NewzIntel.com

Category: United States of America

  • MIL-OSI USA: Murray, DeLauro Call Out Trump Admin’s Lack of Transparency on Spending, Demand Detailed Agency Spend Plans Be Submitted as Required By Law

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Washington State Patty Murray
    Full-year continuing resolution (CR) requires each agency to submit a spend plan showing how they are executing FY25 appropriations—many agencies have failed to submit acceptable plans, or to submit one altogether
    Washington, D.C. — Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Senate Appropriations Committee Vice Chair, and Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (D-CT-03), Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Committee, sent a letter to Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director Russ Vought calling out the Trump administration’s unacceptable failure to submit detailed spend plans for each agency to the Appropriations Committees, as the Full-Year Continuing Appropriations Act of 2025 requires by law.
    Agencies’ spend plans should provide more granular details about how they are spending funding appropriated for the fiscal year. The spend plans are critical to congressional oversight and the annual appropriations process, and have long been required by law. But as Murray and DeLauro write, the Trump administration has failed to submit adequate spend plans to Congress—and it has even failed to submit any spend plan for some agencies.
    “Under your direction, the Office of Management and Budget continues to intentionally mislead and obfuscate about how this Administration is spending taxpayer dollars and has demonstrated an inability to effectively and efficiently manage public resources. Your lack of transparency shows disdain for the right of the public to understand how taxpayer dollars are being spent and for the rule of law,” write Murray and DeLauro. Noting how Director Vought has already taken down the OMB website making federal spending allocations public, the top Democrats write: “You have further degraded Congress’s capacity to carry out its legislative responsibilities by overseeing the development of inconsistent and inadequate spending plans for fiscal year 2025 submitted by departments and agencies.”
    Noting that Section 1113 of the Full-Year Continuing Appropriations Act of 2025 requires spend plans for agencies to be submitted within 45 days of enactment of the law, Murray and DeLauro state: “[T]hese spending plans were due to the Appropriations Committees on Tuesday, April 29. Four weeks have now come and gone, and while the Committees began receiving some spending plans from departments and agencies consistent with the 45-day requirement, many agencies’ plans still have yet to be submitted or blatantly omit basic funding details at your agency’s direction.”
    “The widespread failure of departments and agencies to abide by the requirements of section 1113 is unacceptable, and the lack of transparency begs serious questions about what exactly this administration is seeking to hide from the Committees – and the American people,” they continue. “These spending plans are essential to understand how the executive branch is spending taxpayer dollars appropriated by Congress in fiscal year 2025, and they directly inform the legislative responsibilities of the Committees to consider fiscal year 2026 appropriations legislation, a process that is already underway.”
    Murray and DeLauro underscore that some agencies still have yet to submit their fiscal year 2025 spend plan, as required by law, and many others have submitted completely inadequate plans. “For example,” they write, “the spend plan submitted for the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), which includes the label ‘Hill Version’ in the PDF name, includes only high-level funding amounts and does not provide funding levels for hundreds of specific programs and activities. Instead, it lists 530 asterisks in place of details about how this administration is choosing to fund—or not fund—hundreds of programs that the American people count on every day. We need to see the ‘real version’ of HHS’ spend plan, and we need to see actual funding amounts—not asterisks—for these vital programs.”
    They conclude by demanding spend plans with sufficient information be submitted for each agency by the end of the month.
    The full letter is available HERE and below:
    May 27, 2025
    The Honorable Russell T. Vought                  
    Director
    The Office of Management and Budget                                    725 17th Street, N.W.Washington, D.C. 20503         
    Director Vought:
    Under your direction, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) continues to intentionally mislead and obfuscate about how this Administration is spending taxpayer dollars and has demonstrated an inability to effectively and efficiently manage public resources.
    Your lack of transparency shows disdain for the right of the public to understand how taxpayer dollars are being spent and for the rule of law.  It is well-documented that you are – by your own admission in your March 29 letter – intentionally violating legal requirements in order to hide OMB’s apportionment decisions from the public and from Congress. This not only deprives the public of information they are entitled to in law but also undermines Congress’s ability to carry out its legislative and oversight functions. You have further degraded Congress’s capacity to carry out its legislative responsibilities by overseeing the development of inconsistent and inadequate spending plans for fiscal year 2025 submitted by departments and agencies under section 1113(a) of the Full-Year Continuing Appropriations Act, 2025. That reporting requirement states:
    Sec. 1113. (a) Not later than 45 days after the date of the enactment of this division, each department and agency in subsection (c) shall submit to the Committees on Appropriations of the House of Representatives and the Senate a spending, expenditure, or operating plan for fiscal year 2025—
    (1) at the program, project, or activity level (or, for foreign assistance programs funded in the Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, at the country, regional, and central program level, and for any international organization); or
    (2) as applicable, at any greater level of detail required for funds covered by such a plan in an appropriations Act referred to in section 1101, in the joint explanatory statement accompanying such Act, or in committee report language incorporated by reference in such joint explanatory statement.
    In accordance with section 1113, these spending plans were due to the Appropriations Committees on Tuesday, April 29. Four weeks have now come and gone, and while the Committees began receiving some spending plans from departments and agencies consistent with the 45-day requirement, many agencies’ plans still have yet to be submitted or blatantly omit basic funding details at your agency’s direction. These spending plans were coordinated through, shaped, and approved by OMB.
    For example, the spend plan submitted for the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), which includes the label “Hill Version” in the pdf name, includes only high-level funding amounts and does not provide funding levels for hundreds of specific programs and activities. Instead, it lists 530 asterisks in place of details about how this administration is choosing to fund – or not fund – hundreds of programs that the American people count on every day. We need to see the “real version” of HHS’ spend plan, and we need to see actual funding amounts – not asterisks – for these vital programs.
    Similarly, the Department of Education’s spend plan submitted on April 29th completely omitted dozens of specific programs and activities and claimed that almost $13 billion was “unallocated” despite the fact that much of that funding is directed in statute for specific purposes, just as it was in fiscal year 2024.  The Department sent a revised spend plan on May 23rd that still includes $8 billion in “unallocated” funding and continues to lack detail on dozens of programs now with only four months left in the fiscal year.
    The widespread failure of departments and agencies to abide by the requirements of section 1113 is unacceptable, and the lack of transparency begs serious questions about what exactly this administration is seeking to hide from the Committees – and the American people. These spending plans are essential to understand how the executive branch is spending taxpayer dollars appropriated by Congress in fiscal year 2025, and they directly inform the legislative responsibilities of the Committees to consider fiscal year 2026 appropriations legislation, a process that is already underway.
    As the House and Senate Appropriations Committees intend to mark up the fiscal year 2026 bills next month, we demand that by the end of this month you comply with section 1113 and ensure that all spending plans contain sufficient information to demonstrate how each department and agency intends to prudently obligate all amounts provided by Congress for fiscal year 2025 within their period of availability and resubmit them to the Committees.
    Sincerely,

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Speaker Johnson Makes a Trio of Sunday Show Appearances Touting House Passage of The One Big Beautiful Bill

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Mike Johnson (LA-04)

    WASHINGTON — This morning, Speaker Johnson joined CNN’s State of the Union, Fox News’ Fox News Sunday, and CBS News’ Face the Nation to discuss the historic, House-passed One Big Beautiful Bill Act and outlined the necessity of sending the final bill to President Trump’s desk by July 4.

    Watch Speaker Johnson on CNN here, Fox News here, and CBS here.

    On working with the Senate:

    I’ve been very consistent with our colleagues in the Senate. We worked hand in glove with them all through this process, remembering that the House began this more than a year ago, it was March of last year when we got our committee chairs together and told them to begin to prepare for this massive reconciliation package. We believed at that time, more than a year ago, that we would win the White House and Senate and the House and have unified government and have this, really once in a generation opportunity to do so much in one piece of legislation.

    I met with the Senate Republicans, all my colleagues over there last week on Tuesday at their weekly luncheon. And I encouraged them to do their work, of course as we all anticipate, but to make as few modifications to this package as possible, remembering that we’ve got to pass it one more time to ratify their changes in the House. And I have a very delicate balance here, a very delicate equilibrium that we’ve reached over a long period of time, and it’s best not to meddle with it too much.

    On getting the One Big Beautiful Bill passed by July 4:

    The reason I tried to get this done, and we did get it done, before Memorial Day and send it to the Senate is so the President can be signing this into law by Independence Day on July 4th. Why is that so important? Because we’ve got to get relief to the American people and that we also need to, for political purposes, give a lot of time, enough time for everyone to see that this package actually is what we say. It’s going to help the country, it’s going help the economy, it’s going to help all boats to rise, just as we did after the first two years of the first Trump administration. And so we’re anxious to get this signed into law so people feel it and see it before that midterm election, and they understand it is the Republicans who are doing the best for hardworking Americans, low-income families, and everyone who deserves a better shot.

    On Democrat falsehoods around Republican efforts to strengthen Medicaid:

    We have not cut Medicaid, and we have not cut SNAP. What we’re doing, Margaret, is working on fraud, waste, and abuse. And everyone in Louisiana and around the country understands that that’s a responsibility of Congress. Just in Medicaid, for example, you’ve got 1.4 million illegal aliens receiving those benefits. That is not what Medicaid is intended for. It’s intended for vulnerable populations, for young single pregnant women and, and the elderly and the disabled and people who desperately need those resources. Right now, they’re being drained by fraud, waste, and abuse.

    You got about 4.8 million people on Medicaid right now nationwide, who are able-bodied workers, young men, for example, who are not working, who are taking advantage of the system. If you are able to work and you refuse to do so, you are defrauding the system, you’re cheating the system, and no one in the country believes that that’s right. So, there’s a moral component to what we’re doing. And when you make young men work, it’s good for them. It’s good for their dignity, it’s good for their self-worth and it’s good for the community that they live in.

    On criticism of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act:

    Well, I agree wholeheartedly with what my dear friend Rand Paul said. I love his conviction, and I share it. The national debt is the greatest threat to our national security and deficits are a serious problem. What I think Rand is missing on this one is the fact that we are quite serious about this. This is the biggest spending cut, Shannon, in more than 30 years. We’re going to cut one over $1.5 trillion in spending, it’s a big leap forward. The last time we had a spending cut was three decades ago, and it was only $800 billion even adjusted for inflation. This is the biggest spending cut, I think, in the history of government, on planet Earth. Now, is it enough? Of course not. But we have a very delicate balance, and we have to start the process.

    I liken this to an aircraft carrier. You don’t turn an aircraft carrier on a dime. It takes a mile of open ocean. And so, it took us decades to get into this situation. This is a big step to begin to turn that aircraft carrier. One important point about what he said, it sounds like his biggest objection is the fact that we are extending the debt ceiling. That’s a critically important thing to do. We have to do it. We’re not going to get any Democrats to assist on that. So, to get it through the Senate and make sure we don’t crash the US economy and default on our debts for the first time in history, it has to be part of the reconciliation package. And that’s why the President Trump and all the other Republicans in Congress, House and Senate understand the necessity of this.

    Important point here. It does not mean that we’re going to spend more money. We’re extending the debt ceiling to show to creditors, the bond markets, the stock market, that the Congress is serious about this. President Trump is dialed in 100%. He is a visionary leader. He does not want to spend more money… Russ Vought is the director of the Office of Management and Budget, long seen as a strict fiscal hawk, as I liken myself to be as well. And Rand Paul is one who has applauded and said great things about Russ Vought’s perspective. Russ said about two weeks ago that the criticism on fiscal grounds about this bill is profoundly inaccurate.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Sen. Sonya Halpern Appointed to Senate Study Committee on Making Georgia the No. 1 State for Tourism

    Source: US State of Georgia

    ATLANTA (May 28, 2025) — Last week, Lt. Governor Burt Jones appointed Sen. Sonya Halpern (D–Atlanta) to the Senate Study Committee on Making Georgia the No. 1 State for Tourism.

