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Category: United States of America

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Fitzgerald Statements on Passage of Defense Spending and Rescission Legislation

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Scott Fitzgerald (WI-05)

    WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Scott Fitzgerald (WI-05) issued the following statements in response to the passage of the Senate Amendment to H.R. 4, the Rescissions Act of 2025 and H.R. 4016, the Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2026:

    H.R. 4, the Rescissions Act of 2025

    “Wisconsin families are sick and tired of seeing their hard-earned tax dollars funneled to politically biased media here at home. With the passage of the Rescissions Act of 2025, we aren’t just cutting spending—we are codifying the Department of Government Efficiency’s (DOGE) findings into law,” said Rep. Fitzgerald.

    “This bill locks in $9 billion in real savings and marks a monumental step toward restoring fiscal sanity, putting America First, and delivering on President Trump’s promise to root out waste, fraud, and abuse. House Republicans are committed to ending the era of bloated, woke government. I am proud to send this step towards fiscal responsibility to President Trump’s desk.”

    H.R. 4016, the Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2026

    “This bill delivers on House Republicans’ promise to support our troops and their families, ensures America’s military remains the most lethal fighting force, and ends DEI, Critical Race Theory, and other woke ideologies that plague our military,” said Rep. Fitzgerald. “The America First agenda is embodied in this bill with critical investments in America’s missile defense system, next-generation military hardware, and border security. I look forward to continuing to deliver wins for Wisconsinites through the appropriations process.”

    Background: The Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) Department of Defense (DOD) Appropriations Act provides discretionary spending of $831.5 billion, the same as FY25 enacted levels and consistent with the President’s Budget Request. Key highlights include:

    • Provides a 3.8% increase in basic pay for all military personnel, effective January 1, 2026.
    • Codifies DOGE cuts to reduce waste, fraud, abuse, or redundancies.
    • Provides $1.15 billion for counter drug programs and transfers Mexico from U.S. Northern Command’s jurisdiction to U.S. Southern Command for better coordination and prioritization.
    • Supports our Shipbuilding programs by fully funding the procurement of 28 ships, including the Columbia- and Virginia-Class submarine.
    • Codifies President Trump’s executive actions to end discriminatory Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs and the teaching of Critical Race Theory. 

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • US eyes ‘back to basics’ revamp of G20 when it assumes presidency next year

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The United States aims to pare the Group of 20 major economies back to its financial roots next year when it takes over the rotating presidency from South Africa, sources familiar with the Trump administration’s plans said.

    Washington has scaled back its participation this year, with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent skipping a G20 finance chiefs’ meeting that started in Durban, South Africa, on Thursday, his second absence from an event this year.

    Experts and administration sources say the absence of top U.S. officials reflects the Trump administration’s skepticism about multilateral institutions such as the G20, which the U.S. helped found in 1999.

    U.S. President Donald Trump has upended the global economy with a wide-ranging trade war that has targeted many developing countries, including G20 members, while slashing foreign development funds to pursue an “America First” agenda.

    Three U.S. sources familiar with the matter say Washington still plans to assume the G20 presidency at the end of the year, which coincides with the 250th anniversary of the United States.

    But it will focus on two “tracks” – the leaders’ summit and the financial track – eliminating other working groups and ministerial-level meetings, including those on energy, health, commerce and the environment, two of the sources said.

    A more streamlined G20 process would be in line with Bessent’s call in April for the International Monetary Fund and World Bank to focus on their core missions of financial stability and development instead of climate finance and gender issues. The White House and Treasury had no immediate comment.

    SECOND-ROUND RESET

    Josh Lipsky, chair of international economics at the Atlantic Council in Washington, said Bessent and other senior U.S. officials want to get “back to basics,” an approach being embraced by other G20 members.

    The U.S. has already withdrawn from co-chairing a working group on sustainable finance with China and it remains unclear whether Trump will join this year’s leaders’ summit in South Africa.

    Many members agreed the G20’s portfolio had grown too large, triggering a review, said two sources familiar with the issue.

    In 2024, G20 host Brazil sought the group’s endorsement of a global minimum tax on the ultra wealthy, a step that the Biden administration rejected as an overreach.

    “There seems to be consensus at the G20 that it has expanded a lot. G20 South Africa is conducting a review of the G20 process and will provide recommendations to streamline it. That is in line with what the U.S. is looking at,” one of the sources said.

    Activists and developing countries say they will watch U.S. actions, but that paring back could help the G20 survive.

    “Our hope is that development continues to be linked,” said Eric LeCompte, executive director of the non-profit Jubilee USA Network. “Financial stability, debt issues and economic issues cannot be separated from development and global growth.”

    CRISIS ORIGINS

    The G20 was founded after the Asian financial crisis of 1997-1998, before expanding to include state leaders during the global financial crisis in 2008. It has been tested by U.S.-China tensions, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and divergent views on the Middle East conflicts.

    Brad Setser, a former U.S. official now at the Council on Foreign Relations, said the G20 still offered a platform for high-level bilateral meetings.

    He said Trump could welcome to the U.S. next year foreign leaders such as Chinese President Xi Jinping and even Russian President Vladimir Putin if the Ukraine war ended, without the fanfare of a bilateral summit or state visit.

    Ben Harris, a former senior Treasury official now at the Brookings Institution, said Washington’s decision to pull back offered China and others a chance to show leadership, which might not serve U.S. interests.

    “It obviously creates a vacuum, and that vacuum will be filled.”

    (Reuters)

  • US eyes ‘back to basics’ revamp of G20 when it assumes presidency next year

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The United States aims to pare the Group of 20 major economies back to its financial roots next year when it takes over the rotating presidency from South Africa, sources familiar with the Trump administration’s plans said.

    Washington has scaled back its participation this year, with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent skipping a G20 finance chiefs’ meeting that started in Durban, South Africa, on Thursday, his second absence from an event this year.

    Experts and administration sources say the absence of top U.S. officials reflects the Trump administration’s skepticism about multilateral institutions such as the G20, which the U.S. helped found in 1999.

    U.S. President Donald Trump has upended the global economy with a wide-ranging trade war that has targeted many developing countries, including G20 members, while slashing foreign development funds to pursue an “America First” agenda.

    Three U.S. sources familiar with the matter say Washington still plans to assume the G20 presidency at the end of the year, which coincides with the 250th anniversary of the United States.

    But it will focus on two “tracks” – the leaders’ summit and the financial track – eliminating other working groups and ministerial-level meetings, including those on energy, health, commerce and the environment, two of the sources said.

    A more streamlined G20 process would be in line with Bessent’s call in April for the International Monetary Fund and World Bank to focus on their core missions of financial stability and development instead of climate finance and gender issues. The White House and Treasury had no immediate comment.

    SECOND-ROUND RESET

    Josh Lipsky, chair of international economics at the Atlantic Council in Washington, said Bessent and other senior U.S. officials want to get “back to basics,” an approach being embraced by other G20 members.

    The U.S. has already withdrawn from co-chairing a working group on sustainable finance with China and it remains unclear whether Trump will join this year’s leaders’ summit in South Africa.

    Many members agreed the G20’s portfolio had grown too large, triggering a review, said two sources familiar with the issue.

    In 2024, G20 host Brazil sought the group’s endorsement of a global minimum tax on the ultra wealthy, a step that the Biden administration rejected as an overreach.

    “There seems to be consensus at the G20 that it has expanded a lot. G20 South Africa is conducting a review of the G20 process and will provide recommendations to streamline it. That is in line with what the U.S. is looking at,” one of the sources said.

    Activists and developing countries say they will watch U.S. actions, but that paring back could help the G20 survive.

    “Our hope is that development continues to be linked,” said Eric LeCompte, executive director of the non-profit Jubilee USA Network. “Financial stability, debt issues and economic issues cannot be separated from development and global growth.”

    CRISIS ORIGINS

    The G20 was founded after the Asian financial crisis of 1997-1998, before expanding to include state leaders during the global financial crisis in 2008. It has been tested by U.S.-China tensions, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and divergent views on the Middle East conflicts.

    Brad Setser, a former U.S. official now at the Council on Foreign Relations, said the G20 still offered a platform for high-level bilateral meetings.

    He said Trump could welcome to the U.S. next year foreign leaders such as Chinese President Xi Jinping and even Russian President Vladimir Putin if the Ukraine war ended, without the fanfare of a bilateral summit or state visit.

    Ben Harris, a former senior Treasury official now at the Brookings Institution, said Washington’s decision to pull back offered China and others a chance to show leadership, which might not serve U.S. interests.

    “It obviously creates a vacuum, and that vacuum will be filled.”

    (Reuters)

  • Sujeet Kalkal strikes gold at Budapest Wrestling Ranking Series

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Indian wrestler Sujeet Kalkal on Thursday clinched the gold medal in the 65kg men’s freestyle category at the Polyak Imre & Varga Janos Memorial 2025 wrestling tournament in Budapest, Hungary.

    In the final of the 65kg men’s freestyle category, Sujeet delivered a clinical performance to defeat four-time European medallist Ali Rahimzade of Azerbaijan 5-1. His triumph marked India’s first gold medal in wrestling at any of the Ranking Series events this year. Earlier, Indian grapplers had returned empty-handed from the tournaments in Amman and Mongolia, according to Olympics.com.

