said Shawn Phetteplace, National Campaigns Director, Main Street Alliance. 
    “The constantly shifting tariff policy landscape has left small businesses struggling to plan ahead. Any amount of clarity lawmakers can offer right now, including an exemption for small businesses importing goods from a specific country, would help by giving entrepreneurs some degree of certainty in a chaotic time. If nothing is done soon to help protect small businesses from tariffs, we expect inflation, uncertainty and chaos will crush many small firms, damage America’s economy and cause the loss of countless jobs,” said John Arensmeyer, Founder and CEO, Small Business Majority. 
    In 2024 alone, trade with Canada accounted for 35% of Vermont’s exports, 67% of its imports, and 56% of its total trade. One in four businesses in Vermont relies on trade with Canada. Vermont buys more goods from Canada than the next nine largest foreign markets combined. In 2023, Vermont exported $150 million just in food and agricultural products to Canada.  
    Vermont boasts nearly 82,000 small businesses, which represent 99% of all businesses in the state, and employ over 62% of Vermont’s overall workforce—higher than the national average. Small businesses in Vermont also employ a diverse workforce, with 43.8% of small businesses in the state owned by women and 6% owned by veterans. 
    Senator Welch has blasted Trump’s tariffs and trade war and shared stories from Vermonters about how President Trump’s economic policies have impacted their businesses, farms, and communities. In May, Senator Welch joined a bipartisan delegation and traveled to Ottawa to meet with Canadian dignitaries, including Prime Minister Mark Carney, to discuss bipartisan support for a U.S.-Canada partnership and their commitment to a strong trading relationship between the United States and Canada. The Senator has hosted roundtables in Stowe, Newport, St. Albans, Manchester, and virtually to hear concerns and first-hand stories from Vermont and Canadian leaders impacted by the trade war. 
    Read and download the full text of the bill. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Why do MAGA faithful support Trump if his ‘big beautiful bill’ will likely hurt many of them?

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Alex Hinton, Distinguished Professor of Anthropology; Director, Center for the Study of Genocide and Human Rights, Rutgers University – Newark

    Supporters of President Donald Trump demonstrate near his Mar-a-Lago home in Palm Beach, Fla., on July 17, 2025. Joe Raedle/Getty Images

    President Donald Trump signed the wide-ranging One Big Beautiful Bill Act into law on July 4, 2025. It focuses on cutting taxes, mainly for households that earn US$217,000 or more each year, as well as increasing funding for military and border security and revamping social programs.

    Republicans tout it as providing “an economic lifeline for working families” and “laying a key cornerstone of America’s new golden age.”

    Democrat lawmakers argue that, in reality, Trump’s act “steals from the poor to give to the ultra-rich.”

    The act is estimated to increase the country’s debt by more than US$3 trillion over 10 years, while knocking more than 10 million people off Medicaid.

    About 41.4 million adults in the U.S. receive Medicaid. And 49% of Medicaid recipients who voted in the 2024 election backed Trump.

    While 94% of Democrats and Democratic-leaning independents said in a May 2025 survey that they are worried Medicaid cuts will lead to more adults and children losing their health insurance, 44% of Republicans and Republican-leaning independents expressed concern about this, according to the KFF Health Tracking Poll.

    Why, then, do Trump’s Make America Great Again supporters – especially those who will be hit hard by cuts to food assistance programs and health care, including hospitals – continue to support him even as he enacts policies that some think go against their interests? Indeed, over 78% of Republicans or Republican-leaning voters say they support the measure Trump signed.

    As an anthropologist who studies MAGA and American political culture, I understand that many of the MAGA faithful believe that Trump is a once-in-a-lifetime leader who is catapulting the U.S. into a new golden age.

    Sure, their reasoning goes, bumps in the road are expected. But they think that most of the criticism of Trump and this latest bill is ultimately fake news spread by radical leftists who have what some call Trump Derangement Syndrome, meaning anti-Trump hysteria.

    President Donald Trump holds up the One Big Beautiful Bill Act that he signed into law on July 4, 2025, at the White House.
    Alex Brandon − Pool/Getty Images

    Trump alone can fix it

    In the eyes of the MAGA faithful, Trump is no ordinary politician. To them, he is a savior who can help ward off the threat of radical left socialism. They believe Trump’s proclamation: “I alone can fix it.”

    Some see Trump’s survival of an assassination attempt on July 13, 2024, as evidence he is divinely chosen to lead the country. Trump himself claimed during his second inaugural address, “I was saved by God to make America great again.”

    As I have repeatedly observed firsthand at Trump rallies and MAGA gatherings and heard in my conversations with Trump supporters, many Trump supporters – even those whom Democrats contend will be hurt by the bill – see the bill as a key step to making America great again. Doing so will not be easy and may cause some pain.

    But as Trump himself has noted about policies such as tariffs, “sometimes you have to take medicine to fix something.”

    ‘Fake news!’

    Even if the bill may cause some short-term pain, MAGA stalwarts contend, the apocalyptic claims of critics of massive health cuts are hoaxes spread by the radical left media. White House National Economic Council director Kevin Hassett, for example, dubbed the Medicare cut claims “a big fake news story.”

    This view, based on my research and observations, is unsurprising. Trump has been pushing the “fake news conspiracy” theory, which holds that the media is part of the deep state, since his first term. He even dubbed the press “the enemy of the people.”

    Trump’s fake news rhetorical strategy has been successful in helping him maintain support. Trump supporters take it for granted that negative news coverage of the president is most likely fake news.

    The Trump administration frequently invokes this conspiracy theory, including statements with headlines like “100 Days of HOAXES: Cutting Through the Fake News.”

    The White House is taking the same approach with the new legislation. In June 2025, the Trump administration issued a statement stating “Myth vs. Fact: The One Big Beautiful Bill” and “MYTHBUSTER: The One Big Beautiful Bill Cuts Spending, Deficit – and That’s a Fact.”

