NewzIntel.com

Category: United States of America

  • MIL-OSI: Eos Energy Announces Second Funding Under Its Department of Energy Loan Guarantee to Fuel U.S. Battery Manufacturing Capacity Expansion

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TURTLE CREEK, Pa., July 01, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Eos Energy Enterprises, Inc. (NASDAQ: EOSE) (“Eos” or the “Company”), an American energy company and the leading innovator in designing, sourcing, manufacturing, and providing zinc-based battery energy storage systems (BESS) manufactured in the United States, today announced that it has received its second loan advance from the Department of Energy’s (DOE) Loan Programs Office in the amount of $22.7 million. With this advance, the Company has fully drawn the maximum allowable amount under the first tranche of $90.9 million in connection with the completion of its first state-of-the-art manufacturing line.

    The loan advance covers 80% of eligible costs, incurred as part of the Company’s production expansion plans related to Project AMAZE. These funds support Eos’ ongoing efforts to expand its operational capacity to meet growing customer demand and further its strategic growth objectives.

    “Production volumes at our first state-of-the-art manufacturing line are growing every week as we progress toward realizing the full 2 GWh capacity on Line 1,” said Nathan Kroeker, Eos Chief Commercial Officer and Interim Chief Financial Officer. “The loan proceeds from the DOE, which follow the recently upsized convertible notes and common stock offerings, continue to strengthen our financial position and position us to scale U.S. production, and advance the build out of our second state of the art manufacturing line.”

    To support 6 GWh in recently signed MOU’s that are expected to convert to purchase orders along with rising demand for “buy American”, “build American” solutions, Eos is scaling to meet the growing needs of AI-driven load growth, data centers, and safety conscious storage markets. Eos’ flexible discharge capability – supporting partial, multiple, and long-duration cycling—is ideally suited to match the complex demands of the largest power users in the world.

    In response, Eos has submitted a purchase order for its second state-of-the-art manufacturing line, marking a key step in expanding U.S. production and delivering safe, reliable long-duration energy storage for its customers.

    The DOE funding builds on Eos successfully closing $336 million in concurrent offerings of common stock and convertible senior notes, which significantly restructured the Company’s balance sheet, lowered its cost of capital, and fueled its ability to grow U.S.-based operations. With this financing, Eos is executing on its long-term strategy: building a robust domestic supply chain, scaling next-generation U.S. battery manufacturing, and creating high-quality American jobs.

    About Eos Energy Enterprises

    Eos Energy Enterprises, Inc. is accelerating the shift to American energy independence with positively ingenious solutions that transform how the world stores power. Our breakthrough Znyth™ aqueous zinc battery was designed to overcome the limitations of conventional lithium-ion technology. It is safe, scalable, secure, sustainable, manufactured in the U.S., and the core of our innovative systems that today provides utility, industrial, and commercial customers with a proven, reliable energy storage alternative for 4 to 16+ hour applications. Eos was founded in 2008 and is headquartered in Edison, New Jersey. For more information about Eos (NASDAQ: EOSE), visit eose.com.

    Contacts        
    Investors: ir@eose.com
    Media: media@eose.com

    Forward Looking Statements

    Except for the historical information contained herein, the matters set forth in this press release are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the “safe harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding our expected revenue, for the fiscal years December 31, 2025, our path to profitability and strategic outlook, statements regarding orders backlog and opportunity pipeline, statements regarding our expectation that we can continue to increase product volume on our state-of-the-art manufacturing line, statements regarding our future expansion and its impact on our ability to scale up operations, statements regarding our expectation that we can continue to strengthen our overall supply chain, statements regarding our expectation that our new comprehensive insurance program will provide increased operational and economic certainty, statements that refer to the delayed draw term loan with Cerberus, milestones thereunder and the anticipated use of proceeds, statements that refer to outlook, projections, forecasts or other characterizations of future events or circumstances, including any underlying assumptions. The words “anticipate,” “believe,” “continue,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intends,” “may,” “might,” “plan,” “possible,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “should,” “would” and similar expressions may identify forward-looking statements, but the absence of these words does not mean that a statement is not forward-looking. Forward-looking statements are based on our management’s beliefs, as well as assumptions made by, and the information currently available to, them. Because such statements are based on expectations as to future financial and operating results and are not statements of fact, actual results may differ materially from those projected.

    Factors which may cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations include, but are not limited to: changes adversely affecting the business in which we are engaged; our ability to forecast trends accurately; our ability to generate cash, service indebtedness and incur additional indebtedness; our ability to achieve the operational milestones on the delayed draw term loan; our ability to raise financing in the future; risks associated with the credit agreement with Cerberus, including risks of default, dilution of outstanding Common Stock, consequences for failure to meet milestones and contractual lockup of shares; our customers’ ability to secure project financing; the amount of final tax credits available to our customers or to Eos pursuant to the Inflation Reduction Act; the timing and availability of future funding under the Department of Energy Loan Facility; our ability to continue to develop efficient manufacturing processes to scale and to forecast related costs and efficiencies accurately; fluctuations in our revenue and operating results; competition from existing or new competitors; our ability to convert firm order backlog and pipeline to revenue; risks associated with security breaches in our information technology systems; risks related to legal proceedings or claims; risks associated with evolving energy policies in the United States and other countries and the potential costs of regulatory compliance; risks associated with changes to the U.S. trade environment; our ability to maintain the listing of our shares of common stock on NASDAQ; our ability to grow our business and manage growth profitably, maintain relationships with customers and suppliers and retain our management and key employees; risks related to the adverse changes in general economic conditions, including inflationary pressures and increased interest rates; risk from supply chain disruptions and other impacts of geopolitical conflict; changes in applicable laws or regulations; the possibility that Eos may be adversely affected by other economic, business, and/or competitive factors; other factors beyond our control; risks related to adverse changes in general economic conditions; and other risks and uncertainties.

    The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are also subject to additional risks, uncertainties, and factors, including those more fully described in the Company’s most recent filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the Company’s most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and subsequent reports on Forms 10-Q and 8-K. Further information on potential risks that could affect actual results will be included in the subsequent periodic and current reports and other filings that the Company makes with the Securities and Exchange Commission from time to time. Moreover, the Company operates in a very competitive and rapidly changing environment, and new risks and uncertainties may emerge that could have an impact on the forward-looking statements contained in this press release.

    Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made. Readers are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking statements, and, except as required by law, the Company assumes no obligation and does not intend to update or revise these forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Eos Energy Announces Second Funding Under Its Department of Energy Loan Guarantee to Fuel U.S. Battery Manufacturing Capacity Expansion

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TURTLE CREEK, Pa., July 01, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Eos Energy Enterprises, Inc. (NASDAQ: EOSE) (“Eos” or the “Company”), an American energy company and the leading innovator in designing, sourcing, manufacturing, and providing zinc-based battery energy storage systems (BESS) manufactured in the United States, today announced that it has received its second loan advance from the Department of Energy’s (DOE) Loan Programs Office in the amount of $22.7 million. With this advance, the Company has fully drawn the maximum allowable amount under the first tranche of $90.9 million in connection with the completion of its first state-of-the-art manufacturing line.

    The loan advance covers 80% of eligible costs, incurred as part of the Company’s production expansion plans related to Project AMAZE. These funds support Eos’ ongoing efforts to expand its operational capacity to meet growing customer demand and further its strategic growth objectives.

    “Production volumes at our first state-of-the-art manufacturing line are growing every week as we progress toward realizing the full 2 GWh capacity on Line 1,” said Nathan Kroeker, Eos Chief Commercial Officer and Interim Chief Financial Officer. “The loan proceeds from the DOE, which follow the recently upsized convertible notes and common stock offerings, continue to strengthen our financial position and position us to scale U.S. production, and advance the build out of our second state of the art manufacturing line.”

    To support 6 GWh in recently signed MOU’s that are expected to convert to purchase orders along with rising demand for “buy American”, “build American” solutions, Eos is scaling to meet the growing needs of AI-driven load growth, data centers, and safety conscious storage markets. Eos’ flexible discharge capability – supporting partial, multiple, and long-duration cycling—is ideally suited to match the complex demands of the largest power users in the world.

    In response, Eos has submitted a purchase order for its second state-of-the-art manufacturing line, marking a key step in expanding U.S. production and delivering safe, reliable long-duration energy storage for its customers.

    The DOE funding builds on Eos successfully closing $336 million in concurrent offerings of common stock and convertible senior notes, which significantly restructured the Company’s balance sheet, lowered its cost of capital, and fueled its ability to grow U.S.-based operations. With this financing, Eos is executing on its long-term strategy: building a robust domestic supply chain, scaling next-generation U.S. battery manufacturing, and creating high-quality American jobs.

    About Eos Energy Enterprises

    Eos Energy Enterprises, Inc. is accelerating the shift to American energy independence with positively ingenious solutions that transform how the world stores power. Our breakthrough Znyth™ aqueous zinc battery was designed to overcome the limitations of conventional lithium-ion technology. It is safe, scalable, secure, sustainable, manufactured in the U.S., and the core of our innovative systems that today provides utility, industrial, and commercial customers with a proven, reliable energy storage alternative for 4 to 16+ hour applications. Eos was founded in 2008 and is headquartered in Edison, New Jersey. For more information about Eos (NASDAQ: EOSE), visit eose.com.

    Contacts        
    Investors: ir@eose.com
    Media: media@eose.com

    Forward Looking Statements

    Except for the historical information contained herein, the matters set forth in this press release are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the “safe harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding our expected revenue, for the fiscal years December 31, 2025, our path to profitability and strategic outlook, statements regarding orders backlog and opportunity pipeline, statements regarding our expectation that we can continue to increase product volume on our state-of-the-art manufacturing line, statements regarding our future expansion and its impact on our ability to scale up operations, statements regarding our expectation that we can continue to strengthen our overall supply chain, statements regarding our expectation that our new comprehensive insurance program will provide increased operational and economic certainty, statements that refer to the delayed draw term loan with Cerberus, milestones thereunder and the anticipated use of proceeds, statements that refer to outlook, projections, forecasts or other characterizations of future events or circumstances, including any underlying assumptions. The words “anticipate,” “believe,” “continue,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intends,” “may,” “might,” “plan,” “possible,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “should,” “would” and similar expressions may identify forward-looking statements, but the absence of these words does not mean that a statement is not forward-looking. Forward-looking statements are based on our management’s beliefs, as well as assumptions made by, and the information currently available to, them. Because such statements are based on expectations as to future financial and operating results and are not statements of fact, actual results may differ materially from those projected.

    Factors which may cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations include, but are not limited to: changes adversely affecting the business in which we are engaged; our ability to forecast trends accurately; our ability to generate cash, service indebtedness and incur additional indebtedness; our ability to achieve the operational milestones on the delayed draw term loan; our ability to raise financing in the future; risks associated with the credit agreement with Cerberus, including risks of default, dilution of outstanding Common Stock, consequences for failure to meet milestones and contractual lockup of shares; our customers’ ability to secure project financing; the amount of final tax credits available to our customers or to Eos pursuant to the Inflation Reduction Act; the timing and availability of future funding under the Department of Energy Loan Facility; our ability to continue to develop efficient manufacturing processes to scale and to forecast related costs and efficiencies accurately; fluctuations in our revenue and operating results; competition from existing or new competitors; our ability to convert firm order backlog and pipeline to revenue; risks associated with security breaches in our information technology systems; risks related to legal proceedings or claims; risks associated with evolving energy policies in the United States and other countries and the potential costs of regulatory compliance; risks associated with changes to the U.S. trade environment; our ability to maintain the listing of our shares of common stock on NASDAQ; our ability to grow our business and manage growth profitably, maintain relationships with customers and suppliers and retain our management and key employees; risks related to the adverse changes in general economic conditions, including inflationary pressures and increased interest rates; risk from supply chain disruptions and other impacts of geopolitical conflict; changes in applicable laws or regulations; the possibility that Eos may be adversely affected by other economic, business, and/or competitive factors; other factors beyond our control; risks related to adverse changes in general economic conditions; and other risks and uncertainties.

    The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are also subject to additional risks, uncertainties, and factors, including those more fully described in the Company’s most recent filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the Company’s most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and subsequent reports on Forms 10-Q and 8-K. Further information on potential risks that could affect actual results will be included in the subsequent periodic and current reports and other filings that the Company makes with the Securities and Exchange Commission from time to time. Moreover, the Company operates in a very competitive and rapidly changing environment, and new risks and uncertainties may emerge that could have an impact on the forward-looking statements contained in this press release.

    Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made. Readers are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking statements, and, except as required by law, the Company assumes no obligation and does not intend to update or revise these forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Pressley, DeGette File Amendment to Big, Ugly Bill to Protect and Expand Reproductive Healthcare

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

    Amendment Would Strip Republican Provisions Defunding Planned Parenthood and Essential Care, and Replace It with Bill to Repeal Hyde Amendment

    Amendment Text (PDF)

    WASHINGTON – Today, Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07) and Congresswoman Diana DeGette (CO-01), Co-Chairs of the Reproductive Freedom Caucus, filed an amendment to Republicans’ Big, Ugly Bill to protect and expand reproductive healthcare.

    The amendment would strip the bill’s language prohibiting Medicaid reimbursements to Planned Parenthood and other essential reproductive healthcare providers, and replace it with the text of the EACH Act, bold legislation to repeal the Hyde Amendment and lift unjust abortion coverage restrictions for those who depend on Medicaid and other government-sponsored plans.

    “Trump and Republicans are doing everything they can to attack Planned Parenthood and other essential healthcare providers as part of their extremist march toward a nationwide abortion ban—and their Big, Ugly Bill is just the latest example of that,” said Congresswomen Pressley and DeGette, Co-Chairs of the Reproductive Freedom Caucus. “While we fight to stop this bill in its tracks, our amendment would protect Planned Parenthood while helping ensure everyone in America can get the reproductive healthcare they need, regardless of income, insurance, or zip code.”

    Full text of the amendment is available here.

    Congresswoman Pressley has been an outspoken critic of this harmful legislation since its inception.

