NewzIntel.com

Category: Trumpism

  • MIL-OSI Global: Can Israel still claim self-defence to justify its Gaza war?

    Source: The Conversation – Global Perspectives – By Donald Rothwell, Professor of International Law, Australian National University

    On October 7 2023, more than 1,000 Hamas militants stormed into southern Israel and went on a killing spree, murdering 1,200 men, women and children and abducting another 250 people to take back to Gaza. It was the deadliest massacre of Jews since the Holocaust.

    That day, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told the country, “Israel is at war”. The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) immediately began a military campaign to secure the release of the hostages and defeat Hamas. Since that day, more than 54,000 Palestinians have been killed, mostly women and children.

    Israel has maintained its response is justified under international law, as every nation has “an inherent right to defend itself”, as Netanyahu stated in early 2024.

    This is based on the right to self-defence in international law, which is outlined in Article 51 of the 1945 United Nations Charter as follows:

    Nothing in the present Charter shall impair the inherent right of individual or collective self-defence if an armed attack occurs against a Member of the United Nations[…]

    At the start of the war, many nations agreed Israel had a right to defend itself, but how it did so mattered. This would ensure its actions were consistent with international humanitarian law.

    However, 20 months after the October 7 attacks, fundamental legal issues have arisen around whether this self-defence justification still holds.

    Can Israel exercise self-defence ad infinitum? Or is it now waging a war of aggression against Palestine?

    Self-defence in the law

    Self-defence has a long history in international law.

    The modern principles of self-defence were outlined in diplomatic exchanges over an 1837 incident involving an American ship, The Caroline, after it was destroyed by British forces in Canada. Both sides agreed that an exercise of self-defence would have required the British to demonstrate their conduct was not “unreasonable or excessive”.

    The concept of self-defence was also extensively relied on by the Allies in the second world war in response to German and Japanese aggression.

    Self-defence was originally framed in the law as a right to respond to a state-based attack. However, this scope has broadened in recent decades to encompass attacks from non-state actors, such as al-Qaeda following the September 11 2001 terror attacks.

    Israel is a legitimate, recognised state in the global community and a member of the United Nations. Its right to self-defence will always remain intact when it faces attacks from its neighbours or non-state actors, such as Hamas, Hezbollah or the Houthi rebels in Yemen.

    However, the right of self-defence is not unlimited. It is constrained by the principles of necessity and proportionality.

    The necessity test was met in the current war due to the extreme violence of the Hamas attack on October 7 and the taking of hostages. These were actions that could not be ignored and demanded a response, due to the threat Israel continued to face.

    The proportionality test was also met, initially. Israel’s military operation after the attack was strategic in nature, focused on the return of the hostages and the destruction of Hamas to eliminate the immediate threat the group posed.

    The legal question now is whether Israel is still legitimately exercising self-defence in response to the October 7 attacks.

    This is a live issue, especially given comments by Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz on May 30 that Hamas would be “annihilated” unless a proposed ceasefire deal was accepted.

    These comments and Israel’s ongoing conduct throughout the war raise the question of whether proportionality is still being met.

    A test of proportionality

    The importance of proportionality in self-defence has been endorsed in recent years by the International Court of Justice.

    Under international law, proportionality remains relevant throughout a conflict, not just in the initial response to an attack.

    While the law allows a war to continue until an aggressor surrenders, it does not legitimise the complete destruction of the territory where an aggressor is fighting.

    The principle of proportionality also provides protections for civilians. Military actions are to be directed at the foreign forces who launched the attack, not civilians.

    While Israel has targeted Hamas fighters in its attacks, including those who orchestrated the October 7 attacks, these actions have caused significant collateral deaths of Palestinian civilians.

    Therefore, taken overall, the ongoing, 20-month military assault against Hamas, with its high numbers of civilian casualties, credible reports of famine and devastation of Gazan towns and cities, suggests Israel’s exercise of self-defence has become disproportionate.

    The principle of proportionality is also part of international humanitarian law. However, Israel’s actions on this front are a separate legal issue that has been the subject of investigation by the International Criminal Court.

    My aim here is to solely assess the legal question of proportionality in self-defence and international law.

    Is rescuing hostages in self-defence?

    Israel could separately argue it is exercising legitimate self-defence to rescue the remaining hostages held by Hamas.

    However, rescuing nationals as an exercise of self-defence is legally controversial. Israel set a precedent in 1976 when the military rescued 103 Jewish hostages from Entebbe, Uganda, after their aircraft had been hijacked.

    In current international law, there are very few other examples in which this interpretation of self-defence has been adopted – and no international consensus on its use.

    In Gaza, the size, scale and duration of Israel’s war goes far beyond a hostage rescue operation. Its aim is also to eliminate Hamas.

    Given this, rescuing hostages as an act of self-defence is arguably not a suitable justification for Israel’s ongoing military operations.

    An act of aggression?

    If Israel can no longer rely on self-defence to justify its Gaza military campaign, how would its actions be characterised under international law?

    Israel could claim it is undertaking a security operation as an occupying power.

    While the International Court of Justice said in an advisory opinion last year that Israel was engaged in an illegal occupation of Gaza, the court expressly made clear it was not addressing the circumstances that had evolved since October 7.

    Israel is indeed continuing to act as an occupying power, even though it has not physically reoccupied all of Gaza. This is irrelevant given the effective control it exercises over the territory.

    However, the scale of the IDF’s operations constitute an armed conflict and well exceed the limited military operations to restore security as an occupying power.

    Absent any other legitimate basis for Israel’s current conduct in Gaza, there is a strong argument that what is occurring is an act of aggression. The UN Charter and the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court prohibit acts of aggression not otherwise justified under international law.

    These include invasions or attacks by the armed forces of a state, military occupations, bombardments and blockades. All of this has occurred – and continues to occur – in Gaza.

    The international community has rightly condemned Russia’s invasion as an act of aggression in Ukraine. Will it now do the same with Israel’s conduct in Gaza?

    Donald Rothwell receives funding from the Australian Research Council.

    – ref. Can Israel still claim self-defence to justify its Gaza war? – https://theconversation.com/can-israel-still-claim-self-defence-to-justify-its-gaza-war-257822

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Van Orden, Moore Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Honor Troops Deployed to the Southern Border

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

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, retired Navy SEAL Congressman Derrick Van Orden (WI-03), along with Rep. Tim Moore (NC-14), introduced H.R. 3780 – the Border Operations Service Medal Act – to honor U.S. servicemembers and federal personnel who have defended the southern border under President Trump’s 2025 National Emergency declaration.

    The bill directs the Secretary of Defense to create and issue a Border Operations Service Medal to recognize military and National Guard personnel who served in designated border operations beginning January 1, 2025. The medal will be authorized for wear in accordance with uniform regulations and recorded in the recipient’s official service record.

    “President Biden manufactured the worst border crisis in our nation’s history,” said Rep. Van Orden. “Thankfully, our brave servicemembers have been doing incredible work at the southern border to protect our country from violent gang members and the flow of illicit, deadly drugs like fentanyl. They deserve to be honored for everything they are doing to keep Americans safe.” 

    “American troops at our southern border have bravely worked to stop the invasion of our country, one that threatened both our national security and our sovereignty. A country without secure borders is a country in name only,” said Rep. Moore. “These heroes are on the front lines defending the American people from violent cartels, human traffickers, terrorists, and mass illegal crossings — all while enduring smears from the radical left. They don’t ask for recognition, but they’ve more than earned it.”

    Original cosponsors include Reps. John McGuire (Navy SEAL), Abe Hamadeh (Army), Jack Bergman (Marine Corps), and Tom Barrett (Army) — as well as Reps. Ralph Norman, Robert Aderholt, Juan Ciscomani, Hal Rogers, Don Davis, and Chuck Edwards.

    “Our troops at the southern border are carrying out a critical mission – upholding the rule of law and protecting the integrity of our Nation,” said Congressman Jack Bergman. “While some seek to undermine their work for political gain, these men and women continue to serve with honor. I’m proud to join Rep. Moore and my colleagues in recognizing these brave men and women for their service.”

    “As a former U.S. Army Captain, Representative of a border state, and Member of the Armed Services Committee, I know how invaluable the service provided by these troops is to our national security. Serving on the border is not an easy job; the environment is extreme, and the risk is high. Our country is safer today because of their sacrifice, and it should be recognized with an award of this medal and our enduring gratitude,” said Congressman Hamadeh.

    Congressman Hal Rogers added, “Our nation is safer today, thanks to the members of our military and National Guard who have bravely secured our borders since the beginning of the year. The heroic efforts of these men and women have effectively driven down illegal border crossings, drug trafficking, human trafficking, and encounters with violent cartels to historic low rates. I am honored to join Congressman Tim Moore and my fellow veterans in Congress to recognize their efforts with a special Border Operations Service Medal.”

    Congressman Chuck Edwards said, “Our servicemembers and Federal personnel have courageously faced the consequences of the worst border crisis in our nation’s history, and they have earned the recognition of the Border Operations Service Medal. This honor not only acknowledges their bravery and commitment to protecting our country and citizens, but it also sends a clear message that the defense of our homeland starts at our borders.”

    “Our men and women serving on the front lines of the southern border operate under challenging and often dangerous conditions to protect Americans from violent threats. The Border Operations Service Medal Act is a long-overdue honor to the U.S. service members and federal personnel who not only enforce our laws but also help secure our communities. I fully support Congressman Moore’s effort to ensure they receive the recognition they have earned,” said Congressman Aderholt.

    Read the full text of the bill here.

    Key Background:

    • On January 20, 2025, President Trump officially declared a national emergency at the southern border under the National Emergencies Act, citing threats from cartels, human trafficking, terrorism, and illicit drugs. Read here. 
    • During President Trump’s first 100 days, daily border encounters dropped 95%, and migrant crossings declined by 99.99%. (Source) 
    • In March 2025, the United States saw the lowest monthly number of border encounters in recorded history, and fentanyl traffic fell by 54% compared to March of the previous year. (Source)

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Hoyle Statement on President Trump’s Unprecedented Decision to Federalize the California National Guard

    Source: US Representative Val Hoyle (OR-04)

    June 09, 2025

    For Immediate Release: June 9, 2025 

    WASHINGTON, D.C.– Representative Val Hoyle (OR-04) released the following statement after President Trump’s unprecedented federalization of the California National Guard in response to protests in Los Angeles:

    “You don’t send the National Guard into a city unless local leaders and law enforcement ask for it. That didn’t happen here and it only served to make matters worse. People have every right to peacefully protest the actions of ICE under this administration given the massive overreach and lack of due process. This militarized response is not about keeping people safe, it’s about control. It should have no place in our democracy.”

    Background

    • On Sunday, June 8th, President Trump federalized the California National Guard without the consent of California Governor Gavin Newsom, in response to anti-Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) protests in Los Angeles.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Dr. Raul Ruiz Responds to the Events Occurring Across Southern California

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Raul Ruiz (36th District of California)

    Congressman Dr. Raul Ruiz (CA-25) released the following statement responding to the events occuring across Southern California:

    “The events occurring across Southern California over the last few days have made me deeply concerned about the future of American democracy.  Democracy requires that both the government and the people accept the rule of law and the Constitution. Sadly, that is not happening now.

    “Democracy is threatened when the President violates the Constitution, commandeers the California National Guard without the permission of the Governor, and deploys the Marines or other military against the people.

    “Democracy is threatened when the few vandals and anarchists disrupt the many peaceful protests to destroy property.

    “Democracy is threatened when the government violates the First Amendment and the right to peaceful protest, strips immigrants of due process, and detains elected officials who are exercising their right to oversight.

    “And Democracy is threatened when people violently attack law enforcement officials who are trying to keep the peace.

    “Violence – whether against peaceful protesters, law enforcement officials, immigrant families, personal property, government buildings, or the Constitution – is wrong, and it’s a threat to American democracy. It must stop now.

