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Category: United States of America

  • MIL-OSI USA: Following Her Advocacy, Ernst Praises USDA Moving Closer to Heartland

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA)

    WASHINGTON – Following her work exposing out-of-office bureaucrats and advocating for D.C. headquarters to be moved out of the beltway bubble, U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) praised Secretary Rollins’ major announcement to reorganize the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).
    During today’s Senate Committee on Agriculture hearing, Deputy Secretary of Agriculture Stephen Vaden thanked Ernst for her continuous leadership and noted that USDA does not meet the congressionally mandated threshold of 60% occupancy. He made clear that the USDA reorganization is adhering to the will of Congress and will benefit our farmers and rural communities.
    Ernst went on to point out the nearly vacant USDA South Building and highlighted her FOR SALE Act to put this building and others on the chopping block.

    Watch Senator Ernst’s remarks here.
    “The Senate must pass my FOR SALE Act to dispose of underutilized buildings, including the Ag South Building, and to return the money from those sales to the taxpayers. We need more of these agencies to follow Secretary Rollins’ and USDA’s lead,” said Ernst.
    Ernst also called out Secretary Vilsack for lying to her last year about the true utilization rate of USDA’s headquarters – particularly by denying the accuracy of a government-issued report about low staff attendance and stating a whistleblower report describing the buildings as a ghost town “isn’t even close to correct.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Duckworth Joins Durbin and Entire Senate Democratic Caucus in Reintroducing John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Tammy Duckworth

    July 30, 2025

    [WASHINGTON, D.C.] – Ahead of the 60th anniversary of the Voting Rights Act, U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) joined U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) and U.S. Senator Reverand Raphael Warnock (D-GA), along with the rest of her Senate Democratic colleagues, in reintroducing the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act, legislation that would update and restore critical safeguards of the original Voting Rights Act of 1965 that have been eroded in recent years by federal court rulings. The legislation would strengthen our democracy by re-establishing preclearance for jurisdictions with a pattern of voting rights violations, protecting minority communities subject to discriminatory voting practices and defending election workers from threats and intimidation. It is named in honor of voting rights champion and former Congressman John Lewis.

    “The right to vote is a fundamental pillar of our democracy,” said Duckworth. “Our democracy is stronger when every voice is heard, yet Trump and Republicans are continuing to build unnecessary barriers to prevent people from voting—especially in communities of color—and undermining the protections that civil rights leaders like John Lewis fought for. Congress must pass the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act to help safeguard this pillar of democracy and protect the freedom to vote.”

    This legislation is especially relevant in Texas where, following historic disapproval of Congressional Republicans’ tax bill, Texas state lawmakers are looking to add five additional Republicans. The move comes in direct response to President Trump’s fears that voters may flip the House in the 2026 midterms.

    In the wake of the Supreme Court’s damaging Shelby County decision in 2013—which gutted the federal government’s ability under the Voting Rights Act of 1965 to prevent discriminatory changes to voting laws and procedures—states across the country have unleashed a torrent of voter suppression schemes that have systematically disenfranchised tens of thousands of American voters. The Supreme Court’s decision in Brnovich delivered yet another blow to the Voting Rights Act, by making it significantly harder for plaintiffs to win lawsuits under the landmark law against discriminatory voting laws or procedures.

    Along with Duckworth, Durbin and Warnock, the legislation is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Ed Markey (D-MA), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), John Fetterman (D-PA), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Jack Reed (D-RI), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Peter Welch (D-VT), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Chris Coons (D-CT), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), Mark Warner (D-VA), Patty Murray (D-WA), Jon Ossoff (D-GA), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Gary Peters (D-MI), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), Tina Smith (D-MN), Angus King (I-VT), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Brian Schatz (D-HI) and Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD).

    A copy of the bill text is available on Senator Duckworth’s website.

    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senators Coons, Schmitt, colleagues introduce bipartisan bill reauthorizing the construction of a memorial honoring commitment and service of EMS members

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Delaware Christopher Coons

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.) and Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.) introduced a bipartisan bill to extend the deadline for the National Emergency Medical Services Memorial Foundation to establish a memorial in Washington, D.C. honoring the nation’s EMS professionals. This extension is necessary to ensure EMS personnel, who have dedicated their career to providing life-saving care, receive long-overdue recognition in the nation’s capital. The bill is also cosponsored by U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-La.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), and Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.).

    “Every day, emergency medical technicians are the first line of support when lives in their communities are in danger, sometimes throwing themselves into dangerous and deadly situations to begin treatment,” said Senator Coons. “These first responders deserve to be commemorated in our nation’s capital, and I’ll continue to work to ensure that the National Emergency Medical Services Memorial is completed. This bipartisan bill would mean that EMS organizations have the time they need to build a memorial worthy of them, and I look forward to working with my colleagues to pass it into law.”

    “EMTs and paramedics in Missouri, and across the United States, work tirelessly during emergencies, often putting themselves in harm’s way to save lives. Thanks to this legislation, our emergency medical service providers will have a well-deserved national memorial that reminds the public of their commitment to service and honors those who have died in the line-of-duty,” said Senator Schmitt.

    “Every single day, emergency medical services first responders are saving lives throughout the nation,” said Senator Shaheen. “I’m proud to join my colleagues on this effort to create a memorial to recognize the heroic Americans who are first on the scene, providing medical care in our communities.”

    “As a doctor, I have seen the tight coordination of EMS first responders making sure that someone who has a problem outside the hospital survives and gets well once more. They deserve to be honored with a permanent tribute in our nation’s capital,” said Dr. Cassidy.

    “EMS workers put their lives on the line every single day to protect families and save lives,” said Senator Warren. “We owe them our deep respect and thanks for their selfless service.”

    “Wyoming’s EMS professionals commit themselves to delivering critical, life-saving services throughout our rural state, frequently facing personal danger,” said Senator Lummis. “This bipartisan bill extends the deadline for establishing a National EMS Memorial in Washington, D.C., ensuring these courageous individuals receive the long overdue recognition they deserve in our nation’s capital. I look forward to the opportunity to visit this memorial and honor their extraordinary service someday.”

    A companion bill in the House of Representatives is led by Rep. Richard Hudson (R-N.C.) and Rep. Stephen Lynch (D-Mass.). The bill is endorsed by the National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians (NAEMT), the American Ambulance Association (AAA), and the International Association of EMS Chiefs (IAEMSC).

    “NAEMT commends Senator Schmitt and Senator Coons for introducing legislation to reauthorize the EMS Memorial in Washington, D.C.,” said NAEMT President Chief Chris Wray. “The permanent creation and placement of the National EMS Memorial should remain a top priority for all of us, elected officials and EMS leaders alike. Much like our fire service and law enforcement colleagues, honoring those who died in the line of duty, in service to others and their communities, with a proper memorial is the least we can do to pay appropriate respect to these heroes. I urge you to join me and my fellow EMS professionals in supporting this incredibly important project. Let’s make sure we never forget the ultimate price paramedics, EMTs, and other EMS personnel have paid by honoring their ultimate sacrifice.”

    “The American Ambulance Association sincerely thank Senators Coons and Schmitt for reintroducing legislation to reauthorize the National EMS Memorial in our nation’s capital,” said AAA President Jamie Pafford-Gresham. “Paramedics, EMTs and other EMS professionals provide vital and often lifesaving 9-1-1 emergency and interfacility medical care to our communities and we should properly acknowledge their profession.”

    “The proposed extension of this legislative authority through November 3, 2032, represents both a timely and vital step toward ensuring that the courage, compassion, and sacrifice of our EMS professionals are permanently recognized in our nation’s capital,” said IAEMSC President Scott Cormier. “EMS clinicians—often the first to respond in times of crisis—have long stood as unsung heroes within the public safety community. Their commitment to saving lives in the face of disaster and danger merits a place of national remembrance alongside our fire and law enforcement counterparts.”

    The original bill introduced in 2018, titled the National Emergency Medical Services Commemorative Work Act, authorized the National Emergency Medical Services Memorial Foundation to establish a commemorative work on federal land in D.C. within seven years of enactment. However, the Foundation’s authority to create a memorial expired before the project could be completed due to delays caused by COVID-19 and other challenges. The new legislation would extend the authorization through 2032.

    The memorial will be fully funded by the foundation rather than taxpayer, and any extra funds will be returned to the federal government after the project wraps up.

    You can read the full text of the bill here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Sweden and the United States enter into new nuclear power agreement

    Source: Government of Sweden

    Sweden and the United States have entered into a new agreement to further the development of new nuclear power. Minister for Energy, Business and Industry Ebba Busch has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on bilateral nuclear cooperation in Washington, D.C. with US Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm. This agreement aims to strengthen cooperation between Sweden and the United States to support the development of new nuclear power. 

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: 5 reasons why wind farms are costing more in Australia – and what to do about it

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Magnus Söderberg, Professor and Director, Centre for Applied Energy Economics and Policy Research, Griffith University

    Saeed Khan/Getty

    Building a solar farm in Australia is getting about 8% cheaper each year as panel prices fall and technology improves, according to an official new report. Battery storage costs are falling even more sharply, dropping 20% over the past year alone.

    But the same can’t be said for wind farms, the second-largest source of renewable energy in Australia. Onshore wind costs actually rose about 8% in 2023–24 and another 6% in 2024–25.

    The findings are contained in the GenCost 2024–25 report by CSIRO and the Australian Energy Market Operator, released this week.

