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Category: Military Intelligence

  • MIL-OSI USA: Baldwin, Banks Urge Administration to Strengthen Oversight on Buy America Rules in Defense Industry

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Wisconsin Tammy Baldwin
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) and Jim Banks (R-IN) called on the Trump Administration to strengthen enforcement and oversight of important defense trade agreements to ensure they support U.S. businesses, workers, and our industrial base. Currently, the Department of Defense has 28 of these trade agreements, known as Reciprocal Defense Procurement agreements, with partner countries like Japan, Germany, and the U.K. These agreements waive both the U.S.’s Buy America requirements and similar laws in partner countries, opening up the opportunity for foreign companies to sell products and services to the Department of Defense. However, a recent Government Accountability Office (GAO) report found that entities within the Department of Defense (DoD) skipped important steps in creating and renewing these agreements, sometimes skirting or undermining important Buy America requirements that are meant to put American businesses and workers first.
    “A robust defense industrial base is essential for national security and economic resilience, as it underpins the development, maintenance, and deployment of U.S. military assets. While RDPs can have positive impacts in facilitating integration with our partners and allies and enable positive exchanges, the significant impact of RDP agreements on our domestic industrial base necessitates rigorous scrutiny in their review, approval, and renewal,” wrote the Senators. “With the growing number of RDP agreements, we expect that your Agency Secretaries will thoroughly review and refine the process for entering into and renewing these agreements, ensuring they bolster U.S. industry while fortifying our defense partnerships.”
    In the letter, the Senators expressed concerns that RDP agreements have been used to waive “Buy American” requirements that are designed to ensure that taxpayer dollars support American businesses and workers to help bolster the U.S. economy, ensure a skilled domestic workforce, and strengthen our industrial base. Current Department of Defense rules provide a blanket “public interest” waiver of all Buy American requirements for defense materiel from any trading partner with an RDP agreement. Given these waivers, the Senators urged the Trump Administration to ensure that any RDP agreement has thoroughly assessed the implications on American businesses, workers, and the defense industrial base before they are finalized or renewed.
    As outlined in the GAO report, the Senators also expressed concerns that the DoD is making these trade agreements without sufficient input from domestic industry. While the Department of Commerce is authorized to initiate a review of existing RDP agreements if they believe they could have adverse impacts on domestic industry, they have never completed such a review, even for RDPs that have been renewed several times. The Senators requested that the International Trade Commission review RDPs, allowing U.S. companies to have clear opportunities to alert the administration when a proposed trade agreement may harm them.
    A recent GAO report also reviewed all existing RDP agreements, showing on several occasions the administration failed to properly scrutinize these agreements. According to GAO, since 2018, DoD has skipped important due diligence steps for entering into and renewing RDP agreements. For three agreements, DoD did not solicit U.S. industry input, and for another agreement, DoD did not seek analysis from Commerce, as required by law. The GAO also found that DoD waives Buy America requirements for partner countries even if their RDP agreement has expired. The GAO further found there was insufficient compliance with a 2021 requirement that the Made in America Office review RDP agreements to ensure domestic producers will have equal and proportional access to partner defense markets.
    “We must ensure that any RDP agreements undergo rigorous scrutiny with transparent decision-making processes and input from industry stakeholders. The decision to enter or renew such agreements should be guided by strategic imperatives, not expediency. Our domestic industrial base should be able to take priority when that goal clashes with other priorities,” the Senators concluded. “Given the results of the GAO report, we urge the administration to review the RDP agreements process to ensure that such agreements fulfill their intended purpose of supporting U.S. industry and manufacturers while still bolstering our defense relationships with allies and partners.”
    A full version of this letter is available here and below.
    Dear Mr. President,
    We write to raise concerns that shortcomings in the Reciprocal Defense Procurement (RDP) agreements process may be negatively impacting our defense industrial base. A recent Government Accountability Office (GAO) report shows that there needs to be a more robust review process for establishing and renewing RDP agreements, and your America First Trade Policy report similarly identified these agreements as a point of concern. We urge the administration to review and update the RDP agreement process to ensure that such agreements support the U.S. industrial base, to include establishing an interagency review process to oversee such agreements.
    A robust defense industrial base is essential for national security and economic resilience, as it underpins the development, maintenance, and deployment of U.S. military assets. While RDPs can have positive impacts in facilitating integration with our partners and allies and enable positive exchanges, the significant impact of RDP agreements on our domestic industrial base necessitates rigorous scrutiny in their review, approval, and renewal. With the growing number of RDP agreements, we expect that your Agency Secretaries will thoroughly review and refine the process for entering into and renewing these agreements, ensuring they bolster U.S. industry while fortifying our defense partnerships.
    RDP agreements are trade agreements for direct government procurement negotiated solely by the Department of Defense (DoD) with foreign counterparts, without Congressional ratification. Since first authorized by Congress in 1988, the DoD has entered into 28 RDP agreements and 6 related agreements with both North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) member-states, major non-NATO allies, and other partner countries. Most agreements include automatic extension provisions. We understand that the DoD is currently negotiating new agreements.
    We are concerned that RDP agreements have been used to waive or otherwise undermine “Buy American” requirements and similar domestic preferences that are in place to ensure that taxpayer dollars support American businesses and workers by prioritizing domestically produced goods and materiel when federal agencies make procurement decisions. This helps to bolster the U.S. economy, ensure a skilled domestic workforce, and strengthen our industrial base. Current DoD regulations (DFARS 225.872- 1) provide a blanket “public interest” waiver of all Buy American requirements for defense materiel for any foreign supplier from a country with an active reciprocal defense procurement agreement. The RDP agreement process should ensure that the administration has thoroughly assessed the implications on our industrial base before they are finalized or renewed.
    We are also concerned that the DoD may be making decisions about RDP agreements without sufficient input from domestic industry. Federal law authorizes the Department of Commerce to initiate an interagency review of existing RDP agreements if Commerce has reason to believe an agreement either has or could have “a significant adverse effect on the international competitive position of the U.S. industry.” To date, Commerce has never completed such a review, even for RDPs that have been renewed several times. The administration can address this shortcoming by ensuring that Commerce and the International Trade Commission review RDPs and that the process includes mechanisms and transparency to allow for domestic industry input. U.S. companies should have clear opportunities to alert the administration when a proposed trade agreement may harm them.
    At Congress’ request, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) recently completed a review of all existing RDP agreements, and their findings verify our concerns. According to GAO, since 2018, DoD has skipped important due diligence steps for entering into and renewing RDP agreements. For three agreements, DoD did not solicit U.S. industry input, and for another agreement, DoD did not seek analysis from Commerce, as required by law. Additionally, GAO found that Commerce’s methodology to assess RDP agreements has several weaknesses, including that it does not analyze the impact of RDP agreements on services. In Fiscal Year 2022, services comprised 49 percent of the value of DoD procurement. The GAO also found that DoD waives Buy America requirements for partner countries even if their RDP agreement has expired. The GAO further found there was insufficient compliance with a 2021 requirement that the Made in America Office review RDP agreements to ensure domestic producers will have equal and proportional access to partner defense markets.
    We must ensure that any RDP agreements undergo rigorous scrutiny with transparent decision-making processes and input from industry stakeholders. The decision to enter or renew such agreements should be guided by strategic imperatives, not expediency. Our domestic industrial base should be able to take priority when that goal clashes with other priorities.
    Given the results of the GAO report, we urge the administration to review the RDP agreements process to ensure that such agreements fulfill their intended purpose of supporting U.S. industry and manufacturers while still bolstering our defense relationships with allies and partners. We encourage you to implement GAO’s recommendations and ensure all RDPs undergo robust interagency review.
    Thank you for your attention to this critical matter. We look forward to your response.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Reps. Sara Jacobs, James Moylan Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Improve Effectiveness of U.S. Security Assistance

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Sara Jacobs (D-CA-53)

    July 16, 2025

    Washington, D.C. — Reps. Sara Jacobs and James Moylan introduced bipartisan legislation to improve the effectiveness and streamline the coordination of U.S. security assistance.

    The U.S. spends billions of dollars on military assistance for partners and allies around the world, and yet the payoffs are often limited, inconsistent, and not strategic. The bifurcation and bureaucracy of U.S. security assistance between the State Department and the Defense Department often result in inconsistent communication, collaboration, or evaluation of the effectiveness of U.S. security assistance. The bipartisan United States Security Assistance Effectiveness Act would address these challenges, strengthen the State Department’s capacity,  and make security assistance more strategic, accountable, and effective in advancing U.S. values and priorities.

    Rep. Sara Jacobs said: “Security assistance is a critical part of our national security toolbox, but bottlenecks in bureaucracy, poor communication, and insufficient evaluation can mean that we’re not advancing – and at times, we’re undermining – our foreign policy goals. That’s why I’m proud to introduce the bipartisan United States Security Assistance Effectiveness Act to enhance the State Department’s capacity to track, approve, coordinate, and evaluate U.S. security assistance. Every year, the U.S. transfers billions of dollars of military training, support, and equipment, and we should feel confident that it’s being spent wisely, ethically, and effectively.”

    “This bill strengthens our national interests by streamlining how we deliver security assistance to our global partners, especially in the Indo-Pacific,” said Congressman Moylan. “This coordinated strategy enhances international defense cooperation while advancing regional stability in today’s rapidly evolving security environment. I’m proud to work with Congresswoman Jacobs on this bipartisan legislation to establish a needs-based, partner-specific, and transparent approach to security assistance.”

    The U.S. Security Assistance Effectiveness Act would:

    • Streamline organizational structure for security assistance, including by elevating the Office of Security Assistance to be led by a Coordinator to guide and support security assistance; maintain a common database on security assistance and security cooperation; coordinate the Assessment, Monitoring, and Evaluation (AME) program; and establish a security assistance framework to guide regional and country-specific planning
    • Establish curriculum at the Foreign Service Institute to provide specialized training on security assistance, including on coordination requirements, relevant laws and practices, and effectiveness of security assistance
    • Require a GAO report on coordination between the State Department and the Defense Department on security assistance and security cooperation programs
    • Require the State Department and Defense Department to establish a common database of all security assistance and security cooperation programs and activities 
    • Require the establishment of an assessment, monitoring, and evaluation (AME) program for any country receiving security assistance to define goals and measure outcomes
    • Mandate a framework to guide regional and country-specific planning on security assistance and the Coordinator to annually submit to Congress a list of priority recipient countries for security assistance

    The text of the bill can be found here.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Strickland Delivers for Servicemembers, their Families, and the Future of the Services 

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland (WA-10)

    Washington, D.C. — Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland (WA10), a member of the House Armed Services Committee, released the following statement after the House Armed Services Committee passed H.R. 3838, the Streamlining Procurement for Effective Execution and Delivery and National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026 (NDAA).  

    “I am proud to lead innovative and impactful provisions in the current version of this year’s defense policy bill that will improve readiness, and enhance the quality of life for servicemembers and their families. From housing, food access and healthcare, to direct funds for JBLM — this bill reflects our bipartisan commitment to supporting those who defend and serve our nation,” said Strickland.    

    Under Strickland’s leadership, the bill includes key provisions to boost the quality of life for servicemembers and their families:  

    Naming Commission for Military Assets  

    • Prohibits the use of federal funds to revert recommendations from the Congressionally established Confederate Naming Commission for military bases and honor Confederate leaders. 

    Housing  

    • Mandates methods to ensure that Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) rates are accurate reflections of regional market trends.  
    • Allows the use of cost-effective materials in housing renovations, and delays historic preservation requirements until the housing structure is 100 years old.   
    • Requires a detailed report on the acquisition and the implementation of the Global Household Goods contract following the cancellation of HomeSafe Alliance LLC.  

    Nutrition  

    • Removes BAH from total household income calculations used to determine Basic Needs Allowance (BNA) eligibility.  
    • Requires an annual report, for five years, on how subsistence allowances and food programs are utilized.  

    Healthcare  

    • Includes Strickland’s bipartisan MIDWIVES bill.   
    • Creates a pilot program, allowing beneficiaries to select an OB/GYN provider and receive care without a referral.  
    • Extends free TRICARE dental coverage to Reserve Component servicemembers.  
    • Secures a report on the TRICARE contract acquisition and implementation, healthcare delivery, and learned lessons that can be applied to the East and West regions. 

    Historically Black Colleges and Universities  

    • Allocates nearly $125 million — $25 million more than the President’s request — for Historically Black Colleges and Universities.  

    Joint Base Lewis-McChord  

    • Authorizes $68 million for an Airfield Fire & Rescue Station, replacing the over 70-year-old Fire Station 105.   
    • Authorizes $70 million for a Command & Control Facility.   
    • Mandates a report studying the creation of a public database on non-combat military plane crashes, including details in response to Strickland’s Flight 293 bill.   

    Army Museums  

    • Establishes closure criteria for the Secretary of the Army’s management of the museum system, preventing the Secretary from closing local museums – including the Lewis Army Museum — without Congressional input.  

    Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland (WA-10) serves on the House Armed Services Committee and the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. She is Whip of the New Democrat Coalition, Secretary of the Congressional Black Caucus, and is one of the first Korean-American women elected to Congress. 

    ### 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Tourism – Southern Discoveries puts new emergency survival equipment to the test

    Source: Southern Discoveries

    Southern Discoveries has become the first tourism company in Milford Sound to be AF8-ready with specialist emergency survival equipment.

    The longest-running Milford Sound cruise operator has fitted out its entire fleet of vehicles, including five coaches seating up to 250 people, with survival gear specifically designed for major earthquake events.
     
    And the initiative has already got the attention of tourism trade partners.
     
    Yesterday, Southern Discoveries’ coach team and senior managers attended a simulated training exercise near Queenstown to familiarise themselves with the life-saving gear they may need in an emergency situation. The drill at Wilson’s Bay saw staff simulate realistic earthquake scenarios, practising shelter setup and testing rescue tools with the new equipment.
     
    The specialist survival equipment has been supplied by Christchurch-based company The Survival Co., whose owner Peter Gillman was on-site during yesterday’s training exercises.
     
    Gillman says Southern Discoveries’ investment in such an extensive range of survival and medical gear puts them ahead of others in the industry.
     
    “Southern Discoveries is the first tourism operator to take this level of equipment from The Survival Co.,” he says. “They’ve taken the approach that if you’re going to do it, you should do it properly, and that’s exactly what’s been achieved.”
     
    The Survival Co. created a tailor-made package for the company, considering the additional challenges of remote locations like Milford Sound.
     
    “We looked at the scenarios people might find themselves in and what particular hazards exist in these areas. This gear provides an opportunity to keep people safe and comfortable during an emergency situation until help arrives.”
     
    Each of Southern Discoveries’ five coaches is now equipped with long-life food supplies, bottled water, purification tablets, emergency shelter, headlamps, waterproof ponchos, survival blankets, personal hygiene items, and stretchers. The gear also includes four-person survival self-rescue backpacks, enabling passengers and drivers to evacuate safely if required, plus satellite communication devices with SOS and two-way texting capabilities to maintain contact in remote areas.
     
    Survival packs will be placed in nine company vehicles and all coaches will carry Heartshine Samaritan AEDs (Automated External Defibrillators) for immediate medical response capabilities. Grab-and-go packs have been placed in staff housing in Milford Sound.
     
    Southern Discoveries CEO Kerry Walker says the delivery of the gear aligns with the company’s goal of continuously improving and ensuring safety for guests and staff at all times.
     
    “We operate in a region with significant seismic risks, so it’s our responsibility to be prepared for any eventuality. This equipment provides genuine peace of mind for our staff, guests, and the local community,” Walker explains.
     
    The proactive safety initiative has already received strong support from Southern Discoveries’ international trade partners, particularly agents from the United States and Japan, who value the company’s commitment to safety standards.
     
    “We know our travel agent partners place high value on safety for their clients, so we’re delighted to be able to provide this level of comfort,” Walker adds.
     
    While Gillman notes his company is seeing increased interest from city councils and Civil Defence organisations, and is encouraged to see more tourism operators starting to invest in high-level survival equipment.
     
    Walker adds: “We’re proud to position ourselves as industry leaders in emergency preparedness, but we also want to encourage others to work with The Survival Co., who are experts in this area. One of Southern Discoveries’ major trade partners has already contacted The Survival Co. to discuss obtaining safety gear for their organisation.”
     
    About Southern Discoveries

    Southern Discoveries is a local, family-owned company dedicated to sharing some of New Zealand’s most iconic scenery and extraordinary experiences with the world. Operating for more than 70 years, Southern Discoveries is Milford Sound’s original cruise operator, offering a wide range of incredible sightseeing and adventure activities in Fiordland. The company maintains an ongoing commitment to the conservation of Aotearoa’s environment through sustainable tourism initiatives and the support of the Tawaki Project in partnership with DoC, the Fiordland Conservation Trust and the University of Otago.
    www.southerndiscoveries.co.nz

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Killing of Civilians in Gaza Waiting in Line for Humanitarian Aid Must End, Relief Chief Tells Security Council, Urging Return to UN-Led Delivery Mechanism

    Source: United Nations General Assembly and Security Council

    As civilians lining up for humanitarian aid in Gaza are being killed, speakers in the Security Council today urged Israel to lift restrictions on aid operations in the Strip, called for a return to United Nations-led delivery mechanisms, and stressed the urgent need for both the release of hostages and a ceasefire.

    “Gaza’s soaring humanitarian needs must be met without drawing people into a firing line,” said Tom Fletcher, Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator.  He recalled General Assembly resolution 46/182, adopted in 1991, which laid the groundwork for modern international humanitarian assistance by establishing a framework and guiding principles — humanity, impartiality, neutrality, and independence — for the UN’s role in coordinating humanitarian efforts during emergencies. 

    Israel, as the occupying Power, is obligated to ensure that people have food and medical supplies, he said, adding:  “But that is not happening.  Instead, civilians are exposed to death and injury, forcible displacement, stripped of dignity.”  He went on to urge Council members to consider whether Israel’s rules of engagement incorporate all feasible precautions to avoid and minimize civilian harm, in all circumstances.  This means verifying targets, giving effective advance warnings, carefully choosing tactics and weapons, and canceling or suspending an attack if it would cause disproportionate civilian harm, he said.

    Number of Aid Trucks Currently Allowed into Gaza ‘Drop in the Ocean’ 

    Between 19 May and 14 July, only 1,633 trucks — or 62 per cent of the roughly 2,600 submitted to the Israeli authorities and 74 per cent of those approved for entry — reached the Kerem Shalom and Zikim crossings.  “To be clear, this is a drop in the ocean of needs, compared to the average of 630 truckloads, that entered daily” during an earlier ceasefire, he said. The ceasefire proved what’s possible.  It’s time to return to those levels without delay.

    Turning to recent remarks by Israel’s Defence Minister about moving Palestinians into a “humanitarian city”, he said the proposal to forcibly displace Palestinians to a designated zone near Rafah is “not humanitarian”, underscoring the need to protect civilians wherever they are, release all hostages held by Hamas, allow humanitarian aid at scale and ensure the safety of humanitarian workers.  “You owe that to Israeli and Palestinian civilians, to the last hopes of a sustainable peace, and to the UN Charter,” he said, calling for a ceasefire.

    Today’s meeting was called by Denmark, France, Greece, Slovenia and the United Kingdom, following abhorrent reports of human suffering in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including killings at aid distribution sites operated by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation — a non-UN mechanism established with support from Israel and the United States.  Between 27 May and 7 July, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) recorded the killings of 798 Palestinian civilians — including children — desperate to find food, at or near distribution sites and humanitarian convoys.

    International Community Failing Gaza’s Children

    “Among the survivors was Donia, a mother seeking a lifeline for her family after months of desperation and hunger,” said Catherine Russell, Executive Director of the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).  Donia’s 1-year-old son, Mohammed, was killed in the attack after speaking his first words just hours earlier.  The mother was lying critically injured in a hospital bed, clutching her son’s tiny shoe. “No parent should experience such a horrific tragedy,” she said.

    “The simple truth is that we are failing Gaza’s children,” she said, noting that child malnutrition in Gaza has surged 180 per cent since February, with nearly 6,000 cases in June.  Most households lack safe water, fueling disease outbreaks — waterborne illnesses now make up 44 per cent of medical consultations.  Hospitals are overwhelmed, short on medicine and fuel, and emergency care is collapsing.  At least 12,500 patients, including many children, need urgent medical evacuation, but few are being accepted abroad.  “History will judge this failure harshly,” she warned, adding:  “And the children will judge it too.” 

    She implored that UNICEF and its humanitarian partners be allowed to do their jobs.  “We have proven that essentials like medicine, vaccines, water, food, and nutrition for babies can reach those in need, wherever they are, when we have appropriate access,” she said, calling for an urgent return to the functioning UN-led aid pipeline with safe and sustained humanitarian access through all available crossings.

    […]

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Hudson County Man Indicted for Investment Fraud and Money Laundering Scheme Involving Elderly Victims

    Source: US FBI

    NEWARK, NJ. – A New Jersey man was arraigned on wire fraud and money laundering charges for a scheme to defraud elderly and other victims by misappropriating funds that the victims were told would be invested on their behalf or otherwise used for their benefit, U.S. Attorney Alina Habba announced.

    Antonio Petrosino, a/k/a Anthony Petrosino, 60, of Union City, New Jersey, was arraigned on July 9, 2025, before Senior U.S. District Judge Stanley R. Chesler.  Petrosino was indicted by a federal grand jury on June 18, 2025, with five counts of wire fraud (Counts One through Five) and one count of engaging in monetary transactions in property derived from specified unlawful activity (Count Six).  Petrosino was previously charged by complaint in January 2025 with one count of wire fraud and one count of engaging in monetary transactions in property derived from specified unlawful activity.

    According to documents filed in the case and statements made in court:

    From in or around January 2016 through in or around November 2024, Petrosino fraudulently induced the victims to transfer investment funds, mortgage payments, and other money to Petrosino.  As part of the scheme to defraud, Petrosino held himself out to be a financial services professional to his victims and falsely led them to believe that he would invest the victims’ money in brokerage accounts and other investment products or otherwise use it for their benefit.  To perpetuate his fraud, Petrosino provided one elderly victim with falsified investment statements that purported to show that she had hundreds of thousands of dollars deposited in various investment accounts in her name.  Petrosino also made various statements to victims assuring them that their money had been invested or used as promised.

    In reality, Petrosino failed to invest the victims’ funds or otherwise use victim monies for the victims’ benefit as promised.  Instead, Petrosino misappropriated the money to pay for his personal expenses, including gambling, credit card payments, and rent on his luxury apartment unit.  When confronted by victims about the status of the money they sent to Petrosino, Petrosino provided the victims and their family members false reassurances about the status of the victims’ funds to cover up his fraud.  In total, Petrosino stole more than approximately $1 million from the victims. 

    The wire fraud charges each carry a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison.  The money laundering charge carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison.  All counts carry a $250,000 fine, or twice the gross amount of gain or loss from the offense, whichever is greatest.

    U.S. Attorney Habba credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Stefanie Roddy in Newark; special agents of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System – Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, Office of Inspector General, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Brian Tucker; and the Wyckoff Police Department, under the direction of Chief David V. Murphy, with the investigation leading to Petrosino’s indictment. 

    The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Kozar of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Economic Crimes Unit in Newark.

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

                                                                                               ###

    Defense Counsel: Michael Thomas, Esq.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Ernst Stops Secret Pentagon Spending

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA)
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) secured a major win for taxpayers in the Senate version of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2026 with the inclusion of an amendment to end Pentagon bureaucrats’ game of hide and seek with tax dollars.
    The amendment is based off of her bipartisan Stop Secret Spending Act and requires all spending to be on the public website USAspending.gov. This will lift the veil of secrecy on billions of dollars of secret spending arrangements known as Other Transaction Agreements (OTAs), so Americans can view who is receiving their tax dollars and for what purpose.
    OTAs are flexible spending arrangements not subject to standard federal acquisition laws and requirements. While OTAs allow DoD to streamline R&D and acquisitions, hiding the deals from taxpayers reduces accountability.
    “I am ending Pentagon bureaucrats’ game of hide and seek with your tax dollars,” said Ernst. “Americans have a right to know where their hard-earned dollars are going. I’ve long been working to make the Pentagon more transparent and accountable and will continue to work to review the hidden receipts.”
    Background:
    Earlier this year, Ernst exposed more than $18 billion in government spending was hidden from taxpayers by using OTAs and, from fiscal years 2020-2022, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) found that more than $40 billion was hidden from the public through OTAs.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: UK-Germany landmark agreement to help smash smuggling gangs and boost defence exports

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    UK-Germany landmark agreement to help smash smuggling gangs and boost defence exports

    Brits and Germans alike will benefit from a closer partnership on the issues that matter most to them, as Prime Minister Keir Starmer is set to host Chancellor Friedrich Merz for a comprehensive visit to London.

    • Prime Minister Keir Starmer will welcome Chancellor Merz to London today for his first official visit to the UK as Chancellor
    • The leaders will sign a new Treaty to strengthen their partnership and deliver benefits for UK and German citizens
    • PM set to welcome German commitment to criminalise facilitating illegal migration to the UK this year, as leaders agree to boost joint defence exports

    Brits and Germans alike will benefit from a closer partnership on the issues that matter most to them, as Prime Minister Keir Starmer is set to host Chancellor Friedrich Merz for a comprehensive visit to London today (Thursday 17 July) to revamp the UK-Germany friendship and sign a first of its kind Bilateral Friendship and Cooperation Treaty.

    Alongside the Treaty, Germany is expected to make a landmark commitment to make it illegal in Germany to facilitate illegal migration to the UK with the law change to be adopted by the end of the year. 

    The change will give law enforcement the tools they need to investigate and take action against warehouses and storage facilities used by migrant smugglers to conceal dangerous small boats intended for illegal crossings to the UK. This will bolster efforts to prosecute those involved in smuggling and support the dismantling of the criminal networks driving unacceptable and unlawful journeys through Europe. 

    This significant and long-awaited step is further evidence that the Prime Minister’s approach to working more closely with our European partners is bearing fruit, and demonstrates progress on delivering the Joint Action Plan on Irregular Migration agreed with Germany last year. Through increased cooperation between UK and German law enforcement bodies we are expanding efforts to tackle people smuggling and bring criminal networks to justice. In the last 18 months the NCA has worked with partners across Europe to seize more than 600 boats and engines, with this change expected to drive that number up further.

    It will also complement bolstered UK efforts to smash the criminal gangs responsible for dangerous, illegal journeys to the UK via small boats, through the game-changing pilot returns agreement reached with France last week, and the continued work upstream of the Border Security Command to disrupt and deter criminal smuggling networks.  

    The new Treaty will detail closer collaboration on issues ranging from migration and security to business, commercial and infrastructure links. This joint commitment to pursue a range of ambitious projects demonstrates how closer partnerships with our trusted allies will help deliver the Prime Minister’s Plan for Change. 

    Prime Minister Keir Starmer said:

    “The progress we are making today is further proof that by investing in our relationships with likeminded friends and partners, we can deliver real change for working people.  

    “The Treaty we will sign today, the first of its kind, will bring the UK and Germany closer than ever. It not only marks the progress we have already made and the history we share. It is the foundation on which we go further to tackle shared problems and invest in shared strengths. 

    “Chancellor Merz’s commitment to make necessary changes to German law to disrupt the supply lines of the dangerous vessels which carry illegal migrants across the Channel is hugely welcome. As the closest of allies, we will continue to work closely together to deliver on the priorities that Brits and Germans share.”

    Deepening our security and defence cooperation is also high on the agenda, with the leaders set to discuss their strong shared support for Ukraine. 

    Building on the landmark Trinity House Agreement on Defence signed in October, the leaders will unveil a new agreement to boost world-class UK defence exports such as Boxer armoured vehicles and Typhoon jets, with the two countries set to pursue joint export campaigns for jointly produced equipment. The agreement is likely to lead to billions of pounds additional defence exports in the coming years – excellent news for the UK economy and thousands of highly skilled defence industrial workers. 

    The leaders are also set to make a new commitment to deliver their new Deep Precision Strike capability in the next decade. The rapid development of this capability will safeguard the British public and reinforce NATO deterrence, while boosting the UK and European defence sectors through significant industrial investment. The new capability is set to have a range of over 2,000 km, and will be among the most advanced systems ever designed by the UK. 

    The Treaty also includes the establishment of a new UK-Germany Business Forum in order to improve business and investment relationship between the UK and Germany, with trade between the two countries already accounting for 8.5% of all UK trade and supporting almost 500,000 jobs. This is further illustrated by a series of commercial investment announced today worth more than £200 million and creating more than 600 new jobs. 

    One such example is German defence tech company, STARK, which has announced a landmark investment in the UK, marking its first production expansion outside of Germany. The move will create over 100 highly skilled jobs in the UK within the first year, including through STARK’s new 40,000 square feet facility in Swindon.

    Mike Armstrong, Managing Director of STARK UK, said: 

    “The UK and Germany are world-leaders in new technology that will define the battlefields of the future. We need rapid and scalable production to protect our people, defend our sovereignty and deter aggression. That means resilient supply chains stretching across Europe. 

    “That is why STARK has chosen the UK as our first production location outside of Germany – taking advantage of the vast technological, industrial and defence expertise that exists here to create AI-powered, unmanned systems to defend Europe and NATO.”

    Other announcements from German companies in the UK today include:

    • Conversational AI firm Cognigy plans to invest £50 million in the UK, expanding its team from 13 to 150.
    • AI ESG platform osapiens plans to invest £30 million in the UK, creating 150 high-skilled jobs.
    • Siemens Energy is creating 200 new jobs as well as 100 new apprentices and graduates starting this autumn.
    • Venture Capital fund, HV Capital, has the ambition to deploy around £150 million in the UK as part of their next fund generation.

    Updates to this page

    Published 16 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Alarmed by Escalating Violence in Suweida, Syria, Secretary-General Calls for Immediate De-escalation of Situation

    Source: United Nations 4

    SG/SM/22729

    The following statement was issued today by the Spokesman for UN Secretary-General António Guterres:

    The Secretary-General is alarmed by the continued escalation of violence in Suweida, a Druze-majority area, which has reportedly claimed the lives of hundreds of people, including civilians, and injured and displaced many more.

    He unequivocally condemns all violence against civilians, including reports of arbitrary killings and acts that fan the flames of sectarian tensions and rob the people of Syria of their opportunity for peace and reconciliation after 14 years of brutal conflict.

    He extends his heartfelt condolences to all Syrians and reiterates his call for an immediate de-escalation of violence and urgent measures to restore calm and facilitate humanitarian access.

    The Secretary-General takes note of the statement by the Office of the Presidency condemning the violations and committing to investigating and holding to account those responsible for them.  He reiterates his appeal for the transparency of the process.

    The Secretary-General further condemns Israel’s escalatory air strikes on Suweida, Daraa and in the centre of Damascus, as well as reports of the Israel Defense Forces’ redeployment of forces in the Golan.  He calls for an immediate cessation of all violations of Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and for respect for the 1974 Disengagement of Forces Agreement.

    The Secretary-General reiterates that it is imperative to support a credible, orderly and inclusive political transition in Syria in line with the key principles of Security Council resolution 2254 (2015).

    For information media. Not an official record.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Minister McGuinty visits NORAD

    Source: Government of Canada News

    July 16, 2025 – Ottawa – National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces

    On July 15, for the first time as Minister of National Defence, the Honourable David McGuinty travelled to the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) headquarters in Colorado, to attend the Transfer of Appointment Ceremony of the Deputy Commander.

    While in Colorado Springs, Minister McGuinty met with the Commander of NORAD, General Gregory M. Guillot, to discuss strengthening North American security. He met with Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members who are based at NORAD, as well as attended a missile defence demonstration.

    Minister McGuinty reiterated Canada’s commitment to NORAD modernization, Arctic security, and initiatives such as Arctic Over the Horizon Radar (A-OTHR) and Integrated Air and Missile Defence.

    Consistent with the Prime Minister’s commitments to supporting NORAD and strengthening Canada’s air and missile defences, Minister McGuinty also confirmed that the Government has removed all restrictions on air and missile defence of Canada. This will enable Canada to strengthen its defence capabilities and better deter and defend against threats to our country’s sovereignty, population, and critical infrastructure.

    Minister McGuinty also met with outgoing Deputy Commander, Lieutenant General (LGen) Blaise Frawley, and LGen Iain Huddleston, who has assumed the role of Deputy Commander of NORAD.

    The Deputy Commander of NORAD is the most senior CAF officer in the command, also serving as the Commander of the Canadian Element NORAD, which includes all Canadian personnel assigned to NORAD across North America. NORAD is a bi-national United States-Canadian organization charged with the missions of aerospace warning and control, and maritime warning for North America. In this dual role, the Deputy Commander advises the Commander of NORAD on the management and employment of assigned forces, while also overseeing the command’s planning processes and operational functions.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Defense News in Brief: Army’s Tropic Lightning Division Enhances Lethality in Pacific With HIMARS, Retrains Howitzer Troops

    Source: United States Department of Defense

    New High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems rolled off aircraft in Hawaii this week. The systems are bound for a new mission with the 25th Infantry Division, also called “Tropic Lightning,” which expects to have a total of 16 HIMARS within weeks.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Austin Scott on HASC Passage of FY26 NDAA

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Austin Scott (GA-08)

    WASHINGTON, D.C.– U.S. Representative Austin Scott (GA-08), a senior member of the House Armed Services Committee (HASC), released the below statement upon the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) passing out of committee last night by a vote of 55-2. The NDAA sets Department of Defense (DoD) policies and authorizes funding levels for defense programs. 

    “Georgia’s military installations play a key role in implementing President Donald Trump’s strategy of Peace Through Strength,” Rep. Scott said. “The FY26 NDAA strengthens the U.S. military and enhances the quality of life for our warfighters and their families. I am proud to have several amendments included that support our military in their mission of defending the United States.” 

    “Congressman Austin Scott has been a steadfast voice for our servicemembers and their families as a senior member of the House Armed Services Committee. In the FY26 NDAA, his leadership ensures our warfighters—especially those serving at Robins and Moody Air Force Bases and the more than 20,000 reservists and guardsmen across Georgia—have the resources and support they need to defend our nation. Congressman Scott is always fighting to take care of the men and women who wear the uniform, said Chairman Mike Rogers (AL-03).

    Rep. Scott had 18 amendments adopted during the HASC markup of the FY26 NDAA and another 10 were included in the base text of the bill. Some of the bill language provisions authored by Rep. Scott include: 

    PROVIDING FOR CURRENT AND FUTURE NEEDS AT ROBINS:

    The Chairman’s mark of the FY 26 NDAA contained two provisions that were championed by Rep. Scott throughout the drafting of this bill. 

    First, Section 1102 of the bill would allow for retired members of the Armed Forces to be appointed to competitive or excepted service positions in the Department of Defense without a waiver. This will allow more retired military personnel to continue to serve our country as civilians at Robins Air Force Base.

    Furthermore, included in the bill was an extension of the authority for depot working capital funds, like Warner Robins Air Logistics Complex (WR-ALC), to be used for unspecified minor military construction from September 30, 2025 to September 30, 2027. This will enable WR-ALC to continue to modernize their facilities. 

    “Once again Congressman Scott delivers for Robins AFB! These two provisions are critical to ensure access to talent and to shore up aging infrastructure for the missions at Robins,” said Retired Brig Gen John Kubinec, President and CEO of the 21st Century Partnership. 

     

    SUPPORTING MISSIONS AT MOODY:

    Rep. Scott authored an amendment to delay the full retirement of the A-10C “Warthog” aircraft, several dozen of which are based at Moody Air Force Base in Valdosta, GA. The Scott amendment requires the Air Force to maintain a minimum of 96 A-10 aircraft in FY 26. The A-10C provides close air support and combat search-and-rescue capabilities unmatched by any other aircraft in the Air Force’s inventory.

    “Prematurely retiring the A-10 would create a combat readiness gap in the timeline for replacement of A-10s with the F-35s. This premature retirement also impacts operational continuity of all the AIRMEN who will be involved in transitioning to the F-35. Congressman Austin Scott’s amendment minimizes operational risk and ensures a safe, timely and effective transition from the A-10 to the F-35 for AIRMEN and our Air Force,” Dr. Lucy R. Greene, PhD., Community Supporter and Emeritus Member of the Air Combat Command Commanders Group.

    Also included was an amendment sponsored by Rep. Scott that would extend the intergovernmental support agreements (IGSA) pilot program until September 30, 2030. Moody AFB has benefitted greatly from partnership tools, particularly the IGSA. The agreements provide additional flexibility in some areas for the base and keeps funds local. Moreover, Moody enjoys tremendous support from the Lowndes County community and government to include three IGSAs signed between Moody and Lowndes County.

    This important piece of legislation marked up by the House Armed Services Committee also included the following provisions by Rep. Scott:

    • Established a pilot program to provide service personnel with a voluntary option to enroll in a low-premium supplemental insurance plan to help protect against uncovered out-of-pocket expenses resulting from a cancer diagnosis in the family.

    • Renamed Fort Gordon in Augusta, GA as Fort Shughart Gordon. MSG Gary Gordon and SFC Randy Shughart were two Delta snipers that fought and died in the October 1993 Battle of Mogadishu. They were both posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor and their names deserved to be linked forever in history.

    • Strengthened deterrence against Russia in the Baltics by requiring the Secretary of Defense to identify and mitigate obstacles to the deployment of HIMARS platforms and munitions among Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania in crisis scenarios.

    • Modified and extended annual reporting on military and security developments involving the Russian Federation to include Russia’s strategic goals, force posture, and military spending.

    • Expanded training of partner and allied forces to include space domain awareness.

    • Enhanced congressional oversight of the U.S. Africa Command.

    Other provisions inserted by Rep. Scott included establishing minimum facility requirements for military working dogs, authorizing the Secretary of Defense to evacuate family pets of American citizens during emergency evacuations on a space available basis, and enhancing the preservation and commemoration of our nation’s naval heritage. 

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Padilla, Chu, Colleagues Join Union Workers to Announce Legislation to Protect Workers from Extreme Heat

    US Senate News:

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

    Padilla, Chu, Colleagues Join Union Workers to Announce Legislation to Protect Workers from Extreme Heat

    WATCH: Padilla pushes for enforceable workplace heat stress protections after hottest year on record

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, on the heels of another harsh heat wave across California, U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) and Representative Judy Chu (D-Calif.-28) joined union workers from the United Farm Workers (UFW), American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, and United Steelworkers to announce their bipartisan, bicameral legislation to implement federal enforceable workplace heat stress protections.

    Co-leads of the legislation include U.S. Senators Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) and Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), and Representatives Robert C. “Bobby” Scott (D-Va.-03), Ranking Member of the House Committee on Education and Workforce, and Alma Adams (D-N.C.-12).

    To address the increasing risks from extreme temperatures, the lawmakers introduced the Asunción Valdivia Heat Illness, Injury, and Fatality Prevention Act, legislation to protect the safety and health of indoor and outdoor workers who are exposed to dangerous heat conditions in the workplace. The legislation would protect workers against occupational exposure to excessive heat by requiring the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to establish an enforceable federal standard to protect workers in high-heat environments with commonsense measures like paid breaks in cool spaces, access to water, limitations on time exposed to heat, and emergency response for workers with heat-related illness. The bill also directs employers to provide training for their employees on the risk factors that can lead to heat illness and guidance on the proper procedures for responding to symptoms.

    The bill is named in honor of Asunción Valdivia, who died in 2004 after picking grapes for 10 hours straight in 105-degree temperatures. Mr. Valdivia fell unconscious, but instead of calling an ambulance, his employer told Mr. Valdivia’s son to drive his father home. On his way home, he died of heat stroke at the age of 53.

    “Asunción Valdivia’s death was completely preventable, yet his story is sadly not unique. As the planet continues to grow hotter, there is still no federally enforceable heat safety standard for workers. That’s not just dangerous for the farm workers and construction workers who work all day outside in the sun — it’s also dangerous for the factory and restaurant workers in boiling warehouses and kitchens,” said Senator Padilla. “Every family deserves to know that even on the hottest day, their loved one will come back home. A national heat safety standard would provide that peace of mind and finally give workers the safety they deserve.”

    “Even as heat waves become more frequent, longer-lasting, and more severe, red state politicians are rolling back heat protections and child labor protections across the country. It’s not rocket science—you cannot be pro-worker if you are anti-heat protection,” said Senator Markey. “Our legislation would provide workers with basic, effective protections: access to water, access to shade, time limits on high heat exposure, and procedures for emergency medical response. Every worker deserves to know when they clock in that they will return home safe at the end of their shift.  The thermometer is rising and the clock is ticking. Republicans want to sacrifice working Americans. Let’s save our workers instead.”

    “From farmhands to construction workers, America’s essential workforce is doing important work while under extreme heat conditions,” said Senator Cortez Masto. “Temperatures continue to reach record highs in Nevada and across the United States. We must act now to protect our communities’ vital workers.” 

    “As we continue to experience record-breaking summer heat waves, we’re also seeing a distressing increase in cases of workers collapsing and even losing their lives due to excessive heat. I will never forget people like Asunción Valdivia or Esteban Chavez Jr., who passed away in Pasadena, California in 2022 after a day of delivering packages in 90-degree heat in a truck without air conditioning. Unfortunately, their tragic deaths were entirely preventable,” said Representative Chu. “Whether on a farm, driving a truck, or working in a warehouse, workers like Asunción and Esteban keep our country running while enduring some of the most difficult conditions—often without access to water or rest. To protect our workforce and save lives, we must pass this bill into law and establish comprehensive and enforceable federal standards addressing heat stress on the job.”

    “This summer, Americans across the country are grappling with some of the hottest temperatures on record. Yet workers in this country still have no legal protection against excessive heat—one of the oldest, most serious, and most common workplace hazards. Heat illness affects workers in our nation’s fields, warehouses, and factories, and climate change is making the problem more severe every year,” said Ranking Member Scott, House Committee on Education and Workforce. “This legislation will require OSHA to issue a heat standard on a much faster track than the normal OSHA regulatory process. I was proud to advance this important bill in 2022, and I urge Chairman Walberg and Committee Republicans to do so again this Congress. Workers deserve nothing less, particularly as heat-related illnesses and deaths rise.”

    “As we face record temperatures, it has never been more important that we protect our workers facing extreme heat in the workplace,” said Representative Adams. “Last year, a North Carolina postal worker Wendy Johnson lost her life to heat illness after spending hours in the back of a postal truck on a 95-degree day with no air conditioning. Her death was entirely preventable, and Wendy should still be with us today. I’m proud to introduce this bill so we can honor her memory and ensure every worker has the protections from extreme heat that Wendy deserved.” 

    According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), 2024 was the warmest year on record for the United States. The past decade, including 2024, was the hottest on record, marking a decade of extreme heat that will only get worse. Heat-related illnesses can cause heat cramps, organ damage, heat exhaustion, stroke, and even death. Between 1992 and 2017, heat stress injuries killed 815 U.S. workers and seriously injured more than 70,000. The Washington Center for Equitable Growth estimates hot temperatures caused at least 360,000 workplace injuries in California from 2001 to 2018, or about 20,000 injuries a year. The failure to implement simple heat safety measures costs U.S. employers nearly $100 billion every year in lost productivity.

    From 2011-2020, heat exposure killed at least 400 workers and caused nearly 34,000 injuries and illnesses resulting in days away from work; both are likely vast underestimates. Farm workers and construction workers suffer the highest incidence of heat illness. And no matter what the weather is outside, workers in factories, commercial kitchens, and other workplaces, including ones where workers must wear personal protective equipment (PPE), can face dangerously high heat conditions all year round.

    The Asunción Valdivia Heat Illness, Injury, and Fatality Prevention Act has the support of a broad coalition of over 250 groups, including: Rural Coalition, International Brotherhood of Teamsters, AFL-CIO, UNITE HERE!, Communication Workers of America, Alianza Nacional de Campesinas, Sierra Club, United Farm Workers, Farmworker Justice, Public Citizen, International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers, United Food and Commercial Workers International Union, Union of Concerned Scientists, United Steelworkers, National Resources Defense Council, American Lung Association, and Health Partnerships.

    “Every worker safety rule in America is written in blood,” said UFW President Teresa Romero. “The UFW has been fighting for heat safety protections for decades. Over 20 years later, Asuncion Valdivia’s death still hurts. There are so many other farm workers — many whose names we do not know — who have also been killed by extreme heat on the job in the years since. Enough is enough. Every farm worker deserves access to water, shade, and paid rest breaks — it’s past time for Congress get this done.”

    “Too many workers – including AFSCME members – have lost their lives on the job as a result of blistering heat waves and record-breaking temperatures,” said AFSCME President Lee Saunders. “As the number of heat-related illnesses and fatalities continue to rise, it is well past time we adopt nationwide safeguards to better protect the workers who maintain our infrastructure, keep our streets clean, harvest our food, and keep our economy moving. We at AFSCME thank Senator Padilla and Representative Chu for introducing the Asunción Valdivia Heat Illness, Injury, and Fatality Prevention Act, which will ensure essential workers who brave the heat can do their jobs safely and effectively, and most importantly, make it home alive.”

    “For the Steelworkers Union, we represent workers in manufacturing settings and in a host of other areas where not only is it hot outside, but the areas that they work around are as hot as up to 3,000 degrees and they must wear protective equipment. The Asunción Valdivia Heat, Illness, Injury, and Fatality Prevention Act is important because it will provide a basic standard for not just outdoor, but indoor workplaces as well to ensure that there is proper rest breaks and the ability to stay cool. The Steelworkers are absolutely supportive of this bill and are going to work with Republicans and Democrats to ensure that heat illness is the last thing a worker should worry about,” said Roy Houseman, Legislative Director of United Steelworkers. 

    “Everyone deserves safe working conditions, but powerful corporations have not done enough to protect their workers from hot working environments, exacerbated by the climate crisis,” said Liz Shuler, President of the AFL-CIO. “Extreme heat is increasingly causing indoor and outdoor workers to collapse or even die on the job, and our union family has already lost too many members to preventable, work-related heat illness. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) must issue a strong heat rule, not a weak one, to ensure workers have specific protections they need and to be able to raise unsafe working conditions without fear of retaliation.”

    “It’s long past time for meaningful legislation to protect Teamsters and other workers from the effects of prolonged heat exposure and dangerous heat levels while at work,” said Teamsters General President Sean M. O’Brien. “Paid breaks in cool spaces, access to water, and limitations on time exposed to heat are simple common sense steps that should be mandated immediately. Waiting to implement these measures is unacceptable and will result in the further loss of lives.”

    “Workers in America are facing unprecedented dangers from climate-driven heat and extreme weather, and things are only getting worse. It is far past time for a strong national standard to protect workers from illness and death caused by exposure to extreme heat. The provisions mandated in this bill, including temperature triggers, acclimatization, water, shade and paid rest breaks, would save countless lives. They represent a common sense and common decency approach that employers could quickly adopt. American workers deserve no less, and they urgently need it. Today, OSHA is in the final stage of issuing a final rule on this issue. It is imperative that the rule maintain the integrity and high standards called for in the Asuncíon Valdivia Heat Illness, Injury, and Fatality Prevention Act. We applaud Senators Padilla, Markey, and Cortez Masto and Representatives Chu, Adams, and Scott, as well as the dozens of Senators and Congresspersons who have joined them in this long effort. It’s time to bring a high quality, protective standard to the finish line for American workers,” said Ernesto Archila, Climate and Financial Regulation Policy Director, Public Citizen.

    “Every summer high temperature records get broken in states across the country, and while public health officials urge residents to stay inside and stay safe millions of workers have to report for work. From fields to warehouses, airports to schools, construction sites to manufacturing plants, and many more industries, too many workers are at risk of not getting home safely at the end of the day due to exposure to heat on the job. We know how to prevent these dangers. In fact, both outdoor and indoor workers in states like Oregon, California, and Maryland have strong, enforceable protections in place already. And in Washington, Colorado, and Minnesota at least some categories of workers are being kept safe from heat. But millions labor in other states where there are no protections; worker safety is left to the federal government in these states, and absent strong rules workers are left to protect themselves and hope for the best. We must extend workplace protections from heat to all workers. The National Employment Law Project thanks Senator Padilla and Representative Chu, as well as the dozens of Senators and Congresspersons who have cosponsored the Asunción Valdivia Heat Illness, Injury, and Fatality Prevention Act of 2025,” said Anastasia Christman, Senior Policy Analyst, National Employment Law Project.

    The bill is cosponsored by Senators Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), John Fetterman (D-Pa.), Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.).

    Senator Padilla has acted urgently to address the threats posed by extreme heat as the climate crisis becomes more severe. Padilla successfully called on OSHA to establish the first-ever federal safety standard to protect workers from the severe risks of excessive heat, implementing key provisions from the Asunción Valdivia Heat Illness, Injury, and Fatality Prevention Act. Padilla and his colleagues also led 112 members of Congress in calling on the Biden Administration to implement a workplace federal heat standard as quickly as possible. The letter urged OSHA to model the standard after the provisions in the Asunción Valdivia Heat Illness, Injury, and Fatality Prevention Act. Additionally, Padilla and Markey’s Preventing Health Emergencies and Temperature-related (HEAT) Illness and Deaths Act advanced out of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation last year.

    Padilla previously joined union members and workers from UFW and the Kern, Inyo, and Mono Counties Central Labor Council, AFL-CIO in Forty Acres, California in 2023 to announce his legislation to implement an enforceable federal workplace heat standard.

    A one-pager on the Asunción Valdivia Heat Illness, Injury, and Fatality Prevention Act is available here.

    A section-by-section of the bill is available here.

    Full text of the bill is available here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: ESCO Technologies Announces Third Quarter 2025 Earnings Release and Conference Call

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    St. Louis, July 16, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — ESCO Technologies Inc. (NYSE:ESE) will report its third quarter financial results after the market close on Thursday, August 7, 2025, followed by a conference call where the financial results and related commentary will be discussed.  

    Event:      Third Quarter 2025 Conference Call
    Date:        Thursday, August 7
    Time:        4:00 p.m. Central Time

    The conference call webcast and an accompanying slide presentation will be available in the Investor Center of ESCO’s website. The slide presentation will be utilized during the call and will be posted on the website prior to the call. Participants may also access the webcast using this registration link.

    For those unable to participate, a webcast replay will be available after the call in the Investor Center of ESCO’s website.

    ESCO Technologies is a global provider of highly engineered products and solutions serving diverse end-markets. It manufactures filtration and fluid control products, advanced composites, as well as signature and power management solutions for aviation, Navy, space, and industrial customers. ESCO is an industry leader in designing and manufacturing RF test and measurement products and systems; and provides diagnostic instruments, software and services to industrial power users and the electric utility and renewable energy industries. Headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri, ESCO and its subsidiaries have offices and manufacturing facilities worldwide. For more information on ESCO and its subsidiaries, visit ESCO’s website at www.escotechnologies.com

    SOURCE ESCO Technologies Inc.
    Kate Lowrey, Vice President of Investor Relations, (314) 213-7277

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senators Rosen, Hyde-Smith, Kelly and Reps. Houlahan, Baird Introduce Bipartisan, Bicameral Legislation to Support Workers Entering or Returning to STEM Careers

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV)

    Legislation Would Help Businesses Bring On Mid-Career Workers Seeking To Return To Or Transition Into STEM Jobs
    WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Senators Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS), and Mark Kelly (D-AZ) introduced the STEM Restoring Employment Skills through Targeted Assistance, Re-entry, and Training (RESTART) Act. This bipartisan legislation would provide funding to support mid-career internships, known as “returnships,” for workers seeking to return to or transition into the STEM workforce. Representatives Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA) and Jim Baird (R-IN) have also introduced identical bipartisan legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives.
    “When we invest in STEM education and workforce development, we can open the door to successful careers in some of the most in-demand industries,” said Senator Rosen. “I’m glad to introduce this bipartisan bill to help give workers the training and tools they need to enter new STEM careers. I’ll keep working across party lines to make sure all Nevadans have the skills needed to fill good-paying jobs.” 
    “Many skilled professionals step away from the workforce, but face significant barriers when trying to return, especially in technical fields where innovation moves fast,” said Senator Hyde-Smith. “Our legislation equips small and mid-sized businesses with the tools to tap into this valuable talent pool.  This will help hardworking Americans reconnect with meaningful careers while growing the STEM workforce in states like Mississippi and beyond.”
    “Arizona’s 21st century economy depends on a strong STEM workforce, and that means making sure talented workers who’ve taken time away or are looking to transition into STEM fields have a real pathway back in,” said Senator Kelly. “This effort will help small businesses tap into an underutilized talent pool while giving Arizonans the support they need to reenter the workforce and succeed in high-paying careers.”
    “As a former Air Force engineer and chemistry teacher, I know that building a strong STEM workforce is essential not only for creating good-paying jobs, but also for safeguarding our national security,” said Representative Houlahan. “Whether it’s biotechnology, quantum computing, or clean energy, the global race for innovation is accelerating, and we can’t afford to leave talent on the sidelines. The bipartisan STEM RESTART Act will help mid-career professionals and those returning to the workforce enter high-demand STEM fields so we can strengthen our economy, compete globally, and protect America’s leadership in emerging technologies. I’m proud to reintroduce this commonsense legislation, which is a win for both businesses and workers across our Commonwealth and country.”
    “If we want to maintain our global competitive edge and continue to lead the world in innovation, we must ensure we have a well-equipped STEM workforce now and empower future generations in STEM fields,” said Congressman Baird. “A robust STEM workforce is also vital to our economic prosperity and national security, especially when up against the threat of Communist China. I thank my colleagues in the House and Senate for their work on this bipartisan legislation to equip Hoosiers who want to return to the STEM workforce with the tools they need to fill job openings and build the greatest economy in history.”
    “The STEM RESTART Act is a forward-thinking investment in our nation’s workforce,” said Chris Heavey, Interim President of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. “By supporting mid-career professionals reentering the STEM fields, this bill strengthens innovation, expands opportunity, and ensures that talent and experience are not left behind.”
    “The Society of Women Engineers is thrilled to see the STEM RESTART Act reintroduced in 2025. As the nation continues to rebuild a strong and inclusive STEM workforce, this legislation is more critical than ever. Hundreds of thousands of STEM professionals have stepped away from technical careers in recent years, and research shows most want to return—but face steep barriers. Grants for structured ‘returnships’ give mid-career professionals real, paid pathways back into meaningful STEM roles,” said Karen Horting, Executive Director & CEO of the Society of Women Engineers. “SWE and our 50,000 plus members fully support this bipartisan, bicameral effort to bridge talent gaps, bolster small and midsize businesses, and drive innovation. We urge lawmakers to pass the STEM RESTART Act as soon as possible and reaffirm our collective commitment to supporting women and others who pause their careers, as well as the country’s economic growth and global competitiveness.”
    The STEM RESTART Act has been endorsed by the Society of Women Engineers, STEM Education Coalition, AnitaB.org, Nevada System of Higher Education, College of Southern Nevada, Vegas Chamber, Henderson Chamber of Commerce, Nevada State University, and University of Nevada, Las Vegas.
    Senator Rosen has been a leader in advocating for tech innovation and improving access to STEM careers. She helped pass the bipartisan CHIPS and Science Act, which invests $52 billion in domestic computer chip manufacturing to help address the current shortage. Additionally, Rosen helped write the broadband section of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which is delivering $65 billion to make high-speed internet more available and affordable to Americans. In 2020, Senator Rosen’s bipartisan Building Blocks of STEM Act, which breaks down barriers to allow more young girls to study computer science, was signed into law.  

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Sherrill Votes to Pass Bipartisan NDAA to Strengthen National Security and Protect Service Members

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11)

    Washington, D.C. — Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11), former Navy helicopter pilot and member of the House Armed Services Committee, secured over $20 million in additional funds for Picatinny Arsenal programs and the New Jersey innovation economy in a mark-up of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). 

    The NDAA is critical legislation that Congress authors each year to establish defense priorities, make organizational shifts to military posture, and provide direction on how military funding can be spent.

    “One of my chief responsibilities is to craft national defense legislation that strengthens our fighting forces across the globe, bolsters the New Jersey economy by investing in Picatinny Arsenal, and expands protections for our service members and their families. With Pete Hegseth, the most incompetent Secretary of Defense in history, leading our armed forces, it’s more important than ever that we pass commonsense legislation that invests in our fighting forces and the men and women who have stepped up to serve our country. 

    “I ensured that Picatinny Arsenal continues to have the resources it needs to keep our soldiers safe across the world, bolster our New Jersey economy, and support the Ukrainian fight against Russian oppression. I continued my fight to ensure that our servicewomen and military families have access to abortion care, no matter where they are stationed; I stood up to protect women in combat roles across our armed forces; and I advocated to expand year-long contraception prescriptions for all active duty service members and families. I fought to strengthen guardrails to provide additional congressional oversight if the President or the Secretary of Defense tries to unilaterally relocate troops and protect the National Guard from being politicized. And I successfully included an amendment in the bill to reverse the Trump Administration’s attempt to legalize racial segregation in our armed forces.

    “Our service members and their families make incredible sacrifices to protect the rights, freedoms, and democracy we hold dear. There is far too much at stake right now to allow political fights and partisan gamesmanship to endanger our national security and weaken our fighting forces,” said Mikie Sherrill. 

    Rep. Sherrill championed a pilot program for remote blood pressure monitoring for pregnant and postpartum women, successfully included an amendment that would expand access to apprenticeship training for service members transitioning to civilian life, and improve training and resources for firefighters serving on military installations.

    She spoke up against Republican attempts to strip women from combat roles, highlighted Pete Hegseth’s dangerous use of Signal, and defended U.S. funding for our ally, Ukraine.

    The NDAA also includes provisions that will strengthen Picatinny Arsenal, one of the largest employers in NJ-11, and support the critical work conducted there. Rep. Sherrill championed additional funding for Picatinny programs, including:
     

    • Scalable Counter Small Unmanned Aerial Systems (CsUAS) Munition delivered Air Defense payloads
    • Tier 1 Blast Over Pressure Reduction Technologies
    • Low Cost Armaments-based Counter Drone / Counter Small Unmanned Aerial Systems (CsUAS) Protection
    • Critical Energetic Materials and Manufacturing Industrial Base Supply Chain Technology 
       

    Rep. Sherrill offered and successfully secured inclusion of 12 amendments to the NDAA, including:
     

    • Requiring TRICARE to cover up to twelve-month supplies of contraception for service members and their families;
      • This amendment expands on Rep. Sherrill’s effort to require private insurance to allow patients to receive a full year’s supply of birth control instead of the typical three month supply.
    • Requiring DoD contractors to certify that they do not have segregated facilities
      • This amendment comes in response to the Trump Administration reversing a policy that required Department of Defense contractors to have nonsegregated facilities.
    • Establishing a pilot program to utilize remote monitoring of blood pressure for at-risk pregnant and postpartum military women;
    • Expanding bereavement leave to include service members and the spouse of the service member who experience the loss of a pregnancy or stillbirth;
    • Increasing the participation of women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) positions in the Armed Forces;
    • Increasing access to registered apprenticeships in the Skillbridge program for service members transitioning to civilian careers;
    • Requiring the Department of Defense to conduct a study on the training and equipment of Firefighter Rapid Intervention Teams on military facilities.
    • Prohibiting the Trump administration from eliminating US military bases in Europe to protect our NATO allies. 

    Rep. Sherrill is a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy and served in the Navy for almost 10 years as a helicopter pilot and Russian policy officer. As a Russian policy officer, she worked on the implementation of our nuclear treaty obligations and oversaw the relationship between the U.S. Navy and Russian Federation Navy. She serves on the House Armed Services Committee and sits on the Tactical Air and Land Forces (TAL) and Cyber, Innovative Technologies, and Information Systems (CITI) Subcommittees.

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  • MIL-OSI USA: WATCH: Rep. Sherrill Introduces NDAA Amendment to Ensure Reproductive Rights for Servicewomen in the Military

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11)

    Washington, D.C. — Tonight, Rep. Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11) introduced an amendment to the FY2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that would repeal the longstanding federal ban on abortion care in the military health system. The amendment strikes Section 1093 of Title X, which prohibits the Department of Defense from providing abortion services in most cases.

    Following the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, approximately 40% of women in uniform are now stationed in states that ban or severely restrict abortion access. Even the narrow “exceptions” permitted under current law have proven unworkable in practice, putting the lives and health of servicewomen at risk.

    Thousands of active-duty servicewomen seek abortion care each year, according to a 2023 RAND report. Yet under current law, military doctors and facilities are prohibited from providing that care, even when it’s medically necessary for their health — forcing women to turn to informal support systems or delay treatment.

    The amendment seeks to restore full reproductive health care access for all military personnel and their families, regardless of where they are stationed.

    Click here to watch Sherrill’s full remarks.

    Full remarks, as delivered:

    “Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk. 

    Today, across the country, women’s reproductive freedoms are under attack. After the Supreme Court’s MAGA majority overturned Roe, nineteen states now outright ban or severely restrict abortion access. 

    My daughters now have less freedoms than I did while growing up. It is unthinkable to me that so many of our servicewomen are already serving with less rights than I had while in the Navy and being stationed in states like Texas or Florida without basic access to reproductive care. 

    The fact that our military treatment facilities are only allowed to provide abortions in extremely limited circumstances is unacceptable and puts the health and wellbeing of our service members and their families at risk.

    The decision to get an abortion is deeply personal and should be made by a woman and her doctor, not by politicians.

    Our service members expect that they will receive the best possible health care. But our military healthcare providers can’t even give them an abortion when their health is at risk.

    And we know that “exceptions” to abortion bans don’t work. We see horrific stories on the news about women who were denied care that they were SUPPOSED TO receive under an exception, often ending with the mother nearly losing her life.

    We have more than 100,000 active-duty service members stationed in Texas. We’ve heard stories of a young woman, who died after experiencing a tragic miscarriage at 17-weeks. After being faced with this devastating loss, her doctors delayed medically necessary and lifesaving care because of the state’s abortion ban. She died as a result of an infection she developed because that care was delayed, leaving behind a young daughter.

    In Georgia, another young woman experienced a rare complication with medication abortion where her body did not expel all of the fetal tissue. When she sought out medical care, she waited 20 hours before doctors were able to operate because of the state’s abortion ban. While she waited, her infection spread and her organs began to fail. Amber’s care came too late and she died as a result of the infection leaving behind a six year old son.

    We ask our servicewomen to put their lives on the line for this country. They shouldn’t have to risk their lives giving birth. 

    But the fact remains that a woman should never need a so-called exception to get an abortion and it shouldn’t need to be an emergency before she can get care. It should be available, a decision a woman gets to make over her own body and her own life. 

    My amendment would repeal the draconian ban on abortions within the military health system, allowing our servicewomen and military families to have the freedom of access and the freedom to choose.  

    Thank you and I yield back.”

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  • MIL-OSI USA: WATCH: Rep. Sherrill Backs Amendment to Hold Hegseth Accountable for SignalGate and Mishandling Classified Info

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11)

    WASHINGTON, DC — During the House Armed Services Committee’s markup of the FY2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11) spoke in strong support of an amendment that would hold the Pentagon accountable for reviewing and certifying secure protocols for transmitting classified information.

    The amendment comes in direct response to multiple reports that Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth shared classified operational details — including the timing and aircraft involved in U.S. airstrikes — over unsecured Signal chats with personal contacts, including his wife, brother, personal attorney, and a reporter. 

    Click here to watch Rep. Sherrill’s full remarks.

    Full remarks, as delivered:
    “You know, I think it’s very concerning to hear from the other side of the aisle that there isn’t a focus on accountability, that there shouldn’t be any accountability. And I will tell you, especially when it comes to national security, that can never be the case. I learned early how to properly handle classified information when I was a teenager at the Naval Academy.

    I used that knowledge again as I was a Russian policy officer in the Navy. So I’ll start with the obvious. If Secretary Hegseth believed a word he said about turning our military into a meritocracy, he would have sent in his resignation weeks ago. His decision to send strike plans in multiple unsecured Signal chats to his wife, to his brother, to his personal attorney and to a reporter could have killed American service members. And he did so while at least one Signal chat member was in the Kremlin.

    Accountability matters, but I’m not surprised by his complete disregard for national security and for the safety of our men and women in uniform, because from his views on women in combat to his willingness to bend the knee to Russian dictator Vladimir Putin, we knew exactly who Trump was picking.

    That’s why I strongly opposed his nomination from the very beginning. But I will say that I am surprised by some of my colleagues on the other side of the aisle in this room, because every single individual in this room knows that the information shared on Signal was classified. Any member of the House Armed Services Committee knows without a doubt that the timing, schedule, and composition of operations are absolutely classified.

    Every individual in this room knows that Hegseth’s use of Signal could have gotten American service members killed. So even if you haven’t served in uniform, you know how to handle classified information by virtue of sitting on this very committee. We host any hearing with classified information into secure rooms without our phones and without messaging apps like Signal, which is why I think it’s a dereliction of duty that the majority on this committee has refused to hold any sort of investigative hearing into Hegseth’s behavior.

    Nearly every Republican in this room has sat back and watched, or even worse, defended Pete Hegseth’s behavior. So I encourage us to rectify that now, as we hold the Department of Defense accountable for protecting our national security and our service members’ lives, which is why I urge you to support this amendment and I yield back.”

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  • MIL-OSI USA: WATCH: Rep. Sherrill Defends Picatinny Workers, Slams Trump’s Civil Service Cuts as a Threat to National Security

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11)

    WASHINGTON, DC — Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11) is pushing back against the Trump administration’s latest plan to gut the Department of Defense’s civilian workforce, warning that proposed civil service cuts would undermine national security and devastate North Jersey’s economy surrounding Picatinny Arsenal.

    At today’s House Armed Services Committee markup of the FY2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), Sherrill spoke in defense of the engineers, scientists, and support staff at Picatinny — calling them critical to U.S. military readiness and innovation. Sherrill underscored the national security risks of outsourcing their work to private contractors and weakening the institutional knowledge that makes facilities like Picatinny a cornerstone of American defense.

    Click here to watch Rep. Sherrill’s full remarks.

    Full remarks, as delivered:

    “Thank you, Mr. Chairman. 

    I speak today in strong support for my colleagues’ amendment that enshrines certain protections for our DoD civilians into law which I think is completely necessary given the work of this committee to try to manage and mitigate the complete incompetence coming from the Secretary of Defense and this administration when it comes to DoD related matters. 

    The Trump administration’s slash to the civil service is not just an attack on government workers – it’s a direct threat to our national security and to the economic stability of communities like mine in New Jersey. 

    At Picatinny Arsenal we have engineers, scientists, and support staff who are building the future of our national defense; developing the weapon systems our service members rely on to stay safe and to succeed. 

    Picatinny is a vital hub for U.S. military innovation, especially in advanced munitions and armaments that keep our troops safe and mission ready. Cutting civil service roles here directly weakens our military’s ability to develop, test, and deliver cutting edge weaponry. 

    Many of our civil servants have had years of specialized training in metallurgy, physics, and chemistry, some of it at the post-grad level at the Picatinny Armaments School that I’m working to get accredited and which has graduated 41 Masters Degree recipients and two PHDs. So in delivering these cuts we will harm and weaken our military’s ability to develop, test, and deliver  cutting edge weaponry not just today but for years to come. 

    Slashing civil service positions risk shifting critical expertise to private contractors, driving up costs and reducing institutional knowledge within the government.  Maintaining a robust civil service at Picatinny ensures that the U.S. retains strategic control over weapons development and innovation. 

    Cutting civil service jobs at Picatinny Arsenal is not just an attack on New Jersey workers, it’s an attack on our national security.  And as someone who has served our country, I know we need to strengthen not weaken our defense capabilities.  I will fight to protect every job and every innovation effort at Picatinny, because America’s security depends on it. 

    Thank you and I yield back.”

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  • MIL-OSI USA: WATCH: Rep. Sherrill Slams Hegseth’s Unilateral Freezes on Ukraine Aid, Backs Amendment to Prevent Future Delays

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11)

    WASHINGTON, DC — As Secretary Hegseth’s reckless mismanagement of the Pentagon continues to endanger American allies and undermine global stability, Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11) is standing in the breach. During the House Armed Services Committee’s markup of the FY2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), Sherrill argued in support of an amendment that would prohibit the Department of Defense from halting aid to Ukraine without explicit approval from the President.

    The amendment comes in response to two known incidents in which Secretary Hegseth froze critical military assistance to Ukraine — without any directive from President Trump or coordination with national security officials. These freezes, both later reversed by the White House, caused serious delays in weapons and support bound for Ukrainian forces defending against Russian aggression.

    Click here to watch Sherrill’s full remarks.

    Full remarks, as delivered:

    “Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

    I want to express my strong support for Rep. Moulton’s amendment today.

    The Pentagon has frozen the delivery of aid to Ukraine three times since President Trump’s inauguration. Two of those times, Secretary Hegseth froze the aid without even gaining the approval of President Trump.

    According to news reports, the first time Secretary Hegseth froze the aid was less than two weeks into the Trump administration when he apparently misunderstood President Trump’s directions in a National Security Council meeting and believed that DoD was supposed to halt all delivery of aid to Ukraine.

    While this decision was reversed by the White House only a few days later, Secretary Hegseth’s poor decision cost millions of taxpayer dollars and delayed the delivery of vital aid.

    Last month, I asked Secretary Hegseth about this early freeze in aid to Ukraine when he testified before this committee. Secretary Hegseth unsurprisingly refused to provide an actual response to my questions about why he ordered that first freeze to aid.

    Then just a few weeks ago, we learned again that he ordered the freeze of vital military assistance to Ukraine. Again he apparently didn’t coordinate with the White House or State Department before making his order. And once again Secretary Hegseth’s decision was overruled by President Trump.

    His poor judgement and mismanagement of the Pentagon has twice now led to the freeze of military assistance to Ukraine. This committee needs to make sure that these deadly pauses don’t happen again.

    President Trump himself has apparently come around to the idea and announced that he would once again be sending significant defense equipment to Ukraine. After serving at CINCUSNAVEUR and as a Russian policy officer in the Navy, I know first hand how dangerous a threat Vladimir Putin is to Ukraine, Europe and the US. Ukrainian soldiers fighting and dying on the front lines against Russia don’t have time to wait for the delivery of artillery and munitions. They need that aid today.

    Thank you and I yield back.”

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Defense News in Brief: U.S., Royal Thai Navies Forge Stronger Bonds Through Secure CENTRIX Communications During CARAT Thailand 2025

    Source: United States Navy

    SATTAHIP, Thailand — In the Indo-Pacific, effective and secure communication forms the bedrock of strong alliances. This critical principle is at the forefront of Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) Thailand 2025, where U.S. Navy personnel and their Royal Thai Navy (RTN) counterparts conducted subject matter expert exchanges on the Combined Enterprise Regional Information Exchange System (CENTRIX)

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Defense News in Brief: 317th AW showcases combat readiness in major AMC inspection

    Source: United States Airforce

    The 317th Airlift Wing completed the initial phase of its first-ever Combat Readiness Inspection, evaluated by Air Mobility Command at Dyess Air Force Base, Texas.

    The CRI measured the wing’s ability to rapidly deploy combat-ready forces in contested, degraded and operationally limited environments, directly supporting Air Force and Department of Defense objectives.

    “Our wing’s number one priority is ‘mission execution upon notification’,” said Col. Justin Diehl, 317th AW commander. “317th Airmen continuously train to rapidly respond with precision to the most complex operating environments in the world, and this inspection offered another opportunity to validate their timelines.”

    The inspection began with a mock 24-hour deployment notification. Airmen received scenario-based intelligence, a briefing from leadership and guidance on deployment expectations.

    “When given a sudden notification to deploy, our team has the necessary skills to move out and lead at scale,” said Chief Master Sgt. Martin Castillo, 317th AW command chief. “This gives the wing the ability to execute the commander’s intent instantly.”

    A loadmaster assigned to the 39th Airlift Squadron configures cargo rollers inside a C-130J Super Hercules during a Combat Readiness Inspection at Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, July 1, 2025. The inspection evaluated the 317th Airlift Wing’s ability to rapidly generate and deploy combat-ready airpower in support of global mobility operations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Adrien Tran)
    Airman 1st Class Christian Sanchez, 7th Logistics Readiness Squadron vehicle maintenance journeyman, checks an entry authorization list during a Combat Readiness Inspection at Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, July 1, 2025. The 317th Airlift Wing was evaluated by Air Mobility Command during its first graded CRI. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Adrien Tran)
    Airmen assigned to the 317th Airlift Wing observe activity from the side hatch of a C-130J Super Hercules during a Combat Readiness Inspection at Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, July 1, 2025. The Air Mobility Command inspection tested the wing’s ability to rapidly deploy mission-ready Airmen and equipment under realistic, time-constrained scenarios. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Adrien Tran)

    Throughout the CRI, AMC inspectors general and wing inspection team members evaluated the 317th AW’s execution of deployment operations. Airmen were tasked to rapidly generate aircraft, process cargo and mission plan while also completing the associated administrative and medical requirements.

    “The key to success in this CRI is our ‘we’re going’ mindset,” Castillo said. “Our Airmen understand that our culture is rooted in being prepared to deploy at a moment’s notice to execute high-end operations around the world.”

    Upon receiving the CRI deployment order, Airmen staged pallets and equipment for transport, loaded C-130J Super Hercules aircraft and prepared aircrews for maximum endurance operations, ensuring the 317th AW performed mission execution upon notification.

    “Our Airmen consistently meet and exceed our expectations,” Diehl said. “They think and move fast, maintaining the precision required to respond to global operations in contested environments. The CRI was another opportunity to highlight the effort they put in every day.”

    The 317th AW used the CRI to prepare to participate in the Air Force’s Department Level Exercise, an initiative designed to demonstrate the service’s readiness for complex, large-scale military operations.

    “This wing operates at the leading edge,” Diehl said. “Through the CRI, our Airmen demonstrated their ability through their advanced training to solve challenges in an increasingly complex global environment.

    The completion of the initial phase of the CRI underscores the 317th AW’s ability to generate and employ combat-ready airpower at a moment’s notice. The milestone reinforces the wing’s ‘we’re going’ mindset and highlights its vital role in delivering rapid global mobility and ensuring U.S. and coalition forces can respond to known and emerging threats decisively and effectively.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Defense News in Brief: USNS Comfort Arrives in Dominican Republic for CP25

    Source: United States Navy

    PUERTO PLATA, Dominican Republic – The Mercy-class hospital ship USNS Comfort (T-AH 20) arrived in Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic for the fourth mission stop of Continuing Promise 2025 (CP25), July 15, 2025.

    16 July 2025

    From Petty Officer 2nd Class Alfredo Marron – U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command / U.S. 4th Fleet

    “It is an honor and a privilege to leave our footprint in the Dominican Republic,” said Capt. Grace Key, commanding officer, Medical Treatment Facility aboard Comfort. “From the medical site and community relations, to the repairs the Seabees will make to the facilities, we will strengthen our partnership with the people of the Dominican Republic.”

    Comfort and Dominican medical professionals will work side-by-side to provide medical care to the community of Puerto Plata. By working together and exchanging knowledge, the Dominican Republic and partners in the region can maintain regional stability as a team and work collectively in the event of natural disasters, medical catastrophes, or regional conflict.

    “Throughout Continuing Promise, the clinical staff and personnel have welcomed us with open arms at every port visit,” said Lt. j.g. Althea Caraballo, the Puerto Plata medical site assistant officer in charge. “I am excited to be in Dominican Republic and very inspired by our partnerships and the opportunity to expand our professional and cultural horizons.”

    Medical care during the Dominican Republic mission stop will be provided at Polideportivo, Puerto Plata and will include services in adult medicine, pediatrics, dental, optometry, women’s health, dermatology, cardiology, physical therapy, nutrition, preventative medicine, radiology, and pharmacy.

    “This mission is a valuable opportunity to deepen cooperation between the United States and the Dominican Republic, particularly in the areas of security and humanitarian assistance,” said Lt. Col. Lowell D. Krusinger, senior defense official/defense attaché, U.S. Embassy Santo Domingo. “We’re proud to see U.S. and Dominican medical professionals working shoulder to shoulder aboard the USNS Comfort, including seven Dominican providers who are lending their expertise to benefit communities across six countries on the ship’s tour.”

    Additionally, Comfort’s medical personnel will conduct subject matter expert exchanges (SMEE) with Dominican health professionals, to include tactical combat casualty care (TCCC) and round tables on preventative medicine, nutrition, and wound care. U.S. Army veterinarians embarked aboard Comfort from the 248th Medical Detachment Veterinary Service Support will conduct a dairy farming SMEE and K-9 tactical causality combat care.

    This visit marks the sixth Continuing Promise visits the Dominican Republic and the fifth visit from Comfort. The last time Comfort visited the Dominican Republic was during Continuing Promise 2022, where the medical team treated 4,435 patients at sites in Santo Domingo and Azua, as well as conducted 87 surgeries aboard Comfort.

    “I am excited to be here as we bring the same service offered to other countries to my home country,” said Dominican Republic 1st Lt. Luiz Rameriez, doctor of obstetrics and gynecology embarked aboard Comfort. “I am excited for the U.S. service members to tour our facilities and to see how we can improve and impact the overall health of the population.”

    The CP25 mission in Dominican Republic also includes a Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HA/DR) SMEE and a table-top exercise with local responders. Sailors aboard Comfort will also support the region through a variety of community relations events to include a beach clean-up and performances from the U.S. Fleet Forces band “Unchartered Waters.”

    “This mission is a blessing, there are people not as fortunate to receive advanced medical care and we are able to provide it while we are here,” said Hospitalman Joseclaudia Garcia, a food service associate assigned to Comfort with Dominican heritage. “The Dominican people will really feel very appreciated that we get to share these engagements with them. I am very excited my fellow service members will get to experience my culture first hand!”

    CP25 marks the 16th mission to the region since 2007 and the eighth aboard Comfort. The mission will foster goodwill, strengthen existing partnerships with partner nations, and encourage the establishment of new partnerships among countries, non-federal entities, and international organizations.

    U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S. 4th Fleet supports U.S. Southern Command’s joint and combined military operations by employing maritime forces in cooperative maritime security operations to maintain access, enhance interoperability, and build enduring partnerships in order to enhance regional security and promote peace, stability and prosperity in the Caribbean, Central and South American region.

    Learn more about USNAVSOUTH/4th Fleet news and photos, visit facebook.com/NAVSOUS4THFLT, https://www.fourthfleet.navy.mil/, X – @ NAVSOUS4THFLT, and https://www.linkedin.com/company/u-s-naval-forces-southern-command-u-s-4th-fleet

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  • MIL-OSI USA: Tuberville Introduces Dr. Brian Christine of Mountain Brook in Senate HELP Hearing

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Tommy Tuberville (Alabama)

    WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) introduced Dr. Brian Christine during his nomination hearing before the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee (HELP). President Trump nominated Dr. Christine of Mountain Brook, Alabama to be Assistant Secretary for Health at the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). During their exchange, Sen. Tuberville and Dr. Christine discussed the importance of the Make America Health Again movement, along with Dr. Christine’s goals for improving rural healthcare.

    Read excerpts from their exchange below or on YouTube or Rumble.

    TUBERVILLE: “Thank you very much. It’s an honor to introduce my friend and constituent, Dr. Brian Christine. Also thrilled to welcome today his wife, Helena, and sister, Kathleen. Thank you for being here.

    Dr. Christine is a board-certified urologic surgeon with nearly 30 years of clinical experience serving patients in Birmingham, Alabama. A recognized medical expert, Dr. Christine is known for teaching and demonstrating advanced surgical techniques, both nationally and internationally. Born in West Germany to a decorated U.S. Army combat veteran and the grandson of Italian immigrants, he will bring a lifelong dedication to service, resilience, and American values to this role. Dr. Christine attended college in Georgia, what’s going on here? And earned his medical degree from Emory University. He later moved to Birmingham for his residency and has since dedicated his career to caring for the men and women of Alabama. Beyond the operating room, he has supported local law enforcement by volunteering as a trauma surgeon with tactical police units. If confirmed, Dr. Christine will oversee critical public health programs, regional health offices and U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps where he has pledged to accept a commission and lead with a Main Street medicine approach. 

    His top priorities include addressing chronic disease such as diabetes, hypertension, pediatric obesity, mental health, and the nation’s physician shortage crisis. He is particularly focused on expanding access to primary care and improving health in rural and underserved communities.

    With deep medical expertise, leadership experience, and a clear vision for reform, he is well equipped to serve as Assistant Secretary for Health, and I hope my federal colleagues will support his nomination – Dr. Christine.”

    DR. CHRISTINE: “Senator Tuberville, thank you so much for your kind words. Thank you also for the service that you’ve rendered to our nation here in the U.S. Senate and the service you have and will render to our home state of Alabama.”

    TUBERVILLE: “Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Dr. Christine, in my lifetime, I’ve never seen the deterioration of an institution like we have in the trust of the American people after COVID. How are you gonna try to put that back together? Because we desperately need some help in getting a positive attitude towards our hospitals and our doctors back to the American people.”

    DR. CHRISTINE: “Yes, Senator Tuberville, number one, thank you so much for being here. Again, thank you for your introduction. Thank you for meeting with me before today’s hearing. I’m truly appreciative. The loss of trust that we have seen in our healthcare institutions and the healthcare policies emanating from this city are the worst that I’ve seen in over three decades of practice. People feel that during the pandemic particularly they were led astray, some people feel they were lied to. We have to work to restore that trust. Secretary Kennedy is 100% committed to doing that, as is President Trump.

    In my career as a surgeon, I’ve had to earn the trust of my patients, allowing me to operate on them, literally take their life within my hands. I believe I have the ability to communicate to patients and now hopefully to the American public at large and approach them and give them a sense that what I’m saying, what I’m telling is truly for the good of the country [and] comes from a position of honesty and transparency. I’ve had to do that for over 30 years as a surgeon and as a physician. I truly believe I can bring that skillset to the office of the Assistant Secretary for Health.”

    TUBERVILLE: “Yeah. The American people are tired of being lied to about their food, the ingredients, things that we’re now finding out that are detrimental to our health. And up here, you know, we seem to overlook all that, but we need to start looking out for the American people. How do you plan to help the Secretary with that?”

    DR. CHRISTINE: “Well, we know that Secretary Kennedy is absolutely committed to the Make America Healthy Again agenda to remove toxins from our foods, to make sure that all have access to clean water, that we focus on not just treating chronic disease, but finding out what causes chronic disease, diabetes, hypertension, obesity, and work to not only cure those diseases, but really prevent and eliminate those diseases. Secretary Kennedy is always wanting to approach things from the foundation of science. He truly believes in that. I agree with the Secretary on all of those things. I intend to support him. I intend to work diligently if I have the privilege of being confirmed. To support him in that quest to make Americans healthier than they’ve ever been.” […]

    TUBERVILLE: “Dr. Christine, rural America. We got problems getting healthcare. Our state is 60% rural in Alabama. Most of the south is rural. How do we handle that problem?”

    DR. CHRISTINE: “Yes, Senator. [I think] one of the things you’re speaking about are healthcare deserts – those areas where men, women and their children don’t have ready access to primary care services such as pediatrics or gynecologic services or family practice. We have to find ways to bridge those gaps. I think that absolutely telehealth can help provide a bridge to these individuals. We’ll see what AI brings in the future. But again, technology can help bridge this gap. We absolutely must encourage and must increase the number of primary care physicians, family practitioners, pediatricians, gynecologists and opticians and primary care nurses […] to help bridge this gap as well. Now that takes a while to spin that up. But in the interim, we have to find ways to bridge the gaps. We do have to use technology. I believe that I, as Assistant Secretary for Health, one of the things that I intend to do, if I’m privileged to be in that position, will be to be a true evangelist to really go out and encourage young men and women who are in medical school and nursing school to serve in these areas. Young men and women getting into healthcare, they want a mission. Wanna help them understand that that mission to serve our brothers and sisters in rural America and healthcare deserts is truly noble and is worthwhile.”

    TUBERVILLE: “And one thing we need to sell to in rural hospitals is loyalty to the people in these communities to go to these rural hospitals so we can save them. It’s not just that they’re not being served. It’s just we have to have loyalty in those areas. Thank you.”

    Senator Tommy Tuberville represents Alabama in the United States Senate and is a member of the Senate Armed Services, Agriculture, Veterans’ Affairs, HELP and Aging Committees.

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  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: With each day that passes, the suffering increases. We urge the parties to secure an immediate ceasefire: UK statement at the UN Security Council

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments 3

    Speech

    With each day that passes, the suffering increases. We urge the parties to secure an immediate ceasefire: UK statement at the UN Security Council

    Statement by Ambassador Barbara Woodward, UK Permanent Representative to the UN, at the UN Security Council meeting on Gaza.

    The United Kingdom, together with Denmark, France, Greece and Slovenia, called for this meeting out of deep concern for the Israeli government’s inhumane approach to the crisis in Gaza. 

    This week marks 650 days since the horrific Hamas attacks of October 7th. 

    With each day that passes, the hostages suffer yet more agony, in appalling conditions and deprived from contact with their loved ones. 

    And with each day that passes, the people of Gaza suffer death, desperation and displacement.

    This conflict has gone on for far too long. 

    There is a deal to be done. 