    “I’m honored to serve as a member of the Senate Study Committee on Making Georgia the No. 1 State for Tourism,” said Sen. Halpern. “As a business owner in the hospitality sector and a champion for Georgia’s creative economy, I understand firsthand how tourism fuels jobs, small business growth and cultural vitality. From our world-class airport and restaurant scene to our music, history, and natural beauty, Georgia has every ingredient to lead the nation, and I’m excited to help us get there.”

    The Senate Study Committee on Making Georgia the No. 1 State for Tourism is tasked with discovering opportunities to promote and develop tourism in all regions of the state. Sen. Drew Echols (R-Gainesville) will serve as Chairman of the committee. Additional Senate members appointed to the committee include Sen. Frank Ginn (R–Danielsville), Sen. Russ Goodman (R–Cogdell) and Sen. Emanuel Jones (D–Decatur).

    More information about Senate Study Committees can be found here.

    # # # #

    Sen. Sonya Halpern serves as Democratic Caucus Vice Chair. She represents the 39th ​Senate District, which includes a portion of Fulton County. She may be reached at (494) 656-9644 or via email at Sonya.Halpern@senate.ga.gov

    For all media inquiries, please reach out to SenatePressInquiries@senate.ga.gov.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Sen. RaShaun Kemp Appointed to Senate Study Committee on Combating Chronic Absenteeism in Schools

    Source: US State of Georgia

    ATLANTA (May 28, 2025) — Last week, Lt. Governor Burt Jones appointed Sen. RaShaun Kemp (D–Atlanta) to the Senate Study Committee on Combating Chronic Absenteeism in Schools.

    “I’m honored to be appointed by Lt. Gov. Burt Jones to serve on the Senate Study Committee on Combating Chronic Absenteeism in Schools,” said Sen. Kemp. “As a former educator, I have seen firsthand how critical consistent attendance is to a child’s academic success and long-term opportunity. For years, I’ve worked to support students, educators, and families both inside and outside the classroom. I look forward to bringing that experience to the table as we explore real, lasting solutions that help every child show up, stay engaged and succeed.”

    The Senate Study Committee on Combating Chronic Absenteeism in Schools is tasked with communicating with school administrators, educators, parents, policymakers and community organizations to develop the best solution to address absenteeism in the state. Sen. John F. Kennedy (R–Macon) will serve as Chairman of the committee. Additional Senate members appointed to the committee include Sen. Clint Dixon (R–Mulberry), Sen. Billy Hickman (R–Statesboro), Sen. Freddie Powell Sims (D–Dawson) and Sen. Shawn Still (R–Norcross).

    More information about Senate Study Committees can be found here.

    # # # #

    Sen. RaShaun Kemp represents the 38th Senate District, which includes a portion of Fulton County. He may be reached by phone at (404) 656-0105 or by email at rashaun.kemp@senate.ga.gov.

    For all media inquiries, please reach out to SenatePressInquiries@senate.ga.gov.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: 05.28.2025 Sen. Cruz, Colleagues Introduce Protect LNG Act

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Texas Ted Cruz

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Sens. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), and Tim Scott (R-S.C.) reintroduced the Protect LNG Act. The legislation ensures that a court cannot vacate a previously authorized LNG permit, clarifies the venue for LNG lawsuits before federal courts, and mandates that courts grant expedited decisions in relevant cases.
    Sen. Cruz said, “American energy has the ability to metaphorically and literally power the world, and Texas is the lead exporter of U.S. LNG. Those achievements have been under attack by fringe environmental groups, who use and are enabled by politicized courts. This legislation counters such attacks, and I’m proud to lead the fight to protect energy producers, the jobs they create in Texas, and America’s energy leadership. The Senate should expeditiously take it up and pass it.”
    Sen. Cornyn said, “Oil and natural gas production employs hundreds of thousands of hardworking Texans and is a critical part of the Texas economy, as well as our nation’s energy sector as a whole. I am proud to lead this bill alongside Sen. Cruz to help protect energy projects across our country from lawsuits that far-left climate activists file in an attempt to hamstring American energy.”
    Sen. Wicker said, “The United States has an abundance of LNG, which is essential for establishing American energy dominance and safeguarding our national security. The Protect LNG Act would prevent energy production from being politicized or undermined by far-left environmental groups. I am committed to defending energy job creators and preserving American energy independence.”
    Sen. Scott said, “The Protect LNG Act is about bringing certainty back to American energy. Radical activists are using the courts to block or delay key energy projects that have already been approved—ultimately threatening jobs, driving up costs, and undermining our national security. For South Carolina, this legislation ensures stronger protections for our growing role in energy exports, stability in our port economy, and a clear signal to our allies that America will deliver. I’m proud to support legislation that doesn’t just keep the lights on, but keeps our country strong, competitive, and in control of its future.”
    Companion legislation was introduced in the House by Rep. Wesley Hunt (R-Texas-38).
    Rep. Hunt said, “Natural gas is the most impactful green initiative on the planet—it has the power to lift entire nations and communities out of poverty. Yet sadly, natural gas and LNG have been weaponized by the radical left and the climate cartel, driving up energy costs for hardworking Americans—just as we’re still reeling from the disastrous effects of Biden-flation. I’m proud to lead Senator Cruz’s effort in the House to strengthen our domestic LNG industry and ensure it provides the energy security and economic strength our nation needs.”
    Read the full text of the bill here.
    BACKGROUND:
    This bill would:

    Ensures that a federal court cannot vacate previously authorized permits for Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) facilities.

    Specifies that circuit court jurisdiction for litigation against LNG facilities shall be determined by the location of the facility, not the headquarters location of the federal agency that issued the permits. 

    Sets a 90-day clock for lawsuits challenging a federal permit for an LNG facility and requires expedited review of lawsuits against LNG facilities.

    Sen. Cruz has long been a leader in unleashing America’s energy potential and protecting America’s traditional energy industry. He called out the previous administration for undermining the oil and gas industry and urged them to expedite the permit process for LNG projects.

    In April 2024, Sen. Cruz sent a letter urging for an extension of time to Delfin LNG LLC’s approval to export LNG after the Biden administration’s deference to the radical climate lobby. During the nomination hearing for Sean Duffy to be Secretary of Transportation, Sen. Cruz pointed out the Biden administration’s hostility towards the oil and gas industry, citing the previous administration’s failure to approve Deepwater port licenses and asked Secretary Duffy to expedite review of Delfin’s reapplication in Texas.

    Sen. Cruz issued a statement after the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit reinstated approvals for LNG projects for Rio Grande LNG and Texas LNG Brownsville. The D.C. Circuit had previously vacated the permits for both projects in an August 2024 decision.

    Sen. Cruz first introduced the Protect LNG Act in 2024, which would ensure that a court cannot vacate a previously authorized LNG permit, clarify the venue for LNG lawsuits before federal courts, and mandate that courts grant expedited decisions in these cases, and was joined by Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas) in introducing the bill.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICYMI From the Albany Herald: Dougherty County, Rural Georgia Would be Hard-hit by SNAP Cuts in Proposed Budget

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock – Georgia

    ICYMI From the Albany Herald: Dougherty County, Rural Georgia Would be Hard-hit by SNAP Cuts in Proposed Budget

    Senator Reverend Warnock spoke to the Albany Herald about the social and economic impact that GOP cuts to federal nutrition programs would have on rural Georgians as a result of their new spending bill

    The SNAP program helps millions of working families across the country with their grocery bill each month. Every dollar in federal investment generates $1.79 in economic activity. In 2023, stores and retailers in Georgia saw revenues of over $3.6 billion from SNAP benefits

    Senator Reverend Warnock: “It makes no sense to take the food out of the mouths of poor, rural children to give tax cuts to rich folks. It’s people in the middle…it’s hard-working people who will feel the impact”

    Washington, D.C. – In an interview with the Albany Herald, U.S. Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-GA) warned rural Georgians that the elderly, people with disabilities, children, farmers, and small business owners will be those most impacted by cuts to key nutrition programs in Washington Republicans’ new spending bill. Senator Warnock stressed that cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which helps millions of working families afford groceries, would hit rural Georgians hardest because the majority of Georgia counties with the highest rates of families who rely on SNAP are rural. As a result, rural economies receive a larger lift from the program than many of their counterparts in metro-Atlanta. 

    “There are people who work every single day and are still food-insecure,” said Senator Reverend Warnock. “Poor people don’t have lobbyists. Billionaires and corporations do. You are seeing in this request the outsize impact of money and power in our politics.”

    On May 22, 2025, Senator Warnock published a white paper exposing the hidden harm of Washington Republicans’ plan to pay for their tax cut to billionaires by shifting the cost of nutrition assistance to the states, ultimately making it harder for Georgia families to cover their grocery bill. The report finds that Georgia families would suffer the most under the GOP spending bill with a projected loss of over $860 million, disproportionately affecting Georgia’s rural communities.

    SNAP helps vulnerable families supplement their budget by just $6.16 per day and lifts millions of Americans out of poverty each year. In 2023, stores and retailers in Georgia saw over $3.6 billion in revenue thanks to SNAP, helping local grocery stores keep their doors open.

    “The thing I want to emphasize is it will be rural Georgians impacted,” said Sen. Warnock. “What we will see is huge cuts in benefits. Small communities will be particularly hard hit. In Dougherty County, more than a third (of residents) are on SNAP. It will be a great impact to the local economy.”

    Hours after Senator Warnock published his report, Washington Republicans passed their $4.5 trillion spending bill through the House of Representatives. According to the House Republicans’ bill provisions advanced by the House Agriculture Committee on May 14, 2025, beginning in 2028, Washington Republicans would require all states to pay a 5% cost-share, shifting the burden from the federal government to the states. However, most states have higher payment error rates, like Georgia, and would have to pay even more.

    Georgia could be on the hook for $867 million in new costs on the state budget, leaving children, seniors, and disabled people more likely to be unable to afford groceries.

    The full article can be found HERE and below:

    ALBANY – Georgia’s elderly, disabled and children, as well as farmers, would be the casualties of a congressional spending bill that made its way through the House early Thursday morning.

    That’s the assessment of U.S. Sen. Raphael Warnock concerning the “big beautiful bill” backed by President Trump that will now advance to the Senate. Georgia’s potential loss would be $860 million in food assistance.

    “Small communities will be particularly hard hit,” Georgia’s junior senator said of the legislation, which also contains reductions in Medicaid spending. “It’s an unfunded mandate that shifts the cut to the state. What we will see is huge cuts in benefits.”

    On Thursday, the senator released an analysis of the potential impact on residents of the Peach State. Among his takeaways are that 1.4 million Georgians rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), with more than 69% of participants in 694,000 households being families with children. More than 28% of SNAP recipients were in households with family members who are elderly or disabled.

    In addition, state residents in rural areas are disproportionately likely to benefit from SNAP, with more than 77% of counties with the highest SNAP participation being rural. Between 2015 and 2019 SNAP lifted 250,000 Georgians, including 112,000 children, out of poverty each year, according to Warnock’s analysis.

    “The thing I want to emphasize is it will be rural Georgians impacted,” he said. “In Dougherty County, more than a third (of residents) are on SNAP. It will be a great impact to the local economy.”

    Nationally in 2024, of the 42 million Americans who received SNAP benefits, two out of three were either a child, senior citizen or adult with a disability, according to Warnock, and 96% of households of two or more contained at least one child, senior citizen or person with a disability.

