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Category: United States of America

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Lamont Applauds House Approval of His Plan To Increase the Wages of Connecticut State Police Troopers

    Source: US State of Connecticut

    (HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont is applauding the Connecticut House of Representatives for voting today to approve the agreement he negotiated with the Connecticut State Police Union that will enact pay increases for the Connecticut State Police.

    The governor and the union reached the agreement in April. It must be approved by both chambers of the Connecticut General Assembly for it to take effect.

    “I submitted a plan to the state legislature to give pay raises to the Connecticut State Police because I believe that our state troopers deserve salaries that reflect the essential work they provide to our state and can help recruit more officers to serve in these positions,” Governor Lamont said. “Ensuring the safety of our residents requires us to invest in state troopers and their families. I am glad that the majority of lawmakers in the House supported it, and I urge the Senate to join them in approving the plan.”

    The legislation that was approved today is House Resolution 17. It passed by a vote of 134 to 12, with the votes in opposition cast by Republican legislators. The agreement must next be approved by the State Senate.

     

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Kugler, Commencement Remarks

    Source: US State of New York Federal Reserve

    Thank you, Stefano, and before I say anything else, congratulations to the Class of 2025!1 My family is here today, so let me acknowledge my husband Ignacio, my daughter Miri, my son Danny, and my parents who are watching from elsewhere. I start with family because I know it takes a village! So, I want to acknowledge the enormous accomplishment by the graduates and also by their families and friends who supported them through this journey. Let’s give all of them a big round of applause! I also want to thank the leaders of Berkeley’s economics program for giving me the privilege of returning here, as a graduate of this program, to be a part of what is, in fact, my very first economics commencement ceremony here at Berkeley.
    On a similar spring afternoon in 1997, when my classmates were walking across this stage, I was across the country, hurrying to finish my dissertation at the Brookings Institution and preparing to start my first job as an economist. I would have loved to be here, as you are, and I praise you for taking the time to share with your classmates, friends, and family this moment of recognition for the huge achievement today represents. But somehow, at the time of my graduation, I felt the need to get on with earning a living and moving forward with my life, as I am sure many of you are eager to do also.
    So, you can understand that this is a very special—and also a little strange— moment for me because it feels, in a way, like I am celebrating my own graduation 28 years later! I think it is also an unusual situation for all of you to listen to this speaker who was once where you are today. It is unusual because standing at this podium now is not just the person I have become in the decades since leaving Berkeley. Standing beside me, very close by today, is also the young woman I was in 1997, who was too busy to attend her own graduation. You will be hearing at times from both of us today, and we may even exchange a few words with each other.
    This sounds a little like that Aubrey Plaza movie you may have seen last year, in which a young woman gets advice from her older self. Unfortunately, unlike Aubrey Plaza’s character, I cannot help my younger version through the many challenges that she will face, and let me tell you, there were many challenges indeed, and yet here I am! Nevertheless, because of my proximity, today, to that younger self, I hope I can see the world a little more through your eyes, when I try to offer some words of wisdom. I know, I know, commencement speakers are expected to provide wisdom and advice. But really, today, I would like to mainly tell you that the wisdom and also the conviction of my younger self are what allowed me to navigate the challenges along the way. So, trust yourselves!
    As I have indicated, the younger version of me was quite impatient to get her professional life started and try to make a mark in the world. The older me would say, “Take your time, figure out who you are, who you will become! Life is long, and among other things, life teaches you to have patience to work for big goals.” There is merit to this advice, of course, but today I am thinking about how I felt when I was in your shoes, and I am thinking that one of the underappreciated gifts of younger people is, in fact, impatience. I will say more about this, but if you take a look around at all the many urgent challenges we face here in the U.S. and the world, many of which depend on the powerful tool of economics and its potential to make people’s lives better, then I would certainly say that some impatience is, indeed, very much what we need.
    I speak of economics as a tool because that is all that it is. It is not a philosophy, a value system, or a religion, although I acknowledge that some in our profession might treat it that way. Economics can’t answer all the questions we face in our lives. Economics can’t tell us how to treat each other, or what kind of world we should strive to create, but it is a means to those ends.
    And even the answers that economics can provide are always evolving, as our understanding of economic behavior and phenomena evolves. What we understand in economics has evolved in the years since I left Berkeley, and it will continue to evolve. While this understanding does change over time, I think of it as changing like the California landscape changes. Some towns and cities grow, some decline, and there is the occasional earthquake to shake things up. But the landmarks that guide us in economics—the Golden Gate, the Sierra Nevada—they have been standing for a while now, and I believe they will continue to stand for a long time to come.
    Using these landmarks, these foundational and time-tested insights, economics can indeed be a powerful tool. But it is a tool, only to the extent, like any other tool, that it is useful. A brilliant insight, if not applied, or tested, or employed for some useful purpose, is like the gadget you pick up at the hardware store and never use. It is just taking up space in the toolbox. When economics reveals how to use resources efficiently, how to raise production and income and lower costs, these insights are only useful if they are applied—if they win in the marketplace of ideas.
    As you embark on your careers as economists, and the myriad ways in which you can employ the knowledge and skills you have acquired, one cause that I hope you all will embrace is actively participating in this marketplace of ideas. I hope you do, because, from the level of the individual household to the loftiest decisions of business leaders and government, employing the foundational insights of economics is the difference between prosperity and the utterly avoidable lack of prosperity.
    It is tempting to think that time-tested and broadly accepted ideas are permanent. In fact, the debate has never ended on many foundational ideas of economics, some of which can seem counterintuitive to people. These are ideas that must be fought for, because, as I said, to lose that fight is to go backward and accept less prosperity.
    Among the aspirations that each of you hold as you leave the Greek theater today, I hope that you will use what you have learned at Berkeley to be part of this fight. I would go further and argue that, along with the diplomas that you are receiving today, you will also carry with you a special responsibility to promote these principles and use them to promote greater prosperity for all. I am not shy in saying that economists have such a responsibility, nor in saying that the learning you have acquired qualifies you to be an active participant in these debates. I believe your expertise matters, because, in the cacophony of opinions, and trolling, and disinformation that seems to crowd ever more into the marketplace of ideas each year, I cling to the idea that expertise still matters. In his book The Constitution of Knowledge: A Defense of Truth, Jonathan Rauch argues that, just as important as America’s written Constitution is an unwritten one, based on a widespread agreement on what is true and what is not true. Knowledge, he writes, as it is added to and preserved over time, is a special glue, that Gorilla clear and precise super glue, that helps to hold society together and settle many conflicts. Expertise matters as the basis for that knowledge. When your expertise as economists is absent, when your voices are absent from the debate, knowledge suffers, and we are all poorer because of it.
    Let me pause for a moment because I am hearing from my younger self just now that these commencement remarks are maybe getting a little heavy. I can understand how she feels. Think about how things looked in 1997. The Cold War was over! The tech boom was just taking off, which meant that Oakland was still affordable. Honestly, in hindsight life back then sounds a lot less complicated than it seems today. My first job was at Pompeu Fabra University in Spain, and my second was at a large public university, the University of Houston. I had some research ideas, mostly in the area of labor economics, and I found some great collaborators, and I was off to the races. Today, I realize that colleges and universities are facing challenges like never before, which means that the prospect of trying to make a career in academia is much less certain.
    Public service is another traditional destination for economists, and I have been very fortunate to be able to move forward in my career as an academic, while taking time out on three occasions to work in Washington—as chief economist at the Department of Labor, as the U.S. executive director at the World Bank, and now as a governor at the Federal Reserve Board. By contrast, it is, of course, to put it mildly, a very challenging time to be thinking about starting a career in public service, at least at the federal level.
    I can stand here today and lament the new challenges faced by you and by many others in the Class of 2025. I am a mom, and my kids are also facing new circumstances. But I also look back sometimes and wonder how I got here. And this is another case where I believe the 27-year-old me had more wisdom than I do. If she were crossing this stage today, with you, facing these undeniable challenges, I do not think she would be discouraged. She would stubbornly say: “I love economic research; I will find a way to become an academic.” If you told her about the challenges facing colleges and universities, she would say that it is simply unthinkable that America would not support the greatest post-secondary educational system in the world. And if you told her that a pendulum swing in opinion might limit opportunities in public service, she might say: “If the purpose of life is helping others, (and I think it is) then public service will be valued, and it is something I must do, and that I will do.”
    I think if you had told the 27-year-old me that she could not achieve these things, which she dreamed of, she would stubbornly refuse to accept it. And of course, this is the way that humankind eventually solves most big problems. More than anything else, it is stubborn determination, which I hope is in good supply among you already, and which I encourage you to cultivate. You have already, of course, one of the greatest assets that anyone can have to make a career in economics, which is an education from one of the greatest universities in the world—the University of California, Berkeley. When I attended here, I had the privilege of taking classes with four winners of the Nobel Prize, and many people tell me that, if anything, the faculty is even stronger today. In my recent work at the Fed, I have had occasion to cite research by six current faculty members in public speeches. You have learned from the best, and with your energy, expertise, impatience, and stubborn determination, I know that nothing will stop you! Whatever you choose to do, I hope you will make use of what you have learned at Berkeley to be an active part of that marketplace of ideas. Go forth from here and make the world a brighter and better place. Go seize the day as you head out Sather Gate! Congratulations, again, Class of 2025, and thank you.

    1. The views expressed here are my own and are not necessarily those of my colleagues on the Federal Reserve Board or the Federal Open Market Committee. Return to text

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Foreign National Sentenced for $3.2 Million Medicare Fraud Scheme

    Source: United States Attorneys General 1

    A foreign national was sentenced today to 30 months in prison for his role in a scheme to defraud Medicare of more than $3.2 million through a sham durable medical equipment company.

    According to court documents, Julian Lopez, 55, a citizen of Cuba who resides in Miami-Dade County, Florida, obtained Medicare beneficiary identification cards and sold Medicare beneficiaries’ personal information to a durable medical equipment company, One Medical Services. Lopez knew the Medicare identification cards he obtained would be used to submit fraudulent claims to Medicare. One Medical Services used the information from Lopez to bill Medicare for orthotic braces that were never provided to the Medicare beneficiaries. In connection with the scheme, One Medical Services submitted and caused the submission of over $3.2 million in false and fraudulent claims to Medicare for medically unnecessary DME.

    Lopez pleaded guilty to two counts of health care fraud in February 2025. At sentencing, he was also ordered to pay $1,496,412 in restitution.

    Matthew R. Galeotti, Head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; Acting Special Agent in Charge Jesus Barranco at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG) Miami Regional Office; and Acting Special Agent in Charge Brett Skiles of the FBI Miami Field Office made the announcement.

    The FBI and HHS-OIG investigated the case.

    Assistant Chief Emily Gurskis and Trial Attorney Owen Dunn of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section prosecuted the case.

    The Fraud Section leads the Criminal Division’s efforts to combat health care fraud through the Health Care Fraud Strike Force Program. Since March 2007, this program, currently comprised of nine strike forces operating in 27 federal districts, has charged more than 5,800 defendants who collectively have billed federal health care programs and private insurers more than $30 billion. In addition, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, working in conjunction with HHS-OIG, are taking steps to hold providers accountable for their involvement in health care fraud schemes. More information can be found at www.justice.gov/criminal-fraud/health-care-fraud-unit.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Justice Department Files Religious Liberty Lawsuit Against Troy, Idaho for Discriminating Against a Small Christian Church

    Source: United States Attorneys General 1

    The Justice Department filed a lawsuit today in the U.S. District Court for the District of Idaho alleging that the City of Troy, Idaho, violated the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act (RLUIPA) when it denied a conditional use permit (CUP) application sought by Christ Church, a small evangelical church.

    The lawsuit alleges that Christ Church had outgrown the space where it had been worshipping and was unable to find a space to rent. It then sought a CUP to operate a church in the City’s C-1 zoning district, where nonreligious assembly uses such as clubs, museums, auditoriums, and art galleries were allowed. Local residents vociferously opposed the Church’s CUP application, and many of their written and verbal comments reflected animus against Christ Church’s beliefs. In its denial of the Church’s CUP application, the City cited the fact that the public was “heavily against” it and that the “great majority of the city residents” opposed granting the CUP.