    There is already evidence that this depiction is resonating in places such as rural Nebraska, where many residents do not blame Trump for a health clinic that claims it is shutting down due to Medicaid cuts. “Anyone who’s saying that Medicaid cuts is why they’re closing is a liar,” said one woman of the clinic’s closure.

    President Donald Trump holds a rally in July 2024 in Harrisburg, Pa.
    Spencer Platt/Getty Images

    ‘Crushing it’ in the Golden Age

    More broadly, the MAGA faithful contend, the bill’s critics miss the bigger picture. For the most part, Trump has been “crushing it” while putting “‘W’ after ‘W’ on the board.”

    From their perspective, Trump has assembled an all-star Cabinet team that is implementing key pillars of the MAGA agenda, such as restricting immigration, blocking unfair trade and avoiding drawn-out wars.

    Trump supporters underscore the president’s accomplishments on immigration. Attempted unauthorized border crossings of migrants have plummeted in 2025, amid a rise in arrests of immigrants.

    “Our message is clear,” stated Department of Homeland Security Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin, “criminal illegal aliens are not welcome in the United States.”

    Gas prices are also down. Trump has followed through on his pledge to supporters to purge what he calls the deep state, by downsizing or gutting entire government departments and agencies.

    Trump has clamped down on woke universities that brainwash students, as MAGA supporters see it.

    He withheld funding from the University of Pennsylvania until it agreed to ban transgender women from playing on women’s sports teams. Trump also cut $400 million in funding for Columbia University because the administration said it did not sufficiently protect Jewish students from harassment during Palestinian rights protests.

    And Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu even nominated Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize in July for his diplomatic work in the Middle East.

    Recounting Trump’s foreign policy achievements, one conservative commentator gushed that Trump “promised we would win so much we’d get tired of winning. Instead, the wins keep coming – and America isn’t tired at all.”

    Trumpism = Trump

    Yet, Trump faces challenges.

    A June 2025 KFF Health Tracking Poll found that support for the new legislation decreased when people were informed about its negative health care impact, for example.

    Republicans could also face backlash in 2028 after the full impact of the act takes effect and people lose health insurance and other public benefits.

    Regardless, I believe MAGA faithful will likely continue to support Trump.

    They may argue over parts of his bill, the airstrikes on Iran or the release of the Jeffrey Epstein files.

    But, in the end, they will circle the wagons around Trump for a simple reason. Trump created the MAGA movement. He dominates the Republican Party. And there is no Trumpism without Trump.

    Alex Hinton receives receives funding from the Rutgers-Newark Sheila Y. Oliver Center for Politics and Race in America, Rutgers Research Council, and Henry Frank Guggenheim Foundation.

    – ref. Why do MAGA faithful support Trump if his ‘big beautiful bill’ will likely hurt many of them? – https://theconversation.com/why-do-maga-faithful-support-trump-if-his-big-beautiful-bill-will-likely-hurt-many-of-them-260766

    MIL OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: President Donald J. Trump Approves Major Disaster Declaration for Michigan

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: President Donald J

    Trump Approves Major Disaster Declaration for Michigan

    President Donald J

    Trump Approves Major Disaster Declaration for Michigan

    WASHINGTON – FEMA announced that federal disaster assistance is available to the state of Michigan to supplement recovery efforts in the areas affected by the severe winter storm from March 28-30, 2025

    Public Assistance federal funding is available to the state, tribal and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair and replacement of eligible facilities damaged by the severe winter storm in Alcona, Alpena, Antrim, Charlevoix, Cheboygan, Crawford, Emmet, Kalkaska, Mackinac, Montmorency, Oscoda, Otsego and Presque Isle counties and the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians

    Darrin Ricketts has been named as the Federal Coordinating Officer for federal recovery operations in the affected area

    Additional designations may be made at a later date if requested by the state and warranted by the results of further damage assessments

     
    amy

    ashbridge
    Wed, 07/23/2025 – 19:59

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: President Donald J. Trump Approves Major Disaster Declaration for Indiana

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: President Donald J

    Trump Approves Major Disaster Declaration for Indiana

    President Donald J

    Trump Approves Major Disaster Declaration for Indiana

    WASHINGTON — FEMA announced that federal disaster assistance is available to the state of Indiana to supplement recovery efforts in the areas affected by severe storms, straight-line winds, tornadoes and flooding from March 30 – April 9, 2025

    Public Assistance federal funding is available to the state, tribal and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair and replacement of facilities damaged by the severe storms, straight-line winds, tornadoes and flooding in Bartholomew, Brown, Clark, Crawford, Decatur, Floyd, Franklin, Greene, Harrison, Jefferson, Lawrence, Madison, Marshall, Martin, Montgomery, Morgan, Orange, Owen, Perry, Switzerland, Vanderburgh, Warrick and Washington counties

    Joseph P

    Cirone has been named as the Federal Coordinating Officer for federal recovery operations in the affected area

    Additional designations may be made at a later date if requested by the state and warranted by the results of further damage assessments

     
    erika

    suzuki
    Wed, 07/23/2025 – 20:01

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: President Donald J. Trump Approves Major Disaster Declaration for Oregon

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: President Donald J

    Trump Approves Major Disaster Declaration for Oregon

    President Donald J

    Trump Approves Major Disaster Declaration for Oregon

    WASHINGTON — FEMA announced that federal disaster assistance is available to the state of Oregon to supplement recovery efforts in the areas affected by the severe storms, flooding, landslides and mudslides from March 13-20, 2025

     Public Assistance federal funding is available to the state, tribal and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities damaged by the severe storms, flooding, landslides and mudslides in Coos, Curry and Douglas counties

     John F

    Harrison has been named as the Federal Coordinating Officer for federal recovery operations in the affected area

