NewzIntel.com

Category: Trumpism

  • PM Modi embarks on 3-nation tour, says opportunity to galvanise global understanding on tackling terrorism

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday released an official statement before embarking on the three-nation tour of Cyprus, Canada and Croatia. He said this is an opportunity to galvanise global understanding on tackling terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.

    PM Modi shared on X: “Today, I will embark on a three-nation tour to the Republic of Cyprus, Canada and Croatia. On June 15-16, I will visit the Republic of Cyprus at the invitation of President Nikos Christodoulides. Cyprus is a close friend and an important partner in the Mediterranean region and the EU. The visit provides an opportunity to build upon the historical bonds and expand our ties in the areas of trade, investment, security, technology and promote people-to-people exchanges.”

    “From Cyprus, I will travel to Kananaskis, Canada, to attend the G7 Summit at the invitation of Prime Minister Mark Carney,” said the PM.

    PM Modi said that the Summit will provide space for exchange of views on pressing global issues and the priorities of the Global South and he is also looking forward to engaging with leaders from partner countries.

    “On June 18, I look forward to my visit to the Republic of Croatia and meetings with President Zoran Milanovic and Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic. Both our countries enjoy centuries-old close cultural links. As the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Croatia, it will open new avenues for bilateral cooperation in areas of mutual interest. This three-nation tour is also an opportunity to thank partner countries for their steadfast support to India in our fight against cross-border terrorism, and to galvanise global understanding on tackling terrorism in all its forms and manifestations,” PM Modi said.

    PM Modi’s visit to Cyprus will be the first by an Indian Prime Minister in more than two decades.

    “I will be attending the G7 Summit in Canada, which will give a great platform to exchange perspectives on various global issues and elaborate on the priorities of the Global South,” PM Modi said earlier on X.

    “My visit to Croatia, which will be the first ever by an Indian Prime Minister, presents a historical opportunity to boost linkages with a valued partner country,” added PM Modi.

    Manish, High Commissioner of India to Cyprus, said, “The visit is going to be a historic visit for several reasons. It is after over two decades that a Prime Minister from our country is coming, and this would be the first visit of the Prime Minister (Modi) to this country… I think the most significant outcomes will be in trade, technology, tourism and investment. We will also discuss defence and security cooperation, business and people-to-people contact as well as global and regional discussions…”

    In Nicosia, PM Modi will hold talks with Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides and address business leaders in Limassol.

    Cyprus had condemned the Pahalgam terror attack and indicated that it would raise the issue of cross-border terrorism emanating from Pakistan at the EU-level discussions.

    The visit will be timely as Cyprus is set to take over the Presidency of the Council of the EU in the first half of 2026.

    The visit will reaffirm the shared commitment of the two countries to deepen bilateral ties and strengthen India’s engagement with the Mediterranean region and the European Union, as per the MEA.

    The visit to Cyprus is significant also as it comes in the middle of India’s tensions with Turkey over the latter’s support to Pakistan.

    Ankara’s recognition of the so-called Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus in the northern region that was seized by Turkish forces in 1974 and differences over gas exploration rights in the Eastern Mediterranean remain a constant source of tensions between Turkey and Cyprus.

    PM Modi will participate in the G7 Summit in Canada’s Kananaskis on June 16 to 17, and conclude the five-day visit with an official visit to Croatia on June 18.

    At the G7 summit, PM Modi will come face-to-face with US President Donald Trump for the first time since their meeting in February 2025.

    “At the summit, the PM will exchange views with leaders of G7 countries, other invited outreach countries and heads of international organisations on crucial global issues, including energy security, technology and innovation, particularly the AI-energy nexus and Quantum-related issues,” said the government in its announcement.

    The Prime Minister’s Croatia visit on June 18 will be the first ever visit by an Indian PM, marking an important milestone in the bilateral relationship.

    “The visit to Croatia will also underscore India’s commitment to further strengthening its engagement with partners in the European Union,” said the government.

    (With inputs from IANS)

  • MIL-Evening Report: Caitlin Johnstone: We are, of course, being lied to about Iran

    Report by Dr David Robie – Café Pacific. –

    COMMENTARY: By Caitlin Johnstone

    Iran and Israel are at war, with the US already intimately involved and likely to become more so. Which of course means we’ll be spending the foreseeable future getting bashed in the face with lies from the most powerful people in the world.

    The most immediately obvious of these is the Netanyahu-promoted narrative that Israel initiated this conflict because Iran was on the brink of developing a nuclear weapon.

    With absolutely no self-consciousness or sense of irony, the Israeli prime minister followed the attacks with a statement accusing Iran of “genocidal rhetoric” which it has backed up “with a programme to develop nuclear weapons.”


    We are, of course, being lied to about Iran           Video: Caitlin Johnstone

    Israel, as we all know, has an unacknowledged nuclear arsenal, and its leaders are presently committing genocide in Gaza while spouting genocidal rhetoric.

    “And if not stopped, Iran could produce a nuclear weapon in a very short time,” Netanyahu claimed. “It could be a year. It could be within a few months  —  less than a year. This is a clear and present danger to Israel’s very survival.”

    The Western political/media class have been dutifully promoting this line and uncritically parroting Israel’s claim that its unprovoked attack on Iran was “pre-emptive”, but there is absolutely no evidence that any of this is true.

    Benjamin Netanyahu has spent literally decades falsely claiming that Iran was a year or two away from developing a nuke, only to have the calendar prove him wrong with the passage of time over and over again.

    Iran and Israel (and the US) at war.         Video: Anti-war News

    US intelligence chief Tulsi Gabbard testified just weeks ago that “The IC [Intelligence Community] continues to assess that Iran is not building a nuclear weapon and Supreme Leader Khamenei has not authorised the nuclear weapons programme he suspended in 2003.”

    As journalist Séamus Malekafzali recently noted on Twitter, one of the strongest arguments that Iran had not reversed its decision to refrain from obtaining nuclear weapons is that Iranian nuclear scientists have been publicly expressing frustration about the fact that their government won’t allow them to construct a nuke.

    They want to do it, but Tehran won’t let them.

    US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth helped pave the way for Netanyahu’s claims this past Wednesday when he told the Senate that “there have been plenty of indications” Iran has been “moving their way toward something that would look a lot like a nuclear weapon.”

    This claim by Hegseth was swiftly scooped up and promoted by warmongers like Tom Cotton who said that Hegseth had “confirmed that Iran’s terrorist regime is actively working towards a nuclear weapon”.

    Cotton’s claim was then picked up by war pundit Mark Levin, who has been personally lobbying Trump to green light an attack on Iran, sarcastically quipping on Twitter, “So, SecDef Hegseth must by lying, too. Everyone’s lying except the isolationists, Koch-heads, Islamists, Chatsworth Qatarlson and their media propagandists.”

    But let’s back up and look at what Hegseth actually said. He did not say “Iran is building a nuclear weapon.” He said “there have been plenty of indications” Iran has been “moving their way toward something that would look a lot like a nuclear weapon”.

    If the US had intelligence that Iran was building a nuke, Hegseth would have just said so. But instead he performed this freakish verbal gymnastics stunt muttering about indications of something that might kinda sorta look like a nuclear weapon, which his fellow Iran hawks then falsely took and ran with as a positive assertion that Iran was building a nuke.

    There are other lies being circulated to help market this war as well. As Moon of Alabama notes, the Washington Post’s odious war propagandist David Ignatius is pushing the narrative that Iran has been cultivating a relationship with de-facto al-Qaeda leader Saif al-Adel. The lie that Saddam Hussein was in league with al-Qaeda was used two decades ago to sell the invasion of Iraq.

    At the same time, Trumpian pundits are currently circulating the narrative that the United States is full of Iranian “sleeper cells” who could activate at any moment and begin attacking Americans.

    The most egregious of these is Laura Loomer’s repeated claims that there are “millions” of such cells awaiting Iran’s orders to strike  — possibly the single most bat shit insane claim I have ever seen anyone with any major platform make, since it would mean a very sizable percentage of the US population is actually a secret Iranian proxy army.

    The fountain of lies is just getting started. There will be more. Believe nothing unless it is substantiated by mountains of evidence. These freaks have been caught lying to sell wars to the public far too many times for any of their claims to be taken on faith.