    In the first period of the final, Sujeet conceded an activity point, but he raised the tempo in the second period to complete two takedowns. He secured another activity point en route to a commanding victory in the gold medal bout.

    Sujeet’s journey to the final was equally impressive. He began with a dominant 11-0 win over Paris 2024 Olympic bronze medallist Islam Dudaev of Albania in the round of 16. He then overwhelmed European silver medallist Khamzat Arsamerzouev of France in the quarter-finals, before stamping his authority with a 6-1 win over Vazgen Tevanyan of Armenia in the semi-finals.

    India added another medal in the men’s 57kg category, where Rahul clinched bronze with a 4-0 victory over Germany’s Niklas Stechele. Earlier, he had defeated Kim Sung-gwon of the Republic of Korea 5-3 in the quarter-finals, before narrowly losing a hard-fought semi-final 7-6 to the USA’s Luke Joseph Lilledahl.

    Meanwhile, India’s Udit and Vicky suffered defeats in the repechage rounds of the 61kg and 97kg divisions, respectively. The Polyak Imre & Varga Janos Memorial in Budapest is the fourth and final wrestling Ranking Series tournament of the year.

    Ranking points earned at this event will help wrestlers secure better seedings for the World Wrestling Championships, scheduled to be held in Zagreb, Croatia, in September later this year.

    India fielded wrestlers in the men’s and women’s freestyle, as well as Greco-Roman, categories at the ongoing Budapest meet, which will conclude on Sunday.

    (ANI)

  • MIL-OSI China: Foreign firms eye China’s supply chain

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

    This panoramic photo taken on July 17, 2025 shows the Advanced Manufacturing Chain area of the third China International Supply Chain Expo (CISCE) in Beijing, capital of China. [Photo/Xinhua]

    With technological innovation playing an increasingly integral role in China’s supply chain operation, foreign firms will build more local partnerships in high-end manufacturing, modern services and consumer goods, senior executives from such corporations said on Thursday.

    At the ongoing third China International Supply Chain Expo (CISCE) in Beijing, they said China’s supply chain is evolving beyond simple connectivity to emphasize greater coordination, development and innovation.

    Held from Wednesday to Sunday, the third edition of CISCE has brought together more than 650 companies and institutions from 75 countries and regions, said the Beijing-based China Council for the Promotion of International Trade, organizer of the expo.

    The proportion of overseas exhibitors increased from 32 percent at the second edition to 35 percent this year — an indication of enduring business interest in the face of rising geopolitical and economic headwinds.

    German industrial conglomerate Bosch Group, a three-time participant at CISCE, showcased locally driven innovations in intelligent and electrified technologies across areas such as energy and power systems, motion control and driver assistance at the event this year.

    Xu Daquan, president of Bosch China, said that at a critical juncture in the accelerated restructuring of the global automotive supply chain, adhering to open cooperation and strengthening local manufacturing and innovation capabilities are essential for achieving long-term growth.

    “Bosch will continue to work with its Chinese partners to build a more resilient, agile and globally oriented smart mobility supply ecosystem,” said Xu.

    Driven by technology shifts and competition, China’s fast-evolving auto sector leads in electrification and smart mobility, fueled by innovation and rapid consumer adoption of new technologies, said the German company.

    Another active multinational presence at the expo is Federal Express Corp, the United States-based express transportation company and also a third-time CISCE participant. It presented a visually engaging booth at the trade show, featuring a diverse array of images and multimedia content.

    “As an important platform for promoting international supply chain connectivity, CISCE offers a valuable opportunity for us to deepen cooperation with industry and supply chain partners,” said Poh-Yian Koh, president of FedEx China, adding the company completed the upgrade of its international export services in Shenzhen, Guangdong province, earlier this week.

    FedEx looks forward to working together with all parties to build a stable, efficient, sustainable and intelligent supply chain network, injecting sustained momentum into the smooth operation of the economy and trade for China and the world, she said.

    Joining the expanding roster of global participants, French cosmetics company L’Oreal Group made its debut at this year’s CISCE, highlighting innovations in the beauty supply chain.

    Its exhibit emphasized smart, consumer-centric systems, open ecosystem collaboration, and the role of Chinese innovation in driving global expansion and delivering localized solutions worldwide.

    Chen Jiaqi, director of corporate affairs and engagement at L’Oreal China, said that the ever-evolving demands of Chinese consumers are pushing companies to step up innovation and optimize the entire value chain, from production and logistics to customer service.

    “In this process, many new technologies and business models co-created with Chinese supply chain partners have been introduced to the global stage, serving consumers worldwide,” said Chen.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China’s retail sales of consumer goods grow 5.5% annually since 2021: Minister

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

    The State Council Information Office (SCIO) holds a press conference on China’s achievements in high-quality commerce development during the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-2025) in Beijing, capital of China, July 18, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    The retail sales of consumer goods in China grew 5.5 percent on average annually over the past four years, and are expected to top 50 trillion yuan (about 7 trillion U.S. dollars) in 2025, Chinese Minister of Commerce Wang Wentao said Friday.

    The retail sales of consumer goods in China rose to 48.3 trillion yuan in 2024 from 39.1 trillion yuan in 2020, Wang said.

    According to the World Bank, in terms of actual purchasing power, China’s retail sales of consumer goods surpassed that of the United States, reaching 1.6 times the level of the United States last year.

    Consumption has contributed around 60 percent of China’s economic growth on average annually over the past four years, and the role of consumption as the economy’s main engine has continued to strengthen, Wang said.

    Sales revenue under trade-in programs in China has surpassed 2.9 trillion yuan as of the end of June.

    China’s service consumption continues to grow rapidly, with household spending on services reaching 46.1 percent last year, according to Wang.

    During the 15th Five-Year Plan period (2026-2030), China will continue to reduce restrictive measures in the service consumption sector, Wang said.

    From 2021 to 2024, China imported consumer goods worth 7.4 trillion yuan, demonstrating the significant contribution of its vast market to global development.

    China has refined its departure tax refund policy, and the total spending by inbound tourists reached 94.2 billion U.S. dollars in 2024, marking a remarkable increase of 77.8 percent year on year, Wang added. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China imports 7.4 trillion yuan of consumer goods in 2021-2024: Minister

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

    China imported consumer goods worth 7.4 trillion yuan (about 1.03 trillion U.S. dollars) between 2021 and 2024, the first four years of the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-2025), China’s Commerce Minister Wang Wentao told a press conference Friday.

    Citing figures of the World Trade Organization, he said goods imports by the Chinese mainland and China’s Hong Kong Special Administrative Region accounted for about 13.3 percent of global imports in 2024 — close to the United States’ 13.6 percent.

    China is thus the world’s second-largest import market, almost on par with the United States, as well as a major export destination for nearly 80 countries and regions, the minister said.

    To encourage more quality goods and services into the Chinese market, Wang said China has fostered international consumption center cities, established national demonstration zones for innovation and promotion of imports, and hosted major expos such as the China International Import Expo and the China International Consumer Products Expo.

    “China’s vast market has become a shared market for the world and will continue to serve as a key source of growth and vitality for the global economy,” he told the press.

    China has remained the world’s largest goods trader for eight consecutive years, with total goods trade reaching 6.16 trillion U.S. dollars in 2024, a 32.4 percent increase from 2020.

    Meanwhile, the share of China’s exports to the United States fell from 17.4 percent of its total exports in 2020 to 14.7 percent in 2024, according to Wang.

    “The production and supply chains supporting China’s foreign trade have become more complete, flexible and efficient, enhancing the country’s resilience and confidence in navigating risks and challenges,” he said.

    Noting that China has long run a services trade deficit, Wang pointed out that the United States has been China’s largest source of such deficit. Considering the fact that China is the largest contributor to the U.S. goods trade deficit, he said this reflects the complementary strengths between the two economies.

    Looking ahead to the upcoming 15th Five-Year Plan period (2026-2030), the minister said China will step up efforts to promote high-quality trade development with focus to be placed on both exports and imports, deepen international cooperation and enhance trade resilience. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Any attempt at forced China-US ‘decoupling’ bound to fail: Commerce minister

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

    Any attempt to forcibly “decouple” China-U.S. economic and trade ties is destined to fail, China’s Commerce Minister Wang Wentao said on Friday.

    The economic and trade relationship between China and the United States has experienced its ups and downs over the years, but the two countries remain important partners to each other, Wang told a press conference.

    Despite a decline in the share of bilateral trade in each other’s overall trade volume, China-U.S. trade has remained generally stable, Wang said.

    According to the minister, the trade volume of goods and services between China and the United States rose by 18 percent and 34.7 percent in 2024 from 2017 levels, respectively. The two countries also remain key investment partners, with close exchanges between their business communities.

    “In essence, China-U.S. economic and trade relations benefit both sides and bring win-win outcomes. Cooperation is the only right path,” Wang stressed.

    Bilateral trade and investment have also created a substantial number of jobs in both countries, he added.