    Additional designations may be made at a later date if requested by the state and warranted by the results of further assessments

     
    amy

    ashbridge
    Wed, 07/23/2025 – 20:14

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: NASA Sets Launch Coverage for Earth-Tracking NISAR Satellite

    Source: NASA

    NASA will provide live coverage of launch activities for NISAR (NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar), which is set to lift off at 8:10 a.m. EDT (5:40 p.m. IST), Wednesday, July 30, from Satish Dhawan Space Centre on India’s southeastern coast.
    A collaboration between NASA and the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), the first-of-its-kind satellite will lift off aboard an ISRO Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle on a mission to scan nearly all the Earth’s land and ice surfaces twice every 12 days.
    Watch live coverage of the launch on NASA+ and the agency’s YouTube channel. Learn how to watch NASA content through a variety of platforms, including social media.
    With its two radar instruments — an S-band system provided by ISRO and an L-band system provided by NASA — the NISAR mission will provide high-resolution data to help decision-makers, communities, and scientists monitor major infrastructure, agricultural fields, and movement of land and ice surfaces.
    Hailed as a critical part of a pioneering year for United States – India civil space cooperation by President Trump and Prime Minister Modi during their visit in Washington in February, the NISAR launch will advance U.S. – India cooperation and benefit the U.S. in areas such as agriculture and preparation and response to disasters like hurricanes, floods, and volcanic eruptions.
    NASA’s mission coverage is as follows (all times Eastern and subject to change based on real-time operations):
    Monday, July 28  
    12 p.m. – Prelaunch teleconference with the following participants:

    Karen St. Germain, director of Earth science, NASA Headquarters
    Gerald Bawden, NISAR program scientist, NASA Headquarters
    Shanna McClain, Disasters program manager, NASA Headquarters
    Phil Barela, NISAR project manager, NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL)
    Marco Lavalle, NISAR deputy project scientist, NASA JPL

    The teleconference will stream on JPL’s YouTube Channel.
    Members of the media may ask questions via phone during the teleconference. To register, media must provide their name and affiliation by 4 p.m. on Sunday, July 27, to Rexana Vizza at: rexana.v.vizza@jpl.nasa.gov. Questions may also be asked via social media with the hashtag #AskNISAR.
    Wednesday, July 30
    7 a.m. – Launch coverage begins on NASA+ and YouTube.
    The launch broadcast begins from NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Southern California, where the U.S. portion of the mission is managed.
    Follow launch events on NASA’s NISAR blog. 
    Watch, Engage on Social Media
    You can also stay connected by following and tagging these accounts:
    X: @NASA, @NASAEarth, @NASAJPL
    Facebook: NASA, NASA Earth, NASA JPL
    Instagram: @NASA, @NASAEarth, @NASAJPL
    Additional Resources
    The NISAR press kit features deeper dives into the mission as well as its science and technology.
    Explore NISAR videos as well as NISAR animations and b-roll media reel.
    The NISAR mission is the first joint satellite mission between NASA and ISRO, marking a new chapter in the growing collaboration between the two space agencies. The launch of NISAR, years in the making, builds on a strong heritage of successful programs, including Chandrayaan-1 and the recent Axiom Mission-4, which saw ISRO and NASA astronauts living and working together aboard the International Space Station for the first time.
    Learn more about the mission at:

    NISAR

    -end-
    Elizabeth Vlock / Karen FoxHeadquarters, Washington202-358-1600elizabeth.a.vlock@nasa.gov / karen.c.fox@nasa.gov
    Andrew Wang / Jane J. Lee Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, Calif.626-379-6874 / 818-354-0307 andrew.wang@jpl.nasa.gov / jane.j.lee@jpl.nasa.gov

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Briefing – Developing countries’ vulnerabilities to the changes of US foreign aid policy under the second Trump administration – 24-07-2025

    Source: European Parliament

    The dismantling of the US Agency for International Development (USAID) by the second Trump administration in 2025 marked a significant shift in US foreign policy. US national interests were prioritised over multilateral development and humanitarian aid, with the decision described by the Trump administration as an alignment of aid with US values. The European Union (EU) and its Member States cannot fully offset these cuts, which will most dramatically affect funding for global health, food security and crisis response. In the past, US and EU approaches to aid targeted different ends: while the EU has focused on sustainable development and peace building, the US emphasised crisis-driven aid. Potential consequences of the US cuts include increased migration, disease proliferation and geopolitical shifts, as China and Russia expand their influence.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • Russia, Ukraine discuss more POW swaps; no deal on ceasefire or leaders’ meeting

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Russia and Ukraine discussed further prisoner swaps on Wednesday at a brief session of peace talks in Istanbul, but the sides remained far apart on ceasefire terms and a possible meeting of their leaders.

    “We have progress on the humanitarian track, with no progress on a cessation of hostilities,” Ukraine’s chief delegate Rustem Umerov said after talks that lasted just 40 minutes.

    He said Ukraine had proposed a meeting before the end of August between Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and Russian President Vladimir Putin. He added: “By agreeing to this proposal, Russia can clearly demonstrate its constructive approach.”

    Russia’s chief delegate Vladimir Medinsky said the point of a leaders’ meeting should be to sign an agreement, not to “discuss everything from scratch”.

    He renewed Moscow’s call for a series of short ceasefires of 24-48 hours to enable the retrieval of bodies. Ukraine says it wants an immediate and much longer ceasefire.

    The talks took place just over a week after U.S. President Donald Trump threatened heavy new sanctions on Russia and countries that buy its exports unless a peace deal was reached within 50 days.

    There was no sign of any progress towards that goal, although both sides said there was discussion of further humanitarian exchanges following a series of prisoner swaps, the latest of which took place on Wednesday.

    Medinsky said the negotiators agreed to exchange at least 1,200 more prisoners of war from each side, and Russia had offered to hand over another 3,000 Ukrainian bodies.

    He said Moscow was working through a list of 339 names of Ukrainian children that Kyiv accuses it of abducting. Russia denies that charge and says it has offered protection to children separated from their parents during the war.