    Rising costs are putting real pressure on the wind industry, undermining investor confidence. Developers of offshore wind projects are walking away, and even cheaper on-shore wind projects are under strain. Even as wind energy becomes a mainstay in China, the United States and Germany, the industry faces real headwinds in Australia.

    This is surprising. Wind, like solar, was projected to get steadily cheaper. The fuel is free and turbines are getting better and better. Instead, wind in Australia has remained stubbornly expensive. Solving the problem will be challenging. But solutions have to be found fast if Australia is to reach the goal of 82% renewable power in the grid by 2030 – now less than five years away.

    Australia has no offshore wind projects up and running – and cost spikes may put planned projects at risk.
    Obatala-photography/Shutterstock

    Five reasons why this is happening

    Here’s what’s going on:

    1. Global supply chains have been disrupted

    The cost of steel, copper, fibreglass and other materials vital for wind turbines shot up during the pandemic. As a result, turbine prices rose almost 40% between 2020 and 2022. While input costs have fallen, turbine prices remain high. Solar panels can be churned out in factories, but modern wind turbines are massive, complex structures that require specialised manufacturing and logistics. That makes them more sensitive to global price fluctuations.

    2. Good wind is often in remote places

    Australia’s best wind resources are typically far from cities and existing grid infrastructure. Connecting far-flung wind farms such as Tasmania’s Robbins Island to the grid can require new and very expensive transmission lines. Remote sites mean extra costs such as temporary worker accommodation. The GenCost report notes this has added about 4% to wind project budgets in 2024–25 compared with the year before.

    Many other countries rely heavily on offshore wind, because wind blows more strongly and reliably over oceans. Unfortunately, spiking costs are likely to further delay the arrival of offshore wind in Australia. GenCost projects the first offshore wind projects in Australia will face even steeper costs.

    Good wind resources are often located in remote areas of Australia.
    Brook Mitchell/Stringer via Getty

    3. Local construction and labour costs have soared

    Australia faces a shortage of workers with the skills to build and maintain wind farms, resulting in higher wages and recruitment costs. Wind developers say construction costs have become a real issue. Wind farms are more labour-intensive than solar.

    4. Interest rates have raised financing costs

    Wind farms require large upfront investments and lengthy construction periods. Even a small increase in interest rates can make them unviable – and interest rates have been high for some time.

    5. Reliability concerns, regulatory delay and community opposition

    According to US researchers, technical issues have emerged for some new wind turbines, creating unexpected costs for developers. The long, complex process of getting permits, carrying out environmental assessments and building community support is pushing out project timelines, increasing costs and uncertainty for developers.

    Will solar take over?

    Solar faces far fewer challenges. Solar panels are mass-produced, meaning costs are steadily driven down through economies of scale. Panels can be deployed quickly and solar farms tend to face less community opposition.

    Wind turbines have to spin to function, while solar panels have no moving parts (though systems that track the Sun do). As a result, solar farms require less maintenance and are more reliable.

    It’s no surprise large-scale solar has been on a record-breaking run, growing 20-fold between 2018 and 2023.

    Solar panels make electricity during daylight hours, especially in summer. By contrast, wind tends to produce more power at night and during winter months. This is why wind is so useful to a green grid.

    Generating power from both wind and sunshine can slash how much storage is needed to ensure grid reliability, lowering overall system costs. A balanced mix of wind, solar and storage will meet Australia’s electricity needs more efficiently and reliably than just solar and storage, according to the International Renewable Energy Agency and independent researchers.

    Could wind come back?

    Making wind more viable will take work. Potential solutions do exist, such as expanding the skilled workforce and investing in specialised ships and equipment to install turbines offshore.

    Shipping large turbines from Denmark or China is expensive. To avoid these costs, it could make sense to encourage local manufacturing of large and heavy parts such as the main tower.

    Other options include finding lower-cost turbine suppliers and streamlining regulatory processes.

    Rising material and labour costs have driven up the cost of wind turbines. Pictured: turbine blades in China’s Jiangsu province in 2022 about to be shipped to Australia.
    Xu Congjun/Future Publishing via Getty Images

    The newly announced expansion of the government’s Capacity Investment Scheme could help reduce risks and give certainty, alongside public investment in new transmission lines.

    If nothing is done or if new measures don’t help, wind is likely to stall while solar and storage race ahead.

    That’s not the worst outcome. Australia could get a long way by relying on batteries and pumped hydro to store power from solar during the day and release it in the evenings, as California is doing. But this strategy involves trade offs, such as higher storage-capacity needs and the risk of insufficient power during long cloudy periods.

    For Australia to optimise its mix of renewables and storage, policymakers will have to tackle wind’s cost challenges. Effective action could lower costs, accelerate project timelines and bolster flagging investor confidence.

    Magnus Söderberg 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. 5 reasons why wind farms are costing more in Australia – and what to do about it – https://theconversation.com/5-reasons-why-wind-farms-are-costing-more-in-australia-and-what-to-do-about-it-262126

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Lummis Praises President’s Working Group Report on Digital Assets

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Wyoming Cynthia Lummis

    July 30, 2025

    Washington, D.C. –  U.S. Senator Cynthia Lummis (R-WY) Chair of the U.S. Senate Banking Subcommittee on Digital Assets, released the following statement applauding the impactful efforts of the President’s Working Group on Digital Asset Markets to continue to secure America’s position as the global financial services leader. 

    “I’m overjoyed we finally have a president who understands the transformative power of digital assets and distributed ledger technology to build America’s financial future,” said Lummis. “I’ve been working on many of the proposals found in President Trump’s report since I took office in 2021, and I look forward to partnering with him to deliver on these transformational policies.”

    Since taking office, Senator Lummis has led the charge on the following policies contained in the President’s Working Group report:

    • Senator Lummis has consistently pressured the Federal Reserve Board and Federal Reserve Banks for their failure to follow existing Federal law on providing master accounts to eligible depository institutions engaged in digital asset activities, resulting in the withdrawal of President Biden’s nominee for Vice Chair of Supervision at the Fed, Sarah Bloom Raskin.
    • She has also been the top advocate on Capitol Hill to end Operation Chokepoint 2.0 and ensure that Federal banking regulators do not discriminate against crypto companies—exposing a secret instruction from the Federal Reserve to consider reputation risk and “controversial commentary” in regulating banks engaged in crypto activities.
    • Building off of Wyoming 2019 legislation, Senator Lummis introduced legislation creating a financial technology sandbox for digital asset companies in 2022, and is currently working on a similar proposal as part of the Senate Banking Committee’s comprehensive market structure legislation.
    • She is also the leading advocate on Capitol Hill to integrate digital assets into our nation’s tax code, having introduced legislation in 2022, 2023 and 2025 to create a de minimis exemption for small digital asset purchases, end the double taxation of digital asset miners and stakers, close the wash sale loophole, enable mark to market accounting and end the unfair application of the corporate alternative minimum tax (CAMT). 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Euronet Worldwide Reports Second Quarter 2025 Financial Results – Highlighted by 13% Operating Income Growth

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    • Digital growth strategy accelerated with the announced acquisition of leading credit card issuing platform
    • Ren signs agreement with top tier United States bank
    • Money Transfer expands digital remittance through Google partnership
    • Money Transfer enters Japanese market with acquisition of Kyodai Remittance
    • Operating margin expansion of 112 basis points

    LEAWOOD, Kan., July 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Euronet (“Euronet” or the “Company”) (NASDAQ: EEFT), a global leader in payments processing and cross-border transactions, announced today second quarter 2025 financial results.

    Euronet reports the following consolidated results for the second quarter 2025 compared with the same period of 2024:

    • Revenues of $1,074.3 million, a 9% increase from $986.2 million (6% increase on a constant currency1 basis).
    • Operating income of $158.6 million, an 18% increase from $134.3 million (13% increase on a constant currency basis).
    • Adjusted EBITDA2 of $206.2 million, a 16% increase  from $178.2 million (11% increase on a constant currency basis).
    • Net income attributable to Euronet of $97.6 million, or $2.27 diluted earnings per share, compared with $83.1 million, or $1.73 diluted earnings per share.
    • Adjusted earnings per share3 of $2.56, a 14% increase from $2.25. 

    See the reconciliation of non-GAAP items in the attached financial schedules.   

    “I’m very pleased with the business’ constant currency operating profit growth of 13% and the margin expansion of 112 basis points—on its own, this is exciting.  But, I’m more excited about our accomplishments to further our digital strategy through the acquisition of a leading credit card issuing platform – CoreCard – and the signing of a Ren agreement with one of the top three banks in the United States. 

    The acquisition of CoreCard fits nicely with our Ren platform. As described in a separate press release, this is not just a credit issuing platform, it’s a platform serving leading brands in the US, processing at scale, tried and tested. This premier product gives us yet more opportunity to go after the $10 billion issuing market where the market growth rates are much stronger outside the United States, which aligns strongly with our global business where more than 75% of our revenues are from outside the United States.  Moreover, another exciting aspect of the issuing business is its margin opportunity, nearing 50 percent.  It’s these kinds of initiatives that have contributed to our 20-year double digit growth rate and will continue to drive future growth – focused on digital payments.  This acquisition is directly in line with our strategy to shift a stronger mix of our business toward the digital economy. 

    Not only did we advance our digital agenda with the credit issuing platform, we just signed an agreement with one of the top three banks in the United States for the deployment of our Ren ATM operating and switching product.  While we have had many successes with Ren outside the US, this is not just the first agreement in the US we’ve signed, but it is with super impressive top-tiered bank – a real testament to the value proposition of Ren”, said Michael J. Brown, Euronet’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer.