    Facts have proven that through equal-footed dialogue and consultation, China and the United States are fully capable of properly managing differences and working to address frictions to achieve mutually beneficial outcomes, Wang noted.

    “China’s stance has been consistent in firmly defending national interests and upholding international fairness and justice,” the minister said.

    In the first half of this year, China’s economy maintained steady growth despite downward pressures. The fundamentals sustaining its long-term positive outlook remain unchanged, providing the country with strong confidence and resolve in defending its legitimate interests.

    As the world’s two largest economies, China and the United States share a responsibility to inject greater certainty and stability into global economic prosperity and development, he said.

    Wang stated that China is ready to work with the U.S. side to enhance dialogue and communication, expand common ground, reduce misunderstandings, strengthen cooperation, and jointly steer China-U.S. economic and trade relations back onto the right track of healthy, stable, and sustainable development. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Any attempt to “decouple” China and the US will inevitably fail – Chinese Commerce Minister

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

    BEIJING, July 18 (Xinhua) — Any attempt to forcefully “decouple” China and the United States in trade and economic terms will inevitably fail, Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao said on Friday.

    Speaking at a press conference in Beijing, Wang Wentao noted that over the past years, trade and economic ties between China and the United States have experienced ups and downs, but the two countries have always remained important partners for each other. And despite the decline in the share of Sino-American trade in the external trade turnover of both countries, bilateral trade has generally remained stable, the minister said. -0-

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SPC Jul 18, 2025 0600 UTC Day 2 Convective Outlook

    Source: US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

    SPC AC 180539

    Day 2 Convective Outlook
    NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
    1239 AM CDT Fri Jul 18 2025

    Valid 191200Z – 201200Z

    …THERE IS A SLIGHT RISK OF SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS SATURDAY INTO
    SATURDAY NIGHT ACROSS PARTS OF EASTERN IOWA…SOUTHERN
    WISCONSIN…NORTHERN AND CENTRAL ILLINOIS AND INDIANA…CENTRAL AND
    SOUTHERN LOWER MICHIGAN…NORTHERN AND WESTERN OHIO…PARTS OF
    NORTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA AND WESTERN NEW YORK STATE…

    …SUMMARY…
    Strong thunderstorms, including one or two organizing clusters, are
    possible across southern portions of the Great Lakes region and
    adjacent portions of the Ohio Valley Saturday into Saturday night,
    with more widely scattered strong thunderstorm development across
    the northern Rockies into adjacent high plains.

    …Discussion…
    Models indicate that at least some amplification to the mid/upper
    flow across the northern tier of the U.S. is probable during this
    period. It appears that this will include digging troughing across
    the Pacific Northwest through northern Rockies, downstream of
    increasingly prominent ridging building across the northeastern
    Pacific. Farther east, troughing is forecast to dig across and to
    the east of the Great Lakes, in advance of significant troughing
    within a separate branch of westerlies, pivoting southeast of Hudson
    Bay.

    In lower levels, the better defined remnants of an ongoing cold
    frontal intrusion to the lee of the Rockies, perhaps aided by
    stronger differential surface heating during the day Saturday, may
    shift east of the middle Mississippi through the lower Ohio Valley.
    At the same time, a reinforcing intrusion of cooler and drier air is
    forecast to advance across and south of the Upper Midwest and Great
    Lakes, probably in the wake of a weak eastward migrating surface
    low.

    …Midwest through Great Lakes/Ohio Valley…
    Model depictions concerning synoptic and sub-synoptic features,
    including potential convective evolution remain rather varied. In
    general, it appears that low-level moistening ahead of the
    reinforcing cold front will contribute to moderate destabilization
    as far north as the southern Great Lakes during the day Saturday.
    On the southern fringe of the stronger westerlies, 30-50 kt flow in
    the 850-500 mb layer across southern Wisconsin and Lower Michigan
    into the lower Great Lakes will contribute to potential for
    organized convective development. This may include a couple of
    supercells and perhaps an upscale growing cluster. Although
    mid-level lapse rates may be modest, this may be accompanied by some
    risk for hail, in addition to strong to severe surface gusts and
    perhaps a tornado or two.

    Southwestward toward the middle Mississippi into Ohio Valleys,
    deep-layer mean wind fields are likely to be weaker, but shear
    beneath west-northwesterly mid-level flow may still support
    potential for organized thunderstorm development, in the presence of
    a seasonably moist boundary-layer becoming characterized by sizable
    CAPE with daytime heating. Forcing for this activity remains
    unclear, and probably will hinge on convectively generated or
    augmented perturbations migrating around the northern periphery of
    mid/upper ridging encompassing much of the central and southern tier
    of the U.S. to the east of the Rockies.

    …Lee of the northern Rockies…
    Downstream of the digging mid/upper troughing across the Northwest,
    moisture return to deepening lee surface troughing is forecast to
    contribute to at least a narrow corridor of moderate to large
    mixed-layer CAPE, in the presence of steep lower/mid-tropospheric
    lapse rates. Veering of winds with height probably will contribute
    to sufficient shear for organized thunderstorm development,
    including supercells, as widely scattered to scattered thunderstorms
    develop off the higher terrain into the high plains late Saturday
    afternoon and evening. It is possible that severe weather
    probabilities could still be increased in later outlooks for this
    period.

    ..Kerr.. 07/18/2025

    CLICK TO GET WUUS02 PTSDY2 PRODUCT

    NOTE: THE NEXT DAY 2 OUTLOOK IS SCHEDULED BY 1730Z

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SPC Jul 18, 2025 0600 UTC Day 1 Convective Outlook

    Source: US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

     For best viewing experience, please enable browser JavaScript support.

    Jul 18, 2025 0600 UTC Day 1 Convective Outlook

    Click to see valid 1Z – 12Z Day 1 Convective Outlook

    Updated: Fri Jul 18 05:45:27 UTC 2025 (Print Version |   |  )

    Probabilistic to Categorical Outlook Conversion Table

     Forecast Discussion

    SPC AC 180545

    Day 1 Convective Outlook
    NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
    1245 AM CDT Fri Jul 18 2025

    Valid 181200Z – 191200Z

    …THERE IS A SLIGHT RISK OF SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS IN PARTS OF VA/NC
    AND NE/SD/MN/IA…

    …SUMMARY…
    Scattered severe thunderstorms with large hail, damaging winds, and
    a few tornadoes are possible across parts of the Corn Belt in Iowa,
    Minnesota, Nebraska, and South Dakota this evening into tonight.
    Scattered damaging winds are possible across parts of Virginia and
    northern North Carolina this afternoon.

    …SD/MN/IA/NE…
    A low-amplitude shortwave impulse along the international border
    over the northern Great Plains will progress across the Upper
    Midwest/Great Lakes and ON. A belt of seasonably strong mid-level
    westerlies should be centered this afternoon from central MN to Lake
    Huron. Elevated convection is expected to be ongoing at 12Z across
    parts of the eastern Dakotas into northern MN ahead of the mid-level
    impulse, amid a low-level warm theta-e advection regime. As this
    overspreads a preceding cool/dry surface airmass over the Upper
    Midwest, pronounced differential diabatic surface heating will
    strengthen a baroclinic zone across southeast SD bisecting IA to the
    southeast by late afternoon. Thunderstorm development in this time
    frame should be confined to along/northeast of the surface warm
    front across far eastern SD and southern MN. Large-scale ascent
    appears nebulous, but a strengthening low-level jet should aid in
    convection flanking to the southwest across the Mid-MO Valley during
    the evening. This may merge with high-based convection shifting east
    from western NE.

    Deep-layer shear will be sufficient for initial supercells that will
    probably grow upscale into multiple clusters and/or an MCS tonight.
    The latter may accelerate east-southeast for a time in the western
    IA vicinity before weakening during the early morning. A mix of all
    severe hazards are possible in this setup with hail being favored
    early and wind later. Moderately enlarged low-level hodographs
    should also support a tornado threat with any sustained supercell to
    QLCS evolution.

    …VA/NC…
    00Z HREF guidance supports scattered to numerous thunderstorms this
    afternoon with transient organizational structures that should be
    sufficient for a scattered damaging wind threat. This appears to be
    largely in response to the eastward progression of an MCV currently
    near the IN/OH/KY border. A compact belt of enhanced mid-level
    westerlies should overspread the northern periphery of ample MLCAPE
    emanating from the South Atlantic Coastal Plain. Multicell clusters
    that can progress towards a warmer/deeper boundary layer across the
    Piedmont and Coastal Plain should produce strong to sporadic severe
    gusts through early evening.

    ..Grams/Wendt.. 07/18/2025

    CLICK TO GET WUUS01 PTSDY1 PRODUCT

    .html”>Latest Day 2 Outlook/Today’s Outlooks/Forecast Products/Home

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SPC – No watches are valid as of Fri Jul 18 06:48:01 UTC 2025

    Source: US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

    Current Convective Watches (View What is a Watch? clip)Updated:  Fri Jul 18 07:05:06 UTC 2025 No watches are currently valid

    Archived Convective ProductsTo view convective products for a previous day, type in the date you wish to retrieve (e.g. 20040529 for May 29, 2004). Data available since January 1, 2004.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Minister of State at Ministry of Foreign Affairs Meets United States (US) State Department Senior Advisor for Africa

    Source: APO


    .