    “The President has an obligation to preserve and protect the Constitution and the rule of law.  Donald Trump is failing massively in that regard. Americans have a responsibility to respect the law. The agitators who are destroying property are failing massively in that regard. Both need to face the consequences for their actions.

    “I encourage people to continue exercising their right to free speech and peacefully protest without violence. You represent the best of Democracy.“

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Reps. Sherman, Gottheimer, Moskowitz, Schrier, Wasserman-Schultz, Landsman, Schneider, Frankel Call for Legislative Action Following Back-to-Back Antisemitic Terror Attacks

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Brad Sherman (D-CA)

    In just the last two weeks, our country has witnessed two back-to-back antisemitic terror attacks that have left two dead and 15 seriously wounded. In Washington D.C., an antisemitic terrorist murdered Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Milgrim as they left an event at the Capitol Jewish Museum; afterwards, the terrorist yelled “Free Palestine” and “I did it for Gaza.” In Boulder, Colorado, a terrorist who said he “wanted to kill all Zionist people” threw Molotov cocktails at a group of peaceful protestors calling for the release of the hostages held by Hamas in Gaza.

    These events are an escalation of ongoing antisemitic violence that has become more and more common since Hamas’s October 7th massacre, which resulted in the deaths of 1,200 Israelis, Americans, and others; widespread torture and sexual violence; and the abduction of some 250 hostages, 56 of which remain in captivity.  In the 20 months since, antisemitism has skyrocketed in the United States, with over 10,000 antisemitic incidents recorded. In Ventura County, a 69-year-old Jewish man, Paul Kessler, was bludgeoned to death by an anti-Israel protester as other anti-Israel protesters chanted “Hitler should have smashed you.” The Pennsylvania governor’s mansion was set on fire with Governor Josh Shapiro and his family inside as they celebrated Passover; the arsonist said he committed the act over what Governor Shapiro “wants to do to the Palestinian people.” In Yonkers, Ahmed Al Jabali attempted to stab Jewish barber Slava Shushakov to death to “punish Jews” over Gaza, leaving Mr. Shushakov with serious injuries.  These examples, only a handful out of hundreds of violent antisemitic attacks in the past 20 months, underlie the need for urgent, serious action. 

    While the House will vote on two non-binding resolutions this week condemning the antisemitic attacks in Washington D.C., and Boulder, Colorado, the Jewish community is reeling, and we need Congressional leaders to come together and support real policy change.

    We urge Senate Major Leader John Thune to utilize Rule 14 to bring a clean Antisemitism Awareness Act for a vote in the Senate, and we urge Speaker Mike Johnson to once again swiftly pass the Antisemitism Awareness Act in the House. Codifying the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) Working Definition of Antisemitism is long overdue, and is more urgent now than ever as we see one violent anti-Zionist terror attack after another. You cannot fight antisemitism if you are unwilling to define it. 

    We also urge President Trump and Congressional Appropriators to fund the Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP) at long-requested levels of $500 million. This money will fund security grants to nonprofit institutions which face terrorist threats, including synagogues and Jewish community institutions. It will help them put in place additional security measures like security cameras, locked doors, security guards, and more that could thwart terror attacks like the one that transpired at the Capitol Jewish Museum. 

    The Jewish community needs real action, not just resolutions.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Trump Accounts Will Chart the Path to Prosperity for a Generation of American Kids

    US Senate News:

    Source: US Whitehouse
    Today, President Donald J. Trump joined top business leaders and lawmakers to hail the creation of “Trump Accounts” — a provision in the One Big Beautiful Bill that will create tax-deferred investment accounts for all newborn American children.
    Trump Accounts, which will be seeded with a one-time government contribution of $1,000 and be private property of the child’s guardian, will track a stock index and allow for additional private contributions of up to $5,000 per year. This will afford a generation of children the chance to experience the miracle of compounded growth and set them on a course for prosperity from the very beginning.
    Here’s what they’re saying:
    Dell CEO Michael Dell: “We see … the establishment of these Trump Accounts as a simple yet powerful way to transform lives. Decades of research has shown that giving children a financial head start profoundly impacts their long-term success. With these accounts, children will be much more likely to graduate from college, to start a business, to buy a home, and achieve lifelong financial stability.”
    Goldman Sachs CEO David Solomon: “This initiative gets at the core of binding those future generations to the benefits and the potential of America’s great companies and markets. Early childhood investments have far-reaching benefits, and Goldman Sachs is proud to support his initiative … Our economy’s future vitality is dependent on young people understanding the power of investing for the long term.”
    Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi: “What if we could give that same powerful, real, tangible hope that comes from having a stake in your own future and a stake in the best companies in the world to every single child that’s born in this country? That’s the promise of the Invest in America Act. It’s not just an account; it’s a launchpad. It puts the unstoppable engine of compounding to work for our kids, building a future for them from day one.”
    Altimeter Capital CEO Brad Gerstner: “This is aligning every child in America with the upside of free markets and the benefits, and that is your Main Street agenda … It makes America an ownership society again because all of those kids will see the benefit of compounding interest … You are giving the shot for every American to feel like they’re in the game again.”
    Speaker Mike Johnson: “If you have a 401(k), you understand the power of investing early for the future. Trump Accounts take that same principle and they apply it from the very beginning of Americans’ lives … It’s a bold, transformative policy that gives every eligible American child a financial head start from day one … Trump Accounts are all about setting up the next generation for success.”
    House Ways & Means Committee Chair Jason Smith: “The Trump investment accounts will be a game-changer for new parents even before their newborn baby can walk or talk. Their child will have money saved to one day learn a trade, start a business, or to buy a home. Every child born under this policy will have a better shot at a future. It does not matter if they live on a city block or on a county road — this will make a significant difference to their lives.”
    Together with historic tax cuts, an increased child tax credit, higher wages, and monumental economic growth, the One Big Beautiful Bill will change the lives of middle-class families across America.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: NEWS: Sanders Statement on Trump Deploying Troops to California

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Vermont – Bernie Sanders

    WASHINGTON, June 9 – Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) today released the following statement after President Trump bypassed California’s governor to deploy National Guard troops to California:

    Let’s be clear: Trump’s deployment of the National Guard in California is not about the protests there, ICE, or immigration. It is about using extremely dubious legal authority to expand his never-ending grasp for more power and his effort to move this country toward authoritarianism. This is a president who has usurped the constitutional responsibilities of Congress; threatened to impeach judges who rule against his policies; sued media that criticize him; extorted money from law firms that have represented his opponents; and is withholding funds from universities for teaching courses he doesn’t like.

    In our federalist form of government, it is the governor of a state who deploys the National Guard — not the president of the United States. It is absurd and laughable for the Trump administration to argue that they needed to mobilize the National Guard because of a threat from a “foreign invasion” or “rebellion” against the United States. This is just another example of Trump wanting more power for himself and ignoring the law. All Americans – Democrats, Republicans, independents – must stand together against this gross abuse of power.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: President Trump Tells Citizens to ‘Fiercely Guard’ American Way of Life in New Naturalization Ceremony Message

    Source: US Department of Homeland Security

    Headline: President Trump Tells Citizens to ‘Fiercely Guard’ American Way of Life in New Naturalization Ceremony Message

    U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services today released a video message in which President Trump welcomes newly naturalized citizens into our “national family” and invokes the pride new citizens should feel to share a home and heritage with America’s most exceptional heroes and patriots.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Capito Joins Colleagues in Introducing Energy Choice Act of 2025

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for West Virginia Shelley Moore Capito

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Recently, U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), chairman of the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee, helped introduce the Energy Choice Act of 2025, legislation led by U.S. Senator Jim Justice (R-W.Va.).

    “America needs more energy, and our state and local governments shouldn’t discriminate against baseload energy generation that increases security, affordability, and creates good paying across the country, simply because it doesn’t align with their political agendas. I’m proud to join my colleagues in introducing this legislation to prohibit restrictions on reliable energy that American families need,” Senator Capito said.

    “I am an energy guy from an energy-rich state. I know how important freedom of energy production is – which is why I’m proud to introduce Energy Choice Act of 2025. President Trump has stated the need to unleash American energy, and this bill helps facilitate just that. We have too great an energy crisis in this country, and we don’t have the luxury of picking the winners and losers when it comes to energy production. Americans ought to have the right to choose what is best for their energy needs,” Senator Justice said.

    BACKGROUND:

    • West Virginia has a storied history of energy production.
    • The Energy Choice Act would prohibit states and local governments from restricting or limiting the connection, reconnection, modification, installation, transportation, distribution, or expansion of a source of energy that is sold in interstate commerce to be delivered to an end-user of such services.
    • Representative Nick Langworthy (R-N.Y.-23) leads the House version of this bill, along with 37 cosponsors.

    Read more about the bill in Fox News.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: In Response To The Recent Antisemitic Attacks Across The Nation, Gillibrand, Schumer, Nadler, Goldman Stand With Jewish Community Leaders In Calling For Additional Funds To Protect The Jewish Community

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New York Kirsten Gillibrand

    Today, in response to a recent surge in violent antisemitic terror attacks, U.S.Senators Kirsten Gillibrand and Charles E. Schumer and Representatives Jerrold Nadler and Dan Goldman stood with Jewish leaders and other faith leaders requesting that the Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP) be robustly funded to keep communities safe. The funding allocated by this program supports nonprofit organizations most at risk of attack through the acquisition and installation of physical target hardening measures, related preparedness and prevention planning, training, and exercises, and contracted security personnel so that religious and community-based organizations have the critical resources and tools they need to protect lives and property.

    This comes in response to the recent wave of antisemitic attacks across the country, including the arson attack at Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro’s home, the murder of two Israeli Embassy staffers in Washington, D.C., and the tragedy in Colorado last Sunday in which 15 people were injured when Molotov cocktails were thrown at them at a peaceful demonstration calling for the release of the hostages in Gaza. In 2024, there were 9,354 antisemitic incidents across the United States. This was an 893% increase over the previous 10 years and represents the highest number of incidents on record since the Anti-Defamation League began tracking these statistics 46 years ago.

    “Since October 7, 2023, we have seen a disturbing rise in hate crimes across the country and at home in New York targeted toward members of the Jewish faith,” said Senator Gillibrand. “America was founded on the principle of the free exercise of religion. That means that every American has the right to live without fear of being attacked for their faith, and I am fighting to make sure that continues by robustly funding the Nonprofit Security Grant Program. My message to the Jewish community is that I stand united with you against antisemitism, now and always.” 

    “The persistent cascade of intolerance and violence as the state of hate in America rises to a boiling point demands a much stronger federal response, because we are in a crisis,” said U.S. Senator Charles Schumer. “In many ways, the vulnerability and increased danger in houses of worship and not-for-profits has never been higher. That is why I am pushing for $500 million for the Nonprofit Security Grant Program—and increased funding for technical assistance to help organizations apply for grants—to counter, contain and ultimately crush the fear—and the threats—plaguing places of worship, religious schools, and other nonprofit organizations. We will fight hard to achieve this funding goal and do all we can to ensure places of worship are safe.”

    “Just 8 days ago, we witnessed the latest in a string of horrific attacks against Jews. This attack fell against the backdrop of a surge of Antisemitism nation-wide, which has especially peaked since Hamas’ horrific terrorist attack on October 7th, 2023— the bloodiest day in Jewish history since the Holocaust. This moment demands a swift response. That is why I signed a bipartisan letter last week calling for a $500 million funding level for the Non-Profit Security Grant Program and I continue to echo that call. Such an increase is a necessary step to help ensure Jews’ physical safety. I hope both sides of the aisle and all branches of government come together to get this done,” said Rep. Jerry Nadler (NY-12). “In this time of American Jews experiencing an unprecedented rise in antisemitism, I also am sad to have to say that the Trump Administration is acting as a catalyst, not a deterrent. If President Trump were actually serious about combatting antisemitism, he’d start by firing the known antisemites in his own administration. In this unprecedented time for American Jews, we must ensure antisemites find no safe haven, no matter their political affiliations or positions of power.”