    Segment and Other Results

    The EFT Processing Segment reports the following results for the second quarter 2025 compared with the same period or date in 2024:

    • Revenues of $338.5 million, an 11% increase from $305.4 million (6% increase on a constant currency basis).
    • Operating income of $84.6million, a 6% increase from $79.9 million (1% increase on a constant currency basis).
    • Adjusted EBITDA of $110.6 million, a 5% increase from $105.0 million (no change on a constant currency basis).
    • Total of 57,326 installed ATMs as of June 30, 2025, a 5% increase from 54,736. We operated 56,760 active ATMs as of June 30, 2025, a 5% increase from 54,005 as of June 30, 2024.

    Constant currency revenue, operating income, and adjusted EBITDA growth in the second quarter 2025 was driven by market expansion, growth across most existing markets and the addition of access fees and an increase in interchange fees in certain markets. 

    The epay Segment reports the following results for the Q2 2025 compared with the same period or date in 2024:

    • Revenues of $280.1 million, a 7% increase from $260.9 million (5% increase on a constant currency basis).
    • Operating income of $31.1 million, a 19% increase from $26.2 million (17% increase on a constant currency basis).
    • Adjusted EBITDA of $32.8 million, a 17% increase from $28.0 million (15% increase on a constant currency basis).
    • Transactions of 1,107 million, consistent with prior year.
    • POS terminals of approximately 721,000 as of June 30, 2025, a 3% increase from 703,000.
    • Retailer locations of approximately 354,000 as of June 30, 2025, a 4% increase from 340,000.

    Constant currency revenue growth was driven by continued payments and digital media growth. Operating income and adjusted EBITDA grew faster than revenue, driven by a shift in product mix and effective operating expense management. Transaction growth from payments and digital media was offset by a decrease in low margin mobile transactions in India.

    The Money Transfer Segment reports the following results for the Q2 2025 compared with the same period or date in 2024:

    • Revenues of $457.9 million, a 9% increase from $421.8 million (6% increase on a constant currency basis).
    • Operating income of $65.6 million, a 39% increase from $47.3 million (33% increase on a constant currency basis).
    • Operating margin expansion of 296 basis points
    • Adjusted EBITDA of $71.6 million, a 33% increase from $54.0 million (28% increase on a constant currency basis).
    • Total transactions of 46.1 million, a 4% increase from 44.3 million.
    • Total digital transactions of 5.8 million, a 29% increase from 4.5 million.
    • Network locations of approximately 631,000 as of June 30, 2025, an 8% increase from approximately 586,000.

    Constant currency revenue growth was primarily driven by growth in cross-border transactions, partially offset by a decrease in intra-US transactions. Direct-to-consumer digital transactions grew by 29%, reflecting continued consumer demand for digital products. Operating income and adjusted EBITDA growth outpaced revenue growth due to gross margin expansion and leverage of scale. Additionally, the Money Transfer segment continued to expand both its market footprint through the acquisition of a 60% interest in Kyodai Remittance as well as its industry leading global payments network to now reach 4.1 billion bank accounts, 3.2 billion wallet accounts and 631,000 payment locations.

    Corporate and Other reports $22.7 million of expense for the second quarter 2025 compared with $19.1 million for the second quarter 2024. The increase in corporate expenses is largely from the increase in long-term share-based compensation.

    Balance Sheet and Financial Position
    Unrestricted cash and cash equivalents on hand was $1,329.3 million as of June 30, 2025, compared to $1,393.6 million as of March 31, 2025. Total indebtedness was $2,438.1 million as of June 30, 2025, compared to $2,202.5 million as of March 31, 2025. Availability under the Company’s revolving credit facilities was approximately $884.2 million as of June 30, 2025. 

    The change in net cash is the result of cash generated from operations, working capital fluctuations and share repurchases of $2.3 million shares for $247 million during the second quarter.

    Outlook
    Taking into consideration recent trends in the business and the global economy, the Company anticipates its 2025 adjusted EPS will grow 12% to 16% year-over-year, consistent with its 10- and 20-year compounded annualized growth rates. This outlook does not include any changes that may develop in foreign exchange rates, interest rates or other unforeseen factors.

    Non-GAAP Measures
    In addition to the results presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP, the Company presents non-GAAP financial measures, such as constant currency financial measures, operating income, adjusted EBITDA, and adjusted earnings per share. These measures should be used in addition to, and not a substitute for, revenues, operating income, net income and earnings per share computed in accordance with U.S. GAAP. We believe that these non-GAAP measures provide useful information to investors regarding the Company’s performance and overall results of operations. These non-GAAP measures are also an integral part of the Company’s internal reporting and performance assessment for executives and senior management. The non-GAAP measures used by the Company may not be comparable to similarly titled non-GAAP measures used by other companies. The attached schedules provide a full reconciliation of these non-GAAP financial measures to their most directly comparable U.S. GAAP financial measure.

    The Company does not provide a reconciliation of its forward-looking non-GAAP measures to GAAP due to the inherent difficulty in forecasting and quantifying certain amounts that are necessary for GAAP and the related GAAP and non-GAAP reconciliation, including adjustments that would be necessary for foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations and other charges reflected in the Company’s reconciliation of historic numbers, the amount of which, based on historical experience, could be significant.  

    (1) Constant currency financial measures are computed as if foreign currency exchange rates did not change from the prior period. This information is provided to illustrate the impact of changes in foreign currency exchange rates on the Company’s results when compared to the prior period.

    (2) Adjusted EBITDA is defined as net income excluding, to the extent incurred in the period, interest expense, income tax expense, depreciation, amortization, share-based compensation and other non-cash purchase accounting adjustments, non-operating or non-recurring items that are considered expenses or income under U.S. GAAP. Adjusted EBITDA represents a performance measure and is not intended to represent a liquidity measure.

    (3) Adjusted earnings per share is defined as diluted U.S. GAAP earnings per share excluding, to the extent incurred in the period, the tax-effected impacts of: a) foreign currency exchange gains or losses, b) share-based compensation, c) acquired intangible asset amortization, d) non-cash income tax expense, e) non-cash investment gain f) other non-operating or non-recurring items and g) dilutive shares relate to the Company’s convertible bonds. Adjusted earnings per share represent a performance measure and is not intended to represent a liquidity measure. 

    Conference Call and Slide Presentation
    Euronet Worldwide will host an analyst conference call on July 31, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. Eastern Time to discuss these results. The call may also include discussion of Company developments on the Company’s operations, forward-looking information, and other material information about business and financial matters. The conference call and accompanying slide show presentation will be accessible via webcast by following the link posted on http://ir.euronetworldwide.com.  Participants wanting to access the conference call by telephone should dial (800)715-9871 (USA) or (646)307-1963 (international).

    A webcast replay will be available beginning approximately one hour after the event at http://ir.euronet worldwide.com and will remain available for one year.

    About Euronet Worldwide, Inc.
    A global leader in payments processing and cross-border transactions, Euronet moves money in all the ways consumers and businesses depend upon. This includes money transfers, credit/debit processing, ATMs, point-of-sale services, branded payments, currency exchange and more. With products and services in more than 200 countries and territories provided through its own brand and branded business segments, Euronet and its financial technologies and networks make participation in the global economy easier, faster and more secure for everyone. Visit the company’s website at www.euronetworldwide.com.

    Starting in Central Europe in 1994, Euronet now supports an extensive global real-time digital and cash payments network that includes 57,326 installed ATMs, approximately 1.2 million EFT point-of-sale terminals and a growing portfolio of outsourced debit and credit card services which are under management in 69 countries; card software solutions; a prepaid processing network of approximately 721,000 point-of-sale terminals at approximately 354,000 retailer locations in 64 countries; and a global money transfer network of approximately 631,000 locations serving 200 countries and territories with digital connections to 4.1 billion bank accounts, 3.2 billion digital wallet accounts and 4.0 billion Visa debit cards through Visa Direct payments. Euronet serves clients from its corporate headquarters in Leawood, Kansas, USA, and 67 worldwide offices. For more information, please visit the company’s website at www.euronetworldwide.com.

    Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
    This communication contains “forward-looking statements” within the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. You can identify these statements and other forward-looking statements in this document by words such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “can,” “could,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “expect,” “predict,” “project,” “future,” “potential,” “intend,” “plan,” “assume,” “believe,” “forecast,” “look,” “build,” “focus,” “create,” “work,” “continue,” “target,” “poised,” “advance,” “drive,” “aim,” “forecast,” “approach,” “seek,” “schedule,” “position,” “pursue,” “progress,” “budget,” “outlook,” “trend,” “guidance,” “commit,” “on track,” “objective,” “goal,” “strategy,” “opportunity,” “ambitions,” “aspire” and similar expressions, and variations or negative of such terms or other variations thereof. Words and terms of similar substance used in connection with any discussion of future plans, actions, or events identify forward-looking statements. 

    Forward-looking statements by their nature address matters that are, to different degrees, uncertain, such statements regarding the transactions contemplated by the Agreement and Plan of Merger (the “Merger Agreement’), dated as of July 30, 2025, by and among CoreCard, Euronet and Genesis Merger Sub Inc. (the “Transaction”), including the expected timing of the closing of the Transaction; future financial and operating results; benefits and synergies of the Transaction; future opportunities for the combined company; the conversion of equity interests contemplated by the Merger Agreement; the issuance of common stock of Euronet contemplated by the Merger Agreement; the expected filing by Euronet with the SEC of the Registration Statement and the proxy statement/prospectus; the ability of the parties to complete the proposed Transaction considering the various closing conditions and any other statements about future expectations that constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. All such forward-looking statements are based upon current plans, estimates, expectations and ambitions that are subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions, many of which are beyond the control of Euronet and CoreCard, that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in such forward-looking statements. Key factors that could cause actual results to differ materially include, but are not limited to, the expected timing and likelihood of completion of the Transaction, including the timing, receipt and terms and conditions of any required governmental and regulatory approvals of the Transaction; the occurrence of any event, change or other circumstances that could give rise to the termination of the definitive agreement; the possibility that CoreCard’s shareholders may not approve the Transaction; the risk that the parties may not be able to satisfy the conditions to the Transaction in a timely manner or at all; risks related to disruption of management time from ongoing business operations due to the Transaction; the risk that any announcements relating to the Transaction could have adverse effects on the market price of Euronet’s common stock; the risk that the Transaction and its announcement could have an adverse effect on the parties’ business relationships and business generally, including the ability of CoreCard or Euronet to retain customers and retain and hire key personnel and maintain relationships with their suppliers and customers, and on their operating results and businesses generally; the risk of unforeseen or unknown liabilities; customer, shareholder, regulatory and other stakeholder approvals and support; the risk of potential litigation relating to the Transaction that could be instituted against CoreCard or its directors and/or officers; the risk associated with third party contracts containing material consent, anti-assignment, transfer or other provisions that may be related to the Transaction which are not waived or otherwise satisfactorily resolved; the risk of rating agency actions and Euronet’s ability to access short- and long-term debt markets on a timely and affordable basis; the risk of various events that could disrupt operations, including: conditions in world financial markets and general economic conditions; inflation; the war in Ukraine and the related economic sanctions; and military conflicts in the Middle East.

    These risks, as well as other risks related to the proposed Transaction, will be described in the Registration Statement that will be filed with the SEC in connection with the proposed Transaction. While the list of factors presented here and the list of factors to be presented in the Registration Statement are considered representative, no such list should be considered to be a complete statement of all potential risks and uncertainties. Additional factors that may affect future results are contained in each company’s filings with the SEC, including each company’s most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K, as it may be updated from time to time by quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and current reports on Form 8-K, all of which are available at the SEC’s website http://www.sec.gov. Euronet regularly posts important information to the investor relations section of its website. Any forward-looking statements made in this release speak only as of the date of this release. Except as may be required by law, neither Euronet nor CoreCard intends to update these forward-looking statements and undertakes no duty to any person to provide any such update under any circumstances.

    Important Information for Investors and Stockholders
    In connection with the proposed transaction, Euronet plans to file with the SEC a registration statement on Form S-4 (the “Registration Statement”), which will include a proxy statement of CoreCard that also constitutes a prospectus of Euronet, and any other documents in connection with the transaction. After the Registration Statement has been declared effective by the SEC, the definitive proxy statement/prospectus will be sent to the holders of common stock of CoreCard. INVESTORS AND SHAREHOLDERS OF CORECARD AND EURONET ARE URGED TO READ THE PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS AND ANY OTHER DOCUMENTS FILED OR TO BE FILED WITH THE SEC IN CONNECTION WITH THE TRANSACTION WHEN THEY BECOME AVAILABLE, AS THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT EURONET, CORECARD, THE TRANSACTION AND RELATED MATTERS. The registration statement and proxy statement/prospectus and other documents filed by Euronet or CoreCard with the SEC, when filed, will be available free of charge at the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. Alternatively, investors and stockholders may obtain free copies of documents that are filed or will be filed with the SEC by Euronet, including the registration statement and the proxy statement/prospectus, on Euronet’s website at https://ir.euronetworldwide.com/for-investors, and may obtain free copies of documents that are filed or will be filed with the SEC by CoreCard, including the proxy statement/prospectus, on CoreCard’s website at https://investors.CoreCard.com/. The information included on, or accessible through, Euronet’s or CoreCard’s website is not incorporated by reference into this press release.

    No Offer or Solicitation
    This press release is not intended to and shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities, nor shall there be any sale of securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to appropriate registration or qualification under the securities laws of such jurisdiction. No offering of securities shall be made except by means of a prospectus meeting the requirements of Section 10 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

    Participants in the Solicitation
    Euronet and CoreCard and their respective directors, executive officers and other employees may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies from CoreCard’s shareholders in connection with the proposed Transaction. A description of participants’ direct or indirect interests, by security holdings or otherwise, will be included in the proxy statement/prospectus relating to the proposed Transaction when it is filed with the SEC. Information regarding Euronet’s directors and executive officers is contained in the definitive proxy statement, dated April 4, 2025, for its 2025 annual meeting of stockholders, and in Euronet’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024. Information regarding CoreCard’s directors and executive officers is contained in CoreCard’s definitive proxy statement, dated April 14, 2025, for its 2025 annual meeting of shareholders, and CoreCard’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024. Additional information regarding ownership of Euronet’s securities by its directors and executive officers, and of ownership of CoreCard’s securities by its directors and executive officers, is included in each such person’s SEC filings on Forms 3 and 4. These documents and the other SEC filings described in this paragraph may be obtained free of charge as described above under the heading “Important Information for Investors and Stockholders.”

     EURONET WORLDWIDE, INC.
     Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
     (in millions)
      As of    
      June 30,   As of
      2025   December 31,
      (unaudited)   2024
    ASSETS          
    Current assets:          
    Cash and cash equivalents $ 1,329.3   $ 1,278.8
    ATM cash   937.4     643.8
    Restricted cash   40.3     9.2
    Settlement assets   1,547.1     1,522.7
    Trade accounts receivable, net   328.4     284.9
    Prepaid expenses and other current assets   353.8     297.1
    Total current assets   4,536.3     4,036.5
               
    Property and equipment, net   365.0     329.7
    Right of use lease asset, net   152.5     132.1
    Goodwill and acquired intangible assets, net   1,160.4     1,048.1
    Other assets, net   340.7     288.1
    Total assets $ 6,554.9   $ 5,834.5
               
    LIABILITIES AND EQUITY          
    Current liabilities:          
    Settlement obligations $ 1,547.1   $ 1,522.7
    Accounts payable and other current liabilities   898.3     842.3
    Current portion of operating lease obligations   55.0     48.3
    Short-term debt obligations   1,434.8     812.7
    Total current liabilities   3,935.2     3,226.0
               
    Debt obligations, net of current portion   1,002.3     1,134.4
    Operating lease obligations, net of current portion   100.8     87.4
    Capital lease obligations, net of current portion   1.0     1.4
    Deferred income taxes   64.4     71.8
    Other long-term liabilities   87.8     84.3
    Total liabilities   5,191.5     4,605.3
    Total equity   1,363.4     1,229.2
    Total liabilities and equity $ 6,554.9   $ 5,834.5
     EURONET WORLDWIDE, INC.
     Consolidated Statements of Operations
     (unaudited – in millions, except share and per share data)
       Three Months Ended
       June 30,
      2025     2024  
    Revenues $ 1,074.3     $ 986.2  
               
    Operating expenses:          
    Direct operating costs, exclusive of depreciation   620.6       580.8  
    Salaries and benefits   173.5       158.0  
    Selling, general and administrative   87.8       79.4  
    Depreciation and amortization   33.8       33.7  
    Total operating expenses   915.7       851.9  
    Operating income   158.6       134.3  
               
    Other income (expense):          
    Interest income   6.2       5.9  
    Interest expense   (28.2 )     (20.1 )
    Foreign currency exchange loss, net   (5.7 )     1.5  
    Other income   0.4       0.8  
    Total other expense, net   (27.3 )     (11.9 )
    Income before income taxes   131.3       122.4  
               
    Income tax expense   (33.6 )     (39.2 )
    Net income   97.7       83.2  
    Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests   (0.1 )     (0.1 )
    Net income attributable to Euronet Worldwide, Inc. $ 97.6     $ 83.1  
    Add: Interest expense from assumed conversion of convertible notes, net of tax   0.1       1.0  
    Net income for diluted earnings per share calculation $ 97.7     $ 84.1  
    Earnings per share attributable to Euronet          
    Worldwide, Inc. stockholders – diluted $ 2.27     $ 1.73  
               
    Diluted weighted average shares outstanding   42,954,631       48,700,270  
     EURONET WORLDWIDE, INC.
    Reconciliation of Net Income to Operating Income (Expense) to Operating Income (Expense) and Adjusted EBITDA
     (unaudited – in millions)

    .

      Three months ended June 30, 2025
      EFT
    Processing    		 epay Money
    Transfer    		 Corporate
    Services    		 Consolidated
    Net income                         $ 97.7
    Add: Income tax expense                           33.6
    Add: Total other expense, net                           27.3
    Operating income (expense) $ 84.6   $ 31.1   $ 65.6   $ (22.7 )   $ 158.6
    Add: Depreciation and amortization   26.0     1.7     6.0     0.1       33.8
    Add: Share-based compensation   —     —     —     13.8       13.8
    Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization, share-based
    compensation (Adjusted EBITDA)    		 $ 110.6   $ 32.8   $ 71.6   $ (8.8 )   $ 206.2

    .

      Three months ended June 30, 2024
      EFT
    Processing    		 epay Money
    Transfer    		 Corporate
    Services    		 Consolidated
    Net income                         $ 83.2
    Add: Income tax expense                           39.2
    Add: Total other expense, net                           11.9
    Operating income (expense) $ 79.9   $ 26.2   $ 47.3   $ (19.1 )   $ 134.3
    Add: Depreciation and amortization   25.1     1.8     6.7     0.1       33.7
    Add: Share-based compensation   —     —     —     10.2       10.2
    Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization, share-based
    compensation (Adjusted EBITDA) (1)    		 $ 105.0   $ 28.0   $ 54.0   $ (8.8 )   $ 178.2


    (1)     Adjusted EBITDA is a non-GAAP measure that should be considered in addition to, and not a substitute for, net income computed in accordance with U.S. GAAP.

     EURONET WORLDWIDE, INC.
     Reconciliation of Adjusted Earnings per Share
     (unaudited – in millions, except share and per share data)
     
      Three Months Ended
      June 30,
      2025     2024  
    Net income attributable to Euronet Worldwide, Inc. $ 97.6     $ 83.1  
    Foreign currency exchange loss (gain)   5.7       (1.5 )
    Intangible asset amortization (1)   4.7       6.5  
    Share-based compensation (2)   13.8       10.2  
    Income tax effect of above adjustments (3)   (13.7 )     4.3  
    Non-cash investment gain (4)   (0.4 )     —  
    Non-cash GAAP tax expense (5)   3.0       1.9  
    Adjusted earnings (6) $ 110.7     $ 104.5  
    Adjusted earnings per share – diluted (6) $ 2.56     $ 2.25  
    Diluted weighted average shares outstanding (GAAP)   42,954,631       48,700,270  
    Effect of adjusted EPS dilution of convertible notes   (176,123 )     (2,781,818 )
    Effect of unrecognized share-based compensation on diluted shares
    outstanding    		   406,912       420,305  
    Adjusted diluted weighted average shares outstanding   43,185,420       46,338,757  

    (1) Intangible asset amortization of $4.7 million and $6.5 million are included in depreciation and amortization expense of $33.8 million and $33.7 million for both the three months ended June 30, 2025 and June 30, 2024, in the consolidated statements of operations.

    (2) Share-based compensation of $13.8 million and $10.2 million are included in salaries and benefits expense of $173.5 million and $158.0 million for the three months ended June 30, 2025 and June 30, 2024, respectively, in the consolidated statements of operations.

    (3) Adjustment is the aggregate U.S. GAAP income tax effect on the preceding adjustments determined by applying the applicable statutory U.S. federal, state and/or foreign income tax rates. 

    (4) Non-cash investment gain of $0.4 million is included in other income in the consolidated statement of operations.

    (5) Adjustment is the non-cash GAAP tax impact recognized on certain items such as the utilization of certain material net deferred tax assets and amortization of indefinite-lived intangible assets.

    (6) Adjusted earnings and adjusted earnings per share are non-GAAP measures that should be considered in addition to, and not as a substitute for, net income and earnings per share computed in accordance with U.S. GAAP. 

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Hassan Statement on the War in Gaza

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Hampshire Maggie Hassan

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Maggie Hassan released the following statement on the war in Gaza, reiterating her position about the horrific humanitarian crisis and that the Trump Administration must continue to work towards a ceasefire agreement to end the war:

    “The humanitarian situation in Gaza long ago crossed a crisis point and is both horrifying and outrageous. I voted against today’s joint resolutions because blocking these arms sales would not end the starvation but would embolden Hamas and undermine Israel’s security. Yet while I remain steadfast in my support for Israel’s right to defend itself, I also strongly believe that Israel can and must do more, now, to end the suffering in Gaza. All parties, including the United States, must focus on working together to get food into Gaza as the most urgent priority, and then to reach a negotiated ceasefire that returns the hostages, ramps up humanitarian aid, ends Hamas’s reign of terror, and puts an end to this war. That is the only way we can build a future where the Israeli and Palestinian people live together, side-by-side, in peace.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cassidy Joins President Trump at White House, Applauds Effort to Modernize Health System to Put Patients First

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Louisiana Bill Cassidy

    (Click here to see President Trump shout out Senator Cassidy at the event)
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA), chair of the U.S. Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, joined President Trump at the White House promoting the administration’s new effort to modernize our health care system, improving care for American patients. Cassidy was also joined at the event by U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Director Mehmet Oz.
    “President Trump and I are aligned: it’s time to modernize our health care system to put patients first,” said Dr. Cassidy. “The administration’s new effort will deliver faster, smarter care to patients and reduce administrative burdens on providers. That’s Making America Healthy Again.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI China: US to end tariff exemption for low-value imports starting Aug. 29

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

    This photo taken on May 10, 2025 shows cargo ships loaded with containers at the Port of Los Angeles in California, United States. [Photo/Xinhua]

    U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday signed an executive order suspending duty-free de minimis treatment for low-value shipments.

    Effective on Aug. 29, imported goods sent through means other than the international postal network that are valued at or under 800 U.S. dollars and that would otherwise qualify for the de minimis exemption will be subject to all applicable duties.

    For goods shipped through the international postal system, packages will instead be subject to a duty equal to the effective tariff rate applicable to the country of origin, or a duty ranging from 80 to 200 dollars per item.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: NEWS: Sanders Statement on Majority of Democratic Caucus Supporting Effort to Block Arms Sales to Israel

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Vermont – Bernie Sanders

    WASHINGTON, July 30 – Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) today released the following statement after forcing a vote on the floor of the United States Senate to block the sale of arms to Israel:

    By a vote of 27-17, the members of the Senate Democratic caucus voted to stop sending arms shipments to a Netanyahu government which has waged a horrific, immoral, and illegal war against the Palestinian people.

    The tide is turning. The American people do not want to spend billions to starve children in Gaza.

    The Democrats are moving forward on this issue, and I look forward to Republican support in the near future.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Sweden and the United States strengthen energy research cooperation

    Source: Government of Sweden

    Research and innovation promote progress in the energy sector. Minister for Education Mats Persson today signed an implementation agreement for energy research cooperation with the United States. The agreement was signed in the Reactor Hall at KTH Royal Institute of Technology, where research reactor R1 – Sweden’s first nuclear reactor – contributed to research between 1954 and 1970.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Gabe Vasquez Demands Transparency from ICE at Otero County Detention Center Oversight Visit

    Source: US Representative Gabe Vasquez’s (NM-02)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – On July 30, 2025, U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) visited the Otero County Processing Center to carry out his oversight duties as a Member of Congress and get critical insight into how ICE is treating detainees using taxpayer funds.

    During the visit, the Congressman met with ICE representatives and private contractor staff, was given a tour of the facility, and underscored the urgent need for consistent, independent oversight to ensure taxpayer-funded detention centers uphold basic standards of care and human dignity.

    Despite his lawful right to congressional oversight and prior submission of privacy forms, the Congressman was not permitted to speak with detained individuals — a restriction which facility staff stated was due to “changing policies.” 

    “I am all for measures that keep our borders and communities secure, but after my visit to the Otero Processing Center, it is only more clear that ICE is not making our communities safer,” said Vasquez. “Today, we learned that over 80% of the individuals detained in this facility have no criminal charges or convictions — meaning the administration is not just targeting violent individuals, it’s filling detention centers with workers, parents, and our community members. ICE’s complete disregard for the need for transparent legal processes and accountability around the spending of taxpayer money is unacceptable.” 

    During the Congressman’s visit, he encountered:

    • ICE representatives who were unwilling and unable to give him clear and straightforward  answers to questions regarding their treatment of their detainees 
    • Phones—which detained individuals rely on to speak with legal counsel and loved ones—were broken
    • Toilets would not flush
    • Accounts of the facility’s history of an understaffed medical team 

    Vasquez continues to champion legislation like his Humane Accountability Act, which would increase transparency around ICE detention and strengthen reporting standards for how individuals are treated in federal detention centers.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: CTI Chairman Pfluger Congratulates Rep. Garbarino as New Chairman of the House Committee on Homeland Security

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman August Pfluger (TX-11)

    CTI Chairman Pfluger Congratulates Rep. Garbarino as New Chairman of the House Committee on Homeland Security

    Washington, July 22, 2025

    WASHINGTON, DC — Congressman August Pfluger (TX-11), Chairman of the House Homeland Security Subcommittee on Counterterrorism and Intelligence, released the following statement after the House Republican Conference selected Rep. Andrew Garbarino (R-NY) to serve as the next Chairman of the House Committee on Homeland Security:

    “Congratulations to my colleague, Andrew Garbarino, on his selection as the next Chairman of the U.S. House Committee on Homeland Security. His appointment reflects a strong commitment to securing our borders, strengthening cybersecurity, and protecting our critical infrastructure. Under President Trump’s leadership, we have made historic strides in national security, and I am confident that Chairman Garbarino will continue that momentum to meet today’s evolving threats. As Chairman of the Homeland Security Subcommittee on Counterterrorism, I look forward to working alongside him in our shared mission to safeguard the American people and defend the Homeland.” 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: On the 60th Anniversary of Medicaid and Medicare, Cortez Masto Blasts Republicans for Gutting the Essential Health Care Programs

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Nevada Cortez Masto

    FTP for TV stations of her remarks is available here.

    Cortez Masto told the story of a constituent named Hannah whose Type 1 diabetes makes her dependent on Medicaid coverage she may now lose

    Washington, D.C. – To mark the 60th anniversary of Medicaid and Medicare, U.S. Senator Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) took to the Senate floor to call out President Trump and Congressional Republicans for gutting Medicaid in order to pay for a tax giveaway for billionaires.

    Below are her remarks as prepared for delivery:

    Mr. President, as my colleagues have mentioned, today marks 60 years since Medicare and Medicaid were signed into law.

    Democrats and Republicans alike should be celebrating the lives that have been saved as a result of these critical programs. Members of both parties should be sharing stories about Americans who have benefitted from the health care they’ve received thanks to Medicare and Medicaid.

    Unfortunately, today, my Democratic colleagues and I are not celebrating.

    We are angry.

    We’re angry that President Trump lied when he said he would “cherish Medicaid” and that his allies in Congress wouldn’t touch this essential program.

    We’re angry that President Trump and Congressional Republicans slashed nearly $1 trillion from Medicaid so they could hand billionaires a tax cut – and add $4 trillion to our national deficit.

    And, we’re angry that their new law is about to kick 17 million Americans off their health insurance.

    In my home state of Nevada, that means up to 120,000 people will lose their health care.

    100,000 of those Nevadans will lose their access to Medicaid. And another 20,000 Nevadans will lose their affordable health coverage if Republicans continue to refuse to work with Democrats to extend the Affordable Care Act tax credits.

    There are a million reasons why this new law gutting Medicaid is terrible for Nevadans and for our country as a whole. But today, I just want to focus on one: Hannah.

    Hannah is a young girl who lives in Nevada, and her parents shared her story with me. Now, I want to share it with you.

    Hannah was diagnosed with a congenital kidney disease while still in utero. The first few years of her life were full of hospital rooms, doctors, and machines trying to keep her alive.

    At just two and a half years old, Hannah underwent a major surgery that finally gave her the opportunity to live like a normal kid. And she did, for a few years.

    But then, at age nine, Hannah fell into a coma. Imagine being her parents, watching completely helpless as your daughter fights something you can’t protect her from.

    Hannah did eventually wake up, but with a new diagnosis: diabetes, a condition nearly 270,000 Nevadans manage every day – not just the disease itself, but the crushing weight of the costs associated with it.

    Over the next two years, Hannah’s parents spent more than $5,000 out-of-pocket because their insurance refused to cover all the costs. Hannah and her family sacrificed so much just to be able to afford medication that would allow Hannah to lead a normal life.

    But just when they thought they would never be able to financially recover, they were able to enroll in Medicaid and receive the support they need to care for Hannah at home.

    Now, Hannah is able to live the life she wants to lead, without the fear of medical debt pulling her family back underwater. I want to read to you what Hannah’s parents wrote me next:

    “But without Medicaid, her insulin would cost more than our mortgage. Let that sink in. The price of the medication keeping my child alive is higher than the roof over her head – even after insurance. How does that make sense? America should be about neighbors caring for neighbors. But instead, we are pushing people with disabilities to the back of the line, treating their lives as less valuable, their futures as an afterthought. I beg you – I beg you – to save Medicaid. Not just for my Hannah, but for every child like her.”

    My Democratic colleagues and I worked hard to save Medicaid. And we tried to reach across the aisle to protect the 17 million Americans just like Hannah who could lose their health insurance because of this bill.

    But President Trump insisted Congressional Republicans pass his tax cut for billionaires, and they did what they were told.

    So now, Hannah and her family, and millions more like them, may be forced back into medical debt.

    And to the proponents of this new law who insist kids like Hannah aren’t the ones they’re targeting to kick off coverage, I’d say they’re either being dishonest, or they simply don’t understand how Medicaid actually works.

    These cuts shrink the entire pot of money states rely on to fund Medicaid. Nevada, and every state in the country, will be forced to stretch fewer dollars to cover everyone. That almost always means tightening eligibility or cutting services, so kids like Hannah end up losing coverage – even if they weren’t the “type” of person Republicans singled out for cuts.

    This is shameful. It’s un-American. We are better than this as a country.

    My Democratic colleagues and I will do everything in our power to restore the health care funding Republicans have gutted.

    And we won’t let them forget what they did.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Ranking Member Hoyer Statement on the Cancellation of the IRS Direct File Program

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

    WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05), Ranking Member of the Financial Services and General Government (FSGG) Appropriations Subcommittee, released the following statement today after reports that the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has cancelled the Direct File program:

    “Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Commissioner Billy Long’s announcement that the Direct File program is cancelled echoes the same message that Donald Trump and his Republican allies have been sending to the American people for years: ‘you’re on your own.’ If you’re among the 72% of Americans who would like a fast, easy, and free method to file your taxes, you’re on your own now that the administration has eliminated Direct File. 

    “Direct File worked. Over the past two years, hundreds of thousands of Americans across 25 states participated in the Direct File pilot program to file their taxes for free. In 2024, 90% of those taxpayers rated their experience with Direct File as ‘excellent’ or ‘above average.’ During the most recent tax season, that figure increased to 94%. Crucially, on average, Direct File saved participants $160 and hours of time they would have normally spent filing their taxes. 

    “That’s why I helped lead Democrats’ efforts to establish Direct File through the Inflation Reduction Act: to save Americans time and money. The federal government requires Americans to pay their taxes, thus it ought to provide them a free and easy way to do so. That logic is lost on the Trump Administration. He may be telling Americans they’re on their own, but I will keep fighting for them by standing up for Direct File and other programs that lower their costs and make their lives easier.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • US President Trump confirms India-US trade talks continue despite 25 per cent tariff threat

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    President Donald Trump has said that India and the US were still negotiating a trade deal despite his threat to impose a 25 per cent tariff, and a final decision may be known by the end of the week.

    “We’re talking to India now, we’ll see what happens,” he said on Wednesday, hours after he had threatened the 25 per cent tariffs and the 100 per cent penalty for buyers of Russian energy he had proposed. He said that India, which he asserted has one of the highest tariffs in the world, was now “willing to cut it very substantially.”

    However, he was silent on the Russian penalty when asked by a reporter and instead spoke of the 10 per cent penalty he had proposed for BRICS members.

    Since he says negotiations are continuing, the morning threat appears to be a negotiating ploy and gives both countries wiggle room to reach an accord. He has also not issued a formal letter on the tariffs.

    India had replied defiantly to the threat, saying the government “will take all steps necessary to secure our national interest.” India indicated that agriculture was likely a sticking point in the negotiations.

    The statement said, “The government attaches the utmost importance to protecting and promoting the welfare of our farmers, entrepreneurs, and MSMEs (Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises).” The US wants India to open its markets to US agriculture and dairy, which could impact its vast agriculture sector.

    Trump and his officials, like Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, had spoken optimistically that India would be among the first to make a deal, but it hasn’t materialised. India was among the first countries to start trade negotiations with Washington on tariffs, and Trump had repeatedly said that an agreement was imminent, most recently last week.

    The negotiations were making fantastic progress, India’s Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal said last week in a media interview in London. “I do hope we’ll be able to conclude a very consequential partnership,” he said.

    In its response, India’s Commerce Ministry said, “India and the US have been engaged in negotiations on concluding a fair, balanced and mutually beneficial bilateral trade agreement over the last few months.”

    “We remain committed to that objective,” it added. Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump called Prime Minister Narendra Modi “a friend of mine,” as he usually prefaces differences on tariffs.

    He said, nonchalantly, “It doesn’t matter too much whether we have a deal or whether we charge them a certain tariff, but you’ll know at the end of this week.”

    He repeated his tirade about India’s high tariffs, saying that while the US buys a lot from India, the US doesn’t sell as much there because of the tariffs. India had the highest or one of the highest tariffs in the world, with levies going as high as 175 per cent, he said.

    When a reporter asked him about the penalty for buying Russian energy, he did not answer that and, instead, veered off into talking about BRICS and how it was “anti-United States.” “India is a member of that, if you can believe it,” he said.

    “It’s an attack on the dollar, and we’re not going to let anybody attack the dollar,” he said. So, when it comes to India, he said, “It’s partially BRICS, and it’s partially the trade.”

    In the Truth Social post, Trump had said India has “always bought a vast majority of their military equipment from Russia, and are Russia’s largest buyer of energy, along with China, at a time when everyone wants Russia to stop the killing in Ukraine.”

    “All things not good! India will therefore be paying a tariff of 25 per cent, plus a penalty for the above, starting on August first,” he wrote, capitalising parts of the post in his style. (IANS)

  • MIL-OSI China: Chinese commerce minister meets delegation from US-China Business Council

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

    Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao on Wednesday met with a delegation from the U.S.-China Business Council (USCBC), led by its board chair Rajesh Subramaniam, in Beijing.

    The two sides exchanged views on China-U.S. economic and trade relations as well as the development of U.S.-funded enterprises in China.

    Wang said that despite ups and downs, China and the United States remain important economic and trade partners for each other. He added that decoupling and disruption of industrial and supply chains will not work and that equal dialogue and consultation are key to addressing differences.

    Under the guidance of the two heads of state, China and the United States have reached a consensus in Geneva and established a framework for economic and trade cooperation in London, Wang said, noting that teams from the two sides recently held talks in Stockholm.

    Wang expressed the hope that the United States will work with China to maintain the steady, healthy and sustainable development of economic and trade relations.

    Opening up is China’s fundamental national policy and the country’s door will only open wider, Wang said, stressing that its policies on utilizing foreign investment have not changed and will not change.

    Noting that China’s consumer market remains among the largest in the world with immense growth potential and innovation vitality, Wang said China welcomes enterprises from all countries, including U.S.-funded companies, to invest in China and share its development opportunities.

