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Category: United States of America

  • MIL-OSI USA: Carter Statement on House Passage of Key Crypto Legislation

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Earl L Buddy Carter (GA-01)

    Headline: Carter Statement on House Passage of Key Crypto Legislation

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. Earl L. “Buddy” Carter (R-GA) this week voted in support of three key pieces of legislation aimed at providing regulatory certainty to the cryptocurrency industry and cementing the United States’ leadership in the digital economy. 

    “We are delivering on President Trump’s call to make the United States the cryptocurrency capital of the world. This new digital arms race is not one we can allow our adversaries, such as China, to win. By providing regulatory certainty, promoting innovation, and fully embracing the digital economy, we will strengthen our nation’s crypto industry and unleash a period of growth and dominance,” said Rep. Carter. 

    Specifically, the bills advanced include: 

    –       The Guiding and Establishing National Innovation for U.S. Stablecoins (GENIUS) Act, creating the first federal standards for payment stablecoins. 

    –       The Digital Asset Market Clarity (CLARITY) Act, providing clear definitions for when digital assets are considered commodities or securities, potentially shifting oversight from the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) for many tokens. 

    –       The Anti-CBDC Surveillance State Act, prohibiting the Federal Reserve from issuing a central bank digital currency, citing privacy concerns and potential government surveillance. 

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: King, Colleagues Introduce Bill to Increase Access to Affordable Childcare in Maine

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Maine Angus King
    WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME) is joining legislation to lower childcare costs and address the nationwide shortage of affordable childcare. The Child Care for Working Families Act is comprehensive legislation that would put a cap on childcare costs for working families, address childcare deserts by providing grants to open new facilities, support higher wages for childcare workers, provide comprehensive funding for Head Start to provide full-day, full-year programming, and expand access to pre-K programs.
    Included in the legislation is a provision that would enable the typical family in America to pay less than $15 a day for childcare—with many families paying nothing at all—and no eligible family paying more than 7% of their income on childcare.
    “Affordable and accessible childcare is one of the most pressing needs for working families in Maine and across the nation, and it presents a huge hurdle to mothers and fathers who want to enter the workforce,” said Senator King. “The Child Care for Working Families Act would provide ample resources for communities across the country to support childcare options that are open for the full day and don’t break the bank. When families have access to care, they can succeed as parents and professionals.”
    The average cost of childcare is now $13,128—a 29% increase since 2020 that outpaces inflation. In 49 states and the District of Columbia, the average annual costs of child care for two children exceeds median rent—and in 41 states and the District of Columbia, the cost of care for one infant exceeds in-state university tuition. The crisis costs the U.S. economy over $100 billion each year. An estimated 18,000 people in Maine are currently out of the labor force due to a lack of child care, while the child care crisis costs Maine nearly $403 million in annual costs.
    More specifically, the Child Care for Working Families Act will:
    Make childcare affordable for working families.
    The typical family earning the state median income will pay less than $15 a day for childcare.
    No working family will pay more than seven percent of their income on childcare.
    Families earning below 85% of state median income will pay nothing at all for childcare.
    If a state does not choose to receive funding under this program, the Secretary can provide funds to localities, such as cities, counties, local governments, districts, or Head Start agencies.
    Improve the quality and supply of childcare for all children and expand families’ childcare options by:
    Addressing childcare deserts by providing grants to help open new childcare providers in underserved communities.
    Providing grants to cover start-up and licensing costs to help establish new providers.
    Increasing childcare options for children who receive care during non-traditional hours.
    Supporting childcare for children who are dual-language learners, children who are experiencing homelessness, and children in foster care.
    Support higher wages for childcare workers.
    Childcare workers would be paid a living wage and achieve parity with elementary school teachers who have similar credentials and experience.
    Childcare subsidies would cover the cost of providing high-quality care.
    Dramatically expand access to high-quality pre-K.
    States would receive funding to establish and expand a mixed-delivery system of high-quality preschool programs for 3- and 4-year-olds.
    States must prioritize establishing and expanding universal local preschool programs within and across high-need communities.
    If a state does not choose to receive funding under this program, the Secretary can provide funds to localities, such as cities, counties, local governments, districts, or Head Start agencies.
    Better support Head Start programs by providing the funding necessary to offer full-day, full-year programming and increasing wages for Head Start workers.
    In addition to King, the bill is cosponsored by Senators Patty Murray (D-WA), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-MN), Corey Booker (D-NJ), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Chris Coons (D-DE), Catherine Cortez-Masto (D-NV), Tammy Duckworth (D-WI), Dick Durbin (D-IL), John Fetterman (D-PA), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Ben Ray Lujan (D-NM), Ed Markey (D-MA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Gary Peters (D-MI), Jack Reed (D-RI), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), Tina Smith (D-MN), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Peter Welch (D-VT), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), and Ron Wyden (D-OR).
    Senator King has long worked to expand access to childcare. He secured millions to improve child care services in the 2022 and 2023 omnibus appropriations bills, and worked to authorize the planning and development of a new child development center at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard. He is also the cosponsor of the Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit Enhancement Act, which would permanently expand the Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit that helps households offset their childcare costs. Most recently, he joined bipartisan legislation to lower childcare costs and address the nationwide shortage of affordable childcare. The Child Care Workforce and Facilities Act would provide competitive grants for states to train childcare workers and build or renovate childcare facilities.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Honduran National Sentenced to 27 Months in Prison

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    HAMMOND – Yesterday, Luis Banegas Rodriguez, 25 years old, of Honduras, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Philip P. Simon after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit bank fraud in two cases, announced Acting United States Attorney M. Scott Proctor.

    Banegas Rodriguez was sentenced to 27 months in prison followed by 1 year of supervised release. He was also ordered to pay $533,043 in restitution.

    According to documents in each case, on January 11, 2023, Banegas Rodriguez and his co-conspirators used fake identification cards to cash 169 fraudulent paychecks totaling $233,569 at three branches of the same bank in the Northern District of Indiana. The fraudulent paychecks were designed to look like they had been issued by a company that operates dairy farms in the Northern District of Indiana.

    Almost six months later, on June 23, 2023, Banegas Rodriguez and his co-conspirators used fake identification cards to cash 178 fraudulent paychecks totaling $299,474 at five branches of the same bank and three check cashing businesses in the Eastern District of Oklahoma. The fraudulent paychecks were designed to look like they had been issued by a building materials supply company in the Eastern District of Oklahoma.

    “Banegas Rodriguez participated in a far-reaching conspiracy that caused major financial harm to community banks and small businesses across the United States. Due to the unwavering efforts and collaboration between federal, state, and local law enforcement, Banegas Rodriguez was brought to justice for his role in this scheme,” said Proctor. “The sentence imposed by the court sends a message that there are real consequences for engaging in fraud, particularly in northwest Indiana.”

    “The illicit actions of co-conspirators to commit bank fraud as they travel throughout the United States will not be tolerated,” said Matthew J. Scarpino, special agent in charge of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) in Chicago. “HSI will continue to partner with our fellow law enforcement agencies to disrupt these types of offenders and hold them accountable for their crimes.”

