MIL-OSI USA: Chairman Capito Participates in EPW T&I Subcommittee Hearing on Surface Transportation Improvements

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for West Virginia Shelley Moore Capito

[embedded content]

To watch Chairman Capito’s questions, click here or the image above.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Yesterday, U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Chairman of the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee, participated in an EPW Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee hearing on proposals to improve America’s transportation infrastructure.

During the subcommittee hearing, Chairman Capito opened with remarks outlining the need for the Surface Transportation Reauthorization Bill to provide states with needed flexibility, and how projects could be done more efficiently with permitting reform. Additionally, Chairman Capito asked for an update on efforts to rebuild the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Maryland.

HIGHLIGHTS:

FLEXIBILITY FOR STATES:

“My history here on Capitol Hill has been that transportation and infrastructure is something that we all have. We have our different needs, but we all have need for. So, I think flexibility, Senator Lummis, I think, asked the first question I was going to ask of Mr. Orn on the flexibilities that you get by having the formula funding. We’re not going to build highways in West Virginia the same way that you build them in North Dakota, or Maryland, or other places. There’s just different needs.”

PERMITTING REFORM:

“I think one of the things that is important as well, is permitting reform. I think if we can get bipartisan permitting reform, all of these dollars will go a lot faster, and a lot more efficiently than they have in the past.”

UPDATE ON FRANCIS SCOTT KEY BRIDGE:

Chairman Capito:

“Could you update me on the status of the reconstruction of the bridge and tell us the current cost estimate for that bridge?”

Samantha Biddle, Deputy Secretary, Maryland Department of Transportation:

“Of course, and thank you as well for your support and partnership as we navigated what was truly a catastrophic event that we are still working through. So, we’re so immensely grateful for the federal support. This is a critical national freight and supply chain asset, and we pledge to remain transparent with this committee and providing updates, as well as in our efforts to seek reimbursement to the responsible party for that bridge collision. To date, the Francis Scott Key Bridge rebuild has been environmentally cleared, and we have a progressive design-build contractor in place, and pre-construction and demolition activities are currently underway. We appreciate the strong continued partnership with the Federal Highway Administration, as well as our progressive design-build contractor, Kiewit, and we do remain on track to deliver a new bridge as quickly and cost effectively as possible. However, due to the progressive design-build process that we’re working through, we are currently still tracking the initial cost estimate from earlier on in the bridge rebuild process.”

Click HERE to watch Chairman Capito’s questions.

MIL OSI USA News –

July 25, 2025

MIL-OSI: NorthEast Community Bancorp, Inc. Reports Results for the Three and Six Months Ended June 30, 2025

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

WHITE PLAINS, N.Y., July 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — NorthEast Community Bancorp, Inc. (Nasdaq: NECB) (the “Company”), the parent holding company of NorthEast Community Bank (the “Bank”), reported net income of $11.2 million, or $0.85 per basic share and $0.82 per diluted share, for the three months ended June 30, 2025 compared to net income of $12.8 million, or $0.98 per basic share and $0.97 per diluted share, for the three months ended June 30, 2024. In addition, the Company reported net income of $21.7 million, or $1.65 per basic share and $1.60 per diluted share, for the six months ended June 30, 2025 compared to net income of $24.2 million, or $1.84 per basic share and $1.83 per diluted share, for the six months ended June 30, 2024.

Kenneth A. Martinek, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer, stated “We are once again pleased to be able to report continued strong performance throughout our entire loan portfolio, with continuing focus on construction lending in high demand, high absorption sub-markets, as well as our growing cooperative building lending program throughout Manhattan, Brooklyn, the Bronx, and Queens. Despite the uncertainty throughout the national economy during the first half of the year, loan demand continues to increase with outstanding unfunded commitments exceeding $636 million at June 30, 2025.”

Highlights for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2025 are as follows:

Performance metrics continue to be strong with a return on average total assets ratio of 2.27%, a return on average shareholders’ equity ratio of 13.37%, and an efficiency ratio of 40.52% for the three months ended June 30, 2025. For the six months ended June 30, 2025, the Company reported a return on average total assets ratio of 2.20%, a return on average shareholders’ equity ratio of 13.18%, and an efficiency ratio of 41.08%.
Asset quality metrics continue to remain strong with no non-performing loans at either June 30, 2025 or December 31, 2024, and non-performing assets to total assets of 0.04% and 0.25% at June 30, 2025 and at December 31, 2024, respectively. Our allowance for credit losses related to loans totaled $4.7 million, or 0.26% of total loans at June 30, 2025 compared to $4.8 million, or 0.27% of total loans at December 31, 2024.
Total stockholders’ equity increased by $18.3 million, or 5.8%, to $336.7 million, or 17.06% of total assets as of June 30, 2025 from $318.3 million, or 15.84% of total assets as of December 31, 2024.

Balance Sheet Summary

Total assets decreased $35.7 million, or 1.8%, to $2.0 billion at June 30, 2025, from $2.0 billion at December 31, 2024. The decrease in assets was primarily due to decreases in cash and cash equivalents of $18.9 million, net loans of $14.9 million, and real estate owned of $4.4 million, partially offset by an increase of $3.4 million in equity securities.

Cash and cash equivalents decreased $18.9 million, or 24.1%, to $59.4 million at June 30, 2025 from $78.3 million at December 31, 2024. The decrease in cash and cash equivalents was a result of a decrease in deposits of $191.2 million, partially offset by increases of $135.0 million in borrowings, decreases of $14.9 million in net loans, and increases of $3.4 million in equity securities.

Equity securities increased $3.4 million, or 15.2%, to $25.3 million at June 30, 2025 from $22.0 million at December 31, 2024. The increase in equity securities was attributable to the purchase of $3.0 million in equity securities during the six months ended June 30, 2025 and market appreciation of $351,000 due to market interest rate volatility during the six months ended June 30, 2025.

Securities held-to-maturity decreased $218,000, or 1.5%, to $14.4 million at June 30, 2025 from $14.6 million at December 31, 2024 due to $128,000 in maturities and pay-downs of various investment securities.

Loans, net of the allowance for credit losses, decreased $14.9 million, or 0.8%, to $1.8 billion at June 30, 2025 from $1.8 billion at December 31, 2024. The decrease in loans consisted of decreases of $102.7 million in construction loans, $1.6 million in consumer loans, $482,000 in mixed-use loans, $475,000 in non-residential loans, and $74,000 in one-to-four family loans. The decrease in our construction loan portfolio was due to normal pay-downs and principal reductions as construction projects were completed and either condominium units were sold to end buyers or multi-family rental buildings were refinanced by other financial institutions. The decrease in construction loans was offset by increases of $85.9 million in multi-family loans of which $43.2 million is attributed to residential cooperative building loans and $4.3 million in commercial and industrial loans.

During the six months ended June 30, 2025, we originated loans totaling $462.7 million consisting primarily of $338.8 million in construction loans, $95.4 million in multi-family loans of which $32.9 million is attributed to residential cooperative building loans, $27.8 million in commercial and industrial loans, and $730,000 in mixed-use loans. The $338.8 million in construction loans had 41.6% disbursed at loan closing, with the remaining funds to be disbursed over the terms of the construction loans.

The allowance for credit losses related to loans decreased to $4.7 million as of June 30, 2025, from $4.8 million as of December 31, 2024. The decrease in the allowance for credit losses related to loans was due to charge-offs totaling $602,000, offset by recoveries totaling $434,000 and provision for credit losses totaling $62,000.

Premises and equipment increased $536,000, or 2.2%, to $25.3 million at June 30, 2025 from $24.8 million at December 31, 2024 primarily due to the purchases of additional fixed assets.

Federal Home Loan Bank stock increased $688,000, or 173.3%, to $1.1 million at June 30, 2025 from $397,000 at December 31, 2024 primarily due to an increase in borrowings from the Federal Home Loan Bank.

Bank owned life insurance (“BOLI”) increased $336,000, or 1.3%, to $26.1 million at June 30, 2025 from $25.7 million at December 31, 2024 due to increases in the BOLI cash value.

Accrued interest receivable decreased $1.4 million, or 10.1%, to $12.1 million at June 30, 2025 from $13.5 million at December 31, 2024 due to a decrease of $14.9 million in the loan portfolio.

Real estate owned decreased $4.4 million, or 85.0%, to $767,000 at June 30, 2025 from $5.1 million at December 31, 2024 due to the sale of a foreclosed property to an independent third party.

Property held for investment was $1.4 million at both June 30, 2025 and December 31, 2024.

Right of use assets — operating increased $382,000, or 9.6%, to $4.4 million at June 30, 2025 from $4.0 million at December 31, 2024, primarily due to the physical expansion of a branch office and the resulting revision to the operating lease, partially offset by the amortization of the right of use assets.

Other assets decreased $1.2 million, or 10.5%, to $10.4 million at June 30, 2025 from $11.6 million at December 31, 2024 due to decreases of $1.2 million in tax assets and $118,000 in prepaid expenses, partially offset by an increase of $116,000 in suspense accounts.

Total deposits decreased $191.2 million, or 11.5%, to $1.5 billion at June 30, 2025 from $1.7 billion at December 31, 2024. The decrease in deposits was primarily due to a decrease in certificates of deposit of $251.5 million, or 25.1%, partially offset by increases in NOW/money market accounts of $56.4 million, or 23.2%, savings account balances of $3.3 million, or 2.4%, and non-interest bearing deposits of $2.2 million, or 0.8%. The decrease of $251.5 million in certificates of deposit consisted of a decrease in retail certificates of deposit of $134.2 million, or 26.2%, and a decrease in brokered certificates of deposit of $129.1 million, or 29.7%, partially offset by an increase in non-brokered listing services certificates of deposit of $11.7 million, or 35.0%.

The decrease in retail certificates of deposit was due to a shift in deposits to our retail high yield money market accounts. The decrease in brokered certificates of deposit was due to management’s strategy to reduce the cost of funds by “calling” higher rate brokered deposits on their call dates.

Advance payments by borrowers for taxes and insurance increased $804,000, or 49.7%, to $2.4 million at June 30, 2025 from $1.6 million at December 31, 2024 due primarily to accumulation of real estate tax payments from borrowers.

Borrowings increased to $135.0 million at June 30, 2025 from none at December 31, 2024 due primarily to management’s strategy to diversify funding sources.

Lease liability – operating increased $389,000, or 9.5%, to $4.5 million at June 30, 2025 from $4.1 million at December 31, 2024, primarily due to the physical expansion of a branch office and the resulting revision to the operating lease, partially offset by the amortization of the lease liability.

Accounts payable and accrued expenses increased $970,000, or 6.7%, to $15.5 million at June 30, 2025 from $14.5 million at December 31, 2024 due primarily to increases in accrued borrowing interest expense of $905,000, accounts payable of $666,000, deferred compensation of $312,000, suspense accounts for loan closings of $269,000, and the allowance for credit losses for off-balance sheet commitments of $175,000, partially offset by a decrease in accrued expense of $1.4 million.

The allowance for credit losses for off-balance sheet commitments increased $175,000, or 24.9%, to $879,000 at June 30, 2025 from $704,000 at December 31, 2024 due primarily to an increase of $74.5 million, or 13.3%, in off-balance sheet commitments since December 31, 2024.

Stockholders’ equity increased $18.3 million, or 5.8% to $336.7 million at June 30, 2025, from $318.3 million at December 31, 2024. The increase in stockholders’ equity was due to net income of $21.7 million for the six months ended June 30, 2025, an increase of $638,000 in earned employee stock ownership plan shares coupled with a reduction of $435,000 in unearned employee stock ownership plan shares, and the amortization expense of $894,000 relating to restricted stock and stock options granted under the Company’s 2022 Equity Incentive Plan, partially offset by dividends declared of $5.4 million and $4,000 in other comprehensive loss.