    In addition to the moral argument, there is also an economic one in that each federal dollar spent on the SNAP program generated $1.79 in economic activity in 2023, accounting for $3.6 billion in revenue at Georgia businesses, according to the senator’s analysis.

    “Poor people don’t have lobbyists,” Warnock said. “Billionaires and corporations do. You are seeing in this request the outsize impact of money and power in our politics.

    “It makes no sense to take the food out of the mouths of poor, rural children to give tax cuts to rich folks. It’s people in the middle … it’s hard-working people who will feel the impact. There are people who work every single day and are still food-insecure. As a pastor, I will continue to make the moral argument.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senators Reverend Warnock, Ossoff Announce $2 Million in Federal Funding for GA to Cleanup, Revitalize Local Lands

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock – Georgia

    Senators Reverend Warnock, Ossoff Announce $2 Million in Federal Funding for GA to Cleanup, Revitalize Local Lands

    Georgia cities will use funds to revitalize riverfront properties, a former shopping center, a long-vacant elementary school, and other projects
    The federal funding is part of the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Brownfield Assessment Grant program
    The program helps transform underutilized properties into community assets
    Senator Reverend Warnock: “These federal funds will help our state get back on track by helping assess and eventually transform what are now uninhabitable areas, further strengthening Georgia’s economy” 
    Senator Ossoff: “Above all this is about our communities’ health. No family in Georgia should live in fear of contaminants in their communities” 
    Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-GA) and Jon Ossoff (D-GA) announced $2 million in federal funding for revitalization projects in Georgia. In total, the projects will receive $2,633,080 in Brownfields Grants to assess, clean up, and revitalize local lands. 
    The Georgia grants are part of $267 million in Brownfields Grants across the nation. Brownfields Grants are a powerful catalyst for local economic growth. Communities have previous used the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) grants to assess, clean up, and attract new development. 
    “These federal funds will help our state get back on track by helping assess and eventually transform what are now uninhabitable areas, further strengthening Georgia’s economy,” said Senator Reverend Warnock.
    “Above all this is about our communities’ health. No family in Georgia should live in fear of contaminants in their communities,” said Senator Ossoff. “That’s why Senator Warnock and I are delivering these historic public health and environmental cleanup efforts across the state.”
    The City of Atlanta will receive a $500,000 assessment grant to conduct seven Phase I and five Phase II environmental site assessments, develop six cleanup plans, and support community engagement activities. Targeted areas are Chattahoochee Riverfront, Proctor Creek, and Jonesboro Road. 
    The Coastal Regional Commission of Georgia will receive a $1.2 million assessment grant for 20 Phase I and 50 Phase II environmental site assessments, reuse assessment, planning, and community engagement activities. Targeted areas are the cities of Darien, Brunswick, and Statesboro. 
    The City of Ideal will receive a $433,080 cleanup grant funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Grant funds will be used to clean up a former elementary school, vacant since 1981, and for community engagement. 
    The City of South Fulton will receive a $500,000 assessment grant for six Phase I and five Phase II environmental site assessments. Targeted areas are the Red Oak and Old National Highway districts. 
    Senator Warnock has an extensive history of securing federal grants to improve the health of Georgia’s communities, clean up the environment, and help bolster the state’s economy. Last year, Senator Warnock announced $45 million in federal funding for clean energy transportation across Georgia. Senator Warnock also announced $25 million in funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to help rural and disadvantaged communities throughout Georgia remove PFAS and other dangerous chemicals from their water systems. Earlier in 2024, Senator Reverend Warnock was joined by then EPA Administrator Michael Regan at Stone Mountain Middle School to announce a $1 billion nationwide federal investment in clean energy school buses, including $60 million for Georgia schools.
    EPA’s Brownfields Program began in 1995 and has provided nearly $2.9 billion in Brownfield Grants to assess and clean up contaminated properties and return blighted properties to productive reuse. To date, Brownfields investments have leveraged more than $42 billion in cleanup and redevelopment. Over the years, the relatively small investment of federal funding was able to leverage, from both public and private sources, more than 220,500 jobs.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Trump’s West Point speech brought partisanship to the home of the US military − 2 essential reads

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Jeff Inglis, Environment + Energy Editor, The Conversation US

    President Donald Trump delivers the commencement address at West Point on May 24, 2025. AP Photo/Adam Gray

    President Donald Trump’s speech at the graduation of the class of 2025 from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point included segments that were clearly scripted and portions that were obviously not.

    During the unscripted portions, Trump, who wore a bright red “Make America Great Again” campaign hat during his entire appearance on May 24, 2025, delivered remarks that hit many of his frequent partisan political talking points. That included attacking presidential predecessors Barack Obama and Joe Biden, describing immigrants to the U.S. as “criminals” and trumpeting other policy accomplishments in his first and second terms.

    That level of partisanship in a military setting – on the campus of the nation’s first military academy, and before an audience of cadets and their families, many of whom are veterans – is unusual in the United States.

    The Conversation U.S. has published several articles discussing the importance to democracy of keeping the military and partisan politics separate. Here are two highlights from that coverage.

    1. Cadets focus on the Constitution

    During the West Point ceremony, the graduates themselves took an oath to “support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic.” And all of them had studied the significance of that oath, including in classes like those taught by Joseph G. Amoroso and Lee Robinson, active-duty Army officers who graduated from West Point and later served as professors there.

    As Amoroso and Robinson wrote, those classes teach cadets that, like all military personnel, they serve the Constitution and the American people, not a particular person or political party:

    “(O)ur oath forms the basis of a nonpartisan ethic. In the U.S., unlike in many other countries, the oath implies military leaders should be trusted for their expertise and judgment, not for their loyalty to an individual or political party. We emphasize to cadets the rules and professional expectations associated with this profound responsibility.”



    Read more:
    Military personnel swear allegiance to the Constitution and serve the American people – not one leader or party

    2. A tradition of nonpartisanship

    Retired U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Samuel C. Mahaney, who teaches history, national security and constitutional law at Missouri University of Science and Technology, observed:

    “(S)ince the days of George Washington, the military has been dedicated to serving the nation, not a specific person or political agenda. … (N)onpartisanship is central to the military’s primary mission of defending the country.”

    Mahaney wrote that if Trump’s actions during his second term meant a change from the centuries of precedent, “military personnel at all levels would face a crucial question: Would they stand up for the military’s independent role in maintaining the integrity and stability of American democracy or follow the president’s orders – even if those orders crossed a line that made them illegal or unconstitutional?”

    Presenting a key question for military personnel.



    Read more:
    Trump’s firings of military leaders pose a crucial question to service members of all ranks

    This story was updated to highlight two articles from The Conversation’s archives.

    – ref. Trump’s West Point speech brought partisanship to the home of the US military − 2 essential reads – https://theconversation.com/trumps-west-point-speech-brought-partisanship-to-the-home-of-the-us-military-2-essential-reads-257673

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI USA: H.R. 820, Bottles and Breastfeeding Equipment Screening Enhancement Act

    Source: US Congressional Budget Office

    H.R. 820 would require the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to issue or update guidance to minimize the risk of contaminating breastmilk, baby formula, and related accessories during the passenger screening process at airports. The bill also would require the Inspector General of the Department of Homeland Security to audit that guidance.

    According to information from the agency, TSA regularly updates its guidance for screening breastmilk and related items under current law. On that basis, CBO estimates that implementing that provision would not significantly affect the federal budget. Based on the cost of similar activities, CBO estimates that conducting the audit would cost less than $500,000 over the 2025-2030 period; any related spending would be subject to the availability of appropriated funds.

    On February 13, 2025, CBO transmitted a cost estimate for S. 260, the Bottles and Breastfeeding Equipment Screening Enhancement Act, as ordered reported by the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation on February 5, 2025. The two pieces of legislation are similar, and CBO’s estimates of their budgetary effects are the same.

    The CBO staff contact for this estimate is Aaron Krupkin. The estimate was reviewed by H. Samuel Papenfuss, Deputy Director of Budget Analysis.

    Phillip L. Swagel

    Director, Congressional Budget Office

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Federal Reserve Board issues Economic Well-Being of U.S. Households in 2024 report

    Source: US State of New York Federal Reserve

    Accessible Keys for Video
    [Space Bar] toggles play/pause;
    [Right/Left Arrows] seeks the video forwards and back (5 sec );
    [Up/Down Arrows] increase/decrease volume;
    [M] toggles mute on/off;
    [F] toggles fullscreen on/off (Except IE 11);
    The [Tab] key may be used in combination with the [Enter/Return] key to navigate and activate control buttons, such as caption on/off.

    The Federal Reserve Board on Wednesday issued its Economic Well-Being of U.S. Households in 2024 report, which examines the financial circumstances of U.S. adults and their families. Overall, the report shows that financial well-being was similar to the previous two years as concerns about prices persisted and labor market conditions remained solid.
    The report draws from the Board’s annual Survey of Household Economics and Decisionmaking (SHED), which was fielded in October 2024. It analyzes a wide variety of topics including financial well-being, handling expenses, employment, and gig work.
    This year’s report finds that 73 percent of adults reported either doing okay or living comfortably financially, similar to recent years but lower than a high of 78 percent in 2021. The share who would cover a $400 emergency expense using cash or its equivalent was also nearly unchanged from recent years at 63 percent.
    Inflation and prices continued to be the top financial concern. A majority of adults said that changes in the prices they paid over the prior year had made their finances worse, but the share saying so declined from 2023. In response to higher prices, most people reported taking actions such as adjusting their spending.
    Responses indicated that the labor market remained solid. Similar shares of people started new jobs in 2024 compared with 2023. Additionally, the shares of people who were laid off or voluntarily left a job were each unchanged from the prior year. Yet, the survey also found that job changes were less likely to lead to better jobs. In 2024, 62 percent of people who had a different job than a year earlier said that their new job was better overall, which was down from a peak of 72 percent in 2022 and 67 percent in 2023. When asked about specific job characteristics, job changers were less likely to say that pay and benefits, opportunities for advancement, interest in the work, and work-life balance were better in their new job.
    “The financial well-being of American households and businesses is essential to our nation’s overall economic vitality,” said Federal Reserve Board Governor Michael S. Barr. “It is critical for the Federal Reserve to understand the challenges households and businesses face as we work to promote a healthy economy and strong financial system.”
    Survey results also highlighted the risk of financial fraud facing consumers. Twenty-one percent of adults experienced financial fraud in 2024, with credit card fraud as the most common type. The 8 percent of adults who experienced fraud not related to their credit card incurred an estimated $63 billion in total unrecovered losses.
    The report, fact sheet, downloadable data, data visualizations, and a video summarizing the report’s findings are available here.
    For media inquiries, please email [email protected] or call (202) 452-2955.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Portland Gang Leader Sentenced to 12 Years in Federal Prison for Role in Drug Trafficking Conspiracy and Possessing a Weapon in Prison

    Source: US FBI

    PORTLAND, Ore.—A known leader of Portland’s 18th Street Gang was sentenced to 12 years in federal prison Friday for his leadership role in a local drug trafficking conspiracy and for possessing a weapon while in federal prison.

    Noah Herrera, 26, was sentenced to 144 months in federal prison and five years’ supervised release.

    According to court documents, Herrera was a second-in-command leader of the 18th Street Gang in Portland, working regularly with the gang’s local leader, Gustavo Torres-Mendez, who was sentenced in May 2024 to 164 months in federal prison. Together, the two men led various gang-driven activities including trafficking large quantities of methamphetamine, cocaine, and fentanyl in the Portland area. During this time, the 18th Street Gang was heavily armed and sold drugs acquired near the Mexico border in California to local buyers in and around Portland.