    These cases were investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the United States Secret Service, and the Indiana State Police, with valuable assistance provided by the Benton County (Indiana) Sheriff’s Department, the Benton County (Indiana) Prosecutor’s Office, the Poteau (Oklahoma) Police Department, and the Houston (Texas) Police Department. The cases were prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Steven J. Lupa from the Northern District of Indiana and Assistant United States Attorneys Kara Traster and Jordan Howanitz from the Eastern District of Oklahoma.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Austin Scott on House Rules Committee Resolution to Responsibly Release Epstein Files

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Austin Scott (GA-08)

    WASHINGTON, D.C.– U.S. Representative Austin Scott (GA-08) released the following statement on his vote to advance a House Resolution to publicly release certain documents, records, and communications related to the investigation of Jeffrey Epstein:

    “I was proud to sponsor and support this Resolution which will require the release of credible information, protect whistleblowers and victims of sexual abuse, and finally shine a light on the full details of everyone involved in the despicable acts connected to Jeffrey Epstein. The American people deserve the truth and the victims deserve to be protected, not used as a political stunt as they have been all week,” said Rep. Scott.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Trahan, Ross, Schrier, Castor, and Fletcher Introduce Legislation to Guarantee Access to FDA-Approved Medicines

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Lori Trahan (D-MA-03)

    WASHINGTON, DC – Yesterday, Congresswomen Lori Trahan (MA-03), Deborah Ross (NC-02), Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08), Kathy Castor (FL-14), and Lizzie Fletcher (TX-07) introduced the Right to FDA-Approved Medicines Act, new legislation to protect Americans’ ability to access safe, effective medications that have been reviewed and authorized by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This bill clarifies that FDA approval of medicines preempts state efforts to ban their prescription, provision, or use.
    “When politicians override science to push an agenda, it puts everyone’s health at risk,” said Congresswoman Trahan. “Doctors should be able to prescribe safe, effective, FDA-approved medications based on what’s best for their patients – not what politicians believe. The Right to FDA Approved Medicines Act protects access to lifesaving prescriptions like mifepristone and ensures health care decisions stay between patients and their doctors, not politicians.”
    This legislation comes at a time when many Republican-controlled states are working to ban or limit access to mifepristone, one of two drugs approved for pregnancy termination. Just this week, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 4th Circuit ruled that federal law does not prevent West Virginia from restricting medication abortion. If states are effectively able to ban FDA-approved medications like mifepristone, that could open the door to bans of birth control, PrEP, vaccines, and other life-saving FDA-approved medications.
    “In recent years, we’ve seen a troubling rise in politically motivated attempts by extremist state legislatures to block access to safe, effective medications approved by the FDA,” said Congresswoman Ross. “This legislation clarifies that if a medication is approved by the FDA, no state can stand in the way of a patient who needs it. Allowing states to second-guess the FDA and ban safe, life-saving medications sets a dangerous precedent that undermines the entire drug approval process. Science, not politics, should guide health care in this country. Thank you to my colleagues for joining me in this important effort.”
    “Patients should never lose access to medications because of where they live, and we’ve already seen states try to ban medications such as mifepristone. As a physician, I know that blocking access to critical medicines will compromise people’s health and inevitably lead to adverse outcomes for patients,” said Congresswoman Schrier, M.D. “That’s why I’m proud to introduce this legislation to ensure that patients across the country have access to FDA-approved medications, vaccinations, and reproductive care.
    “The safety and efficacy of medications should be determined by science and medical experts – not partisan politics,” said Congresswoman Castor. “FDA sets the gold standard for drug review and approval. Floridians and Americans across the country deserve consistent access to FDA-approved medications, whether it’s for abortion care or cancer treatments. This legislation ensures that extremist politicians cannot deny patients the right to get the care and medication they need to live healthy lives.”
    “Everyone deserves access to life saving, FDA-approved drugs,” said Congresswoman Fletcher. “But states like Texas have attempted to block Americans’ access to safe and effective abortion care medications like Mifepristone, which was approved by the federal government more than 20 years ago. I am glad to join Congresswoman Ross in introducing the Right to FDA-Approved Medicines Act to protect access to FDA-approved drugs like Mifepristone and to protect the health, dignity, and freedom of women and families across our country.”
    This bill would:

    Clarify that individuals maintain the right to access medications that have been approved, licensed, or authorized by the FDA.
    Affirm the right of health care providers to prescribe and dispense these medications without fear of criminalization or civil penalties from state governments.
    Prevent state governments from banning, restricting, or interfering with access to FDA-approved drugs, including reproductive health medications.

    The text of the legislation can be found HERE.
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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Read More (Rep. Steube Files More Legislation to Codify President Trump’s Executive Orders)

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

    July 18, 2025 | Press ReleasesWASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Representative Greg Steube (R-Fla.) this week introduced a pair of bills codifying two of President Trump’s executive orders. This marks a total of 10 executive orders from the Trump administration that Representative Steube has introduced legislation to codify since the start of the 119th Congress.“There is a reason the American people elected Republican majorities to Congress alongside President Trump last November: they want the America First agenda passed and signed into law,” said Rep. Steube. “That is why I have proposed codifying two more of Trump’s executive orders. Whether it be protecting school choice or honoring America’s history, the Trump administration has taken bold steps to restore greatness to our country. It’s time for Republicans on Capitol Hill to preserve President Trump’s legacy by codifying his executive actions into law.” Background: 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Statement on Russia’s malicious cyber activity affecting the United Kingdom

    Source: Government of Canada News

    July 18, 2025 – Ottawa, Ontario – Global Affairs Canada

    The Honourable Anita Anand, Minister of Foreign Affairs; the Honourable David J. McGuinty, Minister of National Defence; and the Honourable Gary Anandasangaree, Minister of Public Safety, today issued the following statement:

    “Canada strongly condemns Russia’s malicious cyber activities targeting the United Kingdom, other allies and Ukraine. Canada joins its partners and allies in calling out this activity by Russia’s military intelligence service (the GRU). Russia’s malicious cyber activity and the subsequent harmful real-world impacts it caused such as the bombing of the Mariupol Theatre, the targeting of Yulia Skripal and cyber operations in support of Putin’s illegal war in Ukraine.

    “Russia’s pattern of disruptive cyber activity demonstrates a repeated disregard for the rules-based international system. It also demonstrates Russia’s willingness to use its cyber capabilities irresponsibly as part of a wider campaign to interfere with and destabilize other countries.

    “Canada, in conjunction with our partners and allies, including the United Kingdom, the United States and the European Union, will continue to defend a stable cyberspace, built on the applicability of and respect for international law, as well as responsible state behaviour, in cyberspace.

    “We remind Canadian organizations, especially critical infrastructure network defenders, to bolster their awareness of and protection against Russian cyber threats. We encourage all Canadians to follow updated advice and guidance at cyber.gc.ca.”

    Quick facts

    Previous malicious Russian cyber activities include the following:

    • Electoral and political interference via cyber means targeting the United Kingdom, made public in 2023
    • The targeting of Viasat’s KA-SAT satellite Internet service in Ukraine and other parts of Europe in February 2022
    • The targeting of the Ukrainian banking sector in February 2022
    • The exploitation of the SolarWinds Platform by Russia’s Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) in 2021
    • The SVR’s targeting of Canadian COVID-19 vaccine research and development in 2020
    • Interference by Russia’s GRU in Georgia’s 2020 parliamentary elections

    Related links

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: House Claws Back $9 Billion in Wasteful Spending, Sends Rescissions Package to President Trump’s Desk

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Mike Johnson (LA-04)

    House Claws Back $9 Billion in Wasteful Spending, Sends Rescissions Package to President Trump’s Desk

    Washington, July 18, 2025

    WASHINGTON — Speaker Johnson released the following statement after House Republicans passed the Senate-amended rescissions request to cut $9 billion in wasteful spending uncovered by DOGE. 