    “RLUIPA unequivocally forbids local governments from deciding zoning matters based on their dislike of certain religious groups,” said Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “The Department of Justice will not hesitate to file suit against jurisdictions that discriminate in land use matters on the basis of the applicants’ religious beliefs.”

    The lawsuit alleges that the City’s denial of the CUP imposed a substantial burden on Christ Church and was based on the community’s discriminatory animus against the Church. It also alleges that the City’s zoning code treats religious assembly use worse than nonreligious assembly use.  The lawsuit alleges violations of RLUIPA’s substantial burden, equal terms, and discrimination provisions.

    RLUIPA is a federal law that guards individuals and religious institutions from unduly burdensome, unequal, or discriminatory land use regulations. More information about RLUIPA and the department’s work can be found on the Place to Worship Initiative’s webpage.

    As part of this initiative, the department distributed a letter to state, county, and municipal leaders throughout the country to remind them of their obligations under RLUIPA, including its requirement that land use regulations treat religious assemblies and institutions at least as well as nonreligious assemblies and institutions.

    Individuals who believe they have been subjected to discrimination in land use or zoning decisions may contact the Civil Rights Division’s Housing and Civil Enforcement Section at (833) 591-0291 or may submit a complaint through the RLUIPA complaint portal. More information about RLUIPA, including questions and answers about the law and other documents, may be found at www.justice.gov/crt/about/hce/rluipaexplain.php.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: AG Labrador Secures Victory Against Swanky LLC for Deceptive Business Practices

    Source: US State of Idaho

    Home Newsroom AG Labrador Secures Victory Against Swanky LLC for Deceptive Business Practices

    BOISE — Attorney General Raúl Labrador announced a default judgment entered in April 2025 against Swanky LLC, doing business as Swanky Steel, and its operator, Justin Bussard, for deceptive business practices that harmed consumers from out of state attempting to buy products from an Idaho business. 
    The Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division filed a lawsuit in January 2025, alleging that Swanky LLC and Bussard accepted payments from consumers for custom-made vehicle parts but failed to deliver those products or issue refunds. The default judgment prohibits Bussard from operating any business involving custom-made vehicle parts or similar services unless he does so as an employee or agent under direct supervision.
    The judgment also orders restitution payments of $6,542.09 to affected consumers and imposes $10,000 in civil penalties.
    “This judgment ensures accountability for dishonest business practices and prevents further deceptive conduct which could ultimately harm Idaho families,” said Attorney General Labrador. “Our Consumer Protection Division works hard to uphold fairness in the marketplace and defend Idahoans from deceptive conduct.”
    Consumers who experience similar deceptive practices may file consumer complaints with the Consumer Protection Division. A complaint form is available here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Secretary Rubio testifies before the Senate Committee

    Source: United States of America – Department of State (video statements)

    Secretary of State Marco A. Rubio testifies before the Senate Committee on Appropriations, Subcommittee on State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs on the FY26 Department of State Budget Request on Capitol Hill, on May 20, 2025.

    ———-
    Under the leadership of the President and Secretary of State, the U.S. Department of State leads America’s foreign policy through diplomacy, advocacy, and assistance by advancing the interests of the American people, their safety and economic prosperity. On behalf of the American people we promote and demonstrate democratic values and advance a free, peaceful, and prosperous world.

    The Secretary of State, appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate, is the President’s chief foreign affairs adviser. The Secretary carries out the President’s foreign policies through the State Department, which includes the Foreign Service, Civil Service and U.S. Agency for International Development.

    Get updates from the U.S. Department of State at www.state.gov and on social media!
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/statedept
    X: https://x.com/StateDept
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    Flickr: https://flickr.com/photos/statephotos/
    Rumble: https://rumble.com/c/StateDept
    Substack: https://statedept.substack.com

    Watch on-demand State Department videos: https://video.state.gov/
    Subscribe to The Week at State e-newsletter: https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/USSTATEBPA/signup/32562

    State Department website: https://www.state.gov/
    Careers website: https://careers.state.gov/
    White House website: https://www.whitehouse.gov/
    Terms of Use: https://state.gov/tou

    #StateDepartment #DepartmentofState #Diplomacy

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oNwHFmIcqhg

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene Reintroduces the Protect Children’s Innocence Act in the 119th Congress

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene (GA, 14)

    Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene has reintroduced her landmark legislation, the Protect Children’s Innocence Act, a bold step to end the barbaric practice of so-called “gender-affirming care” for minors. This legislation, now designated as H.R. 3492, criminalizes genital mutilation, chemical castration, and all sex-change procedures performed on children.

    The Protect Children’s Innocence Act strengthens and codifies President Donald J. Trump’s executive order banning gender transition procedures for minors. Together, this legislation and the President’s action send a clear message: the federal government will no longer tolerate the abuse and exploitation of children by the radical gender ideology of the Left.

    “Left-wing activists and medical institutions are targeting America’s children with dangerous drugs, disfiguring surgeries, and permanent sterilization,” said Congresswoman Greene. “My bill stops the mutilation of kids and holds those responsible for performing or facilitating these barbaric procedures accountable.”

    The bill is scheduled to be marked up in the House Judiciary Committee at 10 AM tomorrow, a critical step toward bringing it to the House floor for a vote.

    When Congresswoman Greene first introduced this bill in 2022, she was joined by Chloe Cole, a courageous young woman who began “gender-affirming care” at age 13 and underwent a double mastectomy at 15. Chloe detransitioned at 16 and is now a vocal advocate for protecting vulnerable youth from irreversible harm. Watch Chloe’s powerful testimony here.

    What the Protect Children’s Innocence Act Does:

    • Criminalizes any attempt to perform or facilitate genital or bodily mutilation or chemical castration on a minor, with up to 10 years in federal prison and/or a significant fine.
    • Bans all puberty blockers and cross-sex hormone treatments for children.
    • Provides no exemption for mental health disorders as justification for these procedures.
    • Defines “chemical castration” and “genital or bodily mutilation” with detailed legal clarity.
    • Exempts children born with certain rare genetic conditions, or who are experiencing medical emergencies as certified by a physician.

    Cosponsors in the 119th Congress include: Crane, Finstad, Luna, Bice, Mary Miller, Crenshaw, McGuire, Kustoff, Biggs, Burlison, Tenney, Higgins, Brecheen, Nehls, Weber, Harris, Grothman, Hern, Collins, Ogles, Babin, Clyde, De La Cruz, Hageman, Owens, Palmer, Timmons, Norman, Max Miller, Steube, Jackson, Riley Moore, Comer, Gill, Baird, McDowell, Harshbarger, and Gooden.

    Supporting organizations include the American Principles Project, Citizens for Renewing America, CPAC, Gays Against Groomers, Independent Women, and Moms for Liberty.

    Read the full bill text here.

    Watch Chloe Cole’s testimony here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Ciscomani Questions VA Secretary Doug Collins about the Need to Strengthen Veteran Suicide Prevention Efforts and Prioritize Survivor’s Assistance within the VA

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Juan Ciscomani (Arizona)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Congressman Juan Ciscomani, who represents nearly 80,000 veterans in Arizona’s 6th Congressional District, questioned Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Secretary Doug Collins during an oversight hearing about the VA’s preliminary requested budget. 

    During the hearing, Ciscomani urged Secretary Collins to provide greater clarity about the status of Arizona’s Be Connected Program which aims to address suicide rates among Arizona’s veteran population.  

    Created in 2017, the Be Connected program finds ways for the VA to better partner with local stakeholders to prevent veteran suicide by providing resources, care, career navigation advice, connection coaching, financial assistance and more. This public-private partnership has been nationally recognized for its exceptional cross-sector collaboration and partnership to address the complex issue of suicide prevention.  

    The need for Be Connected arose after a troubling spike in veteran suicide rates between 2015-2016 following a scandal at the Phoenix VA, which was 3-4 times higher than the general population and nearly double the national rate for veterans. In his time in Congress, Ciscomani has repeatedly met with local stakeholders, his Veteran Advisory Council, the veteran community at large, and VA Secretaries from both the Biden and Trump administrations to find ways to reduce suicide rates and support our veterans. In January 2025, Ciscomani sent a letter to the VA advocating for the continued support of this critical program. 
    The congressman also praised Secretary Collins for moving the Office of Survivors Assistance (OSA) back within the Office of the VA Secretary, which is exactly what Ciscomani’s legislation, the Prioritizing Veterans’ Survivors Act (H.R. 1228), did. This ensures that surviving families of veterans receive the benefits and support they were promised and provide them a direct line to the Secretary, so their needs and concerns are prioritized program-wide at the very top of the VA. This legislation previously passed the House of Representatives on April 9, 2025 with unanimous support. 
    You can find the congressman’s entire line of questioning here. 

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: 10 consejos para abogar por sí mismo de la conferencia Breaking Barriers

    Source: US State of Oregon

    iembros de la comunidad de personas con discapacidades intelectuales y del desarrollo (I/DD) de Oregon se reunieron a finales de abril en la conferencia Breaking Barriers: Life Beyond Labels (Rompiendo Barreras: La Vida Más Allá de las Etiquetas). La Red de Apoyo a las Personas con Discapacidades de Oregon Central (CODSN, por sus siglas en inglés) organiza este evento anual en Redmond. La directora ejecutiva de la red, Dianna Hansen, afirmó: “Es importante que las familias, las personas con discapacidades, los proveedores de servicios y los educadores nos reunamos y aprendamos unos de otros”.

    Fui a la conferencia con compañeros de trabajo del Programa para Discapacidades Intelectuales y del Desarrollo (ODDS, por sus siglas en inglés). En la conferencia, disfrutamos de las presentaciones de 58 ponentes, que incluían personas que abogan por sí mismas, familiares, profesionales de la atención y otros aliados de la comunidad de personas con I/DD. Todos ellos compartieron sus experiencias en 32 sesiones. Setenta y cinco expositores mostraron sus productos en mesas de exposición. Doce de los expositores eran personas que abogan por sí mismas que vendían sus obras de arte.

    Hansen dijo que el evento alcanzó su capacidad máxima: ¡600 asistentes! Las cuatro palabras más utilizadas por los asistentes en sus evaluaciones para describir su experiencia fueron: motivados, conectados, emocionados e inspirados. Si desea asistir el año que viene, apunte la fecha: 21 de abril del 2026.

    Aquí hay 10 puntos clave de la conferencia:

    1. Las palabras importan.

    Ramonda Olaloye es la asistente del superintendente de la Oficina de Mejora de las Oportunidades Estudiantiles (Office of Enhancing Student Opportunities, OESO) del Departamento de Educación de Oregon. Ella abrió la conferencia con un discurso. Olaloye trabaja para crear un sistema educativo en el que todos los niños alcancen su máximo potencial.

    Olaloye habló sobre algunos retos del sistema de servicios para personas con I/DD. Ella tiene dos hijas. La menor tiene autismo. Un día, en la escuela, una maestra le preguntó: “¿Por qué no puedes ser como tu hermana mayor?”. Después de eso, Olaloye notó que su hija alteró su comportamiento en la escuela. Olaloye, quien se describe a sí misma como una “defensora feroz” de sus hijas, habló con la maestra. Reflexionando sobre esta experiencia, dijo:

    “Los educadores moldean las experiencias con sus palabras. Porque sus palabras — nuestras palabras — tienen peso. Nuestros hijos merecen ser reconocidos como individuos, no comparados ni menospreciados. Romper barreras significa cuestionar nuestra forma de comunicarnos, nuestras suposiciones y los sistemas que defendemos. Y eso empieza por ver a cada niño tal y como es, no como esperamos que sea”.

    2. Asume que todas las personas que conoces son competentes.

    Hansen me contó una experiencia similar. Su hija tiene síndrome de Down. Cuando salen a un restaurante, los meseros suelen ignorar a su hija y le preguntan a Hansen: “¿Qué quiere ella?”

    Su hija es estudiante de segundo año de gastronomía. Ella misma se cocina sus comidas. Se graduó de la escuela preparatoria con honores.