    The government’s investigation exposed several major episodes in the gang’s activities. In August 2022, agents seized nearly nine pounds of methamphetamine after Herrera organized a transaction in Portland. Only weeks later, in early September 2022, federal agents monitoring the two leaders’ activities learned they and subordinate 18th Street Gang members had collected over $126,000 in cash after which Herrera and Torres-Mendez dispatched two members to California to purchase and pick up drugs. Agents monitored the return of the load vehicle, which was stopped near Grants Pass, Oregon, and over 104 pounds of methamphetamine and a smaller quantity of cocaine were seized. The methamphetamine was packaged in 56 separate plastic food containers.

    On November 17, 2022, agents arrested Herrera and executed a search warrant at his Vancouver, Washington, home, where they found two loaded Glock pistols, ammunition, additional quantities of drugs, two scales with drug residue, a drug ledger, over $5000 in cash and several cell phones.

    Agents also executed a search warrant at a residence in North Portland which had been used by the 18th Street Gang throughout the investigation as a meeting place and stash house. There, agents found and seized ten handguns in locations throughout the main rooms, a short-barreled shotgun, extended magazines, ammunition, body armor as well as additional drug evidence, packaging equipment and scales.

    On September 25, 2023, while housed at FCI Sheridan pending trial, prison guards found Herrera in possession of a shiv (a six-inch sharpened piece of metal) prohibited by federal law.

    On January 10, 2025, Herrera pleaded guilty to conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, heroin, and cocaine, and possessing a dangerous weapon in a federal facility.

    This case was investigated by the FBI and was prosecuted by Thomas H. Edmonds and Nicole M. Bockelman, Assistant United States Attorneys for the District of Oregon.

    The case was investigated under the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF). OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. For more information about Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces, please visit www.justice.gov/ocdetf.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Four Businessmen and Two Companies Charged in Nationwide Telemarketing Fraud Scheme

    Source: US FBI

    PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney David Metcalf announced the unsealing today of a superseding indictment (“the indictment”) charging four businessmen and two companies with conspiracy and wire fraud offenses in connection with their execution of a nationwide telemarketing fraud scheme. The corporate defendants, Bene Market LLC and Seguro Medico LLC, doing business as Quick Health, Q Health, Benefits Now, Express Benefits, and YourBenefits4U (collectively, the “Bene Market Group”), operated a boiler room call center near Reading, Pennsylvania, which peddled discount health and dental plans to consumers through a series of false, misleading, and deceptive sales practices.

    The businesses were controlled and managed by the principal architect of the alleged fraud scheme, defendant Alan Redmond, 42, of Wyomissing, Pa., who was supported by senior executives Arthur Walsh, 65, of West Lawn, Pa., and Jesus Barrera, 32, of Dillsburg, Pa., and head sales agent and manager Albert Groff, 44, of Wernersville, Pa.

    The 44-page indictment returned by the federal grand jury alleges that, from at least January 2018 through December 2022, the defendants collected tens of millions of dollars in commissions by regularly and systematically deceiving and misleading consumers seeking health insurance through bait-and-switch sales tactics, which included tricking consumers into buying limited benefit plans that provided little or no coverage by falsely representing that the plans provided comprehensive health insurance coverage, also known as “major medical insurance,” or provided coverage equivalent to major medical insurance, when they did not. 

    As alleged in the indictment, the Bene Market Group paid lead generators for the transfer of live calls with consumers looking to purchase healthcare insurance. Once transferred over, the Bene Market Group employees falsely told consumers that the company was “the national enrollment center for health insurance” and worked as a third-party broker to search and compare health insurance products across the entire marketplace to find the best coverage at the lowest rate. The Bene Market Group also falsely claimed to “work with over 30 of the top A-rated insurance companies” and to sell comprehensive health insurance policies from well-known, blue-chip insurers. In reality, the Bene Market Group did not search the marketplace, did not work with the touted A-rated carriers, and did not even sell major medical insurance. Instead, the Bene Market Group peddled a limited set of discount plans that had lower and more restricted benefits than major medical insurance. In some instances, the limited benefit plans sold by the defendants were not even insurance.

    The indictment charges further that, as a result of the defendants’ bait-and-switch scheme, tens of thousands of purchasing consumers were left without insurance coverage for the majority of their medical, dental, and prescription costs. For some consumers with serious health care needs, the lack of coverage from the limited benefit plans sold by the defendants caused financial hardship and left them in significant medical debt in the tens and hundreds of thousands of dollars.

    According to the indictment, in order to keep the fraud scheme going, Redmond and the manager defendants used unlicensed sales employees to sell the limited benefit plans; bundled products together to mimic major medical insurance; trained the sales employees with misleading scripts and sales pitches to use on the phones; used a variety of trade names and aliases when selling plans; engaged in “churning” and “policy-flipping” by reselling and upselling existing consumers; omitted and downplayed material restrictions about the limited plans sold; overbilled and double-billed consumers; told consumers to ignore or disregard the verification disclaimers or disclosures; altered recorded sales calls after the fact to deceive regulators; withheld information about the limited benefit plans from sales employees; ignored complaints from consumers, carriers, and regulators; and refused or delayed refunds to consumers.

    The indictment charges further that Redmond obscured his control of defendant Seguro Medico by using nominees, including his spouse, and used funds fraudulently obtained from victim purchasers to buy personal properties, commercial properties, jewelry, airline tickets, event tickets, private school tuition, and limousine services. The other manager defendants also received significant payments or distributions, as a result of the fraud scheme.

    The indictment further alleges that, between 2019 and 2022, Redmond caused Bene Market and Seguro Medico to withhold over $1.2 million in trust fund taxes from the wages and paychecks of employees, but Redmond did not pay over these withheld amounts to the IRS on behalf of the employees, as required.

    If convicted of the conspiracy, wire fraud, and tax offenses, defendant Alan Redmond faces a maximum possible sentence of 635 years’ imprisonment, a five-year period of supervised release, and a $6,750,000 fine, along with restitution and forfeiture of various properties and money. Defendants Arthur Walsh, Jesus Barrera, and Albert Groff each face 600 years’ imprisonment, a five-year period of supervised release, and a $5,000,000 fine, along with restitution and forfeiture.

    The case was investigated by the FBI and IRS Criminal Investigation, with assistance from the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office, and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Samuel S. Dalke and Mary E. Crawley.

    The charges and allegations contained in the indictment are merely accusations. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Foreign trade minister Reinette Klever: prosperity and resilience at the forefront of Dutch trade policy

    Source: Government of the Netherlands

    News item | 28-05-2025 | 17:24

    Foreign trade is the cornerstone of the Dutch economy. The Netherlands earns roughly a third of its total income abroad. Foreign trade also provides some 2.6 million full-time jobs – about a third of all jobs in the Netherlands. But an open economy also makes the Netherlands vulnerable to turmoil in global markets.

    The government has therefore decided to implement an assertive trade policy. Priority will be given to what is good for the country’s economy (prosperity) and what is important for its security (resilience).

    Speaking today, Ms Klever said, ‘This government will pursue a robust trade policy, focused on prosperity and a strong, resilient economy. We will continue to support our entrepreneurs abroad and invest in promising markets and high-potential sectors. The Netherlands is a trade champion and together we’ll make sure it stays that way, even in a turbulent world.’

    Promising markets and high-potential sectors

    The Netherlands will continue to invest in trusted partners and established markets where its businesses have long been successful. At the same time, the country is seeking new strategic partners, and the government is focusing on the promising markets of the future. These are countries that are expected to see strong economic growth in the coming decades, for example due to rapid population growth or major investment in education and research and development.

    The government is also explicitly targeting high-potential sectors and essential key technologies, such as semiconductors (microchips), quantum technology and photonics. These technologies are important not only for the Dutch economy, but also for our national security and technological leadership.

    Agreements within the EU

    Within the European Union, the government aims to advocate more explicitly for Dutch trade interests, for example during talks on trade agreements. The government will work to ensure a level playing field internationally, so that Dutch entrepreneurs have a fair chance to compete.

    In addition, it is committed to a well-functioning single European market, free from unnecessary rules. The Netherlands will also press for a constructive dialogue between the EU and the United States on import tariffs. At the same time, the government is ready to defend Dutch economic interests with countermeasures if dialogue does not lead to a positive outcome.

    Protecting sensitive technologies

    The government is also working to protect Dutch technologies, together with the EU and international partners. For example, the export of sensitive goods and technologies is being monitored to prevent them from falling into the wrong hands. The government is also actively implementing policy on knowledge security and overseeing the implementation of and compliance with sanctions.

    Support for Dutch businesses

    Supporting Dutch entrepreneurs remains a key part of the minister’s trade policy, for example through economic missions and assistance with international contract award procedures. The Netherlands has several grant and financing opportunities available for companies that want to do business internationally. Invest International and Atradius Dutch State Business also give entrepreneurs extra support to get high-risk projects abroad off the ground.

    Linking aid, trade and investment

    Finally, the government wants to link aid, trade and investment more firmly, as laid down in the policy letter on international development. The government is committed to working with Dutch companies in stable low- and middle-income countries. The focus is on areas where the Netherlands excels: food security, water management and health.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Montgomery County Woman Sentenced to 35 Years in Prison for Facilitating the Sexual Abuse of a Minor, Manufacturing Child Pornography

    Source: US FBI

    PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney David Metcalf announced that Tina Marie Farley, 49, of Conshohocken, Pennsylvania, was sentenced today by United States District Court Judge Joshua D. Wolson to 420 months in prison, 10 years of supervised released, and $3,000 in restitution for facilitating, permitting, and participating in the sexual abuse of a minor, and the manufacture of child pornography.

    Farley was charged by indictment in December 2023 with those offenses and pleaded guilty in January of this year.

    As detailed in court documents and admitted to by the defendant, beginning around October 2017 and over the course of approximately 18 months, Farley facilitated the sexual abuse of Minor 1 by Farley’s boyfriend, including engaging in sexual contact with Minor 1, and filming and photographing the sexual abuse. At times, Farley was present for and even participated in the sexual abuse and filming/photographing of the abuse. Minor 1 was 12 to 13 years old at the time.

    “This defendant badly betrayed a child who trusted her, and now must be held to account for that exploitation,” said U.S. Attorney Metcalf. “Those who sexually abuse children cause lasting harm, an emotional toll that’s unfathomable. My office and the FBI are working aggressively every day to find and prosecute child predators, to keep them from hurting more innocent victims.”

    “The exploitation of children is one of the most egregious crimes the FBI investigates,” said Gabriel Poling, Assistant Special Agent in Charge of FBI Philadelphia. “Today’s sentencing underscores the FBI and our partners’ commitment to safeguarding children and ensuring that those who harm them will be brought to justice.”

    This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit projectsafechildhood.gov.

    The case was investigated by the FBI, with the Conshohocken Police Department and the Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office, and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Meghan Claiborne and Kelly Harrell.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Fallcatcher Principal Pleads Guilty to Securities Fraud, Wire Fraud, in Scheme That Defrauded Investors Out of Approximately $5 Million

    Source: US FBI

    PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney David Metcalf announced that Henry Ford, also known as Cleothus Lefty Jackson, 51, of Port St. Lucie, Florida, entered a plea of guilty today before United States District Court Judge Joel H. Slomsky to one count of securities fraud and seven counts of wire fraud.

    According to court documents and statements made in court, Ford founded and operated a business named Fallcatcher, the stated goal of which was to develop and market an electronic system designed to track use of medication by addiction recovery patients to prevent relapse.