    HE Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulaziz bin Saleh Al Khulaifi met on Thursday with HE Presidential Envoy and Senior Advisor for Africa at the US Department of State Massad Boulos, who is currently visiting the country.

    During the meeting, the two sides reviewed the close strategic relations between the State of Qatar and the United States and discussed ways to support and enhance them. They also discussed joint efforts to address the situation in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, along with a number of issues of mutual interest.

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of The State of Qatar.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Accountability in Action: DOGE Caucus Cuts Through $9 Billion in Waste

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Aaron Bean Florida (4th District)

    WASHINGTON—Today, DOGE Caucus founder and co-chair U.S. Congressman Aaron Bean (FL-04), co-chair Blake Moore (UT-01), and co-chair Pete Sessions (TX-17) released the following statements after the House’s final passage of H.R. 4, the Rescissions Act of 2025, a major victory for fiscal responsibility and taxpayer advocacy: 

    “With the passage of this rescissions package, we’re taking one small step to cut wasteful spending and one giant leap toward fiscal sanity,” said Congressman Bean. “Thanks to the DOGE Caucus, we’ve eliminated $9 billion in wasteful spending—launching us toward stronger fiscal health and renewed trust in how government handles taxpayer dollars.”

    “Today’s vote is another step in the right direction in reversing Washington’s spending culture. Our ballooning national debt and deficit will make it harder for the next generation to achieve the American Dream, and this effort keeps the momentum going in our work to ensure every taxpayer dollar is spent efficiently and responsibly,’ said Congressman Moore.

    “I’m pleased to support this essential legislation to rescind $9 billion in funding for wasteful programs and lock in some of the commonsense DOGE spending cuts. The American people deserve and expect a government that respects their tax dollars. This is an important step toward restoring fiscal discipline in Washington,” said Congressman Sessions.

    BACKGROUND

    The DOGE Caucus has long advocated for Congress to enact the cuts identified by DOGE and continues to work with the White House on future rescissions. 

    The legislation passed 216-213. With the House and Senate now aligned, all eyes turn to the White House, where President Trump is expected to sign this landmark legislation into law. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: VIDEO: LEADER JEFFRIES FLOOR REMARKS ON RECKLESS REPUBLICAN RESCISSIONS PACKAGE

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Hakeem Jeffries (8th District of New York)

    Today, Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries spoke on the House Floor in opposition to the reckless Republican rescissions package that cuts funding for public broadcasting and international assistance. 

    LEADER JEFFRIES: Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and I thank the distinguished gentleman, the top Democrat on the Rules Committee, Mr. McGovern, for his leadership and for yielding. I thank all of the distinguished members of the Rules Committee for their steadfast and courageous, insightful participation in opposition to this rule and the substantive legislation that underlies this particular rule. I also want to thank Rosa DeLauro for her principled and strong opposition to this reckless Republican rescissions package, this effort by the Trump administration to once again hurt everyday Americans.

    Mr. Speaker, it was just said on the House Floor that the American people are fed up with out-of-control, wasteful government spending. As Democrats, we’re committed to making sure that taxpayer dollars are spent in an effective, efficient and equitable manner. This bill that’s on the Floor right now has nothing to do with waste, fraud and abuse. It represents an attack on the public health of the American people, the national security of the American people, the public safety of the American people and the ability of the American people to actually get information, particularly in rural America, that they may need through public radio or public television in the face of an emergency.

    Mr. Speaker, no one is buying the notion that Republicans are actually trying to improve wasteful spending, in the aftermath of this One Big Ugly Bill that just passed this chamber and has been signed into law that explodes the debt by more than $3 trillion, and then asks everyday Americans to pay for part of the expenses in the bill by ripping away healthcare for more than 17 million Americans. Hospitals will close, nursing homes will shut down, community-based health clinics will be unable to provide services to everyday Americans and as a result of the One Big Ugly Bill, people will die. It’s an all-out assault on healthcare, the largest cut to Medicaid in American history. It also rips food out of the mouths of hungry children, seniors and veterans. All of this being done to provide massive tax breaks to billionaires.

    And then, Mr. Speaker, in this One Big Ugly Bill that now has been signed into law, the debt and the deficit will explode by trillions of dollars. How dare anyone from the other side of the aisle claim to be the party of fiscal responsibility? That’s fake, and that’s phony.

    So when you look at this particular piece of legislation that’s in front of us right now, this reckless Republican rescissions package, it undermines American national security and American leadership in the world. This is not an America First bill, it’s a China First bill because of the void that’s being created all across the world. It’s in America’s interests, our national security interests, our leadership interests, to make sure that we’re investing in development and diplomacy and democracy all across the world.

    Great leaders have recognized that throughout the American journey. It was Abraham Lincoln who came to the House chamber in the middle of the Civil War in the early 1860s, spoke to the Congress and talked about America being the last best hope on Earth. President Lincoln said that in the 1860s, visionary declaration of the role that America might one day play as the leader of the free world. And this legislation, this reckless Republican rescissions package, undermines our ability to keep our people safe here and to project America’s soft power all over the globe. Why would we undermine our ability to use diplomacy, democracy and development to protect our own national security?

    Mr. Speaker, Mr. President—he promised that on day one, he was going to end the war in Ukraine. That’s now going on, and in this particular piece of legislation, we’re undermining the ability of Ukraine to continue to valiantly fight against Russian aggression. Russia’s not our friend. They’re our enemy. Vladimir Putin is a sworn enemy of the United States of America. Why is it, Mr. Speaker, that Republicans in this bill are undermining, once again, Ukraine? Ukraine stands on the side of democracy. Ukraine stands on the side of freedom. Ukraine stands on the side of truth. Russia stands on the side of autocracy and tyranny and propaganda. Why would we stand on the side of Russia? That’s inconsistent with American leadership. But this reckless Republican rescissions package, it does the exact opposite.

    Mr. Speaker, we just saw tragedy unfold in the Texas Hill Country. More than two dozen children have died. Parents should never have to bury their children. More than 100 Texans died in the deadly floods. And there are a lot of questions that need to be asked about government failure, state government failure in Texas. The Governor of Texas, he’s got a lot of questions that need be answered. Instead, he’s trying to rig the Texas congressional map, in the middle of a search and rescue operation. He’s got to answer some questions. The Trump administration needs to answer some questions about the National Weather Service and the devastating cuts that have been inflicted on them. The Trump administration, Mr. Speaker, needs to answer some questions about the stated goal to defund FEMA.

    So in the midst of this tragedy that we all need to collectively respond to in Texas, just like we need to respond to the tragedy that unfolded in California in the wildfires earlier this year, this reckless Republican rescissions package is going to undermine the ability of people in rural America and in small-town America to receive advance warning or necessary information when disaster strikes, when extreme weather strikes, when flooding strikes, when hurricanes strike. That’s what happens when you shut down public radio, when you shut down public television, which is what this reckless rescissions package will do.

    It’s all extraordinary. Mr. Speaker, I don’t understand why Republicans continue to advance legislation on the Floor of the House of Representatives that hurt everyday Americans. Is it simply because the goal is always to reward billionaires, as was done with the One Big Ugly Bill, providing them with massive and unnecessary tax breaks?

    Mr. Speaker, at the beginning of this Congress, we as House Democrats made clear that we will work with anyone in this town in order to make life better for the American people, to lower the high cost of living of the American people, to address the affordability crisis afflicting the American people. And we thought perhaps that we would have some partners in this necessary endeavor. Why? Because, Mr. Speaker, Donald Trump and House Republicans promised that you were going to lower costs. In fact, that costs were going go down on day one. Not my words, President Trump’s words. Costs haven’t gone down in the United States of America. Costs are going up. Inflation is on the way up. Life is getting more expensive for the American people. And nothing in this reckless rescissions package is going to make life more affordable for everyday Americans. It’s going to complicate their life even further, just like what happened with the One Big Ugly Bill. So, Mr. Speaker, we are strongly opposed to this legislation. Legislation that, apparently, Republicans don’t even want to actually debate on the House Floor. And once again, want to address an issue to be debated in this chamber under the cover of darkness.

    Finally, Mr. Speaker, the challenge that we have with this legislation is that the appropriations process has historically and traditionally been bipartisan—Democrats and Republicans working to try to come together to reach a spending agreement that meets the needs of the American people in terms of their health, their safety and their economic well-being. And do it—House Democrats, Senate Democrats, House Republicans, Senate Republicans—a bipartisan appropriations process to try to reach an enlightened agreement. But what this rescissions package signals to us and the people that we represent, more importantly, what it signals to America, as the OMB director just said, Republicans, Mr. Speaker, aren’t interested in bipartisanship, aren’t interested in common-sense solutions to finding common ground anchored in Democrats and Republicans coming together. We know that’s the case because we’ve made clear our willingness to solve the challenges that the American people face and work with anyone in this town, particularly when it comes to lowering the high cost of living in the United States of America. Republicans continue to do nothing about that, not a damn thing, to make life more affordable for the American people.

