Source: United States Navy
Adm. Lisa Franchetti, chief of naval operations discusses the Navy’s 2024 Navigation Plan at the Atlantic Council in Washington D.C., October 16, 2024. The moderator is Dan Lamothe, National Security Writer, the Washington Post. General James L. Jones, Executive Chairman Emeritus, Atlantic Council, gives the introduction.
Source: United States Navy
Acting Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Jim Kilby visited the BlackSea Technologies (BlackSea) headquarters and production facilities in Baltimore, June 18, to see first-hand how BlackSea supports the U.S. Navy’s Small Unmanned Surface Vehicles (sUSV) program and how it plans to continue to expand its capabilities to support fleet operations.
Source: United States Navy
NORFOLK, VA (Navy Region Mid-Atlantic) – On Wednesday media is invited to attend the announcement of the Navy and Marine Corps 250th (NMC250) birthday celebration in Philadelphia, PA during a planning event 9 – 10 a.m., at the Philadelphia Marriott Old City, One Dock St. Senior Navy officials will make opening remarks, along with city leadership from Philadelphia and Camden. City and community officials will be in attendance.
Source: United States Navy
Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro, Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Franchetti, and Commandant of the Marine Corps Gen. Eric Smith testified before the House Armed Forces Committee on the 2025 Navy budget request, May 1, 2024. Below is a transcript of the hearing:
Source: United States Navy
Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro, Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Franchetti, and Commandant of the Marine Corps Gen. Eric Smith testified before the Senate Appropriations Committee’s Subcommittee on Defense, April 16, 2024. Below is a transcript of the hearing:
Source: United States Navy
Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro, Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Franchetti, and Commandant of the Marine Corps Gen. Eric Smith testified before the House Appropriations Committee’s Subcommittee on Defense, April 10, 2024. Below is a transcript of the hearing:
Source: United States Navy
Modern U.S. Navy guided-missile cruisers perform primarily in a Battle Force role. These ships are multi-mission Air Warfare (AW), Undersea Warfare (USW), Naval Surface Fire Support (NSFS) and Surface Warfare (SUW) surface combatants capable of supporting carrier battle groups, amphibious forces or operating independently and as flagships of surface action groups.
Source: United States Navy
The Expeditionary Fast Transport (EPF) is a shallow draft, all aluminum, commercial-based catamaran capable of intra-theater personnel and cargo lift, providing combatant commanders high-speed sealift mobility with inherent cargo handling capability and agility to achieve positional advantage over operational distances.
Source: United States Marines
The Marine Corps released the latest Talent Management update in support of Force Design, highlighting the continuous efforts to modernize and innovate its talent management systems, enhancing readiness and empowering Marines to thrive in a dynamic operational environment. Building on the foundation set by Talent Management 2030 and the Talent Management Campaign Plan 2023-2025, Manpower and Reserve Affairs (M&RA) achieved significant milestones in retaining, developing, and optimizing the force.
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator Peter Welch (D-Vermont)
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) tonight released a statement after the United States bombed three nuclear sites in Iran:
“President Trump’s decision to enter a war with Iran does not make America more secure—it puts us in extreme danger. This bombing was an act of war that risks retaliation by the Iranian regime.
“Any hope of diplomacy has been irreparably harmed, and the White House is now allowing Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu to drag us into his war against Iran. We cannot bomb our way to peace. We do not want Iran to have a nuclear weapon, and the way to ensure that is to work with our allies to ensure our global safety.
“Under the constitution, it is the responsibility of Congress—not the president—to declare war. The American people should have had a voice and an opportunity to debate this monumental act before a strike of this nature. We must return to Washington immediately.”
Senator Welch shared a video earlier this week voicing his opposition to taking action in the conflict between Israel and Iran, and urged Senators of both parties to strongly oppose allowing Netanyahu to pull the U.S. into yet another forever war in the Middle East.
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock – Georgia
As a father, my heart aches for families in Israel living in fear of an attack that may harm them and their loved ones. The Iranian regime’s threat remains real, and as the Senate considers its annual funding legislation, I will continue to support Israel’s right to defend itself. For the safety of our ally, Israel, and the region, and for our own national security, the Iranian regime must not have a nuclear weapon.
As a Senator for one of the largest military states and as a pastor who has, on many occasions, prayed with parents who lost a child through military service, I remain hopeful that we can reach peace through diplomacy. I call on the Trump administration to leverage American leadership in the vigilant pursuit of peace and I urge the Iranian regime to immediately return to the negotiation table—for the safety of all of God’s children. It’s critical the Administration respect Congress’s constitutional responsibility to carefully review any proposed use of American forces in yet another conflict in the Middle East.
My casework team remains available to coordinate with the State Department if any American faces obstacles leaving Israel or Iran. My casework team is available at (770) 694-7828 and casework@warnock.senate.gov.
Source: United States Department of Defense
Miami Marlins pitcher Tyler Phillips visited the Pentagon, taking time to honor his late grandfather, Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Frank C. Phillips, a 26-year Army and Air Force veteran who served in World War II and the Korean and Vietnam wars.
Source: United States Department of Defense
This week in the Defense Department, President Donald J. Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth sent guardsmen and Marines to Los Angeles, Defense Secretary Hegseth and Air Force Gen. Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, discussed the DOD’s pending budget for 2026, and the Army’s 250th birthday celebrations began.
Source: United States Department of Defense
Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David Allvin and Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force David Flosi hosted an all-call for Airmen at MacDill Air Force Base, highlighting the base’s vital contributions to force readiness, talent development and global power projection.
Source: United States Department of Defense
In this week’s look Around the Air Force, the Air Force Aid Society announces new aid categories to support DAF families; DoD is expanding child care initiatives to provide more options to military families; and Eielson AFB reaches a groundbreaking milestone for U.S. energy security.
Source: United Nations secretary general
I am gravely alarmed by the use of force by the United States against Iran today. This is a dangerous escalation in a region already on the edge – and a direct threat to international peace and security.
There is a growing risk that this conflict could rapidly get out of control – with catastrophic consequences for civilians, the region, and the world.
I call on Member States to de-escalate and to uphold their obligations under the UN Charter and other rules of international law.
At this perilous hour, it is critical to avoid a spiral of chaos.
There is no military solution. The only path forward is diplomacy. The only hope is peace.
Source: US State of New York
Today’s buyback event in Schenectady resulted in 367 guns being turned in, including 147 assault weapons, 92 handguns, and 65 long guns, among others. Following today’s gun buyback event, Attorney General James has helped remove more than 9,500 guns out of New York communities.
“The State Police is proud to partner with the New York State Attorney General’s Office on this initiative, with the shared goal of preventing senseless gun-involved tragedies and improving safety in our local communities,” said New York State Police Superintendent Steven G. James. “Gun buyback programs can prevent firearms from falling into the wrong hands, and are a compliment to our overall strategy to reduce gun violence.”
“This gun buyback is a safe and approachable way to remove unwanted weapons from the community,” said Schenectady Mayor Gary McCarthy. “I am pleased that our city was able to support the Attorney General’s Office and our other local law enforcement partners to work together on this important initiative.”
“We thank the Attorney General for partnering with departments across Schenectady County to give folks a safe, simple way to turn in guns they no longer want or need,” said Gary Hughes, Chair of the Schenectady County Legislature. “Programs like this reduce risk and help make our neighborhoods safer.”
“Gun buyback events give people a safe and responsible way to dispose of firearms they no longer want or need. It’s a personal decision — and for many, it brings peace of mind,” said Assemblymember Angelo Santabarbara. “These programs help reduce the risk of accidents, theft, or misuse, especially in homes with children or vulnerable individuals. It’s a practical approach to public safety, and it allows people to take meaningful action on their own terms. I thank Attorney General James and our partners in law enforcement for organizing today’s event and providing community members the opportunity to be a part of the solution to senseless gun violence.”
“Gun safety continues to be one of the most pressing issues we face across the country,” said Assemblymember Phil Steck. “Events like this gun buyback are critical tools in helping to reduce violence and get as many firearms off our streets as possible. I commend Attorney General James, the Schenectady Police Department, and local law enforcement for their leadership and commitment to public safety, and I’m proud to see initiatives like this happening in our community.”
“I applaud Attorney General James, the New York State Police, and all our law enforcement partners for coordinating today’s gun buyback event in Schenectady,” said Chief Michael Brown, Rotterdam Police Department. “These events allow community members to take action against gun violence and turn in unwanted firearms. Our community is safer because of gun buyback events like these, and I look forward to working with our law enforcement partners in the future to protect our communities and our streets.”
“The Scotia Police Department is proud to work alongside our partner agencies in Schenectady County and the New York State Attorney General’s Office for this important gun buyback event,” said Chief Adam Halbfinger, Scotia Police Department. “Collaborative efforts like this are vital to making our community a safer place for everyone.”
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
This file photo taken on June 20, 2025 shows U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House in Washington, D.C., the United States. Trump said Saturday that the United States has completed attacks on three nuclear sites in Iran, including “Fordow, Natanz and Esfahan.”
“All planes are now outside of Iran airspace. A full payload of BOMBS was dropped on the primary site, Fordow,” he said on the social platform Truth Social. (Xinhua/Hu Yousong)
U.S. President Donald Trump said Saturday that the United States has completed attacks on three nuclear sites in Iran, including “Fordow, Natanz and Esfahan.”
“All planes are now outside of Iran airspace. A full payload of BOMBS was dropped on the primary site, Fordow,” he said on the social platform Truth Social.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Greg Steube (FL-17)
June 22, 2025 | Press ReleasesWASHINGTON — U.S. Representative Greg Steube (R-Fla.) today released the following statement on the U.S. military strikes on Iran:“President Trump made every effort to give Iran a peaceful off-ramp to dismantle its nuclear ambitions. The Ayatollah’s refusal to negotiate in good faith confirms what we’ve long known: Iran cannot be trusted with nuclear weapons.
I’m deeply grateful to our brave men and women in uniform for executing their mission with courage and precision. And I thank President Trump for his decisive leadership during this critical moment.”
The Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa is calling out for New Zealanders to condemn the US bombing of Iran.
PSNA Co-Chair, Maher Nazzal, says he hopes, but does not expect, that the New Zealand government will be critical of the US for its war escalation.
“Israel has once again hoodwinked the United States into fighting Israel’s wars.
“Israel’s Prime Minister has declared Iran to be on the point of producing nuclear weapons since the 1990s. It’s all part of his big plan for expulsion of Palestinians from Palestine to create a Greater Israel, and regime change for the entire region.”
“Israel knows Arab and European countries will fall in behind these plans and in many cases actually help implement them.”
“It is a dreadful day for the Palestinians. Netanyahu’s forces will be turned back onto them in Gaza and the West Bank.”
“It is just as dreadful day for the whole Middle East. Trump has tried to add Iran to the disasters of US foreign policy in Iraq, Syria and Afghanistan. The US simply doesn’t care how many people will die.”
Maher Nazzal
Co-Chair PSNA
Source: United States Department of Defence
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth; Air Force Gen. Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff; and Bryn Woollacott MacDonnell, performing the duties of the Defense Department comptroller, testified during a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing on DOD’s fiscal year 2026 budget in Washington.
Source: United States Department of Defence
This week in the Defense Department, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth directed the creation of a Military Recruitment Task Force, leaders testified on the department’s fiscal year 2026 budget request and Greenland was shifted from the U.S. European Command’s area of responsibility to the U.S. Northern Command’s area of responsibility.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Mike Johnson (LA-04)
Washington, June 21, 2025
Speaker Johnson today released the following statement:
“The military operations in Iran should serve as a clear reminder to our adversaries and allies that President Trump means what he says.
“The President gave Iran’s leader every opportunity to make a deal, but Iran refused to commit to a nuclear disarmament agreement.
“President Trump has been consistent and clear that a nuclear-armed Iran will not be tolerated. That posture has now been enforced with strength, precision, and clarity.
“The President’s decisive action prevents the world’s largest state sponsor of terrorism, which chants ‘Death to America,’ from obtaining the most lethal weapon on the planet. This is America First policy in action.
“God bless our brave men and women in uniform — the most lethal fighting force on the planet — as we pray for their safe return home. May God bless America.”
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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Derrick Van Orden (Wisconsin 3rd)
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Derrick Van Orden (WI-03) released the following statement after the United States struck Iran’s nuclear facilities:
“Iran’s first mistake was not signing the deal that President Trump offered. Their second mistake was believing President Trump would not take the necessary steps to protect our allies and interests abroad.
“As the largest state sponsor of terrorism who is responsible for the deaths of thousands of Americans, it is imperative that the Iranian regime never possess a nuclear weapon. The weak national security leadership of the Obama and Biden administrations emboldened Iran, allowing them to advance their nuclear capabilities greater than ever before. I fully support President Trump’s actions to defend our greatest ally in the Middle East, Israel, and send a clear message to our adversaries that America does not tolerate nuclear intimidation.
“May God bless our magnificent military and protect Israel in these troubling times.”
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Source: United States Small Business Administration
ATLANTA–The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced the availability of low interest federal disaster loans for Illinois small businesses, private nonprofits, and residents affected by the severe storms and tornadoes occurring May 16, 2025. The SBA issued a disaster declaration in response to a request received from Gov. JB Pritzker on June 18.
The declaration covers the Illinois counties of Franklin, Jackson, Johnson, Pope, Saline, Williamson, and Union in Illinois are eligible for both physical damage loans and Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs) from the SBA.
Small businesses and private nonprofits are eligible to apply for business physical disaster loans and may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace disaster-damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory, and other business assets.
Homeowners and renters are eligible to apply for home and personal property loans and may borrow up to $100,000 to replace or repair personal property, such as clothing, furniture, cars, and appliances. Homeowners may apply for up to $500,000 to replace or repair their primary residence.
Applicants may also be eligible for a loan increase of up to 20% of their physical damage, as verified by the SBA, for mitigation purposes. Eligible mitigation improvements include strengthening structures to protect against high wind damage, upgrading to wind rated garage doors, and installing a safe room or storm shelter to help protect property and occupants from future damage.
“One distinct advantage of SBA’s disaster loan program is the opportunity to fund upgrades reducing the risk of future storm damage,” said Chris Stallings, associate administrator of the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the SBA. “I encourage businesses and homeowners to work with contractors and mitigation professionals to improve their storm readiness while taking advantage of SBA’s mitigation loans.”
SBA’s EIDL program is available to small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives and private nonprofit (PNP) organizations with financial losses directly related to the disaster. The SBA is unable to provide disaster loans to agricultural producers, farmers, or ranchers, except for small aquaculture enterprises.
EIDLs are for working capital needs caused by the disaster and are available even if the business did not suffer any physical damage. They may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable, and other bills not paid due to the disaster.
Interest rates are as low as 4% for small businesses, 3.625% for PNPs, and 2.81% for homeowners and renters, with terms up to 30 years. Interest does not begin to accrue, and payments are not due, until 12 months from the date of the first loan disbursement. The SBA sets loan amounts and terms, based on each applicant’s financial condition.
Beginning Monday, June 23, SBA customer service representatives will be on hand at the Disaster Loan Outreach Centers in the primary county of Marion to answer questions about SBA’s disaster loan program, explain the application process and help individuals complete their application. Walk-ins are accepted, but you can schedule an in-person appointment in advance at appointment.sba.gov.
The DLOC hours of operation are listed below:
Disaster Loan Outreach Center (DLOC)
Williamson County
500 N Holland St
Marion, IL 62959
Opening: Monday, June 23, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Hours: Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Sunday, Closed.
Permanently Closing July 3 at 3 p.m.
Disaster survivors should not wait to settle with their insurance company before applying for a disaster loan. If a survivor does not know how much of their loss will be covered by insurance or other sources, SBA can make a low-interest disaster loan for the total loss up to its loan limits, provided the borrower agrees to use insurance proceeds to reduce or repay the loan.
To apply online, visit sba.gov/disaster. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.
The filing deadline to return applications for physical property damage is Aug. 18, 2025. The deadline to return economic injury applications is March 16, 2026.
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About the U.S. Small Business Administration
The U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of business ownership. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow or expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov.
Source: United States Small Business Administration
ATLANTA – The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced the opening of Disaster Loan Outreach Center (DLOC) in Greene County to assist small businesses, private nonprofits and residents affected by the severe storms and tornadoes occurring May 16, 2025.
Beginning Monday, June 23, SBA customer service representatives will be on hand at the Disaster Loan Outreach Centers to answer questions about SBA’s disaster loan program, explain the application process and help individuals complete their application. Walk-ins are accepted, but you can schedule an in-person appointment in advance at appointment.sba.gov.
The DLOCs hours of operation are listed below:
Disaster Loan Outreach Center (DLOC)
Greene County
Greene County Event Centers – Business Office – East End
4503 W State Rd 54
Bloomfield, IN 47424
Opening: Monday, June 23, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday & Saturday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Thursday, 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Sunday, Closed.
Permanently Closing June 28 at 6 p.m.
“When disasters strike, SBA’s Disaster Loan Outreach Centers play a vital role in helping small businesses and their communities recover,” said Chris Stallings, associate administrator of the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the SBA. “At these centers, SBA specialists assist business owners and residents with disaster loan applications and provide information on the full range of recovery programs available.”
Disaster survivors should not wait to settle with their insurance company before applying for a disaster loan. If a survivor does not know how much of their loss will be covered by insurance or other sources, SBA can make a low-interest disaster loan for the total loss up to its loan limits, provided the borrower agrees to use insurance proceeds to reduce or repay the loan.
To apply online, visit sba.gov/disaster. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.
The filing deadline to return applications for physical property damage is July 29, 2025. The deadline to return economic injury applications is March 2, 2026.
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About the U.S. Small Business Administration
The U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of business ownership. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow or expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov.
Source: US Representative Val Hoyle (OR-04)
For Immediate Release: June 21, 2025
EUGENE, OR – Today, U.S. Representative Val Hoyle (OR-04) released the following statement following President Donald Trump’s unilateral decision to involve American forces in strikes on Iran.
“The U.S. Constitution is clear, only Congress has the power to declare war,” said Rep. Hoyle. “For too long Presidents of both parties have violated Congress’s authority and launched strikes around the world. This isn’t just about Congress, it’s about giving the American people a say in whether or not to send American troops into another foreign war.
“I will not defend the Iranian regime or understate the danger of a nuclear Iran. However, this is about a decision to drag American service members and the United States into another war in the Middle East. American lives are at stake and therefore Congress and the American people need to have a say in this decision.
“No president, Democrat or Republican, has the authority to bypass Congress when it comes to matters of war.”
Background
Since coming to Congress in 2022, Rep. Hoyle has been an outspoken critic of presidential abuses of Congressional War Powers by both Democratic and Republican administrations.
In 2023, Rep. Hoyle voted against the House’s version of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) in part due to concerns about War Powers authorities. She offered amendments to:
Prohibit U.S. involvement in the war in Yemen unless authorized by Congress;
End unauthorized U.S. military involvement in Syria;
And to repeal the 1991, 2001, and 2002 Authorizations for the Use of Military Force (AUMFs), citing their misuse by presidents of both parties who use them to unilaterally engage in foreign wars.
In 2023, Rep. Hoyle spoke out against President Biden’s use of unauthorized military strikes.
In January 2024, Rep. Hoyle was among the first Democratic Congresspeople to speak out against President Biden’s unilateral decision to launch strikes in Yemen.
In April 2025, Rep. Hoyle joined Rep. Jayapal (D-WA) and Rep. Khanna (D-CA) to lead 30 of her colleagues in calling out President Trumps unilateral decision to launch strikes in Yemen.
In June 2025, Rep. Hoyle was one of 14 original cosponsors of Rep. Khanna’s (D-CA) and Rep. Massie’s (R-KY) bipartisan resolution to require President Trump to seek Congressional authorization before launching strikes on Iran.
Congressional War Powers are clearly outlined by U.S. law:
Article I, Section 8, Clause 11 of the U.S. Constitution states that Congress has the sole authority to authorize military involvement in overseas conflicts.
Section 2(c) of the War Powers Resolution of 1973 states that the President can only introduce U.S. forces into hostilities in one of three scenarios:
1. After a declaration of war by Congress;
2. After a specific statutory authorization from Congress;
3. Or in a national emergency created by an attack on the U.S.
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Source: United States Small Business Administration
ATLANTA – The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced the opening of additional Disaster Loan Outreach Centers (DLOCs) in Montmorency and Mackinac counties to assist small businesses, private nonprofits and residents affected by the severe winter storms occurring March 28-30, 2025.
Beginning Monday, June 23, SBA customer service representatives will be on hand at the Disaster Loan Outreach Centers to answer questions about SBA’s disaster loan program, explain the application process and help individuals complete their application. Walk-ins are accepted, but you can schedule an in-person appointment in advance at appointment.sba.gov.
The DLOCs hours of operation are listed below:
Disaster Loan Outreach Center (DLOC)
Montmorency County
Montmorency County Building
12265 M-32
Atlanta, MI 49709
Opening: Monday, June 23, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Hours: Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Closed: Sunday
Permanently Closing: Saturday, June 28 at 2 p.m.
Disaster Loan Outreach Center (DLOC)
Mackinac County
Mackinac County Annex Building
100 S Marley St
St. Ignace, MI 49781
Opening: Monday, June 23, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Hours: Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Closed: Sunday
Permanently Closing: Saturday, June 28 at 2 p.m.
“When disasters strike, SBA’s Disaster Loan Outreach Centers play a vital role in helping small businesses and their communities recover,” said Chris Stallings, associate administrator of the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the SBA. “At these centers, SBA specialists assist business owners and residents with disaster loan applications and provide information on the full range of recovery programs available.”
Disaster survivors should not wait to settle with their insurance company before applying for a disaster loan. If a survivor does not know how much of their loss will be covered by insurance or other sources, SBA can make a low-interest disaster loan for the total loss up to its loan limits, provided the borrower agrees to use insurance proceeds to reduce or repay the loan.
To apply online, visit sba.gov/disaster. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.
The filing deadline to return applications for physical property damage is Aug. 8, 2025. The deadline to return economic injury applications is March 9, 2026.
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About the U.S. Small Business Administration
The U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of business ownership. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow or expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov.
Source: US GOIAM Union
IAM Local 2917 members recently hit the track to raise much needed donations for the Relay For Life 2025. The annual event, sponsored by the American Cancer Society at multiple sites around the world, gives teams an opportunity to raise money for medical research to end cancer. It has raised billions of dollars for cancer research since its first event in 1985.
IAM Local 2917 members raised nearly $2,000 with their walk.
“The Local could have just made a donation with a check, but the Women’s Committee and the Veterans Services program challenged our members to step up and walk,” said IAM Local 2917 Recording Secretary Margie Smith. “And we did more than walk! It was truly a great challenge and team effort.”
Smith recently completed the Leadership Excellence Assembly of Dedicated Sisters, or IAM LEADS course. She brought the enthusiasm from that course back to Eastern Georgia to rally her brother and sister union members to come together to form a team for this event.
Local 2917 represents Service Contract Act workers at Fort Stewart and Hunter Army Airfield just over 40 miles from Savannah, Ga. It is home to the 3rd Infantry Division, and one of the largest military mobilization points on the East Coast.
Local 2917’s team won the award for “Best T-Shirt” for the 80’s-themed event by combining the image of the “Walk This Way” record with a “Back to the 80’s” logo.
IAM Local 2917 members have participated in the Relay for Life event for three years, raising thousands of dollars each year.
The team was honored to walk this year in memory of late Local 2917 President Ray Caywood, who passed away from cancer unexpectedly this past February. Current Local 2917 President Colleen Brutton is also fighting cancer, and was at the event to inspire her members.
“These are the types of activities that warm my heart,” said IAM Southern Territory General Vice President Craig Martin. “We always come together when one of our own is in a fight, and cancer is a fight that we can’t see. Union members, like our brothers and sisters at 2917, are doing great work in their communities and supporting each other. I am honored to make a donation to their cause on behalf of the Southern Territory and the Executive Council.”
Anyone can still donate now at the link here to support this year’s donation from the Fighting Machinists of Local 2917.
The post A Cause that Hits Close to Home: Georgia Local 2917 Walks to Raise Cancer Research Funds appeared first on IAM Union.
Source: US State of Missouri
JUNE 21, 2025
Jefferson City — Today, Governor Mike Kehoe requested two federal disaster declarations in response to severe storms that resulted in heavy damage to homes, businesses, and public infrastructure in a total of eight counties in southwest Missouri this spring:
“The State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) and local partners worked in close coordination with FEMA and the Small Business Administration and once again documented large amounts of costly damage and response expenditures that meet thresholds for federal assistance to these impacted areas,” Governor Kehoe said. “Today, we are requesting a federal disaster declaration for the May 23-26 storms to rebuild damaged infrastructure in five counties and low interest loans to support homeowners, renters, and businesses in the three counties hardest by the April 29 storms.”
Joint preliminary damage assessments conducted by the SBA, SEMA, and local officials authorities documented that at least 80 homes and five businesses in Greene, Lawrence, and Newton counties sustained major damage and uninsured losses of more than 40% in the April 29 storms and warrant low interest disaster loans that would be made available through a Small Business Administration Disaster Declaration for physical and economic injury. President Donald Trump previously, on June 9, approved a federal Major Disaster Declaration for Public Assistance to repair and replace public infrastructure damaged in the April 29 storms, which included Greene, Lawrence and Newton counties.
Joint preliminary damage assessments conducted by FEMA, SEMA, and local officials estimated more than $18 million in emergency response costs and damage to public infrastructure in Dade, Douglas, Ozark, Vernon, and Webster counties as a result of the May 23-26 storms. The federal Major Disaster Declaration the Governor is seeking for this period would make the FEMA Public Assistance program available to local governments and qualifying nonprofits for the repair and rebuilding of damaged roads, bridges, and other public infrastructure as well as reimbursement of emergency response costs and debris removal.
Missourians with unmet needs are encouraged to contact United Way by dialing 2-1-1 or the American Red Cross at 1-800-733-2767. For additional resources and information about disaster recovery in Missouri, including general clean-up information, housing assistance, and mental health services, please visit recovery.mo.gov.
The following outlines the current status of Governor Kehoe’s additional federal assistance requests from this spring:
March 14 – 15 Storms
Status: Major Disaster Declaration Approved
March 30 – April 8 Storms
Status: Major Disaster Declaration Approved
April 29 Storms
Status: Major Disaster Declaration Approved
SBA Physical Disaster Declaration Requested on June 21
May 16 Storms
Status: Major Disaster Declaration Approved
May 23 – 26 Storms
Status: Major Disaster Declaration Requested on June 21
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