    “President Trump and House Republicans promised fiscal responsibility and government efficiency. Today, we’re once again delivering on that promise.

    “This package eliminates $9 billion in unnecessary and wasteful spending at the State Department, USAID, and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. The American people will no longer be forced to fund politically biased media and more than $8 billion in outrageous expenses overseas. 

    “While Republicans continue to deliver real accountability, restore fiscal discipline, and protect taxpayer dollars, Democrats continue to defend waste, fraud, and abuse. This isn’t the end, it’s the beginning. We look forward to passing additional rescissions bills throughout the 119th Congress.”

    Background:

    The Trump Administration’s rescissions package rescinds $9 billion of wasteful spending uncovered by DOGE, including:

    • $1.1 billion for Corporation for Public Broadcasting
    • $135 million in contributions to the corrupt and dangerous World Health Organization (WHO)
    • $18 million to improve gender diversity in Mexican street lighting
    • $4.4 million for a Melanesian Youth Climate Corps 
    • $3.9 million for LGBTQI+ advocacy programs in the Western Balkans
    • $2.5 million to teach children how to make environmentally friendly “reproductive health” decisions
    • $300,000 to fund a pride parade in Lesotho
    • $500,000 for electric buses in Rwanda
    • $500,000 for a gender equality and empowerment hub
    • $33,000 for being LGBT in the Caribbean
    • $8,000 for promoting vegan food in Zambia

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Honduran man pleads guilty, sentenced for illegal re-entry

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    BUFFALO, N.Y. – U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Jose Manuel Ramos-Godoy, 42, a citizen of Honduras, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr. to illegal re-entry. Ramos-Godoy was then sentenced to serve three months in federal prison.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Fauzia K. Mattingly, who handled the case, stated that Ramos-Godoy is an alien without any legal status in the United States. In July 2006 and September 2014, he was physically removed from the United States pursuant to an order of removal. On May 13, 2025, Ramos-Godoy was found in Erie County while driving a vehicle in a hotel parking lot in Amherst, NY.  He did not have any documents allowing him to be lawfully present in the United States.

    This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

    The plea and sentencing are the result of an investigation by the U.S. Border Patrol, under the direction of Patrol Agent in Charge Martin B. Coombs.   

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    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Tigard Man Sentenced to 17 Years in Federal Prison for Attempted Murder and Aggravated Assault for Shooting a U.S. Postal Service Employee

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    PORTLAND, Ore.—A Tigard, Oregon man was sentenced to federal prison today for shooting a United States Postal Service letter carrier.

    Kevin Eugene Irvine, 34, was sentenced to 205 months in federal prison and five years’ supervised release.

    According to court documents, on December 24, 2022, while driving a white van through a Milwaukie, Oregon neighborhood, Irvine made eye contact with a letter carrier delivering mail on foot. Irvine threw his arms in the air, which the letter carrier mistook as waving, and the letter carrier waved back.  

    A short time later, on an adjacent street, the letter carrier noticed the same van and again made eye contact with Irvine as he drove past. Irvine stopped the van several houses away, got out of the van with a rifle, knelt on the street and fired three rounds, striking the letter carrier once as the letter carrier ran for cover. After the shooting, Irvine picked up his shell casings and drove off.

    On December 28, 2022, officers spotted the van in Lake Oswego, Oregon, where they stopped the vehicle and arrested Irvine. Later, investigators sought and obtained a search warrant for Irvine’s van and found three rifles, ammunition, spent shell casings, a knife, shooting targets and ballistic gear.

    On February 8, 2023, a federal grand jury in Portland returned a three-count indictment charging Irvine with aggravated assault on a federal employee with a firearm, attempted murder of a federal employee, and discharging a firearm during a crime of violence.

    On March 26, 2025, Irvine was convicted of all three counts following a bench trial.

    This case was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service with assistance from the Milwaukie Police Department and the Lake Oswego Police Department. It was prosecuted by Gary Y. Sussman and Eliza Carmen Rodriguez, Assistant U.S. Attorneys for the District of Oregon.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: McMinnville Repeat Offender Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal Prison for Trafficking Fentanyl in Oregon

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    PORTLAND, Ore.— A McMinnville, Oregon man with a lengthy criminal history was sentenced to federal prison today for possessing and distributing fentanyl in Oregon.

    Travis Charles Donnahoo, 46, was sentenced to 121 months in federal prison and four years’ supervised release.

    According to court documents, on March 12, 2023, officers from the McMinnville Police Department arrested Donnahoo, who has a long history of drug trafficking including five prior state convictions for distributing drugs in Oregon, on four outstanding warrants issued for his arrest. The officers searched Donnahoo and seized a firearm, cash, and a black zippered case. The following day, on March 13, 2023, investigators executed a search warrant on the black case and found 145 grams of methamphetamine and 322 grams of counterfeit pills containing fentanyl.   

    On March 22, 2023, Donnahoo was charged by criminal complaint with possessing fentanyl and methamphetamine with the intent to distribute, possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and felon in possession of a firearm.

    On April 8, 2025, Donnahoo pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute fentanyl.

    This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, FBI, McMinnville Police Department, and Yamhill County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Scott M. Kerin, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.

    Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid 80 to 100 times more powerful than morphine and 30 to 50 times more powerful than heroin. A 2-milligram dose of fentanyl—a few grains of the substance—is enough to kill an average adult male. The wide availability of illicit fentanyl in Oregon has caused a dramatic increase in overdose deaths throughout the state.

    If you are in immediate danger, please call 911.

    If you or someone you know suffers from addiction, please call the Lines for Life substance abuse helpline at 1-800-923-4357 or visit www.linesforlife.org. Phone support is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You can also text “RecoveryNow” to 839863 between 2pm and 6pm Pacific Time daily.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Two Men Plead Guilty To Money Laundering In Connection With Phishing Scams That Targeted SF-Based Company, Other Victims

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    SAN FRANCISCO – George Aboagye and Dennis Jordan pleaded guilty to money laundering in connection with their roles in online phishing scams.  Aboagye entered his guilty plea today and Jordan pleaded guilty on July 10, 2025.  

    Aboagye, 44, who previously resided in Stone Mountain, Ga., and Jordan, 39, who previously resided in Dallas, Texas, were originally indicted by a federal grand jury in February 2024 and charged by superseding informations in July 2025.

    According to court documents and the plea agreements, in December 2019, Aboagye laundered $922,445.34 fraudulently obtained from a San Francisco-based business through a business email compromise scam.  Employees at the victim business received a fraudulent email that purported to be from one of the business’s actual service providers.  The email induced employees at the victim business to send a wire transfer in the amount of $922,445.34 to a bank account for a fake company.  Aboagye and others used the fake company’s bank account to receive and launder the proceeds from this scam.  

    To conceal the source of the fraudulently obtained funds, portions of the $922,445.34 were distributed to Aboagye and other individuals, including Jordan, who deposited a $20,000 cashier’s check derived from the fraud proceeds into a bank account he set up under another fake business name.  

    Aboagye also wired other ill-gotten proceeds into accounts held in his name, including portions of $173,315.70 fraudulently obtained from a North Dakota state agency in May 2020 as part of a business email compromise and fraudulent payments totaling $80,300 from the Small Business Administration in August 2020.  In sum, Aboagye admitted to laundering between $1.5 million to $3.5 million in fraudulent proceeds.

