NewzIntel.com

Category: Trumpism

  • MIL-OSI China: California officials seek court order to immediately block Trump’s military deployment in LA

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

    Police officers try to disperse protesters in front of the Los Angeles Federal Detention Center in Los Angeles, California, the United States, June 8, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    Top legal officials in the U.S. state of California moved to halt President Donald Trump’s deployment of military forces in their communities, filing an emergency court motion on Tuesday that challenged the federal government’s authority to use troops for local law enforcement.

    California Attorney General Rob Bonta and Governor Gavin Newsom requested in the 28-page document that the federal court take immediate action to block Trump, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, and the U.S. Department of Defense from using military personnel and federalized California National Guard units to patrol communities and conduct law enforcement activities.

    The officials argued the military deployment violated federal law, threatened state sovereignty, and escalated rather than reduces civil tensions.

    “The President is looking for any pretense to place military forces on American streets to intimidate and quiet those who disagree with him,” Bonta said in a statement released by the California Attorney General’s office. “It’s not just immoral – It’s illegal and dangerous.”

    The emergency motion follows a lawsuit filed Monday by the same officials challenging Trump’s order to federalize the California National Guard for 60 days under federal statute 10 U.S.C. § 12406.

    Early Sunday morning, the U.S. Department of Defense redirected hundreds of National Guard troops from San Diego to Los Angeles without gubernatorial authorization and against the wishes of local law enforcement, according to the Attorney General’s office.

    As of Tuesday, the federal government has order to deploy 4,000 National Guard troops across California, plus an additional 700 Marines, to the second-largest city of the country.

    “The federal government is now turning the military against American citizens,” Newsom said, according to the Attorney General’s statement. “Sending trained warfighters onto the streets is unprecedented and threatens the very core of our democracy.”

    The Californian officials contended that local law enforcement, not military forces, should handle civilian policing within state borders. They claimed the deployment deprives California of its own National Guard resources and creates “imminent harm” to state operations.

    “Local law enforcement, not the military, enforce the law within our borders,” Bonta said. “The President continues to inflame tensions and antagonize communities.”

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Uncertainty high among US small businesses in May

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

    Uncertainty remained high among U.S. small businesses in May, according to data released Tuesday from the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB).

    “Although optimism recovered slightly in May, uncertainty is still high among small business owners,” said NFIB chief economist Bill Dunkelberg. “While the economy will continue to stumble along until the major sources of uncertainty are resolved, owners reported more positive expectations on business conditions and sales growth.”

    According to the small business optimism index, a net 1 percent of small business owners viewed current inventory stocks as “too low” in May, up 7 points from the month prior and the highest reading since August 2022.

    This was the largest monthly increase in the survey’s history.

    The net percent of owners expecting better business conditions rose 10 points from April to a net 25 percent.

    The net percent of owners expecting higher real sales volumes rose 11 points from April to a net 10 percent. This component contributed the most to the small business optimism index’s improvement.

    This occured amid President Donald Trump’s sweeping tariffs. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: June 10th, 2025 Heinrich Presses USDA Secretary on Threats to Public Health and Safety Following DOGE Actions

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Mexico Martin Heinrich
    WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Ranking Member on the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, sent a letter to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Brooke Rollins on the harmful impacts of the “Department of Government Efficiency’s” (DOGE) actions on the United States Forest Service (USFS). The letter stresses the USFS’ operational failures that are occurring due to new layers of red tape required by DOGE, such as accumulating garbage at recreational sites and a lack of firefighting equipment in preparation of wildfires.
    “I write to express deep concern regarding the devastating impact of the Department of Government Efficiency’s (DOGE) actions at the United States Forest Service (USFS). New layers of red tape installed by DOGE have created dysfunction, confusion, and uncertainty at the agency,” Heinrich began. “Elon Musk and DOGE promised to make government more efficient and to root out waste. Instead, their actions have made the agency less efficient, and as a result, critical supplies are missing and garbage is piling up across the National Forest System.” 
    USFS manages more than 30,000 recreation sites around the country. Recreation on the National Forest System draws in 160 million visitors annually, which contributes over $13 billion to the economy and supports more than 160,000 jobs. As a result of President Trump’s Executive Order 14222, DOGE is now required to approve new or extended contracts at the Forest Service, even for routine activities or critical supplies.
    Heinrich continued, “Contracts for janitorial services that previously received approval in mere days are now reportedly taking a month or longer to complete. The delay has led to garbage piling up at recreation sites and toilets going uncleaned or unemptied. The threat to public health and safety from contracting delays is not limited to custodial services. The additional levels of review mandated by DOGE have also reportedly slowed down or halted wildfire preparedness efforts, including the acquisition of firefighting equipment and helicopters.”
    “Despite your assurances, it is clear that massive staff reductions, coupled with operational delays at USFS, have left the agency ill-prepared to meet the many challenges brought on by the summer months,” Heinrich pressed, citing Rollins’ recent comments at an event with Secretary Burgum, where she expressed that her agency is taking the fire season very seriously, and that federal wildland firefighters are ready to respond. 
    Heinrich concluded the letter by requesting detailed answers from Rollins on the Forest Service’s current contracting and procurement procedures, including approval timelines, personnel involved, and the status or justification for contract modifications, terminations, or denials related to firefighting and support services.
    Read the full letter here and below:
    Dear Secretary Rollins:
    I write to express deep concern regarding the devastating impact of the Department of Government Efficiency’s (DOGE) actions at the United States Forest Service (USFS). New layers of red tape installed by DOGE have created dysfunction, confusion, and uncertainty at the agency. Elon Musk and DOGE promised to make government more efficient and to root out waste. Instead, their actions have made the agency less efficient, and as a result, critical supplies are missing and garbage is piling up across the National Forest System.
    As you know, USFS manages more than 30,000 recreation sites around the country where Americans hike, bike, picnic, camp, fish, and engage in other recreational activities. Nearly 160 million people visit the National Forest System annually. A visit to our public lands not only improves visitors’ physical and mental health, but also provides access to cultural and heritage opportunities that build community and a sense of national pride. The economic benefits associated with the National Forest System are equally as pronounced. Outdoor recreation on the Nation Forest System alone contributes over $13 billion to the economy and supports more than 160,000 jobs. Despite the clear benefits of a fully-functioning USFS, DOGE has undermined the agency at every turn and prevented USFS from carrying out its core responsibilities.
    According to a recent report, USFS has suffered significant operational failings since DOGE personnel arrived at the agency. New processes instituted by DOGE have led to lengthy approval times for contracts, significantly diminishing the agency’s ability to meet basic functions and needs. Contracts for janitorial services that previously received approval in mere days are now reportedly taking a month or longer to complete. The delay has led to garbage piling up at recreation sites and toilets going uncleaned or unemptied.
    The threat to public health and safety from contracting delays is not limited to custodial services. The additional levels of review mandated by DOGE have also reportedly slowed down or halted wildfire preparedness efforts, including the acquisition of firefighting equipment and helicopters. Firefighting operations are extremely equipment intensive and must often set up in remote locations. Operational flexibility and contracting speed are therefore critical to successful firefighting efforts and public safety.
    You appeared with Secretary Burgum at an event last month and said, “[w]e are taking this fire season very seriously, and our federal wildland firefighters are prepared to respond.” Despite your assurances, it is clear that massive staff reductions, coupled with operational delays at USFS, have left the agency ill-prepared to meet the many challenges brought on by the summer months.
    In light of these concerns, I request responses to the following questions by June 24, 2025:
    1. According to recent reporting, the process for getting new procurements or contracts approved has changed several times. Please describe in detail the process for getting new procurements approved at the agency. In responding to this question, please include the following:
    a. The amount of time typically needed to receive approval.
    b. How many personnel are required to approve procurements or contracts related to routine equipment replacement or maintenance.
    c. Whether the approval chain includes the General Services Administration or other personnel outside the Forest Service.
    2. Please describe in detail the process for getting modifications to existing contracts approved.
    a. The amount of time typically needed to receive approval.
    b. How many personnel are required to approve procurements or contracts related to routine equipment replacement or maintenance.
    c. Whether the approval chain includes the General Services Administration or other personnel outside the Forest Service.
    3. In February 2025, President Trump signed Executive Order (EO) 14222 establishing requirements for new and existing contracts.9 Please provide the following information:           
    a. The EO states, “[e]ach Agency Head, in consultation with the agency’s DOGE Team Lead, shall conduct a comprehensive review of each agency’s contracting policies, procedures, and personnel.  Each Agency Head shall complete this process within 30 days of the date of this order and shall not issue or approve new contracting officer warrants during the review period, unless the Agency Head determines such approval is necessary.” Have you completed this process? Did you determine any contract approvals were necessary during the review period?                b. The EO states, “[f]ollowing the review specified in subsection (c) of this section, and prior to entering into new contracts, each Agency Head shall, in consultation with the agency’s DOGE Team Lead, issue guidance on signing new contracts or modifying existing contracts to promote Government efficiency and the policies of my Administration. The Agency Head may approve new contracts prior to the issuance of such guidance on a case-by-case basis.” Did you approve any new contracts or modifications prior to the issuance of guidance? 
    4. Please provide a list of all Department contracts for goods and services DOGE has identified for termination or renegotiation. In responding to this question, please provide the following information:
    a. A description of each contract DOGE has identified for termination or renegotiation and the current status.
    b. DOGE’s justification for terminating or renegotiating the contract.
    5. Since January 20, 2025, has the Department terminated or recompeted any contract for goods and services? If so, please provide the following information for each contract terminated or recompeted:
    a. A description of the contract terminated or recompeted.
    b. The reason the Department terminated or recompeted the contract.
    6. Since January 20, 2025, has the Department entered into any new contracts for goods and services? If so, please provide detailed information.
    7. Since January 20, 2025, has the agency received any complaints from staff about lengthy times to get janitorial services contracts approved or awarded? If so, please explain.
    8. DOGE reportedly denied funding to continue using smoke detection devices called “sniffers.” The agency also reportedly got rid of support for a platform used by firefighters to acquire equipment and track critical supplies.10 Are these reports accurate? If so, please explain your rationale.
    9. Is DOGE approval required each time contracted fire aviation assets are mobilized for water or fireretardant drops?
    10. Is DOGE approval required for each contract for locally-owned equipment that the Forest Service can mobilize through individual contracts with farmers and ranchers, such as bulldozers and backhoes?
    11. Is DOGE approval required for fire camp contractors, such as caterers, medical personnel, or providers of portable toilets and showers?
    Thank you for your attention to this important matter. Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact my staff at (202) 224-4971.
    Sincerely,

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Video: General Mark A. Milley Sworn-In as 20th Chairman of the Joint Chief of Staff

    Source: US Defense The Joint Staff (video statements)

    General Mark A. Milley, US Army, is sworn in as the twentieth Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff by the outgoing chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Joseph F. Dunford Jr., during a ceremony presided over by President Donald J. Trump at Summerall Field, Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall, Virginia, on September 30, 2019.