    And that’s one of many reasons why we continue to be opposed to this reckless legislation that you bring to the House Floor that hurts everyday Americans, will hurt children, will hurt families, will hurt older Americans and will hurt people that Republicans represent in rural America, all while undermining American leadership in the world. And so, Mr. Speaker, once again, this is unfortunate. Once again, we see a Congress not functioning as a separate and co-equal branch of government, a Congress, given this Republican majority, not willing to serve as a check and balance on an out-of-control executive branch, but always willing to do the bidding of the executive branch, as if we work for the Article II branch of government. We don’t work for Donald Trump. We don’t work for JD Vance. We don’t work for the OMB director. We work for the American people, and that’s why we are a hard no against this reckless rescissions package. I yield back.

    Full speech can be watched here.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Trump has ‘chronic venous insufficiency’. Is it dangerous? Can it be treated?

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Theresa Larkin, Associate Professor of Medical Sciences, University of Wollongong

    Anna Moneymaker/Staff/Getty

    US President Donald Trump has been diagnosed with “chronic venous insufficiency” after experiencing some mild swelling in his lower legs.

    According to a letter the White House published from the president’s doctor, the condition is common and not harmful, and the 79-year-old “remains in excellent health”.

    But what is chronic venous insufficiency? What causes it, and can it lead to other health problems? Let’s take a look.

    A disease of the veins

    Veins are the blood vessels that carry de-oxygenated blood from all parts of the body to the heart.

    Chronic venous insufficiency is a disease of the veins and mostly affects the legs.

    When someone has this condition, it becomes more difficult for the blood to flow back to the heart. In other words, blood pools in the legs, rather than travelling up easily through the legs, pelvis and abdomen to the heart.

    Blood pooling in the legs creates increased pressure in the veins in the legs and feet. This can cause swelling (called oedema), skin discolouration, varicose veins, and even skin ulcers (the skin stretches because of the increased pressure and becomes weak and can tear).

    What causes chronic venous insufficiency?

    There are several potential causes of chronic venous insufficiency, including damaged valves inside the veins in the legs.

    When we’re standing, blood has to flow back to the heart from the legs against gravity. Veins have valves inside them which ensure this one-way flow and stop blood from running back the wrong way.

    When valves in the veins – either the deeper veins or those closer to the skin’s surface – are damaged, this allows blood to flow backwards and pool in the legs.

    Damage to the inside lining of the vein wall can also cause chronic venous insufficiency. When the lining is damaged, it becomes less smooth and blood cells can stick to the wall and build up. This can block the inside of the vein and impede the return of blood to the heart. Smoking is a major cause of this, though it also happens naturally with age.

    Physical compression of a vein in the pelvis from the outside can also be a factor. Pregnancy, obesity or a tumour can push on a pelvic vein from the outside. This makes it harder for blood to flow through that vein, which causes back up of blood in the veins of the leg.

    Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) also increases the risk of chronic venous insufficiency. This is where blood clots form in the deep veins, most commonly in the legs. It can block blood flow or damage the vein wall, and increase blood pooling further down the leg.

    In a study I did with colleagues looking at people with chronic venous insufficiency, about 10% had a previous deep vein thrombosis. However, Trump’s doctor said there was no evidence of deep vein thrombosis in his case.

    Who gets it?

    The data on how many people get chronic venous insufficiency vary, but it is relatively common. In the United States, an estimated 10% to 35% of adults have the condition.

    A number of factors increase a person’s likelihood of developing chronic venous insufficiency. Smoking and having previously had a deep vein thrombosis are strongly linked to this condition. Other risk factors include older age, pregnancy, obesity, and prolonged periods of standing still.

    Is it dangerous?

    On its own, chronic venous insufficiency is not life-threatening, but it is a progressive condition. It increases the risk of other conditions which can be more serious.

    Interestingly, while deep vein thrombosis increases the risk of chronic venous insufficiency, people with chronic venous insufficiency also have a higher risk of deep vein thrombosis. This is because pooled blood doesn’t move as much, so it can start to form a clot.

    Deep vein thrombosis then increases the risk of pulmonary embolism, blood clots in the lungs, which are life threatening.

    In the legs, the most serious consequence of chronic venous insufficiency is developing a venous ulcer. Venous ulcers can be painful, are prone to infection (such as cellulitis), and have a high rate of recurring.

    Research has shown 4% of adults aged 65 and older in the US develop venous ulcers as a result of chronic venous insufficiency.

    Can it be treated?

    Whether and how chronic venous insufficiency can be treated depends somewhat on the cause.

    Initial conservative treatment usually involves elevating the legs and wearing compression stockings. Elevating the legs higher than the body means gravity will help blood flow back to the heart. Compression stockings help to push blood from the leg veins towards the heart.

    Exercise such as walking also helps because when the muscles in the legs contract, this moves more blood from the legs back to the heart. Exercise and diet changes may also be recommended to address any weight-related issues.

    In more progressive or severe cases, surgery may be needed to fix the inside of the veins, remove any underlying deep vein thrombosis, or insert a stent in the case of a vein compression.

    Overall, Trump has been diagnosed with a common condition for someone of his age, and his doctors have ruled out severe underlying disease. But this is a reminder of the importance of healthy veins and of the risk factors for venous disease.

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

    – ref. Trump has ‘chronic venous insufficiency’. Is it dangerous? Can it be treated? – https://theconversation.com/trump-has-chronic-venous-insufficiency-is-it-dangerous-can-it-be-treated-261460

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Israel expresses regret over deadly attack on Gaza church

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

    JERUSALEM, July 18 (Xinhua) — Israel “deeply regrets” the bombing of Gaza’s only Catholic church on Thursday that killed three people and wounded at least 10, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said.

    According to him, the Church of the Holy Family was hit by a “stray shell.” “Every innocent life lost is a tragedy. We share the grief of the families and the faithful,” the prime minister said.

    On social media, the Israeli Foreign Ministry reported that the country’s army “is studying this incident, the circumstances of which are still unclear.” The results of the investigation will be published “transparently,” the ministry noted. -0-

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Mexico criticizes US cattle ban

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

    MEXICO CITY, July 18 (Xinhua) — Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum on Thursday criticized the U.S. decision not to open its border to Mexican cattle due to an outbreak of a parasitic disease caused by blowfly larvae, saying the measure lacks clear scientific basis and may be politically motivated.

    The parasite was found in southern Mexico, more than 1,000 km from the northern cattle-raising states affected by the US restrictions, Sheinbaum said at a daily press conference, calling on Washington to clarify the health criteria justifying maintaining the ban.

    “It seems to be more about politics. In some cases, it could be interpreted as a political attack on Mexico, but let’s not forget that there are elections in the United States in a year,” she said.

    The president also criticized a number of American politicians for treating Mexico like a “piñata” during election campaigns and warned against exploiting bilateral issues for domestic political purposes.

    K. Sheinbaum said that Mexican Agriculture Minister Julio Berdegué is in talks with his American counterpart Brooke Rollins to prevent further restrictions on cattle exports.

    The president said the United States had agreed to invest $30 million to breed sterile flies, a key biological tool in the fight against the parasite, in Mexico. The facility is expected to be completed in less than a year. –0–

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Analysis: Trump has ‘chronic venous insufficiency’. Is it dangerous? Can it be treated?

    Source: The Conversation – Global Perspectives – By Theresa Larkin, Associate Professor of Medical Sciences, University of Wollongong

    Anna Moneymaker/Staff/Getty

    US President Donald Trump has been diagnosed with “chronic venous insufficiency” after experiencing some mild swelling in his lower legs.

    According to a letter the White House published from the president’s doctor, the condition is common and not harmful, and the 79-year-old “remains in excellent health”.

    But what is chronic venous insufficiency? What causes it, and can it lead to other health problems? Let’s take a look.

    A disease of the veins

    Veins are the blood vessels that carry de-oxygenated blood from all parts of the body to the heart.

    Chronic venous insufficiency is a disease of the veins and mostly affects the legs.

    When someone has this condition, it becomes more difficult for the blood to flow back to the heart. In other words, blood pools in the legs, rather than travelling up easily through the legs, pelvis and abdomen to the heart.

    Blood pooling in the legs creates increased pressure in the veins in the legs and feet. This can cause swelling (called oedema), skin discolouration, varicose veins, and even skin ulcers (the skin stretches because of the increased pressure and becomes weak and can tear).

    What causes chronic venous insufficiency?

    There are several potential causes of chronic venous insufficiency, including damaged valves inside the veins in the legs.

    When we’re standing, blood has to flow back to the heart from the legs against gravity. Veins have valves inside them which ensure this one-way flow and stop blood from running back the wrong way.

    When valves in the veins – either the deeper veins or those closer to the skin’s surface – are damaged, this allows blood to flow backwards and pool in the legs.

    Damage to the inside lining of the vein wall can also cause chronic venous insufficiency. When the lining is damaged, it becomes less smooth and blood cells can stick to the wall and build up. This can block the inside of the vein and impede the return of blood to the heart. Smoking is a major cause of this, though it also happens naturally with age.