    La gente suele asumir que las personas con discapacidad intelectual o del desarrollo no pueden hablar por sí mismas. Hansen anima a todo el mundo a asumir que las personas son competentes. Este es uno de los principales valores que espera que la gente haya aprendido en la conferencia: “Dar esa dignidad a las personas — que son capaces de responder y tomar sus propias decisiones”.

    3. Olvidar el significado tradicional de independencia.

    La ponente principal, Alva Gardner, sugirió a los asistentes que reflexionaran con respecto a su concepto de independencia. “La independencia no siempre significa hacer todo por uno mismo”, afirmó. “Como sistema, debemos dejar de lado esa definición tradicional de independencia. Nadie vive una vida 100 % independiente de los demás el 100 % del tiempo. Todos dependemos de alguien de alguna manera a lo largo de nuestra vida”.

    Gardner se dedica a dar conferencias desde los 8 años. Dirige su propia empresa, The 4*3 Perspective LLC (enlace en inglés). Trabaja con organizaciones para llevar a cabo cambios sistémicos que apoyen a todas las personas, especialmente a aquellas con discapacidad. Fue la primera persona con una discapacidad del desarrollo en convertirse en instructora certificada en pensamiento centrado en la persona (PCT, por sus siglas en inglés).

    Gardner tiene parálisis cerebral. Habló sobre los apoyos que recibe. Trabaja con asistentes personales que le brindan el 100% de su cuidado personal. Los apoyos que utiliza le dan la libertad para hacer su vida diaria, cuidar a su familia y manejar su negocio. Preguntó a los asistentes qué tipo de apoyos utilizan en sus vidas: servicios de peluquería, transporte, cuidado de niños, visitas al médico, etc. A continuación, redefinió el concepto de independencia.

    “La independencia proviene de llevar una vida dirigida por uno mismo y utilizar los apoyos disponibles para lograrlo”, dijo. “En los cursos de capacitación sobre el enfoque centrado en la persona, pedimos a los participantes que identifiquen qué es importante para ellos y cómo desean recibir el mejor apoyo, y que sean muy específicos sobre cómo definen los apoyos para sí mismos. Como sistema, cuando se adopta un enfoque verdaderamente centrado en la persona, creo que debemos empezar por ser conscientes de cómo definen las personas la independencia para sí mismas. ¿Cómo es y qué significa la independencia para esa persona?”.

    4. Enseñar a abogar por uno mismo desde una edad temprana.

    Ambos ponentes principales animaron a los padres a enseñar a sus hijos a ser independientes y a abogar por sí mismos.

    Olaloye le asignó a su hija roles apropiados para su edad en sus reuniones de Planificación de Apoyo Individual (ISP, por sus siglas en inglés). Esta es una reunión en la que las personas planifican sus servicios y apoyos cada año. En la escuela primaria, su hija participó en una conversación sobre el paso de la enseñanza individualizada a un salón de clases en el que un asistente ayudaba a toda la clase. Olaloye ha estado utilizando el proceso ISP para ayudar a su hija a aprender a expresar sus necesidades. A medida que su hija ha ido creciendo, le ha dado un papel más importante en las reuniones del ISP. Ahora, en segundo año de preparatoria, la hija de Olaloye está preparada para manejar sus propios apoyos cuando vaya a la universidad.

    5. Hacer que abogar por usted mismo sea más fácil. Para ello, es necesario prepararse.

    Gardner habló sobre el reto que significa abogar por uno mismo constantemente: “Tener que compartir nuestras preferencias con todos los diferentes profesionales de apoyo directo, administradores de casos, asistentes de cuidado personal, etc., que entran y salen de nuestras vidas… Es increíblemente agotador y, francamente, aburrido. No quiero tener que repetir lo mismo una y otra vez. Tengo cosas mejores que hacer”.

    Una de las formas en que ella aliviana esta carga es creando descripciones de una página para cada aspecto de su vida. Tiene versiones diferentes para su hogar, su trabajo y otras situaciones. En ellas, describe los apoyos que necesita y que prefiere, y lo que es importante para ella sobre ese aspecto de su vida. Ella dice que hacer esto “es especialmente importante cuando está aprendiendo cuáles son esas preferencias y deseos y cómo comunicarlos por primera vez”. Recomienda actualizar esta información al ir cambiando sus necesidades.

    6. Utilizar la nueva Guía de Autodefensa para los Servicios de Discapacidades Intelectuales y del Desarrollo (I/DD) para ayudarle a planificar sus servicios.

    ODDS y la Coalición de Autodefensa de Oregon (Oregon Self-Advocacy Coalition, OSAC por sus siglas en inglés) compartieron una nueva herramienta: la Guía de Autodefensa para los Servicios de Discapacidades Intelectuales y del Desarrollo. La crearon para que la planificación sea más fácil.

    La guía es un libro de trabajo. Guía a las personas que abogan por sí mismas a través del proceso de planificación de servicios. Hace preguntas para ayudar a las personas a comunicar sus deseos, sus necesidades y sus objetivos. Ayuda a las personas a ser los líderes de su planificación de servicios.

    La directora ejecutiva de OSAC, Gabrielle Guedon, se refirió al proceso de planificación: “Se trata de pensar en lo que realmente quiere o no quiere en su vida. Estamos cambiando todo el tiempo. Cada año usted tiene una oportunidad para cambiar. Sé que es un proceso difícil por el cual tenemos que pasar pero hay oportunidades para incluir lo que quiere y lo que no quiere. Sea honesto y sea claro.”

    Puede encontrar la guía en el sitio web de ODDS. La puede descargar. Está disponible en varios idiomas. Los padres, los parientes y los administradores de casos también pueden utilizar la guía para mejorar su apoyo para las personas que abogan por sí mismas.

    7. No dejar que los “bullies” lo detengan para buscar lograr sus metas y sueños.

    Felicity Woods, una persona que aboga por sí misma y que es miembro de la junta directiva de la CODSN, también habló sobre la Guía de Autodefensa. Woods compartió cómo algunas personas en su escuela no entendían bien la discapacidad. Ella, al igual que muchos niños con discapacidades intelectuales y del desarrollo (I/DD), sufrió “bullying” en la escuela primaria. Dijo que aprender a compartir nuestra historia – los éxitos y las barreras que uno enfrenta – es una parte importante de abogar por uno mismo. Ella anima a las personas a utilizar la Guía de Autodefensa.

    “Quiero hacer mis propias elecciones y decisiones sobre lo que yo quiero,” Woods dijo. “Depende de ti y de mí, como individuos, elegir lo que queremos.”

    Hablando de los “bullies”, Guedon agregó, “No dejes que una mala experiencia te detenga. Haz que te motive.”

    8. Ayudar a organizar a otras personas que abogan por sí mismas.

    Felicity Woods y Jordan Ohlde son miembros de High Desert Self Advocacy (la Autodefensa de High Desert). Este es un grupo de pares de las personas que abogan por sí mismas en el área de Bend/Redmond. Ellos presentaron “Creciendo con Fortaleza y Listos para Prosperar”. Ryley Newport, un empleado del ODDS, se les unió. Hablaron sobre cómo ampliar y fortalecer la autodefensa. Para lograr esto, High Desert Self Advocacy creó un plan de Planificación de un Mañana Alternativo con Esperanza (Planning Alternative Tomorrows with Hope, PATH por sus siglas en inglés – enlace en inglés).

    PATH es una herramienta para la planificación creativa. Dos facilitadores capacitados de ODDS guiaron al grupo a través del proceso de PATH. Utilizaron los gráficos y la discusión para ayudar al grupo a visualizar su futuro. Luego, iniciando desde esa visión, trabajaron hacia atrás para crear un plan que los ayudara a alcanzar sus metas.

    Como resultado, High Desert Self Advocacy habló en Rompiendo Barreras. También estarán en la capital del Estado de Oregon el 12 de junio para abogar por los derechos de las personas con discapacidades. Tendrán una presentación en la Convención de Autodefensa de The Arc Oregon (enlace en inglés) esa misma semana.

    Woods y Ohlde animaron a las personas que abogan por sí mismas a comunicarse con ellos en High Desert Self Advocacy. Quieren ayudar a sus pares a formar grupos de autodefensa en todo el estado. Conéctese con ellos a través de su página de Facebook (enlace en inglés).

    9. Ser un ejemplo de accesibilidad.

    CODSN fue un ejemplo de accesibilidad en la conferencia. Hansen dijo que CODSN hizo que la conferencia fuera accesible para las personas de todos los niveles económicos. CODSN les dio becas a 176 personas que abogan por sí mismas y a 130 familias. También hicieron que el lugar fuera físicamente accesible para todos. Una habitación sensorial les dio a las personas un espacio libre del ruido y de la gente. Una habitación para cambiarse les dio a los asistentes un lugar privado para sus cuidados personales.

    La conferencia también fue un ejemplo de cómo brindarle acceso al idioma a las personas que hablan español. Los intérpretes Isabel Ramirez y Joy Christian, un equipo de Grapevine Aliados, brindaron interpretación en español y en inglés para las últimas tres conferencias. Dijeron que la conferencia ofrece una serie completa de sesiones en español. Los asistentes pueden inscribirse en el programa en español cuando se registran. También pueden pedir la interpretación en español para las sesiones en inglés.

    10. La autodefensa nunca se detiene.

    El autodefensor Jordan Ohlde fue una de las ocho personas que demandaron al Departamento de Transporte de Oregon. Querían que un cruce peatonal en su vecindario fuera accesible para todos, incluyendo las personas que utilizan silla de ruedas. Les tomó tiempo y perseverancia, pero al final, ganaron. Ahora, la calle es accesible para todos.

    “La autodefensa no se detiene. Siempre hay un lugar nuevo dónde iniciar o un camino nuevo para tomar. Su trabajo nunca termina,” Ohlde dijo. “A muchos niños se les dice que su voz no importa cuando, realmente, su voz sí importa. Solamente tiene que descubrir por qué es importante para usted.”

    Próximas conferencias sobre la autodefensa en Oregon

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Action Taken on Legislation by Governor Phil Scott – May 20, 2025

    Source: US State of Vermont

    Montpelier, Vt. – Governor Phil Scott announced action on the following bill, passed by the General Assembly.

    On May 20, Governor Scott signed a bill of the following title:

    • H.27, An act relating to the Domestic Violence Fatality Review Commission

    To view a complete list of action on bills passed during the 2025 legislative session, click here.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Cipher Mining Announces Proposed Convertible Senior Notes Offering and Proposed Hedging Transaction to Place Borrowed Common Stock

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, May 20, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Cipher Mining Inc. (NASDAQ: CIFR) (“Cipher” or the “Company”) today announced its intention to offer, subject to market and other conditions, $150,000,000 aggregate principal amount of convertible senior notes due 2030 (the “notes”) in a public offering registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. Cipher also expects to grant the underwriters of the notes offering an option to purchase up to an additional $22,500,000 aggregate principal amount of notes solely to cover over-allotments. Morgan Stanley is acting as the sole bookrunning manager for the offering.

    The notes will be senior, unsecured obligations of Cipher, will accrue interest payable semiannually in arrears and will mature on May 15, 2030, unless earlier repurchased, redeemed or converted. Noteholders will have the right to convert their notes in certain circumstances and during specified periods. Cipher will settle conversions by paying or delivering, as applicable, cash, shares of its common stock, par value $0.001 per share (“common stock”), or a combination of cash and shares of its common stock, at Cipher’s election.

    The notes will be redeemable, in whole or in part (subject to certain limitations), for cash at Cipher’s option at any time, and from time to time, on or after May 22, 2028 and on or before the 30th scheduled trading day immediately before the maturity date, but only if the last reported sale price per share of Cipher’s common stock exceeds 130% of the conversion price for a specified period of time. The redemption price will be equal to the principal amount of the notes to be redeemed, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to, but excluding, the redemption date.

    If certain corporate events that constitute a “fundamental change” occur, then, subject to a limited exception, noteholders may require Cipher to repurchase their notes for cash. The repurchase price will be equal to the principal amount of the notes to be repurchased, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to, but excluding, the applicable repurchase date. In addition, unless Cipher has previously called all outstanding notes for redemption, noteholders may at their option require Cipher to repurchase their notes for cash on May 15, 2028 at a repurchase price equal to the principal amount of the notes to be repurchased, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to, but excluding, the repurchase date.

    The interest rate, initial conversion rate and other terms of the notes will be determined at the pricing of the offering.

    Cipher intends to use the net proceeds from the offering to complete Phase 1 of the Black Pearl data center project (“Phase 1”), including: (i) purchasing at a discount the remaining balance of mining rigs required for Phase 1; (ii) paying expected tariffs and shipping costs for the mining rigs to be used for Phase 1; and (iii) paying other infrastructure-related capital expenditures in connection with Phase 1, and for general corporate purposes. On May 16, 2025, the Company, through its wholly-owned subsidiaries Cipher Mining Infrastructure LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, and Cipher Black Pearl LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, entered into an Amendment Agreement and Deed of Novation to the Future Sales and Purchase Agreement (the “2025 Amendment”) with Bitmain Technologies Delaware Limited, which amends the Company’s existing Future Sales and Purchase Agreement, dated December 16, 2023, as amended by the Supplemental Agreement, dated June 5, 2024, the Amendment Agreement, dated July 10, 2024 and the Notice of Exercise dated February 5, 2025 (together, the “Original Agreement”). The Original Agreement has been amended to include an updated delivery schedule that allows for rig delivery by June 23, 2025. Through such amendment, the Company aims to accelerate its rig deployment timeline and offset a portion of the expected tariffs. The Company also received a 10% reduction in cost in exchange for the Company’s early payment of the remaining balance outstanding under the Original Agreement. The amendment also provides the Company with additional incremental value from BTC-linked call options.

    Concurrently with the offering of the notes, Cipher also announced that Morgan Stanley, acting on behalf of itself and/or its affiliates, intends to offer, in a separate, underwritten offering, a number of shares of Cipher’s common stock borrowed from third parties (the “concurrent delta offering”), to facilitate hedging transactions (whether physical and/or through derivatives) by some of the purchasers of the notes. The number of shares of Cipher’s common stock subject to the concurrent delta offering will be determined at the time of pricing of the concurrent delta offering, and is expected to be no greater than commercially reasonable initial short positions of such hedging investors in the notes. The completion of the offering of the notes is contingent on the completion of the concurrent delta offering, and the completion of the concurrent delta offering is contingent on the completion of the offering of the notes.

    The offering of the notes and the concurrent delta offering are being made pursuant to an effective shelf registration statement on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). Each of the offering of the notes and the concurrent delta offering will be made only by means of a prospectus supplement and an accompanying prospectus. Before you invest, you should read the respective prospectus supplements and the accompanying prospectus and other documents that the Company has filed with the SEC for more complete information about the Company and the offering. Electronic copies of the respective preliminary prospectus supplements, together with the accompanying prospectus, will be available on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. Alternatively, copies of the respective preliminary prospectus supplements, together with the accompanying prospectus, can be obtained, when available, by contacting: Morgan Stanley, 180 Varick Street, 2nd Floor, New York, New York 10014, Attention: Prospectus Department.

    This press release does not constitute an offer to sell, or the solicitation of an offer to buy, any securities referred to in this press release, nor will there be any sale of any such securities in any state or other jurisdiction in which such offer, sale or solicitation would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of such state or jurisdiction.

    J. Wood Capital Advisors LLC acted as financial advisor to the Company.

    About Cipher

    Cipher is focused on the development and operation of industrial-scale data centers for bitcoin mining and HPC hosting. Cipher aims to be a market leader in innovation, including in bitcoin mining growth, data center construction and as a hosting partner to the world’s largest HPC companies. To learn more about Cipher, please visit https://www.ciphermining.com/.

    Forward Looking Statements

    This press release contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws of the United States. The Company intends such forward-looking statements to be covered by the safe harbor provisions for forward-looking statements contained in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and includes this statement for purposes of complying with these safe harbor provisions. Any statements made in this press release that are not statements of historical fact, such as, statements about the terms and completion of the notes offering and the concurrent delta offering, the use of proceeds from the notes offering, the effect of the hedging activities related to the notes offering on the market price of our shares of common stock, our beliefs and expectations regarding our future results of operations and financial position, planned business model and strategy, our bitcoin mining and HPC data center development, timing and likelihood of success, capacity, functionality and timing of operation of data centers, expectations regarding the operations of data centers, potential strategic initiatives, such as joint ventures and partnerships, and management plans and objectives, are forward-looking statements and should be evaluated as such. These forward-looking statements generally are identified by the words “may,” “will,” “should,” “expects,” “plans,” “anticipates,” “could,” “seeks,” “intends,” “targets,” “projects,” “contemplates,” “believes,” “estimates,” “strategy,” “future,” “forecasts,” “opportunity,” “predicts,” “potential,” “would,” “will likely result,” “continue,” and similar expressions (including the negative versions of such words or expressions).

    These forward-looking statements are based upon estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by Cipher and our management, are inherently uncertain. Such forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties, and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward looking statements. New risks and uncertainties may emerge from time to time, and it is not possible to predict all risks and uncertainties. Many factors could cause actual future events to differ materially from the forward-looking statements in this press release, including but not limited to: volatility in the price of Cipher’s securities due to a variety of factors, including changes in the competitive and regulated industry in which Cipher operates, Cipher’s evolving business model and strategy and efforts we may make to modify aspects of our business model or engage in various strategic initiatives, variations in performance across competitors, changes in laws and regulations affecting Cipher’s business, and the ability to implement business plans, forecasts, and other expectations and to identify and realize additional opportunities. The foregoing list of factors is not exhaustive. You should carefully consider the foregoing factors and the other risks and uncertainties described in the “Risk Factors” section of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on February 25, 2025, and in Cipher’s subsequent filings with the SEC. These filings identify and address other important risks and uncertainties that could cause actual events and results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made. Readers are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking statements, and Cipher assumes no obligation and, except as required by law, does not intend to update or revise these forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

    Contacts:
    Investor Contact:
    Courtney Knight
    Head of Investor Relations at Cipher Mining
    courtney.knight@ciphermining.com

    Media Contact:
    Ryan Dicovitsky / Kendal Till
    Dukas Linden Public Relations
    CipherMining@DLPR.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Crapo Statement at IRS Commissioner Nomination Hearing

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Idaho Mike Crapo
    Washington, D.C.–U.S. Senate Finance Committee Chairman Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) delivered the following remarks at a hearing to consider the nomination of Billy Long to be Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Commissioner.
    As prepared for delivery:
    “Today, we will hear from Congressman Billy Long, who is nominated to serve as Commissioner of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). 
    “Congressman Long, congratulations on your nomination, and thank you for your willingness to serve in government again.
    “The IRS is responsible for helping American taxpayers understand and meet their tax responsibilities, and to enforce the law with integrity and fairness to all. 
    “As outlined in the Internal Revenue Code, the Commissioner’s job is to oversee tax administration for the federal government, enforce tax laws and ensure compliance while balancing taxpayer service, fairness and efficiency.
    “In recent years, these needs have not been sufficiently balanced, and the IRS has suffered from many problems and missteps.  Perhaps that is why Americans consistently rate it as one of the least favorable federal agencies, notwithstanding the fact that nearly all Americans must interact with it.
    “We hear time and time again about IRS efforts to improve taxpayer services, boost employee morale and modernize outdated systems.  The last Administration dedicated billions of dollars of extra funding to this end, but actual improvement at the IRS ran short. 
    “This is in no small part due to the outsized emphasis on increased funding for enforcement, which dwarfed funding for IT modernization and customer service improvements.
    “Further, the IRS diverted resources and attention to duplicative and unnecessary side projects, such as when the IRS circumvented Congress to create the unauthorized Direct File program.  The Trump Administration is rightly calling for a reexamination of this program as part of its broader goal to eliminate wasteful spending at the IRS. 
    “While critics argue that fiscal prudence at the IRS harms tax collection, in fact, the opposite has proven to be true.  For example, concerns that tax receipts would be down this year.
    “Individual income and payroll tax receipts are $120 billion higher this year than last year and statistically in line with projections made by the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) in January 2025.
    “Agency improvements do not require tens of billions of dollars in additional funding, but better prioritization and execution.  Modernization could also enable the IRS to become more efficient, reducing its annual funding needs. 
    “With the IRS on a healthier spending glide path, and a renewed focus toward efficiently serving taxpayers, it is now time for the next IRS Commissioner to prioritize taxpayers. 
    “My conversations with Congressman Long assured me that, once confirmed, he will focus on improving taxpayer services, enforcing our tax laws with fairness for all and ensuring resources are optimally allocated.
    “President Trump called Congressman Long the ‘consummate people person.’  Congressman Long is very clear that he will make himself available to all IRS employees, no matter their seniority.  Moreover, he wants to implement a top-down culture change at the agency.  This sea change will benefit American taxpayers, who too often view the IRS as foe, rather than friend.
    “Congressman Long knows, from years of experience in the House, that to be a successful Commissioner, he must be a valuable partner in Congress’ efforts to ensure that new tax legislation is implemented and administered as Congress intends it to be.  I am also confident that he will be fully transparent and responsive to Congress and the American people.
    “Before concluding, I would be remiss if I did not thank Mr. Faulkender for his time spent as Acting Commissioner.  We want him to return to the job he was confirmed to do, as we now turn to hear from Congressman Long.
    “American taxpayers want a change agent to helm the IRS.  Congressman Billy Long fits this description and is well-suited to lead the IRS at this moment in time.
    “Congressman Long, thank you again for your willingness to return to government, and I look forward to working with you, if confirmed.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Video: President Trump Makes an Announcement with the Secretary of Defense

    Source: United States of America – The White House (video statements)

    The White House

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HnwhfL35z6I

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Preakness Stakes 2025

    Source: United States Department of Defense (video statements)

    —————
    #ICYMI: We had the opportunity to attend the 150th #PreaknessStakes at the Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore. From flyovers to carrying the Woodlawn Vase, service members from across the armed forces showed up to support the day’s events.

    #military #usa #departmentofdefense

    For more on the Department of Defense, visit: http://www.defense.gov
    —————
    Keep up with the Department of Defense on social media!

    Like the DoD on Facebook: http://facebook.com/DeptofDefense
    Follow the DoD on Twitter: http://twitter.com/DeptofDefense
    Follow the DoD on Instagram: http://instagram.com/DeptofDefense
    Follow the DoD on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/DeptofDefense

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uWJgv7-8k3A

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Bean Encourages Otto Aviation to Bring Innovation to Northeast Florida

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Aaron Bean Florida (4th District)

    WASHINGTON—Today, U.S. Congressman Aaron Bean (FL-04) is calling on Otto Aviation, a pioneer in revolutionary aircraft design, to consider Cecil Airport in Jacksonville, Florida, as its next home for expansion and development. 

    Congressman Bean said, “There’s no better place for Otto Aviation’s headquarters and manufacturing facility than Jacksonville, Florida, where our nation’s brightest engineering minds are pushing the boundaries of aerospace innovation. From Cecil Airport and world-class infrastructure to a top-tier workforce and thriving business-friendly climate, our city is perfectly positioned to help Otto Aviation reach its goals and drive economic growth. The First Coast isn’t just a location—it’s an aviation powerhouse waiting for takeoff.” 

    ADDITIONAL INFORMATION 

    According to the Jacksonville Daily Record, Otto Aviation is a Texas-based aviation startup that is considering building a passenger plane manufacturing and production facility at Cecil Airport. 

    Otto Aviation’s expansion into Jacksonville represents a major investment in our economy, with plans to inject $430 million into the region while creating 400 high-paying jobs with an average salary of $90,000 by 2031. This groundbreaking project would not only strengthen Jacksonville’s position as a hub for aerospace innovation but also set the stage for long-term economic growth, as Otto Aviation projects expanding its workforce to 1,200 jobs by 2040.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Reps. Brad Sherman & Judy Chu Host Congressional Roundtable on Fire Recovery with Los Angeles County Leaders

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Brad Sherman (D-CA)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congressman Brad Sherman (CA-32) and Congresswoman Judy Chu (CA-28) hosted a roundtable with California Members of Congress and Los Angeles County officials to discuss ongoing recovery efforts following January’s devastating Palisades and Eaton Fires. Together, these fires scorched more than 37,000 acres, destroyed over 13,000 homes, displaced tens of thousands of residents, and claimed 30 lives.                   

    The discussion offered an opportunity for the Members to hear directly from Los Angeles County leaders, including Supervisor Kathryn Barger, Chair of the Board and Supervisor for Altadena and Pasadena, about the ongoing challenges facing fire-impacted communities and the work being done to ensure communities can rebuild swiftly and safely. 

    During the roundtable, Members and LA County officials discussed the status of ongoing debris removal and mitigation, soil testing and remediation, utility restoration, social and medical services, and housing solutions for disaster victims.

    After the roundtable, Representatives Sherman and Chu released the following joint statement: “In response to the many challenges our communities face following the Los Angeles fires, we were grateful to host today’s roundtable to discuss solutions with LA County officials leading recovery efforts on the ground and advocate for the urgent support our communities need to rebuild.”

    The Members also emphasized the need to protect the federal agencies carrying out disaster recovery operations for their communities from the Trump administration’s mass layoffs of federal workers, including the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the Small Business Administration, the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), and AmeriCorps. 

    Lastly, the Members emphasized their commitment to securing additional federal disaster funding in Congress so that California disaster victims have the resources they need to rebuild their homes, businesses, and communities — just as Congress has done after every other major disaster across the country.

    Representatives Sherman and Chu concluded: “We have both consistently voted for disaster aid to Republican-led states regardless of whether we strongly disagreed with their policies, because disasters have no political affiliation. Our constituents have demonstrated so much strength and resolve throughout the course of this catastrophe, and they urgently need and deserve additional federal resources to rebuild their lives. Disaster relief is not and should never be a partisan issue, and we will continue to work with Congressional leadership and President Trump to deliver relief to our communities. Far too many families are still living in uncertainty as we work to rebuild after the fires. We are committed to working alongside our local partners to deliver every possible resource to help our communities recover.”

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Plastics Dialogue sharpens focus on transparency and standards

    Source: WTO

    Headline: Plastics Dialogue sharpens focus on transparency and standards

    Barbados and Morocco delivered opening remarks on behalf of the co-coordinators. They highlighted the successful midterm review in April of the DPP’s work in 2025 and underscored the importance of delving deeper into each focus area to advance potential outcomes. They noted co-sponsors’ interest in the ongoing global efforts to reduce plastics pollution, particularly the negotiations led by the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee under the United Nations, which is scheduled to hold its next round of talks in August 2025 in Geneva.
    The co-coordinators reported on the productive discussions held during a workshop for Latin America and the Caribbean on 16 May, highlighting the DPP initiative’s continued efforts to incorporate regional perspectives and to hear from smaller delegations. The first region-focused workshop, held alongside the April DPP meeting, had centred on Africa.
    They noted that regional experts underscored the importance of boosting trade and strengthening institutional regulatory capacities to address plastics pollution. The workshop emphasized strong support for small businesses, calling for technical assistance and financial incentives to help them participate in a more sustainable economy.
    Participants also highlighted the need to promote locally sourced, sustainable substitutes — such as banana peel, bamboo and sugarcane byproducts — alongside green finance mechanisms, while considering consumer awareness of non-plastic substitutes and cultural preferences for certain alternative materials. The discussion further stressed the value of enhanced regional cooperation and a unified regulatory approach to single-use plastics, with platforms such as Mercosur (Southern Common Market) and ALADI (Latin American Integration Association) identified as key avenues for regulatory cooperation and aligning standards. 
    Switzerland and China facilitated thematic discussions on the two focus areas. On the first topic — enhancing cooperation on applicable standards for non-plastic substitutes and alternatives — members heard from a diverse range of institutions and companies. The Codex Alimentarius Committee under the UN Food and Agriculture Organization presented its work on food packaging standards for traded goods, with a focus on food safety.
    Representatives from companies and associations in Peru, the Philippines and the Netherlands shared their experiences and challenges in navigating domestic and international regulations while using nature-compatible and biodegradable materials to replace single-use plastics. The United States also provided a debrief on recent discussions in the WTO Committee on Technical Barriers to Trade, which explored domestic practices and the potential negative impacts of changes to food packaging regulations. The importance of cross-committee collaboration between the DPP and other WTO bodies was underscored.
    Participants expressed a shared commitment to addressing plastics pollution through the DPP, while cautioning against duplicating the work of existing WTO committees and international standard-setting organizations. Several emphasized the importance of the DPP focusing on its unique contributions — such as facilitating information exchange, sharing domestic experiences, and examining the commercial, environmental and safety dimensions of non-plastic alternatives. Many also underscored the need for international cooperation, the harmonization of standards and certification schemes, and equitable access to sustainable solutions, particularly for developing economies.
    On the second topic — enhancing transparency of trade flows of plastics — members received an update from the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR), which presented its work on developing statistical guidelines for measuring plastic flows throughout the life cycle. The European Union’s Joint Research Centre also gave a presentation on the bloc’s evolving policy landscape and its strengthened measures to track material flows of plastics across its value chain.
    Participants welcomed the guidelines as useful tools for monitoring the trade flow of goods with embedded plastics, as well as single-use plastic items. They encouraged broader knowledge sharing to include guidelines developed by other organizations and called for greater support to developing and least-developed members in building capacity for data collection.
    In conclusion, Australia thanked members and stakeholders for their inputs, emphasizing that transparency is a critical step toward effective policy design. It noted that the discussions underscored the potential of non-plastic substitutes and alternative materials, while also acknowledging the remaining challenges.
    Co-coordinators will provide updates on the next steps following further consultations.
    More
    DPP co-sponsors have identified eight areas for achieving possible outcomes at MC14. The remaining six areas include: supporting ongoing multilateral negotiations under the United Nations to reduce plastics pollution; exploring strategies to harmonize trade-related measures for single-use plastics; identifying best practices; improving access to relevant technologies and services; building capacity for developing members; and considering the potential development of domestic inventories of trade-related plastic measures.
    Launched in November 2020 by a group of WTO members, the Dialogue on Plastics Pollution currently consists of 83 co-sponsors, representing almost 90 per cent of global trade in plastics.

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    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: 2025 State of Small Business Survey: Surge in AI, cybersecurity and social media demand

    Source: Verizon

    Headline: 2025 State of Small Business Survey: Surge in AI, cybersecurity and social media demand

    What you need to know:

    • Nearly half (47%) of SMBs updated their cybersecurity solutions to further protect their business. More than a third (38%) are actively using AI across multiple business functions, such as data analysis, marketing and customer service.
    • Over 56% of SMBs believe AI can help address issues with employee management and overall employee headcount.
    • 3 in 4 (76%) of SMBs agree that social media positively impacts their business performance.
    • But more than half (54%) of SMBs struggle to keep online content fresh and stay up to date with social media trends.

    NEW YORK, NY – Verizon Business today announced the findings of its sixth annual State of Small Business Survey, conducted by Morning Consult. The report shows small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) are aggressively adopting technology to drive market growth and operational efficiency. The surge is fueled by increasingly accessible artificial intelligence (AI) and content creation tools, empowering SMBs to expand their marketing and sales capabilities and reach new markets.

    Social media is a critical driver, with 58% of SMBs now on TikTok, while 38% are actively integrating AI into their operations. This isn’t just a trend; it’s a fundamental transformation of how SMBs compete and thrive in the modern digital economy.

    “Small business owners are entering a new chapter of digital business with the rise of AI,” said Aparna Khurjekar, Chief Revenue Officer, Business Markets and SaaS, Verizon Business. “At Verizon, we are committed to supporting our SMB community in navigating their business through the latest technology to help deliver growth and protect their assets from emerging cyber threats.”

    Based on responses from 600 SMBs in the United States, the State of Small Business Survey identified the following key findings and insights:

    • Upgrading technology solutions for new ways of doing business. In the last year, almost half of small businesses (47%) implemented new technology platforms to bolster security for their increasingly digital operations. Social media continues to be a leading customer engagement tool among SMBs, with more than three in five decision-makers either launching content creation initiatives or increasing their investment in content creation during the past year.
    • AI adoption spreads in new ways. Today, 38% of SMBs are leveraging AI in one capacity or another. More than a quarter (28%) are using AI for marketing and social media, while 24% are using the technology for written communications. Nearly a quarter use AI to power digital personal assistants that can help them with customer service. Another 25% are using AI to boost their cybersecurity efforts. Meanwhile, SMBs are exploring AI for employee recruitment and retention, with 56% believing AI can help their business offset any pain points caused by reduced or frozen headcount and another 53% believing AI can help the business retain current staff.
    • SMBs turn to AI to help with employee management strategies. While more than two-thirds of decision makers surveyed believe employees need to be in-person for the business to function, they are turning to AI for support in navigating this new workforce. Nineteen percent (19%) of SMBs are using AI for recruitment and talent sourcing, and 56% believe AI can help their business offset any pain points caused by reduced or frozen headcount. More than half (53%) believe AI can help the business retain current staff.
    • Growing importance of cybersecurity. More than half of SMBs (52%) acknowledge that business growth likely increases the threat of cyberattacks on their business. Nearly half of the respondents (47%) invested in technologies to improve cybersecurity in the last year. A quarter of SMBs don’t believe their business is investing enough.
    • Content for social media continues to be king. Over the past year, SMBs have leaned heavily on social media as one of their leading customer outreach tactics. Facebook remains the number one most popular platform for these businesses, and 76% agree that social media positively impacts their business. A whopping 58% of them are on TikTok.

    As technology continues to evolve and become increasingly more accessible, many SMBs understand the vital importance of embracing the role of technology to grow and protect their business in this new era of digital transformation through AI.

    Visit our website to view the complete survey findings.

    For more information on Verizon’s Small Business Solutions, visit https://www.verizon.com/business/solutions/small-business/.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Members discuss possible cotton breakthrough ahead of MC14, World Cotton Day 2025

    Source: WTO

    Headline: Members discuss possible cotton breakthrough ahead of MC14, World Cotton Day 2025

    Deputy Director-General Jean-Marie Paugam, who chaired the 43rd Round of Consultations of the Director-General’s Consultative Framework Mechanism for Cotton (DGCFMC), drew members’ attention to the latest meeting of the Steering Committee of the “Partenariat pour le Coton” initiative, which built on a series of national consultations held last year in the Cotton 4+ countries (Benin, Burkina Faso, Chad, Mali and Côte d’Ivoire).
    The meeting took place at the headquarters of the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) in Cairo on 28-29 April. Important suggestions were made regarding advancing the cotton development agenda in the C-4+ countries, and there was productive discussion on available financing options, including concrete proposals to support the cotton-textile-clothing value chain.
    DDG Paugam stressed that, while it has been projected that US$ 5 billion could be unlocked over the next 10 years under the framework of the “Partenariat pour le Coton”, this would require the C-4+ to act as the driving force and to adopt a regional approach to attract and sustain investment.
    A study published in June 2024 highlights the potential of processing 25 per cent of C4+ cotton locally. Although this would require an investment of around US$ 5 billion in facilities and workforce training, it could create 500,000 jobs, especially for women and youth, and would significantly enhance value addition within the region.
    Acknowledging previous concerns about implementation, transparency, and commitment to the Evolving Table on Cotton Development Assistance, DDG Paugam called for a dedicated meeting with donors to explore ways to enhance the effectiveness and impact of this tool. The Evolving Table contains project updates by a number of WTO members and by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).
    Chad, the FAO and the International Trade Centre (ITC) jointly announced that the 2025 World Cotton Day will take place on 7 October in Rome, which will coincide with the 80th anniversary of the FAO. The event aims to boost visibility and promote investment in African cotton through the work of the “Partenariat pour le Coton”, as well as to encourage discussion of climate challenges to cotton.
    Afreximbank reiterated the importance of a harmonized project submission template for standardization, transparency, collaboration and monitoring of C4+ cotton projects and proposed joint financing initiatives, shared knowledge platforms, capacity-building, risk mitigation strategies and policy advocacy.
    Members took the floor to share their experiences of activities within the framework of South-South cooperation. They also expressed support for the cotton industry, focusing on job creation, economic diversification, de-risking investments, tailored cooperation, regional strategies and enabling environments. Delegations also discussed industrialization, global value chain integration, investment clarity and progress on regional development projects in the context of the cotton industry.
    On emerging challenges, members learned about the latest developments in cotton-producing countries, as well as new challenges facing the cotton sector in C-4+ countries. The International Cotton Advisory Committee (ICAC) shared a presentation about water use in cotton cultivation, which explained that it is a misconception that cotton – a semi-desert crop – requires large quantities of water for cultivation. Nevertheless, ICAC cautioned that climate change is affecting rainfall patterns, and that this is a matter of concern for cotton cultivation.
    The DGCFMC also outlined key next steps. A technical online seminar on second-hand and recycling of clothing by Côte d’Ivoire is scheduled for 19 June. Other members were encouraged to coordinate with the WTO Secretariat to propose similar initiatives. A harmonized “Partenariat pour le Coton” project submission template will be created to enable C-4+ countries to present priority projects at an upcoming technical workshop. The WTO will support monitoring, evaluation and engagement with development agencies. Meanwhile, FIFA’s Football for Schools programme will encourage the use of C-4+ cotton for apparel, to produce T-shirts and polo shirts in West Africa and distribute these items globally by the end of 2025.
    In conclusion, DDG Paugam underscored the need to sustain and build on the current momentum surrounding cotton, especially given that MC14 is approaching. Progress made, consolidated synergies and promising prospects ahead call for redoubling efforts, he said.
    Ambassador Hussain, who facilitated the discussion on addressing the trade aspects of cotton, gave an update on his consultations with members on the way forward for agriculture negotiations, focusing on cotton.
    He noted that the C-4+ countries and other members had stressed the importance of cotton within the agricultural negotiations, and that members had highlighted the need to make significant progress on this issue at MC14, as this would resonate positively in Africa and benefit the WTO as a whole.
    The C-4+ Group also suggested the possibility of decoupling cotton negotiations from the broader agriculture package to facilitate reaching a standalone decision on cotton at MC14. The Group, along with several other developing members, emphasized the importance of adhering to past ministerial decisions and called for progress to be made to reduce cotton-specific trade-distorting domestic support.
    Ambassador Hussain urged members to engage actively in open dialogue, express their concerns clearly, and work together to bridge differences. He proposed to convene a “cotton quad plus” meeting in the coming weeks to facilitate honest and concrete discussions. The “cotton quad plus” forum involves the C-4+ countries and several major cotton players, including Australia, China, Brazil, the European Union, India, Pakistan and the United States.
    The ICAC also provided an overview of the global cotton market for the 2024-25 season, forecasting a production increase of approximately 7 per cent compared to the previous season. World cotton consumption is anticipated to rise by 2 per cent in 2024-25, although trade projections have been revised downward to 9.45 million tonnes for the 2024-25 season. This adjustment reflects a decrease from the previous forecast of 9.94 million tonnes, as reported in April 2024. The ICAC also presented findings from a recent analysis on specialty cotton, which grows annually and currently accounts for about 31 per cent of total global cotton lint production. Specialty cotton, as defined by the ICAC, includes any long or extra-long staple varieties, as well as cotton from specific identity programmes encompassing various certification initiatives worldwide, such as “Better Cotton” and “Cotton Made in Africa”.
    The International Trade Centre (ITC) provided an update on the ITC Cotton Portal, a joint initiative with the WTO to consolidate cotton-related information. The portal, launched at the 11th WTO Ministerial Conference in Buenos Aires in 2017, features three main modules: trade statistics, market information and learning. The ITC reported that the portal has around 3,000-4,000 users annually. Planned improvements include the integration of artificial intelligence (AI), additional languages, and better data on e-commerce and logistics.
    The ITC Cotton Portal aggregates cotton-related information from the ICAC, ITC and WTO, as well as other sources. For instance, it features a live data feed from ICAC on cotton production, as well as direct links to essential tools that facilitate cotton trade, such as the Export Potential Map.
    The C-4+ agreed concerning the relevance of this tool in contributing to a more efficient cotton trading system by improving transparency and accessibility of trade-related information relevant for cotton producers, traders and policymakers. They called for more training to raise awareness of the platform in Africa and to increase its utilization, as this could help governments in making informed policy decisions. The ITC and the WTO expressed their readiness to pursue discussions with the C-4+ concerning ways to make the portal more accessible and as relevant as possible in developing economies, and especially in Africa.
    The WTO Secretariat introduced a revised background paper compiling all cotton-related information available at the WTO, including members’ notifications, replies to a questionnaire on cotton policy developments and information on tariff and non-tariff measures.
    As part of Cotton Day at the WTO members attended  the opening of an exhibition featuring a data visualization structure that consolidated and presented information on cotton-related activities, telling the story of cotton through interactive maps, infographics, images and dynamic graphics. The exhibition concluded with a reception hosted by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) at WTO headquarters.

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    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Grassley, Baldwin Introduce Bill Protecting Older Workers from Workplace Discrimination

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Iowa Chuck Grassley
    WASHINGTON – Sens. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.) introduced the Protecting Older Workers from Age Discrimination (POWADA) Act to level the playing field for older workers and protect Americans from age discrimination in the workplace.  
    “Americans of all ages can offer valuable contributions to our society and economy, including older Americans. They deserve to be protected from workplace discrimination like other Americans. The Supreme Court’s decision involving Iowan Jack Gross impacted employment discrimination litigation across the nation, sending a wrong message to employers that age discrimination is okay. It’s long past time for us to clarify the intent of Congress so Americans don’t face job discrimination due to age,” Grassley said. 
    “Every Wisconsin worker deserves to feel respected and protected in the workplace. We need to ensure this is true for older workers, so they have equal footing and are treated with the dignity they deserve,” Baldwin said.  
    Background:
    In 2004, Jack Gross of Des Moines sued FBL Financial Group, where he had been working as a vice president, citing age discrimination. Despite superior annual reviews for 13 consecutive years, Gross was demoted when the company announced staffing changes. According to Gross, his replacement lacked breadth of experience and skills for the job. While Gross found success in lower courts, the Supreme Court in 2009 ruled in Gross v. FBL Financial Services that workers who face age discrimination must meet a higher burden of proof than workers who face discrimination based on other characteristics like race, sex, national origin or religion. 
    For decades, a worker only needed to prove discrimination was a factor in an adverse employment decision to make an age discrimination claim. In this case, the court decided a worker needs to prove age was the deciding factor in that decision. This significantly weakened the protections of the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) and telegraphed to employers: some age discrimination is perfectly fine. 
    A survey conducted by AARP in 2018 found more than three in five workers ages 45 and above reported seeing or experiencing age discrimination in the workplace. The survey also found three quarters of these workers cited age discrimination as a reason for their lack of confidence in being able to find a new job.  
    POWADA would amend the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the retaliation provision in Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to level the playing field for older workers. The bill would restore the pre-Gross standard, once again recognizing the legitimacy of so-called “mixed-motive” claims in which discrimination is a — if not the — deciding factor. It would also reaffirm workers may use any type of admissible evidence to prove their claims. 
    A summary of the bill can be found HERE. 
    Full text of this legislation can be found HERE.
    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Norcross Announces $650,000 EPA Brownfield Grant to Improve Quality of Life in Camden

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Donald Norcross (1st District of New Jersey)

    WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Representative Donald Norcross (NJ-01) announced that a $650,000 grant from the Brownfield Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) program was awarded to the Camden Redevelopment Agency in New Jersey. The grant was made possible through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which Congressman Norcross voted to help pass into law.

    “I voted to pass the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act to create jobs, bolster public health outcomes, and improve the quality of life for residents in South Jersey,” Congressman Donald Norcross. “Brownfield grants have been transformational across our region and especially in Camden City. Protecting our communities from harmful waste and repurposing these sites into valuable community assets for our neighborhoods has been a top priority for me. In Congress, I will continue to fight alongside local organizations to ensure the health and safety of South Jersey families.”

    “I am grateful to Congressman Donald Norcross for continuing to fight for Camden and for supporting environmental reclamation in urban communities,” said Camden Mayor Victor G. Carstarphen. “Camden has worked hard for decades to cleanup brownfields and transition these sites into positive uses. This critical funding will not only result in the remediation and reuse of underutilized properties but will also help to improve the quality of life citywide.”

    This funding is provided in addition to the $5,324,999 already awarded. Camden’s Brownfield program has successfully facilitated loans or subgrants for 11 cleanup projects that are either completed or in progress. Notable projects for the use of the new funding include Elijah Perry Park, the Knox Gelatin property, Judge Johnson Park, and the former West Jersey Paper Manufacturing site.

    The Brownfield grant funding will be used to support locally driven redevelopment, create jobs, and improve public health outcomes in communities in New Jersey. These investments will keep critical momentum going in communities already benefiting from Brownfield investments, ensuring continued progress toward safe and reusable land.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Carbajal, Brownley Reintroduce Legislation to Strengthen Oil Pipeline Safety Regulations

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Salud Carbajal (CA-24)

    On the anniversary of the Refugio Beach oil spill, U.S. Representatives Salud Carbajal (D-CA-24) and Julia Brownley (D-CA-26) reintroduced legislation to expand safety regulations on U.S. oil and gas pipelines to prevent devastating spills like the Refugio Beach disaster, which spilled over 100,000 gallons of oil on the Central Coast of California in 2015.

    The Valve Safety Fairness Act, would restore the requirement for Type A gas gathering line operators to install these safety technologies in compliance with the 2022 PHMSA rule. Operators would be required to install automatic shut-off valves and rupture detection technologies.

    “Following the 2015 Refugio oil spill, my constituents have been calling for stronger safeguards to prevent future environmental disasters from happening,” said Rep. Carbajal. “The Valve Safety Fairness Act is a common-sense solution that will help protect our coastal communities from new spills by upgrading oil pipelines with more advanced safety technology.”

    “Residents along California’s Central Coast know the dangerous impacts of oil spills all too well. That is why we must ensure that pipeline owners and operators are using the most advanced technology available to prevent leaks or spills. As a member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, I have worked to improve federal pipeline safety and oversight, and I look forward to continuing this work with Congressman Carbajal to advance critical legislation to close a safety loophole,” said Rep. Brownley.

    Both Carbajal and Brownley serve on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.

    In March 2022, the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) followed through on a longtime push by California lawmakers to mandate these safety features on new and entirely replaced gas transmission lines, Type A gas gathering, and hazardous liquid (including carbon dioxide) pipelines.

    In May 2023, however, a U.S. district court limited application of this rule by striking down the safety feature requirements applying to Type A gas gathering lines–the pipelines that transport gas from a production facility or refinery to a transmission line or gas main.

    In 2015, the source of Plains All American Pipeline’s oil spill near Refugio Beach in Santa Barbara, which spilled over 100,000 gallons of crude oil into Central Coast beaches and ecosystems, took more than two hours to detect.

    Following his election to Congress, the devastating Refugio oil spill along California’s Central Coast spurred Congressman Carbajal to champion stronger federal safety regulations for oil and gas pipelines. His leadership began with a bipartisan measure—unanimously passed by the House in September 2017—that called for automatic shut-off valves and improved leak detection standards. He later joined forces with Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) to press the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) directly for action.

    PHMSA issued new rules in March 2022 mandating the installation of automatic and remote-control shut-off valves and leak detection technology for new pipelines.

    Congressman Carbajal has previously advocated for his colleagues on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee to support legislation that would expand the 2022 PHMSA rule to include all existing oil and gas pipelines.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Briefing – The EU and the Pacific countries: Between climate change and geopolitical rivalries – 20-05-2025

    Source: European Parliament

    The Pacific Islands region occupies almost 15 % of the Earth’s surface. The European Union (EU) recognises 15 Pacific Island Countries (PICs), mostly small developing states formed by archipelagos consisting of a large number of inhabited islands. The region includes three French Pacific Overseas Countries and Territories (OCTs) associated with the EU. Population dispersion and economic dependency on a narrow range of industries – particularly tourism and fishing – are common characteristics of these countries. Climate change poses an existential threat to the survival of these countries, whose progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals has been quite slow. The region has been largely neglected by the major powers, but it has recently emerged as one of the areas where the geopolitical rivalry between the United States (US) and China is playing out. Beijing’s outreach and influence in the region has been increasing, not least to exert pressure on some countries to abandon their diplomatic recognition of Taiwan. In 2022, the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) – the main political and economic policy organisation of the region – launched the ‘2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent’. Traditional players in the Pacific – Australia, Japan, New Zealand, the United Kingdom (UK) and the US – welcomed the initiative and consequently launched the ‘Partners in the Blue Pacific’ initiative. The EU is the third largest donor of development assistance to the Pacific countries. EU relations with the PICs are based on the much wider framework of the Samoa Agreement, which covers relations with 79 African, Caribbean and Pacific countries. The EU has negotiated an EU-Pacific States Interim Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA), which entered into force with some PICs.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: California Executives Plead Guilty to Employment Tax Crimes

    Source: United States Attorneys General 13

    Two California men pleaded guilty yesterday to not paying over employment taxes to the IRS.

    The following is according to court documents and statements made in court: Lalo Valdez and Matthew Olson, both of Northern California, operated a San Jose-based health informatics and product development company that provided clinical care and technology services to clients in healthcare and academia. Valdez was the CEO and Olson the CFO. As such, both were responsible for the company’s operations, managed its internal books and records, signed checks on behalf of the company, and hired and fired employees. Both men also were responsible for withholding Social Security, Medicare, and federal income taxes from employees’ wages and paying those funds over to the government each quarter. The timely payment of quarterly employment taxes is critical to the functioning of the U.S. government, because, for example, they are the primary source of funding for Social Security and Medicare. The federal income taxes that are withheld from employees’ wages also account for a significant portion of all federal income taxes collected each year.

    For every calendar quarter from the first quarter of 2017 through the second quarter of 2021, Valdez and Olson withheld these taxes from employees’ wages but did not pay them over to the IRS or report them on quarterly tax forms. Instead of paying over the taxes, Valdez and Olson used the company’s money to pay for country club memberships and season tickets to the San Jose Sharks of the National Hockey League.

    During this same period, Olson also was one of the owners and operators of a day spa located in Saratoga, California. There, Olson was responsible for collecting and paying Social Security, Medicare, and income taxes to the IRS. From the second quarter of 2017 through the fourth quarter of 2020, however, Olson collected but did not pay them over to the IRS or report them on quarterly tax forms.

    In total, Olson caused a tax loss to the IRS exceeding $2.1 million.

    Valdez caused a total tax loss to the IRS of nearly $1.5 million.

    Valdez and Olson are scheduled to be sentenced on Oct. 20. Both men face a maximum penalty of five years in prison as well as a period of supervised release, restitution, and monetary penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Karen E. Kelly of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and Acting U.S. Attorney Patrick D. Robbins for the Northern District of California made the announcement.

    IRS Criminal Investigation is investigating the case.

    Trial Attorney Mahana Weidler of the Tax Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristina Green for the Northern District of California are prosecuting the case.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Washington D.C. Accountant Sentenced for Mortgage Fraud and Tax Crimes

    Source: United States Attorneys General 13

    Defendant Did Not File Tax Returns and Falsified Documents to Obtain Mortgage Loan

    A Washington, D.C., Certified Public Accountant (CPA) was sentenced yesterday to 20 months in prison for making a false statement on a mortgage loan application and not filing an income tax return.

    According to court documents and statements made in court, Timothy Trifilo worked in tax compliance for several large accounting and finance firms. In recent years, he was managing director at a tax firm where he specialized in transaction structuring and advisory service, tax compliance, and tax due diligence. Nevertheless, for a decade, Trifilo did not file federal income tax returns or pay all the taxes that he owed despite earning more than $7.7 million during that time. He caused a tax loss to the IRS of more than $2 million.

    In February 2023, Trifilo sought to obtain a $1.36 million bank-financed loan to purchase a home in D.C. and was working with a mortgage company to do so. After the mortgage company told Trifilo that the bank would not approve the loan without copies of Trifilo’s filed tax returns, Trifilo provided the mortgage company with fabricated documents to make it appear as if he had filed tax returns and provided copies of tax returns for 2020 and 2021 that he never filed with the IRS. On these returns and other documents that he submitted to the mortgage company, Trifilo listed a former colleague as the individual who prepared the returns and uploaded them for filing with the IRS. This individual did not prepare the returns, has never prepared tax returns for Trifilo, and did not authorize Trifilo to use his name on the returns and other documents that Trifilo submitted to the mortgage company. Based on Trifilo’s false representation, the bank approved the loan and Trifilo purchased the home.

    In addition to his prison sentence, U.S. District Court Judge Tanya S. Chutkan for the District of Columbia ordered Trifilo to serve two years of supervised release and pay $2,057,256.40 in restitution to the IRS.

    Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Karen E. Kelly of the Justice Department’s Tax Division made the announcement.

    IRS Criminal Investigation investigated the case.

    Trial Attorneys Melissa S. Siskind and Alexis Fleszar of the Tax Division prosecuted the case.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: eSHARE Announces Strategic Partnership with SMX to Advance Trusted Collaboration in Government and Regulated Sectors

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    WALTHAM, Mass., May 20, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — eSHARE, a provider of trusted collaborative solutions built for enterprise and public sector use, today announced that they have strategically partnered with SMX, a leader in cloud, cybersecurity, and advanced technology solutions for public and private sector organizations. This partnership will enable eSHARE to leverage the SMX Elevate℠ Intelligent Automation Platform to accelerate its journey toward FedRAMP Moderate authorization and expand its footprint across federal agencies and highly regulated industries.  

    eSHARE’s secure email and content collaboration solutions are designed to help organizations share sensitive data without losing control. By integrating with Microsoft 365 and Azure, eSHARE empowers enterprises to enable external collaboration without compromising compliance, privacy, or user experience. Through this partnership, SMX will provide compliance automation, engineering support, and governance advisory services to help eSHARE meet the stringent security requirements of the U.S. federal government.  

    “Our partnership with SMX represents a significant milestone in our mission to deliver Trusted Collaboration solutions that meet the highest standards of trust and compliance that our Govt as well as DIBs customers need,” said Nick Stamos, CEO of eSHARE. “SMX’s proven expertise in FedRAMP and cloud automation is instrumental to our success as we enter the next phase of growth in regulated markets.”  

    SMX Elevate is a modular and extensible platform purpose-built to streamline compliance automation, continuous monitoring, and authorization processes across multiple frameworks. The platform has helped leading technology providers such as Dynatrace, Sophos, Deep Security, Beyond Identity, and others navigate FedRAMP and other compliance programs successfully.  

    “Our partnership with eSHARE highlights SMX’s commitment to enabling secure, scalable innovation across government and regulated sectors,” said Rob Groat, Executive Vice President of Strategy and Technology at SMX. “By leveraging the SMX Elevate℠ platform, we’re helping eSHARE accelerate FedRAMP compliance while enhancing their ability to deliver trusted collaboration solutions that meet the complex security demands of federal agencies and critical infrastructure customers.”

    eSHARE and SMX initiated their Authority to Operate (ATO) process in April 2025 and expect to be listed in the FedRAMP Marketplace by December 2025.

    About eSHARE

    eSHARE is transforming the digital workplace, enabling organizations to take control of secure, compliant collaboration within M365. Trusted by Global 2000 giants, including top names in aerospace and insurance, eSHARE delivers unparalleled data protection with intelligent guardrails and seamless user experiences. Accelerate M365 adoption, enhance secure collaboration with Copilot, and unlock your organization’s full potential. Join the thousands of users across nearly every country in the world who rely on eSHARE as the driving force behind Trusted Collaboration.

    For more information about eSHARE and its Trusted Collaboration solutions, please visit www.eshare.com.

    About SMX

    SMX is an industry leader providing digital solutions for mission-oriented clients, operating in close proximity to a vast set of clients across the United States and around the globe. SMX delivers scalable and secure solutions combined with the mission expertise needed to accelerate outcomes for the Department of Defense, Intelligence Community, Public Sector, Fortune 1000, and other public and private sector clients. For more information on our solutions, please visit www.smxtech.com.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Societe Generale_ Combined General Meeting and Board of Directors dated 20 May 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    COMBINED GENERAL MEETING AND BOARD OF DIRECTORS DATED 20 MAY 2025

    Press release

    Paris, 20 May 2025

    Combined General Meeting

    The General Meeting of shareholders of Societe Generale was held on 20 May 2025 at CNIT Forest, 2, Place de la Défense, 92092 Puteaux and was chaired by Mr. Lorenzo Bini Smaghi.

    Quorum was established at 64,34% (vs 55.61% in 2024):

    • 687 shareholders participated by attending the General Meeting in person at the place where it was held on 20 May 2025;
    • 1,057 shareholders were represented at the General Meeting by a person other than the Chairman;
    • 13,140 shareholders voted online;
    • 2,400 shareholders voted by post;
    • 8,767 shareholders, including 2,500 online, representing 1.07% of the share capital, gave proxy to the Chairman;
    • A total of 26 051 shareholders were present or represented and participated in the vote.

    The agenda item, with no vote, was an opportunity to present and discuss with shareholders the Group’s climate strategy and social and environmental responsibility.

    In addition, 9 shareholders sent 56 written questions prior to the General Meeting. The answers were made public before the General Meeting on the institutional website.

    All the resolutions put forward by the Board of Directors were adopted, in particular:

    • The 2024 annual company accounts and annual consolidated accounts;
    • The dividend per share was set at EUR 1.09. It shall traded ex-dividend on 26 May 2025 and will be paid from 28 May 2025;
    • The renewal of two independent directors for 4 years: Mr. William Connelly and Mr. Henri Poupart-Lafarge;
    • The appointment of two independent directors for 4 years: Mr. Olivier Klein and Mrs. Ingrid-Helen Arnold;
    • The renewal of Mr. Sébastien Wetter’s mandate as Director representing the employee shareholders;
    • The compensation policy for the Chairman, Chief Executive Officer, the Deputy Chief Executive Officers and the Directors;
    • The components composing the total compensation and the benefits of any kind paid or awarded for the 2024 financial year to the Chairman and the Chief Executive Officer and the Deputy Chief Executive Officers;
    • The authorisation granted to the Board of Directors to purchase ordinary shares of the Company was renewed for 18 months up to 10% of the share capital;
    • The authorisation for capital increases, enabling the issue of shares in favour of employees under a company or group saving plan, was renewed for 26 months;
    • The amendments to the Articles of Association to take account of the entry into force of the “Loi Attractivité” (no. 2024-537 dated 13 June 2024).

    The detailed voting result is available this day on the Company’s website in the item “Annual General Meeting”.

    Board of Directors

    Following the renewals and appointments of directors, the Board of Directors is composed of 15 directors, including (i) 2 directors re-elected by the employees in March 2024 and (ii) 1 director representing employee shareholders appointed by the General Meeting and one non-voting director.

    Accordingly, the Board of Directors is composed as follows:

    • Mr. Lorenzo Bini Smaghi, Chairman;
    • Mr. Slawomir Krupa, Director;
    • Mrs. Ingrid-Helen Arnold, Director;
    • Mr. William Connelly, Director;
    • Mr. Jérôme Contamine, Director;
    • Mrs. Béatrice Cossa-Dumurgier, Director;
    • Mrs. Diane Côté, Director;
    • Mrs. Ulrika Ekman, Director;
    • Mrs. France Houssaye, Director elected by employees;
    • Mr. Olivier Klein, Director;
    • Mrs. Annette Messemer, Director;
    • Mr. Henri Poupart-Lafarge, Director;
    • Mr Johan Praud, Director elected by employees;
    • Mr. Benoît de Ruffray, Director;
    • Mr. Sébastien Wetter, Director representing employees shareholders;
    • Mr. Jean-Bernard Lévy, Non-voting Director (“censeur”).

    The Board of Directors is made up of 41,7% women (5/12) and 91,7% independent directors (11/12) if we exclude from the calculations the three directors representing the employees in accordance with paragraph 1 of Article L. 225-23 of the Commercial Code, paragraph 2 of Article L. 225-27 of the Commercial Code and the AFEP-MEDEF code. In order to ensure compliance with a forthcoming legislative change scheduled for mid-2026, the Board of Directors has already decided, for the General Meeting of May 2026, that shareholders will be invited to replace a man director, whose term of office will expire, by a woman director.