    “We don’t need to look further than the murders of two young Israeli Embassy workers outside the Capital Jewish Museum or the attacks on Jews during a peaceful protest in Boulder to understand that antisemitic hate is not just rising — it’s exploding into deadly violence,” said Karen Paikin Barall, Vice President, Government Relations, Jewish Federations of North America. “These are not isolated incidents; they are part of a deeply troubling trend that threatens the safety, dignity, and freedom of the Jewish community. By providing adequate funding, we can help protect places of worship, education, and community gatherings from the growing threats they face. Silence and inaction are not options — lives are on the line.”

    “In the face of sharply escalating antisemitic violence nationwide, including the horrific recent antisemitic attacks, the NSGP is a lifeline that enables synagogues, Jewish community centers, and other vulnerable institutions to take meaningful steps to protect their congregants and staff,” said Eric S. Goldstein, CEO, UJA-Federation of New York. “UJA is urgently calling for a significant increase in funding for the NSGP and we are deeply grateful for the steadfast leadership of Senator Gillibrand and Leader Schumer, and members of the New York House delegation, who continue to champion the safety and security of Jewish New Yorkers.”

    “Our Jewish communities are reeling from a wave of horrific, antisemitic acts of terror—part of an unprecedented surge in antisemitism we’ve witnessed since October 7th across the country and here in New York. In the face of persistent threats targeting Jewish individuals and institutions, it is imperative that the federal government provide robust funding for the Nonprofit Security Grant Program, which is already the law but needs resources to be fully operationalized,” said Mark Treyger, CEO of JCRC-NY. “Increasing Nonprofit Security Grant funding is a vital step toward ensuring that all vulnerable communities can gather and live in safety. JCRC-NY will continue working to uproot antisemitic hate before it takes hold and to build a future grounded in mutual respect and shared humanity. While we continue this important work, we also urge our leaders to call out the inflammatory rhetoric that has predictably led to this surge in antisemitic acts of terror. We are deeply grateful to Leader Schumer, Senator Gillibrand, and members of the Congressional delegation for their leadership on this urgent matter”

    “In the aftermath of the horrific attacks against Jewish Americans in Washington, D.C. and Boulder, there’s no more compelling argument for robust federal funding for Jewish institutional security. It’s time. Last year ADL recorded over 1,700 antisemitic incidents targeting Jewish institutions,” said Jonathan Greenblatt, CEO, ADL. “In this climate of escalating threats, every additional dollar for the Nonprofit Security Grant Program is a lifeline — right now, the demand far outpaces the available resources. I’m proud to be standing with these Congressional leaders pushing for an increase in funding to ensure that synagogues, schools, and community centers can take basic steps to protect themselves.”

    “Years ago, a police car in front of a synagogue was a rarity, and today it is a reality,” said Rabbi Joseph Potasnik, Executive Vice President, New York Board of Rabbis. “Years ago, standing up for the Jewish people was most venerable; today it makes you most vulnerable. Thus, we are most grateful to Senators Schumer and Gillibrand for seeking additional funding for security purposes. Their steadfast support is most reassuring, especially during this difficult period.”

    Every year, Congress must specifically allocate funding for the NSGP, which helps nonprofits deemed by the Department of Homeland Security to be at risk of attack plan for and ready themselves against potential attacks. In addition to hardening facilities, this program has improved efforts to keep at-risk nonprofit organizations safe by promoting emergency preparedness coordination and collaboration activities between public and private community representatives, as well as with state and local government agencies.

    For years, Senator Gillibrand has successfully pushed to include funding for the NSGP in the budget. In Fiscal Year 2024, Gillibrand and Schumer successfully secured $454.5 million in funding for the NSGP. The Jewish community remains one of the top targets of faith-based hate crimes in the U.S., and that danger has only increased since October 7, 2023. Senators Gillibrand and Schumer will continue to prioritize the safety of these and other faith communities throughout New York State. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: VIDEO: Rep. Pressley Condemns Trump’s Authoritarian Assault on Harvard, Nonprofits

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07)

    Trump Admin. Weaponizing Tax Laws to Silence Dissent, Attack Nonprofits Providing Essential Services to Vulnerable People

    “This is about Trump and Republicans punishing people who disagree with them. It is about attacking nonprofits of all sizes that serve the vulnerable and marginalized and stand in the gap for our communities. It’s about trying to intimidate every charity and nonprofit in this country and spark a fear that if you speak up – if you do something the Republicans don’t like – you could be next.”

    Video (YouTube)

    WASHINGTON – Today, in a House Oversight Subcommittee hearing, Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07) condemned Donald Trump’s targeted, authoritarian assault on nonprofit organizations it disagrees with. Congresswoman Pressley discussed the Trump Administration’s efforts to revoke the tax-exempt status of Harvard University as part of Republicans’ broader campaign to punish dissent and attack organizations that serve vulnerable communities.

    A full transcript of the Congresswoman’s remarks is below and the video is available here.

    Transcript: Pressley Condemns Trump’s Authoritarian Assault on Harvard, Nonprofits

    House Oversight DOGE Subcommittee

    June 4, 2025

    REP. PRESSLEY: Thank you to our witnesses for being here today. 

    What we are witnessing from Occupant Trump, his Administration, and Republicans writ-large is not governance – it is a targeted, dangerous assault on the independence of our nonprofit organizations. 

    We’ve seen these attacks take many forms, perhaps most visibly in my own district – the Massachusetts 7th – as the administration continues its unlawful campaign against Harvard University. Trump has threatened to revoke Harvard’s tax-exempt status, freeze billions in federal funding for scientific research to save lives, might I add, and publicly vilify students and faculty – all part and parcel of his attacks on education. 

    But let me make it plain: this isn’t just about Harvard and it’s definitely not about government efficiency – the name of this subcommittee. 

    This is about Trump and Republicans punishing people who disagree with them. 

    It is about attacking nonprofits of all sizes that serve the vulnerable and marginalized and stand in the gap for our communities. 

    It’s about trying to intimidate every charity and nonprofit in this country and spark a fear that if you speak up – if you do something the Republicans don’t like – you could be next.

    A hospital that provides abortion care. A local food pantry that feeds immigrants. Or an advocacy group that fights for civil rights.

    Donald Trump is weaponizing our tax laws to attack nonprofits at the same time he is pushing for tax cuts for Elon Musk and billionaires.

    Ms. Yentel, can the President or Executive Branch legally revoke a nonprofit’s tax-exempt status simply because it disagrees with that organization’s lawful speech or mission?

    DIANE YENTEL: They can’t. The statute is very clear that that is illegal.

    REP. PRESSLEY: Thank you. Republicans think the answer is yes, but that would mean every nonprofit in America is just one tweet away from being targeted by the federal government.

    I am proud that in the Massachusetts 7th, community-based organizations are speaking up and fighting back against Republican attacks. And I know they are doing it at risk of serious threat.

    Ms. Yentel, can you make plain what are the consequences to charities and nonprofits losing tax-exempt status?

    MS. YENTEL: Well, tax exempt status is given to nonprofit organizations that do essential work to meet needs in their local communities, in exchange for significant transparency and accountability. And if nonprofit organizations lose their tax exempt status, it could create significant challenges for them to be able to do their work related to how and where they get their funding, and it could cause them to have to shut down their work altogether.

    REP. PRESSLEY: Their work which is to the betterment of us all, which is to the collective, our shared constituents. 

    MS. YENTEL: Yes.

    REP. PRESSLEY: Very good. Let’s put this in perspective:

    Trump is firing government workers that administer programs like Head Start and Social Security while also attacking non-profits that provide resources and supports to vulnerable populations.

    Trump and his Republican cult do not care about helping people who are struggling. Instead, they want to make them suffer more.  

    Now, before I yield back, let me ask the Republican witnesses: if you all think Trump is right for revoking tax-exempt status for nonprofits for their political views, raise your hand then if you think the Heritage Foundation – who wrote Project 2025 – should also lose their tax-exempt status? 

    Show of hands, by the logic that is being applied. 

    MR. WALTER: I’m not aware of any nonprofit that’s had its status revoked. 

    REP. PRESSLEY: Again, the question that I’m posing is, would you please raise your hand if you think the Heritage Foundation who wrote Project 2025 should also lose their tax exempt status? 

    Show of hands.

    MR. WALTER: It’s a perfectly a reasonable speech by a nonprofit. 

    REP. PRESSLEY: So none of you, so none of you, none of you.

    The shame and the sham of it all.

    Before I yield back, Ms. Yentel, I know that you have been harangued intensely throughout today’s proceedings. Is there anything that you would like to set the record straight on or respond to in my remaining time? 

    MS. YENTEL: Thank you, Congresswoman. I would like to use the remaining time to remind us all and every member of this committee of the vital, essential work that nonprofit organizations do in each of your communities, for your constituents, and the work that we do to support them in that work. Nonprofit organizations are local. They are transparent and accountable. They are non-partisan, by law and in practice, and they do essential work to meet the needs of all of your communities and all Americans. Thank you.

    REP. PRESSLEY: Thank you. I yield back.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Lauren Underwood Delivers Remarks at Agriculture Subcommittee Markup to Highlight How Republicans are Increasing Costs for Farmers and Rural Communities

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Lauren Underwood (IL-14)

    During today’s House Appropriations subcommittee markup of the 2026 Agriculture, Rural Development,  Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies funding bill, Rep. Lauren Underwood (IL-14) delivered the following remarks: 

    ““Mr. Chairman, I strongly oppose the Fiscal Year 2026 Agriculture, Rural Development, and FDA Appropriations bill we are considering today. 

    While the Trump Administration and my Republican colleagues on this Committee like to talk about reducing chronic disease and protecting children’s health, their actions speak louder.   

    With the dangerous funding cuts in this bill, they are turning their backs on working families, rural communities, and public health.  

    At a time when tobacco use remains the leading cause of preventable death in America and poses a grave threat to American youth – with over 2 million middle and high school students reporting tobacco use in 2024 – we should be prioritizing the data-driven public health investments that are proven to work, not undermining FDA’s power to regulate Big Tobacco. 

    This bill is yet another example of the Trump Administration’s focus destroying the tools that help FDA hold Big Tobacco accountable to the American people.  

    This bill is so extreme that it even blocks FDA from finalizing a commonsense rule to ensure that tobacco products are not contaminated with foreign substances like glass, fingernails, rocks, direct, and mold.   

    If my Republican colleagues cannot even take a stand against cigarettes with fingernails in them, then their position is clear — they are not willing to regulate the President’s friends and donors in the tobacco industry and they are not serious about protecting public health.  

    So instead of devoting FDA resources to regulating tobacco, this bill proposes to waste agency resources—and taxpayer funds—on an unnecessary review of mifepristone. 

    We already have decades of evidence showing that mifepristone is a safe and effective medication that safeguards women’s health and lives.  

    Medical experts describe mifepristone as among the safest medications being used today.   

    Yet FDA Commissioner Makary has recently “committed to conducting a review of mifepristone,” and this bill includes report language supporting this wasteful review that is based on fraudulent junk science.  

    So, let’s be honest about what this bill does. It’s not going to make women safer. It’s a waste of taxpayer resources and another attack from this Administration on our bodily autonomy.  

    Throughout this appropriations process, we have heard so much about using federal dollars wisely, controlling costs, and supporting everyday Americans. 

    Yet another way that this bill fails to deliver on those goals is by flat-funding the WIC program despite rising costs for the mothers and children who rely on it. 

    WIC is one of the most cost-effective public health programs we have. If my Republican colleagues actually cared about government efficiency, they would invest in programs like WIC that we know improve health outcomes for families.  