    Caitlin Johnstone is an Australian independent journalist and poet. Her articles include The UN Torture Report On Assange Is An Indictment Of Our Entire Society. She publishes a website and Caitlin’s Newsletter. This article is republished with permission.

    This article was first published on Café Pacific.

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Caitlin Johnstone: We are, of course, being lied to about Iran

    Report by Dr David Robie – Café Pacific. –

    COMMENTARY: By Caitlin Johnstone

    Iran and Israel are at war, with the US already intimately involved and likely to become more so. Which of course means we’ll be spending the foreseeable future getting bashed in the face with lies from the most powerful people in the world.

    The most immediately obvious of these is the Netanyahu-promoted narrative that Israel initiated this conflict because Iran was on the brink of developing a nuclear weapon.

    With absolutely no self-consciousness or sense of irony, the Israeli prime minister followed the attacks with a statement accusing Iran of “genocidal rhetoric” which it has backed up “with a programme to develop nuclear weapons.”


    We are, of course, being lied to about Iran           Video: Caitlin Johnstone

    Israel, as we all know, has an unacknowledged nuclear arsenal, and its leaders are presently committing genocide in Gaza while spouting genocidal rhetoric.

    “And if not stopped, Iran could produce a nuclear weapon in a very short time,” Netanyahu claimed. “It could be a year. It could be within a few months  —  less than a year. This is a clear and present danger to Israel’s very survival.”

    The Western political/media class have been dutifully promoting this line and uncritically parroting Israel’s claim that its unprovoked attack on Iran was “pre-emptive”, but there is absolutely no evidence that any of this is true.

    Benjamin Netanyahu has spent literally decades falsely claiming that Iran was a year or two away from developing a nuke, only to have the calendar prove him wrong with the passage of time over and over again.

    Iran and Israel (and the US) at war.         Video: Anti-war News

    US intelligence chief Tulsi Gabbard testified just weeks ago that “The IC [Intelligence Community] continues to assess that Iran is not building a nuclear weapon and Supreme Leader Khamenei has not authorised the nuclear weapons programme he suspended in 2003.”

    As journalist Séamus Malekafzali recently noted on Twitter, one of the strongest arguments that Iran had not reversed its decision to refrain from obtaining nuclear weapons is that Iranian nuclear scientists have been publicly expressing frustration about the fact that their government won’t allow them to construct a nuke.

    They want to do it, but Tehran won’t let them.

    US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth helped pave the way for Netanyahu’s claims this past Wednesday when he told the Senate that “there have been plenty of indications” Iran has been “moving their way toward something that would look a lot like a nuclear weapon.”

    This claim by Hegseth was swiftly scooped up and promoted by warmongers like Tom Cotton who said that Hegseth had “confirmed that Iran’s terrorist regime is actively working towards a nuclear weapon”.

    Cotton’s claim was then picked up by war pundit Mark Levin, who has been personally lobbying Trump to green light an attack on Iran, sarcastically quipping on Twitter, “So, SecDef Hegseth must by lying, too. Everyone’s lying except the isolationists, Koch-heads, Islamists, Chatsworth Qatarlson and their media propagandists.”

    But let’s back up and look at what Hegseth actually said. He did not say “Iran is building a nuclear weapon.” He said “there have been plenty of indications” Iran has been “moving their way toward something that would look a lot like a nuclear weapon”.

    If the US had intelligence that Iran was building a nuke, Hegseth would have just said so. But instead he performed this freakish verbal gymnastics stunt muttering about indications of something that might kinda sorta look like a nuclear weapon, which his fellow Iran hawks then falsely took and ran with as a positive assertion that Iran was building a nuke.

    There are other lies being circulated to help market this war as well. As Moon of Alabama notes, the Washington Post’s odious war propagandist David Ignatius is pushing the narrative that Iran has been cultivating a relationship with de-facto al-Qaeda leader Saif al-Adel. The lie that Saddam Hussein was in league with al-Qaeda was used two decades ago to sell the invasion of Iraq.

    At the same time, Trumpian pundits are currently circulating the narrative that the United States is full of Iranian “sleeper cells” who could activate at any moment and begin attacking Americans.

    The most egregious of these is Laura Loomer’s repeated claims that there are “millions” of such cells awaiting Iran’s orders to strike  — possibly the single most bat shit insane claim I have ever seen anyone with any major platform make, since it would mean a very sizable percentage of the US population is actually a secret Iranian proxy army.

    The fountain of lies is just getting started. There will be more. Believe nothing unless it is substantiated by mountains of evidence. These freaks have been caught lying to sell wars to the public far too many times for any of their claims to be taken on faith.

    Caitlin Johnstone is an Australian independent journalist and poet. Her articles include The UN Torture Report On Assange Is An Indictment Of Our Entire Society. She publishes a website and Caitlin’s Newsletter. This article is republished with permission.

    This article was first published on Café Pacific.

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI China: Trump says he, Putin agree ‘war in Israel-Iran should end’

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

    U.S. President Donald Trump said he had a phone call with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin on Saturday over the tensions in the Middle East and Russia-Ukraine peace talks, and both of them agreed that “this war in Israel-Iran should end.”

    “He feels, as do I, this war in Israel-Iran should end,” Trump wrote on his social media platform Truth Social, adding that Putin knows Iran “very well.”

    Trump said he also explained to the Russian president that the Russia-Ukraine conflict “should also end” during the one-hour call.

    “We talked at length. Much less time was spent talking about Russia/Ukraine, but that will be for next week,” said Trump. “He (Putin) is doing the planned prisoner swaps — large numbers of prisoners are being exchanged, immediately, from both sides.”

    Saturday was Trump’s 79th birthday. Trump said that Putin wished him a happy birthday during the phone call. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Marshall: God Bless the United States Army, and God Bless President Trump

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Kansas Roger Marshall

    Senator Marshall Joins Fox and Friends to Discuss the Celebrations for the 250th Birthday of the United States Army
    Washington – On Saturday morning, live from the site of the U.S Army’s 250th Birthday Parade, U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kansas) joined Joey Jones on Fox and Friends to discuss the ongoing conflict between Iran and Israel, the importance of celebrating the Army’s rich history of service, and his family ties to the Army.

    Click HERE or on the image above to watch Senator Marshall’s full interview.
    Highlights from the interview include:
    On the current state of the Israel and Iran conflict:
    “Israel is our greatest ally in the Middle East – we need to stand beside them. At the same time, I want all the listeners to understand that the Iranian regime was just a week away from having nuclear warheads. President Trump gave them a 60-day warning. On day 61, Israel took things into their own hands. We pray for peace, we pray for the Iranian people, but we cannot tolerate a terrorist group having a nuclear warhead.”
    On what should happen next for the United States regarding the conflict:
    “Being from Kansas, I’m a big Eisenhower fan, and President Eisenhower said, “I hate war as only a soldier who’s lived it can, with all its brutality and futility.” Joey, you’ve seen what that war is like as well. I think when you’ve served, you hate war more than anybody else. I want to project peace through strength, that was another President Eisenhower saying as well, so let’s project peace through strength. Pray for peace every day, and I’m just so grateful for all the military people willing to fight for our freedoms to keep the peace, but make us safe as well. And a big shout-out to all those soldiers in harm’s way right now in the Middle East.”
    On the planned counterprotests around the country for June 14:
    “Certainly, their obsession has become psychosis. I would just come and invite some of the people to meet some of the people that I had the privilege of giving a Capitol tour to last night. Soldiers from the Big Red One, the First Infantry Division – this division had 12,000 people who made the ultimate sacrifice, 12,000 people from one division. 1.3 million people from the army have made the ultimate sacrifice, another 1.5 million people injured in war, so just come and tell them thanks for that right to get out here and protest. God bless all of them, God bless President Trump. Let’s celebrate the Army’s birthday today.”
    On the penalties for those who burn American flags:
    “I’m all for it. Unfortunately, I grew up during the Vietnam era, and that’s when the flag burning started. Again, my dad served, my brother served, someone from every generation of my family since the Civil War, and to see them burn the flag, it’s just a kick in the gut to all of us who served.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Padilla Leads Entire Senate Democratic Caucus in Demanding Trump Remove Military Forces From Los Angeles

    US Senate News:

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

    Padilla Leads Entire Senate Democratic Caucus in Demanding Trump Remove Military Forces From Los Angeles

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) led the entire Senate Democratic Caucus in demanding that President Trump immediately withdraw all military forces from Los Angeles and cease all threats to deploy the National Guard or active-duty servicemembers to American cities.