    The Board of Directors held after the General Meeting has decided that, as of 20 May 2025, the Board committees will be composed as follows:

    • Audit and Internal Control Committee: Mr. Jérôme Contamine (chairman), Mrs. Diane Côté, Mrs. Ulrika Ekman, Mr. Olivier Klein and Mr. Sébastien Wetter;
    • Risk Committee: Mr. William Connelly (chairman), Mrs. Ingrid-Helen Arnold, Mrs. Béatrice Cossa Dumurgier, Mrs. Diane Côté, Mrs. Ulrika Ekman, Mr. Olivier Klein and Mrs. Annette Messemer;
    • Compensation Committee: Mrs. Annette Messemer (chairwoman), Mr. Jerome Contamine, Mr. Benoit de Ruffray and Mrs. France Houssaye;
    • Nomination and Corporate Governance Committee: Mr. Henri Poupart-Lafarge (chairman), Mr. William Connelly, Mme Diane Côté and Mr. Benoit de Ruffray.

    Biographies

    Mr. William Connelly is a graduate of Georgetown University in Washington (US). He began his career in 1980 at Chase Manhattan Bank, where he worked for 10 years, before joining Baring Brothers from 1990 to 1995. He then held various executive positions within ING Group NV from 1995 until he became a member of The Management Board, where he was responsible for Wholesale Banking from 2011 to 2016. He was also the CEO of ING Real Estate from 2009 to 2015. In addition to his mandate as an independent director of Societe Generale since 2017, he currently is the Chairman of the Board of Directors of Amadeus IT Group and the Chairman of the Board of Directors of Aegon until the second half of 2025. He also served as an independent director of Singular Bank from February 2019 to April 2023. During its session on 10 April 2025, the Societe Generale Board of Directors selected William Connelly for the Chairmanship as of the General Meeting which will be held on 27 May 2026. He will succeed Lorenzo Bini Smaghi, who has been Chairman since 2015, and will have completed his third term.

    Mr. Henri Poupart-Lafarge, Graduate of École polytechnique, the École nationale des ponts et chaussées and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). He began his career in 1992 at the World Bank in Washington D.C. before moving to the French Ministry of the Economy and Finance in 1994. He joined Alstom in 1998 as Head of Investor Relations and was in charge of Management Control. In 2000, he was appointed Chief Financial Officer of Transmission and Distribution at Alstom, a position he held until 2004. He was Chief Financial Officer of Alstom from 2004 until 2010 and became President of Alstom Grid from 2010 to 2011. On 4 July 2011, he became Chairman of Alstom Transport, before being appointed Chairman and Chief Executive Officer in February 2016, a position he held until June 2024. Since then, he has been Chief Executive Officer and Director of Alstom.

    Mr. Olivier Klein, Graduated from the Panthéon‑Sorbonne University in 1978 with a Bachelor’s degree in Economics, from the National School of Statistics and Economic Administration (ENSAE) in 1980, and from HEC’s graduate course in Finance in 1985. He began his career at the BFCE in 1985 and served as manager of the Foreign Exchange and Rate Risk Management Advisory Department, then as Director of the BFCE’s Investment Bank, and finally as Regional Director of its corporate bank. He joined the Caisse d’Epargne group in 1998 and was Chairman of the Executive Board of the Caisse d’Epargne Ile‑de‑France Ouest from 2000 to 2007 and then of the Caisse d’Epargne Rhône‑Alpes from 2007 to 2009. In January 2010, he was appointed Chief Executive Officer of Commercial Banking and Insurance of the BPCE group until September 2012. He was appointed Chief Executive Officer of the BRED group from October 2012 to May 2023. He was a Member of the Supervisory Board of BPCE and its Risk Committee between 2019 and May 2023. He is Chief Executive Officer of Lazard Frères Banque SA and Managing Partner since September 2023. Since 1986, He is teaching macroeconomics and monetary policy at HEC. He is a director of Rexécode since 2018.

    Mrs. Ingrid-Helen Arnold, Graduated from the University of Applied Sciences Ludwigshafen in 1997 with a master’s degree in economics. She began her career at SAP SE in 1996, where she held various responsibilities related to innovation and digital transformation. In 2014, she was appointed Chief Information Officer and Business
    Processes and extended Member of the SAPExecutiveCommittee. From 2016 to April 2021, she was President of SAP Business Data Network group in Palo Alto (United States) and SAP SE Walldorf (Germany). In 2021, she joined the Südzucker group as Chief Digital Officer and Information tehcnology and member of the Group’s Executive Committee. She is Chief Executive Officer of KAKO GmbH since June 2024. She was a member of the Supervisory Board and a member of the Heineken group Audit Committee from 2019 to 2023. She is a member of the TUI group Supervisory Board since 2020.

    Mr. Sébastien Wetter holds a Master degree in Fundamental Physics and graduated from the Lyons Business School (EM Lyon). He began his career at Societe Generale in 1997 in the Strategy and Marketing Division of Societe Generale’s retail bank. Working in the Group’s Organisation Consulting Department from 2002, he performed a range of roles in the Corporate & Investment Banking arm and helped roll out the Group-wide participatory Innovation programme. As of the end of 2005, he joined the Commodities Market Department as Chief Operating Officer holding a global remit, before becoming Head of Business Development in 2008. From 2010 until 2014, he served as General Secretary in the Group’s General Inspection and Audit Division. In 2014, he joined the Sales Division of the Corporate & Investment Bank arm where he held a number of positions: Head of marketing for major French and international clients, then in 2016, Global Chief Operating Officer responsible for the sales teams covering financial institutions. From 2020 to December 2022, he has been a banker managing Societe Generale’s relationship with international financial institutions. He has been a member of the of the Supervisory Board of the Fonds Commun de Placement d’Entreprise (FCPE) since May 2024.

    The regulatory declarations on the absence of conflicts of interest and the absence of convictions mentioned on page 140 of the Universal Registration Document filed by Societe Generale on 12 March 2025 with the French market authority (AMF) under number D.25-00088, relating notably to the three directors whose terms of office are renewed remain valid and the two new directors appointed with effect from the General Meeting of 20 May 2025 have made the same regulatory declarations.

    Press contacts:
    Jean-Baptiste Froville_+33 1 58 98 68 00_ jean-baptiste.froville@socgen.com
    Fanny Rouby_+33 1 57 29 11 12_ fanny.rouby@socgen.com

    Societe Generale

    Societe Generale is a top tier European Bank with around 119,000 employees serving more than 26 million clients in 62 countries across the world. We have been supporting the development of our economies for 160 years, providing our corporate, institutional, and individual clients with a wide array of value-added advisory and financial solutions. Our long-lasting and trusted relationships with the clients, our cutting-edge expertise, our unique innovation, our ESG capabilities and leading franchises are part of our DNA and serve our most essential objective – to deliver sustainable value creation for all our stakeholders.

    The Group runs three complementary sets of businesses, embedding ESG offerings for all its clients:

    • French Retail, Private Banking and Insurance, with leading retail bank SG and insurance franchise, premium private banking services, and the leading digital bank BoursoBank.
    • Global Banking and Investor Solutions, a top tier wholesale bank offering tailored-made solutions with distinctive global leadership in equity derivatives, structured finance and ESG.
    • Mobility, International Retail Banking and Financial Services, comprising well-established universal banks (in Czech Republic, Romania and several African countries), Ayvens (the new ALD I LeasePlan brand), a global player in sustainable mobility, as well as specialized financing activities.

    Committed to building together with its clients a better and sustainable future, Societe Generale aims to be a leading partner in the environmental transition and sustainability overall. The Group is included in the principal socially responsible investment indices: DJSI (Europe), FTSE4Good (Global and Europe), Bloomberg Gender-Equality Index, Refinitiv Diversity and Inclusion Index, Euronext Vigeo (Europe and Eurozone), STOXX Global ESG Leaders indexes, and the MSCI Low Carbon Leaders Index (World and Europe).

    In case of doubt regarding the authenticity of this press release, please go to the end of the Group News page on societegenerale.com website where official Press Releases sent by Societe Generale can be certified using blockchain technology. A link will allow you to check the document’s legitimacy directly on the web page.

    For more information, you can follow us on Twitter/X @societegenerale or visit our website societegenerale.com.

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Welch to Demand Senate Pass his Resolution Decrying Two-Month Blockade on Food and Medicine in Gaza

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Peter Welch (D-Vermont)
    WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today at 3:45PM, U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) will demand the Senate pass his resolution calling on the Trump Administration to use all diplomatic tools at its disposal to bring an end to the blockade of food and lifesaving humanitarian aid to address the needs of civilians in Gaza. In the resolution, Senators express grave concern about the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza, including the imminent starvation of tens of thousands of children.
    This morning, Senator Welch joined NPR to discuss the humanitarian catastrophe, and said, “I want aid to flow. It’s really very, very simple…The United States has a role to play here, and Congress has a role to play. The idea that we’re accepting this, we’re turning our head the other way as if this is not happening, is wrong.”
    S.Res.224 is now cosponsored by 44 Democrats and two Independents.
    The United Nations warned today that 14,000 babies in Gaza are at risk of death within the next 48 hours if humanitarian aid and care is not delivered. After an 11-week blockade, five trucks entered Gaza yesterday and around 100 are expected to enter today—which is not nearly enough to help starving children and families.
    Watch a livestream of the Senate floor via C-SPAN.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Ricketts Discusses Communist China, Threats to American Way of Life with Secretary Rubio

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Pete Ricketts (Nebraska)
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, during a Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing with Secretary of State Marco Rubio, U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE) discussed Communist China’s threats to the American way of life and the importance of maintaining peace through strength. Ricketts underscored that Communist China is the greatest external threat we face as a nation.
    “We need an all-of-government and all-of-society approach on how we face Communist China,” said Ricketts. “This was illustrated in a recent tabletop exercise that we did with Senator Coons and others, talking about a contingency where Beijing tries to do an energy quarantine on Taiwan to force capitulation. Obviously, unlocking America’s energy is one of the ways we can help counter this with LNG and biofuels which are some of our strongest tools to help our allies and partners. Cutting red tape, unleashing American energy in the private sector, we’re positioned to be an energy supplier of choice. But we need the infrastructure in place and that includes a West Coast LNG terminal.”
    Ricketts also stressed the need for complete nuclear disarmament in Iran.
    “Iran is a theocracy with brutal mullahs and corrupt military: They chant ‘death to America’ and ‘death to Israel,’” said Ricketts. “I think you framed it best Secretary Rubio, when you said earlier this month that they have to walk away from sponsoring terrorists, they have to walk away from helping the Houthis, they have to walk away from building long-range missiles which have no purpose other than use for nuclear weapons. And they have to walk away from enrichment.”
    Ricketts’ comments were made in a hearing of the Committee on Foreign Relations: “Review of the FY26 State Department Budget Request.” The witness was Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
    BACKGROUND:
    Last month, Senator Ricketts led a congressional delegation (CODEL) trip to Taiwan and the Philippines with Senators Coons and Ted Budd (R-NC). During the trip, the three senators met with senior Taiwanese officials including President Lai and Vice President Hsaio. Senators Ricketts and Coons are working as chairman and ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations East Asia Subcommittee to support our allies and partners in the region against Communist China’s aggression, including conducting a recent tabletop exercise and introductions of the PORCUPINE Act and COUNTER Act.
    Last week, Senator Ricketts led a letter to President Trump regarding the administration’s ongoing negotiations with Iran. The letter supports the Trump administration’s efforts to secure a deal that results in the full dismantlement of the Iranian nuclear program, including permanently ending the regime’s capacity to enrich uranium. The letter was signed by 52 Senate Republicans.
    Watch the hearing HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Video: VA News | May 20, 2025

    Source: United States of America – Federal Government Departments (video statements)

    This week’s VA News focuses on your prescriptions from VA’s mobile app to your mailbox, 1-on-1 assistance from VA, and honoring Memorial Day with National Partners.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AIZkdtoM6lg

    MIL OSI Video –