    In May 2018, Ford was seeking additional investors in Fallcatcher, which had been running out of funding. At this time, Ford used an acquaintance in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania who had access to a network of investors to raise funds from these investors. Ford provided his acquaintance false and misleading information about the Fallcatcher investment proposal, so that the acquaintance would agree to send the information to his investor network.

    Additionally, Ford made presentations in person to potential investors, who were part of this acquaintance’s network, at locations in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. During these presentations, Ford made false and misleading statements regarding the proposed investment opportunity and showed investors a fraudulent letter of interest, which falsely stated that a major insurance company had agreed to conduct a pilot program using Fallcatcher’s system. Ford caused his acquaintance to distribute further false and misleading statements after these presentations.

    As a result of these deceptive fundraising efforts, Ford caused approximately 50 investors to invest approximately $5 million in total in Fallcatcher.

    In 2018, the Securities & Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) began to investigate Fallcatcher. During the SEC investigation, in the fall of 2018 and the first half of 2019, Ford took various actions to conceal his fraud upon the investors in Fallcatcher. For example, Ford, through his counsel, produced to the SEC an email purporting to show that the fraudulent letter of interest described above was legitimate. In fact, the email produced to the SEC, like the letter of interest, was also shown to be false and fabricated.

    The defendant is scheduled to be sentenced on August 14, 2025.

    The case was investigated by the FBI and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Patrick J. Murray and Francis A. Weber. The SEC’s New York Regional Office investigated and litigated the civil securities fraud charges which formed the basis of a portion of the criminal prosecution.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Recidivist Sex Offender Sentenced to 30 Years in Prison on Attempted Enticement, Child Pornography Charges

    Source: US FBI

    PROVIDENCE – A recidivist sex offender has been sentenced to 30 years in federal prison for attempting to entice a minor and attempting to transfer obscene material to two minor boys, announced Acting United States Attorney Sara Miron Bloom.

    Nicholas Sannicandro, 35, of Warwick, was sentenced today by U.S. District Court Judge Mary S. McElroy, to 360 months of incarceration to be followed by a term of 15 years of supervised release. He pleaded guilty on May 8. 2024, to two counts of attempted inducement of a minor to engage in illicit sexual activity, two counts of attempted transfer of obscene material to a minor, one count of possession and access with intent to view child pornography, and one count of commission of an offense by a registered sex offender.

    “The lengthy sentenced imposed today ensures that this defendant will not be able to continue his abhorrent conduct of victimizing children,” commented Acting United States Attorney Sara Miron Bloom. “This office and our law enforcement partners are committed to working together so that individuals who victimize children are held to account and that resources are available to those they harm.”

    “Simply put, Nicholas Sannicandro is a predator,” said Kimberly Milka, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division. “This repeat sex offender admitted to devising a twisted scheme to lure children into his clutches so he could sexually abuse and exploit them. Today’s sentence ensures he’ll stay locked up where he can’t victimize anyone else for a good long time. The FBI is committed to finding predators like him and bringing them to justice while also ensuring those they’ve victimized are safe and well-supported.”

    Sannicandro previously admitted to a federal judge that beginning in January 2021, he began separate communications with the two minor boys in Florida whom he met through an Instagram account. The communications turned sexually explicit, and Sannicandro requested that the boys send him sexually explicit videos of themselves.

    Sannicandro attempted to arrange a meeting with someone whom he believed to be one of the boys, proposing that they engage in illicit sexual activity. The communications were, in fact, with an undercover law enforcement officer who had taken over the boy’s account. In those communications, Sannicandro invited the boy to visit him in Rhode Island, discussed sexual acts that Sannicandro wanted to engage in with the boy, and sent videos of himself engaged in sexual activity.

    Sannicandro was arrested in Warwick on June 22, 2021, where he was expecting to meet with the boy. A cell phone seized from Sannicandro was found to contain images and videos of child sexual abuse material.

    Court records document that Sannicandro was convicted on three previous occasions in matters involving child sexual abuse material and attempted dissemination of obscene material to minors. He was a registered sex offender at the time of his arrest in June 2021.

    This most recent case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Denise M. Barton and John P. McAdams.

    The matter was investigated by the FBI and North Port, FL, Police Department, with significant assistance from members of the Rhode Island State Police Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force and the Warwick Police Department for their assistance in the arrest of Sannicandro.

    This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Mexican National Sentenced to Federal Prison for Illegal Reentry of an Alien after Removal

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    CHARLESTON, S.C. — Julian Mesino Calletano, 54, an illegal alien residing in Hardeeville, has been sentenced to two years in federal prison for illegal reentry of an alien after removal, following a conviction of an aggravated felony.

    Evidence obtained in the investigation revealed that on an unknown date Calletano, a native and citizen of Mexico, illegally entered the United States at an unknown location. On June 7, 2010, Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers encountered Calletano while he was incarcerated in Georgia, serving a 70-month sentence for conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute at least 5 kilograms of cocaine. Calletano was deported in November 2013 after serving his sentence.

    Following his deportation, Calletano illegally entered the United States again, at an unknown location. He was again discovered by ICE officers, this time in the Jasper County Detention Center in Ridgeland, South Carolina in 2024. Calletano was also convicted in 2023 on a drug charge in Butte County, California.

    United States District Judge Richard M. Gergel sentenced Calletano to 24 months imprisonment, to be followed by a three-year term of court-ordered supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system. Calletano will be ordered to be deported after serving his sentence.

    This case was investigated by the Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Dean H. Secor is prosecuting the case.

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: DC Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Mail and Bank Fraud Charges

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Baltimore, Maryland – Dajuan Taylor, 24, of Washington, DC, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit mail fraud and bank fraud in federal court.

    Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the guilty plea with Postal Inspector in Charge Damon E. Wood, United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), Washington Division.

    According to the guilty plea, between July 2018 and November 2021, Taylor and his co-conspirators stole, altered, and fraudulently negotiated approximately 53 checks. Through the scheme, Taylor and his co-conspirators attempted to steal at least $497,766.80 from the victims.  Taylor used various social media platforms — such as Instagram — to recruit individuals to give him their account information to advance this conspiracy.

    Some people knowingly participated in the scheme while others were unaware that the co-conspirators were using their bank accounts to negotiate the stolen checks.  Taylor then used information and paraphernalia associated with the fraudulent transactions to recruit additional bank-account holders to further this scheme.

    Taylor faces a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison for each count. Sentencing is scheduled for Tuesday, September 2, at 11:30 a.m.

    U.S. Attorney Hayes commended USPIS for its work in the investigation.  Ms. Hayes also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney LaShanta Harris who is prosecuting the case.

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

    # # #

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Wounded Knee Man Found Guilty by Federal Court Jury of Aggravated Sexual Abuse of a Minor

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    RAPID CITY – United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a jury has convicted Anfernee Rondeau, age 28, of Wounded Knee, South Dakota, of Aggravated Sexual Abuse of a Minor following a three-day jury trial in federal district court in Rapid City, South Dakota. The verdict was returned on May 22, 2025.

    The charge carries a mandatory minimum of 30 years up to life in custody and/or a $250,000 fine, a minimum of 5 years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

    Rondeau was indicted by a federal grand jury in October 2024.

    Evidence at the three-day jury trial established on the evening of April 4, 2024, Rondeau, his girlfriend, and his girlfriend’s 6-year-old daughter returned home after an evening of drinking. Both adults were intoxicated. Rondeau and his girlfriend and the child went into a bedroom. A short while later, a 13-year old witness heard the child crying. When the 13-year old went to check on the child, she observed Rondeau on top of the child. Rondeau’s pants were partially unzipped and pulled down. The child’s pants and underwear were pulled down. The 13-year old witness acted heroically and pushed Rondeau off of the child. The 13-year-old wrapped the child in a blanket and carried her to another family member inside the house. Rondeau was arrested the next day by tribal authorities.

    This case was investigated by the Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Megan Poppen prosecuted the case.

    A presentence investigation was ordered and a sentencing date will be set. The defendant was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: KC Man Sentenced to 12 Years for Fentanyl Trafficking, Illegal Firearms

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Kansas City, Mo., man has been sentenced in federal court for possessing fentanyl with the intent to distribute and possessing firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking.

    James Paden, 63, was sentenced by U.S. Chief District Judge Beth Phillips on Tuesday, May 27, to 12 years in federal prison without parole. Paden was sentenced as a career offender due to his prior felony convictions.

    On Nov. 18, 2024, Paden pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and one count of possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

    On Feb. 22, 2024, investigators of the Kansas City, Mo. Police Department executed a search warrant on Paden’s residence after a confidential informant purchased tablets labeled “M30”, which contain fentanyl, from Paden on three occasions.  Investigators found a total of over 60 grams of fentanyl, 22 grams of cocaine, and 1 gram of methamphetamine.  Investigators also found a Smith & Wesson, .38 caliber revolver, a Taurus, G2 Millenium, 9mm semi-automatic pistol, a privately manufactured 9mm semi-automatic pistol with no serial number, with a Louis Vuitton design, and $1,000 in cash.

    This case was prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica L. Jennings.  It was investigated by the Kansas City, Missouri Police Department and the FBI.

    Project Safe Neighborhoods

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

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Hartford, Connecticut Gang Member Sentenced To 10½ Years’ Imprisonment for Drug and Firearm Crimes

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

    Burlington, Vermont – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Vermont stated that on May 23, 2025, Linoshka Barbosa, 25, formerly of Hartford, Connecticut, was sentenced by United States District Judge William K. Sessions III to a term of 126 months’ imprisonment to be followed by a 3-year term of supervised release. Barbosa previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute fentanyl, crack cocaine and powder cocaine, and possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. She has been detained since her October 15, 2024, guilty plea.

    According to court records, between March 2020 and October 2023, Linoshka Barbosa, also known as “Lily,” and “Lilz,” was one of the leaders of a drug distribution conspiracy in the Brattleboro, Vermont area, involving cocaine, cocaine base, fentanyl, and numerous firearms. Barbosa, a member of a violent gang in Hartford, Connecticut, called “GMS,” was trafficking large quantities of drugs to Brattleboro, often using a driver from a ride-hailing company to transport the controlled substances. Barbosa enlisted several other gang members from Connecticut to assist her in Vermont and the group dealt drugs from various locations in Brattleboro including, 33 Oak Street #4, 14 Birge Street, 135 Elliot Street, and 84 Linden Street. Barbosa also hired numerous people in Vermont to help her sell the drugs. During the conspiracy, Barbosa and her associates traded drugs for guns, and some of those guns were used in shootings in Hartford, Connecticut, including a double homicide in August 2023. Also, on March 30, 2023, a man was shot during a drug dispute at 14 Birge Street in Brattleboro. Investigation later revealed that Elias Lopez, a member of the conspiracy along with Barbosa, was involved in the shooting. Lopez has since pleaded guilty in state court for his role in the shooting, and will be sentenced in federal court on June 2, 2025 for his role in the drug conspiracy.

    Acting United States Attorney Michael P. Drescher commended the collaborative investigatory efforts of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Vermont State Police, the Brattleboro Police Department and Homeland Security Investigations.

    “Linoshka Barbosa utilized firearms to protect her drug operations and fueled violence in our neighborhoods. Her narcotics trafficking and illegal firearm activities posed a serious threat to public safety” said James M. Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge of the ATF Boston Field Division. “This case highlights the dangers of illegal firearm and narcotics trafficking. We will continue to stand united with our law enforcement partners to investigate these matters and hold offenders accountable.”