Results of Operations for the Three Months Ended June 30, 2025 and 2024

Net Interest Income

Net interest income was $25.1 million for the three months ended June 30, 2025, as compared to $26.2 million for the three months ended June 30, 2024. The decrease in net interest income of $1.1 million, or 4.4%, was primarily due to a decrease in interest income that exceeded a decrease in interest expense and a decrease in the yield on interest earning assets, partially offset by a smaller decrease in the cost of funds for interest bearing liabilities.

Total interest and dividend income decreased $2.2 million, or 5.5%, to $38.0 million for the three months ended June 30, 2025 from $40.2 million for the three months ended June 30, 2024. The decrease in interest and dividend income was due to a decrease in the yield on interest earning assets by 78 basis points from 8.89% for the three months ended June 30, 2024 to 8.11% for the three months ended June 30, 2025, partially offset by an increase in the average balance of interest earning assets of $64.9 million, or 3.6%, to $1.9 billion for the three months ended June 30, 2025 from $1.8 billion for the three months ended June 30, 2024.

Interest expense decreased $1.1 million, or 7.5%, to $13.0 million for the three months ended June 30, 2025 from $14.0 million for the three months ended June 30, 2024. The decrease in interest expense was due to a decrease in the cost of interest bearing liabilities by 45 basis points from 4.33% for the three months ended June 30, 2024 to 3.88% for the three months ended June 30, 2025, partially offset by an increase in average interest bearing liabilities of $41.9 million, or 3.2%, to $1.3 billion for the three months ended June 30, 2025 from $1.3 billion for the three months ended June 30, 2024.

Our net interest margin decreased 44 basis points, or 7.6%, to 5.35% for the three months ended June 30, 2025 compared to 5.79% for the three months ended June 30, 2024. The decrease in the net interest margin was due to a 100 basis points decrease in the Federal Funds rate from September 2024 to December 2024 that resulted in a decrease in the yield on interest-earning assets, partially offset by a smaller decrease in the cost of funds on interest-bearing liabilities.

Credit Loss Expense

The Company recorded no credit loss expense for the three months ended June 30, 2025 compared to a credit loss expense reduction of $226,000 for the three months ended June 30, 2024.

The credit loss expense reduction of $226,000 for the three months ended June 30, 2024 was comprised of a credit loss expense reduction for off-balance sheet commitments of $218,000 and a credit loss expense reduction for held-to-maturity investment securities of $8,000. The credit loss expense reduction for off-balance sheet commitments of $218,000 for the three months ended June 30, 2024 was primarily attributable to a reduction of $30.4 million in the level of off-balance sheet commitments and favorable trends in the economy.

With respect to the allowance for credit losses for loans, we charged-off $485,000 during the three months ended June 30, 2025 as compared to charge-offs of $12,000 during the three months ended June 30, 2024. The charge-offs during both periods were against various unpaid overdrafts in our demand deposit accounts.

We recorded recoveries of $82,000 during the three months ended June 30, 2025 compared to no recoveries during the three months ended June 30, 2024. The recoveries of $82,000 during the three months ended June 30, 2025 comprised of recoveries from a previously charged-off unpaid overdraft on a demand deposit account.

Non-Interest Income

Non-interest income for the three months ended June 30, 2025 was $858,000 compared to non-interest income of $731,000 for the three months ended June 30, 2024. The increase of $127,000, or 17.4%, in total non-interest income was primarily due to increases of $71,000 in unrealized gain on equity securities, $48,000 in other loan fees and service charges, and $8,000 in BOLI income.

The increase in unrealized gain on equity securities was due to an unrealized gain of $51,000 on equity securities during the three months ended June 30, 2025 compared to an unrealized loss of $20,000 on equity securities during the three months ended June 30, 2024. Both the unrealized gain of $51,000 on equity securities during the three months ended June 30, 2025 and the unrealized loss of $20,000 on equity securities during the three months ended June 30, 2024 were due to market interest rate volatility during both periods.

The increase of $48,000 in other loan fees and service charges was due to an increase of $60,000 in ATM/debit card/ACH fees and an increase of $2,000 in deposit account fees, partially offset by a decrease of $14,000 in other loan fees and loan servicing fees. The increase in BOLI income of $8,000 was due to an increase in the yield on BOLI assets.

Non-Interest Expense

Non-interest expense increased $1.0 million, or 10.6%, to $10.5 million for the three months ended June 30, 2025 from $9.5 million for the three months ended June 30, 2024. The increase resulted primarily from increases of $398,000 in salaries and employee benefits, $220,000 in real estate owned expense, $151,000 in outside data processing expense, $111,000 in other operating expense, $69,000 in occupancy expense, $32,000 in equipment expense, and $29,000 in advertising expense.

Income Taxes

We recorded income tax expense of $4.3 million and $4.9 million for the three months ended June 30, 2025 and 2024, respectively. For the three months ended June 30, 2025, we had approximately $210,000 in tax exempt income, compared to approximately $199,000 in tax exempt income for the three months ended June 30, 2024. Our effective income tax rates were 27.6% for the three months ended June 30, 2025 and June 30, 2024.

Results of Operations for the Six Months Ended June 30, 2025 and 2024

Net Interest Income

Net interest income was $49.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2025 as compared to $51.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2024. The decrease in net interest income of $1.9 million, or 3.7%, was primarily due to a decrease in interest income that exceeded a decrease in interest expense and a decrease in the yield on interest earning assets, partially offset by a smaller decrease in the cost of funds for interest bearing liabilities.

Total interest and dividend income decreased $2.1 million, or 2.7%, to $76.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2025 from $78.4 million for the six months ended June 30, 2024. The decrease in interest and dividend income was due to a decrease in the yield on interest earning assets by 75 basis points from 8.83% for the six months ended June 30, 2024 to 8.08% for the six months ended June 30, 2025, partially offset by an increase in the average balance of interest earning assets of $112.3 million, or 6.3%, to $1.9 billion for the six months ended June 30, 2025 from $1.8 billion for the six months ended June 30, 2024.

Interest expense decreased $242,000, or 0.9%, to $26.9 million for the six months ended June 30, 2025 from $27.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2024. The decrease in interest expense was due to a decrease in the cost of interest bearing liabilities by 34 basis points from 4.31% for the six months ended June 30, 2024 to 3.97% for the six months ended June 30, 2025, partially offset by an increase in average interest bearing liabilities of $95.7 million, or 7.6%, to $1.4 billion for the six months ended June 30, 2025 from $1.3 billion for the six months ended June 30, 2024.

Net interest margin decreased 54 basis points, or 9.4%, to 5.23% for the six months ended June 30, 2025 compared to 5.77% for the six months ended June 30, 2024. The decrease in the net interest margin was due to a 100 basis points decrease in the Federal Funds rate from September 2024 to December 2024 that resulted in a decrease in the yield on interest-earning assets, partially offset by a smaller decrease in the cost of funds on interest-bearing liabilities.

Credit Loss Expense

The Company recorded a credit loss expense of $237,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2025 compared to a credit loss expense reduction of $391,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2024. The credit loss expense of $237,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2025 was comprised of credit loss expense for loans of $62,000 and credit loss expense for off-balance sheet commitments of $175,000.

The credit loss expense for loans of $62,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2025 was primarily due to an increase in the multi-family loan portfolio. The credit loss expense for off-balance sheet commitments of $175,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2025 was primarily due to an increase in unfunded off-balance sheet commitments.

The credit loss expense reduction of $391,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2024 was comprised of a credit loss expense reduction for off-balance sheet commitments of $235,000, a credit loss expense reduction for loans of $145,000, and a credit loss expense reduction for held-to-maturity investment securities of $11,000. The credit loss expense reduction for off-balance sheet commitments of $235,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2024 was primarily attributed to a reduction of $27.2 million in the level of off-balance sheet commitments and favorable trends in the economy. The credit loss expense reduction for loans of $145,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2024 was primarily attributed to favorable trends in the economy.

With respect to the allowance for credit losses for loans, we charged-off $602,000 during the six months ended June 30, 2025 as compared to charge-offs of $33,000 during the six months ended June 30, 2024. The charge-offs during both periods were against various unpaid overdrafts in our demand deposit accounts.

We recorded recoveries of $434,000 during the six months ended June 30, 2025 compared to no recoveries during the six months ended June 30, 2024. The recoveries of $434,000 during the six months ended June 30, 2025 comprised of recoveries of $350,000 with respect to a previously charged-off non-residential mortgage loan and $84,000 from previously charged-off unpaid overdrafts on demand deposit accounts.

Non-Interest Income

Non-interest income for the six months ended June 30, 2025 was $2.1 million compared to non-interest income of $1.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2024. The increase of $808,000, or 62.9%, in total non-interest income was primarily due to increases of $453,000 in unrealized gain on equity securities, $326,000 in other loan fees and service charges, $17,000 in BOLI income, and $12,000 in miscellaneous other non-interest income.

The increase in unrealized gain on equity securities was due to an unrealized gain of $351,000 on equity securities during the six months ended June 30, 2025 compared to an unrealized loss of $102,000 on equity securities during the six months ended June 30, 2024. Both the unrealized gain of $351,000 on equity securities during the 2025 period and the unrealized loss of $102,000 on equity securities during the 2024 period were due to market interest rate volatility during both periods.

The increase of $326,000 in other loan fees and service charges was due to increases of $232,000 in other loan fees and loan servicing fees, $91,000 in ATM/debit card/ACH fees, and $3,000 in deposit account fees. The increase in BOLI income of $17,000 was due to an increase in the yield on BOLI assets.

Non-Interest Expense

Non-interest expense increased $1.9 million, or 10.2%, to $21.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2025 from $19.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2024. The increase resulted primarily from increases of $980,000 in salaries and employee benefits, $332,000 in other operating expense, $251,000 in outside data processing expense, $238,000 in real estate owned expense, $108,000 in occupancy expense, and $43,000 in advertising expense, partially offset by a decrease of $4,000 in equipment expense.

Income Taxes

We recorded income tax expense of $8.3 million and $9.5 million for the six months ended June 30, 2025 and 2024, respectively. For the six months ended June 30, 2025, we had approximately $415,000 in tax exempt income, compared to approximately $394,000 in tax exempt income for the six months ended June 30, 2024. Our effective income tax rates were 27.7% and 28.3% for the six months ended June 30, 2025 and 2024, respectively.

Asset Quality

Non-performing assets were $767,000 at June 30, 2025 compared to $5.1 million at December 31, 2024. The non-performing assets consisted of one foreclosed property located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. We sold one foreclosed property totaling $4.3 million located in the Bronx, New York on June 30, 2025 to a third-party buyer at no loss to the Company and in connection therewith we provided the financing to complete the multi-family project.

Our ratio of non-performing assets to total assets remained low at 0.04% at June 30, 2025 as compared to 0.25% at December 31, 2024.

The Company’s allowance for credit losses related to loans was $4.7 million, or 0.26% of total loans as of June 30, 2025, compared to $4.8 million, or 0.27% of total loans as of December 31, 2024. Based on a review of the loans that were in the loan portfolio at June 30, 2025, management believes that the allowance for credit losses related to loans is maintained at a level that represents its best estimate of inherent losses in the loan portfolio that were both probable and reasonably estimable.

In addition, at June 30, 2025, the Company’s allowance for credit losses related to off-balance sheet commitments totaled $879,000 and the allowance for credit losses related to held-to-maturity debt securities totaled $126,000.

Capital

The Company’s total stockholders’ equity to assets ratio was 17.06% as of June 30, 2025. At June 30, 2025, the Company had the ability to borrow $740.2 million from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, $23.1 million from the Federal Home Loan Bank of New York, and $8.0 million from Atlantic Community Bankers Bank.