    Research credit: Joint History and Research Office (http://www.jcs.mil/about/joint-staff-history)

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

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Why does the US still have a Level 1 travel advisory warning despite the chaos?

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Samuel Cornell, PhD Candidate in Public Health & Community Medicine, School of Population Health, UNSW Sydney

    No travel can be considered completely safe. There are inherent risks from transportation, criminal activity, communicable diseases, injury and natural disasters.

    Still, global travel is booming — for those who can afford it.

    To reduce the chances of things going wrong, governments issue official travel advisories: public warnings meant to help people make informed travel decisions.

    Sometimes these advisories seem puzzling – why, for example, does the US still have the “safest” rating despite the ongoing volatility in Los Angeles?

    How do governments assess where is safe for Australians to travel?

    A brief history of travel advisories

    The United States pioneered travel advisories in 1978, with other countries such as Canada, the United Kingdom and Ireland following.

    Australia started providing travel advisories in 1996 and now runs its system under the Smart Traveller platform.

    To determine the risk level, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) draws on diplomatic reporting, assessments from Australian missions overseas about local security conditions, threat assessments from the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) and advice from Five Eyes intelligence sharing partners (Australia, the US, United Kingdom, New Zealand and Canada).

    The goal is to create “smart, responsible informed travellers”, not to restrict tourism or damage foreign relationships.

    DFAT has stressed its system is not influenced by “commercial or political considerations”.

    Soft power and safety

    In theory, these advisories are meant to inform travellers, keep them safe and reduce the burden on consular services.

    However, they can also subtly reflect politics and alliances.

    While travel advisories are presented as neutral, fact-based risk assessments, they may not always be free from political bias.

    Research shows governments sometimes soften their warnings for countries they are close with and overstate risks in others.

    A detailed analysis of US State Department travel warnings from 2009 to 2016 found only a weak correlation between the number of American deaths in a country and the warnings issued.

    In some cases, destinations with no record of US fatalities received frequent warnings, while places with high death tolls had none.

    In early 2024, Australia issued a string of warnings about rising safety concerns in the US and extremely strict entry conditions even with an appropriate visa.

    Yet, the US kept its Level 1 rating – “exercise normal safety precautions” – the same advice given for places such as Japan or Denmark.

    Meanwhile, Australia’s warning for France was Level 2 — “exercise a high degree of caution” — due to the potential threat of terrorism.

    Experts have also criticised Australia’s travel warnings for being harsher toward developing countries.

    The UK, a country with lower crime rates than the US, also sits at Level 2 — putting it in the same risk level as Saudi Arabia, Nicaragua and South Africa.



    Read more:
    In Trump’s America, the shooting of a journalist is not a one-off. Press freedom itself is under attack

    Inconsistencies and grey areas

    The problem is, the advisory levels themselves are vague: a Level 2 warning can apply to countries with very different risk profiles.

    It’s used for places dealing with terrorism threats like France, or vastly different law and respect for human rights such as Saudi Arabia, or countries recovering from political unrest such as Sri Lanka.

    Until early June 2025, Sweden was also rated Level 2 due to localised gang violence, despite relatively low risks for tourists. Its rating has since been revised down to Level 1.

    Travel advisories often apply a blanket rating to an entire country, even when risks vary widely within its borders.

    For instance, Australia’s Level 1 rating for the US doesn’t distinguish between different regional threats.

    In June 2025, 15 people were injured in Boulder, Colorado after a man attacked a peaceful protest with Molotov cocktails.

    Earlier in 2025, a major measles outbreak in West Texas resulted in more than 700 cases reported in a single county.

    Despite this, Australia continues to classify the entire country as a low-risk destination.

    This can make it harder for travellers to make informed, location-specific decisions.

    Recent travel trends

    Recent data indicate a significant downturn in international travel to the US: in March 2025, overseas visits to the US fell by 11.6% compared to the previous year, with notable declines from Germany (28%), Spain (25%) and the UK (18%).

    Australian visitors to the US decreased by 7.8% compared to the same month in 2024, marking the steepest monthly drop since the COVID pandemic.

    This trend suggests travellers are reassessing risk on their own even when official advisories don’t reflect those concerns.

    The US case shows how politics can affect travel warnings: the country regularly experiences mass casualty incidents, violent protests and recently has been detaining and deporting people from many countries at the border including Australians, Germans and French nationals.

    Yet it remains at Level 1.

    What’s really going on has more to do with political alliances than safety: increasing the US travel risk level could create diplomatic friction.

    What travellers can do now

    If you’re a solo female traveller, identify as LGBTQIA+, are an academic, come from a visible minority or have spoken out online against the country you’re visiting, your experience might be very different from what the advice suggests.

    So, here are some tips to stay safe while travelling:

    • Check multiple sources: don’t rely solely on travel advisories – compare travel advice from other countries

    • Get on-the-ground updates: check local news for coverage of events. If possible, talk to people who’ve recently visited for their experiences

    • For broader safety trends, tools like the Global Peace Index offer data on crime, political stability and healthcare quality. If you’re concerned about how locals or police treat certain groups, consult Human Rights Watch, Amnesty International, or country-specific reports from Freedom House

    • Consider identity-specific resources: there are travel guides and safety indexes for LGBTQIA+ travellers like Equaldex, women travellers (Solo Female Travelers Network) and others. These may highlight risks general advisories miss.

    Travel advisories often reflect whom your country trusts, not where you’re actually safe. If you’re relying on them, make sure you understand what they leave out.

    Samuel Cornell receives funding from an Australian Government Research Training Program
    Scholarship.

    Milad Haghani 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. Why does the US still have a Level 1 travel advisory warning despite the chaos? – https://theconversation.com/why-does-the-us-still-have-a-level-1-travel-advisory-warning-despite-the-chaos-258182

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI USA: TONIGHT: Governor Newsom to deliver major address

    Source: US State of California Governor

    Jun 10, 2025

    LOS ANGELES — Governor Gavin Newsom will address Californians tonight in response to President Trump’s assault on democracy and the President’s illegal militarization of Los Angeles.

    WHEN: Tuesday, June 10 at approximately 6:30 p.m. PT, 9:30 p.m. ET

    STREAM: Governor’s Twitter page, Governor’s Facebook page, and the Governor’s YouTube page. This event will also be available to TV stations on the LiveU Matrix under “California Governor.”

    NOTE: This address will be streamed only.

    Media advisories, Recent news

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Video: Kaine Delivers Opening Remarks at SASC Navy Posture Hearing

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Virginia Tim Kaine

    BROADCAST-QUALITY VIDEO OF KAINE’S EXCHANGE IS AVAILABLE HERE.

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), delivered opening remarks at the SASC hearing on U.S. Navy posture. During his remarks, he discussed his concerns about President Trump and Secretary Hegseth activating thousands of National Guard members and 700 Marines in California—over the objections of California Governor Gavin Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass—in response to immigration protests.

    “I have a lot of experience in dealing with the [National] Guard as a former mayor and governor,” said Kaine. “The genius of the Guard is that it is a partnership between the President and the Governors and Guardsmen and women… The President’s decision to deploy thousands of Guardsmen and women to quell protests in Los Angeles—without a request by the California Governor and in fact, over the objection of the California Governor—is nearly unprecedented.”

    Kaine continued, “We are in very, very dangerous territory. I think my colleagues and I are right to be concerned about this. The American public is concerned about this.”

    “To deploy active duty Marines to quell civilian protests is, in my view, very, very dangerous,” said Kaine. “It’s dangerous beyond the escalatory effects that both the Governor and Mayor of Los Angeles are warning us about. If we screw up the balance of how we use the Guard or how we use the military in the instance of civilian protests that local law enforcement can handle, we will regret that for a very, very long time.”

    “Many Americans are worried now that if they express dissenting voices to policies and the Administration, they’re concerned that the military may be deployed against them,” Kaine continued. “We’re coming up on the commemoration of 250 years of American democracy. It’s on the shoulders of this generation to decide whether the commemoration will be a celebration or a requiem or a wake or a coronation. We need to make it a celebration, and for that, we need brave and patriotic citizens who are willing to, without fear, exercise rights that were guaranteed to them from the very first days of this country.”

    Then, Kaine rebutted comments from his colleague erroneously comparing Trump’s decision to activate the National Guard in California to President Dwight Eisenhower’s activation of the Arkansas National Guard to ensure the integration of Central High School in Little Rock.

    “The issue is not is there lawless behavior that can be controlled by local law enforcement. You either believe in a federal system or you don’t where a Governor requests the National Guard or doesn’t, and you either believe in a civilian military division or you don’t,” Kaine said.

    “Senator Cotton brings up the example of Little Rock. President Eisenhower, Republican President, did federalize the Guard in that instance. Why? Because it was the Governor that was violating federal law. There is no suggestion that Governor Newsom is violating federal law. In fact, he said, arrest me if I’m violating the law—and yesterday, the chief border agent for the United States said there is no cause to arrest you. You are not violating federal law,” said Kaine.

    Kaine continued, “The right balance in this instance is to let a local official—mayor, governor—seek assistance if they need it. If the President decides if more assets are needed, we wouldn’t even be having this discussion if he sent in federal law enforcement—FBI, DEA. We’re having this discussion because the President in an unprecedented way, without a request and over the objection of the local elected leadership decided to send in the United States military.”

    Kaine also raised concerns about the Trump Administration’s failure to submit a full budget request; delays with naval shipbuilding programs, including Virginia-class and Columbia-class submarines and amphibious assault ships; and the lack of the nomination from the Administration for a new Chief of Naval Operations (CNO). He also expressed his commitment to continuing to work with the Department of the Navy and other services on the implementation of provisions from the Brandon Act, which he helped get signed into law to make it easier for servicemembers to access mental health care.

    “The Navy does remain the finest maritime force in the world, but it’s struggled to grow and maintain the fleet… Many vessels—aircraft carriers, multiple destroyers and frigates, and some of the air platforms—are behind schedule,” Kaine said. “In particular, the Virginia-class fast attack subs and Columbia-class ballistic missile submarines, which are so critical and prioritized very highly by all of you, are delayed and face budgetary challenges… We need to do more. I continue to believe that the most significant challenge we have is a workforce challenge.”

    “The Brandon Act was passed by this body a number of years back—named after a young sailor, Brandon Caserta, who died by suicide in Norfolk,” said Kaine. “There were a lot of challenges and problems with, frankly, lack of access to mental health services, and it was a pivotal step toward improving access to mental health services, not just for the Navy, but everybody in the service. The implementations across the Armed Services—we’ve seen fits and starts, but some critical gaps in effectiveness, fragmented implementation, undefined procedures for mental health requests, lack of policies tailored toward the National Guard and Reserves… I would really love your help working to continue to implement this.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: USDA Approves Sanders’ Waiver to Ban Soft Drinks, Unhealthy Drinks, and Candy from Food Stamps Program

    Source: US State of Arkansas

    USDA Approves Sanders’ Waiver to Ban Soft Drinks, Unhealthy Drinks, and Candy from Food Stamps Program

    Arkansas’ plan is a first-of-its-kind model that bans both soft drinks AND candy

    LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins today signed Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders’ waiver to ban soft drinks and candy from Arkansas’ Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), also referred to as food stamps. Governor Sanders submitted her waiver in April. The State will use the GS1 US food categorization system to implement these policy changes.
     