    “Some of the children have already been returned back to Ukraine. Work is under way on the rest. If their legal parents, close relatives, representatives are found, these children will immediately return home,” Medinsky said.

    Umerov said Kyiv was expecting “further progress” on POWs, adding: “We continue to insist on the release of civilians, including children.” Ukrainian authorities say at least 19,000 children have been forcibly deported.

    SHORTEST TALKS YET

    Before the talks, the Kremlin had played down expectations, describing the two sides’ positions as diametrically opposed and saying no one should expect miracles.

    At 40 minutes, the meeting was even shorter than the two sides’ previous encounters on May 16 and June 2, which lasted a combined total of under three hours.

    Oleksandr Bevz, a member of the Ukrainian delegation, said Kyiv had proposed a Putin-Zelenskiy meeting in August because that would fall within the deadline set by Trump for a deal.

    Putin turned down a previous challenge from Zelenskiy to meet in person and has said he does not see him as a legitimate leader because Ukraine, which is under martial law, did not hold new elections when Zelenskiy’s five-year mandate expired last year.

    Trump has patched up relations with Zelenskiy after a public row with him at the White House in February, and has lately expressed growing frustration with Putin.

    Three sources close to the Kremlin told Reuters last week that Putin, unfazed by Trump’s ultimatum, would keep fighting in Ukraine until the West engaged on his terms for peace, and that his territorial demands may widen as Russian forces advance.

    (Reuters)

  • EU’s von der Leyen says China ties are at ‘inflection point’ at tense summit

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen called for an “essential” rebalancing of trade ties with China during a tense summit on Thursday with President Xi Jinping, saying ties stood at an “inflection point”, according to a pool report.

    Expectations were low for the summit marking 50 years of diplomatic ties after weeks of escalating tension and wrangling over its format, with the duration abruptly halved to a single day at Beijing’s request.

    Von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa met Xi at the start of an event set to be dominated by thorny issues ranging from trade frictions to the Ukraine war.

    “As our cooperation has deepened, so have imbalances. We have reached an inflection point,” von der Leyen told Xi during the meeting in the Great Hall of the People.

    She was referring to the EU’s trade deficit with China, which ballooned to a historic 305.8 billion euros ($360 billion) last year.

    “Rebalancing of our bilateral relation is essential … It is vital for China and Europe to acknowledge our respective concerns and come forward with real solutions.”

    However, Xi urged the EU to “make correct strategic choices” during the meeting, state broadcaster CCTV said, in a veiled criticism of Brussels’ hawkish stance on China.

    “The more severe and complex the international situation, the more China and the EU must strengthen communication, enhance mutual trust and deepen cooperation,” Xi told von der Leyen and Costa, it said.

    “Chinese and European leaders should … make correct strategic choices that meet the expectations of the people.”

    The weeks before the summit were dominated by tit-for-tat trade disputes and hawkish European rhetoric, such as a July 8 accusation by von der Leyen that China was flooding global markets as a result of its overcapacity and “enabling Russia’s war economy”.

    Shortly before the summit, however, von der Leyen struck a more conciliatory tone, describing it as an opportunity to “both advance and rebalance our relationship” in a post on X on Thursday.

    “I’m convinced there can be a mutually beneficial cooperation,” von der Leyen added.

    The two EU officials are set to meet Chinese Premier Li Qiang later. Both sides are hoping to reach a modest joint statement on climate, currently one of the only bright spots in EU-China cooperation.

    State news agency Xinhua also appeared to downplay Beijing’s rivalry with the 27-member bloc, saying China was a “critical partner” for Europe, with a range of shared interests.

    “China is a critical partner to Europe, not a systemic rival,” it said in a commentary.

    The two shared interests in trade, climate, and global governance, it said, adding, “These areas of common ground should not be eclipsed by isolated points of friction.”

    The EU defines China as a “partner, competitor and systemic rival”, which frames its strategic approach to China policy.

    At the summit, European leaders are also expected to raise topics such as electric vehicles and Chinese industrial overcapacity.

    China launched rare earth export controls in April that disrupted supply chains worldwide, leading to temporary stoppages in European automotive production lines the following month.

    But its exports of rare earth magnets to the EU surged in June by 245% from May, to stand at 1,364 metric tons, though that was still 35% lower than the year-earlier figure, customs data showed.

    The EU is likely to seal a trade deal with the United States for a broad tariff of 15% on its exports after intense negotiations, avoiding a harsher 30% figure threatened by President Donald Trump.

    (Reuters)

  • MIL-OSI USA: The Data Center Next Door: As Trump Eviscerates Guardrails, Senator Markey Hosts Roundtable Discussion on How AI Data Centers Can Harm Environment, Increase Costs to Households, and Threaten Public Health

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts Ed Markey

    View Storybook (PDF)

    Washington (July 23, 2025) – Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), a co-chair of the Environmental Justice Caucus and a member of the Environment and Public Works Committee and Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee, today hosted a virtual roundtable discussion titled “The Data Center Next Door: Hidden Costs and Harms of Artificial Intelligence and Cryptomining.” Senator Markey was joined by Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09), frontline advocates, and allies to discuss the effects of rapid data center development on climate and communities, including impacts on local air quality, water, grid reliability, health, and utility bills. Speakers highlighted how communities and allied organizations across the country are working to curb harms from data center build-out and how policymakers can more proactively address unsustainable data center development.

    Today, Senator Markey also released a new storybook highlighting the personal experiences of individuals living near data center infrastructure.

    “I have heard from people across the country whose stories make clear: unregulated, uncontrolled data center development is sucking our communities dry. Our environment doesn’t have to be a sacrificial lamb on the altar of innovation. We can have green growth—but not if we have Trump’s AI Inaction Plan as our Big Tech Bible. Lawmakers at all levels of government can and must ensure the Trump administration’s no-holds-barred approach to data center construction does not come at the cost of our health and welfare,” said Senator Markey. “We are not truly moving forward if we harm and leave people behind in the process. We owe it to our neighbors, near and far, to address these impacts at the federal level before we see a race to the bottom—one that could even disadvantage states and towns that try to do things right.”