The Bank’s capital position remains strong relative to current regulatory requirements and the Bank is considered a well-capitalized institution under the Prompt Corrective Action framework. As of June 30, 2025, the Bank had a tier 1 leverage capital ratio of 15.87% and a total risk-based capital ratio of 14.99%.

The Company completed its first stock repurchase program on April 14, 2023 whereby the Company repurchased 1,637,794 shares, or 10%, of the Company’s issued and outstanding common stock. The cost of the stock repurchase program totaled $23.0 million, including commission costs and Federal excise taxes. Of the total shares repurchased under this program, 957,275 of such shares were repurchased during 2023 at a total cost of $13.7 million, including commission costs and Federal excise taxes.

The Company commenced its second stock repurchase program on May 30, 2023 whereby the Company will repurchase 1,509,218, or 10%, of the Company’s issued and outstanding common stock. As of June 30, 2025, the Company had repurchased 1,091,174 shares of common stock under its second repurchase program, at a cost of $17.2 million, including commission costs and Federal excise taxes.

About NorthEast Community Bancorp

NorthEast Community Bancorp, headquartered at 325 Hamilton Avenue, White Plains, New York 10601, is the holding company for NorthEast Community Bank, which conducts business through its eleven branch offices located in Bronx, New York, Orange, Rockland, and Sullivan Counties in New York and Essex, Middlesex, and Norfolk Counties in Massachusetts and three loan production offices located in New City, New York, White Plains, New York, and Danvers, Massachusetts. For more information about NorthEast Community Bancorp and NorthEast Community Bank, please visit www.necb.com.

Forward Looking Statement

This press release contains certain forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements include statements regarding anticipated future events and can be identified by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts. They often include words such as “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” and “intend” or future or conditional verbs such as “will,” “would,” “should,” “could,” or “may.” These statements are based upon the current beliefs and expectations of the Company’s management and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from those set forth in the forward-looking statements as a result of numerous factors. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from expected results include, but are not limited to, changes in market interest rates, regional and national economic conditions (including higher inflation or recessionary conditions and their impact on regional and national economic conditions), legislative and regulatory changes, monetary and fiscal policies of the United States government, including policies of the United States Treasury and the Federal Reserve Board, the impacts of tariffs, sanctions and other trade policies of the United States and its global trading counterparts, the quality and composition of the loan or investment portfolios, demand for loan products, decreases in deposit levels necessitating increased borrowing to fund loans and securities, competition, demand for financial services in NorthEast Community Bank’s market area, changes in the real estate market values in NorthEast Community Bank’s market area, the impact of failures or disruptions in or breaches of the Company’s operational or security systems, data or infrastructure, or those of third parties, including as a result of cyberattacks or campaigns, and changes in relevant accounting principles and guidelines. Additionally, other risks and uncertainties may be described in our annual and quarterly reports filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), which are available through the SEC’s website located at www.sec.gov. These risks and uncertainties should be considered in evaluating any forward-looking statements and undue reliance should not be placed on such statements. Except as required by applicable law or regulation, the Company does not undertake, and specifically disclaims any obligation, to release publicly the result of any revisions that may be made to any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of the statements or to reflect the occurrence of anticipated or unanticipated events.

CONTACT:	Kenneth A. Martinek
	Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

PHONE:	(914) 684-2500


NORTHEAST COMMUNITY BANCORP, INC. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION (Unaudited)

	June 30,			December 31,
	2025			2024
	(In thousands, except share
	and per share amounts)
ASSETS
Cash and amounts due from depository institutions	$	19,042		$	13,700
Interest-bearing deposits		40,331			64,559
Total cash and cash equivalents		59,373			78,259
Certificates of deposit		100			100
Equity securities		25,345			21,994
Securities held-to-maturity (net of allowance for credit losses of $126 and $126, respectively)		14,398			14,616
Loans receivable		1,797,618			1,812,647
Deferred loan fees, net		(62	)		(49	)
Allowance for credit losses		(4,724	)		(4,830	)
Net loans		1,792,832			1,807,768
Premises and equipment, net		25,341			24,805
Investments in restricted stock, at cost		1,085			397
Bank owned life insurance		26,074			25,738
Accrued interest receivable		12,119			13,481
Real estate owned		767			5,120
Property held for investment		1,352			1,370
Right of Use Assets – Operating		4,383			4,001
Right of Use Assets – Financing		345			347
Other assets		10,370			11,585
Total assets	$	1,973,884		$	2,009,581
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Liabilities:
Deposits:
Non-interest bearing	$	287,741		$	287,135
Interest bearing		1,191,420			1,383,240
Total deposits		1,479,161			1,670,375
Advance payments by borrowers for taxes and insurance		2,422			1,618
Borrowings		135,000			–
Lease Liability – Operating		4,497			4,108
Lease Liability – Financing		628			609
Accounts payable and accrued expenses		15,500			14,530
Total liabilities		1,637,208			1,691,240

Stockholders’ equity:
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value; 25,000,000 shares authorized; none issued or outstanding	$	—		$	—
Common stock, $0.01 par value; 75,000,000 shares authorized; 14,023,376 shares and 14,016,254 shares outstanding, respectively		140			140
Additional paid-in capital		111,624			110,091
Unearned Employee Stock Ownership Plan (“ESOP”) shares		(5,653	)		(6,088	)
Retained earnings		230,345			213,974
Accumulated other comprehensive gain		220			224
Total stockholders’ equity		336,676			318,341
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$	1,973,884		$	2,009,581

NORTHEAST COMMUNITY BANCORP, INC. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (Unaudited)

	Three Months Ended June 30,					Six Months Ended June 30,
	2025		2024			2025		2024
	(In thousands, except per share amounts)					(In thousands, except per share amounts)
INTEREST INCOME:
Loans	$	36,740	$	38,634		$	73,622	$	75,337
Interest-earning deposits		1,027		1,385			2,108		2,585
Securities		272		218			516		436
Total Interest Income		38,039		40,237			76,246		78,358
INTEREST EXPENSE:
Deposits		12,053		13,435			25,986		25,829
Borrowings		902		570			902		1,302
Financing lease		10		10			20		19
Total Interest Expense		12,965		14,015			26,908		27,150
Net Interest Income		25,074		26,222			49,338		51,208
Provision for (reversal of) credit loss		—		(226	)		237		(391	)
Net Interest Income after Provision for (Reversal of) Credit Loss		25,074		26,448			49,101		51,599
NON-INTEREST INCOME:
Other loan fees and service charges		611		563			1,351		1,025
Earnings on bank owned life insurance		170		162			336		319
Unrealized gain (loss) on equity securities		51		(20	)		351		(102	)
Other		26		26			55		43
Total Non-Interest Income		858		731			2,093		1,285
NON-INTEREST EXPENSES:
Salaries and employee benefits		5,650		5,252			11,583		10,603
Occupancy expense		743		674			1,489		1,381
Equipment		253		221			470		474
Outside data processing		758		607			1,494		1,243
Advertising		123		94			225		182
Real estate owned expense		247		27			277		39
Other		2,734		2,623			5,589		5,257
Total Non-Interest Expenses		10,508		9,498			21,127		19,179
INCOME BEFORE PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES		15,424		17,681			30,067		33,705
PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES		4,254		4,883			8,330		9,533
NET INCOME	$	11,170	$	12,798		$	21,737	$	24,172

NORTHEAST COMMUNITY BANCORP, INC. SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA (Unaudited)

	Three Months Ended June 30,						Six Months Ended June 30,
	2025			2024			2025			2024
	(In thousands, except per share amounts)						(In thousands, except per share amounts)
Per share data:
Earnings per share – basic	$	0.85		$	0.98		$	1.65		$	1.84
Earnings per share – diluted		0.82			0.97			1.60			1.83
Weighted average shares outstanding – basic		13,216			13,084			13,204			13,119
Weighted average shares outstanding – diluted		13,568			13,181			13,563			13,205
Performance ratios/data:
Return on average total assets		2.27	%		2.70	%		2.20	%		2.60	%
Return on average shareholders’ equity		13.37	%		17.28	%		13.18	%		16.59	%
Net interest income	$	25,074		$	26,222		$	49,338		$	51,208
Net interest margin		5.35	%		5.79	%		5.23	%		5.77	%
Efficiency ratio		40.52	%		35.24	%		41.08	%		36.54	%
Net charge-off ratio		0.09	%		0.00	%		0.01	%		0.00	%

Loan portfolio composition:								June 30, 2025			December 31, 2024
One-to-four family							$	3,398		$	3,472
Multi-family								292,552			206,606
Mixed-use								26,089			26,571
Total residential real estate								322,039			236,649
Non-residential real estate								28,971			29,446
Construction								1,323,477			1,426,167
Commercial and industrial								123,084			118,736
Consumer								47			1,649
Gross loans								1,797,618			1,812,647
Deferred loan fees, net								(62	)		(49	)
Total loans							$	1,797,556		$	1,812,598
Asset quality data:
Loans past due over 90 days and still accruing							$	–		$	–
Non-accrual loans								–			–
OREO property								767			5,120
Total non-performing assets							$	767		$	5,120

Allowance for credit losses to total loans								0.26	%		0.27	%
Allowance for credit losses to non-performing loans								0.00	%		0.00	%
Non-performing loans to total loans								0.00	%		0.00	%
Non-performing assets to total assets								0.04	%		0.25	%

Bank’s Regulatory Capital ratios:
Total capital to risk-weighted assets								14.99	%		13.92	%
Common equity tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets								14.71	%		13.65	%
Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets								14.71	%		13.65	%
Tier 1 leverage ratio								15.87	%		14.44	%


NORTHEAST COMMUNITY BANCORP, INC. NET INTEREST MARGIN ANALYSIS (Unaudited)

	Three Months Ended June 30, 2025								Three Months Ended June 30, 2024
	Average			Interest		Average			Average			Interest		Average
	Balance			and dividend		Yield			Balance			and dividend		Yield
	(In thousands, except yield/cost information)								(In thousands, except yield/cost information)
Loan receivable gross	$	1,754,363		$	36,740		8.38	%	$	1,687,029		$	38,634		9.16	%
Securities		37,839			265		2.80	%		33,438			199		2.38	%
Federal Home Loan Bank stock		438			7		6.39	%		704			19		10.80	%
Other interest-earning assets		83,135			1,027		4.94	%		89,736			1,385		6.17	%
Total interest-earning assets		1,875,775			38,039		8.11	%		1,810,907			40,237		8.89	%
Allowance for credit losses		(5,122	)							(4,927	)
Non-interest-earning assets		95,651								91,085
Total assets	$	1,966,304							$	1,897,065

Interest-bearing demand deposit	$	298,689		$	2,401		3.22	%	$	205,536		$	1,930		3.76	%
Savings and club accounts		141,238			761		2.16	%		158,292			982		2.48	%
Certificates of deposit		815,000			8,891		4.36	%		884,626			10,523		4.76	%
Total interest-bearing deposits		1,254,927			12,053		3.84	%		1,248,454			13,435		4.30	%
Borrowed money		82,712			912		4.41	%		47,276			580		4.91	%
Total interest-bearing liabilities		1,337,639			12,965		3.88	%		1,295,730			14,015		4.33	%
Non-interest-bearing demand deposit		274,466								285,368
Other non-interest-bearing liabilities		20,114								19,641
Total liabilities		1,632,219								1,600,739
Equity		334,085								296,326
Total liabilities and equity	$	1,966,304							$	1,897,065

Net interest income / interest spread				$	25,074		4.23	%				$	26,222		4.56	%
Net interest rate margin							5.35	%							5.79	%
Net interest earning assets	$	538,136							$	515,177
Average interest-earning assets to interest-bearing liabilities		140.23	%							139.76	%