    Physical compression of a vein in the pelvis from the outside can also be a factor. Pregnancy, obesity or a tumour can push on a pelvic vein from the outside. This makes it harder for blood to flow through that vein, which causes back up of blood in the veins of the leg.

    Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) also increases the risk of chronic venous insufficiency. This is where blood clots form in the deep veins, most commonly in the legs. It can block blood flow or damage the vein wall, and increase blood pooling further down the leg.

    In a study I did with colleagues looking at people with chronic venous insufficiency, about 10% had a previous deep vein thrombosis. However, Trump’s doctor said there was no evidence of deep vein thrombosis in his case.

    Who gets it?

    The data on how many people get chronic venous insufficiency vary, but it is relatively common. In the United States, an estimated 10% to 35% of adults have the condition.

    A number of factors increase a person’s likelihood of developing chronic venous insufficiency. Smoking and having previously had a deep vein thrombosis are strongly linked to this condition. Other risk factors include older age, pregnancy, obesity, and prolonged periods of standing still.

    Is it dangerous?

    On its own, chronic venous insufficiency is not life-threatening, but it is a progressive condition. It increases the risk of other conditions which can be more serious.

    Interestingly, while deep vein thrombosis increases the risk of chronic venous insufficiency, people with chronic venous insufficiency also have a higher risk of deep vein thrombosis. This is because pooled blood doesn’t move as much, so it can start to form a clot.

    Deep vein thrombosis then increases the risk of pulmonary embolism, blood clots in the lungs, which are life threatening.

    In the legs, the most serious consequence of chronic venous insufficiency is developing a venous ulcer. Venous ulcers can be painful, are prone to infection (such as cellulitis), and have a high rate of recurring.

    Research has shown 4% of adults aged 65 and older in the US develop venous ulcers as a result of chronic venous insufficiency.

    Can it be treated?

    Whether and how chronic venous insufficiency can be treated depends somewhat on the cause.

    Initial conservative treatment usually involves elevating the legs and wearing compression stockings. Elevating the legs higher than the body means gravity will help blood flow back to the heart. Compression stockings help to push blood from the leg veins towards the heart.

    Exercise such as walking also helps because when the muscles in the legs contract, this moves more blood from the legs back to the heart. Exercise and diet changes may also be recommended to address any weight-related issues.

    In more progressive or severe cases, surgery may be needed to fix the inside of the veins, remove any underlying deep vein thrombosis, or insert a stent in the case of a vein compression.

    Overall, Trump has been diagnosed with a common condition for someone of his age, and his doctors have ruled out severe underlying disease. But this is a reminder of the importance of healthy veins and of the risk factors for venous disease.

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

    – ref. Trump has ‘chronic venous insufficiency’. Is it dangerous? Can it be treated? – https://theconversation.com/trump-has-chronic-venous-insufficiency-is-it-dangerous-can-it-be-treated-261460

    MIL OSI Analysis –

  • MIL-OSI USA: JOINT DEMOCRATIC LEADERSHIP STATEMENT ON THE RECKLESS REPUBLICAN RESCISSIONS PACKAGE

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Hakeem Jeffries (8th District of New York)

    Know Your Immigration Rights

    If you or a loved one encounter immigration enforcement officials, it is essential that you know your rights and have prepared your household for all possible outcomes.

    Ask for a warrant: The Fourth Amendment of the Constitution protects you from unreasonable search and seizure. You do not have to open your door until you see a valid warrant to enter your home or search your belongings.

    Your right to remain silent: The Fifth Amendment protects your right to remain silent and not incriminate yourself. You are not required to share any personal information such as your place of birth, immigration status or criminal history.

    Always consult an attorney: You have a right to speak with an attorney. You do not have to sign anything or hand officials any documents without speaking to an attorney. Try to identify and consult one in advance.

    The New York City Office of Civil Justice and the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs (MOIA) support a variety of free immigration legal services through local nonprofit legal organizations. To access these resources, dial 311 and say “Action NYC,” call the MOIA Immigration Legal Support Hotline at 800-354-0365 Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. or visit MOIA’s website.

    Learn more here: KNOW YOUR IMMIGRATION RIGHTS  – Congressman Hakeem Jeffries

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Wasserman Schultz on the GENIUS Act

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-23)

    Wasserman Schultz on the GENIUS Act

    Washington, July 17, 2025

    Today, I was proud to support the GENIUS Act as a significant first step towards responsible and effective regulation of the cryptocurrency industry.

    Washington, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25) issued the following statement on today’s votes by the U.S. House of Representatives on crypto legislation: 

    “Today, I was proud to support the GENIUS Act as a significant first step towards responsible and effective regulation of the cryptocurrency industry. Although I was unable to support the CLARITY Act at this time, I hope that the bill that returns from the Senate will incorporate the necessary changes and safeguards that would enable me to support it.” 

    ####

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Gomez Votes No on Republican Bill to Defund Local Public Radio and TV, And Humanitarian Foreign Aid

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

    Rep. Gomez Votes No on Republican Bill to Defund Local Public Radio and TV, And Humanitarian Foreign Aid

    Washington, July 17, 2025

    WASHINGTON, DC – Tonight, Representative Jimmy Gomez (CA-34) voted to protect federal funding for public broadcasting, including NPR and PBS. 

    “This bill is a handout to billionaires and a punch in the gut to working families and children. 

    “When I was growing up, my family couldn’t afford cable, so we relied on public broadcasting for education, news, weather forecasts, public safety announcements, and emergency alerts. Now, as a dad to a two-year-old, I watch PBS programs like Sesame Street, The Cat in the Hat, and Daniel Tiger with my son. The same public service that helped raise me is now helping raise him. 

    “But Republicans moved forward with these cuts to free up federal dollars for their ‘Big Billionaire Bill,’ which hands massive tax breaks to the richest corporations and individuals. While the ultrawealthy and top corporations get tax breaks for yachts and bonuses, millions of kids in rural and working-class communities are losing Sesame Street.  

    “This bill also guts humanitarian aid, ripping away food from starving children, medicine from disease zones, and hope from families fleeing war, which undermines America’s global leadership in responding to global crises. 

    “Even though we’re outnumbered in the House, I’ll keep fighting to make sure that public money is used to help people who actually need it — not handed out as giveaways to billionaires.” 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Simpson Secures INL Priorities in Energy and Water Appropriations Bill

    Source: US State of Idaho

    Rep. Simpson Secures INL Priorities in Energy and Water Appropriations Bill

    Washington, July 18, 2025

    WASHINGTON—The House Committee on Appropriations voted to advance the Fiscal Year 2026 Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill. Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson supported this advancement and secured critical funding for the Idaho National Laboratory (INL). This bill champions America’s nuclear deterrent and strengthens national security, restores energy dominance, and supports the Trump administration’s policy initiatives.
    “The Idaho National Laboratory is a world leader in nuclear energy research and a hub for remarkable advancements in nuclear technologies,” said Rep. Simpson. “INL has long worked to advance America’s nuclear technology and strengthen our national security, and I have been proud to support their efforts in Congress. I am confident that the future of nuclear energy is bright under President Trump and Secretary Wright. As a longtime member and former Chairman of this critical subcommittee, I am pleased to see this legislation expand America’s nuclear capabilities and address the future of nuclear energy. I look forward to seeing this bill cross the finish line.” 
    Highlights of the bill include:

    Provides funding for INL’s infrastructure and operations.
    Provides funding for INL’s Microreactor Application Research Validation and Evaluation (MARVEL) project.
    Provides funding for the Demonstration of Microreactor Experiments (DOME) Test Bed at INL.
    Funding for a variety of advanced reactor construction and demonstrations.
    Funding for further research and development of advanced Tri-structural Isotropic (TRISO) and High-Assay Low Enriched Uranium (HALEU) reactor fuel.

    The measure was approved by the Committee with a vote of 35 to 27.
    This funding package will now go to the full floor of the House of Representatives for further consideration.  

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Chairman Mast Applauds House Passage of Rescissions Package

    Source: US House Committee on Foreign Affairs

    Media Contact 202-321-9747

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Brian Mast issued the following statement upon the House’s final passage of the rescissions package.

    “This is a win for the American taxpayer. Under the Biden administration, the U.S. wasted billions in taxpayer dollars spreading far-left ideology disguised as foreign aid. Republicans on this committee exposed those programs for years only to have Democrats turn a blind eye.

    Foreign aid is not benevolence. It’s not charity. It’s a soft power that gives America a chance to get what it is that we need because of some mutual benefit that exists out there between two nations. It’s not an opportunity to push radical liberal ideas on countries that would otherwise want to be our allies.

    Today, House Republicans joined President Trump in giving the American people a say in how their tax dollars are spent abroad.”