    The letter comes after Trump’s unprecedented move to federalize and deploy the California National Guard without the consent of the California Governor and mobilize U.S. Marine Corps elements, deploying approximately 4,000 National Guard troops and 700 active-duty Marines to Los Angeles amid unrest created by the President’s indiscriminate and intentionally inflammatory immigration enforcement raids across the region. The first 200 Marines arrived at the Los Angeles Federal Building yesterday, marking the first time in over 30 years that the Marines have been deployed in the United States.

    Trump deployed these military personnel without the request or support of Governor Newsom, manufacturing a crisis and repeatedly escalating the conflict in order to create a spectacle. The federalizing of California’s National Guard marked the first time the Guard had been deployed without a Governor’s consent since 1965.

    “We write to express deep concern over your decision to deploy the National Guard and United States Marine Corps to Los Angeles without consultation or coordination with the Governor and local leaders,” wrote Padilla and the entire Democratic Senate Caucus. “This unilateral action represents an alarming abuse of executive authority, continues to inflame the situation on the ground, and undermines the constitutional balance of power between the federal government and the states. We urge you to immediately withdraw all military personnel that have been deployed to Los Angeles unless their presence is explicitly requested by the Governor and local leaders.”

    The Senators slammed the deployment of military personnel as an abuse of power that undermines state and local leadership, interferes with critical law enforcement operations, and wastes military resources and taxpayer dollars. They also expressed concern for the dangerous precedent Trump’s misguided deployment of military forces could set for mobilizing military personnel to other cities across the country.

    “For the federal government to deploy military forces into American cities without consulting the Governor and local leaders is a dangerous misuse of federal power that has actively disrupted local law enforcement efforts to maintain peace and order,” continued the Senators. “Deploying military personnel should always be a last resort – not a first step – and should only occur when local law enforcement makes a specific request for such federal resources. The decision to use military personnel to create a spectacle has escalated tensions on the ground and created confusion among local law enforcement. Significantly, it also pulls military assets away from other critical missions and is a waste of taxpayer dollars.”

    “We urge you to immediately withdraw all military personnel that have been deployed to Los Angeles in recent days and to cease any further threats of deploying National Guard or active-duty military personnel into American cities absent a request from the Governor,” concluded the Senators. “Respect for our Constitution and for our civilian law enforcement demands nothing less.”

    The Trump Administration has consistently utilized excessive force and aggressive tactics in its immigration enforcement operations in Los Angeles and across the country. This pattern of unnecessary violence was evident on Thursday when Senator Padilla was forcibly removed from Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem’s press conference, thrown to the ground and handcuffed after simply trying to ask a question.

    The legality of Trump’s federalizing of California’s National Guard without the Governor’s consent is currently being disputed in federal court. The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals recently issued a stay to pause a lower court’s ruling, which had returned command of the California National Guard to Governor Newsom.

    The district court ruled that the President did not follow the statutorily mandated procedure necessary to deploy the National Guard and ordered him to return control of the Guard to California. The Court ruled that Trump violated the 10th Amendment and 10 USC 12406, the provision that authorizes the President to federalize the Guard in the event of insurrection or rebellion. The court held that California was also likely to prevail on the merits of its suit — there was no rebellion or insurrection, and local, county, and state law enforcement were fully capable of enforcing the law.

    “At this early stage of the proceedings, the Court must determine whether the President followed the congressionally mandated procedure for his actions. He did not. His actions were illegal—both exceeding the scope of his statutory authority and violating the Tenth Amendment to the United States Constitution. He must therefore return control of the California National Guard to the Governor of the State of California forthwith,” wrote the court.

    “We’re talking about the president exercising his authority, and the president is, of course, limited to his authority,” the court continued. “That’s the difference between a constitutional government and King George. It’s not that a leader can simply say something, and it becomes it.”

    In addition to Senator Padilla, the letter to President Trump was signed by the entire Senate Democratic Caucus, including Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) and Senators Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), John Fetterman (D-Pa.), Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), Andy Kim (D-N.J.), Angus King (I-Maine), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Jon Ossoff (D-Ga.), Gary Peters (D-Mich.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Mark Warner (D-Va.), Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.).

    Full text of the letter is available here and below:

    Dear President Trump,

    We write to express deep concern over your decision to deploy the National Guard and United States Marine Corps to Los Angeles without consultation or coordination with the Governor and local leaders. This unilateral action represents an alarming abuse of executive authority, continues to inflame the situation on the ground, and undermines the constitutional balance of power between the federal government and the states. We urge you to immediately withdraw all military personnel that have been deployed to Los Angeles unless their presence is explicitly requested by the Governor and local leaders.

    For the federal government to deploy military forces into American cities without consulting the Governor and local leaders is a dangerous misuse of federal power that has actively disrupted local law enforcement efforts to maintain peace and order. Deploying military personnel should always be a last resort – not a first step – and should only occur when local law enforcement makes a specific request for such federal resources. The decision to use military personnel to create a spectacle has escalated tensions on the ground and created confusion among local law enforcement. Significantly, it also pulls military assets away from other critical missions and is a waste of taxpayer dollars.

    We are particularly concerned by the precedent that this ill-conceived deployment of military personnel to Los Angeles sets for other cities and states. Governors are the Commanders in Chief of their National Guards when operating within state borders. As Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem said last year when serving as Governor of South Dakota, “If Joe Biden federalizes the National Guard, that would be a direct attack on states’ rights.”

    We urge you to immediately withdraw all military personnel that have been deployed to Los Angeles in recent days and to cease any further threats of deploying National Guard or active-duty military personnel into American cities absent a request from the Governor. Respect for our Constitution and for our civilian law enforcement demands nothing less.

    Sincerely,

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Welch Statement on Escalation of Conflict in the Middle East 

    US Senate News:

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

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) today released the following statement in response to the escalation of armed conflict in the Middle East: 
    “Like many around the world, I am alarmed by the latest escalation of armed conflict in the Middle East. Israel’s attack on Iran, and the subsequent counterattacks against Israel by the Iranian regime, risk destroying the nuclear negotiations led by the Trump Administration which offer the best hope for a lasting solution to Iran’s nuclear program. This escalation could ignite a regional war, which would be catastrophic for the people of the Middle East, as well as the United States.   
    “We must continue to lead with diplomacy. We must avoid getting dragged into this conflict and work across nations to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon. President Trump said he wanted to end wars in the Middle East. I urge him to stand up for the safety of American troops and American interests and use his influence as president to stop this from escalating further.” 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Larsen Releases Statement on Today’s Peaceful Demonstrations Against the Trump Administration

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Rick Larsen (2nd Congressional District Washington)

    Today Representative Rick Larsen released the following statement to those demonstrating peacefully against the Trump administration:

    “Today, people all across Northwest Washington state are gathering to demonstrate peacefully against the excesses and corruption of the Trump administration.

    “Excesses like the President spending more than 20 days golfing just so far this year, costing taxpayers millions in security and travel expenses. Corruption like the President accepting a $400 million luxury jet as a gift from a foreign country.

    “And, most recently, the President has hijacked a parade to celebrate the Army’s 250th birthday and turned it into a self-indulgent boondoggle. The Army estimates that the parade will cost $45 million.

    “At the same time, Republicans in Congress are trying to pass huge funding cuts to programs that help families afford groceries. The Republican Rip-Off budget puts 14,000 people in Northwest Washington state at risk of losing food assistance.

    “The food assistance program costs $6 per day per person. I did the math so you don’t have too – for the cost of the parade, Trump and Republicans could help more than 20,000 people access affordable groceries every day for a year.

    “This Administration is also trying to cut 80,000 jobs at the Department of Veteran Affairs. If Republicans really cared about celebrating the Army, then they wouldn’t be attacking the system that millions of veterans rely on for health care and other essential services.

    “I’m not able to attend the demonstrations of patriotism in Northwest Washington state today, but I want to thank every person who is showing up to make their voice heard. By rallying, by speaking up, by advocating for your communities, you are holding this administration accountable.

    “I am standing with you, and I will continue alongside all of you to fight the excesses and corruption of this administration.”

    Watch Rep. Larsen’s full statement here.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI China: U.S. marines move into Los Angeles amid protests over immigration raids

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

    About 200 U.S. marines have been deployed to Los Angeles, the second largest city in the United States, to protect a federal building there, the military said on Friday, after a week of protests over the current administration’s immigration raids in the city.