    “This prosecution has removed a dangerous offender from our streets and sent a strong message that Vermont does not tolerate those who prey upon our communities and place them at risk,” said Col. Matthew T. Birmingham, director of the Vermont State Police. “Thanks to a united effort from federal, state and local law enforcement to stop the trafficking of narcotics and firearms, Vermont is a safer place.”

    The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Wendy L. Fuller. Barbosa was represented by David Sleigh, Esq.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Former Tennessee State Representative and His Chief of Staff Convicted of Bribery and Kickback Charges

    Source: US FBI

    NASHVILLE –After a three-week trial,former Tennessee Speaker of the House Glen Casada, 64, and his former Chief of Staff Cade Cothren, 38, of Nashville, were found guilty today by a federal jury of conspiracy to commit theft from programs receiving federal funds; bribery and kickbacks concerning programs receiving federal funds; honest services wire fraud; conspiracy to commit money laundering; using a fictitious name to carry out a fraud; theft concerning programs receiving federal funds; eight counts of money laundering; and two counts of bribery and kickbacks, announced Robert E. McGuire, Acting United States Attorney for the Middle District of Tennessee. Cothren was also found guilty on six counts of honest services wire fraud, and Casada was found guilty on four counts of honest services wire fraud and acquitted on two counts.

    “Tennesseans have a right to expect honest services from their elected leaders and their staffs,” said McGuire. “Our office will continue to pursue justice on behalf of our community in cases involving public corruption and fraud committed by elected officials or their staffs. We believe that Tennesseans deserve no less.”

    “Elected officials and their staff members have a duty to act honestly and ethically when serving the public,” said Joseph E. Carrico of the FBI Nashville Field Office. “Using public office for personal gain is a crime and the FBI is committed to holding those who abuse power accountable and protecting public resources.”

    According to evidence presented at trial, beginning in late 2019, Casada, while representing Tennessee House District 63, Cothren, and former Tennessee State Representative Robin Smith, 61, of Hixson, Tennessee, engaged in a fraudulent scheme to enrich themselves by exploiting Casada and Smith’s official positions as legislators to obtain funds from the State of Tennessee. Specifically, the conspirators deceived their former colleagues and officials at the State of Tennessee in an effort to obtain State funds for Phoenix Solutions, Cothren’s political consulting business.   In exchange for recruiting legislators and securing the approval of Phoenix Solutions’ invoices by the State, Cothren paid kickbacks to Casada and Smith.

    Smith pleaded guilty to one count of honest services wire fraud in 2022 and testified at trial.

    The evidence showed that Cothren pretended to be “Matthew Phoenix,” supposedly an experienced political consultant who had previously worked for a Washington, D.C.-based consulting firm. In fact, Cothren operated Phoenix Solutions, and Casada, Cothren, and Smith knew that “Matthew Phoenix” was a fictitious person.  Casada, Cothren, and Smith concealed their involvement in Phoenix Solutions by submitting invoices to the State of Tennessee in the names of political consulting companies owned by Casada and Smith, for the purpose of secretly funneling money from the State to Phoenix Solutions through the bank accounts of these companies.  In 2020, these companies and Phoenix Solutions received approximately $51,947 from the State in payments associated with the mailer program. Phoenix Solutions also obtained more than $170,000 in payments from political organizations, campaigns, and candidates.

    Casada and Cothren will be sentenced later this year, and each face up to 20 years in prison. Smith is scheduled to be sentenced on June 9, 2025, and faces up to 20 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Casada, Cothren, and Smith may also be ordered to forfeit any property which represents or is traceable to receipts obtained as a result of the offenses.

    This case was investigated by the FBI, Nashville Field Office.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Taylor J. Phillips and Trial Attorneys John P. Taddei and Blake J. Ellison of the Justice Department’s Public Integrity Section are prosecuting the case.

    # # # # #

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Richardson Man Sentenced to 60 Years for Child Exploitation

    Source: US FBI

    An 80-year-old Richardson man who sexually abused a seven-year-old was sentenced to 60 years in federal prison, announced Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Chad E. Meacham. 

    George Kenneth Orton, Jr., of Richardson, was convicted of two counts of sexual exploitation of a child by a jury of his peers in October 2024.  According to evidence presented at trial, agents recovered a USB drive and two laptops containing child sexual abuse material at his home.

    On May 14, 2025, Orton appeared before District Judge Brantley Starr for sentencing.  Judge Starr sentenced Orton to consecutive maximum sentences of 360 months on each count, for a total of 720 months in federal prison.  Judge Starr described Orton’s conduct against Minor Victim 1 as “unspeakable” and, in handing down the sentence, stated that he found no reason to give Orton less than the statutory maximum on each count, regardless of his age.

    “The FBI is proud to collaborate with our law enforcement partners every single day to ensure anyone involved in criminal behavior against a child is brought to justice. The significant sentence given to the defendant sends a clear message that crimes against children will not be tolerated,” said FBI Dallas Special Agent in Charge R. Joseph Rothrock. “Together, through continued vigilance and cooperation, we can prevent abuse and protect the most vulnerable among us.”

    Acting U.S. Attorney Meacham praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Dallas Field Office and the Richardson Police Department in conducting the investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorneys Marissa Aulbaugh and Brandie Wade prosecuted the case.

    The case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative that was launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse.  Led by U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims.  For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit http://www.justice.gov/psc.  For more information about internet safety education, please visit http://www.justice.gov/psc and click on the tab “resources.”
     

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: The results of the XVI All-Russian Interuniversity Personnel Forum named after A.Ya. Kibanov have been summed up

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: State University of Management – Official website of the State –

    The XVI All-Russian Interuniversity Personnel Forum named after A.Ya. Kibanov “Innovative Personnel Management” was held at the State University of Management.

    More than 230 students, young scientists, authoritative teachers and experts in the field of personnel management took part in the forum’s in-person events. In total, over 450 people from different regions of Russia became participants in the event this year.

    The concept of the A.Ya. Kibanov Personnel Forum this year was based on the idea that HR specialists, like legendary Russian heroes, stand guard over the interests of the company and, armed with knowledge and skills, are ready to bring glory and prosperity to their organization, and create and strengthen its HR brand.

    Read about the opening and first day of the forum in this article.

    Participants discussed how to build effective and trusting communications within a company, which become the foundation for a cohesive and motivated team. Particular attention was paid to creating a unique and attractive employer brand for candidates, which would reflect the values of the organization and arouse genuine interest in talented specialists.

    Modern approaches to attracting and retaining highly qualified personnel were discussed, as well as strategies for increasing human capital through training, development and involvement. Experts shared practices for developing a corporate culture that helps to unlock the potential of each employee and create an atmosphere of mutual respect and support.

    The HR Forum became a platform for exchanging experiences and inspiration, where future HR specialists received new tools and ideas for creating a strong HR brand and building communications that can lead the company to sustainable growth and prosperity.

    Over the course of three days, the participants of the Student Olympiad immersed themselves in the world of HR: conducted analytical research, developed strategies, exchanged experiences, generated innovative ideas, fought in battle mode and presented their solutions to the expert jury. The victory went to the most goal-oriented and creative. In addition to the main assessment of the works by the expert jury, the Student Olympiad also included a Competition for the Audience Award, which was held in person: experts, speakers, teachers and jury members voted for the most liked homework from the teams participating in the Olympiad – the poster “HR-Bingo-Brand”.

    Also this year, the forum included an advanced training course on “Effective Methods of Training HR Specialists”, where 35 students studied and discussed current issues on the development of the use of effective methods in the process of training students in the field of “HR Management”.

    The XVI All-Russian Interuniversity Personnel Forum named after A.Y. Kibanov “Innovative Personnel Management” was held with the support of the Council for Professional Qualifications in Personnel Management, as well as with active interaction with such partners as: ANCOR, SuperJob, Roskachestvo, Aktion Students, Trivio, Perviy Bit, Independent Veterinary Laboratory “Chance Bio”, Educational Center Higher Veterinary School, City Clinical Hospital No. 67 named after L.A. Vorokhobov, Chernogolovka Group of Companies, SPILS.ART Creative Cluster, Aromapsychologist. Partner companies highlighted their nominations and provided participants and winners with valuable gifts and prizes.

    On the final day of the forum, the results were summed up, the winners were officially announced, and awards and gifts were presented.

    Results of the XVI All-Russian Interuniversity Personnel Forum named after A.Ya.Kibanov “Innovative Personnel Management”

    Correspondence competitions “Innovative personnel management – 2025”

    Competition “Best article on personnel management”

    1st place – Chulanova O.L., Savchenko A.Yu. (Surgut State University)

    Article “Tools for Overcoming the Shortage of Highly Qualified Personnel Based on the Bionic Approach and Sharing of Competencies”

    2nd place – Abdulova T.G., Gagarinskaya G.P., Khorovinnikova E.G. (Volga Region State Transport University)

    Article “Transformation of labor and human capital management in the context of digitalization: challenges, principles and trends”

    3rd place – Shumanskaya A.B., Obumova A.I. (Saint Petersburg State Technological Institute (Technical University))

    Article “Dependence of professional burnout on the social orientation of the profession and the level of empathy of the individual”

    Competition “Best article of a young scientist on human resource management”

    1st place – Zlobina N.K., Shanina E.V. (Penza State University)

    Article “Integration of Well-being approach into the organization’s personnel management”

    Scientific supervisor: Ekaterina Vladimirovna Shanina

    2nd place – Oglezneva E.E. (Financial University under the Government of the Russian Federation)

    Article “Reverse Mentoring: Concept, Problems and Development Prospects”

    Scientific supervisor: Aleksashina Tatyana Viktorovna

    3rd place – Shkerina E.E., Goncharenko K.A. (Saint Petersburg State Technological Institute (Technical University))

    Article “Emotional intelligence of a manager as a factor in increasing the involvement of subordinates”

    Supervisor: Anna Anatolyevna Dorogovtseva

    Competition “Best educational and methodological development on personnel management”

    1st place – Lysenko E.V. INTERNATIONAL HR MANAGEMENT. Study guide for students studying in the direction 38.03.03 – Personnel Management (manuscript)

    2nd place – Learn to learn: features of working with information in the educational and scientific activities of university students: a teaching aid / E.A. Berezovskaya, O.V. Klimova, N.L. Krasnogor [et al.]; under the general editorship of I.Yu. Plotnikova; Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation, Ural Federal University. – Yekaterinburg: Publishing house of the Ural. University, 2024. – 260 p.

    3rd place – Fundamentals of project activities: textbook / Yu.A. Alekseeva, M.V. Gashkov, M.I. Imamverdieva; edited by O.L. Chulanova. – Moscow: INFRA-M, 2025 – 307 p.

    Competition “Best scientific work on personnel management”

    1st place – Milyaeva L.G. Modern technologies of personnel management: selected 2: monograph /L.G. Milyaeva. – Moscow: RUSAINS, 2024. – 212 p.