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Markey Introduces Legislation to Support Recruitment and Retention of Paraeducators in Schools

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts Ed Markey
    Bill Text (PDF)
    Washington (July 17, 2025) – Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), a member of the Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee, today reintroduced the Preparing and Retaining All (PARA) Educators Act, legislation that would establish higher wages, career pipelines, and professional development opportunities for school paraeducators. More than 1.2 million paraeducators across the country provide classroom management support to teachers, assist students with disabilities, and facilitate individual and small group learning.
    “As the Trump administration continues its relentless attack on education, it is more important than ever that we ensure paraprofessionals receive the support, compensation, and professional development opportunities they deserve,” said Senator Markey. “Instructional assistants, teachers’ aides, special education aides, and other educators keep our schools running and students thriving—often with little recognition and low pay. My PARA Educators Act will invest in these educators what they invest in our students, our communities, and our future.”
    “From special education aides and classroom assistants to English language learning specialists and other support staff, paraeducators are the unsung heroes of our public schools, helping students overcome challenges and reach their potential,” said AFSCME President Lee Saunders. “These hardworking professionals – including thousands of AFSCME members – deserve wages and benefits that match the important contributions they make to teaching and learning every single day. We applaud Senator Markey for sponsoring the PARA Educators Act, which will help more schools – especially in high-need and rural districts – recruit and retain the paraeducators they need to support student success in the classroom and beyond.”
    “Students of every color, background and ZIP code deserve qualified and caring educators who are dedicated and have the resources to uncover the passions and potential of every child. Education Support Professionals are essential to supporting students and ensuing we have strong schools and communities across the country. They play a critical role in the lives of students and help keep our schools running and our students safe, healthy, and ready to learn every day,” said Kimberly Johnson Trinca, Director of Government Relations, National Education Association. “The Preparing and Retaining All Educators (PARA) Act will help schools deal with an educator shortage that has been decades in the making. This bill will help schools across the country recruit and retain diverse, qualified and experienced paraeducators in our schools to support our students. This is more important than ever as the Trump Administration continues to take a wrecking ball to public education and the futures of the 50 million students in rural, suburban, and urban communities across America. NEA is pleased to support this legislation, and we applaud Senator Markey for his continued leadership on issues so important to education support professionals.”
    Low wages and a lack of training and professional development opportunities contribute to high rates of turnover and position vacancies among paraeducators, particularly in high-poverty school districts. The PARA Educators Act would support the recruitment and retention of paraeducators by funding state and school level initiatives to improve wages, working conditions, and professional development and credentialing programs for paraprofessionals working in public schools.
    Specifically, the PARA Educators Act would:
    Establish a grant program within the Department of Education to support state and district efforts to recruit and retain paraprofessionals.
    Prioritize high-need rural and urban areas to ensure grant funding is distributed equitably.
    Provide paraprofessionals with access to high-quality professional development programs that will advance in their careers and benefit their students.
    The bill is cosponsored by Senators Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif), and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.).
    The bill is endorsed by the National Education Association, AFT, the Advocacy Institute, CommunicationFIRST, Council for Exceptional Children, National Rural Education Association, National Center for Learning Disabilities, AFSCME, The Arc.
    In April 2025, Senator Markey reintroduced the Paraprofessionals and Education Support Staff Bill of Rights alongside Rep. Jahanna Hayes (D-CT-05), which would establish livable wages, benefits, and dignified working conditions for paraeducators and other essential school support staff. In February 2025, Senator Markey introduced the No Cuts to Public Schools Act, which would block all federal funding cuts to critical education programs serving students with disabilities, English learners, low-income students, and rural students through fiscal year 2027.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • Lula says he won’t take orders from foreigner Trump, calls tariffs blackmail

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva on Thursday said he would not take orders over tariffs from a foreigner, referring to U.S. President Donald Trump, and later called the United States’ threatened duty “unacceptable blackmail.”

    The comments, made during two separate events, mark a continuation of a spat between the two leaders that escalated when the U.S. announced a 50% tariff on Brazil last week.

    Trump attributed the tariff, set to start in August, to Brazil’s treatment of former President Jair Bolsonaro and to trade practices against U.S. companies that he said are unfair. The tariff announcement came days after Lula called Trump an “emperor” the world does not want.

    Lula and members of his cabinet have rejected the reasoning behind the tariffs and insisted on Brazil’s sovereignty, while calling for trade negotiations with the United States.

    “No foreigner is going to give orders to this president,” Lula said in a speech, using the slang word ‘gringo’, which in Brazil is a common term for foreigners without the pejorative sense it carries in other parts of Latin America.

    He added that Brazil would go ahead with regulation and taxation of U.S. tech firms, telling a gathering of leftist student activists in the state of Goias that tech firms are conduits of violence and fake news disguised as freedom of expression.

    Later on Thursday, during an evening TV and radio address to the nation, Lula said the defense of Brazil’s sovereignty extends to protecting itself against the actions of foreign digital platforms.

    During the near five-minute address, Lula said Brazil has been negotiating with the U.S. over tariffs, and repeated that the Latin America country had sent a proposal in May.

    “We expected a response, and what we received was unacceptable blackmail, in the form of threats to Brazilian institutions and false information about trade between Brazil and the United States,” Lula said.

    Brasilia has been holding discussions with industry groups and companies that will be affected by the U.S. tariff, while also readying potential retaliatory measures if talks fall through.

    Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira told CNN Brasil separately on Thursday that Lula was open to talks with Trump, who had not yet met each other.

    “If the circumstances are given, they will speak,” he added.

    Lula, who is in his third non-consecutive term as president of Latin America’s largest economy, saw his approval ratings start to rebound after the trade spat with Trump last week.

    (Reuters)

  • MIL-OSI USA: Case Opposes Housing And Transportation, Energy And Water Funding Measures That Fail To Support Americans Facing Rising Housing, Energy And Transportation Costs

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Ed Case (Hawai‘i – District 1)

    (Washington, DC) – U.S. Congressman Ed Case (HI-01), a member of the House Appropriations Committee, today voted in full Committee against the proposed Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Transportation-Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Appropriations and FY 2026 Energy and Water Appropriations measures.

    The FY 2026 housing and transportation bill proposes to spend $89.9 billion for HUD, the United States Interagency Council on Homelessness and the Department of Transportation, including the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). This is a decrease of $4.5 billion from the FY 2025 enacted level.

    The $57.3 billion Energy and Water Appropriations bill funds the Department of Energy (DOE), the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ (USACE) civil works programs and various energy programs. This is a decrease of nearly $776 million from the FY 2025 enacted level.

    “While these measures fund many critical Hawai‘i priorities I requested, I regrettably had to vote against both bills because of massive cuts to federal program that help everyday Americans with rising housing, transportation and energy costs,” explained Case.

    The Transportation-HUD Appropriations bill included some important wins for Hawai‘i requested by Case including $5.5 million for Case’s Community Funding Projects (described below), as well as $18.3 million for the Native Hawaiian Housing Block Grant and $28 million for the Native Hawaiian Housing Loan Guarantee Fund (for both of which programs the President’s budget has proposed $0). It also included Case’s request to continue funding for the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), which plays a crucial role in enhancing the safety of the helicopter and small aircraft industry through accident investigation, analysis and recommendations to prevent future incidents, including several fatal accidents throughout Hawai‘i.

    Despite these positives, Case said the bill poses significant risks to vulnerable communities by exacerbating the cost-of-living crisis and undercutting critical housing support systems. The bill eliminates the HOME Investment Partnerships Program, the only federal program dedicated to developing new affordable rental and homeownership options. It also defunds the PRO Housing Program, which empowers local governments to address housing shortages. Together, these actions remove essential tools for expanding the affordable housing supply.

    The bill further harms Americans aspiring to homeownership by stripping funding from housing counseling assistance. The net effect of the bill threatens nearly 415,000 households that rely on HUD assistance, putting them at risk of eviction and housing instability.

    The Energy and Water Appropriations bill also included numerous wins for Hawai‘i requested by Case, including funding for USACE programs that aid in the preservation of Hawaii’s coastlines across all seven inhabited islands. Specifically, the bill includes $2 million to study avenues of protection for public infrastructure on small beaches from erosion and damage caused by storms and natural wave currents; $18 million for regional sediment management, construction, operations and regulatory functions in the coastal zone; and $38 million for programs which manage aquatic weeds in public waters.

    Notably, one of Case’s highest priorities, an instruction to the USACE to complete a major update study for Honolulu Harbor, was included in the bill. This provision directs the USACE to investigate modifications to Honolulu Harbor to better handle the impacts of military operations in the state and throughout the Indo-Pacific as a whole, which can open up additional federal resources for the planned improvements of Honolulu Harbor. Also included in the bill is $9.5 million for USACE program that aids in the planning, designing and construction of small projects for commercial navigation purposes such as channels, breakwaters and jetties. This funding will aid in the investigation of best practices for Honolulu Harbor modifications.

    Despite these positives, Case opposed the measure in light of the widespread elimination of funding to advance clean, affordable and secure energy for Americans. The bill slashes vital clean energy funding nationwide, with Hawai‘i set to experience a cut of 31% on federal funding for clean energy projects and investments.

    “While the Energy and Water Appropriations measures fund many critical Hawai‘i and priorities I requested, regrettably the bill will increase energy costs for American families by revoking more than $5 billion in clean energy investments.

    “Without these federally funded programs and incentives, we risk falling dangerously behind our clean energy goals,” said Case. 