    U.S. Army Major General Scott Sherman, commander of the Task Force 51, which includes more than 4,000 California Army National Guard soldiers and about 700 marines, said at a press briefing that those marines had completed civil disturbance training.

    But Sherman said the marines will not participate in law enforcement activities.

    Some of the marines were seen standing guard outside the Wilshire Federal Building in Los Angeles area. The 17-story federal building on Wilshire Boulevard is home to many of Los Angeles’ federal offices, including the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Los Angeles field office.

    U.S. President Donald Trump has made decisions to dispatch over 4,000 National Guard members and about 700 active-duty marines to the Los Angeles area despite the objection of California Governor Gavin Newsom and other local officials.

    About 2,800 service members, including 2,100 National Guard soldiers and 700 Marines, were deployed to the greater Los Angeles area, said U.S. Northern Command in a news release on Wednesday, adding that the Marines had completed required training and would be serving alongside National Guard soldiers within the next 48 hours.

    The Marines were reportedly undergoing civil disturbance training at Naval Weapons Station Seal Beach in Orange County, located south of Los Angeles.

    The Trump administration won a swift legal victory on Thursday night when a federal appeals court blocked a lower court’s order issued just hours earlier that would have returned 4,000 California National Guard troops to state control, allowing the military deployment in Los Angeles to continue.

    The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals issued an emergency stay just hours after U.S. District Judge Charles Breyer ruled Thursday evening that Trump had illegally federalized California’s National Guard and violated the Constitution.

    The appellate court’s new order not only allows the National Guard troops to continue operating under federal command but also indicates that the legal battle between Washington and the Golden State will continue.

    The dramatic legal reversal capped a day of courtroom confrontation between the Trump administration and California over the unprecedented federal takeover of state military forces.

    Hundreds of people have been arrested in Southern California since the protests over federal immigration enforcement started a week ago, with more protests planned in the coming weekend across the region and the country. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: As war breaks out with Israel, Iran has run out of good options

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Ali Mamouri, Research Fellow, Middle East Studies, Deakin University

    The scale of Israel’s strikes on multiple, sensitive Iranian military and nuclear sites on Friday was unprecedented. It was the biggest attack on Iran since the Iran–Iraq War in the 1980s.

    As expected, Iran responded swiftly, even as Israeli attacks on its territory continued. The unfolding conflict is reshaping regional dynamics, and Iran now finds itself with no easy path forward.

    Strikes come at a delicate time

    The timing of the Israeli strikes was highly significant. They came at a critical point in the high-stakes negotiations between Iran and the United States over Tehran’s nuclear program that began earlier this year.

    Last week, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) issued a report accusing Tehran of stockpiling highly enriched uranium at levels dangerously close to weaponisation.

    According to the report, Iran has accumulated around 400 kilograms of uranium enriched to 60% purity. If this uranium is further enriched to 90% purity, it would be enough to build nine to ten bombs.

    The day before Israel’s attack, the IAEA board of governors also declared Iran to be in breach of its non-proliferation obligations for the first time in two decades.

    The nuclear talks recently hit a stumbling block over a major issue – the US refusal to allow Iran to enrich any uranium at all for a civilian nuclear program.

    Iran has previously agreed to cap its enrichment at 3.67% under the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, a nuclear deal between Iran, the US and other global powers agreed to in 2015 (and abandoned by the first Trump administration in 2018). But it has refused to relinquish its right to enrichment altogether.

    US President Donald Trump reportedly urged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu not to attack Iran last week, believing he was close to a deal.

    But after the attack, Trump ramped up his threats on Iran again, urging it to agree to a deal “before there is nothing left”. He called the Israeli strikes “excellent” and suggested there was “more to come”.

    Given this context, it is understandable why Iran does not view the US as an impartial mediator. In response, Iran suspended its negotiations with the US, announcing it would skip the sixth round of talks scheduled for Sunday.

    Rather than compelling Iran to agree to a deal, the excessive pressure could risk pushing Iran towards a more extreme stance instead.

    While Iranian officials have denied any intention to develop a military nuclear program, they have warned that continued Israeli attacks and US pressure might force Tehran to reconsider as a deterrence mechanism.



    Read more:
    As its conflict with Israel escalates, could Iran now acquire a nuclear bomb?

    Why surrender could spell the regime’s end

    On several occasions, Trump has insisted he is not seeking “regime change” in Iran. He has repeatedly claimed he wants to see Iran be “successful” – the only requirement is for it to accept a US deal.

    However, in Iran’s view, the US proposal is not viewed as a peace offer, but as a blueprint for surrender. And the fear is this would ultimately pave the way for regime change under the guise of diplomacy.

    Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei responded to the latest US proposal by insisting that uranium enrichment remains a “red line” for Iran. Abandoning this right from the Iranian perspective would only embolden its adversaries to escalate their pressure on the regime and make further demands – such as dismantling Iran’s missile program.

    The fear in Tehran is this could push the country into a defenceless state without a way to deter future Israeli strikes.

    Furthermore, capitulating to the US terms could ignite domestic backlash on two fronts: from an already growing opposition movement, and from the regime’s base of loyal supporters, who would see any retreat as a betrayal.

    In this context, many in Iran’s leadership believe that giving in to Trump’s terms would not avert regime change – it would hasten it.

    What options remain for Iran now?

    Caught between escalating pressure and existential threats, Iran finds itself with few viable options other than to project strength. It has already begun to pursue this strategy by launching retaliatory missile strikes at Israeli cities.

    This response has been much stronger than the relatively contained tit-for-tat strikes Israel and Iran engaged in last year. Iran’s strikes have caused considerable damage to government and residential areas in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem.

    Iran sees no alternative but to push forward, having already been drawn into open confrontation. Any sign of weakness would severely undermine the regime’s legitimacy at home and embolden its adversaries abroad.

    Moreover, Tehran is betting on Trump’s aversion to foreign wars. Iranian leaders believe the US is neither prepared nor willing to enter another costly conflict in the region – one that could disrupt global trade and jeopardise Trump’s recent economic partnerships with Persian Gulf states.

    Therefore, Iran’s leadership likely believes that by standing firm now, the conflict will be limited, so long as the US stays on the sidelines. And then, Iran’s leaders would try to return to the negotiating table, in their view, from a position of strength.

    Ali Mamouri 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. As war breaks out with Israel, Iran has run out of good options – https://theconversation.com/as-war-breaks-out-with-israel-iran-has-run-out-of-good-options-258916

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • UN Security Council meets as Iran launches missiles at Israel

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The United Nations Security Council convened an emergency session on Friday as Iran fired a barrage of missiles at Israel in retaliation for attacks on its nuclear facilities, prompting the UN nuclear watchdog chief to warn of “grave consequences” from military strikes on atomic sites.

    IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi stated, “Any military action that jeopardises the safety and security of nuclear facilities risks grave consequences for the people of Iran, the region, and beyond.”

    He added that the IAEA’s General Conference had declared military attacks on nuclear facilities to be in violation of the UN Charter and international law.

    UN Under-Secretary-General Rosemary DiCarlo, addressing the emergency session requested by Iran, said, “We must at all costs avoid a growing conflagration which would have enormous global consequences.”

    She noted that Israel launched the attack on Iran at a time when “significant diplomatic developments” were underway, including scheduled talks between Washington and Tehran in Oman on Sunday. Iran has since withdrawn from those negotiations.

    “A peaceful resolution through negotiations remains the best means to ensure the peaceful nature of Iran’s nuclear programme,” she emphasised.

    A senior US State Department official, McCoy Pitt, told the Council that the United States remained open to diplomacy.

    “We seek a secure peace,” Pitt said. “As President Trump stated, the violence must come to an end, and Iran should make a deal so there is ‘no more death, no more destruction’. The United States will continue to seek a diplomatic resolution that ensures Iran will never acquire a nuclear weapon or pose a threat to stability in the Middle East.”

    “Iran’s leadership would be wise to negotiate at this time,” he added.

    During his first term, President Trump withdrew from an international agreement that aimed to limit Iran’s nuclear programme in exchange for easing sanctions. However, in recent months, he had been pursuing a new agreement with Tehran—efforts that now appear to have been derailed by Israel’s strike.