    “This approval sends a clear message: President Trump and his administration are tackling America’s chronic disease epidemic and Arkansas stands with him in that fight,” said Governor Sanders. “I am incredibly grateful for Secretary Rollins’ quick approval of our waiver. Arkansas leads the nation in getting unhealthy, ultra-processed foods off food stamps and helping our most vulnerable citizens lead healthier lives.”
     
    “The Trump Administration is unified in improving the health of our nation. America’s governors have proudly answered the call to innovate by improving nutrition programs, ensuring better choices while respecting the generosity of the American taxpayer,” said Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins. “Each waiver submitted by the states and signed is yet another step closer to fulfilling President Trump’s promise to Make America Healthy Again.”
     
    “The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is about providing nutritious meals to families in need, and for too long we’ve not focused purposefully on that mission and have allowed SNAP dollars to be used for unhealthy items like candy and soda. That approach changes with this waiver, and Arkansas families will benefit by having healthier options on their tables. We are grateful for the support of the U.S. Department of Agriculture in approving our plan and for Gov. Sanders’ leadership in this critical area, and we are excited to now work toward implementing this innovative and beneficial change to the SNAP program,” said Arkansas Secretary of Human Services Kristi Putnam.
      
    Food stamps are a $119 billion federal program designed to supplement the lowest-income Americans’ nutritional needs. However, about 23% of food stamp spending – $27 billion annually – now goes toward soft drinks, unhealthy snacks, candy, and desserts. One-third of Arkansans have diabetes or pre-diabetes. 
     
    Studies have consistently shown the link between the overconsumption of sugary, highly processed foods like soft drinks and candy and chronic diseases like obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and hypertension. One study from Stanford found that just banning sugary drinks from food stamps could prevent obesity in 141,000 kids and Type 2 diabetes in 240,000 adults.
     
    Earlier this year, Governor Sanders signed SB59 into law, providing every student in Arkansas with free school breakfast. The legislation also repurposes Medical Marijuana tax revenue to ensure both Summer EBT and Arkansas’ free lunch and breakfast programs are fully funded into the future.
     
    Governor Sanders previously announced Arkansas will continue its Summer EBT program this year after serving 260,000 last summer. The Governor previously signed legislation to provide free school lunches for students who previously qualified for reduced-price meals.
     
    Governor Sanders submitted her waiver in April, 2025. She previously announced her intent to pursue this waiver in December, 2024.
     
    A copy of the waiver is here and a copy of the Governor’s letter accompanying the waiver is here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Brownley, Carbajal Condemn Cruel and Reckless ICE Activities in Ventura County

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Julia Brownley (D-CA)

    Washington, DC – Today, Congresswoman Julia Brownley (CA-26) and Congressman Salud Carbajal (CA-24) released the following statement regarding reports of recent U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations throughout Ventura County, California. These operations follow a wave of escalated enforcement in neighboring Los Angeles County and are spreading fear, chaos, and distress across the region.

    “We have received disturbing reports of ICE enforcement actions in Ventura County, including in Oxnard, Port Hueneme, and Camarillo, where agents have reportedly stopped vehicles, loitered near schools, and attempted to enter agricultural properties and facilities in the Oxnard Plain. These actions are completely unjustified, deeply harmful, and raise serious questions about the agency’s tactics and its respect for due process.

    “Let us be clear: these raids are not about public safety. They are about stoking fear. These are not criminals being targeted. They are hardworking people and families who are an essential part of Ventura County. Our local economy, like much of California’s and the country’s as a whole, depends on undocumented labor. These men and women are the backbone of our farms, our fields, our construction and service industries, and our communities.

    “We are outraged by the cruelty and recklessness of this campaign. It is unconscionable. The Trump administration is deliberately inflicting harm on immigrant families and doing so without transparency, accountability, or even basic communication with Congress. Neither we nor our colleagues have received any notification or briefing from ICE about these activities. Our inquiries to the administration have gone unanswered. This total lack of transparency is unacceptable.

    “The Trump administration continues to use immigration enforcement as a political weapon, targeting vulnerable families to score political points. This is not how you keep people safe. In fact, this kind of chaos only makes our communities more insecure. And as these actions continue to traumatize families and tear communities apart, they are also tearing at the fabric of our humanity and who we are as a country.

    “ICE should be focused on individuals who pose real threats to public safety, not terrorizing entire communities with broad, unjust sweeps. These actions are a misuse of limited resources and a betrayal of the values that define us as Americans.

    “We will continue working closely with state and local officials to protect our community and ensure that all Ventura County families, regardless of immigration status, feel safe. We can and we must enforce our immigration laws while upholding the rule of law and respecting due process. The Trump administration must be held accountable for these deeply damaging and politically motivated actions. We remain committed to protecting the rights, safety, and well-being of every resident of Ventura County.”

    ###

    Issues: 119th Congress, Immigration, Local Issues

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Trump’s move to transform US pharma manufacturing raises doubts over its effectiveness, says GlobalData

    Source: GlobalData

    Trump’s move to transform US pharma manufacturing raises doubts over its effectiveness, says GlobalData

    Posted in Pharma

    In a bold move to reshape the landscape of pharmaceutical manufacturing in the US, President Donald Trump has signed an executive order on May 5 aimed at streamlining regulatory hurdles for domestic producers while tightening the reins on foreign manufacturers. This directive, which instructs the FDA to expedite the approval process for US pharmaceutical facilities, has ignited a wave of skepticism within the industry regarding its potential effectiveness, says GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.

    Kathryn Kinch, Senior Pharma Product Manager at GlobalData, comments: “The executive order mandates the FDA to increase fees and inspections for foreign manufacturing plants, but critics are raising eyebrows over the lack of clarity surrounding its implementation. Questions linger about whether the new regulations will apply universally or be limited to specific facilities, production lines, or products. As federal agencies scramble to develop actionable guidelines, the pharmaceutical sector watches closely.”

    GlobalData’s Bio/Pharmaceutical Outsourcing Report notes as the industry grapples with these changes, major players are making significant investments in US manufacturing capabilities. Johnson & Johnson is set to invest a staggering $55 billion over the next four years, including a $2 billion biologics production site in North Carolina that promises to create 500 jobs. Similarly, Genentech has announced a $700 million investment in a new East Coast facility, expected to generate over 400 permanent positions.

    Katarina Zahedi, Pharma Analyst at GlobalData, adds: “These investments reflect a growing trend among pharmaceutical companies to bolster domestic operations in response to geopolitical pressures and potential tariffs on imported pharmaceuticals.”

    The Bio/Pharmaceutical Outsourcing Report is a monthly analysis of news and trends affecting pharmaceutical contract manufacturing organizations. The report lists the latest contract manufacturing agreements, opportunities and threats for CDMOs, M&A and financing of CDMOs, and emerging regulatory news.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI USA: REP LIEU DENOUNCES ‘PROVOCATIVE AND INFLAMMATORY’ ACTIONS BY PRESIDENT TRUMP IN LOS ANGELES

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Ted Lieu (33 District of California)

    WASHINGTON – Today, House Democratic Caucus Vice Chair Ted W. Lieu (D-Los Angeles County) joined House Democratic Caucus Chair Pete Aguilar and DCCC Chair Suzan DelBene for a press conference. During the press conference, Congressman Lieu denounced looters and violence exacerbated by President Trump federalizing the National Guard and deploying Marines to Los Angeles.

    Read the transcript of Congressman Lieu’s opening remarks:

    “Peacefully protesting is an American right. It’s part of the rich tradition of our country. Burning cars, looting, and destroying property are crimes, and anyone who takes advantage of this situation and engages in those crimes should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

    “State and local law enforcement have repeatedly said they have the resources necessary to handle the situation. It is completely un-American and needlessly provocative for Donald Trump to deploy the National Guard and Marines to Southern California. So, I want to talk about the National Guard first. Their legal authority Trump is using is 10 U.S.C. Section 12406. I encourage all of you to read it. It very specifically says the only way he can do this is through the orders of the Governors of the states. Governor Newsom clearly has not given this order; the National Guard troops are following unlawful orders. I ask every National Guard person who is under this order to read the order, to see if it came from Governor Newsom and then to read the law and then decide for themselves if they are following unlawful orders.

    “It also turns out that when Secretary Hegseth ordered this deployment, and in carrying out those orders, he put all these troops into Southern California without federal funding for food, water, fuel, equipment. They were sleeping on the floor. They were sleeping on each other. It is a complete mess. Secretary Hegseth’s repeated incompetence is next level. He needs to resign.

    “And in terms of the Marines deployment, we should not be deploying Marines against Americans. Marines are trained to kill the enemy. What are they going to do at this protest? They’re going to shoot protesters? What exactly is their role? They are not trained to do crowd control. They are not trained to handle these kinds of situations. They are not trained for law enforcement. So I asked the President to rescind his orders. He’s being needlessly provocative and inflammatory.”

    WATCH THE FULL REMARKS HERE

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Gomez, Sen. Schiff, Rep. Barragán Lead Bicameral Effort Demanding President Trump Withdraw National Guard and Marines from LA

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jimmy Gomez (CA-34)

    WASHINGTON, DC – Representatives Jimmy Gomez (CA-34), Senator Adam Schiff (D-CA), Representative Nanette Barragán (CA-44), and 39 other California Delegation Representatives are demanding President Doanld Trump immediately withdraw the National Guard and U.S. Marines from Los Angeles, California. In a bicameral letter sent today, the lawmakers condemn the deployments as an unlawful overreach that bypassed state and local authority and urge the immediate withdrawal of the National Guard and Marines.

    “We are writing to express grave concern regarding the deployment of the National Guard and the activation of 700 Marines to Los Angeles. These actions were taken without the consent of California Governor Gavin Newsom and over the objections of local law enforcement. It constitutes a clear violation of constitutional principles and law, and a grave overreach of executive authority,” wrote the lawmakers.

    “This deployment does not appear to be motivated by any public safety emergency that could not be dealt with successfully by local authorities. Instead, it coincides with a broader federal enforcement escalation involving mass ICE raids, militarized immigration tactics, and the use of tear gas and riot control methods in civilian areas. These actions undermine civil liberties, destabilize communities, erode public trust in government institutions, and violate the law,” continued the lawmakers.