    “The heart of my district is seeing the environmental impacts of Artificial Intelligence (AI) first-hand, with the world’s biggest supercomputer beginning operations last year. It requires one million gallons of water each day to cool its components and uses the same amount of energy as all 250,000 households in Memphis combined. The continued development of AI will have a drastic effect on energy and water costs and consumption, and our environment as a whole,” said Congressman Cohen.

    “Bitcoin mining is the most energy and water-intensive technology ever created. As long as the bitcoin mining algorithm is operating at scale, it is impossible to make the transition to a resilient, equitable, affordable, and renewable grid,” said Jackie Sawicky, member of the National Coalition Against Cryptomining (NCAC).

    “Families across America are struggling to afford their soaring electric bills as a result of energy-guzzling AI data centers. We cannot afford to let AI fuel a new fossil fuel boom that raises our bills and destroys our environment,” said Ben Inskeep, Program Director at Citizens Action Coalition of Indiana.

    “West Virginia has long borne the brunt of powering our country via the extraction of our natural resources. This legacy and continued pollution from fossil fuel industries worsened health disparities, increased our utility bills, and poisoned our air and water. The rapid growth of artificial intelligence development and the numerous proposals of fossil fuel powered data centers in our region simply carries on that toxic tradition of resource extraction, corporate exploitation, and harmful pollution for West Virginians,” said Morgan King, Climate and Energy Program Manager at West Virginia Citizen Action Group.

    “What’s happening in Virginia is unsustainable and the desire to go even faster is irresponsible. The impacts are too great and the risks are too high, we must slow down and put better guardrails in place,” said Julie Bolthouse, AICP, Director of Land Use at Piedmont Environmental Council.

    “Over the last year, xAI installed and operated dozens of unpermitted methane gas turbines at its Memphis data center, essentially building a power plant without any public oversight or input from nearby communities. These turbines pump out smog-forming pollution and harmful chemicals like formaldehyde and are located near predominantly Black communities that are already overburdened with a long history of environmental injustice. Families in South Memphis deserve transparency and clean air,” said Amanda Garcia, senior attorney in the Tennessee office of the Southern Environmental Law Center.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Tyton Partners and Ufi Ventures Release Q2 2025 VocTech Market Report: AI Shockwaves, UK Industrial Strategy, and Transatlantic Divergence Take Centre Stage

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    LONDON, July 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Tyton Partners, the leading strategy consulting and investment banking firm focused on the education sector, and Ufi Ventures, the UK’s specialist investor in vocational technology (VocTech), today released their Q2 2025 VocTech Market Report. This quarterly publication explores the trends shaping vocational learning and workforce development across the UK, Europe, and North America.

    The second quarter of 2025 has been marked by increasing anxiety around artificial intelligence’s disruptive impact on labour markets, a wave of significant UK policy announcements, and early signs of capital rotation from the US to Europe amid political volatility. Vocational education and training remain firmly in the spotlight as policymakers and investors confront mounting challenges tied to youth disengagement, employment shifts, and rapid technological change.

    Key Takeaways

    • Labour markets are causing concern, even in the US.
    • The UK government made a series of major policy announcements, many of which see increased investment in key sectors and skills. The detail is important and not yet here.
    • Big Tech companies – including “hyperscalers” such as OpenAI – are muscling in to the education space, likely in search of long-term users and increased engagement.
    • The future of junior white-collar workers, and how they should be trained, is a key focus of debate. Being conscious of what may have previously been taken for granted (informal “learning by doing” in particular) looks important.
    • Companies who facilitate AI-driven HR workflows are raising sizeable funding, with some European businesses closing unusually large €20m+ Series A rounds.

    Alongside UK reforms, policy developments in the US and Europe are creating new dynamics. Germany’s coalition is advancing ambitious investment programmes. In the US, escalating attacks on higher education and the erratic policy environment under the Trump administration may be triggering a shift of capital and student interest to the UK and Europe.

    Helen Gironi, Director at Ufi Ventures, commented:
    “AI is shaking up workforce development from every angle. Employers, policymakers and learners are all being forced to adapt. At Ufi Ventures, we see opportunity in this disruption, but only for those who are ready to innovate and act with clarity.”

    Nick Kind, Managing Director at Tyton Partners, added:
    “We are seeing a critical turning point. AI is accelerating change, but it is also highlighting systemic gaps in skills and training. With new policy commitments in the UK and a capital environment in flux, the landscape is as complex as it is promising. This report offers grounded insight into how to respond.”

    To access the full Q2 2025 VocTech Market Report, visit: https://tytonpartners.com/key-learnings-from-voctech-market-activity-q2-2025/

    About Tyton Partners

    Tyton Partners is the leading provider of strategy consulting and investment banking services to the global knowledge and information services sector. With offices in Boston and New York City, the firm has an experienced team of bankers and consultants who deliver a unique spectrum of services from mergers and acquisitions and capital markets access to strategy development that helps companies, organizations, and investors navigate the complexities of the education, media, and information markets. Tyton Partners leverages a deep foundation of transactional and advisory experience and an unparalleled level of global relationships to make its clients’ aspirations a reality and to catalyze innovation in the sector. Learn more at tytonpartners.com.

    About Ufi Ventures

    Ufi Ventures is the investment arm of Ufi VocTech Trust. Ufi supports the adoption and deployment of technology to improve skills for work and deliver better outcomes for all. By leveraging its depth of experience Ufi Ventures supports its growing portfolio through access to capital, and its wide expert pool and network. Learn more at www.ufi.co.uk/ventures.