    Competition of innovative projects on personnel management and labor economics for students and postgraduates

    Winner in the nomination “Homo qui videt”

    Evseeva A.A., Le Thi My Linh, Petrishchev A.K. (Ulyanovsk State Technical University)

    Scientific supervisor: Natalia Mikhailovna Tsytsarova

    Project “Ageism in the Labor Market: A Modern View”

    Winner in the nomination “Homo aliena”

    Vdovichenko V.A., Fedchuk A.V., Potapova D.S. (Financial University under the Government of the Russian Federation)

    Scientific supervisor: Natalia Valerievna Sakharova

    Project: “Animal ID. Paw HR”

    Winner in the nomination “Homo excitari”

    Gataullina A.I. (Surgut State University)

    Scientific supervisor: Chulanova Oksana Leonidovna

    Project: “Development of tools for motivating project teams”

    Winner in the nomination “Homo neiro”

    Dudnik E.V., Monul D.A., Fomenko M.V. (State University of Management)

    Scientific supervisor: Mitrofanova Alexandra Evgenievna

    Project: “Atlas of HR Professions”

    3rd place

    Smirnov D.R. (Surgut State University)

    Scientific supervisor: Chulanova Oksana Leonidovna

    Project: “Using a dashboard in working with the staff of the Admissions Office of Surgut State University”

    2nd place

    Kabanova Yu.I., Druzhinina S.A., Kutumova D.R. (National Research Nizhny Novgorod State University named after N.I. Lobachevsky)

    Supervisor: Mariko Valeria Valerievna

    Project: “Chatbot for translation and explanation of Anglicisms “Info Motya””

    1st place

    Nikitina K.D., Druzhinina P.Yu., Nguyen Ngoc Ha Phyung, Nguyen Thi Thanh Huyen, Fastovskaya M.S., Makarkin M.M. (State University of Management)

    Scientific supervisor: Ph.D., Associate Professor Lobacheva Anastasia Sergeevna

    Project: “HR in the Heart”

    Grand Prix

    Krapiventseva A.A. (State University of Management)

    Scientific supervisor: Ph.D., Associate Professor Ekaterina Viktorovna Kashtanova

    Project: “Development of a board business game for student adaptation”

    Student Olympiad “Human Resources Management: Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow”

    Best homework

    Team: “Mafia HR”.

    Team members: Arustamyan Nane Armenovna, Bakhteeva Alina Fyaimovna, Drobysheva Victoria Vitalievna, Tkacheva Irina Olegovna, Churikova Kristina Maksimovna (State University of Management)

    Scientific supervisor: Illarionova Ekaterina Sergeevna

    The best case

    Command: “NEXT PROFI”. Team composition: Aminov Danila Fanilievich, Vedeneeva Polina Dmitrievna, Kabanova Yulia Ivanovna, Zubova Ekaterina (National Research Nizhny Novgorod State University named after N. I. Lobachevsky)

    Scientific supervisor: Ulmaeva Liliya Nailevna

    The best quest

    Team: “Adepts of Human Resources”. Team members: Snezhana Evgenievna Batayeva, Georgy Mikhailovich Solomatin, Vladislav Denisovich Abrashnev (Moscow Automobile and Road State Technical University (MADI)

    Scientific supervisor: Olga Anatolyevna Peshkova

    3rd place

    Team: “Vedunya Kadrov” (Personnel Witches). Team members: Sokolovskaya Sofia Sergeevna, Sushkevich Yulia Dmitrievna, Chernikova Polina Vadimovna (Volga Region Institute of Management named after P. A. Stolypin – branch of RANEPA)

    Scientific supervisor: Moiseenko Natalia Vladimirovna

    2nd place

    Command: “Vector”. Team composition: Druzhinina Svetlana Andreevna, Negodnova Anastasia Sergeevna, Khakov Rinat Denisovich, Chabanyuk Elina Aleksandrovna, Kutumova Daria Romanovna (National Research Nizhny Novgorod State University named after N. I. Lobachevsky)

    Supervisor: Mariko Valeria Valerievna

    1st place

    Team: “Polyanitsi”. Team members: Kvach Ekaterina Sergeevna, Kozhevnikova Darina Alekseevna, Sergeeva Polina Aleksandrovna (St. Petersburg State University)

    Scientific supervisor: Kulchitskaya Elena Valerievna

    Grand Prix

    Team: “Snake Icharych.” Team composition: AGlushkova Anastasia Sergeevna, Ishkova Olga Andreevna, Shchetinin Mark Alekseevich (State University of Management)

    Scientific supervisor: Ekaterina Viktorovna Kashtanova

    Detailed information about the Forum, its annual program, format and results is presented on the official website, and you can see more photos in the VKontakte community.

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Two Hundred Ninety-Five New Immigration Cases in Western District of Texas This Week

    Source: US FBI

    SAN ANTONIO – Acting United States Attorney Margaret Leachman for the Western District of Texas announced today, that federal prosecutors in the district filed 295 new immigration and immigration-related criminal cases from May 9 through May 15.

    Among the new cases, Mexican nationals Juan Jose Medrano-Escobedo and Rosendo Dominguez-Morales were arrested after allegedly entering the U.S. illegally through the Texas National Defense Area (Tx-NDA) less than half a mile west of the Paso Del Norte Port of Entry in El Paso. Medrano-Escobedo has been previously removed from the U.S. to Mexico twice, most recently July 30, 2024. He has been convicted of three felonies, including evading arrest in 2017 and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon in November 2023. Dominguez-Morales was last removed on Aug. 20, 2024, following an Aug. 18, 2024 felony conviction for assault while displaying a dangerous weapon. Medrano-Escobedo and Dominguez-Morales are each charged with two counts related to violating defense property security regulation and one count of illegal re-entry.

    Also in El Paso, two U.S. citizens are charged with conspiracy to transport illegal aliens after being arrested by U.S. Border Patrol agents in Fabens. Jared Isai Ramirez and Jesus Alberto Soriano, driving separate vehicles, allegedly attempted to flee from USBP. A criminal complaint alleges Ramirez lost control of his vehicle and collided into a rock wall. He and four passengers allegedly exited the vehicle and attempted to flee on foot before being apprehended. The four passengers were determined to be illegal aliens and were transported with Ramirez to the Clint Border Patrol Station for further investigation. Soriano eventually stopped the vehicle he was driving and was also transported to the Clint Border Patrol Station. The criminal complaint alleges that Ramirez admitted that he would be paid $300 for each of the four illegal aliens he was transporting. Soriano allegedly stated that he had agreed to scout the area for law enforcement during the smuggling scheme. 

    A Mexican national was encountered at the Bastrop County Jail and charged with illegal re-entry in Austin. Elisandro Enriquez-Sanchez has been removed from the U.S. to Mexico four times in addition to a voluntary return. He had been arrested in Bastrop and charged with driving while intoxicated with an open alcohol container. Enriquez-Sanchez’s lengthy criminal record includes two convictions for illegal re-entry as well as taking a weapon from an officer, assault causing bodily injury to a family member, and three DWIs in a two-year span.

    In Presidio County, Honduran national Angel Daniel Vasquez was arrested and charged with illegal re-entry. Vasquez has four prior removals, the last one being to Honduras May 27, 2024. He’s also a twice-convicted felon with a criminal record that includes assault causing bodily injury in Nashville, Tennessee in 2023 and a 2015 illegal re-entry conviction in Phoenix, Arizona. He was also convicted of a misdemeanor in Nashville for driving under the influence in April 2024.

    These cases were referred or supported by federal law enforcement partners, including Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations (ICE ERO), U.S. Border Patrol, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS), and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), with additional assistance from state and local law enforcement partners.

    The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Texas comprises 68 counties located in the central and western areas of Texas, encompasses nearly 93,000 square miles and an estimated population of 7.6 million people. The district includes three of the five largest cities in Texas—San Antonio, Austin and El Paso—and shares 660 miles of common border with the Republic of Mexico.

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

    Indictments and criminal complaints are merely allegations and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: “Human vs AI” and the Future of Insurance: Insurtech Insights USA 2025 Agenda Unveils Power-Packed Lineup of Industry Disruptors

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, May 28, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Insurtech Insights USA 2025, North America’s premier gathering of insurance executives and innovators, is set to return to the Javits Center in New York City on June 4–5, 2025, bringing together over 6,000 attendees and 400+ speakers from across the globe. With AI, digital transformation, and industry reinvention at the heart of this year’s agenda, the event offers unparalleled insights into the technologies and strategies reshaping insurance.

    The two-day program includes dynamic keynotes, interactive panels, and fireside chats led by senior executives from Munich Re, MetLife, AXA, Zurich, Microsoft, Clearspeed, Chubb, Owl.co, and more. The most anticipated sessions of the year are:

    1. Human vs AI: The Future of Insurance Lies in Collaboration

    Speakers: Garry Kasparov, Chess Grandmaster & Sean Merat, CEO, Owl.co

    Date: June 4 at 9:50 AM | Main Stage

    In a thought-provoking keynote, Garry Kasparov, who famously battled and then embraced AI, joins Owl.co CEO Sean Merat to explore how insurers can embrace intelligent collaboration over competition. The session sets the tone for the conference: bold, reflective, and future-focused.

    2. A Year Later for AI and GenAI in Insurance: The Reality and Growing Real Business Value

    Speakers: Robert Pick, EVP & Chief Information Officer, Tokio Marine, Manish Shah, President, Chief Product Officer at Majesco, Denise Garth, Chief Strategy Officer at Majesco, and Jim DeMarco, Insurance Strategy Lead, Microsoft

    Date: June 5 at 11:30 AM | Main Stage

    AI is no longer a pilot project. This panel dives into how large insurers are implementing GenAI solutions at scale—generating tangible business value in underwriting, claims, and customer experience while navigating compliance and culture.

    3. Making AI Stick in Insurance: From POC to Production

    Speakers: Jonathan Pelosi Head of Industry – FSI at Anthropic, Amy Nelsen, Head of UW Operations, Zurich North America, Antonio Rosa Chief Data & Analytics Officer, Ignyte Insurance and Alex Schmelkin, CEO, Sixfold

    Date: June 4 at 1:30 PM | Main Stage

    Moving from hype to habit, this panel outlines how leaders are transitioning from proof-of-concept to production-level AI deployments. Expect hard-earned lessons, success metrics, and scalable approaches for real-world transformation.

    4. Reimagining Underwriting: How Technology and AI Are Powering the Future of Insurance

    Speakers: Robert Pick, EVP & Chief Information Officer at Tokio Marine, Gary Hoberman, CEO and Founder, Unqork and Lisa Wardlaw, President and Founder, 360 Digital Immersion

    Date: June 5 at 1:15 PM | Main Stage

    With new data streams and automation tools, underwriting is being redefined. This session explores the next frontier—blending machine learning with human decision-making to deliver faster, smarter, and fairer underwriting outcomes.

    5. Unicorn Building: The Insurtech Funding Landscape in 2025 & Beyond

    Speaker: Joel Albarella, Senior Vice President and Head, New York Life Ventures

    Date: June 4 at 12:55 PM | Main Stage

    A candid look at the venture capital lens on insurance. Joel Albarella dissects current investment trends, the reality of valuation resets, and the future of unicorn building amid economic uncertainty.

    “These sessions speak to the heart of Insurtech Insights’ mission: to equip insurance executives with the insights and inspiration they need to tackle the industry’s most pressing challenges,” said Kristoffer Lundberg, CEO of Insurtech Insights. “We’re proud to provide a platform where leading executives, technologists, and entrepreneurs come together to spark meaningful innovation. From integrating GenAI into claims processing to advancing digital inclusion in life insurance, every conversation delivers practical insights and real-world solutions. This isn’t just about what’s next—it’s about giving our community the actionable intelligence to lead change and create tangible impact.”

    Beyond these highlights, the agenda also includes powerful sessions such as “Facing into AI: The Potential and Uncertainty” with AXA XL and BCG, “Regulators & Risk Takers: Aligning Vision for the Future of Insurance” with state commissioners from North Dakota, Oklahoma, and Connecticut, and “Innovating Life Insurance: The Role of Wearable Data” with Munich Re. Attendees can also explore sessions focused on small business markets, talent pipelines, data ethics, and climate-driven product development—delivering a 360° view of the insurance industry’s most urgent opportunities and threats.

    For more information and to secure your pass, visit the website here.