    On June 7 and June 9, Rep. Jimmy Gomez was illegally denied access to the Roybal Federal Building, where ICE is reportedly detaining migrant families—including moms and kids—under inhumane conditions. Rep. Gomez called for a formal DHS investigation and submitted a written inquiry demanding answers and accountability from Secretary Kristi Noem. As protests erupted in Los Angeles in response to the raids and detentions, the Trump administration escalated the situation by authorizing the deployment of 2,000 National Guard troops and 700 Marines—without the consent of California Governor Gavin Newsom and over the objections of local elected and community leaders. They argue the legal authority Trump cited doesn’t apply—making the deployment plainly unlawful.

    “As federal officials we must prioritize de-escalation and adherence to the constitutional principles that govern the balance of power between federal and state and local governments. For these reasons, we urge you to immediately withdraw the National Guard and U.S. Marines from Los Angeles and to refrain from further deployments of any military personnel in circumstances that violate constitutional boundaries and escalate domestic tensions,” concluded the lawmakers.

    In addition to Representative Gomez, Senator Schiff, and Representative Barragán, the bicameral letter was signed by Representatives Nancy Pelosi (CA-11), Zoe Lofgren (CA-18), Pete Aguilar (CA-33), Ami Bera (CA-6), Julia Brownley (CA-26), Salud Carbajal (CA-24), Judy Chu (CA-28), Gilbert Cisneros Jr. (CA-31), Lou Correa (CA-46), Jim Costa (CA-21), Mark DeSaulnier (CA-10), Laura Friedman (CA-30), John Garamendi (CA-8), Robert Garcia (CA-42), Jared Huffman (CA-2), Sara Jacobs (CA-51), Sydney Kamlager-Dove (CA-37), Ro Khanna (CA-17), Sam Liccardo (CA-16), Ted Lieu (CA-36), Doris Matsui (CA-7), Dave Min (CA-47), Kevin Mullin (CA-15), Jimmy Panetta (CA-19), Scott Peters (CA-50), Luz Rivas (CA-29), Raul Ruiz (CA-25), Linda Sánchez (CA-38), Brad Sherman (CA-32), Lateefah Simon (CA-12), Eric Swalwell (CA-14), Mark Takano (CA-39), Mike Thompson (CA-4), Norma Torres (CA-35), Derek Tran (CA-45), Juan Vargas (CA-52), Maxine Waters (CA-43), and George Whitesides (CA-27).

    You can read the full letter HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Wyden Urges Trump to Stop Plan to Eliminate Funds that Target Fentanyl Trafficking

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Ron Wyden (D-Ore)

    June 10, 2025

    Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senator Ron Wyden, D-Ore., today urged Donald Trump to stop his administration’s plans to eliminate funds used by law enforcement to crack down on fentanyl trafficking and dismantle major criminal organizations in Oregon and across America. 

    For more than three decades, the Department of Justice’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) has been a vital law enforcement entity to counter organized crime and major drug trafficking by coordinating among dozens of agencies. Despite the critical role the OCDETF plays in providing investigatory and prosecutorial support, coordination, and information sharing  to local, state, and federal law enforcement to stop transnational criminal organizations, including those using the Interstate 5 corridor in Oregon and the West Coast to smuggle fentanyl into U.S. communities, Trump has proposed zeroing out funding for OCDETF in his fiscal year 2026 budget request. 

    In a letter to Trump, Wyden said, “Defunding law enforcement in this manner will make it easier for major drug trafficking organizations to continue to transit fentanyl, methamphetamine, counterfeit prescription medication, and other illicit drugs into Oregon communities.”

    Earlier this month, a drug trafficking leader in Lane County, Ore., was sentenced to federal prison for possessing 384 pounds of methamphetamine in a case the OCDETF successfully investigated. This follows the 2020 success of a OCDETF investigation that led to the dismantling of a major transnational drug trafficking and money laundering organization active in the Portland metropolitan area, as well as significant arrests and drug seizures as transnational criminal organizations use the Interstate 5 corridor as a primary route to traffic drugs like fentanyl into communities.

    “OCDETF-led interagency coordination is critical to unite federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies to effectively disrupt the operations of major transnational criminal organizations like the Sinaloa and Jalisco New Generation Cartels that have expanded operations across the country in recent years. Given this record of success, it is astonishing that you have proposed zeroing out funding for this crucial law enforcement entity,” Wyden said in the letter. “

    “OCDETF provides critical support to our public safety mission by bringing together agencies and resources to help protect our communities from cartel-driven drug dealing organizations,” said Stephen Gunnels, Deschutes County District Attorney. “It is extremely important that we keep the pressure on these deadly criminal enterprises.”

    “OCDETF is a critical funding mechanism for large multi-agency, multi-state cases and allows for collaboration with local law enforcement that would otherwise not be possible,” said Bend Mayor Melanie Kebler. “Losing this funding would severely hamper many drug teams, including ours at the Bend Police Department, and prevent us from doing large scale investigations necessary to protect the public.” 

    The text of the letter is here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Tuberville Calls for Clearer Crypto Regulations Following Discussion with the Honorable Brian Quintenz

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Alabama Tommy Tuberville

    WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) spoke with President Trump’s nominee to be Chairman of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), Brian Quintenz. They discussed how both the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the CFTC share enforcement responsibilities but lack clear jurisdictional boundaries, which has created confusion for innovators and entrepreneurs. While the SEC determines which products fall under its purview, the CFTC has mainly focused on fraud cases involving crypto. Senator Tuberville and Mr. Quintenz agreed that Congress must provide clearer regulatory guidance to foster compliant innovation and protect investors in the digital asset space.

    Read Sen. Tuberville’s remarks below or watch on YouTube or Rumble.

    TUBERVILLE: “Mr. Quintez, thank you for being here today.”

    QUINTENZ: “Thank you, Senator.”

    TUBERVILLE: “It’s good to see you and your family. Thank you for your willingness to serve. You know, for the last four years, the Biden administration led an attack on cryptocurrencies and digital assets. It was obvious to all of us—I think you know that better than anybody. One of the ways they did this was by attacking leaders in the digital asset industry, like yourself. I’m glad to see that today we live in a new world with the most pro-crypto President and administration that we have seen. I’m eager to see you lead the CFTC as we enter the Golden Age of American innovation and prosperity, and I look forward to supporting your nomination.

    When you came by my office prior to this hearing, we discussed how you were debanked because of your leadership and stance on digital assets. For years, my Democrat colleagues said that this was not happening. Obviously, it was. You were even sent a letter informing you that you were being debanked. 

    Mr. Chairman, I would like to ask for unanimous consent that the letter dated July 7, 2023, from UBS to Mr. Quintenz be entered into the record. Thank you. Mr. Quintenz, would you like to discuss this letter and the broader Biden administration attack on crypto?”

    QUINTENZ: “Thank you very much, Senator. I was very disappointed to receive that. First of all, I’d like to say that the relationship manager and financial advisor mentioned in that letter is a trusted family friend, and I don’t hold this against him at all. I think the only reason why this would happen is because of pressure from the regulators to debank a disfavored industry. You know, these were accounts that were set up for my children to receive $100 worth of stock from their grandparents for Christmas, so I don’t want to also overemphasize the pain that this caused me. But I think it is endemic of what happened during the last administration that I do not think represented American values. And I know from personal experience that there were investments that our firm was trying to make into small teams. And our firm couldn’t even send them a check because they couldn’t open a bank account because they were in the crypto industry. I believe legal businesses deserve access to legal services, and I’m glad that is starting to change.”

    TUBERVILLE: “Thank you. That was a pretty tough time, and I understand what you were going through. We’re all curious about the growth of prediction markets. Can you talk about the benefits of the markets and how various businesses and industries can use them for risk management when they otherwise may not have access to appropriate hedging tools?”

    QUINTENZ: “Thank you, Senator. When I was at the Commission, I read the law, and the law was clear: the Commodity Exchange Act recognizes that an event posing financial, commercial, or economic consequences is a commodity. I think the reason The Commodity Futures Modernization Act of 2000—which was passed into law by President Clinton—did that was because it recognized that events posed risks to individuals, small businesses, and large firms in the same way that exposure to physical commodity prices does. These risks have been hedged in various capacities for a long time, but traditionally it’s been through large Wall Street firms using very complicated products where there isn’t much transparency about how they operate or a clear market trading mechanism to create clarity around that. With the way this innovation is evolving, there are going to be many new methods for individuals to hedge risks they otherwise couldn’t. The innovation can be targeted to a specific event, so they don’t have to rely on some other generic form of hedging that may not correlate to that risk.”

    TUBERVILLE: “Thank you. Can you discuss the regulatory and enforcement clarity between the SEC and the CFTC as it relates to crypto, and what further congressional actions need to be taken?”

    QUINTENZ: “Thank you, Senator. From my experience at the CFTC and afterward, the agencies either share jurisdiction over the crypto spot markets or enforce markets through enforcement actions. However, it has really been the SEC’s decision to determine which products or securities they carve out and take into their own jurisdiction. Unfortunately, I believe there has been a lack of clarity offered to the marketplace, innovators, and entrepreneurs about how they could build something that complies with the law or how to build something within the SEC’s jurisdiction that follows the rules. Both agencies have experience in crypto enforcement, but for the CFTC, it has mostly confined itself to fraud cases—standard Ponzi schemes, which aren’t necessarily about people using cryptocurrency but rather about using cryptocurrency as a tool for investments and then stealing people’s money. So, to the extent that new clarity can be added to enable innovators and entrepreneurs to build compliantly, I think that is a critical issue for Congress to consider.”

    TUBERVILLE: “Thank you.”

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

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Durbin Meets With Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Dick Durbin

    June 10, 2025

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today hosted members of the Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce in his Washington office to discuss economic development and infrastructure investment in Central Illinois.  During the meeting, Durbin and the local leaders spoke about the Springfield Rail Improvements Project, which Durbin has helped secure more than $247 million in federal funding to complete.  Durbin also responded to the organization’s concerns that the Trump Administration will continue to delay or slash federal grants that have helped support the state’s education programs, airport renovations, and infrastructure upgrades for waterlines, emergency services, and the electric grid.

    “Rightfully, local leaders with the Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce are concerned about the future of federal funding for local projects and priorities in Central Illinois,” said Durbin.  “While the Trump Administration is a force of chaos and uncertainty, I will continue to be a voice for Illinoisans and securing the resources our state needs to thrive.”

    Photos of the meeting are available here.

      

    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: House Passes Legislation to Protect SBA Workers in Sanctuary Cities, Remove Offices Out of Sanctuary City Jurisdictions

    Source: US House of Representatives Republicans

    The following text contains opinion that is not, or not necessarily, that of MIL-OSI –

    WASHINGTON—The U.S. House of Representatives passed Rep. Brad Finstad’s (R-Minn.) legislation to relocate U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) offices out of sanctuary city jurisdictions.

    His legislation, H.R. 2931 – Save SBA from Sanctuary Cities Act, ensures that SBA employees are not put at risk by violent illegal aliens. It would relocate SBA offices into jurisdictions which do not limit their cooperation with federal agencies charged with immigration enforcement.