    • Rep. Pressley issued a statement condemning the Senate’s passage of the Big, Ugly Bill and vowing to continue fighting it using every tool available.
    • Ahead of the third anniversary if the Dobbs decision, Rep. Pressley and her colleagues stood in solidarity with Planned Parenthood and condemned the proposed cuts to reproductive healthcare under Republicans’ Big, Ugly Bill.
    • Rep. Pressley and author Darrick Hamilton authored a Washington Post op-ed in which they discussed the regressive, ineffective “Trump Accounts” provision of Republicans’ reconciliation bill and urged Congress to instead embrace Baby Bonds to advance economic justice.
    • Rep. Pressley rallied with advocates from Caring Across Generations, Care Can’t Wait, and partner organizations to protest Trump’s and Republicans’ Big Ugly Bill that proposes disastrous cuts to Medicaid, SNAP, and other essential programs and would leave communities sicker, poorer, and more vulnerable.
    • Ahead of the House’s vote on the bill, Rep. Pressley delivered an impassioned speech on the House floor in which she made a direct appeal to her Republican colleagues to oppose this cruel and harmful bill.
    • Rep. Pressley delivered a floor speech in which she slammed the bill’s proposed Medicaid cuts, which would decimate reproductive healthcare in America and worsen maternal health outcomes.
    • Rep. Pressley co-hosted a press conference with Color of Change to oppose the Republicans’ cruel and harmful budget reconciliation package, which would gut critical programs like Medicaid and SNAP.
    • Rep. Pressley rallied with caregivers, advocates, and fellow lawmakers at a 24-hour vigil to protect Medicaid from Republicans’ cruel budget cuts that would devastate communities across this country.
    • In the House Oversight Committee’s markup of the Republican reconciliation bill, Rep. Pressley demanded Republicans answer to the families who would go hungry by way of this reconciliation bill – and she was met with silence.
    • In the House Financial Services Committee’s markup of the Republican reconciliation bill, Rep. Pressley condemned the bill’s proposed cuts to Medicaid and shared the story of Mary Marinelli, a 70-year-old hospice nurse from a Republican district in Michigan whose family depends on Medicaid to care for their autistic son.
    • In an impassioned speech on the House floor, Rep. Pressley slammed Republicans’ cruel and callous budget resolution that would slash Medicaid and other critical government services to pay for trillions of dollars in tax giveaways for Donald Trump’s billionaire donors.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Early Alert: Blood Pump Controller Issue from Abiomed

    Source: US Department of Health and Human Services – 3

    This communication is part of the Communications Pilot to Enhance the Medical Device Recall Program. The FDA has become aware of a potentially high-risk issue. The FDA will keep the public informed and update this web page as significant new information becomes available. 
    Affected Product
    The FDA is aware that Abiomed has issued a letter to affected customers recommending all Automated Impella Controllers (AIC) have updated instructions for use:

    What to Do
    Be aware that an Automated Impella Controller (AIC) may not detect an Impella pump when connected. Have a back-up AIC available in the unlikely event of a device failure.

    On June 23, Abiomed sent all affected customers a letter recommending the following actions: 

    Have a back-up Automated Impella Controller (AIC) available in the unlikely event of a device failure. 
    Console-to-Console Transfer: If the AIC screen in Image 1 remains for more than 20 seconds and does not advance after connecting the pump to the transferred console: 

     Immediately switch the pump to the previous console to restore support to the patient. 
    If the previous console displays an alarm message, switch to a different console if available. 
    Restart the console that does not advance from Image 1 before attempting to re-connect a pump.  

    Case Start: If the AIC screen in Image 2 remains for more than 20 seconds after connecting the pump and does not progress to indicate “Detecting Impella”, either re-start the case on the console or switch the pump to a different console 
    Review this notice carefully and forward to anyone in your facility that needs to be informed 
    If any affected products have been forwarded to another facility, contact that facility and provide them with this notice. 

    Check this web page for updates. The FDA is currently reviewing information about this potentially high-risk device issue and will keep the public informed as significant new information becomes available.

    Reason for Alert
    Abiomed stated that they have identified an Automated Impella Controller (AIC) issue that may impair the detection of an Impella pump when connected to an AIC. The pump detection issue may occur with any of the Abiomed Impella pumps and may occur during console-to-console transfer or case start. There is no visual alarm displayed on the AIC screen to indicate the detection issue in these situations.  
    This issue may result in inadequate hemodynamic support. Patients in cardiogenic shock are at increased risk, as prolonged episodes of inadequate support may not be well tolerated and may lead to life-threatening injuries. 
    As of June 13, Abiomed has reported no serious injuries and 3 deaths associated with this issue. 
    Device Use
    The Automated Impella Controller is the primary user control interface for the Impella Catheter. The Impella pump system is a blood pump that provides temporary full or partial heart support. The device pumps part or all of the patient’s blood circulation either during an adjunctive procedure where the patient requires hemodynamic stability, or a temporary use of the device to unload the heart to give it time to recover from an acute condition. 
    Contact Information
    Customers in the U.S. with adverse reactions, quality problems, or questions about this recall should contact Abiomed at 978-646-1400.
    Unique Device Identifier (UDI)
    The unique device identifier (UDI) helps identify individual medical devices sold in the United States from distribution to use. The UDI allows for more accurate reporting, reviewing, and analyzing of adverse event reports so that devices can be identified more quickly, and as a result, problems potentially resolved more quickly.

    How do I report a problem?
    Health care professionals and consumers may report adverse reactions or quality problems they experienced using these devices to MedWatch: The FDA Safety Information and Adverse Event Reporting Program.

    Content current as of:
    07/01/2025

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Early Alert: Infusion Pump Software Issue from Baxter

    Source: US Department of Health and Human Services – 3

    This communication is part of the Communications Pilot to Enhance the Medical Device Recall Program. The FDA has become aware of a potentially high-risk issue. The FDA will keep the public informed and update this web page as significant new information becomes available. 
    Affected Product 

    Spectrum V6 infusion pump startup screen

    Spectrum V8 infusion pump startup screen

    The FDA is aware that Baxter has issued a letter to affected customers recommending certain Spectrum Infusion Pumps be removed from where they are used or sold: 

    Product Description

    Product Code

    UDI-DI

    Sigma Spectrum Infusion System (V6 Platform)

    35700BAX

    00085412091570

    Affected Serial Numbers:  

    765100
    772744
    789742
    841197
    867753
    920606
    1024015
    770164
    788724
    793079
    842498
    918342
    962810
    1027523 

    Product Description

    Product Code

    UDI-DI

    Sigma Spectrum Infusion System (V8 Platform)

    35700BAX2

    00085412498683

    Affected Serial Numbers:   

    2006307
    2052091
    2093765
    2095360
    2104302
    2119236
    2141815
    2025925
    2067699
    2094483
    2095541
    2105238
    2119436
    2143406
    2034297
    2074097
    2094580
    2096351
    2105769
    2135482
    2143684
    2051591
    2090658
    2095202
    2096856
    2118940
    2137976
    2156201

    What to Do 
    Identify affected Spectrum pumps and remove them from service. Check the software version installed on the pump and contact Baxter to schedule service if required. 

    On June 20, Baxter sent all affected customers a letter recommending the following actions: 

    Immediately locate Spectrum pumps with the affected serial numbers and remove them from service. The product code and serial number can be found on the bottom of the infusion pump.  
    Check and record the software version installed on the pump. The software on a V6 pump should begin with the number 6 and the software on a V8 pump should begin with the number 8. The software version is located on the startup screen upon powering up the pump as pictured above.  Additionally, the software version is indicated in the pump menu which can be accessed by following the steps below.  

    For V6: From the Pump Information screen, press the ‘sw info’ soft key to display the software version screen. 
    For V8: From the Select Care Area screen, press the ‘options menu’ soft key. Select ‘User Options’ and press OK. Select ‘View Information’ and press OK. Select ‘Pump Information’ and press OK to display the Pump Info screen. 

    Contact Baxter to confirm the software version on the affected pumps and to schedule service if required. Baxter Global Technical Services can be reached at 800-843-7867 Monday through Friday, between 7:00 am and 7:00 pm Eastern Time. 
    If you received this communication directly from Baxter, acknowledge receipt of this notification by following the instructions on the enclosed reply instruction sheet, even if you have no remaining inventory. Acknowledging receipt will prevent you from receiving repeat notices. If you do not complete the acknowledgement, you will receive a phone call from OnProcess Technology on behalf of Baxter to confirm your receipt of this notification. 
    If you purchased this product from a distributor or wholesaler, please note that responding on the Baxter customer portal is not applicable. If a response is requested by your distributor or wholesaler, please respond to them according to their instructions. 
    Please forward a copy of this communication to the Chief Medical Officer, Medical Director, Director of Nursing, Director of Pharmacy, Facility Risk Manager, Director of Purchasing/Central Supply, and any other departments within your institution who use the affected product. 
    If you are a dealer, wholesaler, distributor/reseller, or original equipment manufacturer (OEM) that distributed any affected product to other facilities, please notify your customers of this Urgent Medical Device Recall in accordance with your customary procedures and check the associated box on the customer portal. 

    Check this web page for updates. The FDA is currently reviewing information about this potentially high-risk device issue and will keep the public informed as significant new information becomes available. 

    Reason for Alert 
    Baxter stated that certain Spectrum infusion pumps may have an incorrect version of software. A software version intended for Spectrum V8 may have been installed on the affected Spectrum V6 pumps, and a software version intended for Spectrum V6 may have been installed on the affected Spectrum V8 pumps. Spectrum software is designed for the pumping mechanism setup specific to each pump platform. The V8 software installed in a Spectrum V6 pump, or vice versa, may cause an inaccurate flow rate of overinfusion or underinfusion, especially over a long run time. Additionally, the V6 and V8 designs include many differences in the clinical workflow and user interface. The appearance of the menus and the requested inputs from the pump are different between the two platforms. If a user who was trained and experienced on a V6 pump was presented with a V6 pump with V8 software, or vice versa, they may experience confusion and delay during use or may accidentally mis-program the infusion.  
    This could result in a delay or interruption of therapy, underinfusion, or overinfusion. The issues described above may lead to serious adverse health consequences such as drug toxicity, overdose, fluid overload, electrolyte imbalances, and delayed or subtherapeutic drug levels causing ineffective treatments. The severity and nature of these outcomes include serious injury and death, and are dependent on the type of medication, fluid, or infusate being delivered and the clinical condition of the patient, with high-risk populations being particularly vulnerable. 
    As of June 12, Baxter has reported no serious injuries or deaths associated with this issue. 
    Device Use 
    Spectrum infusion pumps are intended to provide intravenous infusion of parenteral fluids, blood, and blood products to a patient under the direction or supervision of a physician or other certified health care professional. 
    Contact Information 
    Customers in the U.S. with adverse reactions, quality problems, or questions about this recall should contact Baxter at corporate_product_complaints_round_lake@baxter.com or 800-843-7867. 
    Unique Device Identifier (UDI) 
    The unique device identifier (UDI) helps identify individual medical devices sold in the United States from distribution to use. The UDI allows for more accurate reporting, reviewing, and analyzing of adverse event reports so that devices can be identified more quickly, and as a result, problems potentially resolved more quickly. 

    How do I report a problem? 
    Health care professionals and consumers may report adverse reactions or quality problems they experienced using these devices to MedWatch: The FDA Safety Information and Adverse Event Reporting Program.

    Content current as of:
    07/01/2025

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICYMI: Secretary Chavez-DeRemer promotes One Big Beautiful Bill during ‘America at Work’ tour stops in Michigan, Indiana

    Source: US Department of Labor

    GOSHEN, IN – U.S. Secretary of Labor Lori Chavez-DeRemer continued her swing across the country as part of her “America at Work” listening tour to promote President Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill, which passed the U.S. Senate today in a huge win for the American people. 

    Secretary Chavez-DeRemer visited Shafer, a ready-mix concrete supplier in Lansing, Michigan, and Brinkley RV, a manufacturing start-up in Goshen, Indiana, to hear directly from American workers who stand to benefit most from this legislation. 

    “I continue to be inspired by the American entrepreneurial spirit shown by the hardworking men and women I’ve met on my listening tour,” said Secretary Chavez-DeRemer. “From the concrete crews at Shafer in Michigan to the RV manufacturers at Brinkley in Indiana, these workers are exactly who this Administration is fighting for as we work to pass the One Big Beautiful Bill. President Trump’s historic proposal will deliver the largest tax cut in history for working families, no tax on overtime, and a lower tax burden on small businesses – ensuring they keep more of their hard-earned money to drive America’s economic comeback.”

    “It’s an honor to be in America’s heartland, hearing directly from the workers who form the backbone of our economy,” said Deputy Secretary of Labor Keith Sonderling. “For the first time in decades, American workers have a President who is fighting to put them first. By passing the One Big Beautiful Bill, we’ll deliver on President Trump’s promise to grow our economy and give hardworking Americans a fair shot at the American Dream.”

    Michigan

    In Lansing, Secretary Chavez-DeRemer and Deputy Secretary Sonderling were joined by Reps. John James and Tom Barrett for a tour of Shafer’s facilities, where they learned more about the company’s on-the-job training program and saw how concrete crews use cutting-edge technology to ensure precise mixture, consistency, and top-tier quality across all plants. They also toured the quality control room, repair shop, and operations center, offering insight into Shafer’s role in keeping the region’s construction industry strong.

    “It was an honor to welcome my friend and U.S. Department of Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer to Michigan on her America at Work tour,” said Rep. James. “She confirmed what job creators deserve to hear: President Donald J. Trump is focused on growth, not red tape. In just six months, they’ve cut over 60 labor regulations – nearly twice what they did in Trump’s first term – and working to boost apprenticeships to one million strong! When government’s an ally, not an adversary, American workers lead.”

    “Years of overregulation and excessive red tape have crushed businesses in mid-Michigan, discouraged economic growth, and sent the costs of new construction through the roof,” said Rep. Barrett. “Secretary Chavez-DeRemer understands these challenges, which is why I was honored to host her in Lansing to meet with the hard-working team at Shafer and discuss the ways that she and President Trump are jumpstarting job creation across our state. I appreciate her making the trip and look forward to continuing our work together to slash the red tape slowing our economy, cut taxes for hard-working families, and bring high-paying jobs back to our community.”

    Indiana

    Secretary Chavez-DeRemer concluded her two-week, seven-state swing with a stop at Brinkley RV in Goshen alongside Rep. Rudy Yakym, where they met with workers building fifth wheels and travel trailers for families across America.

    “It’s an honor to welcome my friend, Secretary of Labor Chavez-DeRemer, to the Manufacturing Capital of America,” Rep. Yakym said. “Her dedication to strengthening our workforce, fueling job creation, and cutting red tape is exactly what we need to lead the next chapter of American manufacturing. I’m especially grateful to Brinkley RV for hosting us today and showcasing the kind of innovation and excellence that defines Indiana’s Second District.”

    Launched in early April, Secretary Chavez-DeRemer’s “America at Work” listening tour is bringing real-world feedback from American workers to policymakers in Washington. Recent stops have included visits to Montana and Louisiana, highlighting how the Trump Administration’s pro-growth agenda will unlock trillions in new investments, strengthen the workforce, and a spark a new era of American economic resurgence.

    Learn more about Secretary Chavez-DeRemer’s efforts to deliver real results for hardworking Americans.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: NEA reacts to Trump administration withholding critical education funding

    Source: US National Education Union

    By: Celeste Fernandez, NEA Communications

    Published: July 1, 2025

    WASHINGTON—Almost $6.9 billion in federal K–12 education funding, normally released to states on July 1, is being withheld from students and classrooms, according to the U.S. Department of Education. Despite Congress passing a continuing resolution in March—which President Trump signed extending previous funding levels through fiscal year 2025—the is taking a first step toward “impoundment the illegal withholding of money appropriated by Congress to fund federal programs and activities.

    These billions of dollars would be used for curriculum, technology, and other critical services. The loss of these funds affects thousands of school districts and every state in the nation. If the funds are not released soon, this move will force schools to cut educators’ salaries as well as reading and math supports, student services, including summer and after-school programs, and support for migrant students and English learners. Educators will face layoffs leading to significantly larger class sizes.