NORTHEAST COMMUNITY BANCORP, INC. NET INTEREST MARGIN ANALYSIS (Unaudited)

	Six Months Ended June 30, 2025								Six Months Ended June 30, 2024
	Average			Interest		Average			Average			Interest		Average
	Balance			and dividend		Yield			Balance			and dividend		Yield
	(In thousands, except yield/cost information)								(In thousands, except yield/cost information)
Loan receivable gross	$	1,761,069		$	73,622		8.36	%	$	1,649,686		$	75,337		9.13	%
Securities		37,298			500		2.68	%		33,643			396		2.35	%
Federal Home Loan Bank stock		418			16		7.66	%		773			40		10.35	%
Other interest-earning assets		88,277			2,108		4.78	%		90,644			2,585		5.70	%
Total interest-earning assets		1,887,062			76,246		8.08	%		1,774,746			78,358		8.83	%
Allowance for credit losses		(4,978	)							(5,009	)
Non-interest-earning assets		96,071								89,972
Total assets	$	1,978,155							$	1,859,709

Interest-bearing demand deposit	$	286,726		$	4,846		3.38	%	$	188,510		$	3,483		3.70	%
Savings and club accounts		140,077			1,491		2.13	%		170,531			2,184		2.56	%
Certificates of deposit		888,136			19,649		4.42	%		847,606			20,162		4.76	%
Total interest-bearing deposits		1,314,939			25,986		3.95	%		1,206,647			25,829		4.28	%
Borrowed money		41,584			922		4.43	%		54,184			1,321		4.88	%
Total interest-bearing liabilities		1,356,523			26,908		3.97	%		1,260,831			27,150		4.31	%
Non-interest-bearing demand deposit		272,680								288,639
Other non-interest-bearing liabilities		19,107								18,865
Total liabilities		1,648,310								1,568,335
Equity		329,845								291,374
Total liabilities and equity	$	1,978,155							$	1,859,709

Net interest income / interest spread				$	49,338		4.11	%				$	51,208		4.52	%
Net interest rate margin							5.23	%							5.77	%
Net interest earning assets	$	530,539							$	513,915
Average interest-earning assets to interest-bearing liabilities		139.11	%							140.76	%

The MIL Network –

July 25, 2025

MIL-OSI USA: Tonko, Fitzpatrick, Bacon, and Markey Introduce Community Mental Wellness & Resilience Act

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Paul Tonko (Capital Region New York)

WASHINGTON, DC — Representatives Paul D. Tonko (D-NY), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), Don Bacon (R-NE), and Senator Edward Markey (D-MA) today reintroduced H.R. 4744, the Community Mental Wellness & Resilience Act, a bipartisan bill that tackles the nation’s mental health crisis by addressing the extensive community trauma caused by natural disasters. This innovative legislation will empower communities through a new federal grant program to craft their own locally specific responses to the mental health problems caused by disasters and toxic stresses.

“Extreme weather disasters don’t just wreak havoc on our homes, economies, and infrastructure — they inflict lasting trauma and mental harm for those both directly impacted and far beyond the affected area,” Congressman Tonko said. “We need to provide compassionate, evidence-informed solutions to support our communities. That’s why I’m leading this bipartisan legislation in partnership with my colleagues. We’ll continue working to further mental wellness and equip our communities with the resources they need to meet and overcome these traumas.”

“Communities are struggling to meet the current need for mental health services, and as the climate crisis worsens, unprecedented disasters will only cause more unprecedented harm to our physical and mental health,” said Senator Markey. “Heat waves, flash floods, wildfires, and droughts leave devastation and trauma in their wake. My Community Mental Wellness and Resilience Act would give communities the help they need to protect residents’ mental health, especially those in rural and underserved communities that are getting hit first and worst by disasters and have the fewest resources to deal with them.”

“For too long, our disaster response has focused solely on physical recovery, while the mental and emotional toll has gone unaddressed. This bipartisan legislation corrects that imbalance by treating mental health as a core component of our public health and emergency preparedness strategy. By investing in evidence-based, community-driven solutions, we’re not just helping communities rebuild—we’re helping them heal,” said Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick.

“The mental health crisis affecting our communities is one of the most serious challenges of our time. We need comprehensive, community-driven solutions that empower local leaders to develop and implement programs that work for their specific needs,” said Congressman Don Bacon. “The bipartisan Community Mental Wellness and Resilience Act puts the power back in the hands of our communities to create meaningful, lasting change in mental health care.”

In 2024, Mental Health America reported that nearly 23 percent of U.S. adults (~60 million people) experienced a diagnosed mental illness, with more than 5 percent facing severe conditions. Natural disasters only exacerbate the problem. Consequently, the number of people who experience a mental health problem as a result of a natural disaster often outweigh those with physical injuries by 40 to 1.

The Community Mental Wellness and Resilience Act will:

Establish a competitive grant program at the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to create, operate, or expand community-based programs that use a public health approach to build mental wellness and resilience
These programs will work to enhance the capacity of all residents for mental wellness and resilience to prevent and heal mental health problems generated by disasters and toxic stresses

Incorporates a set-aside to help address rural mental health disparities

Community initiatives will build their own strategies to enhance and sustain population-level mental wellness and resilience, with specific attention to high-risk individuals

More than 110 organizations support Rep. Tonko’s legislation, including: Alliance of Nurses for Healthy Environments, American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, American Lung Association, American Psychiatric Association, American Public Health Association, International Transformational Resilience Coalition, Mental Health America, Moms Clean Air Force, National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners, National Association of Social Workers, National League for Nursing, Rural Opportunity Institute, The Kennedy Forum, and YMCA of the USA.

A full list of supporting organizations and their quotes can be found HERE.

A fact sheet on the legislation can be found HERE.

MIL OSI USA News –

July 25, 2025

MIL-OSI USA: USGS and state partners to test bait platforms to catch invasive carp in Upper Mississippi River

Source: US Geological Survey

LA CROSSE, Wis. — Scientists from the U.S. Geological Survey, in collaboration with the Minnesota and Wisconsin Departments of Natural Resources, will install floating bait platforms and monitoring equipment to test a new method for capturing invasive carp. The equipment will be in place from July 28 to Oct 3, 2025 in Pool 8 of the Mississippi River, near La Crosse, WI.

Installed bait delivery platform on the Sandusky River, Ohio used in a prior study for applying grass carp bait.

Invasive carp, including silver and bighead carp are found throughout much of the Mississippi River basin. These fish pose a threat to native aquatic ecosystems by outcompeting native fish for food and habitat, disrupting food webs and altering water quality. Silver carp, which can jump 10 feet out of the water, can also pose a risk to boaters. Invasive carp are wide-ranging and difficult to capture with traditional fishing gear.

Late summer is a particularly difficult time of year to capture invasive carp in Minnesota-Wisconsin border waters because the fish tend to disperse widely throughout the river. Past trials have shown that baits made from algae attract silver and bighead carps. Floating bait platforms could draw invasive carp into favorable locations to make them easier to capture.

The floating platforms will be equipped with automatic feeders that dispense bait at scheduled intervals. The bait, previously tested in laboratory and field trials, is made from chlorella and spirulina, nutrient-rich algae commonly used in aquaculture. Feeding platforms will be monitored for fish abundance and movement in response to the bait. Commercial fishers contracted by the Minnesota DNR will capture fish before and after baiting periods. The data will help researchers to evaluate bait effectiveness and capture methods.

An invasive silver carp jumps out of the water. Silver carp can sometimes reach heights of ten feet in the air.

Precautionary measures are in place to ensure project success and public safety. Community cooperation is appreciated. If you observe damaged property or suspicious activity near the platforms, please contact the Minnesota DNR at 651-587-2781 or invasivecarp.dnr@state.mn.us. Hunting, fishing, and recreation will not be restricted near platforms, but the public is asked not to moor to or stand on them. Boaters are also asked to stay clear of commercial fishing operations that will be taking place around the platforms during the weeks of Aug 4 – 8, Sept 2 -5, and Sept 30 -3.

This project is supported by a 2023 Minnesota state legislative appropriation for invasive carp prevention and management, Upper Mississippi River Invasive Carp Grants administered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the U.S. Geological Survey Ecosystems Mission Area, Biological Threats & Invasive Species Research Program.

# # #

The USGS provides science for a changing world. Learn more at www.usgs.gov or follow us on Facebook @USGeologicalSurvey, YouTube @USGS, Instagram @USGS, or X at @USGS.

MIL OSI USA News –

July 25, 2025

MIL-OSI: BexBack Launches 100x Leverage, Double Deposit Bonus, and No KYC – Empowering Everyday Traders to Achieve Financial Freedom

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

SINGAPORE, July 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — As the cryptocurrency market continues its upward trajectory, BexBack Exchange is setting a new standard in accessible trading with an unprecedented offer designed to empower both new and experienced traders. In the wake of Bitcoin’s remarkable surge, BexBack introduces an enticing promotional package featuring 100x leverage, a 100% deposit bonus, and the best part – NO KYC required.

Breaking Down Barriers for Ordinary People

BexBack has always been committed to providing opportunities that allow anyone, regardless of experience, to access the world of cryptocurrency trading. Now, with the introduction of 100x leverage, traders can control significantly larger positions while using minimal capital, enhancing their potential profits without needing substantial upfront investment. This high leverage option makes it possible for traders to capitalize on even the smallest price fluctuations, offering greater returns in a volatile market.

Moreover, BexBack’s 100% deposit bonus gives users the opportunity to double their initial deposits, allowing them to increase their trading capital without having to deposit additional funds. Whether you are a newcomer or a seasoned investor, this bonus is designed to maximize trading potential and enhance the ability to leverage market volatility.

NO KYC – Fast, Secure, and Anonymous Trading

In a significant move to improve user experience, BexBack is also eliminating the KYC (Know Your Customer) requirements, ensuring fast, secure, and anonymous trading. This means that new users can register and begin trading within minutes, without the need to undergo lengthy verification processes. This commitment to privacy ensures that BexBack users can focus entirely on maximizing their trading potential without additional administrative hurdles.

The Power of Leverage and Bonus to Achieve Financial Freedom

For many people, achieving financial freedom may seem like an impossible dream, but with BexBack’s tools, it’s now within reach. With the added advantage of up to 100x leverage and double deposit bonuses, ordinary traders can amplify their earnings and increase their potential returns with little initial capital. This makes high-stakes crypto futures trading more accessible than ever before, allowing anyone to turn market volatility into wealth-building opportunities.

Why Choose BexBack?

100x Leverage – Maximize your returns with up to 100x leverage on crypto futures.
100% Deposit Bonus – Double your trading capital immediately with every deposit.
NO KYC – Trade anonymously without the need for extensive verification.
Diverse Asset Support – Trade over 50 digital assets with ease.
Instant Activation – Get started quickly without delays and start leveraging market movements.
$50 Welcome Bonus: available to new users who meet the requirements.
Comprehensive Customer Support – Our 24/7 multilingual support is always available to guide you.

About BexBack?

BexBack is a leading cryptocurrency derivatives platform offering up to 100x leverage on futures contracts for BTC, ETH, ADA, SOL, XRP, and over 50 other digital assets. Headquartered in Singapore, the platform also operates offices in Hong Kong, Japan, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Argentina. Like many top-tier exchanges, BexBack holds a U.S. MSB (Money Services Business) license and is trusted by more than 500,000 traders worldwide. The platform accepts users from the United States, Canada, and Europe, with zero deposit fees and 24/7 multilingual customer support, delivering a secure, efficient, and user-friendly trading experience.

Take Control of Your Financial Future

Whether you are looking to diversify your portfolio or dive deeper into crypto futures trading, BexBack is giving you the tools to take control of your financial future. The combination of 100x leverage, double deposit bonuses, and NO KYC opens up opportunities for everyone, regardless of their trading background.

Sign Up Now and Start Trading on BexBack — No KYC. No Hassles. Just high-leverage trading opportunities to maximize your profits.

Website: www.bexback.com

Contact: business@bexback.com

Contact:
Amanda
business@bexback.com

Disclaimer: This content is provided by BexBack. The statements, views, and opinions expressed in this content are solely those of the content provider and do not necessarily reflect the views of this media platform or its publisher. We do not endorse, verify, or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information presented. We do not guarantee any claims, statements, or promises made in this article. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, or trading advice. Investing in crypto and mining-related opportunities involves significant risks, including the potential loss of capital. It is possible to lose all your capital. These products may not be suitable for everyone, and you should ensure that you understand the risks involved. Seek independent advice if necessary. Speculate only with funds that you can afford to lose. Readers are strongly encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions. Neither the media platform nor the publisher shall be held responsible for any fraudulent activities, misrepresentations, or financial losses arising from the content of this press release. In the event of any legal claims or charges against this article, we accept no liability or responsibility. Globenewswire does not endorse any content on this page.

Legal Disclaimer: This media platform provides the content of this article on an “as-is” basis, without any warranties or representations of any kind, express or implied. We assume no responsibility for any inaccuracies, errors, or omissions. We do not assume any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information presented herein. Any concerns, complaints, or copyright issues related to this article should be directed to the content provider mentioned above.

Photos accompanying this announcement are available at

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/f963b2d1-0380-42be-ac17-2b76312bd6e7

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/d4cf04a6-6926-489c-a3b1-dc71e66805b5

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/d6a167e5-8849-415e-a701-7c9096e04c43

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/a978b0c8-8c1c-4dd9-a0bf-c5aea8479410

The MIL Network –

July 25, 2025

MIL-OSI USA: Nadler Statement on Columbia University Settlement

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jerrold Nadler (10th District of New York)

Today, Congressman Jerrold Nadler (NY-12) issued the following statement on Columbia University’s $200 million settlement with the Trump Administration:

“I am deeply disappointed by reports of Columbia University’s outrageous and embarrassing $200 million capitulation to the Trump Administration’s repugnant extortion campaign.

Let’s be clear: no investigation was ever conducted by the Department of Education’s Office of Civil Rights— the single body charged under federal law with investigating antisemitism on campus. Rather, unlike Harvard, my alma mater has allowed a once highly-respected institution to succumb to the Trump Administration’s coercive and exploitative tactics. Columbia has effectively waived the white flag of surrender in its battle at the heart of the Trump Administration’s war on higher education and academic freedom.

While Columbia needs to do a better job at protecting its students against antisemitism on campus, this disgraceful and humiliating action will not, in anyway, improve the situation on campus for Jewish students.

Columbia’s students, faculty, staff, and larger community deserve better than this cowardly decision.”

###

MIL OSI USA News –

July 25, 2025

MIL-OSI USA: Ranking Member Frankel Opening Remarks at Full Committee Markup of the National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Funding Bill

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Lois Frankel (FL-21)

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I’m going to start by recognizing the collegiality of our Chairman Mr. Diaz-Balart and the thoughtful members on both sides of the aisle. And of course, I want to thank our hardworking staff for their tireless efforts. But most of all, I want to recognize the brave and committed Americans—our diplomats, USAID workers, humanitarian teams, and public health experts and our partners around the world—who bring our country’s values to the world’s toughest places. They’re the ones who delivered vaccines to remote villages in Congo, who help girls in Ethiopia escape forced marriage and find education and safety.

I’ve seen their work up close–I know many of us have—and the impact of the programs we funded. Children who escaped the brutality of Assad’s Syria thriving in classrooms in Jordan. Mothers in Malawi learning skills to support their families. Pregnant women in Kenya staying healthy with support from HIV clinics. To all of these workers —past and present: You are the patriots. You represent the best of America. And those who are still serving deserve more than our thanks. They deserve the tools to get the job done.

Mr. Chairman, I wish we had a bipartisan bill in front of us that I could support that honored that service and reflected America’s leadership. If we had a responsible allocation and a White House that understood diplomacy, development, and humanitarian aid, we could have gotten there. But instead, here we are, questioning whether any of this matters when the President just ignores the will of Congress and the laws we pass.

So today, I strongly oppose the FY 2026 Republican bill. It’s not just a funding cut—it’s a reckless blueprint for American retreat. Our President seems to think relying on threats and bullying alone is a smart strategy. But chaotic tariffs, cruel immigration crackdowns, and this tepid foreign aid plan before us today is not going to make us more safe, secure, or more prosperous. And attention: we are ceding the world to China. And let me be clear: This bill does not lower costs for hard working families and retirees on day one as promised by President Trump—instead it puts hard earned finances at risk by hurting global stability.

And tax breaks for billionaires is not a trade-off for millions of starving children and let me just say that this bill does not make one bit of difference in making up the $4 trillion addition to our debt when the Republicans pass what they call their Big Bill their Big Beautiful Bill I call it the Big Ugly Bill And this bill is just adds to the list of troubling actions by the Administration.

Here’s what’s happened leading up: Foreign aid has been held up illegally, then justified by an inane clawback known as recission; USAID—an agency backed by Congress that fights poverty and prevents conflict—gutted; Over 10,000 development and humanitarian professionals dismissed by Elon Musk; 5,000 life-saving aid programs abruptly terminated; 1,300 State Department staff laid off; Offices shuttered. Decades of progress wiped out. How disgusting , the richest man in the world was allowed to pull the plug on programs that save the world’s poorest children.

The infrastructure and staffing is no longer present to carry out the few programs that remain. Let me say this again with emphasis: The infrastructure and staffing is no longer present to carry out the few programs that remain.

All while the world faces crisis after crisis: Wars and armed conflict, Extreme weather, Hunger and famine, Disease outbreaks, Mass migration, and Rising authoritarian regimes

These aren’t distant problems. They land right at our door: Fragile states collapse and migration surges; Trade stops and U.S. farmers and businesses lose buyers ;Climate disasters destroy crops and homes; Broken health systems allow deadly viruses to spread; And when we step back, China and Russia step in—not to help, but to expand their grip.

We’re leaving behind a gap they fill with money, weapons, and propaganda taking over the airwaves – reaching listeners who used to rely on Voice of America and our international broadcasting. They want to remake the world to fit their playbook.

Meanwhile, sadly our allies are also slashing foreign aid —pushed to spend more on weapons by Mr. Trump. As global needs explode, democracy’s soft power is vanishing. This bill fails to meet this moment.

Here’s what it really does:

Cuts 22% from the international affairs budget – that’s $13 billion, diminishing funding for development and economic assistance:

Kids kicked out of the classroom and cut off from clean water
Farmers losing seeds and tools to make a living
Violence prevention programs vanishing
Local nonprofits shut down

The bill slashes humanitarian aid by 42%:

In Nigeria, malnourished infants are dying without food
In Myanmar, hospitals are going dark
In The Gambia, support for survivors of female genital mutilation has ended—as the country debates making it legal again
In Ukraine, wounded soldiers go without care
In Ecuador, women entrepreneurs are losing lifelines and heading for our border

This is a blow to our credibility, our moral standing, and our global influence. Soft power – interestingly enough – development and diplomacy – have been secret weapons abroad. Without them, we’re losing Americans on the ground who know the terrain, see trouble coming, and keep us one step ahead.

And as always, my, my, my. Here we go again–Republicans couldn’t resist one more swipe at women: Slashing family planning programs that save hundreds of thousands of lives each year and prevent millions of unplanned pregnancies, Reinstating the Global Gag Rule—which blocks funding to foreign groups that even talk about abortion; you can’t even say the word “abortion”, not do abortion, say the word “abortion”– you lose your funding, Gutting the UNFPA—which provides basic reproductive and maternal care in over 150 countries

And while this bill guts humanitarian programs and walks away from the world’s most vulnerable, the administration is also on the road to destroying one of the smartest, most effective tools of U.S. foreign policy: the Women, Peace, and Security agenda. WPS is not some fringe idea. It’s the law, signed by guess who, Donald Trump. It passed with strong bipartisan support. And here’s why: Women experience conflict differently than men—often bearing the brunt of sexual violence, displacement, and the burden of caring for families amid chaos—yet they are too often excluded from life changing decisions. The WPS agenda has helped train diplomats, strengthen alliances, and put more women at the center of peace and security.

When women are at the table for peace talks, recovery, and crisis response, the results are better. Period. Peace lasts longer. Communities recover faster. And Missions succeed. And yet, this administration shut down the State Department’s office that leads that work—right when we need women’s leadership the most. That’s not just shortsighted. It makes the world less safe and works directly against our own interests.

The bill also abandons multilateral institutions and organizations—UNICEF, the UN Development Program, the African and Asian Development Banks, the World Bank, the World Health Organization—undermining our ability to shape the global agenda and ceding ground to autocrats. Guess who? Attention: China is going to take over this world.

So why should Americans care that these cuts are going to cost more than they save? Because these cuts hurt American families, too. When we walk away from the world: Chaos spreads; Troops are put in harm’s way; Our adversaries gain ground; And we pay the price—in dollars, and in lives.

And look, I say this not just as a lawmaker, but as a mother. My son served in the Marines. He was sent to two wars–Iraq and Afghanistan– I know what it means when diplomacy fails. The cost isn’t hypothetical—it hits our soldiers and their families the hardest.

Let me remind you: the international affairs budget was already less than 1% of our federal spending. But it delivered huge returns: Markets for American goods; Stability abroad; Protection from pandemics; Fewer troops sent into harm’s way.

Last week, we passed an $832 billion defense bill—that’s hard power. But even our top generals warn: without soft power alongside it, that number will only keep rising. So, Mr. Chairman, This bill is a lost opportunity. It’s a failure to lead. It hurts American families because when health systems collapse, people get sick. When trade stalls, jobs vanish. When diplomacy fails, our loved ones go to war. So let me close with this: Democrats aren’t giving up. We’re ready to work together with Republicans to reach a bill that reflects our values, keeps our promises, and protects American lives. Because we can’t bomb and drone our way to peace and prosperity. A strong America doesn’t hide. And it doesn’t bully. A strong America leads—with vision, with courage, and compassion. And That’s the bill we should be fighting for. Thank you. I yield back.

MIL OSI USA News –

July 25, 2025

MIL-OSI USA: ICYMI: Ranking Member Frankel Passes Amendment to Strengthen U.S.-Africa Partnership, Introduces Amendment to Improve Foreign Assistance Staffing at State Dept

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Lois Frankel (FL-21)

Today, during the full committee markup of the National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Appropriations funding bill, Ranking Member Frankel introduced two amendments to safeguard American leadership on the world stage.

The first ensures that no less than 15% of economic development funds in the bill be directed toward programs in Africa. The amendment passed with unanimous bipartisan support. From Rep. Frankel’s remarks: “By 2050, Africa will be home to a quarter of the world’s population—and nearly half of all global youth. Some cities are booming. Startups are thriving. And across the continent, countries are leapfrogging traditional development paths through mobile banking, financial technology, and energy innovation. By 2030, Africa’s consumer market is expected to top $2.5 trillion. The question is: will the United States be at the table, or will we let others, like China, steer the ship?

At the same time, we must be clear-eyed. Diseases still ravage vulnerable communities. Young people need access to quality education, job training, and opportunity—so that success is not reserved for elites alone. And while we weigh our options, China is not waiting. It is investing billions in African infrastructure, digital networks, mining operations, and military influence. China is writing the rules of the road—and we’re at real risk of being left behind. We cannot afford to cede this ground. Because this is about more than development assistance—it’s about protecting our shared future.”

The second amendment aimed to ensure proper staffing at the State Department to effectively take on what remains of USAID programs after they were dismantled by the Trump Administration. The amendment directed the State Department to prioritize rehiring USAID experts who the Administration previously fired. The amendment did not pass.

From Rep. Frankel’s remarks: “Babies are dying—not because we lack the science or the resources—but because the Trump Administration chose to dismantle the very programs that could have saved them. The systems that once monitored health outcomes are shutting down, and the true scope of the harm—and the risk to our own national security—is becoming harder to measure.

We may never be able to fully undo the catastrophic damage caused by the Trump Administration and its DOGE acolytes. But we can start to put things right. That’s what this amendment does. It ensures that the State Department isn’t set up to fail. It brings back the experts. It restores some measure of accountability and gives us the eyes and ears on the ground we need to ensure our humanitarian investments are effective, transparent, and actually reaching the people who need help most. This isn’t just a bureaucratic fix—it’s a moral imperative.”

MIL OSI USA News –

July 25, 2025

MIL-OSI USA: Republicans Threaten National Security, Abdicate United States World Leadership, and Slash Humanitarian Assistance

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Lois Frankel (FL-21)

Today, House Appropriations Committee Republicans pushed ahead with their fiscal year 2026 National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs funding bill that weakens our national security and puts the American people and public health preparedness at risk.

House Republicans are proposing a 22 percent cut to the bill’s overall funding level.

This bill:

Threatens national security, abdicates United States world leadership and guts development and humanitarian programs by underfunding the operations and staffing of the State Department and completing the demise of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), as well as other tools of America’s soft power and global leadership.
Cedes world leadership to China by abandoning our allies and eliminating funding for the United Nations (UN) and other multilateral and international financial institutions, including any funding for the UN Regular budget, the UN Development Program, UN Women, and UNICEF.
Threatens women’s health globally by prohibiting the United States from contributing to the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), substantially underfunding bilateral family planning, and reinstating the expanded Global Gag Rule on non-governmental organizations that receive U.S. assistance.
Hampers the United States’ response to the climate crisis by eliminating support for communities’ ability to adapt to weather changes, sustainably manage their land and natural resources, and expand access to clean energy.

“The Republicans’ proposed FY26 Appropriations bill for National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs charts a dangerous course of recklessness and retreat—leaving a vacuum for adversaries like China to fill,” State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Ranking Member Lois Frankel (D-FL-22) said. “Slashing investments in diplomacy, development, and humanitarian aid is not just shortsighted—it’s a grave mistake. These cuts may look like savings on paper, but they come at a steep cost that every American family will feel. When global health systems collapse, people get sick. When markets dry up, paychecks shrink. When diplomacy fails, our loved ones are sent to war. I look forward to working toward a budget that meets the moment—one that strengthens our security, grows our economy, and reaffirms America’s leadership on the world stage.”

Congresswoman Lois Frankel’s full remarks are here.

“President Trump is aggressively pursuing an America-last agenda that will only see America become weaker, more isolated, and more ostracized. Snubbing our allies and turning our back on the world does not make us strong. It makes us weak. It makes us an unreliable ally and an untrustworthy partner,” Appropriations Committee Ranking Member Rosa DeLauro (D-CT-03) said. “Republicans are slashing humanitarian assistance by more than a third, and foreign assistance by over 20 percent – causing tragic and preventable death around the world and creating a power vacuum that China is eager to exploit. Their bill dismisses our international partners – U.N. agencies and NGOs that deliver lifesaving aid to the most vulnerable people around the globe. And their bill surrenders our efforts to combat the climate crisis – eliminating support for climate adaptability and clean energy, ignoring the nexus between climate, conflict, and migration, and jeopardizing the safety and security of our children, and our grandchildren. I will not stop fighting to protect America’s interests, and against the Trump Administration’s and Republicans’ dangerous dismantling of our diplomatic and humanitarian efforts across the world.”

Congresswoman DeLauro’s full remarks are here.

This funding bill was considered amidst the looming threat of Office of Management and Budget (OMB) sending a proposal to, in effect, unilaterally and unlawfully cancel expiring appropriations (a misnomer OMB Director Vought erroneously calls a “pocket rescission,” which is just another term for unlawful impoundment). Instead of rising to the occasion to combat those threats, Republicans capitulated to the demands of Director Vought. They continued their go-it-alone approach to government funding instead of working with Democrats to enact bipartisan laws that serve American interests.

During today’s markup, Democrats also fought to:

Restore humanitarian assistance after Republicans decimated efforts to address crises and save lives around the world.
Produce a report on the impact President Trump’s cuts, mass firings, and chaotic foreign policy changes have had on the expansion of China’s global influence.
Require adequate staffing to implement oversight of foreign assistance following the firing of thousands of employees at the U.S. Department of State and the United States Agency for International Development.
Reverse Republican cuts and eliminate policies that threaten women’s health globally.

House Republicans rejected these efforts.

A summary of the bill is here. A fact sheet is here.

The text of the bill, before the adoption of amendments in full committee, is here. The bill report, before the adoption of amendments in full Committee, is here.

MIL OSI USA News –

July 25, 2025

MIL-OSI USA: DOE Announces Site Selection for AI Data Center and Energy Infrastructure Development on Federal Lands

Source: US Department of Energy

The forthcoming solicitations will drive innovation in reliable energy technologies, contribute to lower energy costs, and strengthen American leadership in artificial intelligence

WASHINGTON– The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) today announced the next steps in the Trump administration’s plan to accelerate the development of AI infrastructure through siting on DOE lands. DOE has selected four sites—Idaho National Laboratory, Oak Ridge Reservation, Paducah Gaseous Diffusion Plant and Savannah River Site—to move forward with plans to invite private sector partners to develop cutting edge AI data center and energy generation projects.

Today’s announcement supports the Trump administration’s goals of utilizing Federal lands to lower energy costs and help power the global AI race, as outlined in President Trump’s Executive Orders on Accelerating Federal Permitting of Data Center Infrastructure, Deploying Advanced Nuclear Reactor Technologies for National Security, and Unleashing American Energy.

“By leveraging DOE land assets for the deployment of AI and energy infrastructure, we are taking a bold step to accelerate the next Manhattan Project—ensuring U.S. AI and energy leadership,” said Energy Secretary Chris Wright. “These sites are uniquely positioned to host data centers as well as power generation to bolster grid reliability, strengthen our national security, and reduce energy costs.”

DOE received enormous interest in response to its April request for information (RFI) that helped inform the selection of these sites. The chosen locations are well-situated for large-scale data centers, new power generation, and other necessary infrastructure.

DOE looks forward to working with data center developers, energy companies, and the broader public in consultation with states, local governments, and federally recognized tribes that these projects will serve to further advance this important initiative. More details regarding project scope, eligibility requirements, and submission guidelines at each site will be available with the site-specific releases. These solicitations are expected to be released in the coming months and partners could be selected by the end of the year. DOE is also evaluating additional sites that could issue solicitations in the future.

MIL OSI USA News –

July 25, 2025

MIL-OSI USA: 2025 Spirit of the Midwest ‘Ride for Guides’ Supporters Cruise Scenic Iowa for Guide Dogs of America | Tender Loving Canines

Source: US GOIAM Union

IAM Midwest Territory members and motorcycle enthusiasts gathered at Eagle Point Park in Dubuque, Iowa, for the annual Spirit of the Midwest Ride for Guides. The ride featured a scenic route, camaraderie, and a shared mission: supporting Guide Dogs of America | Tender Loving Canines (GDA | TLC), the IAM’s favorite charity.

The event kicked off after waiting out an early morning rainstorm. Participants assembled for a safety briefing before rolling out with IAM Midwest Territory International Representative Ronnie Gonzalez as “lead bike.” Riders cruised through scenic Iowa roads, interspersed with poker-run stops and rest breaks to recharge and reconnect.

This year’s ride continued the Midwest Territory’s strong fundraising tradition. “Ride for Guides” is one of several “Spirit of the Midwest” annual events—alongside car shows, clay shoots, and golf tournaments— all aimed at broadening awareness and proving funding for GDA | TLC.

The $7,826 raised from the ride and raffles will bolster GDA | TLC’s mission of providing free guide and service dogs to those with visual impairments, veterans, children with autism, and others in need.

IAM Midwest Territory International Representative Chris Tucker organized the event with Gonzalez’s help, and all available Midwest Territory staff assisted with set up, selling raffle tickets, and running the program.

The day concluded at its starting point with food, refreshments, raffle drawings, awards, and heartfelt thanks to all participants.

“These events are the IAM Midwest Territory’s pride and joy,” said IAM Midwest Territory’s General Vice President Sam Cicinelli. “Members come together in the spirit of charity and generosity. I want to thank the proud union members who continue to show up every year in support of these events and the hardworking Midwest Territory Staff who organized this ride to make it safe and enjoyable for everyone.”

IAM Union is the largest financial contributor to Guide Dogs of America | Tender Loving Canines.

The post 2025 Spirit of the Midwest ‘Ride for Guides’ Supporters Cruise Scenic Iowa for Guide Dogs of America | Tender Loving Canines appeared first on IAM Union.

MIL OSI USA News –

July 25, 2025

MIL-OSI USA: IAM District 776 Dedicates Union Hall to Fort Worth Native, Retired International President Robert Martinez Jr.

Source: US GOIAM Union

Most get a fond send off when retirement rolls around to their career, but in Texas they do everything big, including honors for legendary members of IAM District 776.

The District had been working for months on a special tribute to International President Robert Martinez Jr., who retired in January 2024 after 43 years of service to the IAM and its members. Starting in 1980 as a member of Local 776A and an aircraft assembler, the U.S. Naval Air veteran rose to the highest position within the IAM, leading the organization for eight years and serving on the IAM Executive Council for 20 years of his storied career.

District 776 took the steps to turn the atrium of the district’s meeting hall into a gallery of memorabilia from Martinez’s career. The space is filled with photographs, mementos, and awards to achievements of the IAM’s 14th International President. As the first Latino to join the IAM Executive Council, Martinez set standards and achieved milestones that moved the IAM forward in the labor movement.

“This hall, this district, and this union has meant the world to me and my family,” said Martinez. “This union gave me a purpose when I was 20 years old. It gave me a shot at the American dream, to make a living and support my family. Together, we have improved the lives of countless IAM members.”

Martinez’s historic tenure steered the IAM through the COVID-19 crisis by championing airline and aerospace worker relief that saved hundreds of thousands of jobs. Martinez helped the IAM grow into new industries, including healthcare, and made the IAM the leading AFL-CIO affiliate in National Labor Relations Board union election victories from 2018 through 2022.

At Martinez’s direction, the IAM also created groundbreaking membership programs that assist members and their families, as well as expanded opportunities for underrepresented groups to advance in the IAM. Martinez commissioned a new department to provide IAM members and their families who are military veterans with VA claims assistance free of charge, as well as an addiction services program and a women’s leadership initiative known as the Leadership Excellence Assembly of Dedicated Sisters, or IAM LEADS.

The ceremony also honored District 776 President Directing Business Representative Paul Black and Business Representative Earnest Boone, both of have retired after 45 years of IAM membership.

International President Martinez extended a special note of gratitude to IAM Business Representative Joe Alviar and his wife, Linda, who were the primary architects of the atrium and the displays of the Martinez collection.

“Again I say thank you. It’s been a great honor,” said Martinez. “Our leadership, headed by our great International President Brian Bryant, has the IAM going in the right direction. I can’t wait to see where we’re going next, and I’m cheering all of you and our union on from retirement.”

The post IAM District 776 Dedicates Union Hall to Fort Worth Native, Retired International President Robert Martinez Jr. appeared first on IAM Union.

MIL OSI USA News –

July 25, 2025

MIL-OSI USA: Governor Ivey Launches Veterans Resource Center Board to Strengthen Support for Alabama’s Veteran Community

Source: US State of Alabama

MONTGOMERY – Governor Kay Ivey on Thursday announced the appointment of 11 distinguished leaders to the Alabama Veterans Resource Center (AVRC) Board, a new initiative designed to develop a statewide, sustainable hub dedicated to supporting veterans and their families. A component of Governor Ivey’s 2025 legislative agenda, this center will provide job training and workforce assistance, aid in benefits navigation, support with family and legal needs and build peer and social connections in the veteran community.

“During this past legislative session, I made it a top priority to strengthen our support for Alabama’s veterans and establishing the Veterans Resource Center was a key part of that effort,” said Governor Ivey. “Our servicemen and women deserve accessible, reliable support as they navigate civilian life. With this board now in place, we’re taking a major step forward in making sure Alabama remains the most military- and veteran-friendly state in the nation.”

The AVRC Board members include:

Greg Reed, Chairman, Secretary of the Alabama Department of Workforce
Jeff Newton, Vice Chairman, Commissioner of the Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs
Kimberly Boswell, Commissioner of the Alabama Department of Mental Health
Bobby Singleton, Senator for Senate District 24 and Minority Leader, Alabama Senate
Anthony Daniels, Representative for House District 53 and Minority Leader, Alabama House of Representatives
Stacia Robinson, Director of the Alabama Office of Minority Affairs
Ronald Brown, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer at Jim Wilson & Associates
Carter Wells, Government Relations Advisor at Maynard Nexsen
George Talbot, Senior Vice President for External Affairs at Volkert (Lieutenant Governor Appointee)
Andrew Jones, Senator for Senate District 10 and Chairman of the Veterans, Military Affairs, and Public Safety Committee (Senate President Pro Tempore Appointee)
Tracy Doughty, President and Chief Operations Officer at Huntsville Hospital (Speaker of the House Appointee)

Alabama Department of Workforce Secretary Greg Reed acknowledged the AVRC will be a huge benefit to former servicemen and women across Alabama.

“Alabama veterans deserve more than just gratitude – they deserve resources to help them navigate the systems that meet their needs,” said Secretary Reed. “By creating an entity that will help streamline access to services and collaborate with stakeholders, we hope to do our part to help the veteran community in Alabama. Our goal is to increase partnerships, eliminate fragmentation, increase trust and improve long-term outcomes for those and their families who have sacrificed so much for our country.”

Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs Commissioner Jeff Newton underscored the importance of the new center’s mission and the lasting impact it can have on veterans across the state.

“The Alabama Veterans Resource Center has the potential to change lives, but it’s just the beginning,” said Commissioner Newton. “This facility will provide an added resource for veterans to thrive after service — to build a future, start a career and make an impact right here in Alabama. It’s critical that we get this transition right, and this center is where transition becomes opportunity.”

The Alabama Veterans Resource Center Board will meet in the coming weeks to begin their work.

###

MIL OSI USA News –

July 25, 2025

MIL-OSI USA: Travel Advisory Reminder: Weekend Lane and Ramp Closures Needed at I-295/Route 37 Interchange in Cranston for Opening of New Flyover Bridge

Source: US State of Rhode Island

The Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) is reminding motorists that starting on Friday night, July 25, it will have lane and ramp closures lasting through the weekend at the I-295/Route 37 interchange in Cranston. During this time, RIDOT will complete construction on a new flyover ramp that will carry drivers from Route 37 East to I-295 North.

The closures begin at 8 p.m. Friday and remain in place through 5 a.m. Monday, July 28. Motorists should plan additional time for travel. The affected lanes and ramps include:

I-295 North & South: The high-speed lane will be closed along I-295 North for the weekend, reducing the number of travel lanes from two to one. On I-295 South, the lane closures will only take place Friday-Sunday nights from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. each night.

Route 37 East to I-295 North: The ramp will be closed. Drivers should remain on Route 37 East and use the Route 2 interchange to reverse direction onto Route 37 West, then use the I-295 North ramp.

The new ramp was built as part of RIDOT’s Cranston Canyon project, and will take traffic over I-295 North so drivers will enter the highway on the right-hand side instead of the left-hand side. This more conventional design will improve safety and reduce crashes.

When the new flyover bridge opens, RIDOT also will open a new service road alongside I-295 North at the ramps for Route 37. This will provide more room for traffic entering and exiting the highway in a separate lane from I-295 through traffic.

All construction projects are subject to changes in schedule and scope depending on needs, circumstances, findings and weather.

The construction of the new flyover bridge is made possible by RhodeWorks. RIDOT is committed to bringing Rhode Island’s infrastructure into a state of good repair while respecting the environment and striving to improve it. Learn more at www.ridot.net/RhodeWorks.

MIL OSI USA News –

July 25, 2025

MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Cliff Bentz Works with White House and Oregon’s Governor to Secure Federal Relief for Oregon Following March Storms

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Cliff Bentz (R-Ontario)

WASHINGTON, D.C.– On May 22, 2025, Congressman Cliff Bentz (OR-02), following a meeting with community leaders, and calls with County Commissioners and community leaders of the affected counties, sent a letter to the Acting Region 10 Administrator of FEMA, Vincent Maykovich, urging a federal emergency declaration in response to the severe weather damage in Coos, Curry, and Douglas Counties.

On March 12, 2025, a state of emergency was declared by Governor Kotek, triggering the necessary process of measuring damage resulting from the storms. Congressman Bentz stayed in close contact with the Oregon Emergency Management Agency (OEM), which determined that the storms and resulting flood events had caused approximately $9.5 million in damage. On May 19, 2025, Governor Kotek made the required formal request of a presidential declaration. This step by the Governor’s office cleared the way for Congressman Bentz to request that the Executive branch provide assistance to the affected communities. On July 22nd, 2025, in response to these requests, President Trump issued a major disaster declaration for Public Assistance for the counties of Coos, Curry, and Douglas, marking a critical first step in helping these communities repair and rebuild following the storms.

Congressman Bentz issued the following statement:

“In March of this year, severe storms caused significant damage to people and property in Coos, Douglas, and Curry Counties. Landslides, mudslides, flooding, and weather-related events lead to severe destruction. A Preliminary Damage Assessment by Oregon Emergency Management Agency (OEM) found that the damage caused by the storms totaled approximately $9.5 million across 25 impacted public entities. This far exceeds what these the people of these counties can bear, making the need for federal assistance essential. During the flood event, I held a round table discussion regarding the steps that would need to be taken to obtain federal assistance. The OEM, the Governor, and Commissioner Tim Freeman of Douglas County, are all to be commended for their work in gathering the facts and taking the actions necessary to support the request for this assistance. I also want to thank President Trump, his staff, and FEMA, for their essential help and support.”

Text of letter sent to the White House available, here.

MIL OSI USA News –

July 25, 2025

MIL-OSI USA: Van Orden Introduces Bill to Restore Integrity in Agriculture Immigrant Workforce System

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Derrick Van Orden (Wisconsin 3rd)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Derrick Van Orden (WI-03) introduced a bill to establish a legal process for undocumented agricultural workers to transition to legal employment status. The Agriculture Reform Act of 2025 will allow certain agricultural workers who are currently inadmissible or removable under immigration law to voluntarily deport, pay a fine, and reenter the U.S. as a temporary agricultural worker after specific requirements are satisfied.

The Agriculture Reform Act of 2025 is not a pathway to citizenship or amnesty. Rather, the bill creates a structured and enforceable opportunity for undocumented agricultural workers to secure legal employment through voluntary departure and lawful reentry.

“This bill is a real solution to addressing the mass influx of illegal aliens created by the Biden administration’s open border policies, while also addressing the critical workforce needs of our agricultural industry,” said Rep. Van Orden. “For those willing to follow the law and return to the U.S. the right way, it offers a legal pathway to a legal job. Our farmers cannot function without a stable workforce, and my bill will help stabilize the agricultural workforce without granting amnesty or citizenship.”

The process for outlined in Rep. Van Orden’s bill is as follows:

1. Self-Report

A “covered alien”—an individual who previously worked in agricultural labor in the U.S. since January 1, 2020—must voluntarily depart from the United States or have already been removed prior to the bill’s enactment.

2. Worker Pays Fine

To participate in the program, the worker must pay a fee of an amount determined appropriate by the Secretary of Labor.

3. Employer Pays Fine

The employer petitioning on behalf of the alien must also pay a fee as set by regulation.

4. Employer May Stagger Self-Deportation

The bill contemplates employer flexibility in staggering the departure of undocumented workers to prevent labor shortages.

5. Worker Must Remain in Home Country for 30 Days

After self-deportation or removal, the worker must remain outside the U.S. for at least 30 days before returning to the United States.

6. Worker Can Return as a temporary agricultural worker

Following the 30-day waiting period, the worker may re-enter the U.S. legally as a temporary agricultural worker, provided:

The individual has not unlawfully received public benefits.
The proper fees are paid.
They meet eligibility as a “covered alien.”

Additional Provisions

Immunity from Prosecution:
- Employers are protected from legal liability under INA §274A for employing covered aliens.
- Covered aliens are immune from prosecution under INA §§275 and 276 for prior unlawful entry/removal actions.
Waiver of Inadmissibility/Removability:
- Grounds under INA §§212(a)(6), (7), and (9), and §237(a)(1)(A–C) and (3) are waived during the “covered period.”

Read the full bill text here.

###

MIL OSI USA News –

July 25, 2025

MIL-OSI USA: Pingree, Massie Introduce Bipartisan PRIME Act to Empower Local Livestock Farmers, Meet Consumer Demand

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (1st District of Maine)

Representatives Chellie Pingree (D-Maine) and Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) reintroduced the Processing Revival and Intrastate Meat Exemption (PRIME) Act, bipartisan legislation to make it easier for small farms and ranches to serve consumers. The PRIME Act (H.R. 4700) would give individual states freedom to permit intrastate distribution of custom-slaughtered meat such as beef, pork, or lamb to consumers, restaurants, hotels, boarding houses, and grocery stores.

“Consumers at the grocery store increasingly want quality, locally-grown food, but existing regulations and supply chain vulnerabilities don’t make it easy for them to access. In rural states like Maine, farmers often have to drive hundreds of miles just to get their livestock processed. We can and must do more to bolster our local food systems,” said Pingree, a longtime farmer and member of the House Agriculture Committee. “The PRIME Act is a commonsense, bipartisan solution that strengthens infrastructure for local meat processing, supports family farms, and gives consumers easier access to locally raised food—along with greater transparency about where that food comes from.”

“Consumers want to know where their food comes from, what it contains, and how it’s processed. Yet federal inspection requirements make it difficult to purchase food from trusted, local farmers,” said Massie. “It is time to open our markets to give producers the freedom to succeed and consumers the freedom to choose.”

Current law exempts custom slaughter of animals from federal inspection regulations, but only if the meat is slaughtered for personal, household, guest, and employee use (21 U.S.C. § 623(a)). This means that in order to sell individual cuts of locally raised meats to consumers, farmers and ranchers must first send their animals to one of a limited number of USDA-inspected slaughterhouses. These USDA-inspected slaughterhouses are sometimes hundreds of miles away from farms and ranches, adding substantial transportation costs and increasing the chances of locally raised meat co-mingling with industrially produced meat. The PRIME Act would expand the current custom exemption and allow small farms, ranches, and slaughterhouses to thrive.