    House Republican Conference Chairwoman Lisa McClain (R-Mich.) and Rep. Finstad issued the following statements:

    “Sanctuary cities should not be rewarded for violence and unlawful behavior,” Chairwoman McClain said. “It’s telling that 195 Democrats opposed a bill to protect SBA employees. Democrats have stooped so low that they now even prioritize illegal aliens over the federal bureaucrats they have vowed to defend.”

    “By circumventing federal law and encouraging illegal immigrants to come into our communities, failed sanctuary city policies have created a growing public safety crisis,” Rep. Finstad said. “Today, my legislation, the Save SBA from Sanctuary Cities Act, passed on the House Floor. This important legislation codifies two of President Trump’s pro-business executive orders that protect SBA employees and safeguard our entrepreneurs by relocating SBA offices out of sanctuary cities. In doing so, it ensures that communities which uphold the rule of law will have access to the resources they need to better serve small business owners. I am proud that my House colleagues passed this legislation, and I look forward to supporting it through the legislative process.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: House Passes Legislation to Block Taxpayer-Funded SBA Assistance from Going to Illegal Aliens

    Source: US House of Representatives Republicans

    The following text contains opinion that is not, or not necessarily, that of MIL-OSI –

    WASHINGTON—House Republican Conference Chairwoman Lisa McClain (R-Mich.) and Rep. Beth Van Duyne (R-Texas) issued statements after the U.S. House of Representatives passed legislation to require proof of citizenship for U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) assistance applications.

    Specifically, the bill – H.R. 2966 – ensures SBA support goes to legal, eligible applicants.

    “The American people are tired of illegal aliens taking advantage of taxpayer-funded programs. House Republicans just voted to stop this insanity while 190 Democrats voted to continue these wasteful practices. We will keep putting Americans first and keep putting Democrats on the record defending the misuse of taxpayer dollars,” Chairwoman McClain said. “Thank you to Rep. Van Duyne for leading this common-sense legislation.”

    “By passing my American Entrepreneurs First Act, House Republicans have, once again, come together to support common sense reforms protecting America’s hard earned tax dollars from being lost to waste, fraud, abuse, and theft by hostile foreign actors,” Rep. Van Duyne said. “The American Entrepreneurs First Act ensures Small Business Administration funds are directed to American businesses and not accessible by individuals or businesses with foreign or undocumented ownership and verifies the age of all recipients. I urge our Senate colleagues to quickly pass this important measure which is supported by President Trump and SBA Administrator Loeffler as a vital verification step to confirm American tax dollars are being spent to strengthen American small businesses.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Fry (SC-07) Urges Administration to Uphold Offshore Drilling Ban off South Carolina’s Coast

    Source:

    Congressman Fry (SC-07) Urges Administration to Uphold Offshore Drilling Ban off South Carolina’s Coast

    Washington, D.C. – Congressman Russell Fry (SC-07) sent a letter to the U.S. Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum urging the Department of the Interior to maintain the moratorium on offshore oil and gas leasing off the South Carolina coast.

    During President Trump’s first term, he issued a memorandum on offshore drilling off the coast of South Carolina exempting it from offshore oil and gas projects, a move that protected the state’s coastline and the industries that depend on it.

    In his letter, Congressman Fry expressed his support for American energy dominance and President Trump’s energy agenda while also emphasizing the need for energy policies that reflect the unique economic and environmental character of individual regions. South Carolina’s coastline is a vital part of the state’s economy, and tourism and maritime industries serve as major economic drivers—especially in Horry and Georgetown Counties.

    “There is no question that America must unleash its domestic energy potential and cut red tape, and President Trump has my full support for his energy dominance agenda,” said Congressman Fry. “At the same time, energy development must also be smart, balanced, and regionally appropriate. In many of our coastal communities in South Carolina, there is broad bipartisan opposition to offshore drilling. I urge Secretary Burgum to maintain the current exemption on offshore leasing off of South Carolina’s coast and ensure that our coastline continues to thrive for generations to come.”

    Read the full letter here. 

    Congressman Fry serves on both the House Energy and Commerce Committee and the House Judiciary Committee. To stay up to date with Congressman Fry and his work for the Seventh District, follow his official Facebook, Instagram, and X pages and visit his website at fry.house.gov.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Nick Langworthy Calls for the Next FAA Administrator to Protect the 1,500-Hour Pilot Training Requirement

    Source: US Congressman Nick Langworthy (NY-23)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Nick Langworthy (NY-23) released the following statement regarding the importance of the 1,500-hour in-flight pilot training requirement and urges the next FAA Administrator to remain committed to enforcing this law.

     

    “As Chair of the Aviation Safety Caucus, I applaud President Trump and Transportation Secretary Duffy for their bold vision to take American air travel into the future by modernizing our outdated air traffic control system. Their commitment to finally delivering this long-overdue, critical upgrade is exactly what we need to restore American excellence in aviation.

     

    “The next FAA Commissioner will be pivotal in executing this transformative undertaking. I believe Mr. Bedford has the potential to be a strong steward of the President’s vision, however, to truly ensure safety in our skies, he must commit to upholding the lifesaving 1,500-hour in-flight pilot training requirement. This law was passed in the wake of the tragic Flight 3407 crash that exposed serious deficiencies in pilot training for regional carriers. Thanks to the incredible advocacy of the Flight 3407 victims’ families, the standards were strengthened, and the results speak for themselves: there has not been a single commercial airline crash due to pilot error since it was enacted. That’s not coincidence – that’s policy working as it was intended. 

     

    “In last year’s FAA reauthorization, Congress expressly upheld these standards. If confirmed, I strongly urge Mr. Bedford to enforce the law as written. We must ensure that our progress never comes at the cost of passenger safety, and I will fight every day to make sure we do.”

     

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – The effect of the sanctions imposed by the United States on the functioning of the ICC – P-002270/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Priority question for written answer  P-002270/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Alex Agius Saliba (S&D)

    On 15 May 2025, we read[1] that staffers of the International Criminal Court (ICC) were no longer able to perform their duties due to the sanctions imposed by the Trump administration. According to this report, one effect of the sanctions imposed on the chief prosecutor, Karim Khan, is that he has lost access to his Microsoft email address.

    Trump’s executive order threatens any person, institution or company with fines and prison time if they provide Khan with ‘financial, material, or technological support’. That is why we want to raise several questions in relation to the digital sabotage targeted at an international organisation based in the EU.

    • 1.Has the Commission undertaken action concerning these sanctions against a representative acting in their official capacity, to protect the functioning of the international rule of law, at diplomatic level as well as with representatives of Microsoft?
    • 2.What is the legal assessment of the actions undertaken by Microsoft to digitally undermine the ICC and its chief prosecutor and are there measures possible under the EU acquis to force Microsoft to resume their services?
    • 3.How does the Commission assess the risks to other European and international entities, public and private, of falling victim to this example where a US company withdraws essential digital services if they go against the Trump administration?

    Submitted: 5.6.2025

    • [1] https://www.euronews.com/2025/05/15/trumps-sanctions-on-icc-halt-tribunals-work-staffers-claim.
    Last updated: 10 June 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Urgent activation of the EU Blocking Statute, as requested by Parliament in its 2024 annual report on human rights and democracy in the world – E-002163/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002163/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Rima Hassan (The Left), Manon Aubry (The Left), Mounir Satouri (Verts/ALE), Carola Rackete (The Left), Abir Al-Sahlani (Renew), Ana Miranda Paz (Verts/ALE), Leila Chaibi (The Left), Marc Botenga (The Left), Irene Montero (The Left), Rudi Kennes (The Left), Özlem Demirel (The Left), Thijs Reuten (S&D), Arash Saeidi (The Left), Damien Carême (The Left), Marina Mesure (The Left), Cecilia Strada (S&D), Hanna Gedin (The Left), Li Andersson (The Left), Maria Walsh (PPE), Diana Riba i Giner (Verts/ALE), Lucia Yar (Renew), Sirpa Pietikäinen (PPE)

    On 6 February 2025, US President Donald Trump signed an executive order imposing sanctions on the International Criminal Court (ICC). The broad and ambiguous scope of these sanctions seriously undermines the ICC’s ability to deliver on its mandate to end impunity for the most serious crimes of international concern. Asset freezes and targeted sanctions against ICC staff have a chilling effect on companies and civil society organisations that might otherwise engage with the ICC.

    At a time when victims of international law violations are growing in number – in Ukraine, Palestine, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Sudan – these sanctions obstruct access to justice for all those affected by crimes within the ICC’s jurisdiction. Yet the EU has a legal instrument to counter such extraterritorial measures: the EU Blocking Statute, designed to neutralise the effects of sanctions imposed by non-EU countries.

    In its 2024 annual report on human rights and democracy in the world[1], Parliament called on the Commission to ‘urgently activate the Blocking Statute’.

    • 1.What concrete steps has the Commission taken to respond to this request?
    • 2.Has the Commission assessed the impact of these sanctions on the Member States and on European actors cooperating with the ICC?

    Submitted: 28.5.2025

    • [1] Texts adopted, P10_TA(2025)0059.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Hoyer Highlights Trump Administration’s Cruelty Toward Veterans During Appropriations Markup

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

    WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05), Ranking Member of the Financial Services and General Government (FSGG) Appropriations Subcommittee, delivered opening remarks at the House Appropriations Full Committee Markup of the FY26 Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Bill and Subcommittee Allocations. Below is a video and transcript of his remarks:

    Click here to watch a full video of his remarks.

    “Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Chairman, unfortunately, this bill has been a bipartisan bill. As a matter of fact, many of the bills that we did do, in the past, have been bipartisan bills. And very frankly, in that respect, I think they were better bills. Not only that, but I think they were more likely to be adopted, not only by the Senate, but by the Congress and signed by the president. These bills are not going to go anywhere, and they’re not going to be passed.

    “And there is a disturbing discrepancy, Mr. Chairman, between how this administration praises our veterans and military families, and how it actually treats them. Earlier this year, I met with a veteran from my district, Albert Ostering, who works in cybersecurity. He served in the Air Force back in the 90s. He later spent six years as a federal contractor for the Department of Defense and then eight years as a civilian employee with the Marine Corps, tasked with supporting critical cyber security missions. In 2023, he got [a] promotion to work at [the] Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency. He helped defend America and our allies from cyber-attacks and hacking operations perpetrated by foreign adversaries like Russia.

    “The job wasn’t easy. Albert often spent Christmas and other holidays apart from his family while on assignments abroad. In that job, throughout his career, however, Albert consistently, consistently exceeded expectations and received outstanding reviews from his superiors. He excelled under both Republican and Democratic administrations. He told me, and I quote him, ‘Not once would I ask is this a Republican mission or a Democratic mission. It’s an American mission. It’s what we need to do.’ That was his premise and his action.