    Subramaniam said the USCBC is glad to see that the economic and trade teams of the two countries have maintained dialogue and achieved positive results.

    He added that China has sent a positive signal to the world that it will further deepen reform and stay committed to opening up, which has boosted market confidence.

    The USCBC and its member companies are committed to long-term development in China and will strive to play a constructive role in expanding bilateral economic and trade cooperation, he said.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • Will take all necessary steps to safeguard national interest: India responds to Trump’s statement on bilateral trade

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The Government of India has taken note of a recent statement by the US President concerning bilateral trade and is currently studying its implications.

    Over the past few months, India and the United States have been engaged in negotiations aimed at concluding a fair, balanced, and mutually beneficial bilateral trade agreement. The government has reiterated its commitment to achieving this objective.

    Emphasizing its priorities, the government said that it attaches the utmost importance to protecting and promoting the welfare of farmers, entrepreneurs, and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).

    It further added that all necessary steps will be taken to secure the country’s national interest, as has been the case with other trade agreements, including the recently concluded Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement with the United Kingdom.

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rosen Helps Introduce Legislation to Make Child Care More Affordable and Accessible

    US Senate News:

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

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV) helped introduce a bill to make child care more affordable and available for working families. A report labeled Nevada as a “child care desert,” meaning that 75% of children age five and younger don’t have access to a licensed provider in the state. The Child Care for Working Families Act would help lower child care costs for families, support child care provider start-ups, raise wages for early educators, and boost investment in high-quality preschool. Under the proposal, no eligible family would pay more than 7 percent of their income on child care, and many would pay nothing at all. 
    “Families in Nevada are being stretched thin by the soaring costs of child care. It is outrageous that in Nevada a year of child care costs more than a year of college tuition,” said Senator Rosen. “That’s why I’m proud to help introduce a bill that takes bold steps to lower child care costs, expand access, and invest in our children’s futures. I’ll continue working on policies that provide Nevada’s working families with the affordable, high-quality child care they need and deserve.” 
    Senator Rosen has been actively working to lower costs for families and increase access to child care across Nevada. Earlier this year, she introduced the bipartisan Small Business Child Care Investment Act,  which was successfully approved by the Senate Committee on Small Business & Entrepreneurship and would make nonprofit child care providers eligible for U.S. Small Business Administration loan programs, helping them grow and reach more working families. Senator Rosen has also discussed child care costs with constituents and local leaders, hosting roundtables focused on lower costs.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Warnock Statement on Joint Resolutions of Disapproval

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock – Georgia

    Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-GA) issued the following statement on his intentions to vote “YES” on two joint resolutions of disapproval amid mass starvation in Gaza.

    “It is wrong to starve children and other innocent civilians to death.  Yet, whether through gross incompetence, woeful indifference, or some combination thereof, that is exactly what is happening right now in Gaza under the leadership of Benjamin Netanyahu and his government. It is a moral atrocity that cannot abide the conscience of those who believe in human dignity, freedom, and human thriving. That is why I will vote to support the Joint Resolution of Disapproval put before the Senate tonight. 

    “I’ve made clear I support the state of Israel and its right to defend itself. Today, I urge the state of Israel, the United States, and the world to move as quickly as possible to get the people of Gaza the same nourishment and care that we would want for our own children. 

    “I pray for a ceasefire and the return of the hostages home to their families, and look forward to resuming the work of securing peace and safety for all those in the region.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • Trump hits Brazil with tariffs, sanctions but key sectors excluded

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday slapped a 50% tariff on most Brazilian goods to fight what he has called a “witch hunt” against former President Jair Bolsonaro, but softened the blow by excluding sectors such as aircraft, energy and orange juice from heavier levies.

    Trump announced the tariffs, some of the steepest levied on any economy in the U.S. trade war, as his administration also unveiled sanctions on the Brazilian supreme court justice who has been overseeing Bolsonaro’s trial on charges of plotting a coup.

    “Alexandre de Moraes has taken it upon himself to be judge and jury in an unlawful witch hunt against U.S. and Brazilian citizens and companies,” Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said in a statement.

    Bessent said Moraes “is responsible for an oppressive campaign of censorship, arbitrary detentions that violate human rights, and politicized prosecutions — including against former President Jair Bolsonaro.”

    Last week, the Brazilian justice levied search warrants and restraining orders against Bolsonaro over allegations he courted Trump‘s interference in his criminal case, in which he is accused of plotting to stop President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva from taking office in 2023.

    Trump‘s final tariff order and the sanctions followed weeks of sparring with Lula, who has likened the U.S. president, a close ideological ally of Bolsonaro’s, to an unwanted “emperor.”

    On Wednesday, Lula and his government closed ranks behind Moraes, calling the U.S. sanctions “unacceptable.”

    “The Brazilian government considers the use of political arguments to defend the trade measures announced by the U.S. government against Brazilian exports to be unjustifiable,” it said in a statement.

    Lula added that Brazil was willing to negotiate trade with the U.S., but that it would not give up on the tools it had at hand to defend itself, hinting that retaliation was possible.

    Still, Trump‘s tariff order threatened that if Brazil were to retaliate, the U.S. would also up the ante.

    DIPLOMACY AT WORK

    Despite Trump‘s effort to use the tariffs to alter the trajectory of a pivotal criminal trial, the range of exemptions came as a relief for many in Brasilia, who since Trump announced the tariff earlier this month had been urging protections for major exporters caught in the crossfire.

    “We’re not facing the worst-case scenario,” Brazilian Treasury Secretary Rogerio Ceron told reporters.

    The new tariffs will go into effect on August 6, not on Friday as Trump announced originally.

    Trump‘s executive order formalizing a 50% tariff excluded dozens of key Brazilian exports to the United States, including civil aircraft, pig iron, precious metals, wood pulp, energy and fertilizers.

    Planemaker Embraer EMBR3.SA, whose chief executive has met with officials in Washington and U.S. clients in recent days to plead its case for relief, said an initial review indicated that a 10% tariff imposed by Trump in April remains in place, with the exclusion applying to the additional 40%.

    The exceptions are likely a response to concerns from U.S. companies, rather than a step back from Trump‘s efforts to influence Brazilian politics, said Rafael Favetti, a partner at political consultancy Fatto Inteligencia Politica in Brasilia.

    “This also shows that Brazilian diplomacy did its work correctly by working to raise awareness among U.S. companies,” he said.

    Brazil‘s minister of foreign affairs, Mauro Vieira, said he met with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Wednesday to express the nation’s willingness to discuss tariffs after negotiations stalled in June, though he stressed Bolsonaro’s legal troubles were not up for debate.

    It remains unclear what Brazilian authorities “are bringing to the negotiating table to, for instance, open the domestic market,” Goldman Sachs said in a note to clients.

    IMPACT SMALLER THAN EXPECTED

    The effective tariff rate on Brazilian shipments to the U.S. should be around 30.8%, lower than previously expected due to the exemptions, according to Goldman.

    Oil shipments to the U.S., which had been suspended, are set to restart after being spared, lobby group IBP said. Meanwhile, mining lobby Ibram said the exemptions covered 75% of mining exports.

    However, it was still too soon to celebrate, said former Brazilian trade secretary Welber Barral, estimating that Brazil exports some 3,000 different products to the United States.

    “There will be an impact,” Barral said.

    Trump‘s tariff exemptions did not shield two of Brazil‘s key exports to the U.S., beef and coffee.

    Meatpackers expect to log $1 billion in losses in the second half of the year on the new tariffs, lobby group Abiec, which represents beef producers including JBS JBS3.SA and Marfrig MRFG3.SA, said.

    Coffee exporters will also continue to push for exemptions, they said in a statement.

    The government said it was readying measures to protect Brazil‘s businesses and workers.

    If Brazil were to retaliate against Trump‘s measures, that “would generate a larger negative impact” on activity and inflation, Goldman said.

    “The political inclination may be to retaliate, but exporters and business associations have been urging the Brazilian administration to engage, negotiate and de-escalate.”

    (Reuters)

  • MIL-OSI Security: Mexican National Sentenced For Re-Entry of a Removed Alien

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – Acting United States Attorney Michael M. Simpson announced that LUIS A. GAMA (“GAMA”), age 38, a native of Mexico, was sentenced on July 23, 2025, for re-entry of removed alien, in violation of Title 8, United States Code, Section 1326(a).

    According to court documents, GAMA, a Mexican national, was found in Tangipahoa Parish on or around April 10, 2025. GAMA had previously been deported to Mexico on September 10, 2019.

    At the sentencing hearing, United States District Judge Nannette Jolivette Brown, sentenced GAMA to twelve months of imprisonment and one year of supervised release.

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

    Acting U.S. Attorney Simpson praised the work of Immigration and Customs Enforcement in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Paul J. Hubbell of the General Crimes Unit oversees the prosecution.

    *   *   *

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Tangipahoa Parish Man Guilty Of Fentanyl Distribution

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – MICHAEL PENN (“PENN”), age 24, a resident of Tangipahoa Parish, pleaded guilty on July 24, 2025, to three counts of distributing fentanyl, in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1); 841(b)(1)(A); and 841(b)(1)(B), before United States District Judge Nannette Jolivette Brown.

    As to Count One, PENN faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 5 years, up to 40 years imprisonment, a fine of up to $5,000,000, and at least 4 years of supervised release. As to Counts Two and Three, PENN faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years, up to life imprisonment, a fine of up to $10,000,000, and at least 5 years of supervised release.

    According to court records, on February 2, April 4, and April 18, 2024, PENN distributed large quantities of fentanyl pills, with net weights of 259.86 grams, 516.2 grams and 541.2 grams, respectively, in the Eastern District of Louisiana.

    This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Lauren Sarver of the Narcotics Unit.

                                                                                                                                 *  *  *

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Laplace Man Charged With Bank Fraud

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – Acting United States Attorney Michael M. Simpson announced that ERNEST X. TAYLOR, JR. (“TAYLOR”), age 40, a resident of LaPlace, Louisiana, was charged on July 30, 2025 in a superseding bill of information with Bank Fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1344(2).

    According to court documents, between 2019 and 2022, TAYLOR applied for over $400,000 in loans from credit unions and falsely claimed that the funds would be utilized to purchase vehicles. TAYLOR fraudulently applied for loans under other people’s names and did not disclose to the credit unions that the loan proceeds would go to TAYLOR. In furtherance of his scheme, TAYLOR presented materially false documentation to the credit unions, including fraudulent vehicle titles and falsified pay stubs. After receiving the loan proceeds, TAYLOR defaulted on the loans.

    If convicted, TAYLOR faces up to thirty years imprisonment, up to five years of supervised release, a fine of up to $250,000, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.

    Acting U.S. Attorney Simpson reiterated that the superseding bill of information is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.

    The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the United States Secret Service. Assistant United States Attorneys Maria M. Carboni and Edward Rivera of the Financial Crimes Unit are handling the prosecution.

     

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Guatemalan National Guilty of Illegal Re-Entry into The United States

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – Acting U.S. Attorney Michael M. Simpson announced that RUBEN URIZAR-BETETA, age 49, a citizen of Guatemala, pled guilty and was sentenced on July 15, 2025, for illegal re-entry of a removed alien, in violation of Title 8, United States Code, Section 1326(a).

    According to court records, RUBEN URIZAR-BETETA illegally re-entered the United States sometime prior to March 23, 2025, after having been previously removed on or about September 30, 2014.   

    RUBEN URIZAR-BETETA was sentenced to 30 months unsupervised probation and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.

    Acting U.S. Attorney Simpson praised the work of the United States Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in investigating this matter.  Assistant United States Attorney Irene González of the General Crimes Unit is in charge of the prosecution.

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

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Illegal Alien Indicted for Two Death Penalty Eligible Offenses after Attempted Carjacking

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    TUCSON, Ariz. – This afternoon, a federal grand jury in Tucson returned a five-count indictment against Julio Cesar Aguirre, 42, of Mexico, for Attempted Carjacking Resulting in Death, Use or Carrying of a Firearm During a Crime of Violence Causing Death, Possession of a Firearm by an Illegal Alien, Reentry of a Removed Alien, and Felon in Possession of a Firearm.

    The first two counts carry a maximum penalty of life in prison or death.

    According to court filings, Aguirre shot and killed a male driver with a 9mm caliber handgun, while attempting to carjack the victim’s Toyota Tundra on the morning of June 30, in Tucson, Arizona.

    Shortly after the attempted carjacking, Tucson Police Department (TPD) officers found Aguirre hiding in a nearby shed. Aguirre, a Mexican citizen, who was previously removed from the United States in 2013, was living in the country illegally at the time of the shooting. When he was arrested, TPD officers discovered a Smith & Wesson 9mm caliber pistol within Aguirre’s reach. As a convicted felon and as an illegal alien, Aguirre was prohibited from possessing a firearm.

    “The focus in this case should be on the senseless loss of the victim and the pain that loss creates for his family and friends. Our criminal laws exist to protect our community, and the United States has an obligation to enforce those laws,” said United States Attorney Timothy Courchaine. “The alleged series of crimes in the indictment, starting with illegal immigration, escalating to prohibited possession of a firearm, and culminating in the death of an innocent individual, is why the United States Attorney’s Office takes this matter so seriously.”

    “This indictment represents a meaningful step toward accountability and justice for the victim, their loved ones, and all those affected by the tragic events in early July,” said FBI Phoenix Special Agent in Charge Heith Janke. “The allegations in this case involve a senseless act of violence that claimed an innocent life and deeply impacted our community. Carjacking resulting in death is a serious federal offense. The FBI, in partnership with the Tucson Police Department and the U.S. Attorney’s Office, remains dedicated to pursuing justice and ensuring public safety.”

    A conviction for Illegal Alien in Possession of a Firearm or Felon in Possession of a Firearm each carries a maximum penalty of up to 15 years in prison. A conviction for Illegal Reentry carries a maximum penalty of up to 10 years in prison.

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

    TPD and the FBI Phoenix Division’s Tucson office conducted the investigation in this case, with assistance from the Southern Arizona Violent Crime and Gang Task Force. The United States Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, Tucson, is handling the prosecution.

    An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

    CASE NUMBER:           CR-25-3393-TUC-RM-MAA
    RELEASE NUMBER:    2025-128_Aguirre Indictment

    # # #

    For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
    Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Man Charged With Arson Of U.S. Post Office In San Jose

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    SAN JOSE – A criminal complaint was unsealed today charging Richard Tillman with the federal crime of malicious destruction by fire of a U.S. post office in San Jose.  Tillman made his initial appearance in federal district court in San Jose today.  

    According to the criminal complaint, in the early hours of July 20, 2025, Tillman, 44, set fire to the Almaden Valley United States Post Office located on Crown Boulevard in San Jose.  Tillman allegedly purchased “instalogs” and lighter fluid and drove to the U.S. post office.  The complaint describes that Tillman then placed the instalogs throughout his vehicle, poured lighter fluid over the instalogs, backed his vehicle into the lobby of the U.S. post office, exited the vehicle, and lit the vehicle on fire with a match.

    Tillman then allegedly began spray painting the words “Viva La Me” on the outside of the building after starting the fire, but did not finish the graffiti because the heat from the fire was too intense.  

    The Almaden Valley United States Post Office was partially destroyed by the fire, as depicted below:

    The San Jose Fire Department and the San Jose Police Department responded to the fire.  Tillman allegedly told law enforcement officers that he set the fire to make a statement to the U.S. government and that he livestreamed the event on YouTube using his phone.  

    United States Attorney Craig H. Missakian, U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), San Francisco Division Inspector in Charge Stephen M. Sherwood, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF) Acting Special Agent in Charge Robert Topper, and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Special Agent in Charge Sanjay Virmani made the announcement.

    Tillman is currently in federal custody.  He is next scheduled to appear in district court on Aug. 6, 2025, for a status conference before U.S. Magistrate Judge Nathanael Cousins.    

    A criminal complaint merely alleges that crimes have been committed, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.  If convicted, the defendant faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, a minimum sentence of five years in prison, and a fine of $250,000 for the charge of malicious destruction of government property by fire in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 844(f)(1).  Any sentence following conviction would be imposed by the court after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the federal statute governing the imposition of a sentence, 18 U.S.C. § 3553.  

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael G. Pitman is prosecuting the case with the assistance of Sahib Kaur.  The prosecution is the result of an investigation by the USPIS, ATF, FBI, and the San Jose Police Department.  The U.S. Attorney’s Office appreciates the assistance of the Santa Clara County District Attorney’s Office. 

    Tillman Complaint

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Federal Jury Convicts Texas Man of Cocaine Trafficking

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    PITTSBURGH, Pa. – Jorge Luis Guerrero, of Socorro, Texas, was found guilty by a federal jury in Pittsburgh of possessing with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today. The jury returned its verdict on July 29, 2025, after deliberating for five-and-a-half hours following a six-day trial.

    Guerrero, 39, was tried before Senior United States District Judge Joy Flowers Conti.

    The evidence presented at trial established that Guerrero transported five kilograms of cocaine to the Western District of Pennsylvania hidden in a secret compartment in the bumper of a vehicle registered to his wife. Accessing the cocaine required removing the bumper cover and bumper of the vehicle and then additional metal plates that concealed the compartment housing the cocaine.

    Judge Conti scheduled sentencing for December 10, 2025. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not less than five years and up to 40 years in prison, a fine of up to $5 million, or both. Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based on the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

    Assistant United States Attorneys Robert C. Schupansky and V. Joseph Sonson prosecuted this case on behalf of the United States.

    Agents and task force officers from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, as well as personnel from the Socorro Police Department, United States Customs and Border Protection, and the United States Drug Enforcement Administration, assisted in the trial.

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

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Murray Votes Yes on Arms Sale Resolutions to Send Message to Netanyahu Government

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Washington State Patty Murray

    Washington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) issued the following statement on her vote in favor of two Joint Resolutions of Disapproval (JRD) sponsored by Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT) that would block the sale of certain weapons to Israel:

    “This legislative tool is not perfect, but frankly, it is time to say enough to the suffering of innocent young children and families. As a longtime friend and supporter of Israel, I am voting yes to send a message: the Netanyahu government cannot continue with this strategy. Netanyahu has prolonged this war at every turn to stay in power. We are witnessing a man-made famine in Gaza—children and families should not be dying from starvation or disease when literal tons of aid and supplies are just sitting across the border. Israel has a right to defend itself and Hamas is a brutal terrorist organization that should be eliminated, but the level of suffering and loss of life we are seeing in Gaza must come to an end—I feel strongly that the vast majority of the American public understands these simple truths. It’s on the Trump administration and the Netanyahu government to finally secure a diplomatic end to this conflict, get aid into Gaza, get the hostages returned, and start working toward a permanent and lasting peace for Israelis and Palestinians alike.”

    MIL OSI USA News –