    Iran’s Permanent Representative, Amir Saeid Iravani, said the Israeli attack was intended “to kill diplomacy, sabotage negotiations, and drag the region into a wider conflict.”

    He also accused Washington of complicity in the attack.

    Pitt denied that the US was involved, though he acknowledged that Washington had been informed in advance.

    Israel’s Permanent Representative, Danny Danon, defended the operation as “an act of national preservation.” He presented a photo of a countdown clock in Tehran, allegedly tied to a plan to annihilate Israel.

    Israel’s mission, he said, was to “neutralise the Iranian regime’s ability to follow through on its repeated public promise to destroy the State of Israel.”

    Danon claimed the strikes were precise and specifically targeted nuclear facilities.

    IANS

  • MIL-OSI USA: Boyle Statement on Iran’s Threat to Israel and Global Stability

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Brendan Boyle (13th District of Pennsylvania)

    WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Brendan F. Boyle (PA-02) released the following statement regarding the Iranian regime’s continued aggression:

    “The Iranian regime has spent decades threatening Israel’s existence and fueling terror across the Middle East and the world. Its deepening military ties with Russia also underscore the growing global threat Iran poses.

    Tehran has never been serious about peace, only about buying time to advance its nuclear ambitions. That’s why I voted against the Iran nuclear deal in 2015.

    We must remain clear-eyed about the danger Iran presents and stand firmly with Israel and our allies around the world. It is deeply unfortunate, but not surprising, that President Trump refused to back Israel in this important moment.”

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cole Votes in Favor of Rescinding Wasteful Spending

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04)

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | CONTACT: Olivia Porcaro 202-225-6165

    Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) released the following statement after co-sponsoring and voting in favor of the Recissions Act of 2025, which rescinds $9.4 billion of wasteful spending identified by President Trump and the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE):

    “Responsible governance means prioritizing fiscal sanity and holding Washington accountable. Just as everyday Americans make tough choices and cut costs, so should the government,” said Congressman Cole. 

    “This rescissions package is part of that objective, as it will advance accountability and save hard-earned tax-payer dollars. It is another step in fulfilling the promise President Trump and House Republicans made to the American people – to change the trajectory of our fiscal glide path and restore discipline across federal agencies,” said Congressman Cole.

    “I commend Majority Leader Scalise’s work and willingness to hear various perspectives on this proposal. Taken as a whole, this effort reflects a shared understanding that the status quo cannot remain, and I am steadfast in my support of advancing that comprehensive mission. This is just the start, as we will continue to reevaluate federal spending and target investments where they are needed most,” said Congressman Cole.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cole Secures $1.45 Billion in Disaster Recovery for American Communities

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04)

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | CONTACT: Olivia Porcaro 202-225-6165

    Washington, D.C. – Through his legislation, The American Relief Act, Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) secured about $1.45 billion for the Economic Development Administration’s (EDA) Fiscal Year 2025 Disaster Supplemental Grant Program. This disaster recovery funding will be used by American communities that received major disaster declarations due to hurricanes, wildfires, severe storms and flooding, tornadoes, and other natural disasters occurring in 2023 or 2024. After the EDA money was announced, Congressman Cole released the following statement:

    “As a lifelong Oklahoman, I know just how much destruction natural disasters, like tornadoes, can cause. In fact, just last year, the towns of Sulphur and Marietta in Oklahoma’s Fourth District were devastated by tornadoes. Now, with this EDA grant funding, communities will be able to not only rebuild but also plan for long-term recovery and future resiliency,” said Congressman Cole.“I look forward to seeing this funding being put to good use and I thank President Trump and Secretary Lutnick for their commitment to helping Americans.”

    How to apply for assistance:

    If you are a state, local or tribal government, an economic development district, a higher education institution, an economic development organization, a public or private non-profit working with local government, or a public-private partnership for public infrastructure you are an eligible applicant for this disaster supplemental grant program.

    Additionally, projects must be located in, primarily serve, or demonstrably benefit one or more communities in areas that received a major disaster designation occurring in calendar years 2023 and 2024. You can check eligibility here.

    Readiness and implementation grant applications will be accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis until funds are exhausted or a Notice of Funding Opportunity is canceled.

    Industry Transformation grant applications are due Tuesday, March 3, 2026 at 5:00 pm Eastern Time.

    Applications must be submitted online through the EDA’s portal. You can find the portal here. The required materials are detailed in Section D.2 of the Notice of Funding Opportunity.

    Please stay tuned for future announcements as additional disaster assistance is released and available to Oklahomans.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Wagner Statement on Israeli Preemptive Strikes on Iran

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Ann Wagner (R-MO-02)

    Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Ann Wagner (R-MO) released the following statement in response to Israel’s preemptive strikes on Iran:

    “I wholeheartedly support Israel defending its people and nation. The United States must unequivocally stand with the Israeli people as they fight for their right to exist. Our alliance is resolute, and will never waver. 

    “It is the stated goal of Iran to wipe Israel off the face of the earth, and they continued to enrich uranium to construct and use nuclear weapons on the Jewish people and the Western world.  Iranian leaders who operated in defiance of the United States, the International Atomic Energy Agency, and the entire international community have now been permanently removed from power due to the success of this Israeli operation.  This should serve as a warning to the Ayatollah.  Agree to the Trump Administration’s terms, or suffer the most severe consequences. I look forward to working with my colleagues in Congress and the House Intelligence Committee to support Israel in their fight for lasting peace throughout the region.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Krishnamoorthi Defends Illinois, Confronts Trump Medicaid Cuts, and Sets the Record Straight on Immigration at House Oversight Hearing with Governors

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (8th District of Illinois)

    WASHINGTON — This morning, during a Committee on Oversight and Government Reform hearing, Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL) defended Illinois, exposed the devastating consequences of President Donald Trump’s proposed Medicaid cuts, and set the record straight on the state’s immigration policies.

    Congressman Krishnamoorthi used his time to call out the Trump administration for using the recent deployment of National Guard troops to Los Angeles as cover to avoid coverage of the House Republican budget plan, which the congressman refers to as the Large Lousy Law. In response to Congressman Krishnamoorthi’s questioning, Governor Pritzker confirmed that the proposed cuts would throw at least 700,000 Illinoisans off their health insurance and would lead to Illinoisans dying without access to health care. The proposed bill would also add trillions to the national debt, potentially triggering $500 billion in automatic cuts to Medicare, a program that every American senior depends on.

    “What Trump doesn’t want to discuss is that his Large Lousy Law cuts $625 billion in Medicaid, a program that insures millions of Americans,” Congressman Krishnamoorthi said. “Trump’s Large Lousy Law adds trillions to the national debt as well, which could force $500 billion in automatic cuts to Medicare. And of course, Medicare is a program every senior relies on.”

    Congressman Krishnamoorthi also pushed back on President Trump’s repeated attacks on Illinois, including the assertion from the president that Illinois is a “poorly run state.”

    “Illinois has a $1.1 trillion economy,” Congressman Krishnamoorthi said. “We produce the most soybeans in America, and we’re the number two producer of corn. We’re the number two manufacturing state in the country, and the number two destination for corporate expansions and relocations. We have the world’s first quantum and microelectronics park, and we’re ranked tops in the Midwest for workforce development and startups. Illinois is the heart and soul of America. I’m proud to be from Peoria, and I’ll always stand up for Illinois, loud and proud.”

    The Congressman’s full question line is available here, and his introduction of Governor Pritzker here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Norton Says Trump Parade Will Shut Down the Nation’s Capital and Waste Taxpayer Dollars to Feed the President’s Ego

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (District of Columbia)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) today released a statement regarding President Trump’s military parade in the District of Columbia, scheduled for tomorrow. Each year, Norton secures a federal payment to the District to cover emergency planning and security costs of large-scale events and demonstrations, including the presidential inauguration.

    “President Trump’s longstanding wish to waste millions of taxpayer dollars for a performative military parade in the style of authoritarian leaders is finally coming true on his birthday,” Norton said. “Granting his wish comes at D.C.’s expense, which will be forced to shoulder the cost of repairing the damage that dozens of military vehicles will do to local D.C. roads with an uncertain timeline for reimbursement from the federal government, if any. D.C. will also have to cope with their roads being shut down for up to four days, creating obstacles for D.C. residents seeking to go about their daily lives.