    “On February 14th – Valentine’s Day, this year, Albert received an email that he had been terminated for performance issues. That was a lie. That was a ruse. That was a made-up reason for removing him for no cause. Neither he nor his supervisor had been warned in advance. A decade of service, health care for his family, his entire livelihood, all brought to an end with a single email. The rhetoric that we use for veterans was not displayed in that action toward that veteran. Is that really how we want to treat our veterans?

    “Sadly, Albert’s story, as so many of you know, is not unique. I’m sure every one of you has heard from somebody in your district about how they received a summarily dismissal without cause, without reason, and without notice. That number will surely grow, given the veterans represent some 30% of our federal workers whom the Trump Administration has deemed ‘villains.’ You know the quote from Mr. Vought, who heads up OMB. He wanted them to be perceived as villains. Every one of our federal employees. How sad.

    “Trump’s plan to fire 80,000 – to fire 80,000 VA employees – and privatize medical services for our vets will only increase costs, diminish the quality of care, and reduce access to vital programs. That’s why, Mr. Chairman, thousands of veterans took to the National Mall last week to protest this administration. These were not my words. These were not Democratic words. These were people who had fought for our country, displayed valor in battle, committed to America’s freedom and democracy, summarily told, ‘We don’t need you anymore.’ Frankly, they don’t want a parade. They want their country to honor its commitment to them, just as they honored their commitment to their country.

    “This bill is another example, Mr. Chairman, of our government falling short of our sacred duty to care for our veterans and military families. It advances the Trump Administration’s VA overhaul. However, it hurts our military readiness and the quality of life of our servicemen, members and military families by underfunding military construction. Therefore, I must oppose this bill and urge a No Vote in each and every member who cares deeply about serving our veterans and our country.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Carbajal Backs Bill to Require Trump Tariff Cost Transparency

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Salud Carbajal (CA-24)

    U.S. Representative Salud Carbajal (D-CA-24) co-sponsored U.S. Representative Jamie Raskin’s (D-MD-08) Truth in Tariffs Act, which would require large retailers to clearly display the portion of an item’s price attributable to tariffs. At a time of increasing economic chaos generated solely by President Trump, this bill will give Americans full transparency on the hidden costs of tariffs.

    “Instead of delivering on his promise to lower costs for families, Trump is recklessly imposing new tariff taxes that will have the opposite effect,” said Rep. Carbajal. “Families who carefully budget every dollar deserve to know how this Administration’s trade policies are driving up prices. That’s why I’m co-sponsoring Rep. Raskin’s bill to ensure large retailers provide full transparency on tariff costs—so families can make informed decisions.”

    Under the Truth in Tariffs Act, Americans who are being asked to pay more for the products they need will have greater decision-making power at grocery stores, car dealerships, e-commerce marketplaces, and more. Furthermore, this legislation will protect consumers from price-gouging by ensuring that large retailers do not use President Trump’s chaotic tariffs rollout as an excuse to hike up prices even further.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: VIDEO: Ahead of 13th Anniversary of DACA, Rosen Slams Trump’s Attacks on Dreamers, Calls for Permanent Protections on Senate Floor

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV)
    Senator Rosen Urged Her Colleagues to Pass a Bipartisan Solution That Gives DACA Recipients a Pathway to Citizenship and Keeps Families Together
    Watch Senator Rosen’s Full Remarks HERE.
    WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV) took to the Senate floor to mark the thirteenth anniversary of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program and deliver a forceful defense of Nevada’s Dreamers in light of the Trump Administration’s attacks on immigrant communities across the country. Senator Rosen reaffirmed her commitment to do everything in her power to protect the more than 12,000 DACA recipients in Nevada who know no other home but the U.S., and she condemned Donald Trump’s repeated efforts to dismantle the program.
    Senator Rosen also criticized Washington’s long-standing failure to pass comprehensive immigration reform, calling it unacceptable that DACA recipients continue to live in fear and uncertainty. She urged her colleagues on both sides of the aisle to stop using Dreamers as a political football and take immediate action to pass legislation that provides permanent protections and a pathway to citizenship.
    Below are excerpts of Senator Rosen’s floor remarks:
    As we approach the thirteenth anniversary of DACA, I rise today in strong support of this program and the thousands of Nevadans who rely on it.
    My state of Nevada is home to more than twelve thousand DACA beneficiaries who know of no other country as their own. 
    They grew up in our communities and contribute to our nation and our economy.
    They are our neighbors, our friends, and our family members. 
    Many of them are now even raising their own families here – sending their kids to school, taking them to soccer practice, and going to the park on weekends.
    But Washington has failed them. 
    What started out as a temporary program – meant to protect Dreamers while Congress worked to pass a more permanent solution – has turned into a decades-long lifeline for so many. 
    Washington’s gridlock and its inability to pass comprehensive immigration reform with a pathway to citizenship for Dreamers has left them to depend on DACA.
    It has also opened the door to attacks from the Trump Administration and right-wing extremists…
    During his first term, Donald Trump rescinded DACA and threw this critical program into a tail-spin… leaving the future of Dreamers and their families to depend on court case after court case.
    Can anyone in this chamber imagine the stress, the fear, the uncertainty they have had to endure all of these years not knowing if they’d be separated from their families or not?
    In his second term, Trump has been relentless in attacking and separating hardworking, law-abiding immigrant families… increasing fear and worry in our immigrant communities, including DACA recipients. 
    If DACA were to end, millions of Dreamers across our nation would be at risk of having to leave the only country they’ve ever known… the only place they’ve ever called home.
    Parents would face separation from their children, leaving families forever traumatized.
    And our economy and communities would gravely suffer.
    And just imagine the message we would be sending….
    Nevadans who have done everything right since they arrived in our state… Nevadans who were brought here as kids through no fault of their own, and who followed the rules when the government asked them to, followed the rules… Nevadans who have graduated college, Nevadans who have served in the military, and started businesses in our communities… Nevadans who are currently protected… could now lose the only life they have ever known.
    So, Mr. President, it’s past time that politicians in Washington stop using Dreamers as a political football and finally pass a law that permanently protects them.
    These hardworking Americans deserve to have peace of mind… and they deserve a life without fear.
    I want Dreamers to know they have allies in their corner. 
    As Nevada’s Senator, I’ll do everything in my power to protect all of our communities and keep families together.
    Since Day One in the Senate, I’ve been pushing my colleagues to come together in a bipartisan way to pass a permanent solution… one that gives Dreamers permanent protections and a pathway to citizenship. A pathway to citizenship now, while we continue to work on comprehensive immigration reform that this country so surely needs. 
    This shouldn’t be a partisan issue… and as long as I’m in the Senate, I won’t stop fighting for it.  
    I want everyone to know that in the meantime, I will continue to do everything in my power to protect DACA and the thousands of Nevadans who rely on it. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Warner & Kaine: New Report Shows Over 302,000 Virginians Will Lose Health Insurance Under GOP Tax Plan

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Virginia Tim Kaine
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA) issued the following statement after a new Joint Economic Committee (JEC) report found that an estimated 302,608 Virginians would lose their health insurance under President Trump and Republicans’ tax plan:
    “This new report estimates that the Trump tax plan would cause over 302,000 Virginians, including low-income children and people with disabilities, to lose their health insurance—all to pay for tax cuts for billionaires. That’s over 302,000 Virginians who will be forced to forgo a trip to the doctor’s office or get the critical medication they need. These cuts will have long-term, negative consequences for the health and wellbeing of our communities and our already overburdened health care system. We are committed to doing everything we can to stop this bill that will do real harm to communities across Virginia and the country.”  
    According to the JEC, an estimated 136,583 Virginians would lose coverage under the Affordable Care Act, and 166,025 Virginians would lose coverage under Medicaid. This JEC report is based off of the latest numbers available, including from the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office’s recent analysis of the Republican tax bill.
    Warner and Kaine have been sounding the alarm about the effects of the GOP plan on Virginia families if Republicans in Congress continue to insist on gutting vital programs in order to pay for tax breaks for the richest Americans. The senators have noted that the GOP bill would cut SNAP benefits for more than 204,000 people in Virginia, raise energy costs for Virginia households, and jeopardize more than 20,000 Virginia jobs. The bill would also explode the deficit, eliminate a program allowing Americans to file federal taxes for free, raise taxes on minimum-wage workers while giving the richest 0.1% a $188,000 tax cut, eliminate gun safety measures, and make it harder for federal judges to hold government officials accountable when they act lawlessly.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Hagerty Introduces Trump’s Nominees Andy Puzder, Jacob Helberg

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Tennessee Bill Hagerty
    WASHINGTON—Today, United States Senator Bill Hagerty (R-TN), a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and former U.S. Ambassador to Japan, introduced Andy Puzder, President Donald Trump’s nominee to be U.S. Ambassador to the European Union, and Jacob Helberg, President Trump’s nominee to be Under Secretary of State for Economic Growth, Energy, and the Environment.

    *Click the photo above or here to watch*
    Remarks as prepared for delivery:
    Chairman Risch and Ranking Member Shaheen, thank you for holding today’s hearing.
    It is my honor to introduce two of my good friends this morning:
    Mr. Andy Puzder—President Trump’s nominee to be U.S. Ambassador to the European Union; and,
    Mr. Jacob Helberg—President Trump’s nominee to be Under Secretary of State for Economic Growth, Energy, and the Environment.
    Let me first speak to Andy’s qualifications.
    Andy is a patriot whose highly accomplished career in business, law, and public policy makes him an excellent candidate for this ambassadorial role.
    Andy is widely recognized for his leadership as the former CEO of CKE Restaurants, the parent company of Carl’s Jr. and Hardee’s.
    During his tenure, he led the company through a significant turnaround, growing CKE’s role as a major player in the global fast-food industry.
    Under Andy’s leadership, CKE expanded to over 3,800 restaurants across 45 states and 40 foreign countries, with more than 115,000 employees worldwide.
    His experience navigating international markets and cross-border business challenges gives him a practical, hands-on understanding of global commerce—an asset of particular relevance to a diplomatic post in Brussels that is focused on transatlantic economic relations.
    Yet his qualifications extend beyond the boardroom.
    Andy is a seasoned attorney, a published author, and a deeply respected voice in national debates over public policy.
    He has also been a vocal advocate for pro-growth economic policies, regulatory reform, and other efforts to strengthen American competitiveness in global markets—issues that are central to the ongoing relationship between the United States and the European Union.
    As the nominee to be U.S. Ambassador to the EU, Andy brings with him not only decades of executive leadership, but also a clear understanding of how economic policy affects real people, businesses, and international relationships.
    At a time when transatlantic cooperation faces both opportunities and challenges—from trade and technology to security—his experience and know-how will be critical to furthering ties between the United States and Europe in support of President Trump’s agenda.
    Let me now turn to Jacob Helberg, a nominee whose vision, intellect, and tenacity make him uniquely qualified for the role of Under Secretary of State for Economic Growth, Energy, and the Environment.
    His nomination comes at a pivotal moment.
    From economic coercion to critical mineral choke points to energy issues and the weaponization of advanced technologies, the challenges posed by adversaries to our nation are urgent and complex.
    To meet these challenges, we need fierce advocates for American competitiveness like Jacob at the State Department.
    Over the years I have known Jacob, I have found that he is a true visionary, with a rare ability to take big, strategic ideas and turn them into meaningful action.
    I remember when Jacob came by my office shortly after being nominated and I commented that his nomination was likely very unwelcome news in Beijing—and for good reason.
    Jacob’s ideas and publications have helped reframe how policymakers view China’s predatory trade practices and the strategic dimensions of emerging technologies in AI, space, and robotics.
    Jacob is a public servant, whose work as a commissioner on the U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission has driven U.S. policy toward a safer and more prosperous future.
    And Jacob is an internationally recognized leader, whose Hill and Valley Forum has become a preeminent venue for bringing Washington policymakers and Silicon Valley innovators together to address important economic and national security issues—the same issues that Jacob will tackle if confirmed as Under Secretary.
    At a time when authoritarian regimes like China exploit economic tools and emerging technologies to undermine our national interests, Jacob’s nomination reflects the urgent need for strategic, tech-savvy leadership of U.S. foreign policy.
    Jacob will bring to the role of Under Secretary not only a profound understanding of the global economy, but also a powerful grasp of the digital battlegrounds where this century’s great power competition is playing out.
    I have no doubt that Jacob will serve with integrity, focus, and a determination to strengthen America’s hand on the world stage.
    Mr. Chairman, thank you for the opportunity to introduce my friends Andy and Jacob this morning.
    I would also like to extend my regards to Ben Black, nominated to lead the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation, whose expertise in investment and development will be instrumental in advancing our nation’s global economic interests.
    We need these highly qualified leaders on the frontlines of American diplomacy, and I urge my colleagues to support their nominations.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Welch Slams Trump Administration’s Request to Rescind Over $9 Billion in Federally Appropriated Funds