    Jordan also admitted to using multiple fake companies and identities to open bank accounts, which he then used to receive funds from various victims, including $15,000 in January 2020 from a victim in California who believed the money was going to be used to obtain a shipment of gold from Australia, and $40,000 in April 2020 from a victim in California who believed the money was being used to help Covid-19 research.  Jordan also used one such account to obtain a $220,000 loan through the Small Business Administration’s Covid-19 Paycheck Protection Program.  Jordan used some of these funds to purchase a residence for himself in Dallas.  In sum, Jordan admitted to laundering $336,600 in fraudulent proceeds.  

    United States Attorney Craig H. Missakian and FBI Special Agent in Charge Sanjay Virmani made the announcement.

    Both defendants have remained in custody since their arrests and both were remanded into custody following their guilty pleas.  Jordan and Aboagye are scheduled to be sentenced on Sept. 24, 2025, before U.S. District Judge Rita F. Lin.  Each defendant faces a maximum statutory penalty of 20 years in prison and a $500,000 fine.  Any sentence will be imposed by the court after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the federal statute governing the imposition of a sentence, 18 U.S.C. § 3553.

    This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.

    Assistant United States Attorneys S. Waqar Hasib and Kevin Yeh are prosecuting the case.  The prosecution is the result of an investigation by the FBI.
     

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Two Indicted for Fraudulent FEMA Claims for Lahaina Fire and California Fire Federal Disasters

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    HONOLULU – Acting United States Attorney Ken Sorenson announced that Daylyn Harris, 34, and Chelsea Johnson, 32, of Honolulu, Hawaii, were arrested on July 15, 2025 and charged in a seven-count indictment returned by a federal grand jury on July 17, 2025.

    The indictment alleges that Harris and Johnson conspired with each other and carried out a wire fraud scheme, wherein Harris and Johnson submitted false claims to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (“FEMA”), claiming to have suffered income, housing, and property losses as a result of two federal disasters, when, as Harris and Johnson both knew, they did not live in the disaster area or suffer any such losses. Specifically, Harris falsely claimed that he resided in Lahaina, Hawaii during the Lahaina fires federal disaster in August and September 2023, and that he lost housing and income, suffered medical bills, and lost property when, in fact, did not suffer such losses. Johnson assisted the fraudulent claim by posing as Harris’s Maui landlord. The indictment also alleges that in January 2025, Johnson falsely claimed to live in Pacific Palisades, California during the California fires federal disaster and claimed lost housing and other expenses. The indictment alleges that, together, Harris and Johnson received over $60,000 in disaster relief from FEMA.

    If convicted of the charged offenses, the defendants face up to thirty years in prison and a fine of up to $1,000,000 for each count.

    The charges in the indictment are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. In the case of conviction, any sentence would be imposed by a United States District Judge based on the statutory sentencing factors and the advisory United States Sentencing Guidelines.

    This case is being investigated by the Department of Homeland Security – Office of the Inspector General, with assistance from the Honolulu Police Department.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael F. Albanese is prosecuting the case.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Rhode Island Man Admits ATM Theft

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    ALBANY, NEW YORK – David Degrasse, age 59, of West Warwick, Rhode Island, pled guilty on Tuesday to interstate transportation of stolen property. Acting United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III; Special Agent in Charge Craig L. Tremaroli of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI); and New York State Police (NYSP) Superintendent Steven G. James made the announcement.

    Degrasse admitted that in the early morning of April 27, 2023, he sawed into an ATM in a restaurant in Catskill, New York; removed approximately $9,300; and transported that money out of New York.  He also acknowledged that he cut the alarm wires of a convenience store in Hillsdale, New York, and entered the store before abandoning that effort to go to the Catskill restaurant.  Degrasse further admitted he sawed into and stole cash from ATMs in Walden, New York; Pine Plains, New York; Lenox, New York; Concord, Massachusetts; and Bagdad, Kentucky.  Degrasse admitted to stealing a total of more than $55,000 from the ATMs.  As part of his plea, Degrasse has agreed to forfeit the $9,300 from the Catskill theft and pay restitution. 

    Acting United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III stated: “David Degrasse’s multi-state crime spree is over. His arrest and prosecution should put an end to his despicable targeting and burglarizing of small businesses.”

    FBI Special Agent in Charge Craig L. Tremaroli stated: “Mr. Degrasse’s arrest should send a clear message that the FBI will work diligently with our law enforcement partners to investigate and hold accountable any criminal who decides to target our small businesses for their own personal gain.”

    NYSP Superintendent Steven G. James stated: “This case demonstrates the commitment of law enforcement to hold individuals accountable who prey on small businesses and violate the safety of our communities. I commend the work of our Troopers and Investigators, along with our federal partners at the FBI and U.S. Attorney’s Office, for their efforts in bringing this case to a successful resolution.”

    At sentencing, Degrasse, who is in custody, faces a maximum term of 10 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and a term of supervised release of up to 3 years.  A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is convicted of violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors.

    The FBI and NYSP investigated the case, which Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan S. Reiner is prosecuting.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Drug Trafficking Organization Sentenced to More than 55 Years Combined in Federal Prison for Fentanyl Trafficking

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    FAYETTEVILLE – The final member of a Northwest Arkansas drug trafficking organization was sentenced to federal prison for crimes related to the distribution of fentanyl. The Honorable Judge Timothy L. Brooks presided over the sentencing hearings for the United States District Court in Fayetteville.

    According to court documents, agents with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) initiated an investigation into a drug trafficking organization responsible for distributing fentanyl pills in Fayetteville and Fort Smith from January to September of 2024. Investigators identified Salvador Caracena-Zarates as a distributer of methamphetamine and the leader and source of supply for fentanyl being distributed by Rafael Norwood, Christopher Howes, and Alonzo Releford. The pills distributed by this group contained fentanyl made or pressed to look like M-30 Oxycontin prescription pills.

    Those members of the drug trafficking organization indicted federally have been sentenced as follows:

    Salvador Fautino Caracena-Zarates, Jr. a/k/a “Doe”: age 42, Fort Smith, Arkansas – Possession with intent to distribute more than 50 grams of a mixture or substance containing methamphetamine– 300 months imprisonment and 4-year term of supervised release.

    Rafael Deaundra Norwood, Sr.: age 40, Fayetteville, Arkansas – Aiding and abetting in the distribution of a mixture or substance containing fentanyl– 168 months imprisonment and 3-year term of supervised release.

    Christopher Ray Howes: age 43, Fayetteville, Arkansas – Aiding and abetting in the distribution of a mixture or substance containing fentanyl– 100 months imprisonment and 3-year term of supervised release.

    Alonzo Lee Releford, III: age 23, Fayetteville, Arkansas – Distribution of a mixture or substance containing fentanyl – 100 months imprisonment and 3-year term of supervised release.

    U.S. Attorney David Clay Fowlkes of the Western District of Arkansas made the announcement.

    The Drug Enforcement Administration investigated the case with assistance by the following agencies:  Fourth Judicial Drug Task Force, Fort Smith Police Department, U.S. Marshals Service, Benton County Drug Unit, Bentonville Police Department, Fayetteville Police Department, and Arkansas State Police.   

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Sydney Butler Stanley prosecuted the case for the United States.

    This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

    Related court documents may be found on the Public Access to Electronic Records website at www.pacer.gov.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: FEDERAL CHARGES FILED AGAINST PENSACOLA MAN FOR ATTEMPTING TO KILL ESCAMBIA COUNTY SHERIFF’S DEPUTY

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    PENSACOLA, FLORIDA – Darrion K. Finley, 21, of Pensacola, Florida, has been indicted in federal court on charges related to a shooting incident in late-2024 during an attempted traffic stop of a reported stolen vehicle. John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida announced the charges.

    Finley is scheduled for arraignment before United States Magistrate Judge Zachary C. Bolitho at the United States Courthouse in Pensacola, Florida, on July 22, 2025, at 11:00 a.m.

    The Indictment charges Finley with Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon, Attempting to Kill an Escambia County Sheriff’s Deputy to Prevent Certain Communications, and Discharging a Firearm During and in Relation to a Crime of Violence.

    If convicted, Finley faces up to life imprisonment.  

    The case is being jointly investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office; and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys David L. Goldberg and Jessica S. Etherton.

    An indictment is merely an allegation by a grand jury that a defendant has committed a violation of federal criminal law and is not evidence of guilt. All defendants are presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial, during which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at trial.

    This case is part of Operation Take Back America (https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline ) a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

    The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General.  To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Kilo Fentanyl Trafficker Sentenced to More Than Eight Years in Prison

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    RALEIGH, N.C. – A Raleigh man has been sentenced to more than eight years in federal prison for trafficking large quantities of fentanyl throughout Eastern North Carolina. Joshua Vines, 40, admitted to conspiring to distribute over 400 grams of fentanyl and pleaded guilty earlier this year.

    According to court records and evidence presented at sentencing, on October 25, 2023, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) agents were conducting surveillance on a vehicle registered to co-defendant Nigel Gray. They observed the car parked outside a Dollar General in Elizabeth City, where a passenger and co-defendant, Omar Cardenas, exited and got into another vehicle. Both cars then left the area.

    Law enforcement later stopped the vehicle, driven by Vines, in Nashville, NC. During the stop, Vines contacted Gray by phone to ask for the car’s registration information. A trained K-9 alerted to the vehicle, prompting a search. Inside, officers found approximately 30,000 pills containing fentanyl or para-fluorofentanyl, with a combined weight of 1.5 kilograms, along with an additional kilogram of fentanyl powder. Vines had texted Gray that they were being detained and requested consent to search the vehicle. The group had planned to distribute the drugs in the Raleigh area.

    Gray and Cardenas have already been sentenced in federal court for their roles in the conspiracy.

    Vines has prior felony convictions for discharging a weapon into an occupied vehicle, trafficking heroin, and trafficking cocaine by transportation.

    Daniel P. Bubar, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge James C. Dever III. HSI, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, U.S. Customs and Border Patrol, the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigations, the Raleigh Police Department, the Nashville Police Department, the Pitt County Sheriff’s Office, the Greenville Regional Drug Task Force investigated the case and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Timothy Severo and Katherine Englander prosecuted the case.

    Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:24-CR-00076.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: FORMER LOCAL FIREFIGHTER FACING FEDERAL CHARGES FOR THE PRODUCTION OF CHILD PORNOGRAPHY

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    PENSACOLA, FLORIDA – Garey A. Buscaino, 48, of Pensacola, Florida, has been indicted in federal court on charges related to a decade-long pattern of producing and possessing child pornography. John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida announced the charges.

    Buscaino is scheduled for arraignment before United States Magistrate Judge Zachary C. Bolitho at the United States Courthouse in Pensacola, Florida, on July 22, 2025, at 11:00 a.m.

    The Indictment charges Buscaino with the Production of Child Pornography of four different minor females between 2015 – 2025. He is also charged with the Possession of Child Pornography Involving Minors Under the Age of 12 Years Old.

    If convicted, Buscaino faces up to 30 years’ imprisonment as to each minor victim for the Production of Child Pornography and up to 20 years’ imprisonment as to the Possession of Child Pornography Involving Minors Under the Age of 12 Years Old.  

    The case is being jointly investigated by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David L. Goldberg.

    An indictment is merely an allegation by a grand jury that a defendant has committed a violation of federal criminal law and is not evidence of guilt. All defendants are presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial, during which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at trial.

    This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice and led by the U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Divisions Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), it marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.

    The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General.  To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Law Enforcement Recovers Over $6 Million in Forfeited Assets From Miami Couple Sentenced to Nine- and Three-Year Prison Terms for Health Care Fraud and Money Laundering Conspiracies

    Source: US FBI

    MIAMI – On July 10, 2025, Magaly Travieso, 54, of Miami, Fla., was sentenced to nine years’ imprisonment for conspiracy to commit health care fraud, and Yudorki Ramirez, 53, of Miami, Fla., was sentenced to three years’ imprisonment for conspiracy to commit money laundering.

    Travieso was an advanced practitioner registered nurse and the owner of ProMed Healthcare, L.L.C., a medical clinic that purportedly provided back and shoulder braces, physical therapy, psychosocial rehabilitation, and other mental health therapy services to beneficiaries with commercial insurance, Medicare, and Medicare Advantage Plans, and to Medicaid recipients. From approximately March 2019 through at least January 2023, Travieso conspired with others to submit over $20 million in fraudulent claims for reimbursement, of which ProMed received over $10 million.

    Specifically, Travieso and her co-conspirators paid patients illegal kickbacks and fabricated medical records to substantiate thousands of insurance claims for medically unnecessary goods and services—and services that ProMed never even provided. For example, Travieso and other ProMed mental health counselors completed progress notes for “psychosocial rehabilitation” (“PSR”) with fabricated stock quotes of PSR patients that they copied throughout records of dozens of different elderly patients. ProMed’s medical records even copied the typos in those fabricated quotes. Travieso and others’ PSR progress notes not only copied participant responses, the notes also fabricated observations, results, and other medical notations.

    Once ProMed’s health care fraud proceeds were deposited into ProMed’s bank accounts, Travieso and her former spouse, Ramirez, used the fraud proceeds for their personal use and benefit.  For example, Travieso spent approximately $75,000 in proceeds on the purchase of a 2021 Land Rover Range Rover in the name of ProMed and approximately $750,000 in proceeds on the purchase of her residence in Miami, Florida.  Similarly, Ramirez spent approximately $141,923.02 of proceeds on the purchase of his residence in Miami.  Ramirez also laundered approximately $2,068,904.55 of health care fraud proceeds into his investment accounts.  In June 2024, pursuant to seizure warrants, law enforcement seized Travieso’s Range Rover and over $4 million in health care fraud proceeds from bank accounts belonging to Travieso and Ramirez. Since then, law enforcement has recovered over $2 million in additional forfeited assets, and the Court ordered Travieso and Ramirez to pay millions more to the Government and the victims.

    Hayden P. O’Byrne, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, Acting Special Agent in Charge Brett Skiles from the Federal Bureau of Investigations, Miami Field Office, Acting Special Agent in Charge Ryan Lynch of the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG) Miami Regional Office and Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier for the Florida Office of the Attorney General Medicaid Fraud Control Unit (MFCU) made the announcement.

    This case was investigated by the FBI Miami Field Office, the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General, and Medicaid Fraud Control Unit of the Florida Office of the Attorney General. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph Egozi prosecuted the case and Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua Paster handled asset forfeiture.

    You may find a copy of this press release (and any updates) on the website of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida at www.justice.gov/usao-sdfl.

    Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or at http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov, under case number 25-CR-20074-KMM.