    “Although this parade will feed President Trump’s ego and perhaps his base, it will not serve any legitimate purpose. It’s all the more objectionable for its timing, coming after President Trump authorized the firing, buyout, or early retirement of roughly 260,000 federal workers in the name of cutting waste. 

    “The world knows that the American military is the most powerful in the world. Unlike less powerful nations, the United States has no need to show off by strutting our soldiers and equipment to prove our strength and leadership. Instead of wasting precious taxpayer resources, we should celebrate the military by using the estimated tens of millions of dollars devoted to the parade to rehire the federal workers who performed valuable services for American taxpayers, including service members and veterans.”

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Sánchez: Trump’s authoritarian tactics won’t intimidate California

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Linda Sanchez (38th District of CA)

    WASHINGTON – Congresswoman Linda T. Sánchez (D-Calif.) released the following statement in response to the Trump administration’s ongoing, aggressive ICE raids in her district and the violent removal of Senator Padilla from a DHS press conference:

    “What we’re witnessing is the weaponization of the federal government against immigrant communities and anyone who dares to speak out. These authoritarian tactics, including violently removing and handcuffing Senator Padilla at a press conference, are a clear attempt to intimidate California. But we won’t be silent.

    “Instead of targeting violent criminals, this administration is indiscriminately snatching people off the street in my district and throughout Los Angeles. Arresting them at work, at church and even at their immigration hearings – while trampling on their civil rights and without due process.

    “President Trump’s ongoing ICE raids and deploying federal troops is not making our communities safer. He is wasting $134 million while deploying more U.S. forces in an American city than are currently stationed in Iraq and Syria. Their presence is fanning the flames by sowing fear and chaos in our neighborhoods.

    “The past few days have been horrifying for all of us, and I commend our community for standing with our immigrant neighbors. But it’s critical that we continue to do so peacefully to prevent further escalation from this administration.”

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Velázquez Introduces Bill to Prohibit ICE Agents from Concealing Identity During Enforcement

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Nydia M Velázquez (D-NY)

    WASHINGTON – Congresswoman Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) introduced the No Masks for ICE Act to bar Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents from wearing facial coverings during enforcement actions and requiring them to wear clothing displaying their name and affiliation with ICE.  
     
    The bill comes in response to increasing reports of masked federal agents conducting immigration raids in neighborhoods, workplaces, and sensitive locations like schools and courthouses. Advocates say mirror the tactics of secret police and undermine public trust.
     
    “When ICE agents hide their faces and badges, it spreads fear and removes any accountability. It makes it harder to report abuse, harder to hold agents responsible, and more likely that arrests spiral into chaos,” said Velázquez. “That’s not how law enforcement should operate in a democracy. The No Masks for ICE Act is about bringing basic transparency and accountability to immigration enforcement.”
     
    The No Masks for ICE Act would bolster Department of Homeland Security rules by:

    • Prohibiting ICE agents from wearing facial coverings during enforcement actions, except in cases where masks are needed for health or safety;
    • Requiring agents to wear clothing that shows their name and ICE affiliation during arrests.

    “Masked raids are terrifying and make it impossible to hold agents accountable,” Velázquez added. “It’s also dangerous. We’ve seen cases where people thought they were witnessing a kidnapping, not an immigration arrest. That kind of confusion puts everyone at risk.”
     
    Since Trump returned to office, ICE has arrested more than 100,000 immigrants, asylum seekers, and undocumented people often through aggressive raids in neighborhoods, courthouses, schools, and worksites. Often these arrests are carried out by agents in plain clothes and facial coverings.
     
    Read a full copy of the bill here.

     
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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: House Foreign Affairs Committee Ranking Member Meeks, Frankel, Shaheen, Schatz Statement on Recissions Package Cuts to Foreign Assistance

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Gregory W Meeks (5th District of New York)

    Washington, D.C. – Today, Representatives Gregory W. Meeks (D-NY), Ranking Member of the U.S. House Foreign Affairs Committee, and Lois Frankel (D-FL), Ranking Member of the U.S. House Appropriations Subcommittee on National Security, Department of State and Related Programs, and U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and Brian Schatz (D-HI), Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on State, Foreign Operations and Related Programs, released the following statement concerning the rescissions package sent to Congress by the Trump administration, which would cut $8.3 billion in foreign assistance, including $900 million in cuts to global health programs, as well as cuts to democracy assistance, economic and development assistance, and economic and energy support for Ukraine and other states affected by Russia’s illegal invasion.

    “The cuts to U.S. foreign assistance in the White House’s rescissions package undercut key American national security interests and risk our country’s safety and prosperity. Our soft power toolkit helps prevent conflict and promote democracy and stability. The draconian DOGE cuts that President Trump and Elon Musk have put in place have been justified through misleading claims that ignore the harm to America and global death toll that have resulted from their actions. Their claims about fiscal responsibility are laughable in the context of President Trump’s push at all costs to pass a budget that adds $2.4 trillion in deficits while stripping millions of Americans of their health care.

    “When America retreats from the world, China and Russia advance. And when our adversaries take our place, America is weaker and more vulnerable. Our manufacturers and workers get boxed out of export markets by unfair economic competition from China. And vulnerable populations around the world, suffer from severely restricting access to HIV treatment and prevention services to forcing food ration cuts in refugee camps.

    “That is the legacy of DOGE’s impact on America’s foreign policy infrastructure and soft power. Our country in retreat in the face of great power adversaries. Our global influence diminished. And the poorest of the poor globally being left to die because of slipshod cuts by tech dilettantes.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Quigley Statement on Republican Rescission of Foreign Aid and Public Broadcasting Funding

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Mike Quigley (IL-05)

    U.S. Representative Mike Quigley (IL-05), a member of the House Appropriations’ National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Subcommittee, released the following statement after House Republicans voted to advance President Trump’s rescissions package, which would claw back $9.4 billion in funding:

    “Republicans’ support of Trump’s recissions package is a reckless abdication of our nation’s global leadership and a direct assault on the free press. At a time when authoritarian regimes around the world are stoking conflict and instability, this bill destroys one of our most powerful diplomatic tools: humanitarian aid. Trump, Elon Musk, and House Republicans have gutted lifesaving foreign assistance, including global programs that fight the spread of HIV, provide life-saving care to mothers and babies, and improve food security. Insecurity abroad will make us less safe at home.

    “This legislation also devastates public broadcasting, including PBS, NPR, and Chicago’s WTTW, and makes drastic cuts to emergency alerts. Let me be clear: this package was not about rooting out ‘waste, fraud, and abuse.’ It is about fulfilling the Trump administration’s goal of concentrating unilateral power to control taxpayer dollars and putting billionaire interests ahead of the public’s.

    “Trump has called himself ‘the King,’ but he is not. The American people know that. I know that, and I will continue to push back against his efforts to override the will of the people and our global leadership.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: THOMPSON, VELÁZQUEZ SEEK TO BLOCK IMMIGRATION FEDS FROM IDENTIFYING AS LOCAL POLICE

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Mike Thompson Representing the 5th District of CALIFORNIA

    Washington, D.C. – As the Trump Administration continues unconstitutional deportations, Rep. Mike Thompson (D-CA) and Rep. Nydia Velázquez (D-NY) have introduced the Police not ICE Act of 2025 to prohibit immigration officers from wearing any clothing bearing the word “police.” The bill would apply to entities like Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Patrol (CBP). 

    “Our local law enforcement have asked me to make this change because it is eroding the trust they have built with our immigrant communities and it’s hurting their ability to keep our community safe,” said Thompson. “Suggesting ICE officers are members of local law enforcement undermines the relationships immigrant communities have established with police departments. Crimes may go unreported because victims fear they or their loved ones could be reported to immigration officials. Witnesses may not come forward for fear of being reported. This weakens public safety and undercuts local law enforcement. I’m glad to work with Rep. Velázquez to introduce legislation to end this practice.”

    “Due to Trump’s unconstitutional decisions, immigrant communities live in fear of one day being deported and never seeing their family members again,” said Velázquez. “While we resist the threat of raids and mass deportations, it’s equally important to curb actions that fuel distrust between law enforcement and immigrant communities, like ICE agents posing as local police officers.”

    The Police not ICE Act of 2025 is co-sponsored by Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY), Rep. Greg Casar (D-TX), Rep. Eleanor Holmes-Norton (D-DC), Rep. Luz Rivas (D-CA), and Rep. Sylvia Garcia (D-TX).

