NewzIntel.com

Category: United States of America

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICYMI: Shaheen Presses Hegseth on Protecting American Troops in the Middle East and the Importance of International Agreements, Secures Secretary’s Commitment to Investigate Hiring Delays at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Hampshire Jeanne Shaheen

    (Washington, DC) – U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), a senior member of the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee, today questioned U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth in his first appearance before the Committee since being confirmed to lead the Pentagon in January. As violence escalates in the Middle East and President Trump weighs U.S. involvement, Secretary Hegseth did nothing to reassure the American public that men and women deployed in the Middle East, as well as Americans living abroad, would be protected if the President decides to enter the United States into active hostilities. Following concerns she heard from partners abroad at the Paris Air Show, Shaheen pressed Hegseth on the importance of international agreements like AUKUS (Australia, United Kingdom and U.S.)—which Secretary Hegseth has placed under review—to efforts key to deterring China. Shaheen additionally secured commitment from Secretary Hegseth to raise hiring delays at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard to the Director of the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to quickly get public shipyard workers onboarded into the jobs they’ve been hired to do that are integral to national security. Click here to watch the Shaheen’s full remarks and questions.  

    Key Quotes from Shaheen: 

    • On the escalation of violence in the Middle East, Shaheen said: “I understand that we have 40,000 troops deployed in the region, many of whom are in range of Iranian missiles. And it’s been reported that the president is being asked to consider providing the bunker-buster bomb that is required to be carried only by the B-2 bomber and would require a U.S. pilot. That raises real concerns about what retaliation might mean for the safety and stability of the entire region, and our troops and Americans who are in the region.” 
    • On hiring delays at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard that have been unaddressed by the Secretary, Shaheen said: “Last week, Mr. Secretary, […] you reaffirmed the need for an exemption for the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard to your hiring freeze. […] I’d like to ask you again, because we have not yet heard anything from you or from the Office of Personnel Management about how they’re responding to this. DoD has told us that the Office of Personnel Management needs to review every single new hire, one by one at a time when we need 550 people every year just to keep up with the Navy’s demand for maintenance and on its nuclear submarines. So will you commit to talking to OPM on this issue?” 
    • On the importance of international agreements, Shaheen said: “Six of us on this committee just returned from the largest air show in the world. […] And one of the concerns that I heard from many of the companies that I talked to was about the potential to partner with our allies and partners for innovation, for co-production, and one concern I heard was about the proposed review of the AUKUS agreement. That’s after the Australian government has already contributed half a $1 billion to our submarine industrial base. And American and UK shipbuilders have made capital investments to support the increased demand. So do you disagree with the position that President Trump has taken about AUKUS, that we should move forward? And what is the review expected to produce?” 

    Shaheen pressed Hegseth during a Defense Appropriations Subcommittee hearing last week on the impacts of the administration’s tariffs on steel and aluminum on the defense industrial base, supply chain lead times and our overall military readiness. In a letter to Secretary Hegseth last month, Shaheen raised concerns about how the President’s trade war harms defense supply chains and ultimately weakens America’s military readiness. The Senator expressed how tariffs on imports will increase prices for the Department of Defense’s defense acquisitions – harming its purchasing power and further raising costs on small businesses.   

    Citing national security concerns and a lack of qualifications on the Senate floor, Shaheen announced in January that Hegseth would be the first nominee for Secretary of Defense that she opposed since joining the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee in 2011.  

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICYMI: From the Paris Air Show, Shaheen Pens Wall Street Journal Op-Ed Warning Trump’s Trade Policy Threatens Our National Defense and Global Alliances

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Hampshire Jeanne Shaheen

    (Washington, DC) – After co-leading a bipartisan Congressional delegation to the Paris Air Show, U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) wrote an opinion piece in the Wall Street Journal warning that President Trump’s trade policy threatens American national defense and global alliances. In her piece, Shaheen argues that the president’s tariff policy threatens our relationships around the globe, exacerbates existing supply chain disruptions and threatens American defense readiness. You can read her op-ed here.

    In part, Shaheen writes: “While Beijing closely watches the war in Ukraine, it has also escalated confrontations in the South China Sea and conducted aggressive military exercises over the Taiwan Strait. In the face of these rising threats, our ability to produce and deliver weapons at scale—coordinated with our allies—is more critical than ever.”

    Shaheen concludes: “The Trump administration’s trade policies have weakened the alliances we rely on. Congress should reassert our leadership by re-examining its moves and exercising congressional oversight. If we’re going to be ready for the challenges ahead, we must treat American trade policy as a core pillar of American national security.”

    The op-ed is available here and in full below:

    Trump’s Tariffs Weaken America’s Military

    Eighty years ago, the U.S. Army Air Forces staged an exhibition beneath the Eiffel Tower. Thousands of Parisians gathered to admire the B-17 Flying Fortress—an American-built aircraft that helped liberate Europe from Nazi occupation. Primitive by today’s standards, those bombers were the product of a national industrial base operating at full capacity. They were deployed by a trans-Atlantic alliance that shared logistics, intelligence and purpose. That model of coordination is what we need now—but it’s being tested by a trade agenda that favors confrontation over cooperation.

    As I co-lead the congressional delegation to this week’s Paris Air Show, the world’s largest defense aerospace expo, I find myself asking: Is the greatest obstacle to America’s security not China or Russia but our own trade policy?

    The U.S. defense industry’s capacity to meet the demand for arms was already stretched thin by the Covid pandemic and conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine. The Trump administration further disrupted supply chains and increased production costs through more than 50 tariff announcements and a patchwork of shifting duties. The imposition of these tariffs has pressured allies to respond in kind. This cycle worsens supply-chain disruptions, driving up costs and causing delays in defense production.

    President Trump imposed 50% tariffs on steel and aluminum earlier this month. Regardless of any exemptions the administration offers, building a modern America-class amphibious assault ship requires 45,000 tons of steel. The net effect of this trade policy will be higher costs across the board, from military aircraft and lightweight armor plating to submarine repairs and shipbuilding.

    Tariffs will also affect small, specialized components like those used in jet engines, night vision systems, and landing gear. When I recently met with a New Hampshire company that makes ball bearings for the aerospace industry, executives told me tariffs have driven up their costs and extended their production time—concerns industry leaders echoed in Paris.

    These delays and rising costs don’t only slow American readiness; they erode our allies’ trust in the U.S. as a dependable partner. The strain is already evident. Although the F-35 fighter jet is “the pinnacle of aerial combat technology,” in Vice President JD Vance’s words, several North Atlantic Treaty Organization allies have signaled they may reconsider participation in the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter program.

    Demand for American-made weapons remains strong, especially from front-line nations like Poland. It is racing to acquire Himars rocket launchers and Abrams tanks. But even as the Trump administration pressures allies to spend more on defense, its trade policies and combative rhetoric are sowing doubt about the reliability of parts, maintenance and pricing. That’s prompting U.S. partners to reassess their long-term defense commitments. President Emmanuel Macron underscored this shift when he said, “My goal is to persuade EU countries that rely on U.S. weapons to choose European alternatives.”

    European leaders have legitimate cause for concern, and their increased defense spending reflects it. Vladimir Putin has reoriented Russia’s economy around the war in Ukraine, churning out more than 1,400 Iskander ballistic missiles a year and at one point signing up 1,000 new recruits a day. His effort is backed by North Korea, Iran and, most significantly, China.

    While Beijing closely watches the war in Ukraine, it has also escalated confrontations in the South China Sea and conducted aggressive military exercises over the Taiwan Strait. In the face of these rising threats, our ability to produce and deliver weapons at scale—coordinated with allies—is more critical than ever.

    The administration argues that reliance on foreign imports undermines American defense readiness and that tariffs will protect U.S. industries. But the defense industrial base has evolved over generations, and restructuring it would take decades—time we simply don’t have.

    Russia, China and Iran may feel distant to many Americans. But for those of us with family who served in World War II—or who confront national-security challenges daily in government service—the risks are clear and they are growing.

    As the B-17 displayed in Paris that summer of 1945 symbolized a robust industrial base united with steadfast allies, today’s defense readiness depends on a similarly coordinated approach—one that can’t thrive amid tariffs that alienate our closest partners.

    We need a smarter, more unified strategy. Tariffs on our closest allies aren’t only damaging our economy, they’re undermining our shared defense readiness. At a minimum, the administration should provide answers on how these tariffs are affecting our defense supply chains. I’ve asked Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth for this information but received no response.

    The Trump administration’s trade policies have weakened the alliances we rely on. Congress should reassert our leadership by re-examining its moves and exercising congressional oversight. If we’re going to be ready for the challenges ahead, we must treat American trade policy as a core pillar of American national security.

    Last week, Shaheen pressed U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth on the impacts of the administration’s tariffs on steel and aluminum on the defense industrial base, supply chain lead times and our overall military readiness. The exchange followed a letter sent to Hegseth in April where Shaheen raised concerns about how the President’s trade war harms defense supply chains and ultimately weakens America’s military readiness. The Senator expressed how tariffs on imports will increase prices for the Department of Defense’s defense acquisitions – harming its purchasing power and further raising costs on small businesses.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Shaheen, Collins Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to End Discrimination against LGBTQ+ Individuals in Jury Selection Process

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Hampshire Jeanne Shaheen

    (Washington, DC) – During Pride Month, U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and Susan Collins (R-ME) reintroduced their Jury Access for Capable Citizens and Equality in Service Selection (ACCESS) Act–bipartisan legislation that would prevent discrimination against LGBTQ+ Americans during the federal jury selection process. The Senators’ bipartisan bill would prohibit discrimination against jurors in federal courts on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity.   

    “Serving on a jury is a civic duty that no one should be prevented from fulfilling because of who they are or who they love,” said Senator Shaheen. “It’s preposterous that under current law there are no protections prohibiting discrimination against LGBTQ+ jurors in federal courts and Congress must take action to rectify this injustice.”

    “Serving on a jury is a fundamental right and obligation that no individual should be prohibited from fulfilling based on their sexual orientation or gender identity,” said Senator Collins. “I have long worked to fight discrimination, and I am proud to join this effort to help eliminate bias from our judicial system.”

    Prior to the start of a trial, potential jurors come to the courtroom and the judge and attorneys begin a process to select who will sit on the jury and determine the facts of a case. The purpose is to arrive at a jury that will be fair and impartial. This process involves asking the jurors questions about themselves and their experiences to discern whether they might harbor prejudices or hold strong opinions that would prevent an objective evaluation of the facts.  

    The United States Code currently prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin and economic status. However, there is no federal prohibition on discriminating against jurors based on sexual orientation or gender identity. Only seventeen states prohibit exclusion from jury service in state court based on sexual orientation and just twelve protect against discrimination based on gender identity. The Jury ACCESS Act would amend federal statute to include “sexual orientation” and “gender identity,” meaning that striking jurors on that basis would be prohibited under federal law for the first time.    

    Cosponsors of the bill include U.S. Senators Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Ed Markey (D-MA), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Peter Welch (D-VT), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Ben Ray Luján (D-NM) and Chris Coons (D-DE).

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senate Intel Vice Chairman on TikTok

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Commonwealth of Virginia Mark R Warner

    WASHINGTON – Senate Select Committee on Intelligence Vice Chairman Mark R. Warner (D-VA) today released the following statement:

    “Once again, the Trump administration is flouting the law and ignoring its own national security findings about the risks posed by a PRC-controlled TikTok. An executive order can’t sidestep the law, but that’s exactly what the president is trying to do.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SPC Severe Thunderstorm Watch 437

    Source: US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

    Note:  The expiration time in the watch graphic is amended if the watch is replaced, cancelled or extended.Note: Click for Watch Status Reports.
    SEL7

    URGENT – IMMEDIATE BROADCAST REQUESTED
    Severe Thunderstorm Watch Number 437
    NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
    450 PM EDT Wed Jun 18 2025

    The NWS Storm Prediction Center has issued a

    * Severe Thunderstorm Watch for portions of
    Southeast Indiana
    Northern Kentucky
    Southwest Ohio

    * Effective this Wednesday afternoon and evening from 450 PM
    until 1000 PM EDT.

    * Primary threats include…
    Scattered damaging winds likely with isolated significant gusts
    to 75 mph possible
    Isolated large hail events to 1.5 inches in diameter possible
    A tornado or two possible

    SUMMARY…A fast moving line of thunderstorms over Indiana will
    track eastward this afternoon and evening. Damaging winds along the
    leading edge of the storms is the primary risk.

    The severe thunderstorm watch area is approximately along and 70
    statute miles east and west of a line from 55 miles northwest of
    Columbus OH to 45 miles south of Cincinnati OH. For a complete
    depiction of the watch see the associated watch outline update
    (WOUS64 KWNS WOU7).

    PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

    REMEMBER…A Severe Thunderstorm Watch means conditions are
    favorable for severe thunderstorms in and close to the watch area.
    Persons in these areas should be on the lookout for threatening
    weather conditions and listen for later statements and possible
    warnings. Severe thunderstorms can and occasionally do produce
    tornadoes.

    &&

    OTHER WATCH INFORMATION…CONTINUE…WW 432…WW 433…WW
    434…WW 435…WW 436…

    AVIATION…A few severe thunderstorms with hail surface and aloft to
    1.5 inches. Extreme turbulence and surface wind gusts to 65 knots. A
    few cumulonimbi with maximum tops to 500. Mean storm motion vector
    26035.

    …Hart

    Note: The Aviation Watch (SAW) product is an approximation to the watch area. The actual watch is depicted by the shaded areas.
    SAW7
    WW 437 SEVERE TSTM IN KY OH 182050Z – 190200Z
    AXIS..70 STATUTE MILES EAST AND WEST OF LINE..
    55NW CMH/COLUMBUS OH/ – 45S LUK/CINCINNATI OH/
    ..AVIATION COORDS.. 60NM E/W /25NE ROD – 37SSE CVG/
    HAIL SURFACE AND ALOFT..1.5 INCHES. WIND GUSTS..65 KNOTS.
    MAX TOPS TO 500. MEAN STORM MOTION VECTOR 26035.

    LAT…LON 40558229 38438313 38438571 40558495

    THIS IS AN APPROXIMATION TO THE WATCH AREA. FOR A
    COMPLETE DEPICTION OF THE WATCH SEE WOUS64 KWNS
    FOR WOU7.

    Watch 437 Status Report Message has not been issued yet.