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS observed by NSF-funded Gemini North telescope

    Source: US Government research organizations

    Astronomers capture imagery of this interstellar object — the third such object ever discovered — as it zooms through the solar system

    Using the Gemini North telescope in Hawaii, astronomers have captured an image of comet 3I/ATLAS, an interstellar object that was first detected on July 1, 2025, by the Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System (ATLAS) for which the comet was named. The letter “I” means “interstellar,” and “3” indicates it is only the third object from another star system ever observed. The observations will help scientists study the characteristics of this rare object’s origin, orbit and composition.

    Gemini North is in Hawaii and is one half of the International Gemini Observatory, funded in part by the U.S. National Science Foundation. The imagery reveals the comet’s compact coma — a cloud of gas and dust surrounding its icy nucleus.

    “The sensitivity and scheduling agility of the International Gemini Observatory has provided critical early characterization of this interstellar wanderer,” says Martin Still, NSF program director for the International Gemini Observatory. “We look forward to a bounty of new data and insights as this object warms itself on sunlight before continuing its cold, dark journey between the stars.”

    Credit: International Gemini Observatory/NOIRLab/NSF/AURA/K. Meech (IfA/U. Hawaii)/Image Processing: Jen Miller & Mahdi Zamani (NSF NOIRLab)

    Interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS is captured in this image by the NSF-funded Gemini North telescope. The image shows the comet’s compact coma — a cloud of gas and dust surrounding its icy nucleus.

    Ranging from tens of meters to a few kilometers in size, interstellar objects are pieces of cosmic debris left over from the formation of their host star’s planetary systems. As these remnants orbit their star, the gravity of nearby larger planets and passing nearby stars can launch them out of their home systems and into interstellar space, where they can cross paths with other solar systems, including ours.

    These visitors from faraway regions of the cosmos are valuable objects to study since they offer a tangible connection to other star systems. They carry information about the chemical elements that were present when and where they formed, which gives scientists insight into how planetary systems form at distant stars throughout our galaxy’s history, including stars that have since died out.

    Although 3I/ATLAS is only the third interstellar object ever discovered, the NSF–DOE Vera C. Rubin Observatory, jointly funded by NSF and the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Science, is expected to capture millions of objects moving throughout our solar system when it begins operations later this year. By repeatedly scanning the entire southern hemisphere sky every few nights, NSF–DOE Rubin will capture an unpredictable number of never-before-seen interstellar objects.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: NSF releases USAP SAHCS findings report

    Source: US Government research organizations

    The U.S. National Science Foundation released the first Sexual Assault and Harassment Climate Survey (SAHCS) findings report for the United States Antarctic Program (USAP).

    Results from the survey help expand agency understanding of sexual assault and harassment, bystander experience, as well as workplace satisfaction and cultural norms within the USAP community, and will inform NSF decisions and policies.

    “NSF is committed to fostering and maintaining a culture free from sexual violence and harassment throughout the United States Antarctic Program,” said Special Assistant to the Director for SAHPR Renée Ferranti. “I’m grateful to those who participated in the survey, giving NSF a stronger understanding of how to build an environment where every member of the Antarctic community feels safe and supported.”

    NSF will use the survey data as a baseline program metric and intends to provide SAHCS to USAP community members periodically. The results of the USAP SAHCS will help NSF to understand the incidence and prevalence of sexual misconduct in the USAP and to gather baseline data on sexual assault and sexual harassment and bystander experience, as well as workplace satisfaction and cultural norms data within the community so NSF can continue to improve ongoing prevention and response efforts.

    In addition to the SAHCS, NSF implemented several new actions and policies following the release of a 2022 NSF-commissioned report focused on the prevalence of sexual assault and harassment in Antarctica. Some of those changes include the implementation of a helpline, new policies and programs addressing sexual assault and harassment, enhanced security measures on the station, additional presence of the NSF Office of Inspector General personnel on the station, as well as additional communication, resources and training.

    The survey is managed by the NSF Sexual Assault and Harassment Prevention and Response (NSF SAHPR) program office in coordination with the NSF Office of Polar Programs. NSF SAHPR coordinates prevention efforts and supports individuals who have experienced sexual violence and ensures the sensitive and comprehensive care of survivors.

    Additional information regarding the USAP SAHCS is available at USAP Sexual Assault and Harassment Climate Survey.

    Information regarding sexual assault and harassment prevention and response in the U.S. Antarctic Program is available at Sexual Assault and Harassment Prevention and Response Program.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Around the Air Force: Resolute Force Pacific, Resolute Space 2025, Autonomous Collaborative Platforms

    Source: United States Air Force

    Headline: Around the Air Force: Resolute Force Pacific, Resolute Space 2025, Autonomous Collaborative Platforms

    In this week’s look around the Air Force, PACAF conducts its largest contingency-response exercise with REFORPAC, Guardians prepare to demonstrate Space Force capabilities with Resolute Space 2025 and the Air Force advances human machine teaming by flying ACPs alongside crewed fighter aircraft.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: VIDEO: Capito Celebrates Career, Legacy of Outgoing WVU President Gordon Gee

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for West Virginia Shelley Moore Capito

    [embedded content]

    Click here or on the image above to watch Senator Capito’s remarks.

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — Yesterday, U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) delivered a speech on the Senate floor celebrating the career and legacy of West Virginia University’s (WVU) outgoing president Dr. Gordon Gee.

    Dr. Gee, who retired this week, dedicated nearly two decades of his life to the service of West Virginia, where he saw the university through many victories and challenges. Dr. Gee worked tirelessly to make education in West Virginia more accessible and obtainable, partnered with Marshall University president Brad Smith to keep the best and brightest students in West Virginia after graduation, and oversaw the addition of 20 hospitals under the WVU Medicine umbrella.

    Senator Capito’s remarks as prepared for delivery: 

    “Mr. President, 

    “I rise today to honor a dear friend of mine, who has dedicated nearly two decades of his life to the service of our great state of West Virginia, and, to the betterment of our students seeking higher education.

    “The man who has been president of more universities than anyone else in the entire world!

    “Doctor E. Gordon Gee, President of West Virginia University, who retired this week.

    “Dr. Gee, or Gordon as we call him, was fortunate to serve two tenures as President of WVU,

    “First from 1981 to 1985, and again from 2013 to 2025.

    “Where he brought his strong desire for community, and love of education, to our Home Among the Hills in Morgantown.

    “I know I speak for everyone when I say how much we will miss his signature bow tie—I believe he has thousands, his love for athletics and impact within the NCAA—he even offered to suit up for the WVU football team, although he’s quick to admit he isn’t much of an athlete—his infectious energy, and his thoughtful guidance.

    “His legacy will be felt at WVU for generations to come.

    “To understand the impact that Gordon has made on West Virginia, I must expand on what WVU means to our state and people far outside our borders.

    “WVU was established in 1867, initially named the Agricultural College of West Virginia, and became our state’s first public land-grant university.

    “Since then, individuals from across our state, country, and world have become Mountaineers – including many members of my own family.

    “There are a couple things that I must note about WVU:

    “First, Mountaineers are everywhere.

    “There isn’t a town across West Virginia, or an airport across our country, where you won’t see the trademark blue and gold flying WV logo.

    “The Mountaineers serve as a point of pride for our state and bring recognition to the wonderful people, passion, culture, and history that we have in West Virginia.

    “Second, Mountaineers are changing the world.

    “Across WVU’s thirteen colleges and schools, whether it be engineering, agriculture, law, or medicine, Mountaineers are making a difference.

    “WVU is our state’s only institution to hold the title of an R-1 University, the benchmark that recognizes exceptional research capacity.

    “This is a status that WVU received in 2016 under Gordon’s leadership.

    “Gordon’s connection to West Virginia isn’t just a professional one. It’s a personal one too.