    Find the full bill text here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: THOMPSON RELEASES STATEMENT ON ESCALATION IN L.A., DETAINMENT OF SENATOR PADILLA

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Mike Thompson Representing the 5th District of CALIFORNIA

    Washington, D.C- Today, Rep. Mike Thompson (CA-04) released the following statement on the escalation in L.A. and detainment of Senator Padilla:

    “This is crazy. This administration has not communicated with members of congress, they have not communicated with the State of California, and they have not communicated with local law enforcement. Senator Padilla was carrying out his duties as a representative of our state when he demanded answers on these indiscriminate ICE raids and militarization of the streets of L.A. To detain him was anti-democratic. The President and his administration have taken a peaceful protest and escalated it into an extremely dangerous situation. It’s clear the President is inciting this chaos to scare immigrants, silence dissent from Americans and to distract from his disastrous bill slashing health care and food assistance for millions and delivering tax breaks to the wealthiest people on earth. President Trump: End this now.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: McClintock, Lee Introduce the Open America’s Waters Act to Repeal Jones Act, Boost Coastal Trade

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Tom McClintock Representing the 4th District of California

    WASHINGTON – Rep. Tom McClintock (R-CA) introduced the Open America’s Waters Act today to deregulate America’s coastal trade and alleviate the energy crisis by repealing the outdated Jones Act.  U.S. Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) introduced a companion bill in the U.S. Senate.

    “The Jones Act is outdated in a global economy.  It enriches a very small special interest at the expense of every consumer in America,” said Rep. McClintock. “Repealing this restrictive and counterproductive law is vital for the new golden age that President Trump has envisioned.” 

    “Outdated regulations from the Jones Act have deepened the energy crisis and heightened prices for Americans on goods from our own country,” said Senator Mike Lee. “American producers have been forced into dangerous workarounds like importing their energy resources from Russia. The Open America’s Waters Act will cut this 105-year-old red tape to alleviate the energy crisis, bring prices down for Americans, and protect our national security from adversarial nations.”

    Background:

    The Open America’s Waters Act would repeal the Jones Act, an outdated and particularly demanding regulation on America’s coastal trade. The Jones Act requires all goods transported by water between U.S. ports to be carried on a vessel that was constructed and registered in the U.S., and is both owned and primarily crewed by U.S. citizens. 

    While these requirements were originally touted in 1920 as necessary for America’s national security, they have actually endangered it by severely limiting access to critical energy sources and incentivizing American companies to contract with adversarial nations in their efforts to comply with its stipulations. Additionally, the elevated costs associated with compliance result in higher prices for Americans on goods produced in their own country.

    Attempts to comply with the Jones Act have forced American producers to choose expensive and even politically risky transportation options. For example, cattle ranchers in Hawaii have opted for expensive planes rather than boats to transport cattle to the mainland. Puerto Rico imports jet fuel from Venezuela – benefitting the human rights-violating Maduro regime – rather than nearby Gulf Coast refineries. And because there are no compliant specialty carriers capable of transporting LNG or propane gas, Massachusetts and Puerto Rico have had to import LNG from adversarial Russia.

    The Open America’s Waters Act would repeal the outdated Jones Act regulations to cut red tape for American producers, improve national security by disincentivizing contracts with adversarial nations, and bring down prices for American consumers.

    The Open America’s Waters Act would:

    •    Repeal the 105-year-old Jones Act regulations requiring all goods transported by water between U.S. ports to be carried on a vessel: (1) Constructed in the U.S., (2) Registered in the U.S., (3) Owned by U.S. Citizens, and (4) Primarily crewed by U.S. citizens.

    The House legislation is H.R. 3940.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Neguse and Bennet: “We must oppose any provisions that would stake a for sale sign on our nation’s public lands.”

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

    Washington, D.C. — Congressman Joe Neguse and Senator Michael Bennet issued the following statement after the U.S. Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources issued newly released budget reconciliation text. The bill now seeks to sell off between 2 and 3 million acres of land under the jurisdiction of the Bureau of Land Management and the Forest Service—greenlighting the sale of public lands in Colorado, Alaska, Arizona, California, Idaho, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming.

    “Colorado, like so many Western states, is proud to be home to millions of acres of treasured public lands—places people from across the country and around the world flock to for outdoor recreation and to experience the natural beauty of the outdoors. Auctioning off these lands to pay for President Trump’s radical agenda, including the prioritization of tax cuts for billionaires and big corporations, is an affront to our core values. We must continue to stand in firm opposition to any provisions that would put a for sale sign on our nation’s treasured public lands.” 

    Neguse and Bennet have long partnered on efforts to protect Colorado’s public lands, including through their championing of the CORE Act–a bill that would codify protections for 420,000 acres of the state’s public land, establish new wilderness areas, and safeguard existing outdoor recreation opportunities to boost the economy for future generations.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Crow Recognizes Army Birthday, Opposes President Trump’s Vanity Parade

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jason Crow (CO-06)

    WASHINGTON — Congressman Jason Crow (D-CO-06) led his congressional colleagues in sending a letter to the Trump administration to recognize the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army and raise serious questions about how much the President’s upcoming military parade will cost and impact readiness. The letter was signed by Crow, Rep. Seth Moulton (D-MA-06), and 18 other members.

    “We fully support commemorating the Army’s founding. However, the size, scope, and execution of the upcoming 250th Birthday Parade in Washington, D.C., raise serious concerns, at a time when the Army faces severe budget constraints, and the Trump administration is supposedly focused on reducing unnecessary government spending,” the letter reads.

    “Our nation owes a debt of gratitude to our troops who put on the uniform. The Army’s 250th birthday is an important milestone worthy of recognition, but President Trump is doing it wrong. We should not be pulling thousands of troops away from their training and their families so the President can boost his ego. Spending tens of millions of taxpayer dollars on Donald Trump’s vanity parade, at the same time this administration is firing veterans and cutting the VA, is wrong,” said Congressman Crow. 

    Estimates say this parade will cost upwards of $45 million, and could require millions to repair the streets. Over 6,600 soldiers will be brought in from around the country to participate in this weekend’s event. Additionally, hundreds of ground equipment and aircraft will be moved from strategic positions around the country to D.C. for this event, potentially impacting military readiness. The president has long desired a personal military parade, and will come at the taxpayer expense while this administration claims it is prioritizing rooting out waste, fraud, and abuse.

    A PDF of the letter can be found here, with full text appearing below: 

    June 11, 2025

    Dear Secretary Driscoll, 

    We are excited to celebrate the upcoming 250th anniversary of the United States Army. Since its founding on June 14, 1775, the Army has served as a bedrock of American strength—defending liberty and responding to crises around the world. As Members of Congress, we join the nation in honoring this extraordinary legacy and the soldiers who uphold it. 

    We fully support commemorating the Army’s founding. However, the size, scope, and execution of the upcoming 250th Birthday Parade in Washington, D.C., raise serious concerns, at a time when the Army faces severe budget constraints, and the Trump administration is supposedly focused on reducing unnecessary government spending. Given President Trump’s longstanding personal desire for a military parade, we have important questions about the pressure that may have been put on the Army to plan a far more militaristic parade with greater cost and operational impact than the Army would have independently chosen. 

    We also have important questions regarding the cost, funding, operational justification, and the treatment of participating troops. Cutting costs at the margin by not serving soldiers hot meals, while sending dozens of unnecessary armored vehicles, does not prioritize the troops and is irresponsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars. A celebration of this magnitude must reflect our principles: respect for service, fiscal responsibility, and a clear-eyed view of readiness. 

    To that end, we request your response to the following: 

    Funding Sources  

    • What is the total estimated cost of the parade?  
    • What is the estimated cost for each unit participating? Please provide sources of funding for personnel transportation, lodging, meals, equipment transport, and other associated costs for each participating unit. 

    Troop Accommodation  

    • Why are soldiers being housed on cots in federal office buildings instead of standard military or contracted lodging? How much money does this save compared to housing them in hotels?
    • Why are soldiers being provided MREs for breakfast and lunch, with only one hot dinner meal each day?  
    • How much money is the Army saving by only having one hot meal per day as opposed to three? 

    Readiness Impact  

    • Are any of the participating units currently preparing for, or recently returned from, an operational deployment?  
    • What measures are being taken to ensure that participation in this event does not disrupt training schedules, pre-deployment certification, or force availability? 