    Through his assignment on the Committee, Case secured the following seven Member-designated Community Project Funding (CPF) projects across the two bills that specifically focused on local needs in Hawai‘i:

    ·      $2 million for the Hawai‘i Department of Transportation to repair Aloha Tower, including replacing its 40-foot mast, repairing the crown of the tower and replacing its windows to weatherproof the landmark. This funding is essential to maintain Aloha Tower’s structural integrity, enhance public access and ensure that it remains a celebrated symbol of Honolulu’s history for generations to come.

    ·      $1 million for the City and County of Honolulu for its Waikīkī Vista Project. This project converts former Tokai University and Hawai‘i Pacific University classrooms into a consolidated, family-friendly emergency shelter and additional affordable housing units for low-income families. This investment will directly enhance the City’s ability to reduce family homelessness and expand affordable housing inventory in one of Hawaii’s most housing-challenged areas.

    ·      $850,000 for the City and County of Honolulu to support its Safe Harbor Support for Housing Survivors of Domestic Violence project. This funding will expand the Domestic Violence Action Center’s successful housing program by supporting property acquisition and staffing to increase safe and stable housing options for survivors and their children.

    ·      $850,000 for Kalihi Waena Elementary School to construct a new single-span pedestrian bridge with American with Disabilities Act-compliant access between Kūhiō Park Terrace and the school. The new bridge will replace dangerously deteriorating infrastructure and ensure safe and equitable access for students and community members.

    ·      $300,000 for Highlands Intermediate School to modernize and expand its media center infrastructure. The renovation will create a collaborative, technology-driven learning environment that fosters student creativity, innovation and digital literacy.

    ·      $250,000 for the Hawai‘i State Parks System and Hawai‘i Nature Center to upgrade educational and operational facilities, including classroom expansion and replacement of a sustainable wetland wastewater system supporting environmental education for thousands of Title I students annually.

    ·      $250,000 for the Hawai‘i State Broadband Office for broadband infrastructure development in our local community centers. Funding will be used toward essential network enhancements, including rewiring, electrical system upgrades and the installation of Wi-Fi access points to ensure reliable, high-speed connectivity.

    The House’s CPF rules require that each project must have demonstrated community support, must be fully disclosed by the requesting Member and must be subject to audit by the independent Government Accountability Office. Case’s disclosures are here: https://case.house.gov/services/funding-disclosures.htm.  


    Transportation-HUD Funding Bill

    More specifically, the bill includes the following funding requested by Case for programs to improve access to affordable housing in Hawai‘i and nationwide:

    ·      $18.3 million for the Native Hawaiian Housing Block Grant Program, which supports the building, acquisition and rehabilitation of affordable homes.

    ·      $5 million for core housing research partnerships with Native Hawaiian serving institutions among other minority serving institutions.

    ·      $56 million for the Self-Help and Assisted Homeownership Opportunity Program.

    ·      $17 billion for project-based rental assistance.

    ·      $5.6 billion for the Community Development Fund, which includes $3.3 billion for the Community Development Block Grant formula program.

    ·      $4 billion for the Homeless Assistance Grants.

    Transportation and infrastructure programs requested and secured by Case include:

    ·      $380 million for the Maritime Security Program, $123 million for the Port Infrastructure Development Program and $30 million for assistance to small shipyards like Kalaeloa/Barbers Point.

    ·      $64 billion for the Federal Highway Administration to improve the safety and long-term viability of our highways.

    ·      $23 billion for the FAA, including $10 billion to fully fund air traffic control operations and allow the FAA to hire 2,500 air traffic controllers to replace the retiring workforce.

    ·      $15 billion for the Federal Transit Administration.

    A summary of the Transportation-HUD Appropriations bill is available here.

    Energy and Water Funding Bill

    More specifically, the bill includes the following energy and water-related programs and provisions requested and secured by Case and of specific benefit to Hawai‘i: 

    ·      Language directing the USACE to investigate modifications to Honolulu Harbor to better accommodate the impacts of military operations in the state and throughout the Indo-Pacific as a whole.

    ·      $2 million for the USACE’s beach erosion and hurricane and storm damage reduction activities.

    ·      $40 million for flood control and coastal emergencies efforts.

    ·      $18 million for the USACE’s National Coastal Mapping Program, which provides high-resolution elevation and imagery data along the U.S. shorelines on a recurring basis which can provide a better understanding of human uses, issues and constraints in coastal regions.

    ·      $12 million for the USACE’s Aquatic Plant Control Program, which conducts research and development of biological, chemical, cultural and ecological capabilities for controlling invasive aquatic plants.

    ·      Language modifying a clean energy program under DOE that has been widely beneficial for Hawai‘i. The newly named Energy Technology Innovation Office, previously known as the Energy Transitions Initiative, supports island and remote communities by providing personalized technical and financial assistance. Case recently introduced legislation make to make this program permanent. (See here for more details.)

    ·      Language directing the DOE to investigate potential benefits of having small-modular nuclear reactors as a source of clean, domestically sourced electricity for remote, noncontiguous U.S. areas such as Hawai‘i.

    A summary of the Energy and Water Appropriations bill is available here. 

    These two bills are the 6th and 7th of twelve separate bills developed and approved by the Appropriations Committee that would fund the federal government at some $1.6 trillion for FY 2026 commencing October 1st of this year. The bills now move on to the full House of Representatives for its consideration.   

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI China: US House to vote on bill to cut funding for foreign aid, public broadcasting

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

    Photo taken on July 3, 2025 shows the U.S. Capitol building in Washington, D.C., the United States. [Photo/Xinhua]

    The U.S. House of Representatives is expected to vote Thursday on a bill to cut funding for foreign aid and public broadcasting after the Senate passed it.

    The Senate approved the bill early Thursday, which will roll back 9 billion U.S. dollars Congress had allocated to foreign aid and public broadcasting.

    With a voting result of 51-48, the bill was opposed by every Democrat in the Senate, along with two GOP senators.

    Republican Senate Majority Leader John Thune said the bill is a small but an important “step toward fiscal sanity.”

    The bill will slash 1.1 billion dollars meant for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. U.S. President Donald Trump and conservatives have blasted the corporation’s two channels, National Public Radio and the Public Broadcasting System, as biased in favor of the left. Moreover, the GOP has deemed the channels as an unnecessary expense to taxpayers.

    “My Democrat colleagues may not want to acknowledge it, but we have a serious spending problem in this country,” Thune said Tuesday. “And the very least we can do in response is to target some of the egregious misuses of taxpayer dollars that we are addressing today in this bill.”

    Two Senate Republicans voted against the package.

    “You don’t need to gut the entire Corporation for Public Broadcasting,” said Lisa Murkowski, one of the two Republicans who voted against the bill.

    The package also slashed funding for some foreign development programs.

    Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer blasted the legislation and accused the White House of usurping Congress’s legally mandated role of being in charge of federal spending.

    “Today, Senate Republicans turn this chamber into a subservient rubber stamp for the executive, at the behest of Donald Trump,” he said.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Andrea Salinas Leads 100 Colleagues in Letter to Protect 988 LGBTQI+ Youth Lifeline

    Source: US Representative Andrea Salinas (OR-06)

    Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Congresswoman Andrea Salinas (OR-06), alongside Reps. Sharice Davids (KS-03), Raja Krishnamoorthi (IL-08), Doris Matsui (CA-07), Seth Moulton (MA-06), Chris Pappas (NH-01), and Paul Tonko (NY-20), sent a letter to Reps. Robert Aderholt (AL-04) and Rosa DeLauro (CT-03), the Chairman and Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Committee Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies, urging them to maintain funding for the 988 LGBTQI+ Youth lifeline. The letter was co-signed by nearly 100 of their Democratic colleagues.

    The letter underscores the effectiveness of the lifeline, which was shut down by the Trump Administration today. Since its inception, the lifeline has received nearly 1.5 million contacts from LGBTQI+ youth, serving as a critical resource for young people across the country who are at an elevated risk of suicide and mental illness.

    Click here for the full letter.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Newsom and Acting Governor Kounalakis honor fallen CDCR Parole Agent

    Source: US State of California Governor

    Jul 17, 2025

    SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom and Acting Governor Eleni Kounalakis issued the following statement regarding the death of California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) Parole Agent Joshua Lemont Byrd:

    “This is a heartbreaking loss. Agent Byrd served with integrity and courage — and we’re forever grateful. We are keeping his family in our prayers and we join the men and women of CDCR in mourning this tragedy.”

    Governor Gavin Newsom

    On July 17, at approximately 12:50 p.m., Parole Agent Byrd was shot inside the Division of Adult Parole Operations (DAPO) office located in Oakland. Agent Byrd was immediately transported to a local hospital for treatment, where he succumbed to his injuries. A suspect has been detained by Oakland Police Department officers.

    Agent Byrd, 40, joined CDCR as a cadet at CDCR’s correctional officer academy in June 2014. After serving as a correctional officer and correctional sergeant, he joined the DAPO Oakland office as a parole agent in October 2024.

    He leaves a wife and children.

    In honor of Agent Byrd, flags at the State Capitol and Capitol Annex Swing Space will be flown at half-staff. This is the first line-of-duty loss for CDCR since 2018.  

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