    “He chose to return to West Virginia not once, but twice, because he believes in West Virginia, our people, and WVU.

    “When he speaks of his love and passion for our state, it is unmistakenly heartfelt.

    “Gordon believes in the power of education, and that belief has left its mark not only on Morgantown, but across every corner of our great state, and honestly, across our entire nation.

    “When Gordon became President of WVU the first time in 1981, he was only 37 years old.

    “When he returned to Blaney House in 2013, he came back seasoned, with the experience and perspective that WVU needed.

    “Through the foundation of his four pillars—education, health care, prosperity, and purpose—Gordon has guided WVU through times both successful and tumultuous—including through a global pandemic—made education for our children in West Virginia more accessible and obtainable, and moved our state towards one of his principles that West Virginians should not have to leave our state’s borders to receive the health services they deserve.

    “The impact that Gordon has made is apparent in many areas, but particularly noteworthy is the impact he has made through the continued expansion of WVU Medicine.

    “As the Chairman of the WVU Medicine Board of Directors, Gordon oversaw the addition of 20 hospitals under the WVU Medicine umbrella that span across our state,

    “And increased the capacity and research support for WVU’s world class facilities like the Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute, Cancer Institute, Heart and Vascular Institute, and the new Children’s hospital.

    “As West Virginia’s Senator, I’ve had the privilege to work with the wonderful and incredibly impressive people of WVU Medicine and visit these facilities many times.

    “Let me tell you, they are on the cutting edge of medical advancements that will saves live and change our world.

    “Gordon’s leadership has been a critical part of this success, and it’s fitting that his recently finished portrait will live on the WVU Medicine campus.

    “Although Gordon was born in Utah, he is the first to tell you that he is a ‘born-again’ West Virginian.

    “He has made our state his home, and the effort and energy he puts toward benefiting the lives of his fellow West Virginians is evident.

    “Two of Gordon’s four pillars that I mentioned earlier—purpose and prosperity—relate directly to economic development in our state.

    “Along with Marshall President Brad Smith, Gordon was central to developing the ‘First Ascent’ program in West Virginia,

    “This program connects recent WVU and Marshall graduates with workforce opportunities within our state that launch their professional careers, and keep our best and brightest home, contributing to our communities.

    “The duo also worked together to establish ‘Ascend West Virginia,’ which has been a successful effort to attract remote workers to West Virginia’s mountains, highlighting the wonderful outdoor recreation opportunities our state offers to young professionals and their families.

    “Additionally, Gordon has made it a priority to visit and spend time in all 55 of West Virginia’s counties, showing the excellent work of the WVU Extension services, designed to build prosperity, enhance educational opportunities, improve health, and create purpose in communities across the entirety of our state.

    “While Gordon’s presence as WVU President will be missed, we know that he will continue to make a difference in West Virginia.

    “And, as I said when I started this speech, the legacy he has built will continue to be felt for generations to come.

    “I know that I join Gordon and our state when I say we look forward to leadership and experience that the new WVU president, Michael Benson, brings to Morgantown.

    “In a recent article published by WVU Magazine, I found the advice that Gordon gave to his successor to be wise, true, and eloquent:

    “’If you love the state and its people, they will love you back.’

    “That has certainly been the case for Doctor E. Gordon Gee, and the time he has spent in Morgantown.

    “On a personal note, Charlie and I have been the recipients of emails, texts, and letters from Gordon that have lifted us up in tough times, and in good times as well.

    “I have leaned on Gordon’s counsel as I’ve made difficult decisions, and he has always taken the time to give me thoughtful advice.

    “Both Charlie and I can safely say that our lives have been touched by Gordon, and by the friendship we have fostered with him and Laurie.

    “Here in the U.S. Senate, there are members who may have Gordon on speed-dial, but I am eternally grateful that the West Virginians are the ones who get to claim him!

    “Gordon, I wish you the best in your next chapter, and I hope you enjoy the well-deserved time to now spend with your Laurie, who has made an unbelievable mark on our state and the university alongside you, as well as your daughter Rebekah, and your twin granddaughters that you love so dearly.

    “Thank you for all you have done for West Virginia University— for your leadership, your vision, your heart, and all you’ve done for our state and the people who call it home.

    “With that, I yield the floor.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Chairman Cotton to Hegseth: DoD Cannot Allow China to Infiltrate its Critical Infrastructure

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Arkansas Tom Cotton

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
    Contact: Caroline Tabler or Patrick McCann (202) 224-2353
    July 18, 2025

    Chairman Cotton to Hegseth: DoD Cannot Allow China to Infiltrate its Critical Infrastructure 

    Washington, D.C. — Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas), Chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, today sent a letter to Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, requesting information about Department of Defense contractors that hire Chinese personnel to provide maintenance and services to department systems. This letter follows a report about Microsoft currently employing engineers in China to maintain Department of Defense systems.

    In part, Senator Cotton wrote:

    “The U.S. government recognizes that China’s cyber capabilities pose one of the most aggressive and dangerous threats to the United States, as evidenced by infiltration of our critical infrastructure, telecommunications networks, and supply chains. DoD must guard against all potential threats within its supply chain, including those from subcontractors.”

    Full text of the letter may be found here and below.

    The Honorable Pete Hegseth
    Secretary of Defense
    U.S. Department of Defense
    1000 Defense Pentagon
    Washington, DC 20301

    Dear Secretary Hegseth:

    I write concerning a report that Microsoft is currently employing engineers in China to maintain Department of Defense (DoD) systems, potentially exposing our nation’s most sensitive data to a foreign adversary.[1]

    Chinese state-sponsored hacking campaigns have long targeted U.S. officials through Microsoft systems. Now Microsoft is allegedly relying on U.S. citizens serving as “digital escorts” to supervise these Chinese engineers’ activities on DoD systems. While this arrangement technically meets the requirement that U.S. citizens handle sensitive data, digital escorts often do not have the technical training or expertise needed to catch malicious code or suspicious behavior.

    The U.S. government recognizes that China’s cyber capabilities pose one of the most aggressive and dangerous threats to the United States, as evidenced by infiltration of our critical infrastructure, telecommunications networks, and supply chains. DoD must guard against all potential threats within its supply chain, including those from subcontractors.

    I respectfully request the following information by July 31, 2025.

    1. A list of DoD contractors that hire Chinese personnel to provide maintenance or other services on DoD systems
    2. A list of subcontractors that hire digital escorts for Microsoft, or any other entity, and their interview and technical assessment process for candidates
    3. The training contractors or subcontractors provide to digital escorts on how to identify suspicious activity
    4. Any recommendations for closing existing loopholes in FedRAMP requirements

    Thank you for your attention to this matter.

    Sincerely,

    Tom Cotton

    United States Senator

     

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Ranking Member Frankel Votes to Protect Life-Saving Foreign Assistance, Vital Public Broadcasting

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

    Tonight, Representative Lois Frankel (FL-22), Ranking Member of the U.S. House Appropriations Subcommittee on National Security, Department of State and Related Programs released the following statement after voting against the Republicans’ rescissions package, a bill that claws back $9 billion in life-saving humanitarian and development funding and trusted public broadcasting. 

    “I voted no because this bill marks a dangerous turn toward indifference, isolation, and the betrayal of our global responsibilities,” said Ranking Member Frankel. “It guts programs that have saved lives, opened markets, and prevented conflict for decades. Through defunding of public broadcasting, it will leave millions of Americans less informed and less prepared for disasters.”