    Instead, this bill reverses the progress we have made on child nutrition and puts eligible moms and kids on waiting lists. That’s not efficient—it’s just irresponsible. 

    This bill slashes the cash-value benefits for fruits and vegetables, cutting access to healthy food for children during their most critical growth years while hurting American farmers. 

    Under this bill, a toddler’s fruit and veggie benefit is lower than it was last year. That’s not fiscal discipline—it’s nutritional sabotage. You don’t balance a budget on the backs of babies.  

    Let’s be clear: this isn’t saving money long-term. When we deny healthy food to pregnant moms and young kids, we increase the risk of preterm birth, developmental delays, and chronic illness. That’s more hospital visits, higher Medicaid costs, and worse outcomes for families.  

    WIC needs to be fully funded—not frozen—and benefits need to reflect the science. That’s what the families we represent deserve.  

    So I urge my colleagues to reject this misguided bill, and to work together on a smarter funding plan that genuinely supports American families and protects public health”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Fake news and real cannibalism: a cautionary tale from the Dutch Golden Age

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Garritt C. Van Dyk, Senior Lecturer in History, University of Waikato

    The Corpses of the De Witt Brothers, attributed to Jan de Baen, c. 1672-1675. Rijksmuseum

    The Dutch Golden Age, beginning in 1588, is known for the art of Rembrandt, the invention of the microscope, and the spice trade of the Dutch East India Company. It ended a little under a century later in a frenzy of body parts and mob justice.

    In 1672, enraged by a fake news campaign, rioters killed the recently ousted head of state Johan de Witt and his brother Cornelis. The mob hung them upside down, removed their organs, ate parts of the corpses, and sold fingers and tongues as souvenirs.

    Even in a period characterised by torture and assassination, this grisly act stands out as extreme. But it also stands as a warning from history about what can happen when disinformation is allowed to run rampant.

    The attack on Johan and Cornelis de Witt was fuelled by a relentless flood of malicious propaganda and forgeries claiming the brothers were corrupt, immoral elitists who had conspired with enemies of the Dutch Republic.

    The anonymous authors of the smear campaigns blamed Johan for war with England and “all the bloodshed, killing and injuring, the crippled and mutilated people, including widows and orphans” that allegedly kept him in power.

    According to one pamphlet, the violence was legitimate because the ends justified the means: “Beating to death is not a sin in case it is practised against a tyrant.” The sentiment echoes a quote frequently attributed to Napoleon, recently shared by US President Donald Trump on social media: “He who saves his country does not violate any law.”

    ‘Fight like hell’

    These days, of course, we’ve become accustomed to the dangers fake news (and deepfakes) pose in the promotion of political violence, hate speech, extremism and extrajudicial killings.

    In March, for example, historical footage of war crimes in Syria was manipulated by generative AI to appear as current events. Combined with disinformation in chat rooms and on social media, it incited panic and violence.

    The effects were magnified in a country with no reliable independent media, where informal news is often the only source of information.

    But even in a superpower with an established media culture, similar things happen.
    Before the January 6 insurrection at the US Capitol in 2021, Trump called on thousands of supporters at a “Save America” rally to “fight like hell” or they were “not going to have a country anymore”.

    This was shortly before Congress verified the presidential election result, which Trump alleged was invalid because of voter fraud. Addressing the same crowd, Trump advisor Rudolph Giuliani called for “trial by combat”.

    What happened might not have been as extreme as the events in the Netherlands 350 years earlier, but a violent mob fired up on disinformation still shook the foundations of US democracy.

    Historical echoes: supporters of Donald Trump march through Washington DC to the Capitol Building on January 6, 2021.
    Getty Images

    The ‘disaster year’

    The deeper forces at work in the US were and still are complex – just as they were in the 17th-century Dutch Republic. What brought it down was a volatile mix of power struggles, geopolitical rivalries and oligarchy.

    William of Orange had been excluded from the office of stadtholder, the hereditary head of state, by a secret treaty with England under Oliver Cromwell to end the First Anglo-Dutch War.

    When the English monarchy was restored, however, the treaty became invalid and the Orangists attempted to reinstate William. Johan De Witt represented the States Party, made up of wealthy oligarchs, whereas William was seen as a man of the people.

    The republic had built an impressive navy and merchant fleet but neglected its army. A land invasion by France and allies was supported by the English navy. To prevent the invasion from advancing, land was flooded by opening gates and canals.

    The combination of floods and an occupying army threw the economy into chaos. The Orangists wouldn’t cooperate with the States Party, and the republic was on the brink of collapse. The Dutch referred to 1672 as the Rampjaar, the “disaster year”.

    Historical rhymes

    Satirists, pamphleteers and activists seized on the crises as an opportunity to ramp up their campaign against the de Witt brothers. Political opposition turned into personal attacks, false accusations and calls for violence.

    Johan was assaulted and stabbed in an attempted assassination in June 1672, resigning from his role as head of state two months later. Cornelis was then arrested for treason. When Johan went to visit him in prison, the guards and soldiers disappeared, and a conveniently positioned mob dragged the brothers into the street.

    The rest, as they say, is history. William III was strongly suspected of orchestrating the brothers’ gruesome murder, but this was never confirmed.

    Is there is a moral to the story? Perhaps it is simply that, in a time of crisis, a campaign of disinformation can transform political opposition and rebellion into assassination – and worse.

    Pamphlets – the social media of their day – manipulated public perception and amplified popular anxiety into murderous rage. A golden age of prosperity under a republic headed by oligarchs ended with ritualised political violence and the return of a monarch who promised to keep the people safe.

    They say history doesn’t repeat, but it does rhyme. As ever, the need to separate fact from fiction remains an urgent task.

    Garritt C. Van Dyk has been a recipient of Getty Research Institute funding.

    – ref. Fake news and real cannibalism: a cautionary tale from the Dutch Golden Age – https://theconversation.com/fake-news-and-real-cannibalism-a-cautionary-tale-from-the-dutch-golden-age-257104

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Mike Levin’s Statement on President Trump Deploying Marines to Los Angeles

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Mike Levin (CA-49)

    June 09, 2025

    Washington, D.C. – Today, Rep. Mike Levin (CA-49) released the following statement in response to President Trump deploying Marines to Los Angeles:

    “Donald Trump’s decision to deploy Marines to Los Angeles is an astounding overreach of authoritarian power. The State of California has not requested the National Guard, much less the Marines, but Trump is sending them anyway. Why? Because he wants to inflame the situation and crack down further.

    “I support the right to protest peacefully—it’s essential for a healthy democracy. I also strongly condemn the agitators who are committing acts of violence. Their behavior is unacceptable and they are giving Trump the images he wants.

    “Our state and local authorities have the capacity to handle the protests in Los Angeles. By deploying warfighters to American cities, Trump is escalating and destabilizing a volatile situation. He is putting our service members in an untenable situation where they will be asked to repress civilians.

    “Our Marines are trained for deadly combat, not law enforcement. This politicizes our Armed Forces and it clearly will not end well. If the President truly wants law and order, he must de-escalate, order our service members back to theirs bases, and allow our courageous state and local law enforcement officers to do their jobs.”

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Baldwin Meets with Families Impacted by Milwaukee School Closures Due to Lead Exposure, Lack of Federal Support

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Wisconsin Tammy Baldwin

    MILWAUKEE, WI – Today, U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) visited Milwaukee Public Schools’ (MPS) Frances Starms Discovery Learning Center to meet with parents whose children’s health was at risk and schools were closed this year because of lead hazards.

    “When Milwaukee called for help to keep kids safe and address this lead crisis, their application was denied because RFK, Jr. and Donald Trump fired every single one of the lead experts who could help,” said Senator Baldwin. “Today, I heard firsthand from Milwaukee families whose children have been poisoned by lead and were forced out of the schools they attend, all while they continue to live in fear and think they were left behind. While Donald Trump and RFK, Jr. continue to sit on their hands, I’ll keep showing up, listening to the families, and fighting to hold the Trump administration to account so Milwaukee gets the support it deserves.”

    Baldwin’s visit comes as she continues to hold the Trump Administration accountable for failing to support Milwaukee, firing the entire Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Surveillance Branch, and not providing on-the-ground support to keep children safe.

    In early April, the Centers for Disease Control notified MPS that they would not be able to receive on-site help from lead experts because the Trump administration shut down the lead poisoning branch and fired the experts. The crisis has shuttered six schools and displaced 1,800 children in Milwaukee. Senator Baldwin has repeatedly pressed the Administration to reinstate fired experts and approve Milwaukee’s plea for federal assistance. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Padilla, Schiff, Schumer Demand Answers from Trump Administration on Arrest and Detention of SEIU Union Labor Leader David Huerta

    US Senate News:

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

    Padilla, Schiff, Schumer Demand Answers from Trump Administration on Arrest and Detention of SEIU Union Labor Leader David Huerta

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senators Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Immigration Subcommittee, Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), and Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) are demanding 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. Mr. Huerta was injured, arrested, and detained by federal officials in Downtown Los Angeles while exercising his lawful right to observe the conduct of immigration enforcement personnel on Friday, June 6, 2025. He currently remains detained in federal custody. 

    “It is deeply troubling that a U.S. citizen, union leader, and upstanding member of the Los Angeles community continues to be detained by the federal government for exercising his rights to observe immigration enforcement,” wrote the Senators.  

    “As U.S. Senators, we are privileged and proud to represent Americans like Mr. Huerta, who are pillars of their community and stand up for the fundamental rights of all Californians. We have a constitutional duty to conduct oversight of the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Justice and its components to ensure that the rights of Californians are upheld. As such, we demand a complete and comprehensive response to the following requests regarding this incident by Friday, June 13, 2025,” concluded the Senators. 

    The Senators are voicing their serious concerns to Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem, Attorney General Pam Bondi, and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Acting Director Todd M. Lyons.

    Yesterday, Senator Padilla joined MSNBC’s “The Weekend: Primetime” to condemn the Trump Administration’s ICE raids across Los Angeles and President Trump’s ensuing unprecedented deployment of nearly 2,000 members of California’s National Guard to the region. Padilla also joined Los Angeles outlets KTLA and KNX last night to discuss the fear and chaos the Trump Administration is stoking in Los Angeles and across California. On Friday, Padilla issued a statement condemning the Los Angeles ICE raids.

    Full text of the letter is available here and below:   

    Dear Secretary Noem, Acting Director Lyons, and Attorney General Bondi:

    We write to express our grave concerns regarding the arrest and detention of David Huerta, the President of Service Employees International Union (SEIU) California and SEIU United Service Workers West.

    On Friday, June 6, 2025, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), and several other federal agencies conducted numerous immigration enforcement actions throughout Southern California. During a workplace enforcement action, Mr. Huerta, a well-known and deeply respected community leader, was exercising his lawful right to observe the conduct of immigration enforcement personnel. In the course of doing so, Mr. Huerta suffered an injury and law enforcement personnel apprehended and subsequently arrested him. It is deeply troubling that a U.S. citizen, union leader, and upstanding member of the Los Angeles community continues to be detained by the federal government for exercising his rights to observe immigration enforcement.

    As U.S. Senators, we are privileged and proud to represent Americans like Mr. Huerta, who are pillars of their community and stand up for the fundamental rights of all Californians. We have a constitutional duty to conduct oversight of the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Justice and its components to ensure that the rights of Californians are upheld. As such, we demand a complete and comprehensive response to the following requests regarding this incident by Friday, June 13, 2025:

    1. We request that the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Justice undertake a review to determine which federal agencies and personnel were involved in the actions that resulted in the injuries sustained by Mr. Huerta and what disciplinary actions may be necessary for relevant federal personnel.

    2. We request that the Department of Justice state the legal authority under which Mr. Huerta is currently being detained.

    Thank you for your prompt attention to this urgent matter.