    The following can be attributed to NEA President Becky Pringle:

    “School hasn’t even started and this administration is robbing our students and classrooms. It’s shocking, but not surprising, considering the lack of concern for students that this administration has displayed since 1. 

    “—and states had planned to use to support children in their states—is a cruel betrayal of students, especially those who rely on critical support services. Schools are already grappling with severe teacher shortages, burnout, and under-resourced classrooms, and here comes the federal government ripping resources away from public schools. It is outrageous and unconscionable.

    “Sadly, this is part of a broader pattern by this administration of undermining public education—starving it of resources, sowing distrust, and pushing privatization at the expense of the nation’s most vulnerable students. And they are doing this at the same time as they push a budget bill that will devastate our schools and communities—all to finance massive tax breaks for billionaires.

    “Educators and parents will not be silent while students are undervalued, unheard, and unsupported. The Trump administration must release these critical funds as required by law. We will stand up, speak out, and take action to ensure every classroom is a place of dignity, opportunity, and respect.” 

    # # # 

    Follow us on Bluesky at https://bsky.app/profile/neapresident.bsky.social & https://bsky.app/profile/neatoday.bsky.social 

    The National Education Association is the nation’s largest professional employee organization, representing more than 3 million elementary and secondary teachers, higher education faculty, education support professionals, school administrators, retired educators, students preparing to become teachers, health care workers, and public employees. Learn more at nea.org. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Coalition moves for injunction stopping Trump administration’s actions to dismantle the Department of Education

    Source: US National Education Union

    Washington, D.C. — Today, in the case of NAACP v. US, the coalition of plaintiffs and supporters are moving for a preliminary injunction preventing Linda McMahon and the Trump administration from continuing their unlawful actions to dismantle the Department of Education.   

    Those actions include the Department’s announcement yesterday that it planned to withhold nearly $6.8 billion in appropriated education formula funding from states, almost all of which supports students through their local school districts. That illegal decision, like the other steps this administration has taken to shut down the Department, is unlawful and will harm students and families across the country. 

    The case was brought in March by the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), public school parents, the National Education Association (NEA), and AFSCME Maryland Council 3. They are supported by Student Defense and Education Law Center (ELC). Today’s filing asks the Court to block multiple unlawful actions the administration has taken that harm students, schools and communities across the country. Those actions include:   

    • Terminating grants that support the recruitment and retention of teachers and other education professionals in high needs schools and school districts by way of the elimination, without Congressional approval, of the Teacher Quality Partnership, Supporting Effective Educator Development (SEED), and School-Based Mental Health Services Grant Programs, among many others. These programs supported students and educators and met critical needs in schools across the country. They have now been unlawfully shut down.   
       
    • Eliminating the Department’s capacity to award the correct amounts of federal formula grant aid to high needs schools and districts through the ESEA Title I programs, the rural school supports program under REAP, and other critical federal education programs in future school years. Defendants’ abolition of the Institute of Education Sciences and other critical Department offices leaves the Department unable to produce the data inputs and carry out other functions necessary to accurately calculate schools’ and districts’ federal funding awards after this year.
       
    • Gutting the vendor oversight and institutional accountability functions in the Office of Federal Student Aid, which had exercised the critical oversight necessary to make Congressionally mandated student loan forgiveness programs, like the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program, work and which certified schools’ eligibility to participate in federal student financial aid programs by ensuring that college and universities actually provide the services that they advertise.
       
    • Shuttering seven of the twelve regional enforcement offices of the Office for Civil Rights, terminating over half that Office’s investigative workforce, and doubling and even tripling the caseloads of the remaining investigators so as to effectively eliminate OCR’s ability to timely respond to, and remedy, civil rights complaints filed by students, parents, and educators.   

    Today’s filing is supported by record evidence in excess of 1,000 pages, including over 60 individual declarations in support of the plaintiffs’ claims and in opposition to the devastation wrought by the defendants. Declarants include Former Secretaries of Education Miguel Cardona and John King, Former Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights Catherine Lhamon, former Institute for Education Sciences Director John Easton, and many more. In addition, school communities and districts are in support of the motion, including the Lemon Grove School District in CA.  

    The motion seeks a remedy for the serious harm that the Trump Administration has inflicted on students, educators, schools, and colleges and universities, and asks the Court to direct the Department to fulfill its statutory obligations to students nationwide. 

    # # 

    About the National Education Association 

    The National Education Association is the nation’s largest professional employee organization, representing more than 3 million elementary and secondary teachers, higher education faculty, education support professionals, school administrators, retired educators, students preparing to become teachers, healthcare workers, and public employees. Learn more at www.nea.org  

    About the NAACP 

    The NAACP advocates, agitates, and litigates for the civil rights due to Black America. Our legacy is built on the foundation of grassroots activism by the biggest civil rights pioneers of the 20th century and is sustained by 21st century activists. From classrooms and courtrooms to city halls and Congress, our network of members across the country works to secure the social and political power that will end race-based discrimination. That work is rooted in racial equity, civic engagement, and supportive policies and institutions for all marginalized people. We are committed to a world without racism where Black people enjoy equitable opportunities in thriving communities. NOTE: The Legal Defense Fund – also referred to as the NAACP-LDF – was founded in 1940 as a part of the NAACP, but now operates as a completely separate entity. 

    About AFSCME Maryland Council 3 
    AFSCME Maryland Council 3 represents more than 50,000 public service workers in local, city, county and state government as well as in higher education and the private sector who provide the valuable public services that our communities rely on. From Western Maryland to the Eastern Shore, we make Maryland happen. 

    About Education Law Center 

    Education Law Center pursues justice and equity for public school students by enforcing their right to a high-quality education in safe, equitable, non-discriminatory, integrated, and well funded learning environments. We seek to support and improve public schools as the center of communities and the foundation of a multicultural and multiracial democratic society. To achieve these goals, we engage in litigation, research and data analysis, policy advocacy, communications, and strategic partnerships and collaborations. https://edlawcenter.org/ 

    About Student Defense 

    The National Student Legal Defense Network (“Student Defense”) is a non-profit organization that works, through litigation and advocacy, to advance students’ rights to educational opportunity and to ensure that higher education provides a launching point for economic mobility. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: HerBodhi Launches Primal Queen Alternative Backed by Science for Natural Hormonal Balance and Women’s Wellness

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    New York City, NY, July 01, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — In a marketplace flooded with synthetic hormone therapies, under-researched wellness supplements, and quick-fix diet fads, a new player has emerged that promises to disrupt the status quo — HerBodhi. Designed specifically for women navigating hormonal imbalances, stubborn weight gain, low energy, and gut health issues, HerBodhi is redefining what it means to achieve balance the natural way.

    With a commitment to transparency, science-backed ingredients, and long-term women’s wellness, HerBodhi stands out not just as another product on the shelf — but as a movement. And with growing curiosity about how it compares to similar offerings like Primal Queen, consumers are paying close attention.

    This press release explores HerBodhi’s origins, formulation, benefits, customer response, and how it is setting a new benchmark in the women’s wellness space.

    Get HerBodhi for Hormonal Balance & Wellness

    The HerBodhi Mission: A New Standard for Hormonal and Metabolic Health

    HerBodhi was created out of necessity. In recent years, more women have been speaking up about the struggles of bloating, PMS, weight retention, brain fog, low libido, and irregular cycles — only to be told it’s “normal” or offered synthetic hormone solutions with side effects. HerBodhi founders believed there had to be a better way.

    Built on a philosophy of holistic, herbal balance, HerBodhi’s mission is simple but powerful:

    To empower women to take control of their hormones, metabolism, and emotional well-being through nature and science combined.

    The team behind HerBodhi includes medical herbalists, nutritionists, and biochemists who sought to design a formula that truly addresses the root causes of hormone dysfunction — not just the symptoms.

    Their belief? A woman in balance is unstoppable.

    Why Hormonal Balance Is the Missing Link in Weight Loss & Wellness

    Many women spend years hopping from diet to diet or trying intense workout routines—without lasting success. What’s often overlooked is the role of hormones like estrogen, cortisol, insulin, and thyroid hormones in determining fat storage, cravings, mood, and energy levels.

    When hormones are even slightly out of balance, it becomes nearly impossible to lose weight or feel emotionally stable. That’s where HerBodhi shines—it addresses the root cause, not just the symptoms.

    Visit Official Website To Start Your Journey With Herbodhi

    The Key Ingredients of HerBodhi?

    HerBodhi’s proprietary formula contains a synergistic blend of adaptogens, hormone-regulating herbs, digestive aids, and metabolic boosters. Each ingredient is carefully sourced, tested, and dosed to ensure efficacy and safety.

    Key ingredients include:

    • Chaste Tree Berry (Vitex Agnus-Castus): Known for balancing progesterone levels and relieving PMS and menopausal symptoms.
    • Ashwagandha Root: An adaptogen that regulates cortisol levels, reduces anxiety, and supports thyroid health.
    • DIM (Diindolylmethane): Naturally found in cruciferous vegetables, DIM supports estrogen metabolism and hormone detoxification.
    • Black Cohosh: Supports mood stability and reduces hot flashes.
    • Berberine: Helps balance blood sugar and improve metabolic efficiency.
    • Probiotic Blend: Supports gut flora, digestion, and estrogen elimination.
    • Zinc & Magnesium: Essential minerals for hormone production and mood regulation.

    These ingredients work together to address key imbalances that commonly affect women — from estrogen dominance to adrenal fatigue, poor digestion, and stubborn fat storage.

    HerBodhi is 100% vegan, non-GMO, gluten-free, soy-free, and contains no artificial fillers or preservatives. It’s manufactured in FDA-registered, GMP-certified facilities in the United States.

    How Does HerBodhi Work?

    HerBodhi works through a three-phase mechanism to bring the body back into balance naturally:

    1. Hormonal Harmony Phase

    Regulates key female hormones (estrogen, progesterone and cortisol) to eliminate imbalances caused by stress, aging, or lifestyle.

    2. Fat Metabolism Activation

    Helps the body naturally convert stored fat into energy, reduces insulin resistance, and minimizes abdominal weight gain.

    3. Mood & Energy Restoration

    Improves mental clarity, reduces brain fog, enhances mood, and restores energy through adaptogenic herbs and essential nutrients.

    What Makes HerBodhi a Long-Term Solution?

    Where other supplements often offer temporary fixes, HerBodhi is built for sustainable wellness.

    The team encourages users to commit to at least 90 days of use to begin rebalancing hormonal pathways and cellular health. According to internal customer surveys, over 70% of users reported:

    • Improved mood and emotional regulation
    • Decreased PMS symptoms
    • More regular menstrual cycles
    • Noticeable fat loss around the midsection
    • Clearer skin and fewer hormonal breakouts
    • Better sleep quality and reduced fatigue

    This is not a pill designed to change your body overnight. Rather, HerBodhi aims to restore balance from within — gradually, safely, and in alignment with your body’s natural rhythms.

    Take Control of Your Hormones with HerBodhi

    HerBodhi’s Impact on the Gut-Hormone Axis

    Emerging research continues to support the idea that gut health and hormonal balance are deeply intertwined. The gut microbiome plays a vital role in metabolizing hormones, regulating appetite, and preventing inflammation.

    HerBodhi includes a proprietary probiotic + prebiotic complex that:

    • Enhances estrogen detoxification through the liver and bowels
    • Reduces bloating and improves digestion
    • Encourages proper elimination, essential for hormonal regulation
    • Supports serotonin production, which is primarily generated in the gut

    This gut-hormone synergy is one of the key differentiators of HerBodhi, making it more than just a hormone-balancing supplement — it’s a total body reset.

    Safety First: The HerBodhi Transparency Promise

    In an industry known for misleading claims and proprietary blends that obscure ingredient amounts, HerBodhi operates with full transparency.

    Each bottle lists exact dosages of every ingredient, along with links to clinical studies supporting its inclusion. All raw materials are independently tested for:

    • Purity
    • Potency
    • Heavy metals
    • Pesticides
    • Microbial contamination

    The company is also fully compliant with current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP) and offers a 14-day money-back guarantee for customers.

    What Makes HerBodhi Different from Others Like (Primal Queen)?

    • Woman-Specific Formulation: Unlike generic blends, HerBodhi is tailored for the female body and its unique hormonal rhythms.
    • Science-Backed Ingredients: Every herb is supported by clinical data and included in its most effective form (e.g., KSM-66 Ashwagandha).
    • Root-Cause Approach: Rather than masking symptoms, HerBodhi targets hormonal imbalance at its core.
    • Clean Manufacturing: Produced in GMP-certified, FDA-inspected facilities with no GMOs, soy, dairy, or synthetic fillers.
    • Adaptogenic Synergy: Combines adaptogens and botanicals for long-term wellness, not just quick fixes.
    • Backed by Real Women: Trusted by thousands of women globally who have reported lasting physical and emotional improvements.

    Visit Official Website to Get More Info..

    Who Should Use HerBodhi?

    HerBodhi is ideal for women experiencing:

    • PMS and irregular periods
    • Hormonal acne or mood swings
    • Perimenopause or menopause symptoms
    • Unexplained weight gain (especially belly fat)
    • Chronic fatigue, low libido, or stress

    It supports women in their 20s through 60s looking to reclaim hormonal balance and emotional well-being naturally.

    Is HerBodhi Backed by Science?

    Yes. Each ingredient has been chosen based on clinical studies demonstrating effectiveness for women’s hormonal and emotional health.

    • Black Cohosh has shown significant reductions in menopause symptoms.
    • KSM-66 Ashwagandha is clinically proven to reduce cortisol and anxiety.
    • Red Clover helps improve bone density and reduce hot flashes.

    HerBodhi unites these ingredients in a synergistic formula designed for everyday use and long-term balance.

    Customer Feedbacks

    Thousands of women have turned to HerBodhi in the last year, and the testimonials speak for themselves.

    “I was skeptical at first, but by month two my bloating was gone, I’d lost 8 pounds, and my PMS rage just disappeared. This supplement changed my life.” – Samantha R., 36

    “After struggling with PCOS symptoms for years, HerBodhi was the first thing that actually made a difference. I feel like myself again.” – Karla M., 29

    “I’m in my late 40s, and perimenopause hit me hard. HerBodhi gave me back my sleep, my energy, and my sex drive. Worth every penny.” – Jenna L., 48

    The company encourages transparency in its reviews — with a full spectrum of feedback, not just cherry-picked testimonials — so women can make informed choices.

    Availability, Pricing, and Guarantee

    HerBodhi is currently available exclusively through its official website (https://getherbodhi.com), allowing the company to maintain quality control and avoid third-party knockoffs. Buying directly from the source gives you access to special bundle discounts, free shipping on select packages. It also ensures your order is protected with secure checkout and fast delivery. Avoid third-party sites to reduce the risk of counterfeit products—always choose the official site for safe, effective, and verified HerBodhi supplements.

    Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

    Q1: Can I take HerBodhi while on birth control?
    Yes, but consult your doctor for specific medical guidance.

    Q2: Are there any side effects?
    HerBodhi is generally well-tolerated, but mild symptoms like nausea may occur in sensitive individuals.

    Q3: Is it safe for long-term use?
    Yes. HerBodhi is made with non-habit-forming herbs and is safe for consistent daily use.

    Q4: When will I see results?
    Many users notice changes in mood and energy within 7–14 days, with full hormonal support visible by weeks 4–6.

    Conclusion: A New Era for Women’s Wellness

    With its strategic launch, HerBodhi is more than a supplement — it’s a signal that women deserve better.

    Better ingredients.
    Better transparency.
    Better results.
    And most importantly, better respect for their unique physiological needs.

    While comparisons with products like Primal Queen are inevitable, HerBodhi isn’t just another brand vying for attention. It’s a carefully crafted solution that listens to women — and delivers.

    As the company prepares to expand into retail and expand educational outreach on hormonal health, one thing is clear: HerBodhi is not a trend — it’s the future of women’s wellness.

    Media Contact:

    Brand website: https://getherbodhi.com/

    Email: hello@herbodhi.com

    Manufactured under the Technical Guidance of:

    Bodhi Wellness, UAB

    Company code: 307001428

    Address

    Aludarių g. 3, LT-01113 Vilnius, Lithuania

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Navicore Solutions Offers Crucial Financial Support as Credit Card Interest Rates Increase

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    MANALAPAN, N.J., July 01, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — As credit card interest rates continue to climb, averaging 25.37% for existing balances in June, Navicore Solutions is stepping up to provide essential financial counseling services to consumers nationwide. Despite the December 2024 Federal Reserve rate cuts, credit card Annual Percentage Rates (APRs) remain high, exacerbating financial strain for many Americans.

    The average APR has been steadily increasing, particularly since the beginning of 2022, due to a combination of factors including the Federal Reserve’s interest rate hikes and increases in credit card issuers’ margins.

    The Federal Reserve’s recent interest rate cuts in December 2024 have had minimal impact on credit card APRs, which remain near record highs. For instance, the average APR on new credit cards ranges between 20% and 29% which is significantly higher than pre-pandemic levels. This persistent rise in credit card interest rates is contributing to increased financial distress, with many consumers struggling to manage their debt.

    Navicore Solutions, a nonprofit credit counseling organization offers confidential, and personalized financial counseling to individuals and families across the United States. Navicore’s certified counselors work with clients to develop customized debt management plans, often reducing interest rates and consolidating multiple payments into a single monthly payment. This approach can help clients pay off unsecured debt in three to five years, providing a clear path to financial stability.

    “In these challenging economic times, it’s more important than ever for consumers to seek professional guidance,” said Diane Gray, Chief Operating Officer with Navicore. “Our team is dedicated to helping individuals regain control of their finances, reduce debt, and avoid the pitfalls of high-interest credit card debt.”

    For those struggling with credit card debt, reaching out to a nonprofit credit counseling agency like Navicore Solutions can be a crucial step toward financial recovery with services designed to empower consumers with the knowledge and tools needed to make informed financial decisions and achieve long-term financial health.

    About Navicore Solutions

    Founded in 1991, Navicore Solutions is a national leader in the field of nonprofit financial counseling with a mission to strengthen the well-being of individuals and families through education, guidance, advocacy, and support.

    Navicore counselors provide a wide range of services including credit counseling to consumers in need; education programs through workshops, courses and written material; debt management plan to provide relief for applicable consumers; student loan counseling for those struggling with student loan debt; and housing counseling services in the areas of rental, pre-purchase, default and reverse mortgage. The agency is an advocate of financial education helping communities achieve and maintain financial stability.

    Contact:
    Lori Stratford
    Digital Marketing Manager
    Navicore Solutions
    lstratford@navicoresolutions.org
    navicoresolutions.org

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Murray Calls on Trump Admin to Immediately Release Billions in Funds K-12 Schools Across America are Counting On

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Washington State Patty Murray
    Nearly $7 billion in funding approved by Congress in March is blocked just weeks away from the start of the school year
    Washington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, issued the following statement demanding the prompt release of billions of dollars in funding for K-12 schools across America that the Trump administration is blocking just weeks away from the start of the new school year. These funds largely go out the door to states on July 1 each year and support school districts in every state. This year, however, the Trump administration is blocking the funding and signaling it may simply seek to illegally impound them.
    “Today, billions of dollars that Congress has already provided to support students across America should be going out the door—but President Trump is blocking these investments and putting school districts in every zip code in a bind with the new school year just weeks away.
    “President Trump himself signed this funding into law—but that isn’t stopping him from choking off resources to support before and after school programs, help students learn, support teachers in the classroom, and a lot more. The uncertainty he has created has already forced districts to delay hiring and other initiatives to help students. The only question left now is how much more damage this administration wants to inflict on our public schools.
    “President Trump and Russ Vought need to stop sabotaging our students’ futures and get these resources out the door. Local school districts can’t afford to wait out lengthy court proceedings to get the federal funding they’re owed—nor can they make up the shortfall, especially not at the drop of a pin. Every day that this funding is held up is a day that school districts are forced to worry about whether they’ll have to cut back on afterschool programs or lay off teachers instead of worrying about how to make sure our kids can succeed.”
    The Trump administration has confirmed it is blocking funding for the following programs from being available to school district across America:
    Supporting Effective Instruction State Grants (Title II-A), which support professional development and other activities to improve the effectiveness of teachers and school leaders, including reducing class size.
    21st Century Community Learning Centers (Title IV-B), which support high-quality before and after-school programs focused on providing academic enrichment opportunities for students.
    Student Support and Academic Enrichment Grants (Title IV-A), which provide flexible funding for school districts for a wide range of activities including supporting STEM education, accelerated learning courses, college and career counseling, school-based mental health services, and improving school technology, among many others.
    English Language Acquisition (Title III-A), which supports language instruction to help English language learners become proficient in English.
    Migrant Education (Title I-C), which supports the educational needs of migratory children, including children of migrant and seasonal farmworkers.
    Adult Basic and Literacy Education State Grants (including Integrated English Literacy and Civics Education State Grants), which support adult education and literacy programs to provide the basic skills to help prepare adults and out-of-school youth for success in the workforce.
    Notably, the Trump administration has proposed to eliminate each of these programs in its fiscal year 2026 budget request, and it has so far refused to commit to spending the funding already provided for this fiscal year. When pressed in early June by Senator Murray about whether the Department of Education would release the funds to school districts, Secretary Linda McMahon refused to make any commitment to get the funds out. At a Senate Appropriations Committee hearing last week, Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director Russ Vought similarly refused to commit to getting the funding out—and even suggested to Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) the funds could be part of a future rescissions request, or illegally impounded.
    In total, the Trump administration is blocking nearly $7 billion in approved funding for these programs from going out the door to K-12 schools. A state-by-state breakdown of how much funding is at stake is below.
    FUNDING BLOCKED BY TRUMP ADMIN
    State
    Fiscal Year 2024 Funding
    Fiscal Year 2025 Funding
    Alabama
    $100,392,656
    ???
    Alaska
    $47,665,907
    ???
    Arizona
    $134,262,493
    ???
    Arkansas
    $64,255,707
    ???
    California
    $927,965,332
    ???
    Colorado
    $79,619,065
    ???
    Connecticut
    $53,561,846
    ???
    Delaware
    $28,585,105
    ???
    District of Columbia
    $26,683,109
    ???
    Florida
    $398,177,922
    ???
    Georgia
    $223,888,870
    ???
    Hawaii
    $33,290,327
    ???
    Idaho
    $36,493,633
    ???
    Illinois
    $243,191,750
    ???
    Indiana
    $107,174,260
    ???
    Iowa
    $44,494,874
    ???
    Kansas
    49,946,530
    ???
    Kentucky
    96,495,478
    ???
    Louisiana
    119,812,747
    ???
    Maine
    27,630,253
    ???
    Maryland
    110,193,772
    ???
    Massachusetts
    107,694,933
    ???
    Michigan
    173,716,752
    ???
    Minnesota
    74,106,362
    ???
    Mississippi
    71,654,231
    ???
    Missouri
    93,962,471
    ???
    Montana
    27,978,071
    ???
    Nebraska
    38,149,509
    ???
    Nevada
    61,212,651
    ???
    New Hampshire
    27,004,029
    ???
    New Jersey
    162,462,714
    ???
    New Mexico
    49,847,565
    ???
    New York
    463,833,139
    ???
    North Carolina
    185,874,769
    ???
    North Dakota
    26,573,545
    ???
    Ohio
    203,510,265
    ???
    Oklahoma
    77,827,922
    ???
    Oregon
    80,991,681
    ???
    Pennsylvania
    230,714,211
    ???
    Rhode Island
    29,371,806
    ???
    South Carolina
    94,118,605
    ???
    South Dakota
    27,200,921
    ???
    Tennessee
    118,985,396
    ???
    Texas
    738,537,697
    ???
    Utah
    40,402,965
    ???
    Vermont
    26,125,325
    ???
    Virginia
    123,536,510
    ???
    Washington
    150,695,542
    ???
    West Virginia
    32,494,457
    ???
    Wisconsin
    80,333,097
    ???
    Wyoming
    25,545,207
    ???
    Total
    6,880,834,000
    ???

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Murray Statement on Senate Republicans’ Passage of Big, Ugly Bill to Rip Away Health Care, Nutrition, Abortion Access from WA State Families & Balloon National Debt to Fund Tax Cuts for Billionaires

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Washington State Patty Murray
    In Washington state, at least 328,695 people will lose health care under Republican bill; 900,000 Washingtonians could see SNAP benefits reduced or eliminated; 14 rural hospitals will be at risk of closure
    ICYMI: In Senate Floor Speech, Murray Rails Against Republican Bill That Rips Away Health Care, Nutrition Assistance, Abortion Access & Balloons National Debt to Fund Tax Cuts for Billionaires; VIDEO HERE
    ICYMI: On Senate Floor, Murray Again Slams Republicans for Using Deceptive Tactics to Hide True Cost of Deficit-Busting Tax Cuts for Billionaires
    ICYMI: Republicans Block Murray Amendment to Stop Republicans’ Big Ugly Betrayal Bill From Defunding Planned Parenthood
    Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, released the following statement on Senate Republicans passing their partisan reconciliation bill—the so-called “One Big Beautiful Bill Act”—by a vote of 51-50 on Tuesday, with Vice President Vance voting with Republicans to break the tie, after an overnight “vote-a-rama” where Democrats forced Republicans to take dozens of tough votes on a wide array of issues, from protecting rural hospitals to preserving food assistance for families to extending expiring tax credits that help millions of families afford health care. The nearly 30-hour vote-a-rama came after Democrats forced more than 10 hours of debate and a full reading of every word of Republicans’ 940-page bill that will kick 17 million Americans off their health care and make the largest cuts to Medicaid and nutrition assistance in history to pay for tax cuts for billionaires.  
    Senator Murray put forward an amendment to strike a provision of the legislation that achieves anti-abortion extremists’ long-sought goal of “defunding” Planned Parenthood by cutting off Planned Parenthood health centers from receiving federal Medicaid funding for the care they provide for millions of low-income women across the country—including birth control, cancer screenings, STI testing and treatment, and wellness exams. Republicans blocked the amendment, 51-49.
    “This monstrosity of a bill is about one thing: Republicans’ insistence on passing more tax breaks for billionaires and giant corporations while they kick working people off their health care, rip away nutrition assistance, and make it harder for struggling families to get by. It’s about taking away programs that give American families a hand up in hard times, to pay for a handout for the people who need it the least.
    “This should be obvious: if a bill is so bad that you have to exempt entire states from its consequences to win the votes you need—just don’t pass the bill!
    “Republicans’ legislation will mean 17 million Americans will lose their health insurance, including more than 328,000 people in Washington state who rely on Apple Health and Affordable Care Act coverage. Families will lose the SNAP benefits they rely on to afford food because of new Republican red tape positively meant to keep people from getting the benefits they are eligible for. Rural hospitals in Central and Eastern Washington that are already operating on the tightest of margins will be forced to close their doors, ripping away health care access from entire communities. Planned Parenthood health centers will shutter and women will be left with nowhere they can go to get birth control, cancer screenings, and other preventive care they can actually afford.
    “When it comes to the all-out assault on clean energy in this bill, even Elon Musk understands the plain facts of the matter—Republicans’ cuts are ‘utterly insane and destructive’ and will ‘destroy millions of jobs in America.’ Republicans are also ripping away tens of millions of dollars for critical NOAA facilities in Washington state as part of this bill.
    “This fight is not over—this bill is not yet law and I am not going to stop raising my voice and making sure the American people know exactly what is in it. Communities in Eastern and Central Washington will be among the hardest hit by these gigantic cuts to Medicaid and SNAP—now is the time to raise your voices and tell your Republican Members of Congress to vote NO. Republicans in the House need to listen to the American people and abandon this disaster of a bill.  
    “In the end, every Republican who votes for this bill will have to explain to their constituents why they voted to shutter local hospitals and punish struggling families to pay for tax cuts for billionaires.”
    Earlier on Sunday, Senator Murray delivered a lengthy speech on the Senate floor where she laid out in detail how Republicans’ One Big Beautiful Bill Act will rip away health care from millions of Americans, shutter the doors of hospitals and health care clinics across the country, make the largest cuts to Medicaid and nutrition assistance in history, and blow up the national debt—all so Republicans can fund massive tax breaks for billionaires. Murray also spoke out repeatedly during debate on the Senate floor against Republicans’ use of a so-called “current policy baseline” to hide the true cost of their deficit-busting tax cuts for billionaires.
    Republicans’ 940-page bill, which they released in the dead of night, cuts more than $900 billion from Medicaid—$100 billion more than the House bill. That means about 17 million Americans will lose their health care, according to estimates from the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO), and more than 300 rural hospitals and over 500 nursing homes could close because of the legislation. The legislation makes the largest cut to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in history and will rip away nutrition assistance entirely from more than 5 million Americans and shift tens of billions of dollars in costs to states. The legislation also increases the debt by nearly $4 trillion dollars—nearly a trillion more than the House bill. About two in three Americans oppose the bill.
    In Washington state, 1.95 million people rely on Apple Health, Washington state’s Medicaid program, and over 300,000 Washingtonians access coverage through the state’s Affordable Care Act marketplace (Washington Healthplanfinder). The Joint Economic Committee estimates that at least 328,695 people in Washington state would lose their health insurance under the Republican legislation—that includes 198,050 people who would be kicked off Medicaid and 108,262 people who would lose their coverage under the Affordable Care Act. Among other things, Republicans’ bill would institute work reporting requirements for Medicaid, which have been proven not to increase employment and just strip health care coverage from people who are already working or exempt—this would put more than 620,000 Washingtonians at risk of losing their health care coverage or having it delayed. Fourteen rural hospitals in Washington state would be at risk of closure under the Republican bill. The legislation also “defunds” Planned Parenthood for the next year, threatening the closure of up to 200 health centers across the country—90 percent of them in states where abortion is legal. 11 percent of Washington state residents rely on SNAP, and the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services estimated that more than 900,000 people across the state could their see SNAP benefits reduced or eliminated under the House bill—the Senate bill is just as extreme.
    Senator Murray has held constant recent events—including multiple events in Washington state—to sound the alarm on Republicans’ devastating reconciliation bill and encourage constituents to raise their voices and call on their Members of Congress to oppose the legislation.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cassidy Stands with President Trump, Passes One Big Beautiful Bill