    Note:  Click for Complete Product Text.Tornadoes

    Probability of 2 or more tornadoes

    Low (20%)

    Probability of 1 or more strong (EF2-EF5) tornadoes

    Low (5%)

    Wind

    Probability of 10 or more severe wind events

    High (70%)

    Probability of 1 or more wind events > 65 knots

    Mod (30%)

    Hail

    Probability of 10 or more severe hail events

    Mod (30%)

    Probability of 1 or more hailstones > 2 inches

    Low (20%)

    Combined Severe Hail/Wind

    Probability of 6 or more combined severe hail/wind events

    High (90%)

    For each watch, probabilities for particular events inside the watch (listed above in each table) are determined by the issuing forecaster. The “Low” category contains probability values ranging from less than 2% to 20% (EF2-EF5 tornadoes), less than 5% to 20% (all other probabilities), “Moderate” from 30% to 60%, and “High” from 70% to greater than 95%. High values are bolded and lighter in color to provide awareness of an increased threat for a particular event.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Energy Secretary Wright Testifies Before Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee on FY2026 Budget Request

    Source: US Department of Energy

    WASHINGTON— U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright testified today before the U.S. Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources on the Department of Energy’s Fiscal Year 2026 budget request.

    Earlier this month, Secretary Wright testified before the U.S. House Energy Subcommittee to outline the department’s FY2026 request. He also appeared last month before both the U.S. Senate and U.S. House Appropriations Subcommittees on Energy and Water Development to outline department priorities and provide a comprehensive overview of the budget.

    The FY2026 Budget delivers on President Trump’s directive to restore American energy dominance, unleash every American energy advantage, and bring commonsense back to Washington. It returns non-defense discretionary spending to the most disciplined levels since 2017 and redirects over $15 billion away from the Green New Scam— a reckless Biden-era agenda that drives up costs, weakens reliability, and undermines U.S. energy strength. The department remains committed to being responsible stewards of American taxpayer dollars while protecting the affordable, abundant, and reliable energy our nation depends on. For more details, view the budget toplines here.

    Secretary Wright’s opening remarks:

    Thank you, Chairman Lee, Ranking Member Heinrich, and Members of the Committee, it is an honor to appear before you today as Secretary of Energy to discuss the President’s Fiscal Year 2026 Budget request for the Department of Energy.

    Under President Trump’s leadership, our priorities for the Department are clear—to achieve American energy dominance, bolster our national security, meet our Cold War legacy cleanup commitments and unleash historic innovation, including AI, for our nation and world.

    We are driven by a bedrock conviction that an affordable, reliable, secure energy supply is the foundation of a strong and prosperous nation. When America leads in energy, we lead in prosperity, security and human flourishing.

    We are committed to advancing our critical missions while cutting red tape, increasing efficiency, and ensuring we are better stewards of taxpayer dollars.

    The President’s FY26 budget will ensure taxpayer resources are allocated appropriately and cost-effectively. We will invest DOE’s resources in technologies and sources that support affordable, reliable, and secure energy and provide a return on investment for the American taxpayers. DOE has several tools at its disposal that can advance these emerging energy technologies, and I thank the committee for their leadership in establishing a new “Energy Dominance Financing Program” for DOE’s Loan Program Office as part of the One Big Beautiful Bill. This will enable DOE to return to its core mission of supporting projects that are most critical to America’s energy security while maintaining responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars—something DOE failed to do in the previous administration.

    It is deeply concerning how many billions of dollars were rushed out the door without proper due diligence in the final days of the Biden administration. DOE is undertaking a thorough review of financial assistance that identifies waste of taxpayer dollars, protects America’s national security and advances President Trump’s commitment to unleash American energy dominance. As a result, we recently announced the termination of 24 projects totaling over $3.7 billion in taxpayer-funded financial assistance. These projects failed to meet the economic, national security or energy security standards necessary to sustain DOE’s investment, and the taxpayers should not be forced to subsidize them.

    Instead, we are advancing a policy of energy addition—fully leveraging affordable, reliable and secure resources that have powered our country for generations. The United States is blessed with an abundance of coal, oil, and natural gas, and our Administration is committed to using them to meet growing energy needs of the American people.

    Every one of these resources was unleashed through the world-changing power of American innovation. Our National Labs are the engine that drives research and development to expand our energy dominance. We will prioritize research that supports true technological breakthroughs and maintains America’s global competitiveness.

    America must play a leading role commercialization of reliable, safe and secure nuclear energy, and we are taking steps to accelerate innovation in this sector. DOE is working to advance the rapid deployment of next-generation nuclear technology, including small modular reactors.

    I am proud to report that we have officially ended the previous administration’s reckless pause on LNG export permits and have returned to regular order for reviewing and approving new permits. DOE will also work to replenish the Strategic Petroleum Reserve—a national asset that protects our security in times of crisis—and I want to thank this committee for prioritizing funding to refill the SPR in the One Big Beautiful Bill.

    We are advancing President Trump’s pledge to lower the cost of living and expand choice by rightsizing DOE’s approach to home efficiency standards and regulations. Under the President’s direction, we’ve begun slashing more than 47 regulations as part of the largest deregulatory effort in history. These actions are projected to save the American people approximately $11 billion while restoring consumer freedom and lowering costs.

    The responsible stewardship and modernization of the nation’s nuclear weapons systems is paramount for this Administration. DOE is focused on addressing critical upgrades for the U.S. nuclear stockpile and maintaining our engine powerhouses for submarines and aircraft carriers. Both tasks will become even more crucial in the next few years.

    Our nuclear innovation as a nation began with the Manhattan Project, and the next Manhattan Project is clearly AI. DOE has a significant role to play in driving AI innovation for scientific discovery and national security. Our agency has world-class high-performance computing capabilities, including four of the world’s top ten supercomputers.

    Harnessing our energy potential to power global AI leadership while meeting growing demand will be the challenge of our time. But America doesn’t back down from big challenges or big builds.

    As Secretary of Energy, I am honored by the responsibility to help meet the American people’s growing energy needs and lead the world in energy development. I appreciated the opportunity to work with many of you on this committee to unlock America’s full energy potential and drive down costs for families with the One Big Beautiful Bill, and I look forward to continuing to work together to achieve President Trump’s energy dominance agenda.

    Thank you for the opportunity to testify before the committee today.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Energy Department Announces New Pathway to Test Advanced Reactors

    Source: US Department of Energy

    WASHINGTON— The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) today announced the start of a new pilot program to expedite the testing of advanced nuclear reactor designs under DOE authority outside of the national laboratories. In accordance with President Trump’s Executive Order, Reforming Nuclear Reactor Testing at the Department of Energy, DOE issued a Request for Application (RFA) and is seeking qualified U.S. reactor companies interested in constructing and operating their test reactors outside of the national laboratories using the DOE authorization process. Today’s action represents an important step toward streamlining nuclear reactor testing and ensuring at least three reactors achieve criticality by July 4, 2026.  

    “For too long, the federal government has stymied the development and deployment of advanced civil nuclear reactors in the United States,” said Energy Secretary Chris Wright. “Thanks to President Trump’s leadership, we are expediting the development of next-generation nuclear technologies and giving American innovators a new path forward to advance their designs, propelling our economic prosperity and bolstering our national security.” 

    President Trump is committed to re-establishing the United States as a global leader in nuclear energy and securing a reliable, diversified, and affordable energy supply to drive American prosperity and technological advancement. The new reactor pilot program will help to unleash American nuclear energy capabilities, support U.S. jobs and strengthen American innovation. 

    The pilot program builds on current efforts to demonstrate advanced reactors on DOE sites through microreactor testbeds and other projects led by the Department of Defense and private industry. It is specifically designed to foster research and development of nuclear reactors and not demonstrate reactors for commercial suitability. Seeking DOE authorization provided under the Atomic Energy Act will help unlock private funding and provide a fast-tracked approach to enable future commercial licensing activities for potential applicants.   

    DOE will consider advanced reactors that have a reasonable chance to operate by the July 4, 2026 deadline. Applicants will be responsible for all costs associated with designing, manufacturing, constructing, operating, and decommissioning each test reactor. Moreover, applicants will be competitively selected based on a set of criteria, including technological readiness, site evaluations, financial viability, and a detailed plan to achieving criticality.  

    Initial applications are due by July 21, 2025, with subsequent applications allowed on a rolling basis. DOE will sponsor an Industry Day event on June 25, 2025, which will include virtual and in-person attendance. Registration is required and additional information may be found on the FedConnect listing for the RFA. 

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Gov. Pillen Appoints Doele as District Court Judge in the Fifth Judicial District

    Source: US State of Nebraska

    . Pillen Appoints Doele as District Court Judge in the Fifth Judicial District

     

    LINCOLN, NE – Today, Governor Jim Pillen announced his appointment of Jason S. Doele of Norfolk as district court judge in the Fifth Judicial District. That district consists of Boone, Butler, Colfax, Hamilton, Merrick, Nance, Platte, Polk, Saunders, Seward, and York counties.

    Doele has been a partner in the law firm of Stratton, DeLay, Doele, Carlson, Stover & Stratton in Norfolk since Feb. 2010. Before that, He was with the firm of Jewell, Collins, DeLay, Gray and Flood, also in Norfolk.

    Doele is licensed to practice in both Nebraska and South Dakota. He has held a variety of positions with the Nebraska State Bar Association and served on a variety of committees. Doele is also a member of the Madison County Bar Association where he previously served as president. He is a board member of Faith Regional Health Services and the Lutheran Community Hospital Board. He continues to assist as a mock trial coach through the Nebraska State Bar Foundation.

     Doele attended the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and earned his juris doctor from the University of South Dakota School of Law.

    The vacancy in the Fifth Judicial District was due to the appointment of Justice Jason M. Bergevin to the Nebraska Supreme Court.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Jaws at 50: how a single movie changed our perception of white sharks forever

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By John Long, Strategic Professor in Palaeontology, Flinders University

    Shane Myers Photography/Shutterstock

    It’s been 50 years since Steven Spielberg’s movie Jaws first cast a terrifying shadow across our screens.

    At a low point during production, Spielberg worried he’d only ever be known for “a big fish story”. The film, however, did not tank.

    Jaws broke box office records and became the highest-grossing movie at the time, only surpassed by the first Star Wars released two years later in 1977.

    A combination of mass advertising, familiar “hero” tropes and old-school showmanship launched Jaws as the first modern blockbuster.

    Hollywood, and our relationship to oceans and the sharks within them, would never be the same.

    The novel Jaws was based on was a bestseller in its own right.
    Snap Shot/Shutterstock

    An unrealistic monster

    In Peter Benchley’s 1974 novel that Jaws is based on, the shark is 6 metres long. For added screen excitement, in the movie it grew to a whopping 7.6 metres.

    However, that’s unrealistically large.

    The average size of a mature great white (Carcharodon carcharias, also known as the white shark) is between 4.6 and 4.9 metres for female sharks and up to 4 metres for male sharks.

    The largest recorded living specimens peak at about 6 metres, with one monster specimen caught in Cuba in 1945 reaching 6.4 metres.

    Earth’s oceans have seen bigger predatory sharks in the past. The biggest one of all time was the megalodon (Otodus megalodon) which lived from 23 to 3 million years ago, and may have been up to 24 metres in length. However, it looked nothing like the modern white shark.

    We don’t know precisely how big the megalodon was, but certainly larger than the great white shark.
    Steveoc 86/Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA

    They’re not even directly related – another thing scientists learned quite recently.

    Who was the megalodon, then?

    White sharks first evolved between 6 and 4 million years ago in the shadows of the megalodon. A recent study showed the megalodon’s large serrated teeth show signs of it being a supreme opportunistic super-predator.

    That means it ate just about anything, but especially liked whales and marine mammals.



    Read more:
    Friday essay: Giant shark megalodon was the most powerful superpredator ever. Why did it go extinct?

    But white sharks are not directly related to the megalodon, whose lineage began with a shark called Cretalamna during the age of dinosaurs about 100 million years ago.

    By contrast, the white shark lineage began with an ancient mako shark, Carcharodon hastalis. It was 7 to 8 metres long and had large, similarly shaped teeth to the modern white shark but lacking serrated edges.

    A fossil intermediate species, Carcharodon hubbelli shows the transition over time from weakly serrated to strongly serrated teeth.

    White shark fossil species. Left, the serrated fossil tooth teeth of the extant white shark; right, a similarly shaped unserrated tooth of the extinct giant mako shark which gave rise to white sharks.
    John Long, CC BY

    How did Jaws affect white shark populations?

    Last year, the International Shark Attack File reported 47 unprovoked shark bites to humans worldwide, resulting in seven fatalities. This was well below the previous ten-year average of 70 bites per year; your chances of getting bitten by a shark are extremely rare.

    Following the movies that made up the Jaws franchise, there was an increase in hunting and killing sharks – with a particular focus on great white sharks that were already going into a decline due to overfishing, trophy hunting and lethal control programs.

    Between 80% and 90% of white sharks have disappeared globally since the middle of the 20th century. Recent estimates calculate there are probably less than 500 individual white sharks in Australian waters right now.

    When Jaws first aired, scientists didn’t know how long sharks took to reproduce, or how many offspring a white shark could have each year. We now know it takes about 26 years for a male and 33 years for a female to sexually mature before they can start having pups.

    Data about white shark births is sparse, but recently a 5.6-metre-long female caught on a drum line off the coast of Queensland had just four large pups inside her. This is a very small number. Some large sharks, such as the whale shark, can give birth to up to 300 young.

    Now that we know just how slow they are to breed, it’s clear it will take many decades to reestablish the “pre-Jaws” population of white sharks – important apex predators in the marine ecosystem.

    Charlie Huveneers from Flinders University about to take a tissue sample for research on white sharks. There is still a lot we don’t know about their biology.
    Andrew Fox, Adelaide, CC BY

    Will white sharks survive?

    White sharks are currently listed as vulnerable.

    This classification means if we don’t change the current living conditions for white sharks, including impacts caused by human activities such as commercial fishing, and the impacts of climate change and ocean pollution, they will continue to decline and eventually could go extinct.

    Currently, white sharks are protected in several countries and form the basis for an important tourist industry in Australia, South Africa, western United States and most recently Nova Scotia, Canada.

    These sharks are iconic apex predators that fascinate people. One of us (John) went cage diving with them recently off the Neptune Islands of South Australia and can attest to how breathtaking it is to watch them in their natural environment.

    In terms of economic impact, they are worth far more alive than dead.

    White sharks are a growing tourism draw in several countries.
    Andrew Fox, Adelaide, CC BY

    There’s still much we don’t know about white sharks

    The complete white shark genome was first published only in 2019. It has 4.63 billion base pairs, making it much larger than the human genome (3.2 billion base pairs).

    The genome revealed some surprising things, like how white sharks show strong molecular adaptations for wound-healing processes, and a suite of “genome stability” genes – those used in DNA repair or DNA damage response.

    The transcriptome (or sum total of the messenger RNA) of the white shark showed greater similarity to the human transcriptome than to that of other fishes. This hints that “unexpressed genes” in the shark could one day play a role in uncovering genetic pathways for potential cures in human diseases.

    Jaws and its sequels certainly brought white sharks to the attention (and nightmares) of humans, with devastating impacts on how we treated them as a species.

    Our relationship with white sharks reflects our relationship with nature more broadly – a feared antagonist within the current capitalist paradigm; an enemy to be tamed, contained or consumed.

    As we learn more of the peril and potential of these remarkable creatures, we can learn how to live with them, to see beyond our fears and value their role within our delicate ocean ecosystems.

    John Long receives funding from The Australian Research Council.

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

    – ref. Jaws at 50: how a single movie changed our perception of white sharks forever – https://theconversation.com/jaws-at-50-how-a-single-movie-changed-our-perception-of-white-sharks-forever-258306

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Markey Demands Answers from Verizon on Worker Exposure to Toxic Lead

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts Ed Markey
    Letter Text (PDF)
    Washington (June 18, 2025) – Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), a member of the Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee and the Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee, today wrote to Hans Vestberg, Chairman and CEO of Verizon, following the publication of a health evaluation from the National Institutes of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) showing extremely high concentrations of toxic lead at Verizon worksites and elevated levels of lead in workers’ blood. In 2023, an extensive Wall Street Journal investigation documented a sprawling nationwide network of legacy lead-sheathed cables that telecommunications companies—including Verizon—installed in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries and left underground, underwater, and overhead.
    In the letter the Senator writes, “It is Verizon’s responsibility—both moral and legal—to safeguard the well-being of its workers and the communities in which it operates. The exposure of telecom workers in Massachusetts to lead-laced environments, including manholes where sediment contained lead concentrations as high as 30,000 parts per million—150 times the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) current safety limit—demands the highest level of attention from Verizon. Verizon must act swiftly to eliminate lead exposure from its operations, remediate affected environments, and commit to full transparency and accountability moving forward.”
    Senator Markey continues, “Most recently, NIOSH completed a Health Hazard Evaluation confirming serious occupational exposures among Verizon workers in Massachusetts; we understand a copy of the final report has been provided to Verizon. NIOSH found that these workers were repeatedly exposed to lead because inadequate safety procedures in place failed to protect them. NIOSH also reviewed past blood-level testing by workers, which found examples of workers with elevated blood lead levels according to federal safety guidelines; this suggests recent worker exposure at unsafe levels of lead. Additionally, NIOSH hygienists found lead on workers hands, boots, and in their trucks, suggesting many may be unknowingly carrying home a substance that could endanger their families. Children are particularly sensitive to lead, with even low levels of exposure resulting in developmental delays, difficulty learning, and behavioral issues.”
    Senator Markey requests responses by July 9, 2025, to questions including:
    What is the status of Verizon’s efforts to compile a comprehensive inventory, including geographic mapping, of all known and suspected lead-sheathed cables it owns or for which it is responsible?
    What steps has Verizon taken since the publication of the Wall Street Journal investigation to:
    (a) Identify and monitor worker exposure to lead from lead-sheathed telecommunications cables?
    (b) Notify and protect workers performing duties in or near areas with lead-sheathed cables?
    (c) Inform the public, especially in environmental justice communities, about risks posed by lead-sheathed cables, and field and respond to concerns?
    (d) Test for and remediate environmental contamination around legacy infrastructure?
    (e) Provide medical monitoring, treatment, or compensation for lead-exposed workers?
    What is the status of any investigations by the U.S. Department of Justice, the EPA, or OSHA into Verizon’s handling of its lead-sheathed cables?
    Will Verizon commit to fully implementing all the NIOSH recommendations, including conducting routine BLL testing and retrofitting hygiene and PPE protocols across all affected facilities? Which recommendations, if any, has Verizon already implemented? What is the status of recommendations not yet implemented?
    Has Verizon conducted its own personal air sampling at work sites containing lead-sheathed cables? If so, please provide the results by year and location of the tests.
    (a) Does Verizon have an explanation for the personal air sample tested by NIOSH that exceeded OSHA limits?
    (b) How did Verizon previously determine whether to conduct a personal air sampling test?
    Has Verizon conducted its own manhole-soil-sediment testing at worksites containing lead-sheathed cables? Does Verizon have an explanation for the bulk sediment sampled that exceeded 30,000 ppm for lead?
    Why was Verizon not providing its workers in Massachusetts with lead removal wipes prior to the NIOSH Health Hazard Evaluation? Why did Verizon start to provide them—in place of wet wipes—between the first and second NIOSH site visits?
    What internal accountability measures is Verizon adopting to ensure executive leadership is fully informed and responsive to worker safety concerns related to lead exposure from legacy telecommunications cables?
    In February 2024, Senator Markey hosted a roundtable event in Chicopee, Massachusetts, along with state and local elected officials, public health leaders, and occupational safety and environmental experts, to discuss the environmental, public health, and occupational safety concerns posed by lead-sheathed telecommunications cables.
    In July 2023, Senator Markey, author of the 1996 Telecommunications Act, wrote to the United States Telecom Association (USTelecom) demanding answers to questions raised by the Wall Street Journal investigation, which found detectable levels of lead contamination in water and soil samples collected near lead-sheathed cables across the country.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Markey Statement on Supreme Court Ruling in United States v. Skrmetti to Restrict Gender-Affirming Care for Trans Youth

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts Ed Markey

    Washington (June 18, 2025) – Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), Ranking Member of the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Subcommittee on Primary Health and Retirement, today released the following statement after the U.S. Supreme Court announced its decision to uphold Tennessee’s cruel and discriminatory law that bans access to essential gender-affirming care for trans youth in United States v. Skrmetti.

    “Today, hate won. The far-right justices of the Supreme Court endorsed hate and discrimination by delivering a win for Republicans who have relentlessly and cruelly attacked transgender Americans for years. With 25 states already having laws in place that ban gender-affirming care for trans youth, the Supreme Court has cleared the way for families in half of the country to no longer access the medically necessary and life-saving care they need for their children. 

    “But here is what no Court nor politician can ever change: trans people will continue to exist. Their health care is lifesaving and essential, and trans rights are human rights. We have a fight ahead of us, but discrimination and hate cannot and must not win.”

    On September 3, 2024, Senator Markey and Senator Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), and Representatives Mark Pocan (WI-02), Jerrold Nadler (NY-12), and Frank Pallone (NJ-06) led 159 of their colleagues in submitting an amicus brief in United States v. Skrmetti, urging the Supreme Court to strike Tennessee’s ban, highlighting that the ban is driven by animosity towards transgender people and how health care bans dictate decisions that should be made between patients, health providers, and their families.

    On March 30, 2023, Senator Markey and Representative Pramila Jayapal (WA-07) introduced the?Transgender Bill of Rights, a landmark resolution to recognize the federal government’s duty in protecting and codifying the rights of transgender and nonbinary people, as well as to ensure trans people have access to medical care, shelter, safety, and economic security. The resolution creates a comprehensive framework for these protections to ensure that trans and nonbinary Americans are not discriminated against on the basis of gender identity or expression.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Following Trump Attacks on TPS, Markey, Van Hollen, Senate Democrats Put Forward Bill to Protect TPS and DED Recipients

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts Ed Markey

    Washington (June 18, 2025) – Today, U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) was joined by 30 Senate colleagues in putting forward legislation to provide qualified Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) recipients a path to legal permanent residency. The Senators’ reintroduction of this legislation – the Safe Environment from Countries Under Repression and Emergency (SECURE) Act – comes as the Trump Administration and the right-wing Supreme Court undermine TPS, a program that has for years provided refuge to those living in America who have fled natural disasters, violence, and political insecurity. The Trump Administration has revoked TPS for an estimated 563,000 recipients from five countries – Venezuela, Haiti, Afghanistan, Cameroon, and Nepal – and while there have been legal challenges filed against this action, the Supreme Court has temporarily allowed the revocation to stand – putting hundreds of thousands at risk of deportation to their home countries where they would face serious danger.

    This legislation is endorsed by AFL-CIO, Laborers’ International Union of North America (LIUNA), International Union of Painters and Allied Trades (IUPAT), CASA, National TPS Alliance, Working Families United, the National Network for Arab American Communities, International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU), Service Employees International Union (SEIU), and Communities United for Status and Protection (CUSP).

    “As Donald Trump continues to strip immigrant communities of critical legal protections, we must protect the individuals who came to our country seeking safe harbor and who cannot return home safely. I am proud to join my colleagues in introducing the SECURE Act, to ensure that individuals fleeing armed conflicts, political unrest, or environmental disasters have a guaranteed pathway to safety in the United States. Recipients of Temporary Protected Status and Deferred Enforced Departure are our friends, our neighbors, our colleagues, and we cannot turn our backs on them. We must be loud and clear – immigrants are welcome here,” said Senator Markey.

    “America has long used the TPS and DED programs to offer special legal protections to individuals in the United States whose lives would be put at extreme risk if forced to return to their countries of origin. As they’ve sought safety and stability here, TPS and DED recipients have built new lives in America, living here legally for years – sometimes decades – and making important contributions to our communities. But the Trump Administration is threatening both the lives they have built and the safety of these individuals – forcing TPS recipients to return to dangerous places like Haiti, Venezuela, Afghanistan, and more. This bill offers much-needed certainty to TPS and DED recipients – providing a path to stay safely in the U.S. and continue to call America their home,” said Senator Van Hollen.

    “TPS and DED recipients are valuable members of our communities. Many have lived here for years with U.S. children, spouses, and even businesses they’ve built — yet they are forced to live in uncertainty and fear that they may lose everything if they lose TPS or DED. I’m proud to introduce this legislation to give TPS and DED recipients a path to permanent residence so they can continue to contribute to America,” said Senator Kaine.

    “America is strengthened by the contributions and hard work of immigrants. But this Administration’s cruelty has left thousands of workers in limbo — without legal status and without work authorization,” said Senator Padilla. “The SECURE Act provides TPS holders who live and work in the United States legally, seeking safety after fleeing dangerous conditions in their home countries, the security of a pathway to permanent residency protections while continuing to contribute to our communities and economy.”

    “TPS recipients have come to the U.S. to escape widespread violence and environmental disasters in their countries that make returning home unsafe.  As they rebuild their lives here, TPS recipients, as longtime residents of the United States, deserve security and certainty about their immigration status,” said Senator Durbin. “I’m joining Senator Van Hollen to introduce the SECURE Act to provide TPS recipients a pathway to legal permanent residency.”

    “As the Trump administration terrorizes immigrant communities and arbitrarily revokes TPS and DED for law-abiding immigrants, it’s important that we speak up and push back every way we can, and support individuals who are contributing to our communities and would be at severe risk if they were to be forced to return to their countries of origin,” said Senator Murray. “I’m proud to join my colleagues in introducing the SECURE Act to provide immigrants with Temporary Protected Status and Deferred Enforced Departure a path to legal permanent residency.”

    “After escaping horrific violence and persecution in their home countries, TPS and DED recipients come to this country in search of a better life,” said Senator Cortez Masto. “These hardworking men and women have been living in and contributing to our communities for years, and it’s common sense to give them the certainty they need to fulfill the American Dream.”

    “Virginia is home to tens of thousands of law-abiding immigrants who are unable to return to their countries of origin due to painful extraordinary circumstances. Though these individuals benefit from certain protections from deportation, they remain in limbo despite having lived and worked in the U.S. for years,” said Senator Warner. “I’m proud to introduce this legislation to create a real pathway to permanent residency for TPS and DED recipients who drive our economy and make valuable contributions to their communities.”

    “The Temporary Protected Status program has been a lifeline that has allowed people and families facing unimaginable circumstances to find a safe refuge here in the United States,” said Senator Rosen. “TPS recipients contribute to our communities and our economy, and they deserve a pathway to permanent residency, which is why I’m proud to help introduce this bill. I’ll keep standing up to protect Nevada’s immigrant families.”

    “TPS holders deserve certainty, especially when the Trump administration is suddenly ending people’s status with no justification and forcing them to return to unsafe conditions,” said Senator Schatz. “Our bill would enable TPS holders to apply for permanent status so they can continue to live, work, and contribute in the United States without constantly being stuck in limbo.”

    “Families should have protection from ongoing wars, environmental disasters, widespread illness, and other dangers that make it difficult to return home,” said Senator Warren. “While Donald Trump makes it harder for immigrants to navigate our complex immigration system, Senate Democrats are fighting back to protect these vulnerable families.”

    “Scripture tells us: welcome the stranger in your midst,” said Senator Coons. “When we welcome those fleeing persecution and violence, hunger and poverty around the world, we show the world our values. That makes America safer, and it grows the economy in states like Delaware. The SECURE Act gives people searching for freedom and safety, who love this country, and who are already adding their valuable skills and gifts to our nation, a path to continue to do so.”

    “Our country has long supported families fleeing violence and seeking refuge,” said Senator Luján. “As this administration continues its attacks on TPS recipients, Congress must ensure a legal pathway to permanent residency for those who contribute to our communities every day. That’s why I’m partnering with my colleagues to reintroduce the SECURE Act to provide permanent protections for thousands of TPS recipients who live and work lawfully in the U.S.”

    “As immigrant communities continue to come under attack, the SECURE Act provides a clear pathway to permanent residency—offering overdue, necessary protections for immigrants and the lives they’ve built in our nation. America is a nation of immigrants and has a storied history of providing opportunity and refuge for those fleeing hardship or crisis. Individuals with TPS and DED have made America their home—using their talents and skills to strengthen our economies and enrich our communities—often while the countries from which they fled remain in turmoil,” said Senator Blumenthal.

    “Trump’s heartless immigration policies do nothing to make us safer and betray our core values—our nation always has been and always will be stronger because of our immigrant communities,” said Senator Duckworth. “While no one is arguing that we shouldn’t be deporting violent criminals who pose a danger to our country, it’s cruel to target people who fled from life-threatening situations and have been productive members of our communities for years. I’m proud to help Senator Van Hollen reintroduce this legislation to help give TPS and DED recipients a path to remain here as legal permanent residents.”

    “Our country should serve as a refuge for individuals who cannot return to their home country due to dangerous circumstances,” said Senator Hirono. “TPS holders and DED recipients living in our country are essential members of our communities, making up a significant amount of our workforce and contributing to our economy. As this administration continues its all-out attack on immigrants and their loved ones, I am proud to reintroduce this legislation to provide TPS and DED recipients peace of mind that they can remain in the country safely and with a path to lawful permanent residence.”

    “This bill is a necessary step in creating a pathway to legal permanent residency for TPS recipients,” said Senator Bennet. “They are already facing extraordinary and unstable conditions in their home countries; they shouldn’t have to face those same conditions here in the U.S.”

    “I’m joining the effort to pass the SECURE Act to stand by thousands in New Jersey who do not deserve to live in uncertainty and fear as the Trump administration arbitrarily revokes Temporary Protected Status,” said Senator Kim. “TPS recipients are friends and neighbors who are part of our communities and are essential to the economic growth of our state. We should use this moment to address disorder in our TPS program and immigration system – and deliver eligible families a pathway toward permanent stability and security.”

    “TPS provides protection for individuals and families who are unable to return to their countries due to dangerous conditions, including natural disasters, armed conflicts, and other disasters. Many find refuge in California where they can live and work lawfully under its protections. This legislation would provide a much-needed sense of security and stability to those who are living in the legal limbo caused by President Trump’s targeting of this program and his continued erosion of our nation’s commitment to helping those fleeing violence, famine, disease, and disaster,” said Senator Schiff.

    The legislation is cosponsored by Senators Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Catherine Cortez-Masto (D-Nev.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Andy Kim (D-N.J.) Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Mark Warner (D-Va.), Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.).

    “Immigrant workers are under unprecedented attack: hundreds of thousands of people have been stripped of their legal status and work authorization, throwing families and industries into chaos and uncertainty. Workers with Temporary Protected Status, many of whom have lived and worked in our country for decades, are vital members of our communities and our unions. The SECURE Act is common-sense legislation that would provide TPS holders with stable, permanent lawful status so they can continue to raise their families, work, and contribute to our economy,” said Liz Shuler, AFL-CIO President.

    “LIUNA commends Senator Van Hollen for his tireless efforts to protect workers and their family members who have Temporary Protected Status (TPS), many of whom are members of our union and who have lived and worked in the U.S. for decades. About 1/3 of TPS holders work in construction. The SECURE Act will not only provide permanence to these hard-working immigrants, but will also help the U.S. economy by retaining these valued immigrants in our workforce,” said Brent Booker, General President, LIUNA.

    “Every day, thousands of people with TPS and DED who have built their lives, families, and futures here are forced to live with fear and uncertainty. They deserve more than endless waiting; they deserve real, permanent protection. As attacks on immigrant communities grow across the country, we must act without hesitation. We are grateful to Senator Van Hollen’s leadership – in this time of growing instability, the SECURE Act will offer dignity, safety, and security for our community,” said Cathryn Jackson, Public Policy Director of CASA.

    “Immigrant families and allies continue to advocate for permanent protections. The National TPS Alliance calls for long-overdue justice to our immigrant communities. The reintroduction of the SECURE Act in the Senate addresses the uncertainty that our families have been living for years. This bill is timely, ensuring that TPS holders don’t fall out of status and in turn preventing irreparable harm to whole communities, continuing critical contributions to the nation’s economy. We urge congressional leaders to support this critical effort,” said Mardoel Hernandez, TPS recipient from Honduras and National TPS Alliance Executive Committee Member.

    “TPS holders, including members of my own union, contribute to our economy every single day. Some may not know it, but our society is dependent on TPS holders in different industries, including in the building and construction trades. We need the SECURE Act so these workers can continue living, working, and raising their families without fear,” said IUPAT General President Jimmy Williams, Jr.; IUPAT is a member of the Working Families United Coalition.

    “The SECURE Act offers overdue protection for hundreds of thousands living in fear of being uprooted from the families, homes, and careers they built. The National Network for Arab American Communities believes this bill reflects a critical truth: our democracy and safety are strongest when everyone has the opportunity to live and contribute freely and lawfully,” said Rima Meroueh, Director, National Network for Arab American Communities.

    “Now more than ever, we need a solution for immigrants with Temporary Protected Status from countries like El Salvador, Honduras, Venezuela and Haiti, whose lives have been in limbo under the chaos of this administration. We applaud the reintroduction of the SECURE Act by Senator Chris Van Hollen, which would create a path to citizenship for these individuals who contribute billions to our economy and whose lives would be in danger if they were sent back immediately to their home countries,” said Rocio Saenz, Secretary-Treasurer, SEIU.

    “The ILWU stands in strong support of the SECURE Act, a commonsense measure that serves our country’s interests and recognizes the dignity and contributions of TPS and DED holders — hardworking individuals who have paid their taxes, contributed to our economy, and been model members of our communities. These men and women have earned a chance to live without fear, continue to contribute to their communities and build their lives in the country they’ve long called home. We urge Congress to pass this vital legislation without delay,” said International Longshore and Warehouse Union President Robert Olvera.

    “Communities United for Status & Protection (CUSP) endorses the SECURE Act as a critical step toward justice and stability for immigrants with Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and Deferred Enforced Departure (DED). For decades, these communities—Black, Asian, brown, working-class immigrants from countries facing war, repression, and climate disaster—have lived, worked, and raised families in the U.S. They are essential to our economy, our neighborhoods, and our collective future. Yet they continue to live in uncertainty, without a pathway to permanent protection. The SECURE Act honors their dignity, recognizes their profound contributions, and upholds our nation’s values of fairness and humanitarian responsibility. We urge Congress to act with courage and conscience and pass this bill without delay,” said Carolyn Tran, Executive Director, Communities United for Status & Protection (CUSP).

    Additional Background

    TPS is a temporary, legal immigration status granted to foreign citizens who are endangered by conditions in their home country resulting from extraordinary events such as ongoing armed conflict, environmental disaster, or epidemic. TPS status is granted for set periods ranging from six to 18 months, requiring the Department of Homeland Security to extend a country’s status on a recurring basis. Each time a country is recertified, recipients must reapply and pass a thorough background check. Recent estimates found there are approximately 860,000 people with TPS in the United States.

    Deferred enforced departure (DED) is a temporary and discretionary administrative stay of removal granted to foreign citizens from designated countries. Unlike TPS, a DED designation emanates from the President’s constitutional powers to conduct foreign relations and has no statutory basis. Grants are usually in response to war, civil unrest, or natural disasters, through an executive order or presidential memorandum that provides eligibility guidelines.

    The SECURE Act will provide long-term stability for these individuals and their communities by giving them the ability to apply for legal permanent residency. Under the bill, all TPS recipients – current and past – and TPS and DED eligible individuals who have been continuously present in the United States for at least three years would be eligible to apply for legal permanent residency.

    Additionally, under the SECURE Act:

    • A spouse, domestic partner, child, or unmarried child of a qualifying non-citizen would be eligible to obtain permanent resident status (upon meeting certain requirements).
    • Individuals with a pending TPS application will receive work authorization and be eligible for travel authorization.
    • Non-citizens who have a pending application or is prima facie eligible for permanent status under the bill and intends to apply are shielded from deportation.
    • Information from an applicant’s application may not be shared or used for immigration enforcement purposes, with limited exceptions, such as for the identification of fraudulent claims.
    • DHS must report to Congress when terminating a country’s TPS designation with an explanation to justify the termination.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Ricketts Introduces VARIANCE Act to Strengthen American Trucking

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Pete Ricketts (Nebraska)
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE) introduced the Vehicle Axle Redistribution Increases Allow New Capacities for Efficiency (VARIANCE) Act.  The bill would improve regulations for American truckers by permitting a 10% axle variance for commercial motor vehicles transporting dry bulk goods.  Senator Adam Schiff (D-CA) is a co-lead of this legislation in the Senate.  Representatives Rick Crawford (R-AR-1) and Salud Carbajal (D-CA-24) are leading companion legislation in the House.
    “This is common-sense policymaking,” said Ricketts.  “Allowing flexibility for truckers with naturally shifting goods will help improve efficiency and safety in Nebraska’s agriculture industry.  American truckers want to carry the same sized load in loose dry bulk that they can for any other freight.  This bill is a win for every step along the supply chain.”
    “Providing commonsense flexibility to our transportation and agriculture sectors will ensure California consumers don’t face higher costs due to regulations that don’t acknowledge the realities of basic physics,” said Schiff.  ”The VARIANCE Act is a bipartisan and bicameral solution that will improve our supply chain, reduce congestion, and help California farmers and producers continue to feed the nation and the world.”
    The Variance Act would:
    Grant a 10% axle variance for commercial motor vehicles transporting dry bulk goods and increase the maximum weight on any tandem-axle trailer to 37,400 lbs. 
    Leave the maximum laden vehicle weight untouched at 80,000 lbs.
    The text of the bill is available here.
    “Farmers, manufacturers, miners, and many other industries depend on truckers to get their goods to market.  When dry bulk cargo is in transit, however, a simple physics problem arises: routine braking often causes the contents of trailers to shift,” said Henry Hanscom, American Trucking Associations SVP of Legislative Affairs.  “ATA applauds Senators Ricketts and Schiff for this bipartisan, commonsense solution that will prevent motor carriers from being unfairly penalized for weight variances, promote the efficient movement of freight, and support hardworking Americans in the trucking industry.”
    “The VARIANCE Act is a commonsense solution that helps address transportation bottlenecks in the grain and feed industry,” said Mike Seyfert, National Grain and Feed Association President and CEO.  “By allowing modest axle weight variances for dry bulk shipments, this legislation supports more efficient and sustainable supply chains while maintaining safety standards.”
    “For 37 years, the Agriculture Transportation Coalition has worked with truck, rail, and ocean carriers in pursuit of greater transport efficiency, in order to keep US agriculture and forest products competitive in the global marketplace,” said Peter Friedmann, Agriculture Transportation Coalition Executive Director.  “Domestic trucking is an important component of the international supply chain.  Thus the AgTC supports the VARIANCE Act to allow for variance in axle weight distribution, which will increase efficiency, safety, cost-effectiveness in transport of grains, feeds of our members.” 
    “This expanded partnership in the Senate showcases the broad support and practical impact of the VARIANCE Act. Thank you to Senator Ricketts and Senator Schiff for their commitment to improve the safe and efficient movement of dry bulk commodities across our country,” said Ryan Streblow, National Tank Truck Carriers President & CEO.  “By enhancing weight distribution for dry bulk trailers, we can increase payload efficiency, reduce highway congestion, and boost safety, all without additional infrastructure wear.  Today, many carriers’ underload, and this flexibility will enable them to hit gross vehicle weight limits and reduce truckloads on our roads.”
    “The Agricultural Retailers Association strongly supports the proposal to authorize a ten percent axle weight variance for commercial motor vehicles transporting dry bulk goods like fertilizer on the Interstate Highway System,” said Richard Gupton, Agricultural Retailers Association SVP of Public Policy & Counsel.  “This common-sense solution addresses the unique challenges posed by the natural shifting of dry bulk cargo during transport, ensuring that trucks can operate safely and efficiently without exceeding the maximum gross vehicle weight limit.  By granting this variance, Congress will not only improve the efficiency of transporting essential commodities like fertilizer and grain but also enhance the overall cost-effectiveness and safety of our nation’s infrastructure.  Agricultural retailers, farmers, and other supply chain stakeholders rely on policies like this to maintain the steady flow of critical goods that drive the U.S. economy.  We urge lawmakers to include this vital measure in the next surface transportation reauthorization bill.”
    “All fertilizer touches a truck at least once it its journey to the field.  Any delay in delivery can negatively impact crop yields and contribute to increased food prices for consumers,” said Corey Rosenbush, Fertilizer Institute President and CEO.  “The Fertilizer Institute thanks Senators Ricketts and Schiff, as well as Representatives Crawford and Carbajal, for their bipartisan leadership in introducing this important legislation to help ensure that fertilizer reaches farmers precisely when and where it is needed.”
    BACKGROUND:
    Corn, soybeans, and other dry bulk are key to Nebraska’s $9.9 billion in agricultural exports.  Nebraska has over 1,600 dry bulk trucking companies, with nearly 18,000 dry bulk drivers.
    Present law limits the maximum laden weight of a commercial truck to 80,000 lbs., including the weight of the cargo.  Most trailers transporting dry bulk goods are tandem axle, limiting the weight for each axle to 34,000 lbs.  Dry bulk goods include plastic pellets, flour, aggregates, and other solid substances with individual particles that easily separate.  Bulk loads of dry goods regularly shift during transport and cause the front trailer axle to exceed its maximum 34,000 lbs.  The force generated when braking compacts the cargo at the front end of the trailer, but the relatively weaker forces from acceleration and forward movement fail to evenly redistribute the weight across axles.  So, even when the cargo was properly loaded, the truck’s natural motion causes the load to become improperly distributed.  This bill would maintain maximum laden vehicle weight limits but allow for cargo to become unevenly distributed during the course of transportation.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senators Ricketts and Kaine Introduce the AUKUS Improvement Act

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Pete Ricketts (Nebraska)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Pete Ricketts (R-NE) and Tim Kaine (D-VA) introduced the AUKUS Improvement Act. Building upon the bipartisan, AUKUS-enabling legislation in the FY24 National Defense Authorization Act, the AUKUS Improvement Act will further streamline defense industrial base collaboration and co-production between the United States, Australia, and the United Kingdom.  The legislation was also sponsored by Senators John Cornyn (R-TX), Chris Murphy (D-CT), and Dan Sullivan (R-AK).

    “The United States, Australia, and the United Kingdom collectively face our most challenging threat environment since WWII. As we approach the 4th anniversary of AUKUS, it’s clear more should be done to break down bureaucratic obstacles and ensure a more seamless defense innovation and trade environment,” said Ricketts. “By streamlining transfers of critical capabilities to two of our closest allies while also facilitating a more efficient co-production ecosystem, the AUKUS Improvement Act will strengthen our allies’ warfighting edge, improve interoperability, and support our own industrial base.”

    “The AUKUS partnership is critical to countering the threat from China and ensuring the Indo-Pacific remains free and open,” said Kaine. “I’m proud to introduce this bipartisan legislation to strengthen AUKUS and boost defense collaboration among our countries.”

    The AUKUS Improvement Act would:

    • Exempt State Department-vetted entities that have been approved as AUKUS Authorized Users from the requirement to obtain Third Party Transfer approvals under Foreign Military Sales. 
    • Exempt Australia and the United Kingdom from the need for Congressional Notification for overseas manufacturing.

    BACKGROUND:

    In the last five years, Australia has placed $23 billion in Foreign Military Sales (FMS) orders, making it one of the biggest users of the FMS process. FMS ensures Australia is procuring the exact same variant that the U.S. military uses, enabling greater interoperability. It also supports American deployed forces operating in Australia through access to spare parts. Australia is often required to transfer elements of equipment procured through FMS to industry for further development, operation, maintenance, and sustainment. In order to do this, it must obtain written consent from the State Department in the form of a Third Party Transfer (TPT) request. However, the TPT process can be slow, with applications often taking many months before being approved. By making TPTs made under FMS subject to similar export controls to those made under AUKUS for Direct Commercial Sales (DCS), the AUKUS Improvement Act will get capability in the hands of our allies faster.

    In March 2021, Australia established the Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance (GWEO) Enterprise to expand its munitions and missile stockpiles, establish domestic manufacturing ofguided weapons, and supplement international partners’ supply chains. As part of this announcement, Australia and the U.S. agreed to collaborate on a flexible guided weapons production capability in Australia, with an initial focus on the potential for co-production of Guided Multiple Launch Rocket Systems (GMLRS) by 2025, and eventual co-production of the Precision Strike Missile (PrSM).

    However, the Arms Export Control Act requires Congressional Notification (CN) 15 days prior to approving a commercial technical assistance or manufacturing license agreement to manufacture significant military equipment abroad, regardless of the value. Currently, State Department excludes any transfer of defense articles, technical data, or services that requires a CN from the license-free environment and expedited processing provisions under AUKUS. Therefore, Australia is required to obtain a Manufacturing License Agreement to receive the technical data and manufacturing know-how for each component of a precision-guided munition. This adds complexity, time, and cost, therebylimiting munitions co-production cooperation that benefits both the U.S. and Australia.

    Bill text can be found here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Pelosi Joins House Democrats in Defending NIH Grants Against Trump Administration’s Unlawful Termination

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi Representing the 12th District of California

    Washington, D.C. — Today, Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi joined 151 House Democrats in filing an amicus brief challenging the Trump Administration’s illegal and devastating cuts to life-saving medical research grants at the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The brief defends Congress’s Article I authority to appropriate federal funds and speaks up for every American who relies on crucial life-saving biomedical and public health research conducted at universities, medical schools, research hospitals, and other scientific institutions across the country. 

    House Democrats’ amicus brief was filed in the consolidated cases Commonwealth of Massachusetts v. NIH, Association of American Medical Colleges v. NIH, and Association of American Universities v. Department of Health and Human Services, all currently before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit. These cases challenge the Trump Administration’s unlawful and unconstitutional efforts to reduce indirect cost reimbursements for projects funded by the NIH.

    In early February, the Trump Administration arbitrarily slashed the NIH reimbursement rate for indirect research costs. Without fair reimbursement for indirect costs, more than 300,000 scientists and researchers at 2,500 institutions that receive NIH funding will face devastating impacts, and Americans could be left without access to lifesaving and life-extending treatments. The ramifications would also ripple through global collaboration and the development of our future scientific leadership and workforce, limiting our ability to enhance health and reduce illness and disability in the future.

    The full brief is available HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Trupanion Announces Winners of the Veterinary Appreciation Day™ Awards

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SEATTLE, June 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — In honor of Veterinary Appreciation Day on June 18, Trupanion, the leading provider of medical insurance for cats and dogs in North America, held its annual awards event to celebrate and recognize the veterinary community for their profound impact on the lives of pets and their families.

    This year, the awards program saw an incredible outpouring of gratitude across North America, receiving more than 47,000 public votes.

    From the thousands of nominees, just 12 winners were chosen based on their significant influence on their veterinary teams, pet parents, and the communities they serve.

    “This year’s record-breaking voter turnout shows how increasingly important veterinary teams throughout the U.S. and Canada are to pet parents, peers, and their broader communities,” said Margi Tooth, President and CEO of Trupanion. “Each of these professionals works tirelessly to keep pets healthy, making picking just twelve honorees from the thousands of talented nominees a truly difficult job. Today, we’re proud to acknowledge and celebrate their achievements.”

    In 2015, Trupanion established June 18 as Veterinary Appreciation Day to celebrate the veterinary community. The annual awards have since become a platform to honor the extraordinary and often unsung efforts of these professionals.

    Here are the 2025 Veterinary Appreciation Day Award Winners.

    United States

    US West

    Veterinarian of the Year

    • Winner: Yafen Zhen, DVM
    • Practice: VCA San Martin Animal Hospital | San Martin, CA


    Veterinary Professional of the Year

    • Winner: Marie Marquez, CSR
    • Practice: VCA Veterinary Care Animal Hospital | Albuquerque, NM


    US Midwest

    Veterinarian of the Year

    • Winner: Jeffrey Baranack, DVM
    • Practice: West Side Animal Hospital | Alliance, OH


    Veterinary Professional of the Year

    • Winner: Ezzy Mercado, CSR
    • Practice: Buffalo Grove Animal Hospital | Buffalo Grove, IL


    US Northeast

    Veterinarian of the Year

    • Winner: Katherine Wheeler, DVM
    • Practice: Back Bay Veterinary Clinic | Boston, MA


    Veterinary Professional of the Year

    • Winner: Maddie LeMarquand, Veterinary Assistant
    • Practice: Heart + Paw – Glen Mills | Glen Mills, PA


    US South

    Veterinarian of the Year

    • Winner: Caitlin Townes, DVM
    • Practice: Paulding Animal Clinic | Dallas, GA


    Veterinary Professional of the Year

    • Winner: Marissa Love, Firefighter, EMT
    • Practice: Country Oaks Animal Hospital | New Port Richey, FL


    Canada

    Canada West

    Veterinarian of the Year

    • Winner: Jody McMurray, DVM, BSc (Ag)
    • Practice: Heartland Veterinary Clinic | Airdrie, AB


    Veterinary Professional of the Year

    • Winner: Leah Penner, RVT, Practice Manager
    • Practice: Pacific Cat Clinic | Victoria, BC


    Canada East

    Veterinarian of the Year

    • Winner: Deirdra Johnson, DVM
    • Practice: CBS Animal Hospital | Conception Bay South, NL


    Veterinary Professional of the Year

    • Winner: Julie Dorney, BSc, RVT, CCRP, CCFT
    • Practice: Gilmour Road Veterinary Services | Puslinch, ON

    “Few professions embody as much compassion, empathy, and dedication as veterinary medicine,” stated Dr. Steve Weinrauch, Chief Veterinary and Product Officer at Trupanion. “While Trupanion celebrates our community daily, the Veterinary Appreciation Day Awards offer a unique platform for fellow professionals and pet parents to express their gratitude. On behalf of Trupanion, I commend these twelve distinguished winners for their unwavering commitment and incredible achievements.”

    Pet lovers everywhere are encouraged to visit vetappreciationday.trupanion.com to learn more about the 2025 winners.

    About Trupanion

    Trupanion is the leader in medical insurance for cats and dogs throughout the United States, Canada, Europe, and Australia with over 1,000,000 pets enrolled. For over two decades, Trupanion has given pet parents peace of mind so they can focus on their pet’s recovery, not financial stress. Trupanion is committed to providing pet parents with the highest value in pet medical insurance with unlimited payouts for the life of their pets. With its patented process, Trupanion is the only North American provider with the technology to pay veterinarians directly in seconds at the time of checkout. Trupanion is listed on NASDAQ under the symbol “TRUP”. The company was founded in 2000 and is headquartered in Seattle, WA. Trupanion policies are issued, in the United States, by its wholly owned insurance entity American Pet Insurance Company and, in Canada, by Accelerant Insurance Company of Canada or GPIC Insurance Company. Trupanion Australia is a partnership between Trupanion and Hollard Insurance Company. Policies are sold and administered in Canada by Canada Pet Health Insurance Services, Inc. dba Trupanion 309-1277 Lynn Valley Road, North Vancouver, BC V7J 0A2 and in the United States by Trupanion Managers USA, Inc. (CA license No. 0G22803, NPN 9588590). Canada Pet Health Insurance Services, Inc. is a registered damage insurance agency and claims adjuster in Quebec #603927. Trupanion Australia is a partnership between Trupanion and Hollard Insurance Company. For more information, please visit trupanion.com. 

    Contacts:

    Corporate Communications
    Corporate.Communications@trupanion.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Trupanion Announces Winners of the Veterinary Appreciation Day™ Awards

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SEATTLE, June 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — In honor of Veterinary Appreciation Day on June 18, Trupanion, the leading provider of medical insurance for cats and dogs in North America, held its annual awards event to celebrate and recognize the veterinary community for their profound impact on the lives of pets and their families.

    This year, the awards program saw an incredible outpouring of gratitude across North America, receiving more than 47,000 public votes.

    From the thousands of nominees, just 12 winners were chosen based on their significant influence on their veterinary teams, pet parents, and the communities they serve.

    “This year’s record-breaking voter turnout shows how increasingly important veterinary teams throughout the U.S. and Canada are to pet parents, peers, and their broader communities,” said Margi Tooth, President and CEO of Trupanion. “Each of these professionals works tirelessly to keep pets healthy, making picking just twelve honorees from the thousands of talented nominees a truly difficult job. Today, we’re proud to acknowledge and celebrate their achievements.”

    In 2015, Trupanion established June 18 as Veterinary Appreciation Day to celebrate the veterinary community. The annual awards have since become a platform to honor the extraordinary and often unsung efforts of these professionals.

    Here are the 2025 Veterinary Appreciation Day Award Winners.

    United States

    US West

    Veterinarian of the Year

    • Winner: Yafen Zhen, DVM
    • Practice: VCA San Martin Animal Hospital | San Martin, CA


    Veterinary Professional of the Year

    • Winner: Marie Marquez, CSR
    • Practice: VCA Veterinary Care Animal Hospital | Albuquerque, NM


    US Midwest

    Veterinarian of the Year

    • Winner: Jeffrey Baranack, DVM
    • Practice: West Side Animal Hospital | Alliance, OH


    Veterinary Professional of the Year

    • Winner: Ezzy Mercado, CSR
    • Practice: Buffalo Grove Animal Hospital | Buffalo Grove, IL


    US Northeast

    Veterinarian of the Year

    • Winner: Katherine Wheeler, DVM
    • Practice: Back Bay Veterinary Clinic | Boston, MA


    Veterinary Professional of the Year

    • Winner: Maddie LeMarquand, Veterinary Assistant
    • Practice: Heart + Paw – Glen Mills | Glen Mills, PA


    US South

    Veterinarian of the Year

    • Winner: Caitlin Townes, DVM
    • Practice: Paulding Animal Clinic | Dallas, GA


    Veterinary Professional of the Year

    • Winner: Marissa Love, Firefighter, EMT
    • Practice: Country Oaks Animal Hospital | New Port Richey, FL


    Canada

    Canada West

    Veterinarian of the Year

    • Winner: Jody McMurray, DVM, BSc (Ag)
    • Practice: Heartland Veterinary Clinic | Airdrie, AB


    Veterinary Professional of the Year

    • Winner: Leah Penner, RVT, Practice Manager
    • Practice: Pacific Cat Clinic | Victoria, BC


    Canada East

    Veterinarian of the Year

    • Winner: Deirdra Johnson, DVM
    • Practice: CBS Animal Hospital | Conception Bay South, NL


    Veterinary Professional of the Year

    • Winner: Julie Dorney, BSc, RVT, CCRP, CCFT
    • Practice: Gilmour Road Veterinary Services | Puslinch, ON

    “Few professions embody as much compassion, empathy, and dedication as veterinary medicine,” stated Dr. Steve Weinrauch, Chief Veterinary and Product Officer at Trupanion. “While Trupanion celebrates our community daily, the Veterinary Appreciation Day Awards offer a unique platform for fellow professionals and pet parents to express their gratitude. On behalf of Trupanion, I commend these twelve distinguished winners for their unwavering commitment and incredible achievements.”

    Pet lovers everywhere are encouraged to visit vetappreciationday.trupanion.com to learn more about the 2025 winners.

    About Trupanion

    Trupanion is the leader in medical insurance for cats and dogs throughout the United States, Canada, Europe, and Australia with over 1,000,000 pets enrolled. For over two decades, Trupanion has given pet parents peace of mind so they can focus on their pet’s recovery, not financial stress. Trupanion is committed to providing pet parents with the highest value in pet medical insurance with unlimited payouts for the life of their pets. With its patented process, Trupanion is the only North American provider with the technology to pay veterinarians directly in seconds at the time of checkout. Trupanion is listed on NASDAQ under the symbol “TRUP”. The company was founded in 2000 and is headquartered in Seattle, WA. Trupanion policies are issued, in the United States, by its wholly owned insurance entity American Pet Insurance Company and, in Canada, by Accelerant Insurance Company of Canada or GPIC Insurance Company. Trupanion Australia is a partnership between Trupanion and Hollard Insurance Company. Policies are sold and administered in Canada by Canada Pet Health Insurance Services, Inc. dba Trupanion 309-1277 Lynn Valley Road, North Vancouver, BC V7J 0A2 and in the United States by Trupanion Managers USA, Inc. (CA license No. 0G22803, NPN 9588590). Canada Pet Health Insurance Services, Inc. is a registered damage insurance agency and claims adjuster in Quebec #603927. Trupanion Australia is a partnership between Trupanion and Hollard Insurance Company. For more information, please visit trupanion.com. 

    Contacts:

    Corporate Communications
    Corporate.Communications@trupanion.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: US Department of Labor awards $1M for disaster-relief jobs, training for Kentucky residents affected by severe storms, flooding

    Source: US Department of Labor

    WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor today awarded $1 million in grant funding to support disaster-relief jobs and employment and training services for Kentucky residents suffering from the aftermath of severe storms. 

    Beginning Feb. 14, 2025, through March 7, 2025, a severe weather system generated heavy torrential rain, flash flooding, and landslides that damaged public infrastructure, utility distribution systems, and private property in Kentucky. This followed severe weather and multiple disasters in the state that led to widespread destruction and numerous fatalities in 2024 and 2025 that impeded recovery efforts. The concurrent disaster events led to significant economic losses and challenges in rebuilding and recovery efforts and the state is assessing the full impact across the affected areas.

    The Federal Emergency Management Agency issued a major disaster declaration, enabling Kentucky to request federal assistance for recovery efforts in the 67 counties of Adair, Allen, Ballard, Barren, Bell, Boyd, Breathitt, Breckinridge, Bullitt, Butler, Caldwell, Carlisle, Clay, Crittenden, Cumberland, Edmonson, Elliott, Estill, Floyd, Franklin, Green, Greenup, Hancock, Harlan, Hart, Henderson, Henry, Hickman, Hopkins, Jackson, Jefferson, Johnson, Knott, Knox, Laurel, Lawrence, Lee, Leslie, Letcher, Lewis, Livingston, Magoffin, Marshall, Martin, McCreary, McLean, Menifee, Metcalfe, Monroe, Morgan, Muhlenberg, Nicholas, Ohio, Owsley, Perry, Pike, Powell, Pulaski, Robertson, Rockcastle, Russell, Spencer, Trigg, Union, Wayne, Whitley, and Wolfe counties. 

    This Disaster Recovery National Dislocated Worker Grant allows the Kentucky Office of Employment and Training to provide residents with temporary jobs focused on cleanup and recovery efforts, as well as offer employment and training services to eligible participants in affected communities. 

    Supported by the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act of 2014, National Dislocated Worker Grants provide a state or local board with funding for direct services and assistance in areas experiencing a major economic dislocation event that leads to workforce needs exceeding available resources.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: US Department of Labor awards $2M to Kentucky to help workers affected by layoffs in Bluegrass Area Development District

    Source: US Department of Labor

    WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor today awarded $2 million to Bluegrass Area Development District Inc. in Kentucky to support employment and training services for people affected by layoffs at the Bluegrass Chemical Agent Destruction Pilot Plant and Yokohama Industries Americas Inc.  

    In March 2025, Bluegrass Chemical Agent Destruction Pilot Plant layoffs began and are expected to continue into 2026. The total number of individuals impacted by the closure is estimated to be 1,500. In addition, Yokohama announced a closure that will impact 250 workers and begin at the end of May 2025. Layoffs at suppliers and other local businesses are also anticipated because of these closures. 

    Administered by the department’s Employment and Training Administration, this National Dislocated Worker Grant will allow the Bluegrass Area Development District – one of 15 development districts in Kentucky – to provide retraining and skills development services for dislocated workers seeking assistance in Anderson, Bourbon, Boyle, Clark, Estill, Fayette, Franklin, Garrard, Harrison, Jessamine, Lincoln, Madison, Mercer, Nicholas, Powell, Scott, and Woodford counties. 

    Supported by the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act of 2014, National Dislocated Worker Grants provide a state or local board with funding for direct services and assistance in areas experiencing a major economic dislocation event that leads to workforce needs exceeding available resources. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Former Fort Hood soldiers sentenced to federal prison for alien smuggling as result of ICE El Paso investigation

    Source: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement

    ALPINE, Texas — A former U.S. Army soldier stationed at Fort Hood was sentenced in a federal court in Pecos, Texas, to 33 months in prison for aiding and abetting the transportation of illegal aliens for financial gain.

    U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement investigated the case with the assistance from the U.S. Border Patrol, and the Department of the Army Criminal Investigation Division, Central Texas Field Office.

    “The sentencing of these individuals underscores the serious consequences of engaging in human smuggling,” said Special Agent in Charge Jason T. Stevens of ICE Homeland Security Investigations El Paso. “Recruiting fellow soldiers to participate in illegal activities, culminating in a reckless high-speed chase with law enforcement, is a blatant betrayal of duty and public trust. HSI alongside our law enforcement partners, remain committed to dismantling smuggling networks and ensuring those responsible face justice.”

    According to court documents, Enrique Jauregui, 26, organized a smuggling event in 2024, recruiting fellow soldiers Angel Palma, 21, and Emilio Mendoza-Lopez, 22. Jauregui provided Palma and Mendoza-Lopez with the location information to pick up illegal aliens to smuggle, supported them with encouraging messages and instructions, and intended to pay the two co-conspirators after they dropped off the illegal aliens.

    On Nov. 27, 2024, Palma and Mendoza-Lopez drove from Fort Hood (known at the time as Fort Cavazos) to Presidio, Texas, to pick up three illegal aliens before leading Border Patrol agents on a high-speed chase. At one point, the defendants hit a marked Border Patrol vehicle with an agent inside, causing injuries. Palma and Mendoza-Lopez, along with the three illegal aliens, fled the vehicle on foot. All were apprehended except for Palma, who was located at a hotel in Odessa, Texas, and eventually arrested.

    All three co-defendants pleaded guilty in early 2025. Palma and Mendoza-Lopez were each sentenced in May to 24 months in federal prison. In addition to their imprisonment, Palma, Mendoza-Lopez, and Jauregui were also sentenced to three years of supervised release. Jauregui was also ordered to pay a $10,000 fine. U.S. District Judge David Counts presided over the hearings.

    “These three individuals turned their backs on their values in a way that put our nation at risk, and put at risk the lives of others, including the lives of law enforcement officers,” said U.S. Attorney Justin Simmons for the Western District of Texas. “Everyone in this district, regardless of whether you wear the uniform or not, should take note: if you seek to enrich yourself by moving illegal aliens into or through this country, you will face the consequences of federal prosecution and will likely find yourself in federal prison.”

    “This sentencing demonstrates the strong partnership between Army CID, Homeland Security Investigations, and the U.S. Border Patrol,” said Special Agent in Charge Lane Allen of the Department of the Army Criminal Investigation Division’s Central Texas Field Office. “Maintaining the readiness and integrity of our fighting force remains our top priority.”

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Kevin Cayton prosecuted 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 and Project Safe Neighborhood.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Gabe Amo Introduces Bill to Close Gun Resale Loophole, Keep Dangerous Firearms from Returning to Rhode Island Streets

    Source: US Congressman Gabe Amo (Rhode Island 1st District)

    Washington, D.C. – Congressman Gabe Amo (D-RI), along with Congressmen Daniel Goldman (D-NY) and Maxwell Frost (D-FL) introduced the Firearm Destruction Licensure Act, legislation to close a gun loophole that is allowing firearms designated for destruction to be sold back into American communities and potentially into the hands of bad actors.

    “Gun violence is fueled by the large number of illegal firearms flooding our streets. Unscrupulous gun disposal companies claim to destroy firearms, when, in reality, they only destroy part of the weapon before reselling the rest as a kit which can be reassembled into a gun. This is unacceptable,” said Congressman Gabe Amo. “The Firearm Destruction Licensure Act would close this loophole and ensure gun disposal companies destroy the entire firearm. I’m grateful for Senator Adam Schiff’s work and the partnership of my colleagues Congressmen Maxwell Frost and Dan Goldman to get guns off our streets, especially during National Gun Violence Awareness Month.”

    Senator Adam Schiff (D-CA) introduced this legislation in the Senate. 

    “Guns that are taken off our streets through law enforcement seizures or buyback programs should stay off our streets for good. Unfortunately, some companies contracted to destroy these firearms are selling off parts for a profit. This bill will eliminate the loophole that allows these companies to turn a profit off of reselling these firearms, rather than destroying them in whole, as they should. This is a commonsense step toward making our neighborhoods safer for everyone,” Senator Schiff said.

    “The gun violence epidemic our communities are living through is being fueled by illegal guns that shouldn’t have been on our streets in the first place. Gun destruction companies that only destroy one part of the gun and resell the rest of the gun as a kit are a huge part of this problem. We need to make sure that every single gun that is retired, seized, and surrendered to a gun disposal company actually gets destroyed, not re-sold,” said Congressman Maxwell Frost.

    “Firearm buyback programs are designed to take dangerous weapons off of the street, not to be recycled and resold,” Congressman Dan Goldman said. “It is outrageous that companies like GunBusters, which claim to destroy firearms, are instead profiting by reselling do-it-yourself ghost gun kits. We must require these companies to be licensed and certified. When someone turns in a gun for destruction, they deserve the basic assurance that it won’t end up back on the street.”

    The bill requires companies that are contracted by local law enforcement to destroy firearms to be licensed, and adds additional guardrails to prevent guns in these programs from returning to the open market.

    Many states and localities are contracting with a growing private industry to handle the dismantling and destruction of hundreds of thousands of firearms each year that have been recovered by law enforcement through criminal investigations, gun buyback programs, or from their own officers at the end of their service. This has unwittingly fueled a secondary market for firearms parts, components, and accessories that are directly contributing to the gun violence epidemic in America.

    Specifically, the Firearm Destruction Licensure Act would:

    • Require those engaged in the business of firearm destruction to become licensed and certify that they will destroy all firearms received by federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement in their entirety;

    • Direct the Attorney General to prescribe the acceptable methods of firearm destruction, all of which must render a firearm and all parts, attachments, accessories, or other components unable to be restored to working condition and otherwise reduced to scrap;

    • Offset the additional costs local governments or law enforcement may incur to pay for this service by establishing a new grant program for the purposes of having these firearms destroyed.

    The bill is endorsed by Brady,Giffords, and Newtown Action Alliance.

    “Every year, state and local law enforcement dispose of hundreds of thousands of firearms in their possession to firearm destruction companies for the purpose of destruction. However, many of these private companies are destroying only parts of the guns and are reselling their other components for profit — causing law enforcement to unwittingly become an incidental contributor to the criminal market. The Firearm Destruction Licensure Act of 2025 will put an end to this dangerous practice and ensure that law enforcement firearms are destroyed in their entirety so they cannot contribute to gun violence. Brady thanks Senator Schiff and Representative Amo for introducing this important bill and for their steadfast dedication to freeing America from gun violence,” said Mark Collins, Director of Federal Policy, Brady.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Warner, Kaine, Scott Urge EPA to Reinstate Funding for Cancelled Community Resilience Grants

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Virginia Tim Kaine

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Mark R. Warner, Tim Kaine (both D-VA), and Rep. Bobby Scott (D-VA-03) sent a letter to Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lee Zeldin urging the agency to reverse its decision to terminate two major Community Change Grants in Virginia. The cancelled grants – approximately $40 million – would have supported dozens of community projects aimed at strengthening flood resilience, reducing pollution, and improving energy efficiency in Hampton and across Southwest Virginia.

    The grants, funded by the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), were intended to support projects that increase resilience to major weather events, reduce pollution, and build community capacity.

    The City of Hampton received $20 million in federal funding to address severe flood risk in the Aberdeen Gardens neighborhood. That funding would have advanced 51 projects ranging from stormwater infrastructure upgrades and rain garden construction to stream restoration efforts and improved public health protections for an area where over 22 percent of properties fall within FEMA-designated flood zones.

    United Way of Southwest Virginia and the University of Virginia’s College at Wise also received nearly $20 million in federal funding to support flood resilient housing, the construction of a community center and flood shelter in Dickenson County, and energy efficiency upgrades at childcare centers in eight counties in Southwest Virginia. These investments would have delivered long-term savings, improved disaster readiness, and supported vulnerable Appalachian communities hit hard by extreme weather in recent years.

    In the letter, the lawmakers wrote, “We are deeply concerned that the EPA no longer considers community resiliency, environmental conservation, and economic development to be administration funding priorities.”

    They continued, “EPA’s decision to terminate these grants will leave communities in Virginia less resilient, less prosperous, and more vulnerable to extreme weather-related disasters. We urge you to reinstate this critical funding for communities throughout Virginia.”

    Warner, Kaine, and Scott have long advocated for resiliency efforts in Virginia, championing legislation and funding to help communities strengthen infrastructure against extreme weather. The senators were strong supporters of the Inflation Reduction Act, which authorized the Community Change Grants program to help historically neglected and underserved communities address flooding, pollution, and climate vulnerabilities.

    The lawmakers have also continuously stood up against the Trump administration’s efforts to cancel necessary federal funding for Virginia’s communities. Most recently, Warner, Kaine, and Scott wrote to Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem to reversethe cancellation of critical infrastructure funding for the Commonwealth. 

    Text of the letter is available here and below.

    Dear Administrator Zeldin:

    We write regarding the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) decision to terminate approximately $40 million in funding intended to prevent localized pollution and mitigate the effects of flooding in Hampton, Virginia, and to support economic development, enhance resilient infrastructure, and lower energy costs across seven counties in Southwest Virginia. We strongly urge you to reverse this decision that will impact efforts to improve resiliency, environmental conservation, energy efficiency, and economic outcomes in communities across the Commonwealth.

    The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) provided approximately $2 billion to EPA to establish the Community Change Grants Program. Congress intended this funding to be used to support projects that increase community resilience, reduce pollution, and build community capacity. In 2024, EPA selected 105 projects, including two projects in Virginia.

    The City of Hampton, Virginia, was awarded just over $20 million to address significant flood risk in the historic Aberdeen Gardens neighborhood. In a locality where 22 percent of properties are in Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)-designated Special Flood Hazard Areas, the city and their nonprofit partner, Wetlands Watch, planned to leverage federal funding to advance 51 projects to update stormwater infrastructure, initiate stream-restoration projects, and construct community rain gardens. These projects were intended to mitigate flood risk, lessen the financial burden of flooding on the neighborhood’s residents, and improve environmental and public health outcomes.

    The United Way of Southwest Virginia and the University of Virginia were awarded nearly $20 million to fund eight projects across the Virginia coalfields. Funding would have supported the construction of flood-resilient housing infrastructure in Buchanan County and a new community center and flood shelter in Dickenson County, two communities that have been devastated by flooding and extreme weather in recent years. Additionally, the grant would support energy efficiency upgrades at childcare facilities in eight counties, enabling thousands of dollars of energy cost savings to go towards childcare worker salaries.

    In terminating these grants, EPA wrote to awardees that, “the objectives of the award are no longer consistent with EPA funding priorities.” We are deeply concerned that the EPA no longer considers community resiliency, environmental conservation, and economic development to be administration funding priorities. EPA’s decision to terminate these grants will leave communities in Virginia less resilient, less prosperous, and more vulnerable to extreme weather-related disasters. We urge you to reinstate this critical funding for communities throughout Virginia. 

    Thank you for your attention to this letter. We look forward to your response.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Murray Grills EEOC Commissioner Lucas on Dismissal of Discrimination Cases Under Trump’s Gender EO

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Washington State Patty Murray

    ***WATCH: Senator Murray’s questioning***

    Washington, D.C. — Today, at a Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee hearing to consider pending labor and civil rights nominations, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), a senior member and former Chair of the HELP Committee, grilled Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) Acting Chair and Commissioner nominee Andrea Lucas on dismissal of discrimination cases involving people who are nonbinary and the importance of the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act. Senator Murray also spoke out against Trump’s illegal firing of EEOC Commissioners Charlotte Burrows and Jocelyn Samuels, which she forcefully condemned in January and led a letter in March demanding their immediate reinstatement.

    [FIRING OF COMMISSIONERS SAMUELS AND BURROWS]

    Senator Murray began by addressing President Trump’s unprecedented move earlier this year to fire two Democratic Commissioners on the EEOC: “On January 27, President Trump made the unprecedented and illegal move to fire two EEOC Commissioners—Jocelyn Samuels and Charlotte Burrows—without cause. In the EEOC’s 60-year history, the President has never fired a commissioner before their term expired. Commissioner Lucas, in 2021 you actually criticized President Biden’s move to fire the former General Counsel, calling the EEOC a ‘independent agency.’ Now that President Trump is in charge, all of the talk about the EEOC’s ‘independence’ has disappeared. These illegal firings are yet another example of the very long list of ways President Trump is weaponizing and making independent agencies political—in this case, the one Americans actually rely on for justice when they face discrimination at work.”

    “I led a letter to President Trump pressing him to reinstate Commissioners Samuels and Burrows, and I urge my colleagues to join me in opposing any nominations to the EEOC until President Trump does that,” SenatorMurray said.

    [DISMISSAL OF DISCRIMINATION CASES]

    Senator Murray moved onto her questioning, focusing on the EEOC’s recent move to dismiss nearly every lawsuit it had filed over the past year alleging discrimination against transgender and nonbinary workers following President Trump’s Executive Order on “Gender Ideology” that recognizing only two “immutable” sexes: “Under President Trump, the EEOC has moved to dismiss cases they had previously agreed on—by a majority vote—to litigate. For example, the Commission recently dismissed a case, Lush Cosmetics, where the EEOC itself had alleged that a manager: groped an employee, asked an employee for sex, commented on employees’ breasts, tried to engage employees in sexual discussions, and used sexual profanities. Commissioner Lucas, was it your decision to dismiss that case?”

    Commissioner Lucas first acknowledged that she had conveniently changed her position on the independence of the EEOC: “Thank you for the question, Senator, and for the opportunity to acknowledge my prior tweet and to note that I was wrong at that time…the agency is an executive branch agency. At the time that I indicated that, I was not aware of the long record that the agency had taken that position, and therefore it’s important for as an executive agency us to follow the President when he directs us in an Executive Order to defend women’s rights and to refer to individuals solely by their biological pronouns—”

    Senator Murray redirected Commissioner Lucas to answer her question, saying: “Can you answer the question on dismissing the case? You were Acting Chair of the Commission when Lush Cosmetics, was it your decision to drop the case?”

    “It was my decision in consultation with our career staff, unanimous decision of the career staff, that it was impossible to both comply with the President’s Executive Order as an executive branch agency and also zealously defend the workers who we had brought the case on behalf. We could not balance both of those interests and therefore we gave them an opportunity to intervene, and the case proceeds forward with those workers taking a position on their own,” Commissioner Lucas replied.

    “I just want to be clear—what you’re saying is that when an employee is groped, propositioned for sex, and called abject slurs at work, the EEOC will do absolutely nothing to enforce anti-discrimination laws if that employee happens to be nonbinary, or otherwise doesn’t conform to this administration’s ideas about gender,” Senator Murray responded. “Is that correct?”

    Commissioner Lucas replied, “Respectfully, I disagree with that conclusion.”

    “I don’t know what conclusion we come to other than that with that decision,” Senator Murray pushed back.

    “It shouldn’t matter what someone’s gender identity is. If they are harassed at work, they should be able to get the justice they are entitled to under the law,” Senator Murray concluded.

    ___________________________________

    Throughout her career, Senator Murray has championed workers’ rights and fought to combat employment discrimination, including as the top Democrat on the Senate labor committee from 2015-2022—among other things, Senator Murray fought back against a proposed DOL rule by the Trump administration that would allow federal contractors and subcontractors to justify discrimination against women, LGBTQ+ people, and members of certain religious groups on ideological grounds. Senator Murray first introduced the Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act—comprehensive labor legislation to protect workers’ right to stand together and bargain for fairer wages, better benefits, and safer workplaces—in the 116th Congress, and also leads the Bringing an End to Harassment by Enhancing Accountability and Rejecting Discrimination (BE HEARD) in the Workplace Act, comprehensive legislation to prevent workplace harassment, strengthen and expand key protections for workers, and support workers in seeking accountability and justice.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: NEW: Trump Administration Announces Plan to Shutter 988 Lifeline for LGBTQ+ Youth in 30 Days

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Wisconsin Tammy Baldwin

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) released the following statement after the Trump Administration’s Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) announced their plans to shut down the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline’s specialized services for LGBTQ+ youth in 30 days. The Lifeline’s specialized services for LGBTQ+ youth has received over 1.2 million crisis contacts since 2022, with an increasing number of contacts each year. 

    “I worked hard to stand up a special line for LGBTQ+ youth because we are losing too many of our kids to suicide, and it’s well past time we did something about it. Children facing dark times and even contemplating taking their life often have nowhere else to turn besides this 988 Lifeline, and the Trump Administration is cruelly and needlessly taking that away,” said Senator Baldwin. “During Pride Month, a time to celebrate the progress we’ve made, the Trump Administration is taking us a step back and telling LGBTQ+ kids that they don’t matter and don’t deserve help when they are in crisis. This is not the final chapter of this story, and I’ll fight tooth and nail to protect these children. Suicide prevention has been and should continue to be a nonpartisan issue, and I call on my Republican colleagues who have long supported this program to fight for these kids, too. The children and teens who rely on 988 need our help, and it’s our duty to protect this literal lifeline for hundreds of thousands before it’s too late.”  

    Senator Baldwin wrote the legislation to create the three-digit 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline and fought to stand up a pilot program for LGBTQ+ youth to address higher rates of suicide and mental health challenges among this population. As chair of the appropriations subcommittee that funds 988, Senator Baldwin led the effort to ensure 988 was adequately funded, including providing funding for specialized services for LGBTQ+ youth. That funding has ultimately been included in appropriations bills that have passed with overwhelmingly bipartisan support. Recognizing the overwhelming need for these services, Congress expanded the program beyond a pilot in fiscal year 2023.

    The Trevor Project found that nearly 40 percent of LGBTQ+ young people seriously considered attempting suicide in the previous year, and 12 percent of LGBTQ+ young people attempted suicide – rates much higher than those present among non-LGBTQ+ youth. These specialized services connect LGBTQ+ youth with specially trained crisis counselors, similar to other dedicated programs for veterans and service members. In May, reports surfaced that President Trump’s proposed budget would eliminate 988’s LGBTQ+ Youth Specialized Services program, prompting Senator Baldwin to lead a letter condemning the proposal. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Padilla, Schiff, Blumenthal Introduce Legislation to Limit Unchecked Presidential Authority Under the Insurrection Act

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.)

    Padilla, Schiff, Blumenthal Introduce Legislation to Limit Unchecked Presidential Authority Under the Insurrection Act

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) led a group of 22 Senators in introducing legislation to restrict the President’s authority under the 217-year-old Insurrection Act.

    The new Insurrection Act of 2025 would reform centuries-old legislation that gives the President broad and vague authority to deploy troops — either with or without the request of a state — to suppress “any insurrection, domestic violence, unlawful combination, or conspiracy.” The current law has been used sparingly by other presidents given the potential for the military to escalate tensions, rather than restore order, during a domestic crisis.

    “Our military should be focused on defending our national security — not silencing speech a president disagrees with or policing our own citizens,” said Senator Padilla. “President Trump’s unprecedented deployment of the National Guard and Marines to Los Angeles to manufacture a crisis and distract from his failing political agenda is a clear warning sign: we must strengthen legal protections around the executive authority to use the military for standard domestic law enforcement. The archaic Insurrection Act is far too broad and grants nearly unchecked powers to a president to abuse the military for their own political purposes — and we must make sure it continues to only be invoked in the most extreme of circumstances.”

    “The president’s dangerous decision to deploy the National Guard and the U.S. Marine Corps in Los Angeles over the objection of our governor brings us closer to the very real possibility that the president could invoke the Insurrection Act to turn our military into a political tool. That must never be allowed to happen,” said Senator Schiff. “This bill would prevent any president from deploying military forces domestically when civilian state and local authorities are engaged. This abuse of military resources that we are seeing in Los Angeles risks being replicated around the country if Congress doesn’t stand up to President Trump’s creeping authoritarianism.”

    “Americans believe deeply that our military should be used to defend our national security, not to silence peaceful protest at home. I support – and the Constitution protects – free expression and protest when peaceful and nonviolent,” said Senator Blumenthal. “President Trump may not have invoked the Insurrection Act yet, but he has threated to use our military as an instrument to crush dissent and Congress must act quickly. These urgent reforms would impose oversight and accountability to the President’s broad, virtually unrestricted power to use military force against Americans at home.”

    The legislation is cosponsored by U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Ranking Member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, and Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.), Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawaii), Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), Andy Kim (D-N.J.), Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Mark Warner (D-Va.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.).

    Specifically, the new Insurrection Act of 2025 would:

    • Narrow and clarify the criteria for the domestic deployment of military troops for law enforcement purposes.
    • Specify that the use of the military is a last resort and is authorized only if civilian law enforcement authorities are overwhelmed.
    • Clarify that the law cannot be used to suspend habeas corpus, impose martial law, or deputize private militias to act as soldiers.
    • Require the President to consult with Congress prior to invoking the Insurrection Act and receive Congressional approval if the President seeks to exercise authority under the Act for longer than seven days.
    • Require a report to Congress providing an explicit justification for the use of the Insurrection Act’s authority, as enumerated in this legislation, and a full description of the scope and duration of its use.
    • Provide for judicial review to ensure that individuals, or a state or local government, may bring a civil action if the President’s authority under the Insurrection Act is misused or abused.

    Full text of the bill is available here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Durbin: Instead Of Conducting Critical Oversight, Judiciary Committee Republicans Are Holding Partisan Hearing Armchair Diagnosing Former President Biden

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Dick Durbin

    June 18, 2025

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, slammed Senate Judiciary Committee Republicans for holding a partisan hearing today where they plan to armchair diagnose former President Biden. In his opening remarks, Durbin called out the lack of oversight the Committee has conducted so far under the Trump Administration, despite the numerous, critical challenges facing the nation that are under the Committee’s jurisdiction.

    By this date in Durbin’s first year as Chair, the Committee had already held two major oversight hearings with Biden Administration agency heads, including one with FBI Director Wray on domestic terrorism threats. So far, the Republican majority on this Committee has not held a single oversight hearing.

    “This Committee has oversight responsibility over the Department of Justice, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Department of Homeland Security. We have a constitutional duty to hold these agencies accountable with public hearings,” Durbin said. “In the last week alone, several events have demanded this Committee’s immediate attention: the horrific assassination in Minnesota, the treatment of our colleague Senator Padilla by federal agents in Los Angeles, and President Trump’s unprecedented deployment of the U.S. military in Los Angeles.”

    Durbin continued, “We should hear without delay from Attorney General Bondi and FBI Director Patel about what they are doing to address the unacceptable political violence in our country, including threats to Article III judges and justices, as well as members of Congress. And we need to hear from Homeland Security Secretary Noem about the treatment of our colleagues, Senator Padilla, and this Administration’s mass deportation campaign against immigrants. But instead of exercising this constitutional oversight duty, my Republican colleagues are holding this hearing. Apparently, armchair diagnosing former President Biden is more important than the current issues of grave concern that I have mentioned.”

    Durbin went on to note just a few examples of issues that the Senate Judiciary Committee should be addressing.

    “The Trump Administration has removed dozens of senior career prosecutors and FBI officials with decades of national security expertise, leaving our nation more vulnerable to terrorism and other national security threats. This should be explained to this Committee,” Durbin said. “The Justice Department has diverted hundreds of law enforcement agents away from combatting cartels, drug trafficking, and gun violence to participate in President Trump’s mass deportation campaign. This should be addressed in an open hearing of this Committee.”

    Durbin continued, “The Justice Department is also turning a blind eye to corruption. The Administration has gutted the Department of Justice’s Public Integrity Section, which oversees political corruption cases, just as the President’s shameful crypto scheme unfolds. And the Administration has removed the Department of Justice’s career ethics officials and shut down the office charged with investigating misconduct by DOJ attorneys.”

    Durbin then called out how his Republican colleagues are eager to discuss President Biden’s pardons, but are ignoring the actual pardon crisis of President Trump’s “pay-to-play” scheme. Durbin highlighted the story of Paul Walczak, whom President Trump pardoned after Walczak pleaded guilty in 2024 to withholding more than $7 million of taxes from his employees’ paychecks and failing to pay the IRS.

    “What warranted Mr. Walczak’s swift pardon by President Trump? His pardon application explicitly cited millions of dollars his mother raised for President Trump’s campaigns and other efforts to support the President. But that was not enough,” Durbin said. “It was three weeks after Mr. Walczak’s mother attended a $1 million a person Trump fundraiser in April of this year that Mr. Walczak was miraculously receiving his pardon—and now he no longer must pay $4.4 million to the taxpayers of this country. That’s one example of the many pardons granted to President Trump’s wealthy donors and political supporters.”

    Durbin continued, “And, of course, these pay-to-play pardons are in addition to the more than 1,500 January 6 rioters who received blanket pardons from President Trump, including 169 who violently assaulted law enforcement officials.”

    Durbin concluded, “If my colleagues are truly interested in issues of presidential succession and disability under the 25th Amendment, I would suggest they embark on this constitutional journey with a proposed amendment, not today’s political adventure.”

    Video of Durbin’s opening statement is available here.

    Audio of Durbin’s opening statement is available here.

    Footage of Durbin’s opening statement is available here for TV Stations.

    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Technology Entrepreneurship: Helping Students Pursue their Personal and Professional Dreams

    Source: US State of Connecticut

    As part of the UConn College of Engineering’s (CoE) commitment to entrepreneurial growth, outreach, and competitive opportunities, a collaborative team led by Leila Daneshmandi, director of The Matthew & Margarethe Mashikian Innovation & Entrepreneurship Hub (eHub) and assistant professor in residence in Innovation and Entrepreneurship, has created an Entrepreneurship Fellowship Program. Now completing its first year, the program is funded by a three-year National Science Foundation Innovations in Graduate Education (IGE) grant. It aims to cultivate a new generation of entrepreneurial STEM leaders ready to tackle real-world challenges through innovation.

    The Entrepreneurship Fellowship Program provides graduate students in STEM disciplines with structured training in entrepreneurship, leadership, and innovation. The program is open to all UConn doctoral or master’s students in STEM fields. No prior entrepreneurial experience is required.

    The Fellowship unfolds over an academic year in three consecutive modules, combining a series of curricular and co-curricular activities. Fellows receive training in opportunity recognition, design thinking, customer discovery, leadership, and commercialization of research and technology. In addition, fellows have access to prototyping grants to advance their innovations, and travel funds to attend entrepreneurship events and pitch competitions to network and gain exposure to mentors, investors, and broader innovation ecosystems.

    “Our graduate students are highly technically capable,” says Daneshmandi. “This program is designed to broaden their outlook by equipping them with interdisciplinary entrepreneurial skills and preparing them to be entrepreneurially minded leaders, critical and creative thinkers, effective communicators, and resilient individuals who can learn from setbacks. They’re building a complementary set of skills that enhances their technical foundation and drives innovation.”

    This rich interdisciplinary makeup strengthens the program by fostering diverse perspectives and cross-disciplinary collaboration, Daneshmandi adds. The 10 fellows have developed seven different entrepreneurial ventures and have already earned recognition at prestigious venues including the 2025 ARPA-E Energy innovation Summit Program, VentureWell Pioneer Grant, and the AI Safety Entrepreneurship Hackathon, hosted by Apart Research.

    Adaeze Maduako is one of the Entrepreneurship Fellows. The cohort model, she reflects, fostered a collaborative environment where students could share insights, challenge each other’s thinking, and build lasting connections.

    Leila Daneshmandi, director of the Matthew & Margarethe Innovation & Entrepreneurship Hub

    “The program was incredibly transformative and instrumental to my personal and professional growth,” says Maduako. “I gained a comprehensive understanding of the entrepreneurial process, from ideation and market validation to securing funding across the different stages of a start-up’s lifecycle. One of the most valuable skills I developed was the ability to communicate business ideas clearly and confidently to a non-technical audience, a critical skill for engaging investors and stakeholders outside my field.

    “Many of us entered the program with only vague ideas and left with not only viable ventures but also business partners,” Maduako adds. “Overall, the experience significantly broadened my perspective on innovation and entrepreneurship.”

    The program is led by Daneshmandi; Andri Christodoulidou, visiting assistant professor and director of Impact Assessment at the Vergnano Institute for Inclusion; Leslie Shor, vice provost for Graduate Education, and dean of the UConn Graduate School; and Zheni Wang, associate professor of Management at Southern Connecticut State University.

    In the short term, the team aims to cultivate a campus-wide culture of entrepreneurship and train STEM students in entrepreneurial competencies. Long-term goals include gathering data to assess program effectiveness, scaling the initiative, evaluating its impact on students’ professional trajectories and mindsets, and disseminating results to enable replication at other institutions.

    “The program builds toward a future where interdisciplinary STEM training goes hand-in-hand with leadership, impact and innovation, equipping students to lead change,” says Daneshmandi. “We’re equipping students to not only become technical experts, but bold, thoughtful innovators.”

    This program is supported by NSF IGE grant #2325444, titled “Creating Bold STEM Leaders Through Graduate Entrepreneurial Training.” The IGE program focuses on research in graduate education. The goals of IGE are to pilot, test, and validate innovative approaches to graduate education and to generate the knowledge required to move these approaches into the broader community.

    Applications are currently open for the next cohort. The deadline is July 31. For more information, visit the eHub site.

    The first cohort of Entrepreneurship Fellows includes graduate students from a broad range of disciplines:

    • Fatma Elshinshiny, Biomedical Engineering
    • Nooshin Farashaei, Digital Media and Design
    • Md Zakir Hossain, Computer Science and Engineering
    • Md Safaet Hossain Sujan, Health Promotion Sciences
    • Aidan Kierans, Computer Science and Engineering
    • Adaeze Maduako, Chemical Engineering
    • Nicholas Nguyen, Mechanical Engineering
    • Mohammad Osat, Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering
    • Alaa Salim, Electrical and Computer Engineering
    • Soroush Vahedi, Electrical Engineering

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Jay’s Journey Through Cancer, Recovery, and the Mental Healing That Followed

    Source: US State of Connecticut

    Three years ago, Jay Buth was preparing for surgery to remove a tumor from his pancreas. Today, he’s returning from a bucket-list trip to Italy. But the road between those milestones was neither simple nor smooth.

    After a successful surgery to remove the tumor, described by his doctors as “better than textbook,” Buth faced unexpected complications that left him in the ICU for two months. From there, he was transferred to the Hospital for Special Care in New Britain, where he had to relearn how to walk and regain basic coordination. But the harder recovery, he says, was the mental one.

    “I think mental health doesn’t get enough attention during cancer treatment,” Buth explains. “But even more so, it’s overlooked after treatment ends. That’s when a lot of the mental healing really begins.”

    Jay and Alissa Buth on their trip to Italy.

    Over the past three years, Jay has worked closely with Dr. Judith Cooney, a clinical psychologist and associate professor of psychiatry at the Carol and Ray Neag Comprehensive Cancer Center at UConn Health, to help navigate the emotional and psychological aftermath of surviving cancer.

    Cooney specializes in helping patients and survivors manage the emotional impact of cancer diagnoses, treatment, and survivorship.

    Her work includes evidence-based interventions for anxiety, depression, adjustment difficulties, and coping strategies related to chronic and terminal illness. Cooney partners with oncologists and the wider care team to ensure patients receive whole-person care, supporting both the physical and psychological challenges that come with cancer.

    “Mental health is not separate from cancer care,” says Dr. Cooney. “It’s essential to supporting patients’ resilience, quality of life, and ability to heal, both during and after treatment.”

    “One of the most powerful, and often unexpected, challenges survivors face is survivor’s guilt,” said Dr. Cooney. “They ask, ‘Why did I survive when others didn’t?’ These are very real, very human reactions,and they deserve just as much care and attention as the physical aspects of recovery.”

    Buth says that question haunted him after he was declared cancer-free. “When you get the all-clear, you expect to feel nothing but relief,” he said. “But for me, there was this incredible guilt. Why did I make it when others didn’t?”

    Through his work with Dr. Cooney, he’s reframed that guilt as something more constructive.

    “We talked a lot about shifting from ‘Why me?’ to ‘Why not me?’” Cooney said. “Jay’s treatment responded well. His tumor was operable. His body healed. These are blessings, not sources of guilt.”

    Together, they’ve worked through scan-related anxiety, the stress of long-term monitoring, and the daily effort to stay grounded.

    “We focus on mindfulness, breathing, staying present, and viewing follow-up scans as routine medical care, not as looming threats,” said Cooney. “Jay has done an incredible job learning how to take in the data, stay rooted in the moment, and not let fear drive the narrative.”

    Their sessions began every other week and now take place monthly or as needed.

    Jay and his wife Alissa with his sister-in-law and brother-in-law Megan and Brandon on their recent trip to Italy.

    Buth describes his emotional recovery as ongoing, but transformative. “This might sound strange, but cancer might’ve been the best thing that ever happened to me,” he said. “It forced me to slow down, notice the small things and helped me live more fully.”

    That empathy has turned into action. Quietly and consistently, Jay now supports other pancreatic cancer patients. “I don’t know how helpful I am,” he says. “But sometimes people just need someone who’s been there. Someone who will listen.”

    “That peer support is incredibly meaningful,” Cooney added. “Jay’s willingness to use his experience to help others is not only a testament to his strength, but a vital part of healing. Helping others can also help us find purpose in our own journeys.”

    As he returns from his trip to Rome, Florence, and the Amalfi Coast with his wife, Jay carried with him not just a passport, but a new perspective.

    “You only go once around the ride,” he said. “So we’re doing it. We’re living it.”

    This June, during National Cancer Survivor Month, Jay’s story reminds us that survival is about more than medicine. It’s about healing the whole person, body, mind, and spirit—and the role expert mental health support plays long after the last scan.

    “Mental health is health care,” Jay says. “And it should be part of every cancer care plan, from day one and long after.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: AG Labrador Announces Idaho’s Vulnerable Child Protection Act Now Fully Enforceable After Lawsuit Dismissal

    Source: US State of Idaho

    Home Newsroom AG Labrador Announces Idaho’s Vulnerable Child Protection Act Now Fully Enforceable After Lawsuit Dismissal

    BOISE — Attorney General Raúl Labrador today announced that challengers have dismissed their lawsuit against Idaho’s Vulnerable Child Protection Act. The joint dismissal of Poe v. Labrador ends all court injunctions and allows full enforcement of Idaho’s law protecting children from harmful, life-altering gender transition drugs and surgeries.
    “No one has the right to harm children. For two years, my office defended Idaho’s common-sense law that protects kids from experimental procedures with lifelong, irreversible consequences,” said Attorney General Labrador. “Idaho’s Vulnerable Child Protection Act recognizes that children suffering from gender dysphoria need love, support, and medical care rooted in biological reality—not life-altering drugs and surgeries. With this lawsuit now dismissed, Idaho can fully enforce our law protecting children, families, and biological reality.”
    Idaho’s Vulnerable Child Protection Act, passed in 2023, protects Idaho’s children by prohibiting doctors from providing puberty blockers, cross-sex hormones, and transition surgeries to children under 18 to alter their appearance or affirm their “gender identity” when that identity differs from their biological sex. The law makes providing these procedures a felony, recognizing that children cannot consent to experimental treatments with permanent consequences.
    In June 2023, activists and two families sued to block the law from taking effect. A federal district judge initially sided with the challengers, issuing a court order that prevented Idaho from enforcing the law statewide while the case proceeded. This meant doctors could continue performing these procedures on children across Idaho despite the state law.
    Attorney General Labrador immediately appealed the case to the U.S. Supreme Court. In April 2024, the Supreme Court granted Idaho’s request, ruling that the lower court had overstepped by blocking the law for everyone in the state. The Court narrowed the injunction to apply only to the two families who sued, allowing Idaho to enforce its child protection law for all other children statewide.Now, the challenger families have dismissed their lawsuit entirely. The dismissal ends the remaining injunction, allowing Idaho to fully enforce its protections for all children.
    The dismissal of the Poe v. Labrador case coincides with the U.S. Supreme Court’s June 18, 2025, decision in United States v. Skrmetti, which upheld the State of Tennessee’s similar law protecting children from these harmful practices.
    Attorney General Labrador worked with Alliance Defending Freedom to defend Idaho’s law at every level of the federal court system. Idaho continues leading the nation in protecting vulnerable children and supporting parents in their obligation to guide and love their children.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Los eventos del Día Mundial de Toma de Conciencia del Abuso y Maltrato de Adultos Mayores en Oregon resaltan la importancia de prevenir y reportar el abuso

    Source: US State of Oregon

    l Departamento de Servicios Humanos de Oregon (ODHS, por sus siglas en inglés) y socios comunitarios se unieron para resaltar la importancia de prevenir y reportar el abuso hacia los adultos mayores en conmemoración del Día Mundial de Toma de Conciencia del Abuso y Maltrato de Adultos Mayores (WEAAD, por sus siglas en inglés). Esta celebración sirve como un recordatorio de que todos tenemos la responsabilidad de proteger la seguridad, la dignidad y los derechos de los adultos mayores en todo Oregon.

    Cada año, miles de adultos mayores en Oregon son víctimas de diferentes formas de maltrato, como maltrato físico, emocional, económico y negligencia. En el 2024 en Oregon, hubo 18,535 presuntas víctimas de abuso según los datos recolectados por la unidad de Servicios de Protección de Adultos (APS, por sus siglas en inglés) de ODHS. Sin embargo, muchos casos no se reportan por el miedo, el aislamiento o la falta de información. La educación y el compromiso de la comunidad son necesarios para que las personas sepan qué hacer si están recibiendo maltratos o sospechan que alguien que conocen podría estar en peligro.

    “Cualquiera puede ser víctima de abuso. Saber las muchas formas en que se da el abuso y el maltrato y qué hacer cuando pasa es responsabilidad de todos”, dijo Nakeshia Knight-Coyle, Ph.D., directora de la Oficina para Adultos Mayores y Personas con Discapacidades Físicas (APD, por sus siglas en inglés) de ODHS. “El Día Mundial de Toma de Conciencia del Abuso y Maltrato de Adultos Mayores es un momento para fortalecer nuestro compromiso de educarnos a nosotros mismos, estar al tanto de nuestros vecinos y familiares, y hablar cuando vemos o sospechamos abuso.”

    En conmemoración del Día Mundial de Toma de Conciencia del Abuso y Maltrato de Adultos Mayores, que se celebra el 15 de junio de cada año, comunidades de todo Oregon han tenido diferentes eventos este mes, donde han compartido material educativo y colaborado con organizaciones locales para ayudar a crear un entorno más seguro para los adultos mayores.

    En el condado de Klamath, APD se asoció con el Consejo sobre Envejecimiento de los condados de Klamath y Lake, el Centro de Adultos Mayores de Klamath Basin y otras organizaciones locales para tener una feria de recursos comunitarios el 10 de junio. El evento tuvo invitados que dieron pláticas, puestos con información educativa, actividades interactivas, sorteos y un almuerzo gratuito. Al día siguiente hubo un evento similar en el condado de Lake, en The Center (antes llamado Lake County Senior Citizens Center). Cientos de miembros de la comunidad participaron en los dos eventos, mostrando un fuerte apoyo local a la toma de conciencia y prevención del maltrato a los adultos mayores. También se hicieron eventos por internet. Varios líderes de APD dieron una presentación informativa el 12 de junio en la Cumbre de Prevención del Abuso a Adultos Mayores 2025 (Oregon Health Care Association’s Elder Abuse Prevention Summit 2025) de la Asociación de Atención Médica de Oregon (Oregon Health Care Association). La presentación se enfocó en las mejores prácticas que los centros de atención médica pueden aplicar para prevenir el abuso. Otros temas tratados en la cumbre fueron los derechos de las personas que viven en centros de atención a largo plazo, las investigaciones de reportes de maltrato y la resolución de conflictos.

    Recursos:

    Cualquier persona que sospeche de maltrato o abuso a adultos mayores puede llamar a la SafeLine de Oregon al 1-855-503-SAFE (7233). Los reportes son confidenciales y pueden hacerse todos los días, las veinticuatro horas del día.

    Las señales de maltrato y abuso pueden incluir:

    • Físicas: lesiones inexplicables o señales físicas de castigo o restricción.
    • Emocionales: Ansiedad, depresión o cambios de conducta
    • Negligencia: Falta de higiene, llagas o úlceras, pérdida de peso o condiciones de vida inseguras.
    • Abandono: Persona dependiente a la que se deja sola.
    • Sexual: Aislamiento, angustia o síntomas físicos.
    • Económicas: Transacciones bancarias inexplicables, retrasos en el pago de facturas o bienes que han desaparecido.

    Para más información sobre cómo ayudar a detectar, prevenir y reportar el maltrato y abuso, visite https://www.oregon.gov/odhs/es/Pages/reporte-abuso.aspx

    MIL OSI USA News –