    Media Contact
    Zoe Wright-Neil
    Director of Marketing and Business Development
    zwrightneil@tytonpartners.com
    Tyton Partners

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Tyton Partners and Ufi Ventures Release Q2 2025 VocTech Market Report: AI Shockwaves, UK Industrial Strategy, and Transatlantic Divergence Take Centre Stage

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    LONDON, July 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Tyton Partners, the leading strategy consulting and investment banking firm focused on the education sector, and Ufi Ventures, the UK’s specialist investor in vocational technology (VocTech), today released their Q2 2025 VocTech Market Report. This quarterly publication explores the trends shaping vocational learning and workforce development across the UK, Europe, and North America.

    The second quarter of 2025 has been marked by increasing anxiety around artificial intelligence’s disruptive impact on labour markets, a wave of significant UK policy announcements, and early signs of capital rotation from the US to Europe amid political volatility. Vocational education and training remain firmly in the spotlight as policymakers and investors confront mounting challenges tied to youth disengagement, employment shifts, and rapid technological change.

    Key Takeaways

    • Labour markets are causing concern, even in the US.
    • The UK government made a series of major policy announcements, many of which see increased investment in key sectors and skills. The detail is important and not yet here.
    • Big Tech companies – including “hyperscalers” such as OpenAI – are muscling in to the education space, likely in search of long-term users and increased engagement.
    • The future of junior white-collar workers, and how they should be trained, is a key focus of debate. Being conscious of what may have previously been taken for granted (informal “learning by doing” in particular) looks important.
    • Companies who facilitate AI-driven HR workflows are raising sizeable funding, with some European businesses closing unusually large €20m+ Series A rounds.

    Alongside UK reforms, policy developments in the US and Europe are creating new dynamics. Germany’s coalition is advancing ambitious investment programmes. In the US, escalating attacks on higher education and the erratic policy environment under the Trump administration may be triggering a shift of capital and student interest to the UK and Europe.

    Helen Gironi, Director at Ufi Ventures, commented:
    “AI is shaking up workforce development from every angle. Employers, policymakers and learners are all being forced to adapt. At Ufi Ventures, we see opportunity in this disruption, but only for those who are ready to innovate and act with clarity.”

    Nick Kind, Managing Director at Tyton Partners, added:
    “We are seeing a critical turning point. AI is accelerating change, but it is also highlighting systemic gaps in skills and training. With new policy commitments in the UK and a capital environment in flux, the landscape is as complex as it is promising. This report offers grounded insight into how to respond.”

    To access the full Q2 2025 VocTech Market Report, visit: https://tytonpartners.com/key-learnings-from-voctech-market-activity-q2-2025/

    About Tyton Partners

    Tyton Partners is the leading provider of strategy consulting and investment banking services to the global knowledge and information services sector. With offices in Boston and New York City, the firm has an experienced team of bankers and consultants who deliver a unique spectrum of services from mergers and acquisitions and capital markets access to strategy development that helps companies, organizations, and investors navigate the complexities of the education, media, and information markets. Tyton Partners leverages a deep foundation of transactional and advisory experience and an unparalleled level of global relationships to make its clients’ aspirations a reality and to catalyze innovation in the sector. Learn more at tytonpartners.com.

    About Ufi Ventures

    Ufi Ventures is the investment arm of Ufi VocTech Trust. Ufi supports the adoption and deployment of technology to improve skills for work and deliver better outcomes for all. By leveraging its depth of experience Ufi Ventures supports its growing portfolio through access to capital, and its wide expert pool and network. Learn more at www.ufi.co.uk/ventures.

    Media Contact
    Zoe Wright-Neil
    Director of Marketing and Business Development
    zwrightneil@tytonpartners.com
    Tyton Partners

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Australia says US beef will soon be welcome here again. It’s unlikely we’ll buy much of it

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Felicity Deane, Professor of Trade Law and Taxation, Queensland University of Technology

    DarcyMaulsby/Getty

    The Albanese government has today confirmed it will lift biosecurity restrictions on beef imports from the United States. The timing of this decision has raised some eyebrows.

    Back in April, US President Donald Trump had singled out what he characterised as an Australian “ban” on US beef as he announced 10% baseline tariffs on imports from Australia.

    Responding to today’s announcement, Nationals leader David Littleproud said it appeared the restrictions have been “traded away to appease Donald Trump”.

    But Trade Minister Don Farrell said there was “nothing suspicious about this”. And some Australian industry groups have since expressed their confidence in the decision.

    So, has Australia’s beef industry been sold out for the benefit of a trade deal? Or is it just a poorly timed announcement at the end of a review into Australia’s restrictions?

    Biosecurity concerns

    Australia’s biosecurity rules, particularly around beef products, have long been a source of friction with the United States. These rules date back to the late 1990s and were strengthened following a US mad cow disease scare in 2003.

    In 2019, a ban was lifted on beef products from cattle that had been born, raised and slaughtered in the US. However, a ban remained on any products from cattle originating in Mexico or Canada that had been slaughtered in the US.

    This was a cause for some tension, because the traceability requirements in the US were not as stringent as in Australia. That meant it wasn’t always possible to determine the origins of US products. So the 2019 change effectively only applied to shelf-stable products – not fresh meat.

    Last month, the Albanese government made assurances Australia’s biosecurity rules wouldn’t be compromised in trade negotiations. But it also confirmed a review of the rules was underway.

    The National Farmers’ Federation acknowledged the government’s decision in a statement today:

    The report released today is the result of a long-standing, science-based review by the Australian Government into the biosecurity risks posed by cattle raised in Canada and Mexico, but processed in and exported from the US.

    Speaking on ABC Radio, Cattle Australia chief executive Will Evans acknowledged “a lot of people” may feel “blindsided” by the government’s decision, but expressed his confidence in the government’s process.

    Boom times for Australian beef

    Australians are some of the highest per-capita consumers of beef products in the world. But Australia is also the world’s second-largest beef exporter, trailing only Brazil.

    In contrast, the US is the world’s second-largest importer of beef, behind only China.

    That poses the question: how much do we actually need beef from the US? Is it even worth lifting this ban, if it will impact so few people?

    The beef industry might be fair to question whether this is for the benefit of their industry, when it seems the existing 10% baseline tariffs have had no impact on the volumes of beef being exported from Australia. Quite the opposite.

    In June, Australia’s beef exports broke an all-time monthly record, and the US continued to be our largest export market.

    In addition, it is important to recognise the US tariffs on beef would theoretically be absorbed by the consumer, rather than the exporter.

    The trade war rages on

    Theory suggests that international trade is a good thing (though not everyone is a “winner”). Where there is trade between nations, competitive pricing is encouraged and consumers may enjoy more product variety.

    Most restrictions on trade are viewed unfavourably by economists, but there are some notable exceptions. The health and safety of food products and assurance of biosecurity standards are such concerns.

    Overnight, comments from the Trump administration suggest the 10% tariffs on imports from Australia could be raised, with a new baseline tariff rate of 15%.

    To apply these to Australian beef is in direct conflict with the Australia and United States Free Trade Agreement (AUSFTA). This agreement progressively removed tariffs on Australian beef, with all tariffs eliminated by 2023.

    Consequently, any new US tariff would violate these terms, threatening a trade relationship that has seen beef exports to the US flourish.

    Is our reputation on the line?

    It is important to note that the biosecurity rules in Australia and the traceability requirements for our producers are a point of national pride.

    Central to Australia’s biosecurity framework is the Biosecurity Act 2015 and the National Livestock Identification System, which ensures traceability, food safety, disease control and animal welfare.

    This imposes strict requirements on Australian beef producers – and as a result, imposes costs. It also means Australian beef is considered a premium product in much of the world.

    Australians should hope the evidence from the government’s review fully supports this action.

    Given the unpredictability of the Trump administration, it remains to be seen whether lifting these restrictions will win Australia any concessions on trade anyway.

    Felicity Deane does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. Australia says US beef will soon be welcome here again. It’s unlikely we’ll buy much of it – https://theconversation.com/australia-says-us-beef-will-soon-be-welcome-here-again-its-unlikely-well-buy-much-of-it-261836

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI USA: July 23rd, 2025 Heinrich Blasts Trump Administration for Raising Electricity Costs on American Families Amidst Growing Energy Demand

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Mexico Martin Heinrich

    WASHINGTON — In his opening statement during a U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee hearing on rising energy demand, U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Ranking Member of the Committee, raised the alarm on the energy affordability crisis facing working families and cited recent, irresponsible actions taken by the Trump Administration and Congressional Republicans that will raise energy costs on working families — including the passage of their Big, Bad Bill, their dismantling of our nation’s clean energy industry, and a recent directive from the Department of the Interior that will inevitably delay new generation additions to the grid and drive up costs further.

    VIDEO: Ranking Member Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) blasts Trump Administration for raising electricity prices on working families during a hearing on the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, July 23, 2025.

    “As Mr. Gramlich points out in his testimony, electricity bills are starting to become unaffordable for too many Americans,” said Heinrich. “And recent actions by President Trump and the Republican reconciliation bill will only make it worse.”

    “The reconciliation bill alone is estimated to increase annual energy costs more than $16 billion in 2030 and more than $33 billion by 2035,” continued Heinrich. “This is because, at a time when we need every electron we can get, the reconciliation bill is causing many clean energy projects to be canceled.”

    Heinrich additionally noted his concerns on how a new directive from the Department of the Interior that requires Secretary Doug Burgum to personally review and sign off on wind and solar projects on federal lands will risk delaying new generation additions to the grid, subsequently driving up families’ energy costs.

    A video of Heinrich’s opening remarks can be found here.

    A transcript of Heinrich’s remarks as delivered is below:

    Thank you, Chairman Lee. Welcome to our witnesses, Mr. Gramlich, Mr. Huntsman, and Mr. Tench.

    As we’ll discuss today, the scale and drivers of today’s rising electricity demand are relatively unprecedented.

    It’s not just that electricity demand is reaching record highs, it’s that we’re entering a new era of a sustained load growth.

    The structural forces underlying today’s load growth are converging: the growth of AI data centers; the electrification of vehicles, buildings, industry; as well as a resurgence in domestic manufacturing.

    And meeting this load growth will require structural changes to how we permit and build our energy infrastructure.

    In his testimony, Mr. Tench states that Vantage would prefer to “source power from the grid” but the “system is out of sync.”

    From interconnection timelines that are too long, transmission lines that take too long to build, and permitting that is too fragmented, the challenges that Mr. Tench articulates are the same ones that this Committee has been trying to address for some time.

    As Mr. Tench noted in his testimony, “No single business or technical workaround can substitute for a coordinated, modern, responsive grid.”

    Fortunately, we sit on the Committee that can help make that happen.

    The urgency isn’t just about maintaining our edge in AI innovation, it’s about affordability.

    As Mr. Gramlich points out in his testimony today, electricity bills are becoming unaffordable for too many Americans.

    And recent actions by President Trump and by the ‘Big, Bad Bill’ will make this worse.

    The reconciliation bill alone is estimated to increase annual energy costs more than $16 billion in 2030 and more than $33 billion by 2035.

    This is because, at a time when we need every single electron we can get, the reconciliation bill is causing many clean energy projects to be canceled.

    And the President’s tariffs are driving up equipment costs—raising the cost of all energy generation resources. All of them.

    This is leading directly to Americans spending more on their utility bills.

    And on top of this, an aging electrical grid is causing many energy projects to be stalled for years in interconnection queues.

    In June 2025, Grid Strategies released a study that found that investing in well-planned, high-capacity transmission could save U.S. households between $6.3 and $10.4 billion annually—and that’s even after accounting for the cost of actually building those transmission lines.

    The amount of energy currently in U.S. interconnection queues substantially exceeds the existing electricity demands—if only the grid could integrate it.

    According to the Energy Information Administration, in 2024, the U.S. installed nearly 49 gigawatts of new grid capacity, 95% of which was from renewable resources.

    This year, the EIA estimates that developers will build 63 GW of new capacity, including 32.5 GW of new utility-scale solar, 7.7 GW of wind power, 18.2 GW of energy storage, and just 4.4 GW of natural gas-fired generation.

    Clean energy is the most affordable and it’s the fastest type of energy generation to deploy—outpacing natural gas, which is facing years-long backlogs in turbine availability.

    If you order a gas, combine cycle natural gas turbine today, you’ll be lucky if it puts its first electron on the grid before 2032.

    Meanwhile, states like Texas and California are demonstrating that high levels of renewable energy do not compromise grid reliability—in fact, they improve it.

    After Texas added 9,600 MW of clean energy, including 5,400 MW of solar, 3,800 MW of energy storage, and 253 MW of wind, ERCOT CEO Pablo Vegas said that the risk of grid emergencies dropped to less than 1 percent, that’s down from 16 percent the previous year.

    NERC’s 2025 Summer Reliability Assessment confirmed this trend, showing that the risk of rolling blackouts in Texas fell from 15 percent to 3 percent as battery capacity came online.

    I’ll close by saying that I am deeply disturbed by the recent Department of Interior policy that requires Secretary Doug Burgum to personally review and sign off on wind and solar projects on federal lands.

    This nakedly political decision will risk delaying new generation additions to the grid when we need them the most.

    And consequently, will drive up costs.

    According to the Department of Energy, federal lands in the contiguous United States could support more than 7,700 GW of renewable energy capacity.

    And with that said, I look forward to discussing how we can meet the rise in electricity demand and lower energy costs for households by integrating the most affordable and rapidly deployable energy resources today, while also investing in long-term modernization.

    Thank you, Chairman.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Peters, Slotkin Respond to Federal Disaster Declaration Following Catastrophic Northern Michigan Ice Storm

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Michigan Gary Peters
    WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senators Gary Peters (D-MI) and Elissa Slotkin (D-MI) responded to the approval of Michigan’s request for a major disaster declaration following the catastrophic ice storm that impacted communities throughout Northern Michigan and the Eastern Upper Peninsula in late March. In May, Peters and Slotkin sent a letter to President Trump urging his swift approval of this declaration to support areas affected by the storm. With this declaration, critical assistance through the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Public Assistance Program will be available to communities in Alcona, Alpena, Antrim, Charlevoix, Cheboygan, Crawford, Emmet, Montmorency, Oscoda, Otsego, Presque Isle, Kalkaska and Mackinac Counties, as well as the Little Traverse Bay Band of Odawa Indians.
    “I’m pleased that funding is coming to Northern Michigan to bolster the ongoing recovery efforts following the ice storm this March,” said Senator Peters. “The State of Michigan and local emergency managers continue to work hard because this job is not finished, and I’ll keep fighting to help our communities get the resources they need to bounce back stronger.”
    “This is welcome news and a big step for the many Michiganders who are still recovering from the once-in-a-generation ice storm in Northern Michigan and the UP in March,” said Senator Slotkin. “There is still more work ahead, but my office is here to help Michiganders navigate the federal disaster process to rebuild and recover.”
    The National Weather Service has ranked this as one of the most significant ice storms ever recorded in Northern Michigan. State and federal officials estimate the storms caused more than $137 million in immediate response costs, and inflicted severe damage to homes, businesses, and critical infrastructure, including leaving residents without power for weeks. The long-term impacts to local government, industries, and residents remain to be seen.
    FEMA’s Public Assistance Program provides assistance to eligible applicants, including local governments, to respond and recover from major disasters. In Michigan, the authorized funding can be used for debris removal and emergency protective measures such as eligible overtime work and permanent restoration of infrastructure. For additional information regarding the federal assistance, please contact the MSP Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division at 517-243-0149.
    Peters and Slotkin have fought to aid Northern Michigan’s impacted communities from the start. In the days following this devastating storm, the lawmakers wrote to Governor Whitmer expressing their willingness to support any federal support needed as part of the State of Michigan’s response. In June, Peters and Slotkin called on the Small Business Administration to approve the State of Michigan’s Rapid Administrative Disaster Declaration request for eligible counties, which was later approved by SBA Administrator Loeffler.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI China: US opens investigation into Harvard’s participation in Exchange Visitor Program

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

    The U.S. State Department announced on Wednesday that it is opening an investigation into Harvard University’s continued eligibility as a sponsor for the Exchange Visitor Program, which allows foreign students and scholars to participate in exchange programs in the United States.

    The investigation marks the Trump administration’s renewed effort to restrict the admission of overseas students at the country’s oldest university.

    “To maintain their privilege to sponsor exchange visitors, sponsors must comply with all regulations, including conducting their programs in a manner that does not undermine the foreign policy objectives or compromise the national security interests of the United States,” U.S. State Secretary Marco Rubio said in a statement.

    “The investigation will ensure that State Department programs do not run contrary to our nation’s interests,” said Rubio.

    A spokesperson for Harvard University said in a statement that this investigation is “yet another retaliatory step taken by the Administration in violation of Harvard’s First Amendment rights,” while noting that Harvard is committed to continuing to comply with the applicable Exchange Visitor Program regulations.

    Earlier this week, Judge Allison Burroughs from the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts held a hearing on the Trump administration’s cuts to Harvard’s federal funding — an estimated total of over 2.6 billion U.S. dollars.

    In a social media post, U.S. President Donald Trump called the judge “a total disaster,” pledging that his administration would file an immediate appeal should the ruling go against them. 

    MIL OSI China News –