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Louisiana Bill Cassidy
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) today released the following statement after voting to pass President Trump’s One, Big, Beautiful Bill.
    “President Trump and I want to preserve the American Dream for working and middle America,” said Dr. Cassidy. “We keep taxes low, cut taxes on tips, overtime, and Social Security, extend the Child Tax Credit, fix our broken education system, support our military, secure our border, and build a business environment that creates better paying jobs – especially in Louisiana.” 
    As chair of the U.S. Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, Cassidy led the Committee’s portion of the One Big Beautiful Bill, which fixes America’s broken higher education system and addresses the root causes of the student debt crisis.
    Cassidy pushed to secure provisions in this historic legislation that:
    Make higher education more affordable by eliminating inflationary loan programs that have resulted in higher tuition costs.   
    Prevent taxpayer-subsidized loans for degrees that leave students worse off than if they never went to college.  
    Reform the current federal student loan program that transfers debt onto the 87 percent of Americans who chose to not go to college or already paid off their loans.
    Ensure low-income Americans can access higher education by strengthening Pell Grants and addressing the program’s budget shortfall. As it currently stands, the Pell Grant program faces a mounting budget shortfall that threatens its future.  
    Expand education freedom and opportunity for students by providing a charitable donation incentive for individuals and businesses to fund scholarship awards for students to cover expenses related to K-12 public and private education. 
    Increase access to career or technical-based education for low-income students by establishing Workforce Pell Grants. This is crucial to achieving President Trump’s goal of bringing skilled jobs back to America from China and Mexico. 
    Boost U.S. manufacturing and crack down on China and other countries abusing our trade loopholes (de minimis). In 2023, Cassidy introduced similar legislation. 
    Provide beauty industry small businesses with access to the tip credit, which would create jobs.
    Eliminate the $200 tax stamp for short-barreled firearms. 
    Raise the annual cap on offshore energy revenue sharing with Gulf states from $500 million to $650 million through 2034. 
    Require the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) to hold no fewer than two lease sales every year for fifteen years in the Central and Western areas of the Gulf of America—something the Biden administration refused to do. 
    Invest $389 million in America’s Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) to bolster U.S. energy security. 
    Unleash American energy by allowing energy companies to deduct costs, including labor and safety, associated with oil and gas exploration. 
    Expand access to direct primary care arrangements, by allowing the use of Health Savings Account (HSA) dollars to pay for such services. 
    Click here for the HELP section-by-section.
    Click here for the HELP one-pager.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Murray Statement on Senate Republicans’ Passage of Big, Ugly Bill to Rip Away Health Care, Nutrition, Abortion Access from WA State Families & Balloon National Debt to Fund Tax Cuts for Billionaires

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Washington State Patty Murray

    In Washington state, at least 328,695 people will lose health care under Republican bill; 900,000 Washingtonians could see SNAP benefits reduced or eliminated; 14 rural hospitals will be at risk of closure

    ICYMI: In Senate Floor Speech, Murray Rails Against Republican Bill That Rips Away Health Care, Nutrition Assistance, Abortion Access & Balloons National Debt to Fund Tax Cuts for Billionaires; VIDEO HERE

    ICYMI: On Senate Floor, Murray Again Slams Republicans for Using Deceptive Tactics to Hide True Cost of Deficit-Busting Tax Cuts for Billionaires

    ICYMI: Republicans Block Murray Amendment to Stop Republicans’ Big Ugly Betrayal Bill From Defunding Planned Parenthood

    Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, released the following statement on Senate Republicans passing their partisan reconciliation bill—the so-called “One Big Beautiful Bill Act”—by a vote of 51-50 on Tuesday, with Vice President Vance voting with Republicans to break the tie, after an overnight “vote-a-rama” where Democrats forced Republicans to take dozens of tough votes on a wide array of issues, from protecting rural hospitals to preserving food assistance for families to extending expiring tax credits that help millions of families afford health care. The nearly 30-hour vote-a-rama came after Democrats forced more than 10 hours of debate and a full reading of every word of Republicans’ 940-page bill that will kick 17 million Americans off their health care and make the largest cuts to Medicaid and nutrition assistance in history to pay for tax cuts for billionaires.  

    Senator Murray put forward an amendment to strike a provision of the legislation that achieves anti-abortion extremists’ long-sought goal of “defunding” Planned Parenthood by cutting off Planned Parenthood health centers from receiving federal Medicaid funding for the care they provide for millions of low-income women across the country—including birth control, cancer screenings, STI testing and treatment, and wellness exams. Republicans blocked the amendment, 51-49.

    “This monstrosity of a bill is about one thing: Republicans’ insistence on passing more tax breaks for billionaires and giant corporations while they kick working people off their health care, rip away nutrition assistance, and make it harder for struggling families to get by. It’s about taking away programs that give American families a hand up in hard times, to pay for a handout for the people who need it the least.

    “This should be obvious: if a bill is so bad that you have to exempt entire states from its consequences to win the votes you need—just don’t pass the bill!

    “Republicans’ legislation will mean 17 million Americans will lose their health insurance, including more than 328,000 people in Washington state who rely on Apple Health and Affordable Care Act coverage. Families will lose the SNAP benefits they rely on to afford food because of new Republican red tape positively meant to keep people from getting the benefits they are eligible for. Rural hospitals in Central and Eastern Washington that are already operating on the tightest of margins will be forced to close their doors, ripping away health care access from entire communities. Planned Parenthood health centers will shutter and women will be left with nowhere they can go to get birth control, cancer screenings, and other preventive care they can actually afford.

    “When it comes to the all-out assault on clean energy in this bill, even Elon Musk understands the plain facts of the matter—Republicans’ cuts are ‘utterly insane and destructive’ and will ‘destroy millions of jobs in America.’ Republicans are also ripping away tens of millions of dollars for critical NOAA facilities in Washington state as part of this bill.

    “This fight is not over—this bill is not yet law and I am not going to stop raising my voice and making sure the American people know exactly what is in it. Communities in Eastern and Central Washington will be among the hardest hit by these gigantic cuts to Medicaid and SNAP—now is the time to raise your voices and tell your Republican Members of Congress to vote NO. Republicans in the House need to listen to the American people and abandon this disaster of a bill.  

    “In the end, every Republican who votes for this bill will have to explain to their constituents why they voted to shutter local hospitals and punish struggling families to pay for tax cuts for billionaires.”

    Earlier on Sunday, Senator Murray delivered a lengthy speech on the Senate floor where she laid out in detail how Republicans’ One Big Beautiful Bill Act will rip away health care from millions of Americans, shutter the doors of hospitals and health care clinics across the country, make the largest cuts to Medicaid and nutrition assistance in history, and blow up the national debt—all so Republicans can fund massive tax breaks for billionaires. Murray also spoke out repeatedly during debate on the Senate floor against Republicans’ use of a so-called “current policy baseline” to hide the true cost of their deficit-busting tax cuts for billionaires.

    Republicans’ 940-page bill, which they released in the dead of night, cuts more than $900 billion from Medicaid—$100 billion more than the House bill. That means about 17 million Americans will lose their health care, according to estimates from the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO), and more than 300 rural hospitals and over 500 nursing homes could close because of the legislation. The legislation makes the largest cut to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in history and will rip away nutrition assistance entirely from more than 5 million Americans and shift tens of billions of dollars in costs to states. The legislation also increases the debt by nearly $4 trillion dollars—nearly a trillion more than the House bill. About two in three Americans oppose the bill.

    In Washington state, 1.95 million people rely on Apple Health, Washington state’s Medicaid program, and over 300,000 Washingtonians access coverage through the state’s Affordable Care Act marketplace (Washington Healthplanfinder). The Joint Economic Committee estimates that at least 328,695 people in Washington state would lose their health insurance under the Republican legislation—that includes 198,050 people who would be kicked off Medicaid and 108,262 people who would lose their coverage under the Affordable Care Act. Among other things, Republicans’ bill would institute work reporting requirements for Medicaid, which have been proven not to increase employment and just strip health care coverage from people who are already working or exempt—this would put more than 620,000 Washingtonians at risk of losing their health care coverage or having it delayed. Fourteen rural hospitals in Washington state would be at risk of closure under the Republican bill. The legislation also “defunds” Planned Parenthood for the next year, threatening the closure of up to 200 health centers across the country—90 percent of them in states where abortion is legal. 11 percent of Washington state residents rely on SNAP, and the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services estimated that more than 900,000 people across the state could their see SNAP benefits reduced or eliminated under the House bill—the Senate bill is just as extreme.

    Senator Murray has held constant recent events—including multiple events in Washington state—to sound the alarm on Republicans’ devastating reconciliation bill and encourage constituents to raise their voices and call on their Members of Congress to oppose the legislation.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Murray Statement on Senate Republicans’ Passage of Big, Ugly Bill to Rip Away Health Care, Nutrition, Abortion Access from WA State Families & Balloon National Debt to Fund Tax Cuts for Billionaires

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Washington State Patty Murray

    In Washington state, at least 328,695 people will lose health care under Republican bill; 900,000 Washingtonians could see SNAP benefits reduced or eliminated; 14 rural hospitals will be at risk of closure

    ICYMI: In Senate Floor Speech, Murray Rails Against Republican Bill That Rips Away Health Care, Nutrition Assistance, Abortion Access & Balloons National Debt to Fund Tax Cuts for Billionaires; VIDEO HERE

    ICYMI: On Senate Floor, Murray Again Slams Republicans for Using Deceptive Tactics to Hide True Cost of Deficit-Busting Tax Cuts for Billionaires

    ICYMI: Republicans Block Murray Amendment to Stop Republicans’ Big Ugly Betrayal Bill From Defunding Planned Parenthood

    Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, released the following statement on Senate Republicans passing their partisan reconciliation bill—the so-called “One Big Beautiful Bill Act”—by a vote of 51-50 on Tuesday, with Vice President Vance voting with Republicans to break the tie, after an overnight “vote-a-rama” where Democrats forced Republicans to take dozens of tough votes on a wide array of issues, from protecting rural hospitals to preserving food assistance for families to extending expiring tax credits that help millions of families afford health care. The nearly 30-hour vote-a-rama came after Democrats forced more than 10 hours of debate and a full reading of every word of Republicans’ 940-page bill that will kick 17 million Americans off their health care and make the largest cuts to Medicaid and nutrition assistance in history to pay for tax cuts for billionaires.  

    Senator Murray put forward an amendment to strike a provision of the legislation that achieves anti-abortion extremists’ long-sought goal of “defunding” Planned Parenthood by cutting off Planned Parenthood health centers from receiving federal Medicaid funding for the care they provide for millions of low-income women across the country—including birth control, cancer screenings, STI testing and treatment, and wellness exams. Republicans blocked the amendment, 51-49.

    “This monstrosity of a bill is about one thing: Republicans’ insistence on passing more tax breaks for billionaires and giant corporations while they kick working people off their health care, rip away nutrition assistance, and make it harder for struggling families to get by. It’s about taking away programs that give American families a hand up in hard times, to pay for a handout for the people who need it the least.

    “This should be obvious: if a bill is so bad that you have to exempt entire states from its consequences to win the votes you need—just don’t pass the bill!

    “Republicans’ legislation will mean 17 million Americans will lose their health insurance, including more than 328,000 people in Washington state who rely on Apple Health and Affordable Care Act coverage. Families will lose the SNAP benefits they rely on to afford food because of new Republican red tape positively meant to keep people from getting the benefits they are eligible for. Rural hospitals in Central and Eastern Washington that are already operating on the tightest of margins will be forced to close their doors, ripping away health care access from entire communities. Planned Parenthood health centers will shutter and women will be left with nowhere they can go to get birth control, cancer screenings, and other preventive care they can actually afford.

    “When it comes to the all-out assault on clean energy in this bill, even Elon Musk understands the plain facts of the matter—Republicans’ cuts are ‘utterly insane and destructive’ and will ‘destroy millions of jobs in America.’ Republicans are also ripping away tens of millions of dollars for critical NOAA facilities in Washington state as part of this bill.

    “This fight is not over—this bill is not yet law and I am not going to stop raising my voice and making sure the American people know exactly what is in it. Communities in Eastern and Central Washington will be among the hardest hit by these gigantic cuts to Medicaid and SNAP—now is the time to raise your voices and tell your Republican Members of Congress to vote NO. Republicans in the House need to listen to the American people and abandon this disaster of a bill.  

    “In the end, every Republican who votes for this bill will have to explain to their constituents why they voted to shutter local hospitals and punish struggling families to pay for tax cuts for billionaires.”

    Earlier on Sunday, Senator Murray delivered a lengthy speech on the Senate floor where she laid out in detail how Republicans’ One Big Beautiful Bill Act will rip away health care from millions of Americans, shutter the doors of hospitals and health care clinics across the country, make the largest cuts to Medicaid and nutrition assistance in history, and blow up the national debt—all so Republicans can fund massive tax breaks for billionaires. Murray also spoke out repeatedly during debate on the Senate floor against Republicans’ use of a so-called “current policy baseline” to hide the true cost of their deficit-busting tax cuts for billionaires.

    Republicans’ 940-page bill, which they released in the dead of night, cuts more than $900 billion from Medicaid—$100 billion more than the House bill. That means about 17 million Americans will lose their health care, according to estimates from the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO), and more than 300 rural hospitals and over 500 nursing homes could close because of the legislation. The legislation makes the largest cut to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in history and will rip away nutrition assistance entirely from more than 5 million Americans and shift tens of billions of dollars in costs to states. The legislation also increases the debt by nearly $4 trillion dollars—nearly a trillion more than the House bill. About two in three Americans oppose the bill.

    In Washington state, 1.95 million people rely on Apple Health, Washington state’s Medicaid program, and over 300,000 Washingtonians access coverage through the state’s Affordable Care Act marketplace (Washington Healthplanfinder). The Joint Economic Committee estimates that at least 328,695 people in Washington state would lose their health insurance under the Republican legislation—that includes 198,050 people who would be kicked off Medicaid and 108,262 people who would lose their coverage under the Affordable Care Act. Among other things, Republicans’ bill would institute work reporting requirements for Medicaid, which have been proven not to increase employment and just strip health care coverage from people who are already working or exempt—this would put more than 620,000 Washingtonians at risk of losing their health care coverage or having it delayed. Fourteen rural hospitals in Washington state would be at risk of closure under the Republican bill. The legislation also “defunds” Planned Parenthood for the next year, threatening the closure of up to 200 health centers across the country—90 percent of them in states where abortion is legal. 11 percent of Washington state residents rely on SNAP, and the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services estimated that more than 900,000 people across the state could their see SNAP benefits reduced or eliminated under the House bill—the Senate bill is just as extreme.

    Senator Murray has held constant recent events—including multiple events in Washington state—to sound the alarm on Republicans’ devastating reconciliation bill and encourage constituents to raise their voices and call on their Members of Congress to oppose the legislation.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Missile fired from Yemen intercepted over Israel – Israeli army

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    JERUSALEM, July 1 (Xinhua) — Yemen’s Houthi rebel forces fired a rocket toward Israel on Tuesday evening, triggering air raid sirens in central and southern parts of the country before the projectile was intercepted, the Israeli army said in a statement.

    “The missile, launched from Yemeni territory, was intercepted by the Israeli Air Force,” the military said, adding that alarm sirens were activated.

    There are no reports of casualties.

    The Houthis regularly attack Israel with missiles and drones, citing solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza. The rebel group says it will stop its attacks if Israel ends its offensive in the Palestinian enclave and lifts its blockade. In response, the Jewish state has launched massive airstrikes in Yemen, hitting key ports, an airport and other infrastructure. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: IAM Union International Officers Sworn in for New Term During Ceremony Honoring Union Democracy, Member-Led Leadership

    Source: US GOIAM Union

    The IAM Union marked a powerful moment of renewal as its newly elected International Officers were sworn in for a four-year term during an installation ceremony that celebrated the union’s democratic foundation and its future-facing vision.

    Held before an audience of IAM members, retirees, staff, and labor allies, the ceremony at the IAM’s Headquarters was a reminder that in the IAM Union, leadership is chosen by the membership. Each officer sworn in was elected directly by the IAM’s rank-and-file membership. 

    WATCH: 2025 IAM Union International Officer Installation Ceremony

    International President Brian Bryant, a longtime member of Local S6, was sworn in to continue to lead the IAM through a period of bold organizing, strategic growth, and deep commitment to equity and inclusion. In his remarks, Bryant offered heartfelt thanks to the membership, his fellow Executive Council members, the IAM’s staff, and his family. 

    PHOTOS: 2025 IAM Union International Officer Installation Ceremony

    “To our membership—thank you,” said Bryant. “Thank you for placing your trust in this leadership team. That trust is not something we take lightly. It’s something we earn—every day, in every fight, in every shop floor conversation, contract campaign, organizing drive, and legislative battle.”

    Bryant also reinforced the union’s evolving identity. 

    “We must be clear: This union stands for all workers. No matter where you were born. No matter who you love. No matter who you worship. No matter how you got here,” said Bryant. “If you work for a living—you deserve justice on the job. You deserve the power of a union contract. And you deserve to be treated with dignity.”

    AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler also delivered remarks during the ceremony, celebrating the IAM Union’s legacy and applauding the union’s future-facing leadership. 

    “What brings us together is this belief that all work has dignity and that we all deserve the freedom, fairness and security,” said Shuler. “Those are the values that unite every worker, and that’s what we’re going to fight for every single day. We’re going to organize everywhere — just like the IAM is by taking on the largest companies in the world.”

    The following officers were sworn in for a four-year term, beginning July 1, 2025: 

    International President
     Brian Bryant (Local S6) 

    General Secretary-Treasurer
    Dora Cervantes (Local 2198) 

    Canadian General Vice President
    David Chartrand (Local 712)* 

    U.S. General Vice Presidents
    David Sullivan (Local S6)
    Richie Johnsen (Local 1781)
    Craig Martin (Local 470)
    Jody Bennett (Local 2771)
    Sam Cicinelli (Local 701)
    Robert “Bobby” Martinez (Local 933) 

    Law Committee
     Eric Johnston (Local 235)
     Ryan Haehnlein (Local 701)
     Teressa Peart (Local 774)
     Olu Ajetomobi (Local 1781)
     Sal Vasquez (Local 311) 

    Delegates to the AFL-CIO
     E. Michael Vartabedian (Local 264)
     Sharon Sugiyama (Local 2339G)
     Richard Jackson (Local 751A) 

    Delegate to the Canadian Labour Congress
     Christy Slauenwhite (Local 764)*

    *Elected solely by IAM members in Canada

    Administering the oath of office was retired IAM International President R. Thomas Buffenbarger, who led the union from 1997 to 2016. Buffenbarger’s presence and role in the ceremony served as a bridge between generations of IAM leadership and reinforced the enduring principles that guide the union.

    The installation ceremony featured spiritual and inspirational reflection from Derrick Monk, a member of IAM Local 1776, a District 141 Trustee, and Senior Pastor of the Divine Covenant Outreach Center in Philadelphia. Monk set the tone for the ceremony with an invocation that called on unity, courage, and the shared responsibility of leadership.

    As the IAM Union looks ahead, this newly installed leadership team is charged with growing the union across traditional and emerging industries, empowering members through strong contracts, and continuing to lead with integrity, inclusion, and determination.

    “All of us, together, are the stewards of something powerful,” said Bryant. “We inherit this union not just to protect it, but to grow it. To make it bolder, more inclusive, and more powerful than ever.”

    The post IAM Union International Officers Sworn in for New Term During Ceremony Honoring Union Democracy, Member-Led Leadership appeared first on IAM Union.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Attorney General Bonta Announces Largest CCPA Settlement to Date, Secures $1.55 Million from Healthline.com

    Source: US State of California

    Action represents fourth settlement, continued enforcement priority under the California Consumer Privacy Act

    OAKLAND — California Attorney General Rob Bonta today announced a settlement pending court approval with website publisher Healthline Media LLC (Healthline), resolving allegations that its use of online tracking technology on its health information website, Healthline.com, violated the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA). An investigation by the California Department of Justice (DOJ) found that Healthline failed to allow consumers to opt out of targeted advertising and shared data with third parties without CCPA-mandated privacy protections — including data suggesting that a person may have a serious health condition. The proposed settlement, pending final approval from the court, includes $1.55 million in civil penalties and strong injunctive terms, including a novel term that prohibits Healthline from sharing article titles that reveal that a consumer may have already been diagnosed with a medical condition — banning the company from engaging in these types of data transmissions.

    “Our settlement with Healthline underscores that Californians have critical privacy rights under the CCPA to fight online surveillance — including by website publishers. Healthline shared data with third parties that could have revealed consumers’ private medical diagnoses, and while doing so, disregarded consumer’s rights to opt-out of the sale and sharing of this data,” said Attorney General Bonta. “California continues to lead the nation in enforcing our robust privacy protection law, and businesses that collect consumer data must honor consumers’ privacy rights. My office is committed to the continued enforcement of the CCPA — every Californian has the right to their online privacy.” 

    Healthline.com is a health and wellness information website that is one of the top 40 most visited websites in the world. Healthline generates revenue by showing ads — some of which are personally targeted at the reader. To maximize ad revenue, Healthline allows online trackers, like cookies and pixels, to communicate data about readers to advertisers and other third parties. Healthline shared data that could uniquely identify the consumer, in addition to the title of the article they were reading. Some titles indicated that the reader may have already been diagnosed with a serious illness, such as “You’ve Been Newly Diagnosed with MS. What’s Next?” And because these online trackers run invisibly in the background in the first milliseconds when a webpage loads, consumers often have no idea how many online trackers might be running. In Healthline’s case, dozens of trackers were sharing consumer data with numerous third parties.

    The complaint filed today alleges Healthline violated the CCPA and the Unfair Competition Law by:

    • Failing to opt consumers out of the sharing of their personal information for targeted advertising. The CCPA gives consumers the right to opt-out of the sale or sharing of their personal information for certain targeted advertising. Businesses and website publishers must honor these requests, including requests submitted through the Global Privacy Control. Healthline continued to share data with some third parties involved in advertising, even for consumer who exercised their right to opt -out.  
    • Violating the Purpose Limitation Principle. Under the CCPA, a business’s use of personal information is limited to the purposes for which the personal information was collected or processed or another disclosed, compatible purpose. Healthline violated this principle by sharing article titles suggesting a consumer may have already been diagnosed with a specific medical condition to target advertising at the consumer.   
    • Failing to maintain CCPA-required contracts. Healthline had not ensured its advertising contracts contain privacy protections for readers’ data required by the CCPA. Instead, Healthline had assumed, but not verified, that the third parties had agreed to abide by an industry contractual framework. 
    • Deceiving consumers about privacy practices. The Unfair Competition Law prohibits deceptive business practices. Healthline.com featured a “consent banner” that did not disable tracking cookies, despite purporting to do so if a consumer unchecked a box.   

    Under the settlement today, Healthline is required to ensure that its opt-out mechanisms work correctly; must stop disclosing information that can link a specific consumer to a specific article title that suggests that consumers have been diagnosed with a disease; must maintain a CCPA compliance program that, among other things, mandates that Healthline audits its contracts for specific, required privacy terms or confirm that third parties have signed an industry contractual framework that includes those terms; and maintain accurate online disclosures and privacy policy. 

    Today’s settlement represents Attorney General Bonta’s fourth enforcement action under the CCPA, and his continued priority to enforce California’s robust privacy laws:  

    In June 2024, Attorney General Bonta and Los Angeles City Attorney Hydee Feldstein Soto announced a $500,000 settlement with Tilting Point Media LLC resolving allegations that the company violated the CCPA and federal law by collecting and sharing children’s data without parental consent in their popular mobile app game “SpongeBob: Krusty Cook-Off.”  In February 2024, Attorney General Bonta announced a settlement with DoorDash, resolving allegations that the company violated the CCPA and COPPA, by selling California customers’ personal information without providing notice or an opportunity to opt out of that sale.  In August 2022, the Attorney General announced a settlement with Sephora resolving allegations that it failed to disclose to consumers that it was selling their personal information and failed to process opt-out requests via user-enabled global privacy controls in violation of the CCPA. 

    This March, as part of ongoing efforts to enforce the CCPA, Attorney General Bonta announced an investigative sweep into the location data industry, sending letters to advertising networks, mobile app providers, and data brokers that appear to be in violation of the CCPA. The risk posed by the widespread collection and sale of location data has become immediately and particularly relevant given federal threats to California’s immigrant communities, and to reproductive and gender-affirming healthcare. Attorney General Bonta has previously conducted investigative sweeps related to streaming apps and devices and employee information.

    For more information about the CCPA, visit oag.ca.gov/ccpa. To report a violation of the CCPA to the Attorney General, consumers can submit a complaint online at oag.ca.gov/report.

    A copy of the complaint is available here, a copy of the proposed settlement is available here. The settlement is pending court approval.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Alleged Member of Mexican Drug Trafficking Organization Extradited to El Paso

    Source: US FBI

    EL PASO, Texas – A Mexican national charged with four counts in a 14-count indictment was extradited to the Western District of Texas following his arrest in Mexico last week.

    According to court documents, from January 2016 through August 2019, Hector Adrian Rojero Ramos aka Teto, 54, allegedly engaged in a conspiracy to import heroin and fentanyl from Mexico to destinations in Texas, Oklahoma, Illinois and elsewhere in the United States. Rojero Ramos was arrested in Mexico June 25 and made his initial appearance in a federal court in El Paso on June 27.

    Rojero Ramos is charged with one count of conspiracy to import a controlled substance, one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance, and two counts of aiding and abetting possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance. If convicted, he faces up to life in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    U.S. Attorney Justin R. Simmons for the Western District of Texas made the announcement.

    The Drug Enforcement Administration and FBI are investigating the case.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Jose Luis Acosta is prosecuting the case.

    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, 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).

    An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: $HAREHOLDER ALERT: Class Action Attorney Juan Monteverde Investigates the Merger of Sage Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ: SAGE)

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, July 01, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) —

    Class Action Attorney Juan Monteverde with Monteverde & Associates PC (the “M&A Class Action Firm”), has recovered millions of dollars for shareholders and is recognized as a Top 50 Firm in the 2024 ISS Securities Class Action Services Report. The firm is headquartered at the Empire State Building in New York City and is investigating Sage Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ: SAGE) related to its sale to Supernus Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Upon completion of the proposed transaction, current Sage shareholders will receive $8.50 per share in cash, plus one non-tradable contingent value right collectively worth up to $3.50 per share in cash payable (i) $0.50 the first commercial sale of the drug Zurzuvae in Japan to third-aprty consumers following regulatory approval on or before June 30, 2026; (ii) $1.00 when net sales of Zurzuvae reach or exceed $300 million in the U.S. on or before December 31, 2028; and (iii) $1.00 when net sales of Zurzuvae reach or exceed $375 million in the U.S. on or before December 31, 2030. Is it a fair deal?

    Click here for more info https://monteverdelaw.com/case/sage-therapeutics-inc/. It is free and there is no cost or obligation to you.

    NOT ALL LAW FIRMS ARE EQUAL. Before you hire a law firm, you should talk to a lawyer and ask:

    1. Do you file class actions and go to Court?
    2. When was the last time you recovered money for shareholders?
    3. What cases did you recover money in and how much?

    About Monteverde & Associates PC

    Our firm litigates and has recovered money for shareholders…and we do it from our offices in the Empire State Building. We are a national class action securities firm with a successful track record in trial and appellate courts, including the U.S. Supreme Court. 

    No one is above the law. If you own common stock in the above listed company and have concerns or wish to obtain additional information free of charge, please visit our website or contact Juan Monteverde, Esq. either via e-mail at jmonteverde@monteverdelaw.com or by telephone at (212) 971-1341.

    Contact:
    Juan Monteverde, Esq.
    MONTEVERDE & ASSOCIATES PC
    The Empire State Building
    350 Fifth Ave. Suite 4740
    New York, NY 10118
    United States of America
    jmonteverde@monteverdelaw.com
    Tel: (212) 971-1341

    Attorney Advertising. (C) 2025 Monteverde & Associates PC. The law firm responsible for this advertisement is Monteverde & Associates PC (www.monteverdelaw.com).  Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome with respect to any future matter.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Defense News in Brief: Department of Navy Top Scientists, Engineers Recognized for Excellence

    Source: United States Navy

    WASHINGTON, DC – The Department of the Navy recognized the finest in Navy and Marine Corps science and engineering June 25 at the Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Research, Development, and Acquisition (ASN RD&A) Dr. Delores M. Etter Top Scientists and Engineers awards ceremony. Dr. Brett A. Seidle, Acting ASN(RD&A) and Mr. Peter C. Reddy, Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Research, Development, Test, and Engineering (DASN(RDT&E)), personally recognized top scientists and engineers from across the Department of the Navy (DON) and highlighted their incredible accomplishments.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senate Passes ‘Regressive, Downright Cruel’ Tax Bill that will Significantly Harm Maine People

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Maine Angus King

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, the United States Senate passed the so-called ‘Big Beautiful Bill’ tax and budget legislation — a bill that was passed by the Republican majority with a single tie-breaking vote by Vice President JD Vance. Maine DHHS estimates that, because of this legislation, 31,000 Mainers would be disenrolled from MaineCare in the first year and estimates suggest that 4 rural Maine hospitals could close. In addition, it is estimated that 20,000 Mainers will lose their coverage under the Affordable Care Act.

    The bill now heads to the House of Representatives for consideration in the days ahead.

    U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME) previously spoke on the Senate Floor to share remarks on the bill that he called “irresponsible, regressive, and downright cruel” and highlighted the inevitable harm it would do to Maine people — adding he found it “immoral” to take food from vulnerable children while giving larger tax breaks to well-off Americans.

    A statement from Senator King on final Senate passage of the bill is below:

    “We just voted on the so-called Budget Reconciliation, a bill which was passed by the Republican majority on a straight party-line vote. This bill will have catastrophic impacts on Maine people. In fact, I think this is the worst, most regressive and harmful piece of legislation I’ve ever seen. 

    “Here’s the way I can best explain the consequences of this disastrous bill: 

    1. It will have devastating impacts upon Maine itself, on our state and on our state budgets.

    2. It’s going to have devastating impacts on Maine people.

    3. It’s a gross transfer of wealth from lower income people to the very wealthy. 

    4. Even with these devastating cuts, the bill still explodes the federal deficit which will result in higher interest rates and a drag on business expansion in Maine and across the country.

    “I call this the Great Maine Robbery. First, it’s going to shift millions of dollars to state budgets —which means Maine taxpayers will be left footing the bill for essential services like healthcare and food assistance. It will also likely result in the closure of rural community health centers and hospitals — although the health fund in this bill will provide some limited relief to Maine hospitals, it do anything for the thousands who will lose their health care under the terms of this bill. This will leave Maine people traveling further and spending more money out of pocket than they would otherwise. Many Maine people will also likely lose their MaineCare and CoverME marketplace coverage entirely, and significant Medicare cuts from this bill will harm Maine’s older adults.

    “Essentially, this bill is a ‘shift and shaft’ to provide huge tax cuts for those making more than $400,000 per year in exchange for the elimination of critical programs that Maine people rely on for food, health and safety. This is not politics — this is the wellbeing of Maine people, and even though this bill is huge setback, I remain committed to fighting for them every single day.”

    According to the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office, the legislation would add $3.3 trillion dollars to the federal deficit over the next ten years, while also cutting $1.1 trillion from Medicaid over the same time, resulting in 11.8 million Americans losing healthcare. Maine DHHS estimates that, if passed as is, 31,000 Mainers would be disenrolled from MaineCare in the first year and estimates suggest that 4 rural Maine hospitals would close.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cortez Masto Votes Against Republican Tax Scam That Will Raise Costs and Cut Health Care for Millions of Americans

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Nevada Cortez Masto

    Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) voted against the final passage of H.R. 1, the Republican tax scam which cuts Medicaid, clean energy tax credits, food assistance, and more in order to lower taxes for the wealthiest Americans. The bill now heads to the U.S. House of Representatives for a vote.

    “This morning, Senate Republicans voted to raise costs on working families, rip health care from Nevadans who need it, and kill good-paying jobs across our state to ensure their billionaire friends save on their taxes,” said Senator Cortez Masto. “Make no mistake: Republicans are responsible for the devastating impacts that will come from this bill. I will continue to put a spotlight on how these disastrous cuts are causing harm to Nevadans.”

    According to reports, the Republican tax bill would:

    • Add almost $4 trillion to the national debt
    • Cut more than $1.1 trillion in health care funding, including $930 billion from Medicaid
    • Kick 17 million Americans off health insurance, including 114,500 Nevadans
    • Threaten 21,000 clean-energy jobs in Nevada
    • Raise the cost of Nevadans’ energy bills by $400 per year
    • Slash food assistance programs that will raise grocery costs, threaten free school lunches, and make it harder for over 40 million Americans, including 16 million children, 8 million seniors, and 1.2 million veterans to put food on the table.
    • Gut BrandUSA, a long-standing bipartisan public-private partnership to support international tourists coming to Nevada
    • Further President Trump’s cruel mass deportation agenda instead of focusing on targeting criminals 
    • Provide a $118,630 tax boost for the top 0.1% of Americans while raising costs for working families

    Senator Cortez Masto has repeatedly called out President Trump and Congressional Republicans’ attempts to slash Medicaid and harm Nevada families to pay for tax cuts for billionaires. She has also continued to push the Trump Administration to address the impacts of Trump’s tariffs on working families, small businesses, and Nevada’s travel and tourism economy.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Explosive Colors: Unveiling the Mineral Magic Behind Fourth of July Fireworks

    Source: US Geological Survey

    Each hue is created by unique chemicals sourced from various minerals. These natural resources, which can be discovered on a journey across the country, enrich both your celebrations and daily life in often overlooked ways. Dive deeper to discover the fascinating elements responsible for these stunning displays and uncover the surprising roles these minerals play beyond lighting up our celebrations. 

    Discover Where the Minerals Lighting Up the Sky this 4th of July are Produced in the U.S.

    Infographic created by Eliza Malakoff, presidential management fellow

    Barium: The Green Enigma

    Barium, the mineral behind the green glow, is produced from barite in Nevada. Barium’s emerald hues in fireworks continue to enchant audiences while also playing a crucial role in the oil and gas industry. In drilling fluids, barium is used as barite to control well pressure, stabilize the wellbore, and carry cuttings to the surface. 

    Additionally, barite is used in ceramics, glass manufacturing, and as a filler in various industrial processes. Its properties make it valuable in corrosion-resistant coatings for vehicles and equipment. 

    Zinc: The Smoky Trailblazer

    Zinc creates mesmerizing smoke effects and is mined extensively in Alaska. As one of the world’s largest producers, the U.S. contributes to the supply of this versatile mineral, which not only adds drama to fireworks but also plays a pivotal role in galvanization, the process of applying a protective zinc coating to steel or iron. This process protects steel structures across the country from corrosion, extending the lifespan of bridges, buildings, and other critical infrastructure. Zinc is also mixed into brass and other metal alloys to make components used in cars, electronics and household fixtures. 

    Copper: The Blue Powerhouse

    Copper’s stunning blue hues are mined in abundance in Arizona. As one of the world’s largest producers, the U.S. leverages copper in electrical wiring and renewable energy technologies. Copper is integral to the generation, transmission, and distribution of electricity, and its excellent conductivity makes it a cornerstone of our modern energy infrastructure. Copper is also used in construction, in roofing, gutters and siding. It is a key component of brass and bronze, which are used to make everything from industrial machinery to musical instruments.

    Titanium: The Spark of Innovation

    Titanium, responsible for bright white sparks, is mined primarily in Georgia and Florida. Titanium metal has a high strength-to-weight ratio and is crucial to the aerospace and medical devices industries, where its durability and resistance to corrosion ensure long-lasting performance of critical components. In fireworks, it’s the titanium that provides those breathtaking, brilliant white bursts. 

    Magnesium: The Brilliant White Light

    Magnesium’s intense white light is a staple in fireworks. It is sourced from brines in the Great Salt Lake in Utah. Magnesium is a key ingredient in strong, lightweight aluminum metal alloys that are used widely by the aerospace, automotive and electronics industries. Magnesium is also used in the production process of steel, iron, glass and cement. Its flammability also makes it a popular choice in fireworks and flares.

    Sodium: The Golden Glow

    Sodium, responsible for the golden yellows in fireworks, is predominantly sourced from trona ore in Wyoming in the U.S., with the Green River Basin holding one of the largest deposits in the world. The U.S. excels as a significant producer of soda ash derived from trona ore and is integral to both pyrotechnic displays and numerous industrial applications. Sodium compounds, derived from soda ash, are used in manufacturing glass, paper, detergents, and even in water treatment processes, showcasing the mineral’s versatility and importance.

    Independence Day fireworks are more than just an impressive array of colors and sounds; they highlight the minerals that fuel these dazzling displays. The radiant yellows and vibrant greens that illuminate the night sky, along with the practical uses that support our modern lifestyle, all stem from these important minerals. 

    By delving into the captivating origins of these minerals found throughout the U.S. and recognizing their significant impact, you can uncover the hidden forces behind each vibrant explosion of color.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Fort Wayne Man Sentenced to 197 Months in Prison

    Source: US FBI

    FORT WAYNE –Derek L. Taylor, 47 years old, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Chief Judge Holly A. Brady after pleading guilty to possessing with intent to distribute a controlled substance and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, announced Acting United States Attorney Tina L. Nommay.

    Taylor was sentenced to 197 months in prison followed by 4 years of supervised release.

    According to documents in the case, in August and September 2023, Taylor distributed cocaine.  Search warrants resulted in the recovery of heroin, fentanyl, cocaine, and M30 pills containing fentanyl, along with three handguns, a stolen semi-automatic rifle, multiple digital scales, baggies, and a substantial amount of powder used in the distribution of narcotics.  Taylor was previously convicted twice of distributing drugs and was also previously convicted of felony battery, making him a career offender for purposes of federal sentencing.

    This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Fort Wayne Safe Streets Gang Task Force, which includes the FBI, the Indiana State Police, the Allen County Police Department, and the Fort Wayne Police Department.  Also assisting this investigation was the Drug Enforcement Administration’s North Central Laboratory and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Stacey R. Speith.

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

    This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senate Passes President Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act, Advancing Agenda for a Strong, Prosperous America

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND)
    ***Click here for audio.***
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Senate voted today to pass the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) by a vote of 51 to 50. This legislation permanently extends the 2017 Trump tax cuts, accelerates American energy dominance, supports the nation’s farmers and ranchers, reduces federal spending, invests in generational defense capabilities such as President Donald Trump’s Golden Dome missile-defense shield, and delivers the largest single border-security investment in U.S. history.
    Within 10 years, OBBBA will cut the total deficit nearly in half and primary deficits will become surpluses. It builds upon the 2017 Trump tax cuts with incentives for investing in America to create new jobs and revive domestic manufacturing. The pro-growth policies are reflected in the recent Congressional Budget Office score indicating the legislation will reduce the deficit by $507 billion. The Council of Economic Advisors estimates it will slash the deficit by over $2 trillion over the next decade and lead to higher worker wages and increased GDP.
    U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND) issued the following statement after voting in favor of the legislation:
    “What we did with this vote today is took a decisive step toward implementing President Trump’s agenda and restoring some fiscal sanity to Washington, D.C. which has been missing for several decades. It delivers on our promise as Republicans to extend pro-growth tax policy permanently, not just another extension, but make it permanent, and it gives much-needed certainty to American families, and businesses, and investment of all types. We are really aligning federal spending with North Dakota pragmatism, quite honestly. We’re slashing Green New Deal gimmicks, boosting reliable energy sources, delivering unprecedented resources to the border, which we know is in high demand, and then bringing defense efforts like the Golden Dome and nuclear modernization to complete fruition. It’s really a win for every American who believes prosperity, security, and fiscal responsibility all go hand in hand.”
    Prevents a $4 Trillion Tax Increase
    ***Click here for audio on OBBBA tax provisions***
    This legislation permanently extends the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act to provide relief for working Americans and job creators. Without this bill, Americans would receive a $4 trillion tax hike, the largest increase in American history. It supports families by expanding the standard deduction, which is utilized by more than 90% of taxpayers, and the Child Tax Credit, and making both improvements permanent.
    The OBBBA includes pro-growth provisions to support small businesses by preserving the small business deduction to support job creation and local economic growth. It also includes efforts to boost domestic production and investment, including full expensing for domestic research and development, and new capital investments. To support financing for domestic investments, the OBBBA reinstates a globally competitive interest deduction.
    Promotes Energy Dominance
    To promote American energy dominance, the legislation rapidly phases out tax credits for intermittent wind and solar projects while boosting reliable domestic energy sources like nuclear, geothermal, and hydropower. The OBBBA also improves the 45Q credit, a critical tool for North Dakota’s lignite coal and oil producers, by indexing the value of the credit to inflation and equalizing the rate for all users of the credit. It promotes oil and gas development by requiring the Bureau of Land Management to hold quarterly leases, reduces royalty rates to pre-Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) levels, ensures timely leasing of federal coal resources, pauses the IRA natural gas tax for a decade, and creates an opt-in program at the Council on Environmental Quality for expedited environmental reviews. Finally, the OBBBA repeals costly Biden-era green energy efforts including the electric vehicle tax credit, rescinds unobligated IRA funds, nixes the costly methane tax, and fully repeals the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund.
    Delivers the Largest Border Security Package in American History
    In the few months since President Trump’s return to the White House, illegal border crossings have dropped precipitously. The OBBBA provisions support these efforts and include funding for over 2,300 miles of border walls and barriers while also giving U.S. Border Patrol and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) resources to carry out the mission of protecting the border. This funding will allow ICE to hire additional officers and agents to patrol the border. The bill invests $46.55 billion to complete the Trump Wall and upgrade its barriers and intrusion sensors alongside $4.1 billion for hiring and training agents, officers, pilots, and support staff, as well as incentives to retain top talent. It ends the previous administration’s catch-and-release policy, deploys artificial intelligence (AI)-powered non-intrusive inspection systems, drones, counter-Unmanned Aerial Systems radar, and a nationwide biometric entry-exit network to stop fentanyl at the border.
    Curbs Immigration Abuse & Makes the System Pay for Itself
    The legislation flips the “everything is free” asylum pipeline on its head, imposing an inflation-indexed minimum $100 asylum-application fee that is split evenly between immigration courts and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services to attack the backlog without touching taxpayers. Aliens removed in absentia now face a $5,000 fee upon apprehension—half of which flows directly into ICE’s Detention & Removal Office Fee Account to fund beds and removals.
    Makes Long Overdue Improvements to the Farm Safety Net
    To address the absence of a new Farm Bill, the OBBBA supports farm country by raising reference prices for covered commodities under the Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) and Price Loss Coverage (PLC) programs. For crop year 2025, the U.S. Department of Agriculture will pay farmers the larger of ARC or PLC, regardless of which program they enrolled in for the year. It boosts premium support for the individual-based crop insurance and the Supplemental Coverage Option. The bill increases marketing assistance loan rates, improves disaster and animal disease prevention programs for livestock, and funds a supplemental agricultural trade promotion program. The OBBBA also modifies work requirements for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program eligibility and sets in place reforms to improve efficiency and management of the program. 
    Implements Commonsense Medicaid Reforms
    The bill reduces waste, fraud, and abuse in the Medicaid program and puts Medicaid on a fiscally sustainable path. It establishes sensible work requirements for able-bodied adults and provides exemptions for individuals with dependent children or medical needs. It increases the frequency of eligibility verifications and limits the use of financing gimmicks such as provider taxes to ensure Medicaid remains available for the most vulnerable into the future. The bill also establishes a rural health transformation fund to support critical rural hospitals and clinics across the country. 
    Invests in Generational Defense Capabilities
    President Trump’s Golden Dome initiative, unmanned ships, drones, AI and other recent investments in new defense technology in North Dakota and across the country, are included in the OBBBA. The legislation allocates $25 billion for the Golden Dome missile defense system and $210 million for MH-139 helicopters. Additionally, it provides $15 billion to accelerate nuclear modernization programs specifying $2.5 billion for the Sentinel intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) program and $600 million for the Minuteman III ICBM, both of which are housed in North Dakota. It also includes $90 million for APEX Accelerators and significant improvements in quality of life for troops and their families. 
    Modernizes Commerce & Transportation Infrastructure
    The OBBBA injects more than $34 billion into the arteries of American commerce—keeping goods, data, and people moving safely and on time. It fully recapitalizes the Coast Guard with $24.593 billion for new Offshore, Fast-Response, Polar, and Arctic cutters, long-range UAVs, autonomous surface vessels, and critical shore-facility upgrades. Another $12.57 billion modernizes the Federal Aviation Administration’s radars, telecom backbone, runway-safety tech, and controller displays to cut delays and boost air-travel safety nationwide. The bill restores the Federal Communications Commission’s auction authority through 2034 and directs the auction of mid-band spectrum within two years—part of a plan which ultimately reallocates 500 MHz for 5G/6G—and gives National Telecommunications and Information Administration the resources to value and relocate Federal users.
    Click here for bill text. Click here for one-pagers.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cantwell Statement on Senate Passage of the GOP’s Devastating Budget Bill

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Washington Maria Cantwell
    07.01.25
    Cantwell Statement on Senate Passage of the GOP’s Devastating Budget Bill
    Full final text of the disastrous bill wasn’t made available before final vote – the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office doesn’t even know the full cost to the American people; Cantwell was able to strip provision of bill that would have effectively banned states from enforcing AI consumer protection laws
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Just now, the United States Senate passed a budget bill 51 to 50 (with the Vice President repeatedly casting tie-breaking votes, on final passage of the bill and procedural votes). U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), ranking member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation and senior member of the Senate Finance Committee, issued the following statement:
    “Over the past several days, my Republican colleagues made it very clear what their mission is – to make the largest cuts in the social safety net in U.S. history in order to give away tax breaks to major corporations and billionaires.  No matter how loud the voices of our constituents, of our state and local leaders, and of our health care providers, they stuck to their script and adopted legislation that will slash about a trillion dollars from Medicaid and cut billions from SNAP,” Sen. Cantwell said. 
    “I voted against this bill that will strip health insurance from 17 million Americans. The bill that Republicans drafted in the dark of night will hit those that can least afford it the hardest.  The lowest 20% of earners will lose an average of $700 a year, far more than they will get from the tax cuts.
    “The House of Representatives should reject this disastrous legislation so Congress can come back later this month to craft a bipartisan fiscally responsible package that will support working families without adding $3 trillion to our unsustainable federal debt.”
    The finalized text of the bill passed by the Senate this morning wasn’t ever shown to Senators before Republican leadership pushed forward with the final vote. The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office, which is typically tasked with calculating the financial impact of any major piece of legislation, has not had time to give the bill a score. Prior to scheduling the vote, Senate Republicans refused to hold final meetings with the Senate Parliamentarian – tasked with ensuring that the language in bills follows certain rules and procedures that govern the Senate. Instead, the Parliamentarian had to make decisions on some provisions in a matter of minutes from the Senate floor.
    Sunday night, Sen. Cantwell delivered a speech on the Senate floor to highlight how various provisions included in the 940-page document ultimately sell out the American people. That speech can be watched in full HERE; a transcript is HERE.
    Hours before this morning’s final vote, shortly after 4 a.m., the Senate voted 99-1 in favor of an amendment co-sponsored by Sen. Cantwell and Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R–TN) to strip a ten-year moratorium on state AI regulations from the Republican budget reconciliation bill.  The Senate’s consideration of the bill, known as a votearama in the Senate, set records for the number of debate votes and the length of the debate, and the Senate stayed in session all night as Sen. Cantwell and her colleagues fought to improve the bill.
    “The Senate came together tonight to say that we can’t just run over good state consumer protection laws,” Sen. Cantwell said. “States can fight robocalls and deepfakes and provide safe autonomous vehicle laws. This also allows us to work together nationally to provide a new federal framework on Artificial Intelligence that accelerates U.S. leadership in AI while still protecting consumers.” 
    For weeks, Sen. Cantwell raised alarms over the provision which would have forced states to make an impossible choice between enforcing AI consumer protections or accepting federal BEAD funding to expand broadband access. Despite several revisions by its author and misleading assurances about its true impact, state officials from across the country, including 17 Republican Governors and 40 state Attorneys General, as well conservative and liberal organizations – from the Heritage Foundation to the Center for American Progress – rallied against the harmful proposal. On June 18, Sen. Cantwell hosted a virtual press conference alongside Sen. Blackburn to underscore the impacts to Americans across the country if Congress were to pass the moratorium on state AI legislation.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Capito Votes to Pass Republican Reconciliation Bill

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for West Virginia Shelley Moore Capito
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), chairman of the Senate Republican Policy Committee (RPC), released the below statement following the passage of the Republican Reconciliation bill:
    “The Republican Reconciliation bill is a clear reflection of our priorities: securing our borders, rebuilding our military, preventing the largest tax increase in U.S. history, and unleashing American energy. I was proud to vote in favor of this commonsense legislation that not only delivers on the promises we’ve made to the American people, but will put West Virginia and our entire nation on a path to greater economic growth, national security, energy independence, and opportunity,” Senator Capito said.
    Senator Capito, who also chairs the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee, led efforts to craft legislative text for the reconciliation bill within the EPW Committee’s jurisdiction. Click HERE for more details on this portion of the bill, including a one-pager, highlights, and a section-by-section.
    Additional West Virginia wins included in the legislation are below:
    Extends the Hydrogen Tax Credit (45V) until January 1, 2028, which will save Hydrogen Hubs across the country, including West Virginia’s ARCH2 project and the thousands of jobs that it will bring to West Virginia.
    Permanently restore 163j interest deductibility beginning after December 31, 2024, which will provide West Virginia’s small business owners the tools they need to compete, grow, and hire.
    Adds metallurgical coal as a critical mineral to 45x, which will have a significant impact on Southern West Virginia.
    Provides historic investments to strengthen America’s border security and immigration system, something that Senator Capito has long-championed during her time in the Senate, including during her many years as the top Republican on the Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee.
    Supports law enforcement officers by providing funding for training and equipment, hiring, and critical grant programs.
    Provides resources to help curb the opioid crisis, particularly the fight against fentanyl, by increasing funding to the U.S. Department of Justice to support efforts to combat deadly drug trafficking.
    Provides funding to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for the acquisition, construction, sustainment, and improvement of air traffic control (ATC) facilities and equipment.
    Sustains safety net programs like Medicaid and SNAP over the long-term. Specifically, the legislation puts Medicaid back on a more fiscally stable trajectory for those who need it.
    Invests significant funding in a rural health transformation program to improve access to care and stabilize critical hospitals and other providers.
    Creates a relief fund for rural hospitals, helping to support their critical services and those they serve in rural communities like the many throughout West Virginia.
    Establishes investment accounts for newborns to secure financial futures for every American child from birth.
    Provides $25 billion to replenish and increase stockpiles of critical munitions, including many that have key components manufactured at sites like Allegany Ballistics Laboratory in Mineral County, W.Va.
    Provides $500 million to support the readiness of National Guard units.
    Provides $100 million to accelerate production of the MQ-25 Stingray unmanned refueling drone, of which key components are manufactured in Harrison County, W.Va.
    Provides $1 billion for U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) support to border security missions and counterdrug enforcement to protect West Virginians from drug trafficking and fentanyl.
    Provides $9 billion to support service members and their families, including improvements to housing, healthcare, child care, and education benefits.
    Enhances the Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit (CDCTC), a tax credit that helps working parents offset the cost of child care.
    Establishes workforce Pell, which will allow students across West Virginia to utilize the Pell Grant to obtain certificates and credentials through short term programs, something Senator Capito has long-advocated for.
    Improves the Employer-Provided Child Care Credit (45F), which supports businesses that want to help provide child care for their employees.
    Expands the Dependent Care Assistance Plans (DCAP), which are flexible spending accounts that allow working parents to set aside pre-tax dollars to pay for child care expenses.
    Invests in rural America by providing significant funding for competitive grants to assist in the construction, alteration, acquisition, modernization, renovation, or remodeling of agricultural research facilities under the Research Facilities Act—something that various institutions of higher education throughout West Virginia support.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Chairman Capito Supports Passage of Republican Reconciliation Bill

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for West Virginia Shelley Moore Capito
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Chairman of the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee, issued the following statement after passage of the Republican reconciliation bill. With Chairman Capito’s support, the legislation passed and now heads to the U.S. House of Representatives.
    “Today, the Senate moved President Trump’s agenda forward and acted on the mandate given to Congress by the American people. Included in this bill are provisions I worked to craft through the EPW Committee that will lower energy costs for American families, return remaining taxpayer dollars spent recklessly by Democrats, and create more efficiency for infrastructure investments into our communities. Americans need reliable and affordable energy, wasteful spending needs to be cut, and our country needs to be able to build again. Together, we passed legislation to do that and more for American families and communities across our great nation,” Chairman Capito said. 
    EPW HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDED IN THIS LEGISLATION:
    Stops the Inflation Reduction Act’s (IRA) natural gas tax for 10 years, bringing certainty to American energy producers, preserving energy jobs, and incentivizing domestic production that will lead to lower costs for American consumers.
    Rescinds unspent dollars from the IRA in EPW’s jurisdiction that were put towards duplicative and wasteful initiatives with little oversight or accountability to the American taxpayer.
    Repeals the IRA’s Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund and rescinds all of that program’s unobligated dollars.
    Creates an opt-in fee program at the Council on Environmental Quality for expedited environmental reviews under the National Environmental Policy Act.The fee is set at 125 percent of the costs to prepare the environmental document or supervision and preparation of the environmental document when the project sponsor opts to prepare the document. Once the fee is paid, the provision sets a one-year timeline for completion of an Environmental Impact Statement and six-month timeline for an Environmental Assessment. 
    Click HERE to view a section-by-section on EPW’s portion of this legislation.
    Click HERE to view a one-pager on EPW’s portion of this legislation.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Lankford Secures Major Wins for Oklahoma Families, Energy Producers, and Small Businesses in One Big Beautiful Bill

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Oklahoma James Lankford
    WASHINGTON, DC — US Senator James Lankford (R-OK), a member of the Senate Finance and Homeland Security Committees, released the following statement after the passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill, which delivers the largest tax cut in history for hardworking Americans, secures the border, strengthens Medicaid program integrity, and rebuilds the military, all while cutting out-of-control spending.
    “This is a big, beautiful win for Oklahoma families, workers, seniors, and small businesses,” said Lankford. “This bill halts the largest tax increase in history, secures the border, and contains the most significant entitlement reform in years. I fought to make sure Oklahoma values were reflected in this package – protecting charitable giving, supporting energy jobs, and making it easier for businesses to grow and hire American workers.”
    Lankford secured key wins in the One Big Beautiful Bill to support Oklahoma families, job creators, and charitable giving.
    He secured the charitable deduction for non-itemizers, allowing couples to deduct up to $2,000 in donations. This will help more Americans support local churches, charities, and non-profits.
    Lankford also led the repeal of the Biden administration’s tax penalty on oil and gas producers by restoring key investment deductions. This will allow energy producers to reinvest, create jobs, and keep energy prices stable.
    He also worked to make full, immediate expensing permanent so businesses can deduct the full cost of equipment and technology up front. This will drive expansion, innovation, and job creation across Oklahoma. 
    Background
    Lankford has been outspoken on what it would have meant for Oklahomans if the One Big Beautiful Bill hadn’t passed the Senate and if President Trump’s 2017 Tax Cuts expire:
    A staggering 63,000 jobs were projected to be lost.
    The average Oklahoma family faced a $2,013 tax increase.
    Nearly 449,000 households would have seen their child tax credit reduced by 50%.
    Over 233,000 small business owners would have been hit with significant tax hikes.
    More than 1.5 million families would have had their standard deduction cut in half.
    To read more about how this bill helps families, seniors, the vulnerable and disabled, farmers and ranchers, small businesses, as well as strengthens our national defenses, unleashes American energy, and secures the border, see below: 
    How this bill helps families
    This bill delivers the largest tax cut in history, which will result in higher wages and higher take home pay. This is also the most substantial entitlement reform in years, which will help our safety net programs stay viable for those in need.
    The average family will save about $5,000 in additional taxes next year.
    There will be no tax on tips, an increased standard deduction for seniors, no tax on overtime, and a tax break for those who buy new cars made in America.
    This bill will also give families $2,200 per child up to 16 years old every year. It will also create a savings account for every child born between 2025 and the end of 2028 – each account would start with a $1,000 deposit that parents can invest for their kids, giving kids a financial boost from birth.
    In Oklahoma, the long-run wage increase is projected to go from $4,800 to $9,100 according to the Council of Economic Advisers.
    In Oklahoma, the take-home pay increase for a family of four is projected to go from $6,500 to $10,800 according to the Council of Economic Advisers.
    This bill also expands the adoption tax credit and indexes it for inflation. It also allows for tribal governments to decide when a child qualifies as having special needs to extra help under the credit. When adoption can cause as much as $60,000, this tax credit will make it easier for families to welcome a child in need into their lives and homes.
    Police officers, firefighters, truckers, linemen, and others who work overtime will take home an average of more than $1,300 a year because of the no tax on overtime in this bill.
    Those who buy a new American-made car will be able to write off some of the interest from their car loan, which will help families and American manufacturing.
    How this bill helps seniors
    Seniors who make less than $75,000 as an individual or a couple who makes less than $150,000 will see a $6,000 increase in their standard deduction regardless of whether they are receiving Social Security yet or not.
    How this bill helps vulnerable and disabled patients
    This bill is good news for vulnerable and disabled patients because it protects the aged, blind, and disabled from changes to Medicaid. It also blocks Biden’s nursing home staffing mandate that threatened rural care facilities, it boosts physician payments to offset cuts that the Biden administration had implemented, and it ensures continued access to care and incentivizes innovation, especially for those with rare diseases or who need access to telehealth options. It also prohibits tax dollars from going to Planned Parenthood through Medicaid.
    How this bill helps farmers and ranchers
    This bill delivers wins for rural America by expanding the farm safety net, strengthening crop insurance, and supporting agricultural trade. The bill also restores accountability in nutrition programs and ensures food assistance serves Americans in need, not illegal immigrants. 
    This bill would keep two million family farms safe from the death tax by making permanent death tax exemptions from the 2017 Trump Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.
    How this bill incentivizes giving to charity
    Sen. Lankford was proud to lead on restoring a tax deduction for non-itemizers – up to $2,000 per couple – which will help more Americans support charities, houses of worship, and non-profits, especially those that serve the most vulnerable. 
    How this bill helps energy production
    Sen. Lankford also led a repeal of the Biden administration’s unfair tax penalty on oil and gas producers by restoring key investment deductions, which will allow domestic energy producers to reinvest, create jobs, and keep energy costs stable. 
    How this bill helps businesses
    Sen. Lankford worked to make full, immediate expensing permanent, so businesses can deduct investments like equipment and technology up front, which will help fuel job creation and business expansion.
    How this bill cracks down on illegal immigration
    This bill devotes $160 billion to hire more Border Patrol Agents, more ICE officers, and to finish the border wall and invest in technology to secure the border.
    How this bill helps our air traffic control system
    The bill invests $12.5 billion to modernize America’s air traffic control system, by replacing outdated equipment, upgrading safety infrastructure, and expanding controller training so we continue to have the safest skies in the world. 
    How this bill strengthens our national defense
    This bill provides $150 billion to strengthen our military, rebuild our defense industrial base, and support border security missions. It also funds the Golden Dome initiative, boosts efforts to counter China, improves the quality of life for our servicemembers, invests in the tools needed to improve Pentagon accountability and delivers a clean audit.

    MIL OSI USA News –