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Peter Welch (D-Vermont)
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) tonight took to the Senate floor to slam the Trump Administration’s reckless request to rescind $9.4 billion in Fiscal Years (FY) 2024 and 2025 Congressionally-appropriated funds, which provide vital support to Americans through public broadcasting and radio networks and promote U.S. global leadership.  
    In his remarks, Senator Welch emphasized how rescinding these funds will put American lives at risk, damage security alliances and global partnerships, and erode Congress’s constitutional authority over appropriations. 
    “The President likes to talk about his historic mandate. He did win—it was 2 million votes out of 152 million cast. It was a small margin of victory, the smallest by a Republican presidential candidate since the 1900s. My point here is not so much the size of the ‘mandate.’ Whatever the ‘mandate,’ a President should embrace the responsibility that he or she has to the entire country, and that includes folks who didn’t vote for him,” said Senator Welch.  
    “I do not believe even those who did were voting to risk their lives and their children’s lives by cutting funds to stop the spread of Ebola, or measles, or West Nile virus. This wasn’t a mandate to shut down programs to defend democracy where it’s under assault. This was not a vote to withdraw from UNICEF. This was not a vote, necessarily, to turn our back on the world’s refugees, including in particular, Afghan refugees who saved lives of our men and women in uniform.” 
    Senator Welch concluded: “Of course, Article I gives to the Congress the power to tax and the power to spend. And it is absolutely essential we do that carefully and wisely because our constituents are the ones who are going to pay the bill through taxes we assess, and they are the ones who are going to receive the benefits through appropriations we make. But to abdicate that power—which is essentially what this rescission would accommodate for the executive—is to turn over that power to the President. And it’s not just a matter of it being this President—it’s any President. In order for us to meet our responsibilities, we have to adhere to our constitutional responsibility under Article I. We are the ones who are subject to the will of the people—in the House every two years, in the Senate every six years—to account for how we tax and how we spend. Let’s not dodge by delegating that power to the executive.” 
    Watch Senator Welch’s full speech below: 
    The following programs would be eliminated or drastically reduced if the Trump Administration’s request for recissions are approved: 
    A cut of $1.1B for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. 
    A cut of $500 million for Global Health Programs, for activities to protect child and maternal health, combat HIV/AIDS, and other infectious diseases.  
    A cut of $800 million for assistance for refugees, like those fleeing genocide in Darfur and Burma. 
    A cut of $83 million for programs to support democracy, through organizations like the International Republican Institute, the National Democratic Institute, and Freedom House, which have always received strong bipartisan support.  
    A cut of $1.65 billion for the Economic Support Fund, which funds economic assistance for Jordan, Egypt, Indonesia, Lebanon, and scores of other programs that combat corruption, transnational money laundering and terrorist financing, human and wildlife trafficking, and that build markets for U.S. exports.     
    A cut of $460 million for assistance for Georgia, Armenia, Macedonia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and the other former Soviet Republics.  
    A cut of $496 million for international disaster assistance that provides life-saving aid for victims of natural and man-made disasters, from earthquakes and hurricanes to armed conflicts. 
    A cut of $202 million for specialized agencies, including for the United States’ contribution to the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF). 
    Senator Welch has been a leading voice in pushing back against the Trump Administration’s unlawful efforts to dismantle vital programs and terminate billions of dollars in life-saving aid. Following the so-called “Department of Government Efficiency,” or DOGE’s, unlawful firings of over 5,500 U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) employees, Senator Welch demanded answers from the State Department on DOGE’s actions that directly violate funds appropriated by Congress through the Fiscal Year 2024 (FY24) Department of State and Foreign Operations Appropriations Act.   
    In April, Senator Welch spoke on the Senate Floor on how President Trump’s January 20th Executive Order suspending admission to the United States for Afghan refugees has left vulnerable families stranded and abandoned thousands who face persecution. In his remarks, the Senator urged Congress to expedite the resettlement of Afghan refugees, many of whom worked with, and for, the U.S. government, our diplomats, and our intelligence officers.   
    Learn more about Senator Welch’s work by visiting his website or by following him on social media.  

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: WATCH: Padilla Condemns Trump Federalizing of National Guard After Indiscriminate ICE Raids in Los Angeles

    US Senate News:

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

    WATCH: Padilla Condemns Trump Federalizing of National Guard After Indiscriminate ICE Raids in Los Angeles

    WATCH: Padilla calls Trump’s cruel immigration enforcement an attempt to “distract from his failed agenda”WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Immigration Subcommittee, spoke on the Senate floor to blast President Trump for manufacturing a crisis by launching indiscriminate Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids across Los Angeles and deploying the National Guard and active-duty servicemembers to the region. Padilla slammed President Trump for scapegoating immigrants to distract from his failed policies, including Republicans’ billionaire-first budget reconciliation bill that would cut critical services like health care and nutrition for millions of working families across the country.
    Despite Governor Gavin Newsom’s objections, Trump federalized California’s National Guard without the request and support of the Governor for the first time since 1965. Padilla emphasized that this unprecedented move from President Trump was designed to “create chaos, in order to escalate tensions in the region and to create a pretext for more extreme actions in the future.”
    Padilla urged Californians to exercise their First Amendment rights to peacefully protest President Trump’s abuse of the armed forces and ignorance of due process, but he stressed that violence and vandalism have no place in these protests.
    Key Excerpts:
    “It’s not a coincidence, after one of the most embarrassing weeks, to be sure, of the Trump presidency, as the public has continued to learn the truth about the budget reconciliation bill that would cut health care for so many working families across the country in order to pay for further tax breaks for the most wealthy in America.”
    “Just as he’d done so many times before, when things are going bad, when all else fails, what does he do? Classic Trump playbook: he turns to scapegoating immigrants, and he decided that this was the time to launch indiscriminate ICE raids throughout the Los Angeles region, clearly not just targeting criminals, but so many others. ICE raids in workplaces in an attempt to manufacture a crisis.”
    “Let’s be clear: what you’re all seeing on the news about the Los Angeles region right now is a crisis that Donald Trump has created, and he’s doing it to distract from his failed agenda.”
    “Let’s not give the President what he wants. There’s two things he wants. He either wants us to be quiet and go away and let him continue to overreach and abuse his power. We will not stand for that. We have First Amendment rights, and so let’s peacefully protest. Second, for those who think this is an opportunity to exploit and to turn violent, to vandalize, that’s exactly what Donald Trump wants: any excuse, large or small, to continue to escalate his use of force. Let’s not give him that.”
    “To the rest of the country, I urge you to see this for what it is, because when the headline turns on Donald Trump, Donald Trump turns on the American people.”
    Senator Padilla has been outspoken in slamming the Los Angeles ICE raids and Trump’s misguided mobilization of the National Guard and U.S. Marine Corps. Yesterday, Padilla, Senator Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), and Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) demanded answers from top Trump Administration officials regarding the arrest and detention of David Huerta, President of Service Employees International Union (SEIU) California and SEIU-United Service Workers West. Padilla has joined national and local TV and radiobroadcasts in the past few days to condemn the Trump Administration’s ICE raids across Los Angeles and President Trump’s ensuing unprecedented deployment of California’s National Guard and Marines to the region.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Duckworth, Durbin Lead Illinois Colleagues in Condemning Trump’s Termination of Digital Equity Program, Blocking Illinoisans’ Access to Reliable Internet