    Use of Heavy Equipment  

    • Who requested or ordered the inclusion of tanks and other heavy armored vehicles in the parade? When was this request made, and what were the details of the request?  
    • What operational or ceremonial purpose does the participation of 24 of the same vehicle serve, as opposed to including just two or four of each vehicle type?  
    • How much of the total cost of the parade is due to the requirements associated with including these armored vehicles? 

    Infrastructure and Mitigation  

    • What steps are being taken to predict and prevent potential damage to roads and other infrastructure in Washington, D.C.?  
    • Has the Army assessed the cost of any potential damage, and who will bear those costs?  
    • Will the Army conduct the repairs? If yes, how quickly do you expect to be able to do so? 

    White House Involvement  

    • Has the White House played any role in the planning or direction of this event? If so, please provide a detailed description of the extent and nature of that involvement. 

    This anniversary should unite the country around the shared sacrifice and service of our military—not distract from the Army’s core mission or become a partisan spectacle. We ask that your office provide answers to the above questions and share any relevant planning materials, budget justifications, and interagency communications by June 26th, 2025. 

    Thank you for your leadership, and for your continued commitment to the men and women of the United States Army. 

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Pappas, Morrison Introduce Legislation to Exempt Small Businesses from Trump’s Tariffs

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

    Today Congressman Chris Pappas, a small business owner, and Congresswoman Kelly Morrison, a member of the House Small Business Committee, introduced the Small Business Liberation Act in the House. This legislation, which was introduced in the Senate last month, would exempt the more than 34 million U.S. small businesses from President Trump’s catastrophically high tariffs enacted on April 2, 2025, which are effectively a national sales tax. Highlighting the urgent need for this legislation, Pappas and Morrison held a press conference with small businesses from across the country, including Mark Carpenter, founder of New Hampshire small business GenTent.

    Small businesses across the country have been raising the alarm that the Trump administration’s chaotic, costly, and unpredictable tariff war will put them out of business in a matter of weeks or months if nothing is done. New Hampshire exports accounted for 7% of the state’s gross domestic product in 2023, the highest percentage of exports of any New England state, meaning that New Hampshire businesses are more vulnerable to retaliatory tariffs. 

    Earlier this week Congressman Pappas met with GenTent owner Mark Carpenter at his small business of just 12 employees to hear about the impact of tariffs on his business. It’s estimated that because of tariffs the cost of a new part his business is producing will go up by 30%, costing the company another $100,000 just in tariffs.

    “This administration’s reckless tariffs are effectively a national sales tax on businesses and families. I’ve heard directly from New Hampshire businesses about how deeply these tariffs will hurt their bottom lines. That’s why I’m pushing legislation that would rein in the President’s indiscriminate, wide-sweeping tariffs announced earlier this year,” said Congressman Chris Pappas. “The Small Business Liberation Act would exempt all small businesses from the tariffs announced by the Trump administration on Liberation Day. While the President and Republicans in Congress are turning their back on working families, I remain committed to continuing to fight to lower costs, support small businesses, and strengthen our economy.”

    “Small businesses across the country have made clear: Trump’s tariffs are posing an existential threat to their business,” said Congresswoman Kelly Morrison. “Today, we’re introducing legislation to give them the immediate relief they need to survive. Article 1 of the Constitution gives Congress the authority to levy tariffs – and it’s time Congress reclaims its power and does its job. This bill has now been introduced in the House and the Senate – and we need the Republican majority to stand up for America’s 34 million small businesses and bring this to a vote immediately. Our small business owners don’t have the luxury of time – we need to act now.”

    This legislation is endorsed by Small Business Majority and Main Street Alliance.

    “Small Business Majority’s research found that 53% of small businesses are concerned about tariffs negatively impacting their business and 77% are concerned about having a negative impact on the U.S. economy as a whole. Small Business Majority’s research found that 53% of small businesses are concerned about tariffs negatively impacting their business and 77% are concerned about having a negative impact on the U.S. economy as a whole,” said John Arensmeyer, Founder and CEO of Small Business Majority. “These concerns aren’t theoretical – millions of small firms are struggling right now with increased costs, finding new sources of supplies and navigating the uncertainty of tariffs that are on one day and put on hold the next. Small businesses have nowhere else to turn for help but Congress, and they need lawmakers to step in and stop this paralyzing and destructive cycle before irreparable harm is done to our nation’s job creators.”

    “Main Street Alliance members from across the US have been contacting our team about the real impact of tariffs on their businesses. 81.5% of respondents to our recent survey indicated that they will raise prices on consumers to offset the costs from tariffs. 31.5% of respondents indicated that they would lay off employees as a result of the tariffs. The continued unpredictability, self-dealing, and conflicting rationale for the trade war will hollow out Main Street and large Corporations will pick up the scraps. That’s why MSA strongly supports the Small Business Liberation Act. Let’s get it done,” said Richard Trent, Main Street Alliance Executive Director.

    Watch the press conference here. 

    Read the full text of the bill here.

    Background:  

    Pappas has loudly and strongly opposed President Trump’s sweeping tariffs on New Hampshire’s #1 trading partner, Canada, and U.S. allies. In April, Pappas joined colleagues to highlight the negative impact President Trump’s widespread tariffs will have on New Hampshire’s small business community and how they will raise costs for Granite Staters, calling on the administration to reverse course. Pappas has signed two discharge petitions to force a vote on legislation to overturn the Administration’s harmful tariffs on Mexico and Canada, the U.S.’s two biggest trading partners. He is also a cosponsor of the Prevent Tariffs Abuse Act, which amends the International Emergency Economic Powers Act to explicitly state that the authority granted to the President under the Act does not include the authority to impose duties, tariffs, or quotas on imports to the US.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Pappas Statement on Israel Striking Iran

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

    Today Congressman Chris Pappas (NH-01) released the following statement on Israel striking Iran nuclear sites:

    “Iran is a terrorist state that has long fueled death and destruction aimed squarely at the United States, Israel, and our allies. A nuclear-armed Iran is a severe threat to America’s national security, global stability, and the existence of Israel. Israel is justified in seeking to degrade Iran’s nuclear program, as an international nuclear watchdog agency just verified Iran is in violation of non-proliferation agreements. The Trump administration must take steps to protect our citizens and troops in the region and ensure we stand with Israel.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Veasey On Gov. Abbott’s Decision to Preemptively Deploy the National Guard Ahead of Protest

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

    Headline: Congressman Veasey On Gov. Abbott’s Decision to Preemptively Deploy the National Guard Ahead of Protest

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — In response to Gov. Abbott’s decision to preemptively deploy the National Guard to planned “No King” protests in Texas this weekend, Congressman Veasey has released the following statement:

    “From the Boston Tea Party to the March on Washington, the history of America is of protest. It was built and shaped by those who dared to challenge injustice — it’s how we’ve always pushed this nation closer to its promise. It’s clear that Gov. Abbotts decision to deploy the National Guard—on top of local law enforcement—is not about public safety. It is an act of provocation designed to incite confrontation and sow fear. It’s an act to show servility to Trump.

    I support every American’s right to peacefully assemble and exercise their First Amendment freedoms enshrined in the Constitution. But let me be clear: violence is never the answer. Trump and Abbott are not protecting the public—they are manufacturing chaos and hoping to divide us. Don’t give them what they want.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Veasey Releases Statement on Current Israel-Iran Conflict

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

    Headline: Congressman Veasey Releases Statement on Current Israel-Iran Conflict

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman Veasey released the following statement regarding the current Israel-Iran conflict: 

    “Donald Trump’s short-sighted withdrawal from the Iran nuclear agreement placed Israel in a position where it felt a preemptive strike in self-defense was necessary. Iran’s failure to abide by nuclear nonproliferation agreements led the International Atomic Energy Agency to issue a censure of the regime. Iran’s continued development of its nuclear program poses a threat not only to Israel, but to the entire Middle East, the United States, and the Iranian people themselves. Israel’s right to self-defense in the face of the Iranian regime’s nuclear threat is paramount to the future safety of the region and of Americans as a whole.

    Trump endangered our ally, Israel, in 2018 and gave Iran an opportunity to further destabilize the region. We must ensure the safety of our service members and Americans who may be caught in the crosshairs of this conflict.”

    MIL OSI USA News –