    Sincerely,

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: PRESS RELEASE: Democrats Demand Action on Cost-of-living Crisis, Warn That Trump’s One Big Ugly Bill Will Drive Prices Even Higher

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Nanette Diaz Barragán (CA-44)

    Collegeville, PA – Today, the House Democratic Steering and Policy Co-Chairs, Congresswomen Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25), Robin Kelly (IL-02) and Nanette Barragán (CA-44), led a roundtable discussion with local leaders and stakeholders impacted by the Trump Tariffs and Republican threats to cut Medicaid and SNAP. Witnesses warned that the Republican ‘One Big Ugly Bill’ would only exacerbate the cost-of-living crisis for Pennsylvania’s working families.

    Congresswoman Madeleine Dean (PA-04) hosted the committee’s field hearing, and took testimony from community leaders who work directly helping people meet their basic needs to hear how the cost-of-living crisis would worsen with the Republican tax scam to slash Medicaid and food assistance while giving huge new tax breaks to billionaires.

    “At a time when families need stability, President Trump has thrown our economy into turmoil with reckless tariffs that continue to decimate retirement and college savings accounts,” said Dean. “Meanwhile, Trump and Republicans are pushing their ‘Big Ugly Bill,’ which will kick more than 300,000 Pennsylvanians off their healthcare and rip away food assistance from 140,000 of our neighbors. We should be fighting to lower costs for working families — not spiking prices and financing another tax break for the wealthy.”

    “Republicans are not interested in making life more affordable for American families. Trump’s One, Big, Ugly bill will take away food and rental assistance, and life-saving health care from millions of Americans,” said Barragán. “House Republicans have refused to work with Democrats to deliver solutions that support hardworking Americans. Seniors, children, and veterans will bear the burden of higher costs of food, healthcare, and housing while Trump’s billionaire donors get richer.”

    “Grocery checkout lines and the fear of falling ill are still major sources of financial anxiety for families, yet the Republican response is to give the wealthiest Americans a tax break windfall and pay for it by taking affordable health care and food assistance from millions of people. It’s a cruel, deplorable and fiscally irresponsible response, and we heard that message loud and clear today in Pennsylvania,” said Wasserman Schultz. “Far from lowering costs, Trump’s chaotic economic policies are driving recessionary fears, and Republicans’ ‘Big Ugly Bill’ would steal health care from 16 million Americans and deny food assistance to millions more. The net effect makes life even harder for paycheck-to-paycheck workers.”

    “President Trump promised to lower the cost of living on Day One. He lied,” said Kelly. “Instead, Americans are paying the cost of his shortsighted trade war at the checkout counter while Republicans in Congress attack food assistance and healthcare. This is a recipe for a cost-of-living disaster, yet Republicans’ solution is to give more tax breaks to the well-off and well-connected. I, alongside my Democratic colleagues, will continue to travel across the country to hear directly from the American people and bring their concerns back to Washington with real solutions.”

    The Steering and Policy Committee has gone on the road to hear from the American people, convening a town hall in California and a hearing in Virginia exposing the extreme Republican agenda. The Steering and Policy Committee will continue to travel the nation in the months ahead to reach the American people where they live and hear from them directly.

    The full video of today’s hearing can be found here.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Australia’s whooping cough surge is not over – and it doesn’t just affect babies

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Niall Johnston, Conjoint Associate Lecturer, Faculty of Medicine, UNSW Sydney

    Tomsickova Tatyana/Shutterstock

    Whooping cough (pertussis) is always circulating in Australia, and epidemics are expected every three to four years. However, the numbers we’re seeing with the current surge – which started in 2024 – are higher than usual epidemics.

    Vaccines for this highly infectious respiratory infection have been available in Australia for many decades. Yet it remains a challenging infection to control because immunity (due to prior infection, or vaccination) wanes with time.

    In 2025, more than 14,000 cases have been recorded already. Some regions, including Queensland and Western Australia’s Kimberley region, are seeing a marked rise in cases.

    In 2024, more than 57,000 cases of whooping cough were reported in Australia – the highest yearly total since 1991 – including 25,900 in New South Wales alone.

    What is causing the current surge?

    A few factors are driving numbers higher than we’d expect for an anticipated epidemic.

    COVID lockdowns in 2020 and 2021 reduced natural immunity to many diseases, disrupted routine childhood vaccination services, and resulted in rising distrust in vaccines. This has meant higher-than-usual numbers for many infectious diseases.

    And it’s not only Australia witnessing this surge.

    In the United States, whooping cough cases are at their highest since 1948, with deaths reported in several states, including two infants.

    In Australia, vaccine coverage remains relatively high but it is slipping and is below the national target of 95% .

    Even small declines may have a significant impact on infection rates.

    Who is at risk of whooping cough?

    Young babies, especially those under six weeks of age, are extremely vulnerable to whooping cough because they’re too young to be vaccinated.

    Infants under six months of age are also more likely to require hospitalisation for breathing support or have severe outcomes such as pneumonia, seizures or brain inflammation . Some do not survive.

    However, the greatest number of cases occur in older children and adults. In fact, in 2024, more than 70% of cases occurred in children 10 years and older, and adults.

    Babies who are too young to be vaccinated are most vulnerable.
    Halfpoint/Shutterstock

    Can you get whooping cough even if you’re vaccinated?

    The whooping cough vaccine works well, but its protection fades with time. Babies are immunised at six weeks, four months and six months, which gives good protection against severe illness.

    But without extra (booster) doses, that protection drops, falling to less than 50% by four years of age. That’s why booster doses at 18 months and four years are essential for maintaining protection against the disease.

    A whooping cough vaccine is also recommended for any adult who wishes to reduce the likelihood of becoming ill with pertussis. Carers of young infants, in particular, should have a booster dose if they’ve not received one in the past ten years.

    A booster dose is also recommended every ten years for health-care workers and early childhood educators.

    One of the best ways we can protect babies from the life-threatening illness of whooping cough is vaccination during pregnancy, which transfers protective antibodies to the unborn baby.

    If a woman hasn’t received a vaccine during pregnancy, they can be vaccinated as soon as possible after delivery (preferably before hospital discharge). This won’t pass protective immunity to the baby, but reduces the likelihood of the mother getting whooping cough, providing some indirect protection to the infant.

    How contagious is whooping cough?

    Whooping cough is extremely contagious – in fact, it is up to ten times more contagious than the flu.

    If you’re immunised against whooping cough, you’re likely to have milder symptoms. But you can still catch and spread it, including to babies who have not yet been immunised.

    Data shows siblings (and not parents) are one of the most common sources of whooping cough infection in babies.

    This highlights the importance of on-time vaccination not just during pregnancy, but also in siblings and other close contacts.

    How do I know it’s whooping cough, and not just a cold?

    Early symptoms of whooping cough can look just like a cold: a runny nose, mild fever, and a persistent cough.

    After about a week, the cough often worsens, coming in long fits that may end with a sharp “whoop” as the person gasps for breath.

    In very young babies, there may be no whoop at all. They might briefly stop breathing (called an “apnoea”) or turn blue.

    In teens and adults, the only sign may be a stubborn cough (the so-called “100-day” cough) that won’t go away.

    If you have whooping cough, you may be infectious for up to three weeks after symptoms begin, unless treated with antibiotics (which can shorten this to five days).

    You’ll need to stay home from work, school or childcare during this time to help protect others.

    What should I do to reduce my risk?

    Start by checking your vaccination record. This can be done through the myGov website, the Express Plus Medicare app or by asking your GP.

    If you’re pregnant, get a whooping cough booster in your second trimester. A booster is also important if you’re planning to care for young infants or meet a newborn.

    Got a cough that lasts more than a week or comes in fits? Ask your GP about testing.

    One quick booster could help stop the next outbreak from reaching you or your loved ones.

    Phoebe Williams receives funding from the National Health and Medical Research Council, the Gates Foundation, and the Medical Research Future Fund.

    Helen Quinn and Niall Johnston do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. Australia’s whooping cough surge is not over – and it doesn’t just affect babies – https://theconversation.com/australias-whooping-cough-surge-is-not-over-and-it-doesnt-just-affect-babies-257808

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI USA: The One Big Beautiful Bill Will END Taxpayer-Funded Health Care for Illegals

    US Senate News:

    Source: US Whitehouse
    More than 1.4 million illegal immigrants — including cold-blooded criminals, like those arrested this weekend in Los Angeles — are currently on Medicaid, stealing taxpayer-funded health care benefits meant for American citizens.
    The One Big Beautiful Bill puts a stop to that. By passing the One Big Beautiful Bill, Medicaid will be protected for generations of American citizens — thwarting Democrats’ attempts at destroying it by funding benefits for illegals on the backs of hardworking American taxpayers.
    Of course, the One Big Beautiful Bill does even more to make good on President Trump’s commitment to American citizens by fully funding border security — providing for 10,000 new ICE personnel and 3,000 new Border Patrol agents to detain and deport at least one million criminal illegal immigrants annually and giving $10,000 annual bonuses in each of the next four years to our frontline heroes.
    Promises made, promises kept.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Welch Joins 39 Colleagues in Fighting Trump Administration’s Illegal Termination of the Jobs Corp Program

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Peter Welch (D-Vermont)
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) recently joined Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and 38 of his colleagues in urging the Trump Administration to immediately reverse its decision to illegally and abruptly terminate Job Corps center operations which have left 25,000 students and thousands of staff across 99 Job Corps centers, including in Vergennes, Vermont, in the lurch. 
    Since 1964, Job Corps has helped millions of low-income or at-risk young people develop the skills and resilience needed to succeed in work and life. As the largest free residential education and job training program for young adults ages 16-24, Job Corps programs help students complete their high school education, learn high-value technical skills, and connect to employment through intensive education, training, and support services in a residential setting while providing stable housing, medical and mental health care, and other supportive services to ensure their success. 
    “We urge you to immediately reverse this decision to prevent a lapse in education and services for Job Corps students. We further urge that the Department restart enrollments, expeditiously restart background checks, and make any contract extensions or modifications necessary to ensure no interruptions or delays for students or program operations,” wrote the Senators. “Congress passed the Full-Year Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act of 2025, which includes $1,760,155,000 for Job Corps and ensures that Job Corps Centers are funded for the new program year that begins on July 1, 2025. We write to remind you of your obligation to faithfully implement the law.” 
    Job Corps centers operate in rural regions nationwide and contribute to their local communities and economies. Many centers have partnered with employers, local workforce development boards, government agencies, and community-based organizations to develop the future workforce and meet the needs of local employers. 
    The Senators continued: “At a time when more than 72% of jobs will require training beyond a high school diploma, Job Corps provides students with the opportunity to become wildland firefighters to keep our communities safe, nurses to help care for our families, electricians needed to build and maintain clean energy systems, and machinists, pipefitters, and welders to manufacture the next generation of submarines.” 
    “Abruptly canceling contracts for the nation’s Job Corps centers will leave students and communities in the lurch and undermine opportunities for young people to get education and training to succeed in valuable trades,” wrote the Senators. “Rather than gutting this valuable program, we urge you to work with Congress to strengthen accountability and program quality for the betterment of young workers, employers needing skilled labor, and communities nationwide, such as reforms included in the bipartisan, bicameral Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) reauthorization bill from last Congress.” 
    The Senators requested answers to the following questions: 
    Please provide a list of onboard strength (enrollment) at each center before January 20, 2025 and before the operations pause on May 28, 2025. 
    With Job Corps operations on “pause”, how does the department plan to fulfill its obligations to implement the Full-Year Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2025, which includes $1,760,155,000 for Job Corps serving students? 
    Please provide information on the number of students experiencing homelessness prior to enrollment at a Job Corps center based on enrollment at each center on May 28, 2025. 
    Please provide a list of every contract that has been terminated or modified since January 20, 2025, including the total amount of funds to each operator, the amount of funds that each operator has spent up to the date of the contract’s termination or modification, and the amount of remaining unspent funds for each contract. 
    What authority is the Department using to “pause” operations? Please provide a citation in law or regulation. 
    The concept of a “pause” does not exist in Job Corps authorizing statute and appears to be an attempt to illegally shut down Job Corps operations without following requirements in law. Section 159 of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) includes clear requirements and processes for the closure of Job Corps Centers that were not followed in this “pause”. How does the Department define a “pause” and how is it different than a “termination”? 
    On April 25, 2025, the Department’s Employment and Training Administration (ETA) released the first-ever Job Corps Transparency Report, which is used throughout the DOL press release to pause operations at centers.
    Centers have returned funding to DOL when enrollments were lower than expected (but that’s not reflected in this report.) Please provide an updated cost per enrollee that accounts for money returned to DOL. 
    The report also provides cost per enrollee based on enrollment from program year 2023. DOL has much more up-to-date enrollment numbers. Please provide an updated cost per enrollee with the enrollments on campuses as of May 28, 2025, incorporating onboard strength at each campus. 
    In addition to Senators and Welch and Sanders, the letter was cosigned by Senators Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), John Fetterman (D-Pa.), Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.), Ben Ray Lujan (D-N.M.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Angus King (I-Maine), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.), Andy Kim (D-N.J.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), Mark Warner (D-Va.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Gary Peters (D-Mich.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.) and Patty Murray (D-Wash.).  
    Read and download the full text of the letter to Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Welch Joins Vermont Edition to Discuss Trump’s Trade War and Taxes on Hardworking American Families

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Peter Welch (D-Vermont)
    COLCHESTER, VT – U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) today joined Vermont Public’s Vermont Edition to discuss how harmful cuts in Republicans’ ‘Big Beautiful Bill’ to vital programs like Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) will hurt the economy and hardworking Americans across the country.  
    “This legislation, the so-called ‘Big Beautiful Bill,’ that is going to inflict bipartisan suffering. It doesn’t matter whether you’re in a red state or a blue state—you lose your health care, you lose your community hospital, you start paying higher tariffs, you see your colleges that are dependent on some of these grants and it’s integrated and that’s getting taken away—that’s going to hurt all of us,” said Senator Welch. 
    In the interview, Senator Welch highlighted how President Trump’s trade war and disastrous budget will make it harder for Vermont farmers, businesses, and families to make ends meet.  
    Mikaela Lefrak: “We’ve heard many Democratic critiques of this bill, particularly around its historic reductions in Medicaid spending…do you expect the Senate version of this bill to differ significantly from the House’s in terms of Medicaid cuts?” 
    Senator Welch: “Well, my hope is that we kill the bill. I mean, there will be some adjustments that some of my Republican colleagues try to make to mitigate the damage, but this bill is very damaging to individuals in Vermont…First of all, Vermonters don’t believe they’re going to get a tax cut out of this deal. You know, the tariffs are increasing costs for them and making it very, very tough for business. So, inflation is going to be going up…It’s a huge addition to the debt, where interest rates are going up so your credit card costs will go up, if you’re trying to get a mortgage—and they’re already high rates—they’ll be higher.  
    “From an actual impact on Vermonters, we’ve got thousands of people who get their health care through Medicaid, and that includes disabled kids. And the parents are taking care of those kids and Medicaid’s a lifeline—they can lose that health care. Two out of three seniors who are in nursing homes, that is paid for by Medicaid, and they can be kicked out of those homes with these cuts. So, it’s very damaging there. Also, Vermont has strongly supported nutrition programs—farm to school, Meals on Wheels, school lunch. Also the SNAP program, it’s about six bucks a day for families that are eligible and it really makes a difference. There’s going to be billions of dollars cut from both Medicaid and the SNAP program, Meals on Wheels.  
    “And why in the world are we going to do that when the benefit is essentially going to be higher debt and some significant tax cuts to some very, very wealthy people who don’t need them and aren’t asking for them, and corporations that are already paying record-low tax rates?” 
    ■■■
    Mikaela Lefrak: “As a Democrat in the Senate, you and every single other Democrat can vote against this bill, and it can still pass. So, the goal here it seems is to try to convince a handful of Republicans—I think you need at least three or four—to vote no. How do you do that?” 
    Senator Welch: “The most comprehensive way I’ve approached trying to deal with this budget disaster and this bill is by getting the information out—and the same thing with tariffs, which I think are having a detrimental impact on Vermont businesses, Vermont farmers and Vermont consumers. So, a lot of what I’ll do is have roundtables where we will have people who are going to be affected by the tariffs, or be affected by these Medicaid cuts, to be able to talk about that and get that information out.  
    “And what I do with my Republican colleagues is I don’t give them a lecture, but I’ll find out about the community hospital situation in their district or their state, and I’ll ask them: ‘What’s going to happen if this bill passes to your community hospitals?’ And then the reality is that those hospitals in their district are going to be really hurt. So, what I’m trying to do is encourage them to have more deference to the needs of the people they represent than they do to the will of President Trump.” 
    Listen to the episode here: 
    Last week, Senator Welch took to the Senate floor to slam Republicans’ tax bill, which will rip away health care coverage for more than 16 million Americans, including 29,000 Vermonters. The Republican bill will hike health care costs, close rural hospitals, and force millions of middle-class families to lose their coverage altogether, all to pay for tax cuts for the wealthy.  
    Senator Welch also recently joined his colleagues for a spotlight hearing examining Republicans’ efforts to gut the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), known as 3Squares in Vermont, which is a critical anti-hunger program that helps more than 41.6 million Americans—including over 65,000 Vermonters—put food on the table.     

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rosen Condemns Senate Republicans’ Plan to Cut Medicare to Pay for More Tax Breaks for Billionaires

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV)

    WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV) released a statement on reports that Senate Republicans are now looking to also cut Medicare in their extreme tax spending bill. This comes in addition to the devastating Medicaid cuts that will cause Nevadans in need – including children – to lose their health insurance just so Republicans can pay for tax cuts for billionaires.
    “Apparently going after programs like Medicaid and SNAP that help children and families in need wasn’t enough for Senate Republicans – they’re now also looking to cut Medicare in their extreme tax spending bill,” said Senator Rosen. “It’s absolutely appalling that Senate Republicans are trying to pay for more tax giveaways for billionaires and big corporations by putting Nevada seniors’ health care on the chopping block. I’m going to fight to stop this extreme proposal with everything I have and protect Medicaid, Medicare, and SNAP benefits.”
    Senator Rosen has been a strong critic of Republicans’ extreme tax spending bill that would cut programs Nevadans rely on and drastically increase the national debt to give more tax breaks to the ultra-wealthy. She invited a Las Vegas teenager and his mom who rely on Medicaid for health care coverage to attend President Trump’s Joint Address to Congress to highlight the devastating impacts of Medicaid cuts. Senator Rosen also joined her Senate colleagues in urging President Donald Trump to reject Congressional Republicans’ legislative plans to increase the cost of living for Americans.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Tuberville, Ricketts Reintroduce Legislation to Codify Oversight on Foreign Purchases of American Farmland

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Alabama Tommy Tuberville

    Alabama has fourth-highest amount of foreign owned farmland with 2.2 million acres

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) joined U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE) to reintroduce the Agricultural Foreign Investment Disclosure (AFIDA) Improvements Act to bolster reporting requirements for foreign owners of American farmland. The legislation would codify recommendations to the original AFIDA of 1978 that were published in January 2024 by the Government Accountability Office (GAO) after it found that the U.S. Department of Agriculture is not prepared to fully combat foreign ownership of American farmland by foreign adversaries.

    “Over the past several decades, China has been buying up American farmland in an attempt to infiltrate our agriculture supply chains,” said Senator Tuberville. “Food security is national security, and we cannot give the CCP a foothold. Thankfully, President Trump and Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins are working to make American Farmland American Again. I’m proud to join this legislation with Senator Ricketts to update our reporting requirements for foreign purchases of our farmland for the first time in nearly 50 years. As Alabama’s voice on the Senate Ag Committee, I will always support our great farmers and work to protect them from bad actors like China.”

    “Agriculture is the heart and soul of Nebraska and of America,” said Senator Ricketts. ”American farmland should remain in the hands of American farmers and ranchers, not foreign adversaries. Food security is national security.”

    U.S. Representative Don Bacon (R-NE-02) introduced companion legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives.

    BACKGROUND:

    According to USDA data from December 2023, foreign investors own more than 45 million acres of U.S. agricultural land. And in Alabama, we have the FOURTH-HIGHEST amount of foreign-owned land in the U.S. with 2.2 million acres.

    Senator Tuberville has been a staunch leader in protecting America’s farmland and agricultural supply chains from foreign influence. Earlier this year, he reintroduced two pieces of legislation—the Protecting America’s Agricultural Land from Foreign Harm Act and the Foreign Adversary Risk Management (FARM) Act—to further safeguard our domestic agriculture resources.

    The Agricultural Foreign Investment Disclosure (AFIDA) Improvements Act would:

    • Increase information sharing between the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) and USDA
    • Require updates to the AFIDA handbook
    • Establish a deadline by which USDA must set up an online AFIDA system
    • Require AFIDA reporting for foreign persons holding more than 1% interest in American agricultural land

    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: Tuberville, Banks Move to Protect Americans’ Financial Data from the CCP

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Alabama Tommy Tuberville

    WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) and U.S. Senator Jim Banks (R-IN) took action to ensure Americans’ financial data is protected from exposure to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) through popular financial trading platforms.

    In a letter to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Chairman Paul Atkins, Senators Tuberville and Banks asked that the SEC ensure two Chinese-linked companies are complying with American laws and regulations. The companies, Webull Financial, LLC (Webull) and Moomoo, Inc. (Moomoo), are widely-used stock trading platforms operating within the United States.

    “The biggest threat facing our country today is communist China,” said Senator Tuberville. “Thankfully, we now have a Commander-in-Chief in President Trump who is taking the threat of China incredibly seriously. China doesn’t need a spy balloon to steal our information — they’ve got spies in the smartphones of millions of Americans, harvesting valuable information every second. The United States must protect the personal data of our citizens from falling into the hands of our greatest adversary.”

    “Webull has a track record of collecting highly sensitive personal data from American consumers, including Social Security numbers,” said Senator Banks. “We cannot allow any platform like this tied to the Chinese Communist Party to sidestep our rules and jeopardize Americans’ personal data. That is why I am demanding the SEC ensures that any foreign platform is complying with American regulations, so long as they have access to our financial markets.” 

    The full text of the letter can be found here and pasted below.

    “Chairman Paul Atkins

    Securities and Exchange Commission

    100 F Street NE

    Washington, D.C. 20549

    Chairman Atkins:

    Congratulations on your confirmation as the 34th Chairman of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Over the last four years, your predecessor, Gary Gensler, mismanaged the SEC and pushed a radical anti-business, anti-investor, and anti-innovation agenda that stifled our financial markets, harmed retail investors, and made America less competitive. Fortunately, President Trump is acting quickly and decisively to reverse the Biden administration’s many failures and restore the American economy to greatness. Your pro-growth, pro-investor leadership is needed now more than ever to reestablish the SEC’s credibility, unleash the full power of America’s financial markets, and provide more opportunity for millions of Main Street Americans who want to invest for the future.

    While former Chairman Gensler prioritized multiple regulatory solutions in search of problems, such as his illegal “climate change” disclosure rule and his enforcement program designed to systematically destroy the cryptocurrency industry in the U.S., he ignored the very real threats against retail investors that we and our colleagues repeatedly brought to his attention related to the infiltration of our capital markets by Chinese-owned broker-dealers with possible ties to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), including Webull, MooMoo, and Prometheum.[i]  For example, in May 2023, then-Congressman, now Senator, Banks and I wrote to Chairman Gensler and Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) CEO Robert Cook:

    As you are aware, Webull and Moomoo collect highly sensitive personal information from millions of their U.S. customers, including personally identifiable information (PII) such as Social Security numbers, mailing addresses, and financial account data. . . . In light of Beijing’s increasingly strict privacy laws barring many Chinese companies from sharing data with Western regulators, the presence of Webull registered representatives in the PRC raises serious concerns regarding (1) Webull’s ability to meet its supervisory obligations under SEC and FINRA rules; (2) the SEC’s and FINRA’s ability to oversee and examine Webull and its registered representatives and associated persons located in the PRC; (3) the adequacy of Webull’s compliance with all SEC and FINRA recordkeeping requirements; (4) the ability of the SEC and FINRA to adequately enforce federal securities laws, including the ability to obtain documents and information from Webull employees located in the PRC; and (5) the potential for U.S. customer PII to be shared or exfiltrated to Webull employees or affiliated entities located in the PRC.[ii]

    Since then, the House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party (Select Committee) and several State Attorneys General, led by Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita, have opened separate inquiries into Webull’s ties to the CCP and have exposed troubling facts which call into question the safety of these platforms for U.S. retail investors.[iii]  For example, the Select Committee discovered that an affiliate or subsidiary of Webull (Hunan Weibu Information Technology Co., Ltd., ) “received multiple grants from the Changsha Municipal Government’s special fund to optimize foreign investment through cost offsets supporting offshore service outsourcing,” pursuant to which “recipients of this special fund are required to ‘support the leadership of the Chinese Communist Party.’”[iv]  Similarly, the State Attorneys General inquiry found that “Webull appears to have an affiliated research and development facility (R&D Facility) with hundreds of employees in Changsha, China. SEC filings indicate that the R&D Facility may provide services or support to Webull’s US brokerage operations.”[v]  In fact, Webull’s May 9, 2025, Prospectus states:

    “[O]ur mainland China subsidiary, Hunan Weibu Information Technology Co., Ltd., employs 731 employees, representing 61% of our employees as of December 31, 2024, and is subject to the jurisdiction of the People’s Republic of China. We cannot be certain that future laws, rules, or regulations will not be drafted in a way that brings us within their scope and that such laws will not materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations.”

    We were disappointed to see that earlier this year, the SEC approved Webull to proceed with its Special Purpose Acquisition Company (SPAC) transaction, which now allows Webull to fully exploit U.S. markets – and, by extension, American investors who put their hard-earned money to work in these markets – as a public company listed on Nasdaq. Webull’s March 2025 Investor Presentation filed with the SEC on March 31, 2025, and its May 2025 Prospectus, appear to contain many of the same troubling connections between Webull and the CCP that legislators and law enforcement authorities have repeatedly raised to your predecessor, including continued ownership and control by individuals and entities that appear to be domiciled in China.[vi]The SEC should not allow Chinese companies to list on U.S. exchanges and enjoy the benefits of our capital markets, while failing to adhere to U.S. law. As Senator Rick Scott noted in a letter to you earlier this month, “These companies consistently fail to meet the requirements of our markets – misleading American investors and putting their investments and U.S. national security and economic security at risk[.]” The risks posed by Chinese companies listed in the U.S. were the recent subject of an April 9, 2025 joint House-Senate hearing titled, “Financial Aggression: How the Chinese Communist Party Exploits American Retirees and Undermines National Security.”[vii]   

    Relatedly, the notion of registering broker-dealers with ties to the CCP – especially firms with affiliates, operations, and owners based in China – is entirely inconsistent with the federal securities laws, FINRA rules, and the Holding Foreign Companies Accountable Act of 2020.[viii]  As you know, neither the SEC nor FINRA have the authority to conduct examinations or enforcement investigations of Webull’s substantial operations and employees in mainland China which, as noted above, may support the U.S. brokerage.   

    We urge you to take immediate action to delist all Chinese companies from the U.S. markets and rescind Chinese-owned broker-dealers’ licenses to operate in the U.S.

    Sincerely,”

    BACKGROUND:

    Webull and Moomoo are two widely-used stock trading platforms operating in the United States that are registered with the SEC and Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA). The parent companies of Webull and Moomoo are owned by Chinese entities with close ties to Chinese telecom giants Xiaomi and Tencent, which have reportedly aided the Chinese Communist Party in its efforts to surveil and suppress its citizens.

    Despite their ties to China, the SEC and FINRA allow Webull and Moomoo to operate as registered broker-dealers in the United States and to freely collect and store personally identifiable information — including Social Security numbers, mailing addresses, and sensitive financial account data — for millions of U.S. citizens.

    Senator Tuberville first called for an investigation into Webull and Moomoo in July 2022. In a letter to SEC Chairman Gary Gensler, Senator Tuberville and his colleagues Senators Ted Cruz (R-TX), Mike Braun (R-IN), Rick Scott (R-FL), and Roger Marshall (R-KS) expressed concerns over these firms’ data sharing practices and ties to the CCP – both of which could put U.S. investors at risk.

    Senator Tuberville and Senator Banks sent a similar letter to the SEC and FINRA in 2023.

    Senator Tuberville believes the Communist Chinese Party seeks to overtake the United States as the top global superpower and that America must face China’s growing military and non-military threats with clear-eyed resolve.

    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: Read More (Rep. Steube: Reduce Bureaucracy, Codify President Trump’s Executive Orders Now)

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Greg Steube (FL-17)

    June 09, 2025 | Press ReleasesWASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Representative Greg Steube (R-Fla.) today introduced the Federal Government Reform Act of 2025, a comprehensive bill that codifies five of President Trump’s executive orders addressing waste, restoring accountability, and modernizing the federal government.“This bill locks in President Trump’s America First reforms and strikes at the heart of the bloated federal bureaucracy. For too long, unelected bureaucrats have operated without consequence, pushing regulations that punish the American people while protecting themselves. My bill puts a stop to it,” said Rep. Steube. “We are eliminating useless agencies, restoring accountability in the federal workforce, reducing overcriminalization, and modernizing government operations. To put it simply, this bill delivers the accountability that the deep state fears.”The Federal Government Reform Act of 2025 codifies:

    The elimination of the outdated Federal Executive Institute (EO 14207)
    The modernization of Treasury payment systems (EO 14247)
    Stronger probationary periods for federal employees (EO 14284)
    A crackdown on overcriminalization in federal regulations (EO 14294)
    Efficiency upgrades at the Office of the Federal Register (EO 14295)

    The bill strengthens the federal workforce by enforcing performance standards, improves regulatory transparency, and modernizes how the federal government serves the American people.
    Rep. Steube serves on the House Ways and Means Committee and continues to lead on efforts to shrink government and defend taxpayers.Read the full bill text here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: US Department of Labor takes ‘America First’ mission to world stage at International Labour Conference

    Source: US Department of Labor

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Department of Labor Deputy Secretary Keith Sonderling will participate in the 113th International Labor Conference in Geneva this week, leading a U.S. delegation focused on promoting the Trump administration’s America First labor agenda. 

    Deputy Secretary Sonderling will give high-level remarks during the conference that champion the U.S.’s dominant gig economy and advocate for policies that promote innovation, freedom, and economic opportunity. His mission comes as the International Labour Organization considers new global standards that could threaten millions of businesses and workers in the U.S. and abroad.

    “The United States is a global leader in the gig economy, and this administration intends to keep it that way by pushing back against international efforts to impose burdensome regulations that stifle innovation, harm growth, and kill jobs. President Trump has been clear: we will fight for American workers and American businesses each and every day – both at home and on the world stage. Amplifying that message and standing up for our people will be my key priorities at this year’s conference,” said Deputy Secretary Sonderling.

    The gig economy has become a significant driver of economic growth, offering new pathways to good-paying jobs for millions of workers globally. U.S.-developed platforms have become driving leaders for gig work, powering everything from software development to rideshare and delivery services.

    Deputy Secretary Sonderling will also host a roundtable to promote the U.S. as the premiere international leader in artificial intelligence, as well as hold bilateral meetings with representatives from various governments. He will also meet with ILO Director-General Gilbert F. Houngbo to discuss a shared commitment to ensure American workers and businesses are not undercut by unfair labor practices.

    The 113th International Labour Conference runs from June 2 to June 13, 2025, in Geneva. More than 6,000 delegates are registered to attend the conference, representing governments, as well as employers’ and workers’ organizations, from the ILO’s 187 Member States.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Newsom suing President Trump and Department of Defense for illegal takeover of CalGuard unit

    Source: US State of California Governor

    Jun 9, 2025

    “An unmistakable step toward authoritarianism”

    What you need to know: Standing up for state sovereignty throughout the nation, California Governor Newsom and Attorney General Bonta are suing the Trump administration for its illegal takeover of the California National Guard (CalGuard). 

    LOS ANGELES – Following President Trump’s call to arrest Governor Gavin Newsom, the Governor and Attorney General Rob Bonta today are filing a lawsuit against the Trump administration to end the illegal and unnecessary takeover of a CalGuard unit, which has needlessly escalated chaos and violence in the Los Angeles region. The lawsuit, which names President Trump, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, and the Department of Defense, outlines why the takeover violates the U.S. Constitution and exceeds the President’s Title 10 authority, not only because the takeover occurred without the consent or input of the Governor, as federal law requires,  but also because it was unwarranted.

    “Donald Trump is creating fear and terror by failing to adhere to the U.S. Constitution and overstepping his authority. This is a manufactured crisis to allow him to take over a state militia, damaging the very foundation of our republic. Every governor, red or blue, should reject this outrageous overreach. This is beyond incompetence — this is him intentionally causing chaos, terrorizing communities, and endangering the principles of our great democracy. It is an unmistakable step toward authoritarianism. We will not let this stand.”

    Governor Gavin Newsom

    “President Trump’s order calling federalized National Guard troops into Los Angeles – over the objections of the Governor and local law enforcement – is unnecessary and counterproductive. It’s also deeply unfair to the members of the National Guard who are hard at work every day protecting our state, preparing for and responding to emergencies, and training so that, if called, they can fight our nation’s wars,” said Attorney General Bonta. “Let me be clear: There is no invasion. There is no rebellion. The President is trying to manufacture chaos and crisis on the ground for his own political ends. Federalizing the California National Guard is an abuse of the President’s authority under the law– and not one we take lightly. We’re asking a court to put a stop to the unlawful, unprecedented order.”

    Under the California Constitution, Governor Newsom is the Commander-in-Chief of the California National Guard. In the lawsuit, Governor Newsom and Attorney General Bonta explain that the federal government has overstepped its legal authority and bypassed the Governor’s approval to take over a unit of CalGuard, in a situation where federal government intervention was not needed and did not meet the necessary criteria for federalization. The unrest in Los Angeles is nowhere close to rising to the level of a “rebellion” beyond the capacity of local and state authorities to control, nor is it different in kind from other similar situations in recent years that were brought under control by local authorities with no need for military intervention. The Department of Defense’s mobilization order also failed to comply with President Trump’s own direction to coordinate with the Governor and the National Guard. 

    Trump’s illegal takeover

    On Friday, June 6, 2025, the federal government, through Immigration and Customs Enforcement, began conducting widespread operations throughout Los Angeles without providing notification to local law enforcement. During the course of these operations, ICE officers took actions that inflamed tensions, including the arrest and detainment of children, and military-style operations that sparked panic in the community. The Department of Homeland Security reported that its enforcement activities on June 6 resulted in the arrest of 44 individuals, two of whom appear to have been minors. Only five of those arrested reportedly had any criminal history. 

    In response, community members began protesting to express opposition to these violent tactics, the President’s heavy-handed, violent immigration agenda, and the arrest of innocent people, and to express solidarity with and concern for the individuals and families most directly impacted by the enforcement actions taking place in their community. Protests continued for two more days, and although some violent and illegal incidents were reported — leading to justified arrests by state and local authorities — these protests were largely nonviolent and involved citizens exercising their First Amendment right to protest. At no point did these protests necessitate federal intervention, and local and state law enforcement remained in control of the situation.  Local law enforcement, despite no communication or advanced notice from the federal government, responded quickly and did not request federal assistance. 

    No basis for takeover

    Soon after protests began, on June 7, President Trump issued a memorandum entitled “Department of Defense Security for the Protection of Department of Homeland Security Functions,” purporting to authorize the Department of Defense to call up 2,000 National Guard personnel into federal service for a period of 60 days, and declaring a “rebellion against the authority of the Government of the United States” and directing the Secretary of Defense to coordinate with state governors and the National Guard to commandeer state militias. This order was not specific to California and suggests that the President could assume control of any state militia. 

    President Trump then began posting to social media that the protests in California were out of control and that the federal government had taken over the California National Guard — further inflaming fear in the community, inciting fear and violence, and endangering state sovereignty. Notably, by the time the National Guard arrived on Sunday morning, the protests had dissipated thanks to local law enforcement, and the streets were quiet. The President’s Actions and the military presence inflamed the very protest and violence it was supposedly meant to suppress.

    President Trump’s unprecedented order attempts to usurp state authority and resources via 10 U.S.C. § 12406, a statute that has been invoked on its own only once before in modern history and for highly unusual circumstances  —  when President Richard Nixon called upon the National Guard to deliver the mail during the 1970 Postal Service Strike. This is also the first time since 1965 — when President Johnson sent troops to Alabama to protect civil rights demonstrators — that a president has activated a state’s National Guard without a request from the state’s governor. 

    And as U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem previously said, federalization of the National Guard “would be a direct attack on states’ rights.”

    Ending Trump’s abuse of power

    Today, Governor Newsom and Attorney General Bonta stand up for all states’ authority through this lawsuit. The lawsuit asks the court to end the federal government’s gross overstep of authority and require President Trump and Secretary Hegseth to follow the appropriate legal steps to take over any state militia, including an order issued through the Governor. 

    The lawsuit also explains that:

    • The federalization of the California National Guard deprives California of resources to protect itself and its citizens, including those working on drug interdiction at the border, and of critical responders in the event of a state of emergency — such as the January 2025 firestorm in Los Angeles, which CalGuard responded to. 
    • 10 U.S.C. § 12406 requires that the Governor consent to federalization of the National Guard, which Governor Newsom was not given the opportunity to do prior to their deployment.
    • The President’s unlawful order infringes on Governor Newsom’s role as Commander-in-Chief of the California National Guard and violates the state’s sovereign right to control and have available its National Guard in the absence of a lawful invocation of federal power.
    • The situation in Los Angeles didn’t meet the criteria for federalization, which includes invasion by a foreign country, rebellion against the authority of the Government of the United States, and being unable to execute federal laws. At no point was this the case in the Los Angeles area, where local and state law enforcement remained in control. 

    WHAT THEY WERE SAYING: 

    Donald Trump: In a Townhall with ABC in 2020, Trump said he couldn’t move the National Guard into Democratic-run cities without the Governor’s approval. See here and here for the full transcript.          

    STEPHANOPOULOS: Mr. President, you promised four years ago at the Republican Convention, I’m going to restore law and order.

    TRUMP: And I have, except in Democrat run cities. Look, we have laws. We have to go by the laws. We can’t move in the National Guard. I can call insurrection but there’s no reason to ever do that, even in a Portland case.

    We can’t call in the National Guard unless we’re requested by a governor. If a governor or a mayor is a Democrat and they — like in Portland, we call them constantly. I just spoke to the governor yesterday because we’re giving them relief on the fires. We’re giving them a — an emergency declaration.

    Kristy Noem:

    Press releases, Recent news

    Recent news

    Jun 8, 2025

    News In case you missed it, every single Democratic governor agrees: Donald Trump’s attempts to militarize California are an alarming abuse of power. Democratic Governors Association: “President Trump’s move to deploy California’s National Guard is an alarming abuse…

    Jun 8, 2025

    News In case you missed it, last night, President Trump – disregarding Governor Newsom – federalized California National Guard troops in Los Angeles at a time when there were no unmet law enforcement needs. In fact, local law enforcement efforts successfully…

    Jun 7, 2025

    News Los Angeles, California – Governor Gavin Newsom today issued the following statement in response to speaking out peacefully on the federal government’s immigration actions: The federal government is taking over the California National Guard and deploying 2,000…

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Sánchez on ICE’s violent detention of SEIU California President David Huerta

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

    WASHINGTON – Congresswoman Linda T. Sánchez (D-Calif.) issued the following statement after ICE detained and injured David Huerta, president of SEIU California and SEIU-United Service Workers West, while he exercised his First Amendment rights:

    “Violently detaining and injuring a labor leader for exercising his constitutional rights is an attack not just on him, but on every worker and immigrant.

    “This wasn’t about law enforcement. It was political violence meant to intimidate anyone who dares to speak out against ICE’s Gestapo tactics. But we will not be silenced.

    “The Trump administration’s brutality only sharpens our resolve to continue resisting every assault on our community and our rights.”

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Sánchez condemns ICE detention of immigrants at Los Angeles federal building

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

    WASHINGTON – Congresswoman Linda T. Sánchez (D-Calif.) issued the following statement in response to reports that hundreds of immigrants were being detained while attending routine check-ins with Immigration and Customs Enforcement at the Edward R. Roybal Federal Building in Los Angeles:

    “This is yet another cruel and deliberate act by the Trump administration in its ongoing campaign to dehumanize immigrants. Detaining individuals, some U.S. citizens, for appearing at their immigration hearings – doing exactly what the system demands of them – is a betrayal of justice.

    “Immigrants are constantly told: ‘Follow the rules, do things the right way and you’ll be given an opportunity.’ But now, families who are following the rules are being ambushed, handcuffed and locked away in the basement of a federal building.

    “They’re not being punished for breaking the law, but for trusting it. These inhumane actions by ICE upend our centuries-old due process protections and destroy the integrity of our immigration system.”

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Reed Seeks to Block Trump-Republicans Plan to Take From the Needy to Give to the Greedy

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Rhode Island Jack Reed

    ***WATCH THE SPEAKING PROGRAM HERE***

    PROVIDENCE, RI – U.S. Senator Jack Reed today joined with faith leaders and hunger prevention advocates at the Rhode Island Community Food Bank to demand action against a House Republican-passed tax bill that will make the largest cut to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in American history.

    Republicans in the U.S. House of Representatives recently passed a 1,000+ page bill to take nutrition assistance from the needy in order to give billionaires a bigger tax windfall. Their so-called “Big, Beautiful Bill” includes nearly $300 billion in cuts targeting SNAP, which helps millions of working families and low-income seniors afford groceries. 

    With over $85 million in annual nutrition assistance for Rhode Island at stake and approximately 17,000 Rhode Islanders at risk of losing access to nutrition assistance, the Republicans’ House-passed tax bill would devastate essential SNAP benefits at the same time that President Trump’s tariff taxes are adding over $200 to grocery bills for average American families.

    According to an analysis by the Center for Budget and Policy Priorities, the Trump-Republican tax bill would result in 7 million people nationwide losing food assistance.  The House-passed SNAP cuts would be a disaster for hungry families and for states – permanently saddling states with extra costs and reducing nutrition assistance that millions of low-income Americans rely upon.

    “SNAP is a proven, cost-effective lifeline for more than 144,000 Rhode Islanders, especially low-income children and seniors. When Republicans threaten to cut SNAP benefits, they’re really threatening public health, working families, and our economy.  Access to food is essential for everyone.  The Republican plan would mean less food for the poor, fewer jobs, and less economic activity in the community.  It would increase hunger and hardship,” said Reed.  “Every dollar in federal SNAP investment generates over $1.50 in economic activity.  If you start taking hundreds of millions of dollars out of the local economy, it means stores close, farms go under, and food prices keep going up. Ultimately, the Republican plan would make it harder for Rhode Island families to afford their grocery bills.  I will do everything I can to block these devastating cuts from becoming law.”

    “The impact that this cut will have on families, children, seniors, and veterans will be catastrophic,” said Lisa Roth Blackman, Chief Philanthropy Officer of the Rhode Island Community Food Bank. “Kids will be less ready to learn in school. Working adults won’t have the energy to work. Seniors will be forced to make terrible choices about whether to pay for prescriptions and healthcare or food. And veterans and people with disabilities will struggle to get the food they need to survive and thrive.”

    “Every month, an average of fifteen new households come through our doors for the first time because they cannot afford to put enough food on the table to meet their family’s needs,” said Kate Brewster, CEO of the Jonnycake Center for Hope in South Kingstown. “The ripple effects of the proposed SNAP cuts will be devastating at an already uncertain time. I’m grateful to Senator Reed for standing up against these cuts to the most basic human need – nourishment.”

    “We have 1,000 children who receive food at our pantry – just at one pantry,” shared Reverend Maryalice Sullivan of Pete & Andy’s Food Pantry at St. Peter & St. Andrew’s Church in Providence. “The need is already so high. We simply can’t afford a catastrophic cut like the one the administration is talking about.”

    Not only would the House-passed Republican plan cut SNAP by roughly 30 percent, it would reduce monthly nutrition assistance for children from low-income families, seniors, disabled Americans, and veterans below what is necessary to maintain a healthy diet while placing a greater burden on states while adding red tape and harsher work requirements for caregivers.

    Over 144,000 Rhode Island residents receive SNAP benefits, and the state receives roughly $343.5 million annually in SNAP benefits.  A recent analysis by Trace One placed Rhode Island 15th in the nation based on its share of individuals receiving SNAP benefits. 

    In Fiscal Year (FY) 2024, SNAP participants in Rhode Island received an average of $198.52 per month in SNAP benefits.  This averages $6.52 per person per day.

    In addition to increasing hunger for people with lower incomes who are already struggling, Senator Reed warns that the Republican plan to shift the program’s cost to states will hurt taxpayers, farmers, grocers, delivery drivers, and other small businesses.  Senator Reed noted SNAP’s role in supporting public health is critical and the House-passed Republican cuts would be devastating to families and communities across Rhode Island. 

    The House-passed Republican bill would require all states to pay a 5 percent cost-share, shifting the burden from the federal government to the states.  States with higher payment error rates would have to pay even more. 

    SNAP helps ensure strong, consistent sales for American farmers by boosting low-income families’ purchasing power and demand for agricultural products. In addition to traditional retailers, SNAP directly supports local farmers through demand for produce, meat, and dairy products at farmers’ markets and through initiatives such as Bonus Bucks, which provides a dollar-for-dollar match for purchases of fresh fruits and vegetables.

    Reed emphasized that the entire state would be impacted by these SNAP cuts through lost productivity and increased expenditures in other public areas, such as health care.

    “The irresponsible Republican plan to gut SNAP would increase poverty and make people less healthy more food insecure.  That impacts recipients, neighbors, communities – all of us.  As food insecurity goes up, productivity goes down and health care costs go up,” said Reed.  “We live in the greatest country on Earth and can afford to ensure people don’t go hungry.  Funding this program is a moral, economic, and public health imperative.”

    Rhode Island food pantries have reported a spike in demand recently. Several food pantry operators across the state have put out the call for increased food donations as demand increases beyond usual expectations for this time of year, and cuts to SNAP, Medicaid, and other programs could exacerbate the demand for food aid.

    The Rhode Island Community Food Bank distributes food through its 147 member agencies, reaching approximately 89,000 food-insecure Rhode Islanders each month.  The non-profit provides nutritious staples and fresh produce to food pantries, meal sites, shelters, youth programs and senior centers.  In FY2024, the Rhode Island Community Food Bank distributed 18.3 million pounds of food.

    MIL OSI USA News –