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Tammy Duckworth
    June 09, 2025
    [WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) led 12 of their Illinois delegation members in criticizing the Trump Administration’s cancellation of the Digital Equity Act Competitive Grants Program. In a letter to Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, the Members urged the Trump Administration to reinstate the program that was terminated last month. The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) was in the process of implementing a Digital Equity Capacity Grant under this program, which would have provided more than $23.7 million to Illinois organizations across the state to equip households and residents with the skills, resources and tools needed to use high-speed internet and fully participate in Illinois’s economy.
    “This is not a, ‘woke handout based on race.’ This is help for households with the highest need based on historic and ongoing barriers to getting online, such as living in a rural area,” the Members wrote. “This not only includes racial and ethnic minorities, but also, Veterans, people with disabilities, rural residents and older adults (ages 60 years or older). Nearly 80% of Illinois residents belong to at least one of the categories of individuals the law is designed to assist,”
    “Without these funds, programs that help job seekers create a resume to apply for jobs, help farmers use data to optimize crop and livestock production, help seniors pay their bills online and speak with their healthcare providers and help entrepreneurs to develop a website would be slashed.”
    Along with Duckworth and Durbin, the letter is co-signed by U.S. Representatives Jonathan Jackson (D-IL-01), Robin Kelly (D-IL-02), Delia Ramirez (D-IL-03), Jesús “Chuy” García (D-IL-04), Mike Quigley (D-IL-05), Sean Casten (D-IL-06), Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL-08), Jan Schakowsky (D-IL-09), Brad Schneider (D-IL-10), Bill Foster (D-IL-11), Nikki Budzinski (D-IL-13) and Eric Sorensen (D-IL-17).
    The full text of the letter is available on Senator Duckworth’s website and below.
    Dear Secretary Lutnick,
    We strongly object to May 9, 2025, termination of Digital Equity Act (DEA) funding and request that the U.S. Department of Commerce reinstate this funding immediately.
    Under the Constitution, Congress makes spending decisions.
    Congress recognized that broadband access and digital literacy are increasingly critical for employment, education, healthcare and participation in the broader economy. Accordingly, in a bipartisan manner, Congress provided $2.75 billion for the states to help ensure that all households have the technology, skills and capacity to access and benefit from the digital economy. Illinois has been awarded $23.7 million through the Digital Equity Capacity Grant, and organizations working throughout our State have also been awarded grant funds for multi-state Digital Equity Competitive Grant projects.
    This is not a, “woke handout based on race[.]” This is help for households with the highest need based on historic and ongoing barriers to getting online, such as living in a rural area. This not only includes racial and ethnic minorities, but also, Veterans, people with disabilities, rural residents and older adults (ages 60 years or older). Nearly 80% of Illinois residents belong to at least one of the categories of individuals the law is designed to assist.
    Without these funds, programs that help job seekers create a resume to apply for jobs, help farmers use data to optimize crop and livestock production, help seniors pay their bills online and speak with their healthcare providers and help entrepreneurs to develop a website would be slashed.
    Additionally, investments in digital skill building and device access generates a significant return on investment for Americans and U.S. businesses. According to a report from the National Skills Coalition, people who qualify for jobs that require at least one digital skill earn, on average, 23% more than those working in jobs that require none. This represents an increase of $8,000 per year for an individual worker. The impact on wages is even higher for jobs that require more digital skills. Businesses that can hire job seekers with more skills up front must therefore invest less in upskilling them.
    We urge you to reverse course and reinstate this critical funding.
    Sincerely,
    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Duckworth at Unite for Veterans Rally: “Veterans Keep This Nation Strong, and We Deserve Better than Trump”

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Tammy Duckworth
    June 10, 2025
    [WASHINGTON, D.C.] – At today’s “Unite for Veterans” rally on the National Mall, combat Veteran and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) delivered impassioned remarks slamming Donald Trump for using our nation’s heroes as political pawns, firing them by the thousands and making it harder for them to access the quality care and benefits they’ve earned. In her speech, the Senator drew from her personal experience serving in the military to call on her fellow Veterans to continue their lifelong mission of keeping this nation strong by pushing back against Trump’s cruel, anti-Veteran agenda. Photos of the event can be found on Duckworth’s website, and video of Duckworth’s remarks can be found in the rally’s livestream.
    Key Quotes:
    “America is what it is today because of the blood our brothers and sisters shed in combat zones. Our children grow up with the rights they deserve because of the sweat that’s poured down our faces, everywhere from the dust of Fallujah to the jungles of Vietnam. Our sacrifices were the currency we paid to defend America’s freedoms. And even as I stand here on titanium legs, with my wheelchair by my side, I wouldn’t take back those sacrifices for a second. Because America is worth it. As flawed as she may be, she is worth it.”
    “We’re here because we refuse to see the democracy that we fought so hard for get dismantled. Because we refuse to let the health care that our buddies earned be gutted. And because we refuse to let thousands of Veterans who chose to continue serving this nation as federal workers be fired for no apparent reason…It’s a middle finger to our heroes. It’s a slap in the face to the sacrifices they’ve made. It’s bullshit, frankly…We’ve come together this afternoon because even if we’re no longer wearing the uniform, we are always wearing the flag on our shoulder, facing forward. We’re here because we’re not afraid to call out wrongs that need to be righted—or to call out wannabe kings that need a history lesson.”
    “Personally, I’m tired of a guy who was never brave enough to serve claiming that the America that some of our buddies died for isn’t already great. And it pisses me off that a man who cried “bone spurs” when his nation need him the most—a five-time-draft-dodging coward who calls fallen servicemembers “suckers and losers”—it pisses me off that that guy would use our heroes as political pawns to get elected, then screw them over so badly once he took office. If you’re pissed off too…if you think Veterans deserve better than to be fired by the thousand…if you think our buddies deserve more than to have their health care ripped away because Trump wants to put another dollar in a rich guy’s pocket…Well then I need you by my side.”
    Senator Duckworth’s remarks as prepared can be found below:
    Hello everyone!
    First off, let me say a huge thank you to everyone who made this afternoon possible.
    I’m honored to get the chance not only to speak today in my capacity as a Senator, but also to listen, as one of you, as a Veteran.
    Because I may currently be a Member of Congress, but in my heart, first and foremost, I will always be an Army grunt. And I’m damn proud of that.
    I’m here today because I love this nation. I know the same is true for all of you.
    But I’m also here because I’m sick of politicians promising to look out for Veterans when they’re on the campaign trail, then abandoning them when they take office. I’m sick of military families being treated like props.
    And I’m sick of people in power wrapping themselves in the flag with their left hand, then with the other, signing off on orders that sell out our heroes to line their own pockets. You deserve better. You’ve earned better.
    After all, since the first shots rang out at Lexington and Concord…Since the Tuskegee Airmen took to the skies to defend a nation that still wouldn’t let them sit at the same lunch counter as their white peers…Since our warriors landed on the beaches of Normandy, on this very day, 81 years ago…Those who’ve worn the uniform have defied the odds to define America at its best.
    America is what it is today because of the blood our brothers and sisters shed in combat zones.
    Our children grow up with the rights they deserve because of the sweat that’s poured down our faces, everywhere from the dust of Fallujah to the jungles of Vietnam. Our sacrifices were the currency we paid to defend America’s freedoms.
    And even as I stand here on titanium legs, with my wheelchair by my side, I wouldn’t take back those sacrifices for a second.
    Because America is worth it. As flawed as she may be, she is worth it.
    I know some of us here hung up our uniforms long ago. But looking out at you all, I see a group who recognizes that in this perilous moment for our country, our mission today is not too different than what it was when we served: To protect our democracy. To defend our freedoms. To keep our nation as strong as she should be.
    That is why each of you took off work… travelled from every pocket of this country… and showed up in this heat today. Not because it was easy—it’s never easy. But because we love this country enough to try to shape it for the better, even when the road ahead is hazy. Even when the task ahead is daunting.
    We’ve come together this afternoon because even if we’re no longer wearing the uniform, we are always wearing the flag on our shoulder, facing forward. We’re here because we’re not afraid to call out wrongs that need to be righted—or to call out wannabe kings that need a history lesson.
    We’re here because we refuse to see the democracy that we fought so hard for get dismantled. Because we refuse to let the health care that our buddies earned be gutted. And because we refuse to let thousands of Veterans who chose to continue serving this nation as federal workers be fired for no apparent reason.
    Employees who include folks working at the Veterans Crisis Line, for God’s sake…The Veterans working there are doing some of the toughest work imaginable to support our heroes in their absolute darkest hour.
    These are the people this Administration has kicked to the curb over the past few months. That should tell you everything you need to know about how the guys in power actually feel about our Vets.
    Let’s be clear: The only reason they’re doing all this is to try to find enough loose change behind the couch cushions so that they can give even bigger tax breaks to the rich guys they pal around with on the golf course.
    Let me say that another way: They care more about making sure billionaires can buy yet another private jet than ensuring our Veterans have access to the benefits and care they’ve earned. They care more about stroking Donald Trump’s ego to the tune of a 30-million-dollar birthday parade than spending that money to provide child care for military families. Or to save Veterans’ jobs. Or to better their health care.
    So let’s call this what it is: It’s a middle finger to our heroes. It’s a slap in the face to the sacrifices they’ve made. It’s bullshit, frankly. And every one of us who has served should feel insulted. I certainly do. I’d bet some of you do, too.
    But the important thing now is to channel our outrage into action.
    A couple months after my Black Hawk was shot down in Iraq, a U.S. Senator named Dick Durbin walked into my Walter Reed hospital room and gave me his phone number, saying to call him any time if I or any of the other patients around me needed some help.
    He…well, I’m not sure he thought I would take his words quite so literally. I called him…a lot. I called him way, way too much. I was the highest-ranked amputee on the ward at the time, so I felt responsible for the men and women around me.
    So I kept on ringing up a United States Senator to help me help these folks get their pay… get their benefits… even to help get that one elevator in the hospital working better. At that point, I was so early in my recovery that I could barely sit up for 15 minutes at a time. But when Dick looked at me, he saw past the wounds…saw past the wheelchair.
    He saw a Soldier in search of her next mission. Recognizing long before I did that just because I could no longer fly Black Hawks for the Army didn’t mean that I couldn’t find a new way to serve my nation.
    And he said the words that changed my life. He told me that I could best help the Veterans around me by running for Congress myself.
    I thought he was nuts. But it turns out, he was right. So all these years later, I’m asking each of you to take on a new mission, too.
    Because personally, I’m tired of a guy who was never brave enough to serve claiming that the America that some of our buddies died for isn’t already great.
    And it pisses me off that a man who cried “bone spurs” when his nation need him the most—a five-time-draft-dodging coward who calls fallen servicemembers “suckers and losers”—it pisses me off that that guy would use our heroes as political pawns to get elected, then screw them over so badly once he took office.
    If you’re pissed off too…if you think Veterans deserve better than to be fired by the thousand…if you think our buddies deserve more than to have their health care ripped away because Trump wants to put another dollar in a rich guy’s pocket…Well then I need you by my side.
    I need you to think of today not just as a singular moment, but as the start of our new collective mission: A mission to stand up for the buddies we served with. To do right by the warriors who came before us.
    And to look out for all those men and women still serving.
    Those young Soldiers and Sailors, those Marines and Airmen and Coasties, who are ready to sacrifice everything at the drop of a hat if the drums of war start beating again like they did for many of us when we were still in uniform.
    Look, I get how in this moment, it’d be easy to feel defeated…to want to tune out rather than turn on the news. But now more than ever, we can’t let ourselves become disengaged. Because there’s too much at stake to get discouraged. The reality is, there will always be people in big fancy buildings who try to use their power to only look out for themselves.
    But there are three things I know: First, the power of the people is always greater than the people in power. Second, those of us here today have never been too scared to take on a tough mission, especially when it means protecting the democracy we’ve fought so long to defend. And third, we Veterans sure as hell would never leave a comrade behind—whether that was one of our buddies on the battlefield or, now, one of the folks getting fired or left without care from the VA.
    So if we want tomorrow to be better than yesterday, we have to come together. We have to recognize that our voices do still matter. Then we’ve got to use those voices to speak out. Even if—especially when—anyone tries to silence us.
    Because we Veterans have always been the ones helping keep this nation as strong as she should be. This moment is no exception.
    And along the way, you have my word that I’ll be right there with you. That I am one of you. And that I will always live by the Soldier’s Creed: never, ever leaving you behind.
    It’s an honor to call myself part of this team—and to have you as my partners on the front lines.
    Thank you.
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    MIL OSI USA News –