    “Worse yet, this bill signs away Congress’s power of the purse and hands it squarely to Donald Trump.

    This won’t lower costs for American families or shrink the deficit. But it will make the world more dangerous—and make our country less safe, less secure, less prosperous and less respected in the world.”

    Congresswoman Frankel’s remarks delivered on the House Floor are here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Peters, Johnson Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Digitize the Permitting Process

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Scott Peters (52nd District of California)

    The ePermit Act would digitize the permitting process across the federal government

    Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representatives Scott Peters (D-CA) and Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) introduced the bipartisan ePermit Act to digitize the United States permitting process, reducing processing time for all federal permits, including National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) reviews.

    In April, President Trump published a memorandum to emphasize the importance of modernizing permitting technology. This process began under the Biden Administration in the codification of an e-NEPA study that explored the creation of a digital permitting system. The ePermit Act builds on this momentum and provides legislative clarity and direction on how agencies should implement such an electronic permitting system.

    “Our permitting system is old, complicated, and slow — if we want to build the infrastructure, roads, bridges, broadband, and clean energy of the future, we need to modernize and streamline the permit process,” said Peters. “Our bipartisan ePermit Act builds on the efforts of the last two administrations and brings our permitting process into the 21st century. I look forward to working with Representative Johnson to pass this commonsense bill into law.”

    “The government, industries, and citizens all agree that it takes too long to build in America,” said Johnson. “Completing the permitting process by paper is an archaic waste of time. Digitizing the system will speed up the process, save federal dollars, and cut down delays. Making this commonsense change will unleash investment in American communities and workers.”

    Background:

    The current permitting process has failed to ensure project permitting is on-time and on-task. Oftentimes, the root causes of delays in the environmental review process have little to do with questions about environmental protection and a lot to do with failure to embrace modern technology and move on from legacy bureaucratic approaches, like paper forms.

    Congress must address the root causes for delays, which include compiling and reviewing lengthy paper documents, a lack of accessibility and transparency – leading to misunderstanding, conflicts, and all too often, protracted litigation – and continued reliance on outdated technologies and processes for interagency review and comment.

    The ePermit Act would address these root causes by establishing a framework for agencies to implement a digital permitting system and unified portal.

    Click here for bill text.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Trahan Opposes Trump Effort to Defund Emergency Broadcasts, Sesame Street

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Lori Trahan (D-MA-03)

    WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congresswoman Lori Trahan (MA-03) issued the following statement after voting against President Donald Trump’s dangerous rescissions package that will cut $1.1 billion in funding for public television and radio stations, threatening at least 10 local news stations in Massachusetts, undermining emergency alert systems, and jeopardizing valuable educational programming for families and children:
    “Public broadcasting isn’t just Big Bird and Sesame Street – it’s how families in Massachusetts and across the country get lifesaving emergency alerts, stay connected to their communities, and access trusted educational programming. Slashing support for public radio and television will silence local newsrooms, especially in rural areas, and undermine the emergency broadcast systems we rely on in times of crisis.”
    “We saw the consequences of weakened alert systems during the catastrophic floods in Texas. Communities were caught flat-footed, in part because they lacked access to timely, reliable emergency broadcasts. Contrast that with what we saw just yesterday in Alaska, where public broadcasters immediately issued alerts after a powerful 7.3 magnitude offshore earthquake, potentially saving lives. These two realities show exactly what’s at stake. If these cuts move forward, the Trump administration will be making a conscious choice to leave communities more vulnerable, more isolated, and less safe.”
    “I voted no because I will always stand up for public safety, for local journalism, and for the families who depend on these vital services every single day.”
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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Around the Air Force: Resolute Force Pacific, Resolute Space 2025, Autonomous Collaborative Platforms

    Source: United States Air Force

    In this week’s look around the Air Force, PACAF conducts its largest contingency-response exercise with REFORPAC, Guardians prepare to demonstrate Space Force capabilities with Resolute Space 2025 and the Air Force advances human machine teaming by flying ACPs alongside crewed fighter aircraft.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Nick Langworthy Applauds President Trump’s Order for Full Transparency on Epstein Files, Slams Democrats’ Obstruction

    Source: US Congressman Nick Langworthy (NY-23)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Nick Langworthy released the following statement after the House Rules Committee advanced H.Res. 589 and President Donald J. Trump ordered the Attorney General to release all grand jury testimony related to the Epstein files:

     

    “I fully support President Trump’s call for ultimate transparency and applaud his order to release all grand jury testimony connected to the Epstein case. This is a bold and necessary move to deliver long-overdue justice to the victims and expose every criminal involved in this horrific abuse. I salute him for taking decisive action where others have failed.

     

    “I proudly joined my Republican colleagues in advancing H.Res. 589 to demand the full release of all credible Epstein documents—while safeguarding the privacy and dignity of the victims. Every individual who committed crimes—especially against minors—must face the full force of the law.

     

    “Democrats had four years under the Biden Administration to pursue the truth, and they chose to do absolutely nothing. This week, they attempted a cynical political stunt that wouldn’t have released a single file. I voted no because it was a gimmick—not a path to justice. They had another chance to do the right thing last night. Instead, they once again chose obstruction and silence.

     

    “House Republicans are taking real action to uncover the truth, hold the guilty accountable, and ensure the victims finally receive justice. With President Trump’s leadership, the stonewalling ends now. The American people deserve to know the full truth—and we will not stop until they have it.”

     

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Mann Saves Kansas Families $9 Billion

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Tracey Mann (Kansas, 1)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Tracey Mann (KS-01) voted to advance H.R. 4, the Rescissions Act of 2025. The bill, which passed in the U.S. House of Representatives by a vote of 216-213, codifies the Trump Administration’s rescissions request, clawing back $9 billion in federal spending. Rep. Mann released the following statement after the vote:

    “President Trump ran on three things—securing the border, lowering taxes, and uprooting wasteful, fraudulent, and abusive spending,” said Rep. Mann. “For years, President Obama and President Biden talked about our bloated national debt and tried to push more taxes on hard-working Americans. President Trump is the first president in two decades to actually do something about our debt and roll back wasteful spending. Sending billions of Americans’ tax dollars overseas for LGBTQ movements, voter ID initiatives, and Green New Deal efforts isn’t just wasteful, it’s highway robbery. I was proud to claw back this wasteful spending to steward Kansans’ hard earned tax dollars well and begin to restore fiscal responsibility in our country.”

    President Trump’s rescissions package rescinds $9 billion in federal spending for programs including: 

    • $167,000 for free education and healthcare to Ecuadorian and Venezuelan migrants

    •  $889,000 for electoral reforms and voter education in Kenya

    • $1 million for voter ID in Haiti

    • $33,000 for “Being LGBTI in the Caribbean”

    • $643,000 for LGBTQI+ programs in the Western Balkans

    • $567,000 for LBGTQI+ programs in Uganda

    • $8,000 for promoting vegan food in Zambia

    • $500,000 for electric buses in Rwanda

    • $1 million for programs to strengthen the resilience of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, and queer global movements

    • $3 million for Iraqi Sesame Street

    •  $2.5 million for teaching young children how to make environmentally friendly “reproductive health” decisions

    •  $2.1 million for climate resilience in Southeast Asia, Latin America, and East Africa

    • $3 million for circumcision, vasectomies, and condoms in Zambia

    • $833,000 for services for “transgender people, sex workers and their clients and sexual networks” in Nepal

    H.R. 4 will now go to White House for the President’s signature.  

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    MIL OSI USA News –