    About Insurtech Insights USA

    Insurtech Insights USA is the leading global conference for the insurtech industry, bringing together experts, innovators, and thought leaders to discuss the latest trends, challenges, and opportunities shaping the future of insurance. With a focus on innovation, collaboration, and disruption, Insurtech Insights USA provides a platform for networking, learning, and driving meaningful change in the insurance sector.

    For media queries and other information, please contact:

    Girish Jaggi
    Senior Account Manager
    The MicDrop Agency
    girish@themicdropagency.com
    +1 (289) 623 3627

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: McCaul, Bipartisan Congressional Delegation Attend Pope Leo XIV’s Inaugural Mass

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Michael McCaul (10th District of Texas)

    WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman Michael McCaul (R-Texas) — chairman emeritus of the House Foreign Affairs Committee — attended the inaugural Mass of His Holiness Pope Leo XIV along with a bipartisanCongressional delegation.

    “As a Catholic, chairman emeritus of the Foreign Affairs Committee, and a proud American, I was deeply honored to attend the inaugural Mass of His Holiness Pope Leo XIV — the first American pope — alongside leaders from around the world,” said Chair Emeritus McCaul. “Faith should be a great unifier — a force for peace, as Pope Leo powerfully reminded us today. On this historic morning, I join people of faith around the world in praying that his pontificate, guided by the Holy Spirit, may bring about a more peaceful, just, and compassionate world.”

    McCaul attends Pope Leo XIV’s inaugural Mass

    McCaul’s photos from the Vatican

    McCaul lays a flower on Pope Francis’ tomb

    The Members of the Congressional Delegation are:

    1. The Honorable French Hill
    2. The Honorable Nancy Pelosi
    3. The Honorable Rosa DeLauro
    4. The Honorable Michael McCaul
    5. The Honorable Joe Courtney
    6. The Honorable Mike Kelly
    7. The Honorable Ann Wagner
    8. The Honorable Nanette Barragan
    9. The Honorable Madeleine Dean
    10. The Honorable Stephanie Bice
    11. The Honorable Michelle Fischbach
    12. The Honorable Andrew Garbarino
    13. The Honorable Mariannette Miller-Meeks
    14. The Honorable Jeff Hurd

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: McCaul Secures Provision to Pay Border States Back for Border Security Costs Incurred Under Biden

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Michael McCaul (10th District of Texas)

     WASHINGTON – U.S. Congressman Michael McCaul (R-Texas), chairman emeritus and current vice chair of the House Committee on Homeland Security, announced the House passage of a provision reimbursing border states — primarily Texas — with $12 billion for costs incurred to secure the border under the Biden administration. McCaul has championed the provision and advocated for its passage for months, working hand-in-hand with House GOP leadership and Homeland Security Committee Chairman Mark Green (R-Tenn.).  

    “It’s the federal government’s job to secure the homeland, yet the Biden/Harris administration abdicated its duty and abandoned our states on the frontlines of the border crisis. As Texans know, our state bore the brunt of that abject failure, both societally and financially,” said Vice Chairman McCaul. “Four years of chaos and suffering later, Congress is doing the right thing: paying Texas back. I’m extremely proud to have helped secure this provision, which sends a strong message to our border states that America has not forgotten the sacrifices they made. With these funds, Congress says ‘thank you’ — both to Texas’ leadership, who stood up Operation Lone Star to fill in the gap, and to Texas’ taxpayers, who should never have been on the hook for President Biden’s dereliction of duty.”

    “Thanks to Rep. McCaul, states that stepped up to protect Americans in the face of Biden’s border catastrophe will be reimbursed for doing the work the Biden Administration refused to do,” said Speaker Mike Johnson. “Had those patriotic governors not taken action and used the resources of their state, the devastation from Biden’s wide-open border would have been significantly worse. Our nation is safer because of these states, and it’s only right for the federal government to share in the costs states incurred while protecting America.”

    “Texas thanks the U.S. House and the Texas Congressional Delegation for including $12 billion in the reconciliation package that will help Texas in its response to the unprecedented illegal immigration in Texas,” said Governor Greg Abbott. “This is a national issue that Texas was proud to address, and we are grateful for the allocation that reduces the financial burden that Texas incurred.” 

    “Lurking behind the staggering number of illegal encounters of the last four years is the immeasurable toll a wide-open border has exacted on communities across the country,” said Chairman Mark Green. “Every state became a border state under the Biden-Harris administration’s open-borders policies, but in many ways, the communities along the Southwest border have been hit the hardest and have incurred tremendous law enforcement costs. In the absence of help from the Biden-Harris administration, states were forced to take extraordinary measures to mitigate the crisis and protect their communities by building barrier systems and increasing law enforcement activity. I applaud the inclusion of this funding and the House’s passage of the ‘One Big, Beautiful Bill’ to put Americans first and keep our sovereign borders secure for years to come.”

    Background:

    The provision, which was added to House Republican’s reconciliation package through a manager’s amendment, sets aside $12 billion in grants for states’ “costs associated with actions taken after January 21, 2021, to assist the federal border security missions.”

    Most of these funds are expected to reimburse Texas, as no state did more to secure the border over the past four years. Operation Lone Star spent $11.1 billion on border security, including $5.87 billion on personnel costs associated with border security and $4.75 billion on border wall barriers.

    Click here for full text of the provision on page 15.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: McCaul Discusses Importance of State Dept. Reauthorization with Secretary Rubio

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Michael McCaul (10th District of Texas)

    WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Congressman Michael McCaul (R-Texas) — chairman emeritus of the House Foreign Affairs Committee — questioned Secretary of State Marco Rubio at the committee’s hearing, titled “FY26 State Department Posture: Protecting American Interests.” McCaul and Rubio discussed how the committee’s work to reauthorize the State Department can help the Trump administration advance its foreign policy objectives, including restoring U.S. foreign aid to its core mission.

    Click to watch

    Full exchange below:

    Chair Emeritus McCaul: Let me express my deep sympathy to the family of Gerry Connolly. He was a dear friend of mine. I will miss him dearly and the Irish twinkle in his eye.

    Mr. Secretary, thanks for being here today. Under the last four years — under President Biden — the world is on fire now. From the debacle, the evacuation, poorly executed from Afghanistan, which then led, I believe, to Putin’s invasion of Ukraine — the largest land invasion since World War II in Europe — to the Middle East on fire now, to October 7th. I commend you for trying to seek peace in these hotspots, including the Indo-Pacific, which probably presents the greatest threat.

    I would be clear-eyed with Mr. Putin. I personally don’t think he’s negotiating in good faith. The Ayatollah cannot be trusted. In fact, it was recently reported that they got their proxy, Hamas, to invade Israel on October 7th to derail the normalization talks between Israel and Saudi Arabia.

    Let me go to the 1961 Foreign Assistance Act. It was initially created to counter the rise of the Soviet Union. Today, I believe it should be used to counter the influence of Communist China around the globe, and that’s a core mission I know you support, as do I. When I was chairman of this committee, I put holds on the programs the current chairman is talking about — that being the drag shows in Ecuador to grants to advance atheism in Nepal. These are not in the interest of the United States or our national security interests. 

    So, I think we need to return these agencies and programs to their core mission. I believe that you’re trying to do that by bringing them under your supervision at the State Department. It’s not a new idea. Madeline Albright tried to do that many years ago. And I do think under your supervision, that we’ll have transparency and accountability with the foreign assistance programs. 

    We are engaged in a reauthorization of the State Department. Sir, can you tell me how this would assist you, with respect to reorganization of these important agencies under your department?

    Secretary Rubio: Well, I think the key to reorganization — and by the way, we never did it in all the years that I was in the Senate either. It never happened. It needs to happen. We want it to happen. As you know, in our reorganization, we didn’t touch any of the statutory offices because we can’t. But there’s two advantages to it, or three advantages. 

    The first is it becomes permanent. We can create an organizational structure that becomes enduring, especially if it’s one that we believe in. Second, I think that it will help us with the input and ideas. Look, we provided the initial preliminary indication to Congress.

    We’ve been taking input — including from many on the minority — and some of those are going to be reflected when we put out our final approach that we want to take. But ultimately, we would love to work with the committee to find ways to improve on the streamlining.

    By the way, we’re also taking input from inside our building. Some of the ideas in our reorg — many of the ideas from our reorg — came from inside the State Department from career officials, including some that are still providing input for us on sort of how to structure it.

    But I think the advantage of doing it statutorily is that it becomes enduring and permanent and provides certainty in the days to come. Otherwise, you know, it can change over time and continue to bloat and expand to levels that it got to. It was an unreadable org chart. The org chart that I showed you — the initial org chart that I inherited — was just the top line. Within each one of those boxes, there were multiple boxes — some of them duplicative, redundant, and in many cases, no one could even tell us what they were doing, because it’s easy to grow. It’s much harder to reorganize and to streamline activity, and that’s what we want to do.

    Chair Emeritus McCaul: Well, it’s a very noble effort. With my one minute remaining, I authorized the Remain in Mexico program in this committee. I commend the administration; within a matter of months, [they] have restored order to the border, taking chaos and turned it into a safe border.

    I mean, the crossings have gone down 95%. There’s no longer catch and release. And I do think the executive order on Remain in Mexico is very important. I know you share that responsibility with the Department of Homeland Security — a committee I chaired as well. What is the latest on your negotiations with Mexico to bring that important program back?

    Secretary Rubio: Well, as you’re aware, I’m sure that we’ve had a number of what I recall, both irritants, but also areas of cooperation with the Mexican government. It’s been actually pretty positive. They have been very responsive on our security concerns. They’ve increased their security cooperation with us in ways that have been very productive.

    In fact, at some point here over the next few weeks, I intend to travel potentially to Mexico along with a couple other cabinet members to sort of finalize some of these areas of cooperation. This may be one we talk about, but we’ve been primarily focused with Mexico on two things.

    One is on trade — which is not my department — but obviously, our trade representative, Mr. Greer, and also Commerce Secretary Lutnick has been engaging with them. And then the other is on security cooperation. We have a mutual interest in Mexico. In essence, the cartels that operate within Mexico and threaten the state are armed from weapons that are bought in the United States and shipped there.

    We want to help stop that flow. The reverse is [that] those cartels threaten the state. There are parts of Mexico that are governed by cartels where there is — in fact, I think I heard last night — two more people were murdered in Mexico City associated with the mayor of Mexico City. The political violence there is real.

    They have a vested interest and a desire to go after these cartels, and we want to help equip them and provide them information. They’ve also been increasingly cooperative — more than ever before — in bringing back and extraditing people wanted in this country for crimes who are in their custody.

     So, I think we’ve got good areas of cooperation. We still have some more work to do on migration, but they’ve been cooperative. 

     

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: McCaul Announces 2025 Congressional App Challenge

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Michael McCaul (10th District of Texas)

    WASHINGTON — Today, U.S. Congressman Michael McCaul (R-Texas) announced the 2025 Congressional App Challenge — an annual competition that encourages students to learn coding by creating their own app. The challenge is open to middle and high school students in Texas’ 10th Congressional District through October 30th, 2025. 

    “In our modern world, no skill is more important than technological literacy,” said Rep. McCaul. “Education and student interest in STEM are essential for empowering the next generation to continue our nation’s legacy as a technological leader on the world stage. I am proud to provide an opportunity for our youth to explore their interests in coding and look forward to seeing all the creativity Texas–10’s students will bring to the table this year.”

    Background:  

    Students may code on any platform, on any topic, in any coding language, in teams of up to four. Each app is graded on creativity, concept, and design. The winning app will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol and on House.gov, and winning students will be invited to a reception in Washington, D.C.

    To learn more, please visit https://mccaul.house.gov/serving-you/app-challenge.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –