Category: United States of America

  • MIL-OSI USA: Clyburn, Thompson Joined By Leader Jeffries To Reintroduce Legislation Expanding Background Checks For Gun Sales

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative James E (Jim) Clyburn (6th District of South Carolina)

    Washington – On Tuesday, Congressman James E. Clyburn (D-SC-06) and Congressman Mike Thompson (D-CA-04) were joined by Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries and other members of the Gun Violence Prevention Task Force to announce legislation to close the Charleston loophole and establish universal background checks for firearm purchases — a policy that’s supported by over 90 percent of Americans. Watch a video of the press conference here.

    “Next Tuesday, June 17, marks the 10th anniversary of the massacre at Mother Emanuel AME Church in Charleston, South Carolina. On that horrific night in 2015, a shooter motivated by racial hatred opened fire during a bible study at this historic place of worship, killing nine worshipers. He was able to obtain the gun because of a provision in federal law that allows the sale to take place if the background check is still unresolved after three business days. Ten years ago, it became known as the Charleston loophole,” said Congressman Clyburn. “I am proud to join Rep. Mike Thompson in introducing The Enhanced Background Checks Act that would eliminate the three-day period and establish in its place a more thorough process that would keep guns out of dangerous hands, while protecting the Second Amendment rights of law-abiding citizens.”

    “Keeping guns out of the hands of people who are a danger to themselves or others just makes sense — and Americans overwhelmingly agree. That’s why 90 percent of non-gun owners and 90 percent of gun owners support universal background checks for firearm purchases. Background checks are quick and effective tools to keep our communities safe while still respecting the rights of law-abiding citizens. It’s time Republican leaders in the House get on board and help us pass this sensible legislation,” said Congressman Thompson. 

    “As House Democrats, we stand strongly behind this commonsense, life-saving legislation designed to improve public safety for communities across our nation. We just need a handful of Republicans to join us to advance and enhance the safety of the American people. I’m thankful for the leadership of Mike Thompson, Jim Clyburn and the Gun Violence Prevention Task Force. We will continue to press forward with the fierce urgency of now until we crush the gun violence epidemic in the United States of America once and for all,” said Democratic Leader Jeffries

    Rep. Thompson reintroduced H.R. 18, the Bipartisan Background Checks Act. It is Co-Sponsored by Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA-01). Rep. Clyburn introduced the Enhanced Background Checks Act. Both bills would expand requirements for background checks and reduce loopholes to help ensure people who are a danger to themselves or others can’t get a firearm. 

    Background checks are quick, effective, and Constitutional. More than 90 percent of both gun owners and non-gun owners support universal background checks. Recently, reporting revealed that the perpetrator in the horrific June 1st antisemitic attack in Boulder, Colorado originally planned a mass shooting but was unable to access a gun after failing a background check. This most certainly saved lives. 

    Chairman Thompson has introduced background check legislation every Congress since the 2012 Sandy Hook Elementary shooting which killed 20 children and six adult staff members. The Bipartisan Background Checks Act of 2025 (H.R. 18) is endorsed by 204 Members of Congress. Endorsing organizations include: GIFFORDS, Brady, Everytown for Gun Safety, March For Our Lives, Newtown Action Alliance, Sandy Hook Promise, and Equality California. 

    “At a moment where safety and security is a top concern and too many of our leaders fail to prioritize it, we are glad to see this reform introduced again. Background checks work and save lives. It’s a commonsense, bipartisan policy that keeps guns out of the hands of dangerous people. GIFFORDS is proud to endorse the Bipartisan Background Checks Act and thanks Reps. Thompson and Fitzpatrick for their leadership,” said Emma Brown, Executive Director, GIFFORDS.

    “Since its implementation in 1994, the Brady Background Check system has saved countless lives by preventing over 5 million transactions to prohibited purchasers. Yet, loopholes in the system, exacerbated by the rise of gun shows and sales facilitated by the internet, have allowed for far too many guns to be sold without background checks, leading to devastating consequences. H.R. 18 will fix this problem by expanding background checks to cover, with limited and reasonable exceptions, every transfer of firearms, fulfilling the mission of our namesakes, Jim and Sarah Brady. We applaud Representatives Mike Thompson and Brian Fitzpatrick for introducing this legislation and loudly call on Congress to pass this expansion of background checks, which the overwhelming majority of the American public supports,” said Kris Brown, President, Brady.

    “Background checks are the foundation of any common-sense approach to keeping guns out of dangerous hands, which is why the vast majority of Americans support them,” said John Feinblatt, president of Everytown for Gun Safety. “Everytown applauds Representative Thompson and Representative Fitzpatrick for championing this crucial and common-sense step to address America’s gun violence crisis.”

    “Young people across the country have made it clear: background checks are the bare minimum. We’re proud to support the Bipartisan Background Checks Act and will continue fighting until our laws reflect the demands of a generation that refuses to accept gun violence as normal,” said Jackie Corin, Executive Director, March For Our Lives.

    “Since the Sandy Hook shooting in 2012, over 1.3 million Americans have been shot and nearly 500,000 have been killed by guns,” said Po Murray, Chairwoman of Newtown Action Alliance. “Ensuring that every firearm sale includes a thorough background check is a proven and commonsense public safety measure that is supported by the majority of Americans – including gun owners. By closing the loophole on private transfers, this bill strengthens our communities without burdening law abiding citizens. We urge Congress to urgently pass H.R.18 to protect Americans and reduce gun violence.”

    “Keeping guns out of unauthorized hands is crucial in preventing tragedies like the one that took 26 precious lives, including my son Daniel, at Sandy Hook Elementary School in 2012. No community and no family should ever experience that kind of trauma. Background checks are a key piece of legislation that will save lives, and we call on every member of Congress to pass this bill to protect children and communities throughout our nation,” said Mark Barden, co-founder and CEO of the Sandy Hook Promise Action Fund.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: CASTOR LEADS FLORIDA DEMOCRATS IN URGING FLORIDA SENATORS TO OPPOSE HOUSE-PASSED BUDGET BILL THAT WOULD INFLICT OUTSIZED HARM ON FLORIDIANS

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Reprepsentative Kathy Castor (FL14)

    Today, U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL-14) and other Florida House Democrats urged Florida Senators Rick Scott and Ashley Moody to oppose the costly and destructive House Republican budget bill, which will strip health coverage away from over 1.8 million Floridians, an outsized impact on hardworking families in the Sunshine State.

    “The House Republican budget bill will hurt the State of Florida, our families and providers more than any other state. We urge you to stand up for Floridians and oppose the bill that inflicts outsized harm on the State of Florida,” wrote the Members.

    Florida, which has the nation’s highest ACA marketplace enrollment, is expected to have an estimated 1.86 million people lose their ACA and Medicaid coverage, over one-tenth of the 16 million individuals expected to lose their coverage nationwide.

    The members continued, “Florida families value and appreciate affordable health coverage. Over 4.7 million Floridians selected an affordable marketplace plan for 2025—almost one-fifth of the nation’s 24.2 million enrollees. Thanks to the Affordable Care Act (ACA), individuals cannot be discriminated against for a pre-existing condition and cannot be dropped by their health insurance company. Florida’s uninsurance rate has fallen by nearly 10%, and approximately 1 out of 3 Floridians (6.725 million) have enrolled in an ACA marketplace plan since 2014, more than any other state. As a reflection of our entrepreneurial state, 31% of Florida marketplace enrollees are self-employed or small business owners, and nearly 9 out of 10 of those individuals receive premium tax credits. The House Republican budget bill would make ACA coverage much more expensive, drive up premiums and hurt family budgets at a time they are grappling with rising costs. Therefore, we urge you to stand up for Florida families and their pocketbooks and oppose the House Republican budget bill.”

    “We urge you to oppose the House Republican budget bill and instead work on advancing policies that will benefit Floridians’ health, quality of life and pocketbooks.”

    Read the letter here and below:

    The Honorable Rick Scott

    United States Senator

    The Honorable Ashley Moody

    United States Senator

    RE: Reconciliation Budget Inflicts Outsized Harm to Floridians – Urge Opposition to House Republican Budget Bill

    Dear Senators Scott and Moody:

    As fellow members of the Florida delegation, we strongly urge you to oppose the House-passed reconciliation bill that will strip health coverage away from 16 million Americans and raise the cost of health care overall to provide massive tax breaks to billionaires. Importantly, the House Republican budget bill will hurt the State of Florida, our families and providers more than any other state. We urge you to stand up for Floridians and oppose the bill that inflicts outsized harm on the State of Florida.

    Florida families value and appreciate affordable health coverage. Over 4.7 million Floridians selected an affordable marketplace plan for 2025—almost one-fifth of the nation’s 24.2 million enrollees. Thanks to the Affordable Care Act (ACA), individuals cannot be discriminated against for a pre-existing condition and cannot be dropped by their health insurance company. Florida’s uninsurance rate has fallen by nearly 10%, and approximately 1 out of 3 Floridians (6.725 million) have enrolled in an ACA marketplace plan since 2014, more than any other state. As a reflection of our entrepreneurial state, 31% of Florida marketplace enrollees are self-employed or small business owners, and nearly 9 out of 10 of those individuals receive premium tax credits. The House Republican budget bill would make ACA coverage much more expensive, drive up premiums and hurt family budgets at a time they are grappling with rising costs. Therefore, we urge you to stand up for Florida families and their pocketbooks and oppose the House Republican budget bill.

    If the Senate adopts the bill and takes no action to extend the enhanced ACA premium tax credits, Florida families will be hit hard – over 4 million families will be faced with much higher copayments and premiums. For example, a 60-year-old Florida couple making $82,000 

    would see their annual premiums increase from $6,790 to over $26,248. These added costs will outweigh any tax savings for working families. Similarly, a Florida family of four earning $64,000 per year would see their ACA premiums increase by $2,571, but estimates show a Florida family of four with similar earnings would only benefit from $1,476 in tax breaks. This would leave that family with $1,095 less in their pocketbooks at a time when the cost of living is soaring.

    Along with not extending the essential ACA enhanced premium tax credits, the bill includes many other provisions designed to make it more difficult for individuals to find and keep marketplace coverage – an unnecessary bureaucratic squeeze with cruel results for Floridians. This includes more burdensome paperwork requirements, fewer and shorter enrollment periods, financing changes to cost-sharing reductions and nuisance fees—all provisions whose only effect is to increase the number of people without insurance. The paperwork requirements will be costly for the state to administer, add millions of hours of bureaucracy to the process and lead to individuals being wrongfully terminated, as we saw during Florida’s grim Medicaid redetermination period. According to President Trump’s own analysis, “coverage losses are expected to be concentrated in nine States,” including Florida. Florida, which has the nation’s highest marketplace enrollment, is expected to have an estimated 1.86 million people lose their ACA and Medicaid coverage, over one-tenth of the 16 million individuals expected to lose their coverage nationwide.

    We have also heard from hospitals, nursing homes and other health care providers in our districts about the harm that would come from the changes to State-Directed Payments and provider financing. These payments are a lifeline for hospitals that treat a high volume of Medicaid managed care beneficiaries, particularly in a state like Florida that reimburses Medicaid providers at 48 cents for every dollar spent providing care. These initiatives help address the shortfall and bridge the gap for entities operating on razor thin margins. Florida hospitals are currently operating at a shortfall of about $3.67 billion, but without these initiatives, the shortfall would grow to $5.7 billion. The House Republican budget bill would hamstring states and take away an important tool for safety-net providers to care for their patients. Reduced federal Medicaid dollars would also blow a hole in the State of Florida’s budget, leaving the state to make tough decisions about cutting essential but optional benefits like home- and community-based services and mental health care; lowering provider reimbursement rates, exacerbating workforce shortages and leading to rural hospital closures; and/or stripping people from their health coverage.

    The Big Ugly bill includes many other harmful provisions that would slash food assistance benefits, increase energy prices and utility bills, and make college less affordable for Floridians. It is fiscally irresponsible and morally wrong – and adds over $2.4 trillion to the nation’s deficits over the next decade as the GOP turns a blind eye to a balanced budget for decades to come. That’s shameful and will drive higher inflation and widespread economic harm – all because House Republicans aim to give major tax breaks to the wealthy and the well-connected. The health care provisions, however, will especially hurt Floridians more than the citizens of any other state. A healthy and productive America depends upon healthy access to affordable care at the right time, in the right place, and by the right provider for everyone. We urge you to oppose the House Republican budget bill and instead work on advancing policies that will benefit Floridians’ health, quality of life and pocketbooks.

    Sincerely,

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI Security: Baltimore Man Pleads Guilty in Connection With Murder-For-Hire Plot

    Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)

    Baltimore woman killed in a case of mistaken identity.

    Baltimore, Maryland – Today, Matthew Hightower, 43, of Baltimore, Maryland, pled guilty to using a firearm during and in relation to a violent crime resulting in the death Latrina Ashburne on May 27, 2016.

    Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the guilty plea with Special Agent in Charge Maureen Dixon, Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG); Acting Special Agent in Charge Amanda M. Koldjeski, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) – Baltimore Field Office; Special Agent in Charge Toni M. Crosby, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF); Commissioner Richard Worley, Baltimore Police Department (BPD); and Chief Robert McCullough, Baltimore County Police Department (BCPD).

    According to the plea agreement, Hightower solicited others and conspired to kill Ashburne’s neighbor — a female federal witness — in retaliation for providing information to a law enforcement officer and to prevent her from testifying against him at an official proceeding. Hightower learned that the federal witness provided law enforcement with information about his involvement in a health care fraud scheme and the murder of David Wutoh. At the time, Hightower was under federal indictment for both matters.  While incarcerated pre-trial, Hightower used jail calls and letters to communicate with others to conspire to kill the federal witness.

    Ashburne, who was the next-door neighbor of the federal witness and was similar in age and appearance, was shot and killed as she entered her car outside of her home.  Davon Carter, the shooter, and Clifton Mosley, the accomplice, were previously tried and convicted for their roles in the murder plot.

    Hightower faces a maximum sentence of life in federal prison.  Pursuant to his plea agreement, the parties agree that if the court accepts the plea agreement, the government will recommend that the court impose a sentence of 60 years in prison to run consecutive to the sentence Hightower is currently serving for Wutoh’s murder.

    U.S. Attorney Hayes commended the HHS-OIG, FBI, ATF, BPD, and BCPD for their work in the investigation.  Ms. Hayes also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kim Y. Hagan and Paul E. Budlow who are prosecuting this case.

    For more information about the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, please visit justice.gov/usao-md and justice.gov/usao-md/community-outreach.

    # # #

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI Security: Florida Resident Sentenced in Rhode Island for Possessing a Machinegun and an Unregistered Firearm

    Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)

    PROVIDENCE – A Florida resident who often stayed at a residence in Coventry has been sentenced to 30 months in federal prison, having been convicted of possession of a firearm and possession of an unregistered firearm, announced Acting United States Attorney Sara Miron Bloom.

    Joshua Pavao, 45, previously admitted to a federal judge that he possessed an unregistered semi-automatic weapon modified to function as a fully automatic machine gun which had a barrel length of 10 and 5/8 inches, substantially less than the 16 inches required by law.

    Court documents reflect that in December 2023, Pavao engaged East Providence Police, who were investigating a report of shots fired, in a high-speed car chase that resulted in multiple motor vehicle crashes. Pavao fled on foot from his vehicle but was quickly apprehended. Upon his arrest officers discovered three loaded firearms and a multitude of ammunition and loaded pistol magazines in and around his vehicle and nearby.

    Shortly after Pavao’s arrest, Coventry Police Department and East Providence Police Department Detectives and ATF agents executed a court-authorized search of a duffle bag belonging to Pavao that he stored inside a garage at the Coventry residence where he frequently visited. From inside the duffle bag, law enforcement seized eight long guns, four of which were outfitted with an auto sear machine gun conversion device rendering them machine guns.

    Pavao, who pled guilty in February 2025, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Mary S. McElroy on June 5, 2025, to 30 months of incarceration to be followed by three years of federal supervised release.

    The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Paul F. Daly, Jr.

    The matter was investigated by the East Providence Police Department, with valuable assistance provided by the Coventry Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.

    ###

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI: Reliance Global Submits Request for Withdrawal of Form S-1 Registration Statement

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    LAKEWOOD, N.J., June 16, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Reliance Global Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: RELI) (“we,” “us,” “our” or the “Company”), today announced that it has filed a request for withdrawal with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) of the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (No. 333-284218), originally filed January 10, 2025 (as amended, the “Registration Statement”), as the Company no longer intends to pursue a public offering under the Registration Statement at this time. The Registration Statement has not been declared effective by the SEC, and no securities have been sold in connection with the offering described in the Registration Statement.

    This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy the Company’s common stock or any securities, and there shall not be any offer, solicitation or sale of securities mentioned in the press release in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities law of such any state or jurisdiction.

    About Reliance Global Group, Inc.

    Reliance Global Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: RELI) is an InsurTech pioneer, leveraging artificial intelligence (AI), and cloud-based technologies, to transform and improve efficiencies in the insurance agency/brokerage industry. The Company’s business-to-business InsurTech platform, RELI Exchange, provides independent insurance agencies an entire suite of business development tools, enabling them to effectively compete with large-scale national insurance agencies, whilst reducing back-office cost and burden. The Company’s business-to-consumer platform, 5minuteinsure.com, utilizes AI and data mining, to provide competitive online insurance quotes within minutes to everyday consumers seeking to purchase auto, home, and life insurance.  In addition, the Company operates its own portfolio of select retail “brick and mortar” insurance agencies which are leaders and pioneers in their respective regions throughout the United States, offering a wide variety of insurance products. Further information about the Company can be found at https://www.relianceglobalgroup.com.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. You can identify forward-looking statements by terminology such as “may,” “should,” “could,” “would,” “will,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe,” “estimate,” “continue,” “potential,” and similar expressions. Forward-looking statements in this press release include, but are not limited to, statements regarding:

    • Our future financial condition and operating results;
    • Our plans, objectives, expectations and intentions with respect to future operations, products and services;
    • Our ability to execute the planned withdrawal of the Registration Statement on Form S-1;
    • The development and growth of our RELI Exchange and 5minuteinsure.com platforms;
    • The expansion and performance of our portfolio of retail “brick-and-mortar” insurance agencies;
    • Our ability to maintain compliance with Nasdaq’s continued listing requirements; and
    • Other statements identified by the words noted above;

    These forward-looking statements are based on a number of assumptions, including the assumptions that: we will complete the withdrawal process without unexpected delay; our AI-driven underwriting and cloud-based systems will perform as anticipated; demand for our InsurTech solutions will continue to grow; we will remain in compliance with applicable insurance regulations and Nasdaq listing rules; and there will be no material adverse changes in our relationships with agency partners or service providers. There can be no assurance that these assumptions will prove correct. There are numerous risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results or performance to differ materially from those expressed in these forward-looking statements. These include, among others: delays or failure to complete the withdrawal; inability to execute our growth plans for RELI Exchange or 5minuteinsure.com; competitive and regulatory challenges faced by our retail agency operations; fluctuations in our stock price or failure to maintain Nasdaq compliance; and the other factors described in the “Risk Factors” section of our Registration Statement and in other reports we file with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The foregoing list of factors is not exhaustive. You should carefully review our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024, as amended, and the other reports we have filed or will file with the SEC for a more complete discussion of risks and uncertainties. Except as required by law, Reliance Global Group, Inc. disclaims any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this press release.

    Contact:

    Crescendo Communications, LLC
    Tel: +1 (212) 671-1020
    Email: RELI@crescendo-ir.com

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Freehold Royalties Declares Dividend for June 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    CALGARY, Alberta, June 16, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Freehold Royalties Ltd. (Freehold) (TSX: FRU) announces that its Board of Directors has declared a dividend of Cdn. $0.09 per common share to be paid on July 15, 2025 to shareholders of record on June 30, 2025.

    These dividends are designated as “eligible dividends” for Canadian income tax purposes.

    Freehold is uniquely positioned as a leading North American energy royalty company with approximately 6.1 million gross acres in Canada and approximately 1.2 million gross drilling acres in the United States. Freehold’s common shares trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange in Canada under the symbol FRU.

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI USA: Army to change names of seven installations

    Source: United States Army

    WASHINGTON – The U.S. Army will take all necessary actions to change the names of seven Army installations in honor of heroic Soldiers who served in conflicts ranging from the Civil War to the Battle of Mogadishu. Five of them received the Medal of Honor, three received the Distinguished Service Cross and one received the Silver Star.

    Fort Pickett (formerly Fort Barfoot) will be named in honor of Distinguished Service Cross recipient 1st Lt. Vernon W. Pickett for his extraordinary heroism during World War II. While pinned down by enemy machine gun fire, Pickett crawled forward and destroyed two enemy positions with grenades. After being captured, he escaped from a transport train with fellow POWs and rejoined his unit before being killed in action.

    Fort Hood (formerly Fort Cavazos) will be named in honor of Distinguished Service Cross recipient Col. Robert B. Hood for his extraordinary heroism during World War I. Amid intense shelling near Thiaucourt, France, then-Capt. Hood directed artillery fire under enfilading machine-gun fire. After his gun crew was lost to enemy fire, he rapidly reorganized and returned fire within minutes, restoring combat capability.

    Fort Gordon (formerly Fort Eisenhower) will be named in honor of Medal of Honor recipient Master Sgt. Gary I. Gordon for his valor during the 1993 Battle of Mogadishu, Somalia. Gordon volunteered to be inserted to defend wounded crew members at a helicopter crash site and held off an advancing enemy force, protecting the pilot after exhausting all his ammunition.

    Fort Lee (formerly Fort Gregg-Adams) will be named in honor of Medal of Honor recipient Pvt. Fitz Lee for his heroism during the Spanish-American War. During a coastal assault in Cuba, Lee voluntarily disembarked under direct enemy fire to rescue wounded comrades from the battlefield.

    Fort Polk (formerly Fort Johnson) will be named in honor of Silver Star recipient Gen. James H. Polk for his gallantry in action as commanding officer of the 3rd Cavalry Group (Mechanized) during operations across Europe in World War II. Then-Col. Polk led reconnaissance and combat missions under fire, spearheading Third Army advances as part of Task Force Polk. He later served as commander in chief of U.S. Army Europe.

    Fort Rucker (formerly Fort Novosel) will be named in honor of Distinguished Service Cross recipient Capt. Edward W. Rucker for extraordinary heroism in World War I. Flying deep behind enemy lines, then-1st Lt. Rucker and his fellow aviators engaged a numerically superior enemy force in a daring aerial battle over France, disrupting enemy movements and completing their mission against overwhelming odds.

    Fort A.P. Hill (formerly Fort Walker) will be named in honor of Medal of Honor recipients Lt. Col. Edward Hill, 1st Sgt. Robert A. Pinn and Pvt. Bruce Anderson for extraordinary heroism during the Civil War. Then-Capt. Hill, Pinn and Anderson executed significant actions separately at Cold Harbor, Virginia; Chapin’s Farm, Virginia; and Fort Fisher, North Carolina, in support of the U.S. Army.

    The Secretary of the Army will take immediate action to implement these redesignations, which are in accordance with Section 1749(a) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020.

    For more information, please contact usarmy.pentagon.hqda-ocpa.mbx.mrd-press-desk@army.mil.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Army to cease procurement of M10 Booker Combat Vehicles

    Source: United States Army

    Washington (June 11, 2025) – In response to current world events and in support of the strategic objectives outlined in the Army Transformation Initiative, the U.S. Army has issued a termination for convenience of the current low-rate initial production of the M10 Booker Combat Vehicle and will not enter into full-rate production as originally planned.

    The Army will request to reallocate the remaining funds in fiscal 2025 to accelerate fielding of war-winning capabilities and anticipates additional significant savings to be fully realized within the next 18-24 months.

    Formerly known as the Mobile Protected Firepower, the M10 Booker low-rate initial production contract was awarded in June 2022 to General Dynamics Land Systems for the production and fielding of up to 96 vehicles. The ongoing contract termination process will ultimately determine the disposition of the remaining assets.

    Although M10 Booker production will conclude, the Army appreciates the efforts of the team and Soldiers from the 82nd Airborne Division who worked on the program.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Army Launches Detachment 201: Executive Innovation Corps to Drive Tech Transformation

    Source: United States Army

    New Executive Innovation Corps brings top tech talent into the Army Reserve to bridge the commercial-military tech gap, with four tech leaders set to join as officers.

    WASHINGTON — The U.S. Army is establishing Detachment 201: The Army’s Executive Innovation Corps, a new initiative designed to fuse cutting-edge tech expertise with military innovation. On June 13, 2025, the Army will officially swear in four tech leaders.

    Det. 201 is an effort to recruit senior tech executives to serve part-time in the Army Reserve as senior advisors. In this role they will work on targeted projects to help guide rapid and scalable tech solutions to complex problems. By bringing private-sector know-how into uniform, Det. 201 is supercharging efforts like the Army Transformation Initiative, which aims to make the force leaner, smarter, and more lethal.

    The four new Army Reserve Lt. Cols. are Shyam Sankar, Chief Technology Officer for Palantir; Andrew Bosworth, Chief Technology Officer of Meta; Kevin Weil, Chief Product Officer of OpenAI; and Bob McGrew, advisor at Thinking Machines Lab and former Chief Research Officer for OpenAI.

    Their swearing-in is just the start of a bigger mission to inspire more tech pros to serve without leaving their careers, showing the next generation how to make a difference in uniform.

    * * *

    The United States Army is the land service branch of the U.S. Armed Forces and the oldest established military force in the country. Committed to defending the nation and supporting global stability, the Army leads the way in innovation, resilience, and readiness. Learn more at www.army.mil

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Army’s 250th birthday celebration on June 14, 2025

    Source: United States Army

    WASHINGTON – Members of the media are invited to cover the celebration of the Army’s 250th birthday on June 14, 2025.

    The festival is at the National Mall in Washington D.C. and begins with an Army Fitness competition at 9:30 a.m. Festival exhibits open at 11 a.m. The festival will provide opportunities to interact with Soldiers, Army astronauts, NFL representatives, and Medal of Honor recipients. There will be military demonstrations, equipment displays, a cake cutting ceremony and opportunities to take part in a variety of activities.

    All press have access to cover the fitness event and the exhibits which are open to the public. If press registered for the parade they are automatically registered for the festival. If press have not registered for the parade, they will still have access to the festival. In other words, press do not need credentials for the festival.

    Press covering the festival may arrive as early as 8 a.m. and should enter through the festival entrance at 7th St. SW and Jefferson St. SW.

    First stop for the press should be the Media Operations Center (Tent #48) located behind the main stage. From there, press will be directed to the media tents (Tents #43&44).

    Soldiers, historians in uniform, and other experts will be available throughout the day for interviews.

    The media can move from the festival to the parade through the pedestrian checkpoint located at 14th St. NW, south of Constitution Ave. NW beginning at 2 p.m.

    The screening checkpoint for the general public attending the parade will be open at 2 p.m. at the following locations:

    • 14th Street between Constitution and Independence Avenue
    • C Street NW between 18th and 19th Street

    At 6:30 p.m. the Army Birthday Parade will celebrate the Army’s history and will feature Army equipment, flyovers and 6,700 Soldiers in uniforms from the past and the present. The day will end with an enlistment and reenlistment ceremony, a parachute demonstration by the Golden Knights and a fireworks display.

    All press access for the parade is controlled by the America250 Commission. If press did not request parade access through the America250 Commission, they can still access the parade with the general public. For more information about press access to the parade, please contact press@america250.org.

    WEATHER

    The weather is being closely monitored and taken into consideration, but at this point nothing has changed. New developments, if any, will be announced by the Army or the America250 Commission.

    To learn more about road/metro closures, and prohibited items, visit:

    For questions about parade credentialing, visit:

    To learn more about the Army’s 250th birthday, visit:

    Livestreams on June 14:

    The U.S. Army Fitness Competition – 9:20 a.m. to 12 p.m.,

    The 250th Army Birthday Festival is made possible through the support of 22 sponsors. This includes presenting sponsors General Dynamics and USAA, and festival entertainment sponsor the Gary Sinise Foundation. Platinum sponsors include the Wounded Warrior Project, the Army & Air Force Exchange Service, the Association of the United States Army, Bell Textron, Wal-Mart, GOVX, Leonardo DRS, RTX Corporation, Lockheed Martin, Leidos and BAE Systems. Gold sponsors include Armed Forces Mutual, Boeing, First Command, General Electric Aerospace, T-Mobile, King George, InterContinental Hotels Group and the NFL. Sponsorship does not imply U.S. Army or federal endorsement.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI Security: Former Bank Teller Sentenced to Over Two Years in Prison for Stealing More Than $180,000

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    BOSTON – A Saugus man was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for embezzling bank funds while working as a teller at a Boston branch of a national bank.

    Derek Aut, 29, was sentenced by U.S. Senior District Court Judge William G. Young to 25 months in prison, to be followed by two years of supervised release. Aut was also ordered to pay $183,677.73 in restitution. In March 2025, Aut pleaded guilty to embezzlement by a bank employee and aggravated identity theft.  

    While working as a bank teller in Boston, Aut stole from the bank accounts of two customers by forging the victims’ names on withdrawal slips, among other things. When one of the victims noticed money missing from her account, Aut attempted to cover his theft by taking money from the other victim’s account and depositing it into the first victim’s account. In total, Aut caused the bank losses of more than $180,000.  

    United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Michael J. Krol, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristen A. Kearney of the Securities, Financial & Cyber Fraud Unit prosecuted the case.

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI Security: Former Bank Teller Sentenced to Over Two Years in Prison for Stealing More Than $180,000

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    BOSTON – A Saugus man was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for embezzling bank funds while working as a teller at a Boston branch of a national bank.

    Derek Aut, 29, was sentenced by U.S. Senior District Court Judge William G. Young to 25 months in prison, to be followed by two years of supervised release. Aut was also ordered to pay $183,677.73 in restitution. In March 2025, Aut pleaded guilty to embezzlement by a bank employee and aggravated identity theft.  

    While working as a bank teller in Boston, Aut stole from the bank accounts of two customers by forging the victims’ names on withdrawal slips, among other things. When one of the victims noticed money missing from her account, Aut attempted to cover his theft by taking money from the other victim’s account and depositing it into the first victim’s account. In total, Aut caused the bank losses of more than $180,000.  

    United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Michael J. Krol, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristen A. Kearney of the Securities, Financial & Cyber Fraud Unit prosecuted the case.

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI Security: Mexican national admits to transporting child sexual abuse material across state lines to Mexico

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    LAREDO, Texas – A 39-year-old Mexican national has pleaded guilty to transportation of child pornography, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.

    On March 12, Raul Velasco-Leon was traveling from Tennessee and approached the Juarez-Lincoln International Bridge attempting to enter Mexico. While on the primary lane, authorities selected Velasco-Leon for further inspection and referred him to secondary.

    They conducted a search of his belongings and found what appeared to be a piece of youth-sized clothing with the words “Girl Power” tucked inside a jean pocket. Law enforcement also discovered multiple electronic devices, including 10 USB flash drives, two cell phones and a laptop. On one of the devices, they discovered six files containing child sexual abuse material (CSAM) of minor victims approximately 10 years of age.

    The files contained approximately five photographs and one video that contained CSAM. The five images, displayed via video chat, depicted female minor victims showing their genital areas. The video had a split screen with the adult male, later determined to be Velasco-Leon, masturbating while the top of the screen displayed a montage of CSAM including a female minor victim being forced to perform oral sex on an adult male.

    Velasco-Leon admitted he had been engaged in a video chat and when he saw the CSAM, he would watch and screen record it.

    U.S. District Judge John A. Kazen will impose sentencing at a later date. At that time, Velasco-Leon faces up to 20 years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine.

    He has been and will remain in custody pending sentencing.

    “This case is about protecting kids both north and south of the border from the defendant’s predatory behavior,” said Ganjei. “Although Velasco-Leon was about to depart the United States for Mexico, given his conduct, his stay in the U.S. is about to become much, much longer.”

    “This guilty plea is a critical step in holding Velasco-Leon accountable for the disturbing crimes he committed,” said Acting Deputy Special Agent in Charge Mauro Lopez of Immigration and Customs Enforcement – Homeland Security Investigations (ICE-HSI) Laredo. “HSI remains committed to identifying, investigating and bringing to justice those who exploit children. We will continue working tirelessly with our law enforcement partners to ensure predators face the full consequences of their actions and that victims are not forgotten.”

    ICE-HSI conducted the investigation with the assistance of Customs and Border Protection.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Christine A. Cortez is prosecuting the case, which was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood (PSC), a nationwide initiative the Department of Justice (DOJ) launched in May 2006 to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section leads PSC, which marshals federal, state and local resources to locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children and identifies and rescues victims. For more information about PSC, please visit DOJ’s PSC page. For more information about internet safety education, please visit the resources tab on that page

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI Security: Mexican national admits to transporting child sexual abuse material across state lines to Mexico

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    LAREDO, Texas – A 39-year-old Mexican national has pleaded guilty to transportation of child pornography, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.

    On March 12, Raul Velasco-Leon was traveling from Tennessee and approached the Juarez-Lincoln International Bridge attempting to enter Mexico. While on the primary lane, authorities selected Velasco-Leon for further inspection and referred him to secondary.

    They conducted a search of his belongings and found what appeared to be a piece of youth-sized clothing with the words “Girl Power” tucked inside a jean pocket. Law enforcement also discovered multiple electronic devices, including 10 USB flash drives, two cell phones and a laptop. On one of the devices, they discovered six files containing child sexual abuse material (CSAM) of minor victims approximately 10 years of age.

    The files contained approximately five photographs and one video that contained CSAM. The five images, displayed via video chat, depicted female minor victims showing their genital areas. The video had a split screen with the adult male, later determined to be Velasco-Leon, masturbating while the top of the screen displayed a montage of CSAM including a female minor victim being forced to perform oral sex on an adult male.

    Velasco-Leon admitted he had been engaged in a video chat and when he saw the CSAM, he would watch and screen record it.

    U.S. District Judge John A. Kazen will impose sentencing at a later date. At that time, Velasco-Leon faces up to 20 years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine.

    He has been and will remain in custody pending sentencing.

    “This case is about protecting kids both north and south of the border from the defendant’s predatory behavior,” said Ganjei. “Although Velasco-Leon was about to depart the United States for Mexico, given his conduct, his stay in the U.S. is about to become much, much longer.”

    “This guilty plea is a critical step in holding Velasco-Leon accountable for the disturbing crimes he committed,” said Acting Deputy Special Agent in Charge Mauro Lopez of Immigration and Customs Enforcement – Homeland Security Investigations (ICE-HSI) Laredo. “HSI remains committed to identifying, investigating and bringing to justice those who exploit children. We will continue working tirelessly with our law enforcement partners to ensure predators face the full consequences of their actions and that victims are not forgotten.”

    ICE-HSI conducted the investigation with the assistance of Customs and Border Protection.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Christine A. Cortez is prosecuting the case, which was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood (PSC), a nationwide initiative the Department of Justice (DOJ) launched in May 2006 to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section leads PSC, which marshals federal, state and local resources to locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children and identifies and rescues victims. For more information about PSC, please visit DOJ’s PSC page. For more information about internet safety education, please visit the resources tab on that page

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI Security: Lynn Man Pleads Guilty to Threatening an Elected Official

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    BOSTON – A Lynn pleaded guilty today in federal court in Boston to making threats to an elected official.

    Justin David Gaglio, 51, pleaded guilty to one count of transmitting interstate threats. U.S. District Court Judge Indira Talwani scheduled sentencing for Sept. 9, 2025. Gaglio was charged in October 2024.

    Beginning in or around January 2023, Gaglio began contacting the elected official via online submissions through the elected official’s website. Between January 2023 and September 2024, Gaglio submitted over 80 separate messages to the elected official via the website, sometimes sending multiple messages within minutes of each other.  

    On or about Sept. 8, 2024, Gaglio submitted a contact request to the elected official’s website in which he threatened to violently murder the elected official and the elected official’s family.

    The charge of transmitting interstate threats carries a maximum penalty of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

    United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Ted. E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the United States Capital Police, the Massachusetts State Police and the Lynn and Salem Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alathea E. Porter of the Criminal Division is prosecuting the case.

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI Security: Lynn Man Pleads Guilty to Threatening an Elected Official

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    BOSTON – A Lynn pleaded guilty today in federal court in Boston to making threats to an elected official.

    Justin David Gaglio, 51, pleaded guilty to one count of transmitting interstate threats. U.S. District Court Judge Indira Talwani scheduled sentencing for Sept. 9, 2025. Gaglio was charged in October 2024.

    Beginning in or around January 2023, Gaglio began contacting the elected official via online submissions through the elected official’s website. Between January 2023 and September 2024, Gaglio submitted over 80 separate messages to the elected official via the website, sometimes sending multiple messages within minutes of each other.  

    On or about Sept. 8, 2024, Gaglio submitted a contact request to the elected official’s website in which he threatened to violently murder the elected official and the elected official’s family.

    The charge of transmitting interstate threats carries a maximum penalty of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

    United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Ted. E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the United States Capital Police, the Massachusetts State Police and the Lynn and Salem Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alathea E. Porter of the Criminal Division is prosecuting the case.

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI Security: Conspirators sentenced for engaging in a multitude of fraud schemes, including romance scams, investment fraud, and business email compromise, to steal at least $17 million

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    SHERMAN, Texas –Multiple defendants have been sentenced to federal prison for their role in an elaborate fraud scheme in the Eastern District of Texas, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.

    Damilola Kumapayi, 39, of Plano, pleaded guilty to conspiring to commit wire fraud and was sentenced to 109 months in federal prison.

    Sandra Iribhogbe Popnen, 50, of Plano, pleaded guilty to conspiring to commit wire fraud and conspiring to commit money laundering and was sentenced to 365 months in federal prison.

    Edgal Iribhogbe, 51, of Allen, was found guilty at trial of conspiring to commit wire fraud and conspiring to commit money laundering and was sentenced to 480 months in federal prison.

    Chidindu Okeke, 32, of Houston, was found guilty at trial of conspiring to commit wire fraud and conspiring to commit money laundering and was sentenced to 480 months in federal prison.

    Chiagoziem Okeke, 32, of Houston, was found guilty at trial of conspiring to commit wire fraud and conspiring to commit money laundering and was sentenced to 480 months in federal prison.

    “Transnational organized criminals targeting the hard-earned savings of elderly and vulnerable populations are simply despicable,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.  “The long arm of the American justice system has no limits when it comes to reaching fraudsters who prey on our nation’s most vulnerable populations. The defendants’ lengthy sentences in this case reflect the seriousness of their crimes and the dedication of law enforcement officers and prosecutors to bring them to justice.  I want to thank our law enforcement partners for their outstanding work on this case.”

    “The defendants were part of a transnational organized crime syndicate that defrauded victims collectively out of millions of dollars. For some individuals, this was their life savings, and they were unable to financially recover,” said FBI Dallas Special Agent in Charge R. Joseph Rothrock. “We hope these sentences give them a sense of comfort and sends a clear message that the FBI is committed to pursuing justice for victims.”

    “The collective sentences of nearly 160 years handed down to these defendants is a testament to the unwavering resolve of IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) and our law enforcement partners,” said Christopher J. Altemus, Jr., IRS-CI Special Agent in Charge of the Dallas Field Office.  “Through relentless investigation and prosecution, they have brought justice to the victims, holding these predators accountable for exploiting trust and devastating lives. IRS-CI and our partners are committed to prosecuting criminals for financial crimes, especially those that prey on our elderly and vulnerable.”

    The sentencing hearings were held before U.S. District Judge Amos L. Mazzant, III on June 16, 2025, in Sherman.

    According to information presented in court, beginning around January 2017, the defendants used a multitude of fraudulent schemes to obtain money from their victims, including online romance scams, business email compromise and investor fraud, and unemployment insurance fraud.  The defendants coordinated how to extract money from their victims, and then how to disguise, disburse, and launder that money once they successfully defrauded their victims.  The scheme resulted in approximately $17 million fraudulently obtained from at least 100 individual victims, companies, and government entities from across the world.  The scheme specifically targeted elderly persons and used various schemes such as online dating sites to lure their victims.  Once funds were obtained from their victims, the defendants laundered the money through a network of various bank accounts and sent money to bank accounts, co-conspirators and businesses located in Africa and Asia.

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

    This case was investigated by the FBI’s Dallas Field Office; Homeland Security Investigations; Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation; Department of Labor-Office of Inspector General; the U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service (DSS); U.S. Postal Inspection Service; U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service; Allen Police Department; Denton Police Department; Dallas County Sheriff’s Office; and Texas Department of Public Safety.  This case was prosecuted by assistant U.S. attorneys in the Plano office.

    ###

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI Security: Conspirators sentenced for engaging in a multitude of fraud schemes, including romance scams, investment fraud, and business email compromise, to steal at least $17 million

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    SHERMAN, Texas –Multiple defendants have been sentenced to federal prison for their role in an elaborate fraud scheme in the Eastern District of Texas, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.

    Damilola Kumapayi, 39, of Plano, pleaded guilty to conspiring to commit wire fraud and was sentenced to 109 months in federal prison.

    Sandra Iribhogbe Popnen, 50, of Plano, pleaded guilty to conspiring to commit wire fraud and conspiring to commit money laundering and was sentenced to 365 months in federal prison.

    Edgal Iribhogbe, 51, of Allen, was found guilty at trial of conspiring to commit wire fraud and conspiring to commit money laundering and was sentenced to 480 months in federal prison.

    Chidindu Okeke, 32, of Houston, was found guilty at trial of conspiring to commit wire fraud and conspiring to commit money laundering and was sentenced to 480 months in federal prison.

    Chiagoziem Okeke, 32, of Houston, was found guilty at trial of conspiring to commit wire fraud and conspiring to commit money laundering and was sentenced to 480 months in federal prison.

    “Transnational organized criminals targeting the hard-earned savings of elderly and vulnerable populations are simply despicable,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.  “The long arm of the American justice system has no limits when it comes to reaching fraudsters who prey on our nation’s most vulnerable populations. The defendants’ lengthy sentences in this case reflect the seriousness of their crimes and the dedication of law enforcement officers and prosecutors to bring them to justice.  I want to thank our law enforcement partners for their outstanding work on this case.”

    “The defendants were part of a transnational organized crime syndicate that defrauded victims collectively out of millions of dollars. For some individuals, this was their life savings, and they were unable to financially recover,” said FBI Dallas Special Agent in Charge R. Joseph Rothrock. “We hope these sentences give them a sense of comfort and sends a clear message that the FBI is committed to pursuing justice for victims.”

    “The collective sentences of nearly 160 years handed down to these defendants is a testament to the unwavering resolve of IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) and our law enforcement partners,” said Christopher J. Altemus, Jr., IRS-CI Special Agent in Charge of the Dallas Field Office.  “Through relentless investigation and prosecution, they have brought justice to the victims, holding these predators accountable for exploiting trust and devastating lives. IRS-CI and our partners are committed to prosecuting criminals for financial crimes, especially those that prey on our elderly and vulnerable.”

    The sentencing hearings were held before U.S. District Judge Amos L. Mazzant, III on June 16, 2025, in Sherman.

    According to information presented in court, beginning around January 2017, the defendants used a multitude of fraudulent schemes to obtain money from their victims, including online romance scams, business email compromise and investor fraud, and unemployment insurance fraud.  The defendants coordinated how to extract money from their victims, and then how to disguise, disburse, and launder that money once they successfully defrauded their victims.  The scheme resulted in approximately $17 million fraudulently obtained from at least 100 individual victims, companies, and government entities from across the world.  The scheme specifically targeted elderly persons and used various schemes such as online dating sites to lure their victims.  Once funds were obtained from their victims, the defendants laundered the money through a network of various bank accounts and sent money to bank accounts, co-conspirators and businesses located in Africa and Asia.

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

    This case was investigated by the FBI’s Dallas Field Office; Homeland Security Investigations; Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation; Department of Labor-Office of Inspector General; the U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service (DSS); U.S. Postal Inspection Service; U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service; Allen Police Department; Denton Police Department; Dallas County Sheriff’s Office; and Texas Department of Public Safety.  This case was prosecuted by assistant U.S. attorneys in the Plano office.

    ###

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI Security: Alleged Members of Major Guatemalan Drug Trafficking Organization Indicted

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    SAN DIEGO – A federal grand jury indictment was unsealed in San Diego Friday alleging that 13 Guatemalan nationals are part of a Guatemala-based cocaine trafficking organization operating out of La Mesilla and Democracia, Huehuetenango, Guatemala, which is on the Guatemala-Mexico border.

    The indictment was returned on May 31, 2019. Among the individuals charged are Baldemar Calderon-Carrillo, aka “Don Valde,” and his son, Walfre Donaldo Calderon-Calderon, aka “El Teniente Jr.”

    On June 13, 2025, federal agents in San Diego received information that Calderon-Carrillo, the lead defendant in the indictment, had been killed during a June 8, 2025, shootout with Mexican authorities. U.S. agents continue to obtain information confirming the details of Calderon-Carrillo’s death. Video of the incident was posted on various news outlets and in social media showing Mexican law enforcement in a shootout with members of a drug trafficking organization.

    In January 2023, one of Calderon-Carrillo’s sons, Edgar Yovani Calderon-Calderon, aka “Panon,” who is charged in the same indictment, was arrested in Paris, France. Edgar Yovani Calderon-Calderon was extradited to the United States from France in March 2024 and pleaded guilty in February 2025 to international cocaine distribution conspiracy charges.

    As part of his plea agreement, Calderon-Calderon admitted that since at least 2017, up to and including May 31, 2019, he conspired with others to distribute cocaine in Guatemala and elsewhere, knowing and having reasonable cause to believe the cocaine would be unlawfully imported into the United States.

    Calderon-Calderon admitted that he participated in the distribution of large quantities of cocaine in Guatemala on behalf of a drug trafficking organization based in La Mesilla, Huehuetenango, Guatemala. From Huehuetenango, the cocaine was transported to co-conspirators operating near the Guatemala-Mexico border, into Mexico, and ultimately smuggled into the United States.  As part of his plea agreement, Calderon-Calderon admitted that the conspiracy involved at least 550 kilograms of cocaine. On May 30, 2025, Calderon-Calderon was sentenced to 87 months in prison.

    The remaining defendants charged in the indictment are fugitives.

    This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kevin Mokhtari. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs and French authorities provided substantial assistance to secure the arrest and extradition of Edgar Yovani Calderon-Calderon.

    DEFENDANTS                                                               Case Number 19-cr-2025-DMS              

    Baldemar Calderon-Carrillo, aka “Don Valde”                     Age: 67           Guatemala

    Amado Calderon-Calderon, aka “Don Juan”                         Age: 46           Guatemala

    Walfre Donaldo Calderon-Calderon,  aka “El Teniente Jr.”  Age: 43           Guatemala

    Ceidner Ivan Calderon-Villatoro, aka “Chene”                     Age: 35           Guatemala

    Edgar Yovani Calderon-Calderon, aka “Panon”                    Age: 45           Guatemala

    Boris Brandon Calderon-Villatoro, aka “Leon”                     Age: 31           Guatemala

    Fredy Estuardo Villatoro-Calderon, aka “Nalo”                    Age: 31           Guatemala

    Juan Carlos Escobedo-Herrera, aka “Ducati”                        Age: 34           Guatemala

    Marvin Waldemar Mendez-Aldana, aka “Don Pelado”         Age: 44           Guatemala

    German Zaldana-Lima, aka “Gorgo”                                     Age: 50           Guatemala

    Arnoldo Bexsael Morales-Aguilar, aka “Bex”                       Age: 57           Guatemala

    Ranferi Godinez-Vasquez, aka “Chilo”                                 Age: 31           Guatemala

    Maximo Morales-Godinez, aka “Max”                                  Age: 37           Guatemala

    SUMMARY OF CHARGES

    Count 1 – International Cocaine Distribution Conspiracy – Title 21, U.S.C., Sections 959, 960, 963

    Maximum penalty: Life in prison; a maximum $10 million fine

    All defendants

    Count 2 – Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute Cocaine – Title 46, U.S.C., Sections 70503, 70506(b)

    Maximum penalty: Life in prison; a maximum $10 million fine

    Defendant Walfre Donaldo Calderon-Calderon only

    INVESTIGATING AGENCY

    Homeland Security Investigations

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI Security: Alleged Members of Major Guatemalan Drug Trafficking Organization Indicted

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    SAN DIEGO – A federal grand jury indictment was unsealed in San Diego Friday alleging that 13 Guatemalan nationals are part of a Guatemala-based cocaine trafficking organization operating out of La Mesilla and Democracia, Huehuetenango, Guatemala, which is on the Guatemala-Mexico border.

    The indictment was returned on May 31, 2019. Among the individuals charged are Baldemar Calderon-Carrillo, aka “Don Valde,” and his son, Walfre Donaldo Calderon-Calderon, aka “El Teniente Jr.”

    On June 13, 2025, federal agents in San Diego received information that Calderon-Carrillo, the lead defendant in the indictment, had been killed during a June 8, 2025, shootout with Mexican authorities. U.S. agents continue to obtain information confirming the details of Calderon-Carrillo’s death. Video of the incident was posted on various news outlets and in social media showing Mexican law enforcement in a shootout with members of a drug trafficking organization.

    In January 2023, one of Calderon-Carrillo’s sons, Edgar Yovani Calderon-Calderon, aka “Panon,” who is charged in the same indictment, was arrested in Paris, France. Edgar Yovani Calderon-Calderon was extradited to the United States from France in March 2024 and pleaded guilty in February 2025 to international cocaine distribution conspiracy charges.

    As part of his plea agreement, Calderon-Calderon admitted that since at least 2017, up to and including May 31, 2019, he conspired with others to distribute cocaine in Guatemala and elsewhere, knowing and having reasonable cause to believe the cocaine would be unlawfully imported into the United States.

    Calderon-Calderon admitted that he participated in the distribution of large quantities of cocaine in Guatemala on behalf of a drug trafficking organization based in La Mesilla, Huehuetenango, Guatemala. From Huehuetenango, the cocaine was transported to co-conspirators operating near the Guatemala-Mexico border, into Mexico, and ultimately smuggled into the United States.  As part of his plea agreement, Calderon-Calderon admitted that the conspiracy involved at least 550 kilograms of cocaine. On May 30, 2025, Calderon-Calderon was sentenced to 87 months in prison.

    The remaining defendants charged in the indictment are fugitives.

    This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kevin Mokhtari. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs and French authorities provided substantial assistance to secure the arrest and extradition of Edgar Yovani Calderon-Calderon.

    DEFENDANTS                                                               Case Number 19-cr-2025-DMS              

    Baldemar Calderon-Carrillo, aka “Don Valde”                     Age: 67           Guatemala

    Amado Calderon-Calderon, aka “Don Juan”                         Age: 46           Guatemala

    Walfre Donaldo Calderon-Calderon,  aka “El Teniente Jr.”  Age: 43           Guatemala

    Ceidner Ivan Calderon-Villatoro, aka “Chene”                     Age: 35           Guatemala

    Edgar Yovani Calderon-Calderon, aka “Panon”                    Age: 45           Guatemala

    Boris Brandon Calderon-Villatoro, aka “Leon”                     Age: 31           Guatemala

    Fredy Estuardo Villatoro-Calderon, aka “Nalo”                    Age: 31           Guatemala

    Juan Carlos Escobedo-Herrera, aka “Ducati”                        Age: 34           Guatemala

    Marvin Waldemar Mendez-Aldana, aka “Don Pelado”         Age: 44           Guatemala

    German Zaldana-Lima, aka “Gorgo”                                     Age: 50           Guatemala

    Arnoldo Bexsael Morales-Aguilar, aka “Bex”                       Age: 57           Guatemala

    Ranferi Godinez-Vasquez, aka “Chilo”                                 Age: 31           Guatemala

    Maximo Morales-Godinez, aka “Max”                                  Age: 37           Guatemala

    SUMMARY OF CHARGES

    Count 1 – International Cocaine Distribution Conspiracy – Title 21, U.S.C., Sections 959, 960, 963

    Maximum penalty: Life in prison; a maximum $10 million fine

    All defendants

    Count 2 – Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute Cocaine – Title 46, U.S.C., Sections 70503, 70506(b)

    Maximum penalty: Life in prison; a maximum $10 million fine

    Defendant Walfre Donaldo Calderon-Calderon only

    INVESTIGATING AGENCY

    Homeland Security Investigations

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI USA: Capitol Hill Touts Benefits of the One Big Beautiful Bill

    US Senate News:

    Source: US Whitehouse
    Across Capitol Hill, members of Congress have been sharing with their constituents the benefits of President Donald J. Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill — which include the largest tax cut in history, higher wages and take-home pay, unprecedented spending cuts, border security, protecting Medicaid, modernizing air traffic control, and much more.
    Here are what some members of Congress are saying around the country:
    Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-IA) on FoxNews.com: How Senate Republicans are restoring rule of law and securing border for years to come
    “While Democrat allies riot in the streets, Republicans are standing up for what’s right. Today, as chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, I released legislative text for my committee’s section of the ‘One Big Beautiful Bill.’ The Judiciary Committee’s provisions provide historic investments to strengthen our nation’s border security and immigration system, support local law enforcement and protect American families from violence like we’ve seen in Los Angeles. The costs of the judiciary section are offset by immigration application fees, which inject accountability into the immigration system.”
    Sen. Cynthia Lummis (R-WY) in Cowboy State Daily: Trump’s Border Triumph — Making America Secure Again
    “The Senate is currently developing President Trump’s comprehensive legislative package, known as the One Big, Beautiful Bill Act, with the goal of passage by July 4th. This legislation contains several immigration measures that I believe are essential. The bill provides funding to help finish President Trump’s border wall, and gives Border Patrol and ICE agents the resources, technology, and personnel they need to carry out the mission … The American people were clear last November when they voted and told Washington, D.C. that it is time to fully secure our border and deport illegal aliens. These provisions give President Trump and his administration the resources they need to continue delivering on this mandate.”
    Sen. Roger Marshall (R-KS) on FoxNews.com: Trump’s One Big, Beautiful Bill will keep our border the most secure it’s been in history
    “Our country stands at a crossroads. Thanks to President Donald Trump’s and Homeland Security Secretary Noem’s leadership, our border is secure. We can either capitalize on this success and give law enforcement the resources it needs to keep it secure by passing the One Big, Beautiful Bill, or we can let the sacrifice of our men and women on the ground be in vain.”
    Rep. Jodey Arrington (R-TX), Rep. August Pfluger (R-TX) in The Hill: The One Big Beautiful Bill Act delivers for America. Now the Senate Must Deliver Too.
    “The House of Representatives has delivered on the American people’s mandate by passing the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, the most comprehensive and consequential set of conservative reforms in our nation’s history. This transformative package includes record levels of tax cuts, spending reduction, and border and national security investment. The ball is now in the Senate’s court and their mission is simple: move the One Big Beautiful Bill to the president’s desk as soon as possible.”
    Rep. Michael Baumgartner (R-WA) in the Ritzville Adams County Journal: One ‘Big, Beautiful, Bill Act’ is good for us
    “This legislation delivers on the promises made to the American people: to secure the border, cut taxes, unleash American energy and restore fairness to our economy. It reflects what voters demanded and what I pledged to deliver.”
    Rep. Andy Barr (R-KY) in the Lexington Herald-Leader: Senate must pass Trump’s ‘Big, Beautiful Bill’
    “Last month, I voted to pass President Trump’s Big, Beautiful Bill. It was an easy vote. The president’s leadership produced a transformational legislative win that will deliver an across-the-board tax cut for families, small businesses, farmers and seniors. On top of tax relief for Kentuckians still rebounding from four years of runaway inflation under Joe Biden, we surge resources to help law enforcement seal the Southern border and provide $1.6 trillion in deficit reduction, all while strengthening Medicaid for Kentuckians who need it. That’s why my message to U.S. senators, especially from Kentucky, is very simple: pass the Big, Beautiful Bill, and send it to the president’s desk. Kentuckians can’t afford to wait, literally.”
    Rep. Jack Bergman (R-MI) in The Detroit News: One Big Beautiful Bill corrects nation’s course
    “After the last four years of chaos in America under the Biden-Harris administration — from our overwhelmed southern border to reckless binge spending driving up our national debt — we are one bad decision, or one failure to act, away from catastrophe. That’s why I supported the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which will deliver middle-class tax relief, secure our borders, bolster our defense, and restore the kind of fiscal responsibility that northern Michigan families have practiced for generations. This bill will turn the tide against out-of-control spending and help rescue our economy.”
    Rep. Vern Buchanan (R-FL) in the Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Floridians benefit from Trump’s tax cuts. We can’t let Democrats take them away.
    “As Floridians begin to recover from the disastrous Biden administration, the last thing they need is a massive tax hike – but that’s exactly what will happen if Congress doesn’t act. That’s why Republicans are working to extend President Donald Trump’s 2017 tax cuts and ensure all Americans get the relief they deserve.”
    Rep. Buddy Carter (R-GA) in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution: Sens. Ossoff, Warnock should support Trump’s ‘big, beautiful bill’
    “Georgia’s Democratic U.S. Senators Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock should not oppose President Trump’s ‘One, Big, Beautiful Bill’ Act (OBBBA) … the most consequential piece of legislation of our generation. It is a legacy defining bill that I was proud to support when it passed the House of Representatives, advancing President Trump’s full domestic agenda that more than 77 million Americans overwhelmingly voted for back in November. That’s exactly why Ossoff and Warnock are going to fight this bill at every turn.”
    Rep. Tom Cole (R-OK) on Indianz.com: Promises Made, Promises Kept
    “Last November, the American people gave their Representatives a mandate when they overwhelmingly voted for change. 77 million Americans made it very clear to us that they wanted a secure border, the resurgence of American energy dominance, lower taxes, a lethal military focused on warfighting instead of woke initiatives, and a more efficient federal government that roots out fraud, waste, and abuse of taxpayer dollars — essentially the platform that President Trump ran on. Now, less than six months into the new Trump Administration, the United States House of Representatives has already delivered on these promises by passing the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.”
    Rep. Ben Cline (R-VA) on RealClearPolitics.com: A Big, Beautiful Win for America
    “The American Dream is back in reach and our nation is back on the path to prosperity, security, and sanity, thanks to the actions of the House of Representatives last week. With the House’s passage of President Trump’s ‘One Big Beautiful Bill,’ we’ve shown that it is possible to return common sense to our government, protect taxpayers, secure our borders, and chart a course for national Golden Age – all in one package.”
    Rep. Troy Downing (R-WY) in the Billings Gazette: We are staring down the barrel of a 26% tax increase
    “We are staring down the barrel of a 26% tax increase. If Congress does not take action to extend the President Donald Trump’s tax cuts by Jan. 1 of next year, the average Montana family of four will be out more than $1,400 per year … Put plainly, a vote opposing an extension of the TCJA is a vote to raise taxes — on the rich, on the poor, on you, on your neighbor, on family farms, on the coffee shop down the street. Republicans will prevent Democrats from walking America off a fiscal cliff and avoid this catastrophic tax hike that threatens the financial security of countless Montanans.”
    Rep. Neal Dunn (R-FL) in the Tallahassee Democrat: Floridians: Don’t let Washington raise your taxes while you’re not looking
    “Across Florida’s 2nd Congressional District, families have already been stretched thin by rising costs – at the grocery store, at the gas pump, and on their utility bills. The last thing they need is a tax hike. But unless Congress acts soon, that’s exactly what nightmare is coming … Preventing this tax hike should be a bipartisan priority. We owe it to the people we serve to protect and build on the progress our nation has made. Congress must act to make the TCJA permanent – to protect prosperity, promote growth, and preserve the American Dream for the next generation.”
    Rep. Gabe Evans (R-CO) in Newsweek: House Republicans Are Keeping Our Promises on Border Security
    “Americans are desperate to feel safe in our own neighborhoods, but time and time again dangerous illegal immigrants stole from, raped, assaulted, and killed innocent Americans. It is an honor to sit on the House Homeland Security Committee and help lead the charge to secure our borders and follow through on our public safety promises to our constituents. As a part of Congress’ reconciliation package, Homeland Republicans recently advanced recommendations for border security funding to protect Americans, including over $46 billion to complete the border wall system. This money will provide an additional 701 miles of primary wall, construction of 900 miles of river barriers, and even technology like sensors. A physical border is key to keeping the bad guys out.”
    Rep. Randy Feenstra (R-IA) in the Times-Republican: Iowa families will benefit from President Trump’s ‘One, Big, Beautiful Bill’
    “The other week, my Republican colleagues in the U.S. House of Representatives and I passed President Trump’s ‘One, Big, Beautiful Bill.’ This legislation contains numerous provisions to put more money back in the pockets of Iowa families … President Trump’s ‘One, Big, Beautiful Bill’ will finally give our families room to breathe again. Estimates suggest that families could see up to $13,300 more in take-home pay, with workers potentially gaining up to $11,600 in higher wages over four years. With provisions that end taxes on tips, overtime, and auto loan interest for American-made cars, working parents can be certain that the extra effort they’re putting in for their families will pay off.”
    Rep. Michelle Fischbach (R-MN) in the Park Rapids Enterprise: One Big Beautiful Bill Act helps families and small businesses
    “The One Big Beautiful Bill Act protects Medicaid for those who need and deserve it … It makes the 2017 Trump tax cuts permanent, which have been so beneficial for families and small businesses to grow and thrive, even during the uncertain economic times we experienced over the last several years. This bill permanently doubles the guaranteed standard deduction and expands it by $2,000 for every American family. It creates new tax relief for seniors by adding an additional $4,000 deduction for those aged 65 and over. It makes the 199A small business deduction permanent and expands it to 23% for the over 60,000 small businesses in CD7. It makes the doubled death tax exemption permanent and expands it for the nearly 30,000 farms in CD7, helping families pass down their life’s work to the next generation. It prevents the child tax credit from being cut in half and expands the credit to $2,500 to support 74,460 families in CD7. It eliminates tax on tips and overtime pay. And, it expands 529 education plans so families can make the right choices for them, including using 529s for K-12 education materials, universities or trade schools.”
    Rep. Sam Graves (R-MO) in The Washington Times: One Big Beautiful Bill Act provides a flight path for a modern air traffic control system
    “This has been a difficult year for U.S. aviation, with a string of tragic crashes that have killed passengers and crew. Additionally, we have seen reports about failing technology that has caused repeated air traffic control outages and flight delays. Meanwhile, a shortage of certified air traffic controllers has put additional strain on our aviation system. President Trump, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and House Republicans are saying ‘enough is enough,’ and we are doing something about it.”
    Rep. Mark Green (R-NC) on RealClearPolitics.com: ‘One Big, Beautiful Bill’ Will Give Americans a Secure Border
    “The only way for us to make good on our promises to the American people is to codify President Trump’s agenda. Funding common-sense and effective border security measures through reconciliation is the first step.”
    Rep. Michael Guest (R-MS) in The Hill: Investing in border security is a win for every American
    “Since President Trump entered office in January of 2025, our border security has increased, the flow of illegal drugs has dropped dramatically, and illegal border crossings have plummeted to levels not seen in modern history. The success of the Trump administration’s leadership at our borders cannot be underestimated. Now, Congress must do its job to enshrine into law the work of President Trump.”
    Rep. Brett Guthrie (R-KY) on FoxNews.com: GOP fights to protect Medicaid for America’s most vulnerable while Democrats fearmonger
    “It is a top priority of House Republicans to eliminate the waste, fraud and abuse in the programs and safeguard expectant mothers, their children, low-income seniors and especially individuals living with disabilities who are receiving Medicaid coverage. Regrettably, Democrats continue to fuel the falsehood that 13 million individuals will lose healthcare coverage under OBBBA.”
    Rep. Mike Haridopolous (R-FL) in Florida Today: “One Big Beautiful Bill” is a win for Florida families, workers
    “America voted for change last November, and now we’re delivering it. Over the past four years, families have been hit with rising prices, shrinking paychecks, and a government that grew too big and too careless with your tax dollars. People are working harder than ever, but they’re falling behind. That’s not right, and that’s why my Republican colleagues and I in Congress are fighting hard to pass the ‘One Big Beautiful Bill’ This bill is about getting back to basics: Rewarding work, cutting waste, and putting American families first.”
    Rep. Erin Houchin (R-IN) in Newsweek: The Truth About the One Big Beautiful Bill—and What Democrats Don’t Want You to Know
    “Democrats have spent weeks fearmongering about so-called cuts to Medicaid, Medicare, and Social Security in the One Big Beautiful Bill. Let’s be clear: those talking points are false, and they know it. What this bill actually does is protect and preserve these critical safety net programs for the people they were designed to serve—pregnant women, children, individuals with disabilities, and seniors. It does so by taking on the real problem: waste, fraud, and abuse that have run rampant in our federal health programs for decades.”
    Rep. Jen Kiggans (R-VA) in the Washington Examiner: The ‘big, beautiful bill’ protects Medicaid for those who need it
    “When I came to Congress, I promised the people of Virginia’s 2nd Congressional District that I would pursue practical solutions to improve the lives of working families — without the drama, the headlines, or the politics. That commitment is reflected in the House’s recently passed “big, beautiful bill,” a practical, solutions-oriented piece of legislation that restores accountability to our safety net programs. Unfortunately, misinformation has clouded the bill’s intent, particularly when it comes to Medicaid. Let me set the record straight: This legislation does not cut Medicaid for those who truly need it. Instead, it strengthens the program for low-income families, seniors, and individuals with disabilities while rooting out waste and holding bad actors accountable.”
    Rep. David Kustoff (R-TN) in the Washington Examiner: The ‘one big, beautiful bill’ will restore the American dream
    “Unfortunately, if Congress does not act, many of the provisions in TCJA will expire at the end of the year. If that happens, the average family in my district of West Tennessee will face a nearly 26% tax hike. A child inheriting the family farm could pay such steep estate taxes that he is forced to sell it. And a small business owner competing with larger corporations could see her taxes nearly double. These are not just numbers on a chart in Washington. These provisions affect each and every one of us. If they expire, the American dream could be unachievable for many of our citizens.”
    Rep. Tracey Mann (R-MO) in the Kansas City Star: Kansas deserves the gift of Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill
    “I recently voted in the U.S. House of Representatives to advance the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which would provide working- and middle-class Americans with the largest tax cuts in history and make long overdue investments into our nation’s border security by funding the completion of the border wall. The legislation would equip Customs and Border Patrol with modern technology to assist with intercepting drug and human smuggling while increasing detention capacity for Immigration and Customs Enforcement as it works to deport violent criminals and gang members who are in the country illegally.”
    Rep. Adrian Smith (R-NE) in the Pawnee Republican: Building Certainty for Small Businesses
    “For workers and entrepreneurs, few places are as ripe with economic opportunity as the United States of America. Our world-leading workforce, natural resources, educational institutions, rule of law committed to protecting capital investment, and unique features such as deepwater ports providing access to export goods and services to consumers across both the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans provide opportunities for American families with few rivals elsewhere around the globe. Despite these economic strengths, there is much we can improve. The federal government remains inefficient, and we must address issues such as our spending-driven budget deficit. Likewise, too many work-capable Americans remain on the sidelines despite millions of good jobs available in our economy. Efforts to address the waste, fraud, and abuse in federally funded programs are vitally important for the fiscal health of our country, as are expanded efforts to help sidelined Americans connect with good jobs. For this reason, the reconciliation bill passed by the House enhances accountability for state administration of federal benefit programs and improves incentives for beneficiaries to find meaningful work.”
    Rep. Jason Smith (R-MO) on FoxNews.com: It’s time for Congress to deliver President Trump’s ‘big, beautiful bill’ to his desk
    “Republicans have a historic opportunity to deliver America First tax reforms that reward hard work, bring jobs back home, expand opportunity, and most importantly, rebuild the American economy for hardworking families across our nation. President Donald Trump has been crystal clear about what he wanted Congress to deliver – 77 million Americans raced to the ballot box in support of his vision of lower taxes for those whose sweat moves our economy forward. Now, The One, Big, Beautiful Bill passed by the Ways and Means Committee delivers for those workers. It makes permanent the expiring provisions of the successful 2017 Trump tax cuts, provides additional tax relief to American families, and rewards those who manufacture more at home and hire more American workers. The additional tax relief includes eliminating taxes on tips, overtime pay, and auto loan interest, and delivering tax relief for seniors. Now, Congress must not fail the American people.”
    Rep. Tim Walberg (R-MI) in Leader Publications: Empowering Hardworking Americans through one big beautiful bill
    “The One Big Beautiful Bill Act represents the culmination of each instructed committee’s plan to eliminate waste, fraud, and abuse in Washington and make vital investments in our communities. In total, the bill would provide over $1.6 billion in savings, allowing the federal government to be better stewards of American tax dollars and put us back on the path to fiscal prosperity.  The cornerstone of the package is the permanent expansion of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, which revitalized our economy, unleashing unprecedented job growth and higher wages for working families. Two years after being signed into law, real median household income increased by $5,000 and real wages rose by 4.9%, allowing families to pocket more of their hard-earned money. The reforms also incentivized businesses to invest more in the U.S., ending the decades-long trend of U.S. companies shipping operations overseas.”
    Rep. Rob Wittman (R-VA) in The Virginian-Pilot: Voting for spending bill kept my word to Virginians
    “Let me set the record straight: I kept my word. I fought for Virginians, and I voted to protect working families, strengthen our safety net, and invest in national security and economic opportunity. Before this bill even came to a vote, I raised my voice publicly to demand protections for the vulnerable. In April, I wrote to House leadership making clear that balancing the budget must not come at the expense of pregnant women, children, seniors or individuals with disabilities. I demanded reforms that would support patients, help new mothers and expand savings for working-class families. This bill delivers on that promise.”
    Rep. Rudy Yakym (R-IN) in Goshen News: The One, Big, Beautiful Bill Explained
    “The One Big Beautiful Bill isn’t some bloated spending package. It doesn’t give any money to the Department of Education, HUD, or the EPA. What it does is straightforward: cut taxes, rein in federal spending, permanently secure the border, and reform welfare. When I’m meeting with Hoosier manufacturers and small business owners or chatting with friends at the grocery store, they’re clear about one thing: They’re taxed enough. And I agree. That’s why it makes the 2017 Trump Tax Cuts permanent. That means bigger paychecks, more investment in America, and strong incentives for companies to stay in the U.S. rather than send jobs overseas.”

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Shaheen Kicks Off Paris Air Show at SENEDIA Breakfast, Underscoring New England Businesses’ Importance to National Security and Defense

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Hampshire Jeanne Shaheen

    (Paris, France) – U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), a top member of the U.S. Senate Armed Services and Appropriations Committees and the top Democrat on the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee, welcomed Granite State and other New England businesses to the Paris Air Show at the Southeastern New England Defense Industry Alliance (SENEDIA)’s New England Breakfast. A primary focus of Senator Shaheen’s bipartisan Congressional delegation to the Paris Air Show is to connect smaller, regional businesses with leaders in the aerospace and defense industries. Aerospace represents New Hampshire’s largest export sector, including over $30 million in exports in aerospace products to France last year. Click here to view photos of the event.

    “The Paris Air Show is the world’s largest, so it’s a great opportunity for American businesses to showcase their capabilities, connect with key players in the industry and strengthen relationships with partners,” said Senator Shaheen. “SENEDIA’s breakfast reception brought together a number of companies with business in New England to encourage additional engagement – supporting jobs back home and bolstering our national defense and security.” 

    First held in 1909, the Paris Air Show is the largest air show and aerospace-industry exhibition event in the world. Last year, Shaheen co-led the bipartisan Congressional delegation to the Farnborough Air Show with U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-KS). 

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Luján, Dingell Announce Legislation to Strengthen Home and Community-Based Services

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-New Mexico)

    Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) and U.S. Representative Debbie Dingell (D-Mich.) announced the introduction of the Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Relief Act, legislation to provide dedicated Medicaid funds for home and community-based services (HCBS) for older adults, children, and youth and adults with disabilities for two years. The HCBS Relief Act would decrease the need to move people into congregate settings and allow them to receive the services and support they need from their own homes. The bill is also designed to support service provider agencies and direct care workers who provide services in homes.

    Millions of Americans rely on HCBS for daily activities, such as dressing, bathing, meal preparation, taking medication, employment support, mobility assistance, and more. Chronic underfunding of Medicaid services has led to an impending crisis, forcing millions of people with disabilities and older adults into institutions.

    “Right now, millions rely on HCBS for basic everyday needs – help getting dressed, taking medications, preparing meals, and so much more,” said Senator Luján. “To support Americans who depend on home and community-based care, I’m proud to introduce my HCBS Relief Act. My bill would address chronic underfunding that has pushed families into crisis and forced many into institutions simply because they can’t access support at home.”

    “We know that the majority of individuals who require long-term care would prefer to receive it in their own homes and communities. No one should have to wait years to get the care they deserve, and no care worker should have to live below the poverty line to give this care,” said Representative Dingell. “Medicaid is the single largest payer of long-term care in our country. At a time when Medicaid is facing unprecedented, historic cuts, it’s more important than ever that we prioritize home and community-based services. This legislation will provide much-needed investment in our care workforce, making it easier for those who need care to get it, and supporting the caregivers doing this crucial work.”

    Last week, Senator Luján joined Senate Finance Committee Democrats at a press conference to announce the HCBS Relief Act and a series of additional proposals to strengthen the Medicaid program and empower federal watchdogs to take on fraud in the federal health care system. The press conference came as congressional Republicans continue to jam their reconciliation bill that rips away affordable health care from millions of Americans through the House and Senate behind closed doors.

    In the Senate, the HCBS Relief Act is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), John Fetterman (D-Pa.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.).

    Full bill text of the HCBS Relief Act is available here.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: SPC Jun 16, 2025 1930 UTC Day 3 Severe Thunderstorm Outlook

    Source: US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

    SPC AC 161930

    Day 3 Convective Outlook
    NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
    0230 PM CDT Mon Jun 16 2025

    Valid 181200Z – 191200Z

    …THERE IS A SLIGHT RISK OF SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS FROM LOWER
    MICHIGAN SOUTHWESTWARD INTO OKLAHOMA…

    …SUMMARY…
    Scattered thunderstorms with severe wind gusts and hail are expected
    on Wednesday from the southern Plains to the southern Great Lakes,
    and over a small part of the Mid Atlantic.

    …Synopsis…
    On Wednesday, an upper trough will move from the central Plains
    across the mid to upper MS Valley, with a lead wave moving from MO
    into Lower MI. A surface low is expected from eastern IA into lower
    MI during the day, with a trough extending southwestward across IL,
    MO, and OK. A very moist and unstable air mass will exist ahead of
    this main front with upper 60s to lower 70s F dewpoints.

    To the east, a weak surface trough is forecast to develop over the
    Mid Atlantic, where strong heating will lead to an unstable air mass
    beneath modest southwest flow aloft around western Atlantic high.

    …MI southwestward into OK…
    Scattered storms may be ongoing Wednesday morning from IA into MO
    and northeast OK, with remnant MCS activity. It appears the greatest
    ascent will move across northern areas coincident with the shortwave
    trough, from northern IL into lower MI. Here, shear profiles will
    likely support supercells, including hail and perhaps tornado
    threat.

    Farther south, stronger instability and PWAT will exist along the
    front but with weaker shear. Substantial convection is expected with
    areas of damaging winds likely. Some of these storms may move south
    to southwest due to propagation. Given steep midlevel lapse rates,
    sporadic hail may occur as well.

    …Eastern PA and MD…NJ…DE…
    Moderate instability is forecast to develop around the DelMarVa and
    into eastern PA and NJ, with primarily tall/moist CAPE profiles as
    seen on forecast soundings. Sufficient surface convergence is likely
    to initiate scattered storms during the afternoon from eastern PA
    into eastern MD, moving across NJ and DE by late afternoon/early
    evening. Given the favorable time of day, high PWAT and modest
    westerly flow aloft, some of these storms may produce locally
    damaging gusts, and perhaps small to marginal hail.

    ..Jewell.. 06/16/2025

    CLICK TO GET WUUS03 PTSDY3 PRODUCT

    NOTE: THE NEXT DAY 3 OUTLOOK IS SCHEDULED BY 0730Z

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: SPC Jun 16, 2025 1730 UTC Day 2 Convective Outlook

    Source: US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

    SPC AC 161728

    Day 2 Convective Outlook
    NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
    1228 PM CDT Mon Jun 16 2025

    Valid 171200Z – 181200Z

    …THERE IS AN ENHANCED RISK OF SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS OVER MUCH OF
    KANSAS AND INTO WESTERN MISSOURI…

    …SUMMARY…
    Severe thunderstorms producing damaging winds, hail, and possibly a
    few tornadoes are expected Tuesday across parts of the central
    Plains and lower to mid Missouri Valley. Outside of this area,
    marginally severe storms will be possible across a large part of the
    central U.S. Storms with isolated severe winds gusts may develop in
    parts of the central Appalachians and Mid-Atlantic.

    …Synopsis…
    On Tuesday, a low amplitude upper trough will move from the Rockies
    into the Plains, providing cooling aloft. To the north, an upper
    wave will lift out of the Great Lakes, while modest southwest flow
    aloft develops over the Appalachians north of an upper high.

    At the surface, a low will develop over the TX Panhandle, and a
    front associated with the northern wave will stall from Lake MI into
    the central Plains. South of this boundary, a very moist air mass
    with 70s F dewpoints will exist over a large area. As the upper
    trough moves into the Plains, a low-level jet will increase during
    the evening with over 50 kt into KS.

    …Central Plains…
    Areas of morning thunderstorms are expected from parts of southern
    NE into eastern KS, though the exact location is uncertain.
    Nonetheless, any early activity should generally dissipate during
    the day, with very strong instability developing along and south of
    I-70 in KS/MO. Southwest winds across the southern High Plains will
    extend a low-level lapse rate plume into southwest/central KS, while
    mid 70s F dewpoints develop over eastern OK and KS. Meanwhile, the
    air mass over NE/CO/WY will likely destabilize/recover during the
    afternoon with pockets of strong instability.

    Storm evolution is a bit complex for Tuesday and for some areas will
    depend on early day storms and outflows. But in general, robust
    storms will develop late in the afternoon over much of central into
    eastern KS, near the instability axis and downstream of the
    low-level lapse rate plume, and, over much of eastern WY/CO and into
    western NE where hail and damaging gusts will be possible.

    Of particular concern are potential supercells and eventual damaging
    MCS development over the Enhanced Risk area late in the day and into
    the evening. A conditional risk for tornadoes will exist with
    initial activity, should sufficient SRH remain along any residual
    outflows from early day storms. Isolated very large hail will also
    be probable with slow-moving, large cells. With time,
    clustering/aggregating outflows should yield a severe MCS, which may
    occur in earnest as activity from the High Plains pushes east late.

    …WV into VA and western MD…
    Strong heating will occur over much of the southeastern states
    beneath the upper ridge, with southwest winds aiding theta-e
    advection northward into WV/VA/MD. Midlevel moisture will also exist
    across the region, with scattered storms developing during the
    afternoon over the higher terrain. Some clustering may occur, with a
    small area of locally damaging wind potential late in the day as
    storms continue east toward northern VA and western MD.

    ..Jewell.. 06/16/2025

    CLICK TO GET WUUS02 PTSDY2 PRODUCT

    NOTE: THE NEXT DAY 2 OUTLOOK IS SCHEDULED BY 0600Z

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: SPC Jun 16, 2025 2000 UTC Day 1 Convective Outlook

    Source: US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

    SPC AC 161954

    Day 1 Convective Outlook
    NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
    0254 PM CDT Mon Jun 16 2025

    Valid 162000Z – 171200Z

    …THERE IS AN ENHANCED RISK OF SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS THIS AFTERNOON
    AND EVENING OVER PARTS OF NEBRASKA AND PARTS OF MINNESOTA…

    …SUMMARY…
    Scattered severe thunderstorms capable of producing severe/damaging
    gusts, large to very large hail, and a few tornadoes are forecast
    today across parts of the northern/central Plains into the Upper
    Mississippi Valley.

    …20z Update…
    Only minor adjustments were made to trim probabilities behind the
    low/cold front in the Midwest and northern Plains. Otherwise, the
    forecast remains on track with no large changes needed.

    Scattered thunderstorm activity is expected to intensify across
    portions of MN/IA this afternoon, with potential for damaging winds,
    large hail, and a couple of tornadoes. See MCD#1311 for additional
    information.

    Across the northern Plains, a couple of supercells have developed in
    southeastern SD producing a few instances of severe hail. Additional
    development is expected across portions of NE/KS this afternoon,
    with potential for large to very large hail and damaging winds. See
    previous discussion of more information.

    ..Thornton.. 06/16/2025

    .PREV DISCUSSION… /ISSUED 1125 AM CDT Mon Jun 16 2025/

    …MN/IA…
    Morning water vapor imagery shows a shortwave trough over the
    eastern Dakotas. As this trough moves eastward this afternoon, a
    surface low will deepen over central MN with a trailing cold front
    sweeping across the state. Morning convection is getting out of the
    way, which should allow several hours of strong
    heating/destabilization. Afternoon MLCAPE values of 3000+ J/kg are
    expected, with little inhibition. This should lead to rapid
    thunderstorm development by mid-afternoon near the surface low, with
    at least widely scattered development southward along the cold front
    into northern IA. Low-level winds are somewhat veered but strong.
    This coupled with favorable westerly flow aloft should promote a few
    supercells capable of large hail and damaging winds. A tornado or
    two is also possible.

    …NE/KS…
    The aforementioned cold front will sag southward into northern NE by
    early evening. A strong southerly low-level jet south of the front,
    along with steep mid-level lapse rates and large CAPE, will promote
    the development of scattered intense storms along the front.
    Supercells capable of very large hail and damaging winds are
    expected, along with perhaps a tornado. Congealing outflows from
    high-based convection are expected to move into the region during
    the mid-evening from the west, resulting in upscale convective
    growth and an increasing risk of damaging winds.

    …MS/AL…
    Strong heating is occurring today across much of MS and western AL,
    where dewpoints are in the mid 70s. Clusters of thunderstorms are
    forming over LA, which are expected to propagate northeastward
    across the region through the day. Steep low-level lapse rates,
    large CAPE, and relatively strong ambient low-level wind fields will
    pose some of risk of gusty/damaging wind gusts in the strongest
    cells today.

    CLICK TO GET WUUS01 PTSDY1 PRODUCT

    NOTE: THE NEXT DAY 1 OUTLOOK IS SCHEDULED BY 0100Z

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: SPC Jun 16, 2025 1630 UTC Day 1 Convective Outlook

    Source: US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

    SPC AC 161625

    Day 1 Convective Outlook
    NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
    1125 AM CDT Mon Jun 16 2025

    Valid 161630Z – 171200Z

    …THERE IS AN ENHANCED RISK OF SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS THIS AFTERNOON
    AND EVENING OVER PARTS OF NEBRASKA…AND PARTS OF MINNESOTA….

    …SUMMARY…
    Scattered severe thunderstorms capable of producing severe/damaging
    gusts, large to very large hail, and a few tornadoes are forecast
    today across parts of the northern/central Plains into the Upper
    Mississippi Valley.

    …MN/IA…
    Morning water vapor imagery shows a shortwave trough over the
    eastern Dakotas. As this trough moves eastward this afternoon, a
    surface low will deepen over central MN with a trailing cold front
    sweeping across the state. Morning convection is getting out of the
    way, which should allow several hours of strong
    heating/destabilization. Afternoon MLCAPE values of 3000+ J/kg are
    expected, with little inhibition. This should lead to rapid
    thunderstorm development by mid-afternoon near the surface low, with
    at least widely scattered development southward along the cold front
    into northern IA. Low-level winds are somewhat veered but strong.
    This coupled with favorable westerly flow aloft should promote a few
    supercells capable of large hail and damaging winds. A tornado or
    two is also possible.

    …NE/KS…
    The aforementioned cold front will sag southward into northern NE by
    early evening. A strong southerly low-level jet south of the front,
    along with steep mid-level lapse rates and large CAPE, will promote
    the development of scattered intense storms along the front.
    Supercells capable of very large hail and damaging winds are
    expected, along with perhaps a tornado. Congealing outflows from
    high-based convection are expected to move into the region during
    the mid-evening from the west, resulting in upscale convective
    growth and an increasing risk of damaging winds.

    …MS/AL…
    Strong heating is occurring today across much of MS and western AL,
    where dewpoints are in the mid 70s. Clusters of thunderstorms are
    forming over LA, which are expected to propagate northeastward
    across the region through the day. Steep low-level lapse rates,
    large CAPE, and relatively strong ambient low-level wind fields will
    pose some of risk of gusty/damaging wind gusts in the strongest
    cells today.

    ..Hart/Wendt.. 06/16/2025

    CLICK TO GET WUUS01 PTSDY1 PRODUCT

    NOTE: THE NEXT DAY 1 OUTLOOK IS SCHEDULED BY 2000Z

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: SPC MD 1311

    Source: US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

    Mesoscale Discussion 1311

    Mesoscale Discussion 1311
    NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
    0125 PM CDT Mon Jun 16 2025

    Areas affected…central MN

    Concerning…Severe potential…Watch likely

    Valid 161825Z – 162030Z

    Probability of Watch Issuance…80 percent

    SUMMARY…Thunderstorms should intensify ahead of an eastward-moving
    surface cyclone, starting in west-central Minnesota. A few
    supercells capable of large hail, damaging winds, and a couple
    tornadoes are possible. A watch will likely be needed with
    uncertainty on southern extent of the threat.

    DISCUSSION…Initial low-topped convection has increased near the
    southeast ND/west-central MN border area in vicinity of a surface
    cyclone. A corridor of greater insolation persists ahead of this low
    into the Brainerd Lakes area, northwest of regenerative elevated
    convection across east-central MN to northeast IA. This should yield
    further low-level destabilization and increasing moderate buoyancy
    into late afternoon. While 12Z CAMs largely underplayed the morning
    elevated convection, the RRFS has consistently signaled the
    surface-based convection may remain largely confined to near the
    surface low/warm front across central MN. Low-level shear is modest,
    but a belt of stronger 700-mb winds attendant to the shortwave
    impulse should support a few supercells in an emerging cluster that
    spreads east into early evening.

    ..Grams/Hart.. 06/16/2025

    …Please see www.spc.noaa.gov for graphic product…

    ATTN…WFO…DLH…MPX…FGF…

    LAT…LON 46899636 47209562 47399446 47159349 46869297 46519268
    46079291 45669405 45579426 45459485 45389538 45389596
    45819613 46349643 46899636

    MOST PROBABLE PEAK TORNADO INTENSITY…85-115 MPH
    MOST PROBABLE PEAK WIND GUST…55-70 MPH
    MOST PROBABLE PEAK HAIL SIZE…1.50-2.50 IN

    Top/All Mesoscale Discussions/Forecast Products/Home

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: SPC MD 1312

    Source: US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

    Mesoscale Discussion 1312
    NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
    0149 PM CDT Mon Jun 16 2025

    Areas affected…southeast SD and northeast NE

    Concerning…Severe potential…Watch possible

    Valid 161849Z – 162045Z

    Probability of Watch Issuance…60 percent

    SUMMARY…An isolated large hail and localized severe gust threat
    may persist through mid-afternoon. Greater coverage of storms, with
    increasing severe hail/wind threats, is anticipated in the late
    afternoon to early evening. Area is being monitored for a severe
    thunderstorm watch, with timing and spatial extent the primary
    near-term uncertainties.

    DISCUSSION…A few storms, likely rooted near 700 mb, have formed
    near the surface cold front. With appreciable MLCIN still present in
    the warm-moist sector ahead of this, convection may struggle to
    propagate off the boundary. Most CAM guidance has been too slow with
    this initial development, rendering uncertainty regarding the
    overall spatial extent of severe potential over the next couple
    hours. Surface dew points have largely mixed into the upper 50s to
    low 60s to the east-southeast of this activity, with richer
    boundary-layer dew points and CU development confined to central NE
    westward. Despite the uncertainty on storm coverage, low to
    mid-level wind profiles are sufficient for transient, high-based
    supercells.

    ..Grams/Hart.. 06/16/2025

    …Please see www.spc.noaa.gov for graphic product…

    ATTN…WFO…FSD…OAX…LBF…

    LAT…LON 43819868 43989814 43949746 43819682 43609646 43019646
    42609659 42099699 41989717 41869806 42139872 42929908
    43269909 43819868

    MOST PROBABLE PEAK TORNADO INTENSITY…UP TO 95 MPH
    MOST PROBABLE PEAK WIND GUST…55-70 MPH
    MOST PROBABLE PEAK HAIL SIZE…1.50-2.50 IN

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: SPC Tornado Watch 423 Status Reports

    Source: US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

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    Watch 423 Status Reports

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