Original co-sponsors of the PRIME Act include: Rep. Jodey Arrington (R-Texas), Rep. Michael Baumgartner (R-Wash.), Rep. Andy Biggs (R-Ariz.), Rep. Lauren Boebert (R-Colo.), Rep. Josh Brecheen (R-Okla.), Rep. Tim Burchett (R-Tenn.), Rep. Eric Burlison (R-Mo.), Rep. John Carter (R-Texas), Rep. Ben Cline (R-Va.), Rep. Michael Cloud (R-Texas), Rep. Andrew Clyde (R-Ga.), Rep. Warren Davidson (R-Ohio), Rep. Byron Donalds (R-Fla.), Rep. Brandon Gill (R-Texas), Rep. Jared Golden (D-Maine), Rep. Paul Gosar (R-Ariz.), Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.), Rep. Glenn Grothman (R-Wisc.), Rep. Harriet Hageman (R-Wyo.), Rep. Diana Harshbarger (R-Tenn.), Rep. Jared Huffman (D-Calif.), Rep. Laurel Lee (R-Fla.), Rep. Teresa Leger Fernandez (D-N.M.), Rep. Nancy Mace (R-S.C.), Rep. Celeste Maloy (R-Utah), Rep. Tom McClintock (R-Calif.), Rep. Mary Miller (R-Ill.), Rep. Cory Mills (R-Fla.), Rep. Blake Moore (R-Utah), Rep. Troy Nehls (R-Texas), Rep. Andy Ogles (R-Tenn.), Rep. Burgess Owens (R-Utah), Rep. Scott Perry (R-Pa.), Rep. Chip Roy (R-Texas), Rep. Maria Salazar (R-Fla.), Rep. Keith Self (R-Texas), Rep. Lloyd Smucker (R-Pa.), Rep. Victoria Spartz (R-Ind.), Rep. Tom Tiffany (R-Wisc.), Rep. Jill Tokuda (D-Hawaii), and Rep. David Valadao (R-Calif.).

Companion legislation, S.2409, has been introduced in the United States Senate by Senators Angus King (I-Maine) and Rand Paul (R-Ky.).

Massie raises cattle on his off-the-grid farm in northeast Kentucky. Pingree raises grass-fed beef and chickens on her island farm in North Haven, Maine.

###

MIL OSI USA News –

July 25, 2025

MIL-OSI USA: Pingree Leads Bipartisan, Bicameral Push to Protect Drinking Water as Communities Face Rising Contamination Threats

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (1st District of Maine)

As drinking water contamination from toxic “forever chemicals,” also known as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), increasingly threatens communities in Maine and across the country, U.S. Representatives Chellie Pingree (D-Maine) and David Rouzer (R-N.C.) have reintroduced the bipartisan Healthy Drinking Water Affordability Act, or the Healthy H2O Act. The legislation, introduced in the Senate by Tammy Baldwin (D-Wisc.) and Susan Collins (R-Maine), provides grants for water testing and treatment technology directly to individuals and nonprofits in rural communities. Systems that improve water quality—whether installed at the faucet or within a building—can provide immediate and ongoing protections from known and emerging water contaminants, including PFAS, lead, and nitrates.

“The Healthy H2O Act will help make water testing and treatment technology more accessible here in Maine, and in rural communities across the country, especially for families on private wells who are too often left to navigate contamination risks on their own,” said Pingree. “As national protections face delays and uncertainty, local communities can’t afford to wait. This bipartisan bill gives them the tools to identify and address harmful chemicals like PFAS and lead at the tap—so they can be confident the water they’re drinking is safe.”

“The Healthy H2O Act helps rural residents in the Cape Fear Valley gain access to safe, clean drinking water—free from harmful contaminants like GenX, PFAS, and PFOS,” said Rouzer. “As city and county water systems continue upgrading to address these pollutants, this legislation ensures rural communities aren’t left behind by supporting testing and the installation of effective filtration systems to remove these ‘forever chemicals.’”

“All Wisconsin families, businesses, and communities should trust that the water coming out of their faucets is safe to drink, but across our state, rural communities are struggling to identify and treat chemicals like PFAs that endanger our health, especially for children,” said Senator Baldwin. “My bipartisan legislation ensures our small and rural communities aren’t left behind and makes sure they have what they need to find and get rid of dangerous chemicals and keep our families healthy.”

“Maintaining and upgrading water and wastewater systems is vital to ensuring the economic and environmental health of our communities,” said Senator Collins. “This bipartisan legislation will help reduce health-based contaminants like PFAS in drinking water, increase consumer confidence, and protect public health.”

The Healthy H2O Act would provide funding for point-of-use water treatment systems, such as under-sink filters, that can deliver immediate protections. Nearly 43 million U.S. households— primarily in rural areas—depend on private wells that are not regularly monitored under federal or state drinking water programs, leaving many communities vulnerable to contamination.

The Healthy H2O Act is supported by:

Water Quality Association
American Supply Association
Plumbing Manufacturers International (PMI)
Rural Community Assistance Partnership (RCAP)
National Groundwater Association (NGWA)
High Performance Building Coalition
NSF International
Water Systems Council
Water Well Trust
The Groundwater Foundation
International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO)
International Code Council (ICC)
DigDeep
California Ground Water Association
Eastern Water Quality Association (EWQA)
Florida Groundwater Association
Florida Water Quality Association (FWQA)
Illinois Association of Groundwater Professionals
Iowa Water Quality Association
Kentucky Groundwater Association
Michigan Ground Water Association
Minnesota WQA (MWQA)
Minnesota Water Well Association
Montana Water Well Drillers Association
Nebraska On-Site Wastewater Association
Nebraska State Irrigation Association
Nebraska Water Leaders Academy
Nebraska Well Drillers Association
Ohio Water Quality Association (OWQA)
Ohio Water Well Association
Pacific Water Quality Association (PWQA)
Pennsylvania Groundwater Association
Texas Water Quality Association (TWQA)
Virginia Water Well Association
Water Council of Milwaukee
Water Quality Association of Wisconsin
Well Drillers Association of Wisconsin

“We applaud Representatives Pingree and Rouzer for introducing the Healthy H2O Act that will increase access to safer drinking water in rural communities,” said Pauli Undesser, Executive Director of the Water Quality Association. “This grant program will help Americans who are most vulnerable to contaminants in their water supply – children, the elderly, and households that rely on private wells. By increasing access to testing and water filtration products, we can support the health and safety of these communities.”

“Too often, rural communities across the country face barriers to accessing clean, safe drinking water,” said National Ground Water Association President Eric Macias. “The Healthy H2O Act is a real step forward, delivering resources to help families test and treat their water. This legislation reflects the kind of commonsense investment that can truly improve lives, and we commend Congresswoman Pingree for her leadership on this important issue.”

Pingree, who serves on the House Agriculture Committee, has long championed PFAS clean-up and clean drinking water legislation. She proudly supported the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which included a $55 billion investment to replace lead service lines, $10 billion to address PFAS chemicals, and investments in water infrastructure across America, including in Tribal Nations and underserved communities that need it most.

As Chair of the Interior Appropriations Subcommittee, which oversees funding for the EPA, in the 117th Congress and as Ranking Member in the 118th and 119th Congresses, Pingree has championed funding to clean up PFAS contamination. In the Fiscal Year 2024 government funding bill signed by President Biden, Pingree secured $8 million for the EPA to work with the U.S. Department of Agriculture to further research on PFAS contamination in agriculture, as well as $5 million to assist farmers whose land has been contaminated by PFAS.

###

MIL OSI USA News –

July 25, 2025

MIL-OSI USA: Representatives Massie and Pingree Introduce Bipartisan PRIME Act to Empower Local Livestock Farmers, Meet Consumer Demand

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Thomas Massie (4th District of Kentucky)

For Immediate Release

Contact:

John Kennedy, 202-225-3465 (Massie)
Gabrielle Mannino, 207-509-5904 (Pingree)

Washington, D.C.- Representative Thomas Massie (R-KY) and Representative Chellie Pingree (D-ME) announce the re-introduction of the PRIME (Processing Revival and Intrastate Meat Exemption) Act to make it easier for small farms and ranches to serve consumers. The PRIME Act (H.R. 4700) would give individual states freedom to permit intrastate distribution of custom-slaughtered meat such as beef, pork, or lamb to consumers, restaurants, hotels, boarding houses, and grocery stores.

“Consumers want to know where their food comes from, what it contains, and how it’s processed. Yet federal inspection requirements make it difficult to purchase food from trusted, local farmers,” said Rep. Thomas Massie. “It is time to open our markets to give producers the freedom to succeed and consumers the freedom to choose.”

“Consumers at the grocery store increasingly want quality, locally-grown food, but existing regulations and supply chain vulnerabilities don’t make it easy for them to access. In rural states like Maine, farmers often have to drive hundreds of miles just to get their livestock processed. We can and must do more to bolster our local food systems,” said Rep. Chellie Pingree. “The PRIME Act is a commonsense, bipartisan solution that strengthens infrastructure for local meat processing, supports family farms, and gives consumers easier access to locally raised food—along with greater transparency about where that food comes from.”

Current law exempts custom slaughter of animals from federal inspection regulations, but only if the meat is slaughtered for personal, household, guest, and employee use (21 U.S.C. § 623(a)). This means that in order to sell individual cuts of locally raised meats to consumers, farmers and ranchers must first send their animals to one of a limited number of USDA-inspected slaughterhouses. These USDA-inspected slaughterhouses are sometimes hundreds of miles away from farms and ranches, adding substantial transportation costs and increasing the chances of locally raised meat co-mingling with industrially produced meat. The PRIME Act would expand the current custom exemption and allow small farms, ranches, and slaughterhouses to thrive.

Original co-sponsors of the PRIME Act include: Rep. Jodey Arrington (R-TX), Rep. Michael Baumgartner (R-WA), Rep. Andy Biggs (R-AZ), Rep. Lauren Boebert (R-CO), Rep. Josh Brecheen (R-OK), Rep. Tim Burchett (R-TN), Rep. Eric Burlison (R-MO), Rep. John Carter (R-TX), Rep. Ben Cline (R-VA), Rep. Michael Cloud (R-TX), Rep. Andrew Clyde (R-GA), Rep. Warren Davidson (R-OH), Rep. Byron Donalds (R-FL), Rep. Brandon Gill (R-TX), Rep. Jared Golden (D-ME), Rep. Paul Gosar (R-AZ), Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA), Rep. Glenn Grothman (R-WI), Rep. Harriet Hageman (R-WY), Rep. Diana Harshbarger (R-TN), Rep. Jared Huffman (D-CA), Rep. Laurel Lee (R-FL), Rep. Teresa Leger Fernandez (D-NM), Rep. Nancy Mace (R-SC), Rep. Celeste Maloy (R-UT), Rep. Tom McClintock (R-CA), Rep. Mary Miller (R-IL), Rep. Cory Mills (R-FL), Rep. Blake Moore (R-UT), Rep. Troy Nehls (R-TX), Rep. Andy Ogles (R-TN), Rep. Burgess Owens (R-UT), Rep. Scott Perry (R-PA), Rep. Chip Roy (R-TX), Rep. Maria Salazar (R-FL), Rep. Keith Self (R-TX), Rep. Lloyd Smucker (R-PA), Rep. Victoria Spartz (R-IN), Rep. Tom Tiffany (R-WI), Rep. Jill Tokuda (D-HI), and Rep. David Valadao (R-CA).

Companion legislation, S.2409, has been introduced in the United States Senate by Senators Angus King (I-ME) and Rand Paul (R-KY).

Massie raises cattle on his off-the-grid farm in northeast Kentucky. Pingree raises grass-fed beef and chickens on her island farm in North Haven, Maine.

The text of the PRIME Act is available at this link.