    We urge the parties to engage in the spirit of compromise to secure an immediate ceasefire, the release of the hostages and a pathway towards lasting peace.

    I will make three points.

    First, it is imperative that Israel lift its restrictions on aid entering Gaza. 

    Without fuel, water systems and hospitals in Gaza are on the verge of collapse. 

    Without medical supplies, treatable illnesses are costing lives. 

    And without food, Palestinians are dying from malnutrition or forced desperately to scramble for supplies.

    The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation has acknowledged that the UN has the unique capacity to meet the immense humanitarian need. 

    So we call on Israel to allow the UN to save lives immediately and without obstruction. 

    The United Kingdom welcomes the agreement between the EU and Israel, but we need to see words turned into action.

    Second, we strongly oppose the expansion of Israel’s military operations. 

    We urge Israel immediately to implement and enforce robust measures to protect civilians. 

    In the past four months, more than 1,000 children have been killed.

    Palestinians have also been fired upon by the IDF while desperately seeking food, with 800 people killed at aid sites. 

    This is abhorrent.

    Third, the United Kingdom is appalled by the Israeli Defence Minister’s comments on forced displacement of Palestinians to Rafah. 

    This would contravene the fundamental principles upon which the UN was founded. 

    Palestinian territory must not be reduced, and civilians must be able to return home.

    President, the path forward lies in diplomacy and compromise to deliver lasting peace for Israelis and Palestinians alike.

    We commend the leadership of France and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in co-chairing the upcoming conference on a Two-State Solution, which offers us a crucial opportunity to advance this goal.

    Updates to this page

    Published 16 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Reps. Clyde & McCormick Introduce Legislation to Help Keep Lake Lanier Parks Open

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Andrew S. Clyde (R-GA)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congressmen Andrew Clyde (GA-09) and Rich McCormick (GA-07) introduced the Lanier Parks Local Access Act to allow local partners that manage multiple recreation sites at a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) civil works project to use collected user fees across all sites they oversee at that project, rather than being limited to spending the fees only at the specific site where the funds were collected. Both Members represent and serve portions of Lake Lanier.

     

    Constructed by the USACE in the 1950s, Lake Lanier has 76 recreational areas, including 37 Corps-operated parks and campgrounds, 10 marinas, and the Lake Lanier Islands. The remaining sites are leased to local governments or other organizations.

     

    “I’ve long fought to protect Lake Lanier, including against misguided efforts to rename the lake as well as recent temporary closures of parks and boat ramps,” said Clyde. “Expanding local governments’ authority over user fees provides a strong incentive for cities and counties to lease recreational sites from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, therefore ensuring more areas remain open. I’m confident that my legislation offers a simple yet effective solution to help keep Lake Lanier parks open, safe, and well-maintained for residents and visitors alike.”

     

    “I’m proud to join Rep. Clyde in supporting the Lanier Parks Local Access Act, a commonsense piece of legislation that empowers local governments with the flexibility they need to effectively manage and maintain public recreation sites,” said McCormick. “This bill ensures that user fees work smarter, not harder, to keep our parks accessible, safe, and clean. I’m grateful for the opportunity to work alongside Rep. Clyde to support strong community spaces for families and visitors to enjoy!”

     

    Bill text of the Lanier Parks Local Access Act is available HERE.

     

    Background

     

    Due to staffing shortages, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has been unable to keep all its recreation sites on Lake Lanier open and well-maintained. While some parks have reopened in recent weeks due to Reps. Clyde and McCormick’s efforts, the two partnered on legislation to provide a permanent solution to help keep these sites open and avoid additional closures in the future.

     

    Current law enables local governments to keep user fees they collect, but only if the funds are used at the same park where they were collected. This creates issues for day use parks that don’t charge fees. Therefore, local governments are less likely to manage these sites given there are no funds available to support their upkeep.

     

    The Lanier Parks Local Access Act fixes this problem by allowing local partners to use collected fees for any park or facility within the project site. This solution provides local governments with more flexibility to keep all public recreation sites open, safe, and clean — regardless of whether the area charges fees.

     

    While the legislation delivers this commonsense solution to any local government managing recreation sites or facilities located at a USACE-operated civil works project, the bill bears Lake Lanier’s name given the tremendous impact it would have on the lake and surrounding communities. Reps. Clyde and McCormick both represent portions of Lake Lanier, which is the most-visited U.S. Army Corps of Engineers project.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Carbajal, Cisneros Reintroduce Bill Allowing DACA Recipients to Join the Military

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

    U.S. Representatives Salud Carbajal (D-CA-24) and Gil Cisneros (D-CA-31) reintroduced the Fight for the American Dream Act, legislation that allows participants of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrival (DACA) program to serve in the United States military and provides them a pathway toward U.S. citizenship after their service.

    “I’m a proud immigrant and a proud U.S. Marine. Serving in our armed forces was an honor, but DACA recipients don’t have that option,” said Rep. Carbajal. “That’s why I’m proud to partner with my colleague, Congressman Cisneros, on this commonsense bill to provide a clear, stable pathway toward citizenship for DACA recipients who want to serve the country they already call home.”

    “I championed this legislation as the Under Secretary of Defense and I will continue to be a champion for it as a member of Congress,” said Rep. Cisneros. “Our military is made up of people from all backgrounds, united by the desire to protect and serve our nation. DACA recipients, who call this country home, want to contribute and make our country better.  One of the best ways they can do that is by joining the United States Armed Forces.”

    Currently, DACA recipients are barred from joining the U.S. military. The Fight for the American Dream Act would reverse that restriction. Under this Act, Dreamers who are honorably discharged after their service would be given a pathway to grant them U.S. citizenship.

    To read the full bill text, click here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Bacon Lauds Progress on FY26 Defense Policy Bill

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Don Bacon (2nd District of Nebraska)

    Bacon Lauds Progress on FY26 Defense Policy Bill

    Washington – Late Tuesday evening, Rep. Don Bacon (R-NE-02) Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee’s (HASC) Cyber, Information Technologies, and Innovation Subcommittee (CITI), voted in favor of advancing H.R. 3838, the Streamlining Procurement for Effective Execution and Delivery and National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2026. The bill was reported out of committee by a vote of 55 – 2. The annual legislation, which contains multiple amendments and provisions authored by Rep. Bacon, authorizes defense spending and sets the policy and priorities for the Armed Forces. 

    “Once again, the People’s House proves that bipartisan progress is possible where it matters most,” said Chairman Bacon after completing his ninth annual full-committee markup of the NDAA. “When it comes to national security, the American people expect us to work across the aisle to provide for the common defense. It’s been a long couple of months, but I am proud of what we produced and look forward to advancing this important legislation in the House.”     

    Highlights from the committee’s FY 2026 bill include:

    • Sets major reforms to the defense acquisition system to speed development and fielding of modern technologies while reducing bureaucracy 
    • Preserves development of the U.S. Air Force E-7 advanced airborne warning and control system
    • Preserves U.S. force posture in Europe and authorizes additional security assistance to Ukraine 
    • Fully funds modernization of the U.S strategic nuclear deterrent including development of the Sea-Launched Cruise Missile – Nuclear

    In addition, the committee’s bill contains numerous legislative proposals sponsored by Rep. Bacon, including: 

    • Directs the Secretary of Defense to prepare an implementation plan to establish a Joint Task Force Cyber for the Indo-Pacific area of operations
    • Directs the Secretary of the Air Force to provide an acquisition and fielding strategy for the F-47 advanced fighter aircraft program
    • Directs the Secretary of Defense to provide an independent assessment of toxic exposure in the AF ICMB community
    • Directs the Secretary of Defense to provide an implementation plan to reform Department of Defense (DoD) casualty assistance programs 
    • Directs the Secretary of Defense to establish the Civil Reserve Manufacturing Network 
    • Directs significant security upgrades to DoD mobile telecommunications
    • Directs the major defense acquisitions programs to prepare digital manufacturing transition plans for critical components 
    • Directs the Secretary of Defense to establish the Center for Strategic Deterrence and WMD Studies at the National Defense University
    • Directs the Secretary of Defense to improve cancer detection and prevention measures for DoD firefighters 
    • Directs updates on the U.S. Space Force Satellite Control Network

    Watch Rep. Bacon’s remarks here and see full remarks as delivered below:

    “Thank you, Chairman Rogers. I want to begin by thanking all the members of the subcommittee for their dedication and thoughtful work in creating a strong, bipartisan, Cyber, IT and Innovative Subcommittee print. The subcommittee’s package advances departments’ cyber and innovation ecosystems and conducts critical oversight. I also want to thank our great subcommittee staff, led by Sarah Moxley. Every member of the staff are professional experts on both sides of the aisle.

    “The subcommittee’s mission is to ensure that warfighters are armed with the most innovative technologies that improve lethality and increase U.S. capabilities. Modern technology is fast paced, so ensuring the department of Defense is at the leading edge of technology is imperative to deterring adversaries. Warfighters must have the tools to fight across all domains on the battlefield, in cyberspace, now and in the future.

    “I’m looking forward to continuing to optimize these efforts as the committee considers the FY 26 NDAA. The FY 26 CITI subcommittee print prioritizes the continued improvement of testing and evaluation through digital processes, supports the research and development of novel technologies, and improves the department’s cyber practices. This package brings flexibility for research and development across the department to ensure rapid innovation.

    “The print achieves this through the empowering of the undersecretary of defense for research and engineering, and improving the ability to do developmental prototyping, creating a bridge over the Valley of Death. It also directs the use of digital engineering and modern software practices to create a more agile and accurate testing and evaluation process. 

    “Additionally, the subcommittee print directs the department to use modern technology to improve processes and cyber practices, provisions leverage AI to bolster cybersecurity skills, create new lines of efforts for using generative AI, and continue to lay out the framework for the department’s adoption of AI. The subcommittee print supports the continued research and development of hypersonic programs and modernization and expansion of hypersonic testing and evaluation. Finally, the print includes several recommendations from the National Security Commission on Emerging Biotechnology.

    “These provisions give the department tools to optimize the military use of biotechnology, to guarantee that the U.S. remains the world’s leader in biotechnology innovation. Overall, the subcommittee print ensures the U.S. remains status as the most lethal warfighting force in the world. Lastly, I want to thank Ranking Member Khanna for his bipartisanship and dedication to producing the subcommittee print.

    “We believe this package will continue to give the department the flexibility and tools needed to deliver the most modern technology to the hand of the warfighters. And with that, I yield back.”

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Dina Titus Introduces Bill to Assure Benefits for Atomic Veterans

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Dina Titus (1st District of Nevada)

    Congresswoman Dina Titus (NV-01) today introduced legislation to eliminate bureaucratic barriers atomic veterans face when they apply for benefits they are entitled to after being exposed to toxic radiation. 

    The Congresswoman introduced the Providing Radiation Exposed Servicemembers Undisputed Medical Eligibility (PRESUME) Act to prohibit the VA from requiring evidence of a certain dose of radiation to determine if a veteran is considered radiation-exposed for the purposes of “presumptive benefits.”

    “Like anyone on the battlefield, cold warriors at the Nevada Test Site put themselves in harm’s way in service to our country. We cannot leave any of them behind. The bureaucratic barriers to care can be easily fixed through my legislation,” said Rep. Titus. “Our country’s atomic veterans helped win the peace during the Cold War, and they must be able to access the highest standard of care available.”

    Currently, to receive care for what the VA has categorized as “presumptive diseases” due to radiation exposure, a veteran must provide proof of on-site participation as well as radiation dose estimates from the Defense Threat Reduction Agency. Radiation dose estimates have historically been unreliable, leaving many exposed veterans unable to obtain the compensation they have earned.

    “Our atomic veterans should be treated the same way as civilians exposed to atomic radiation,” Rep. Titus said. “They have been wrongfully subjected to a double standard and have not received the care they deserve for treatment of cancer and pulmonary diseases. The PRESUME Act would fix this.” 

    The PRESUME Act has been endorsed by Disabled American Veterans, The Invisible Enemy, National Association of Atomic Veterans, Military-Veterans Advocacy, Paralyzed Veterans of America, and the Union of Concerned Scientists.

    “For far too long, veterans exposed to radiation have faced an uphill battle for VA health care and benefits. The diseases they develop, which often manifest decades after their military service, after radiation exposure. DAV is proud to support the PRESUME Act, which would remove outdated VA regulations and provide equity with other government programs by removing the radiation dose estimate requirements. We thank Rep. Titus for her leadership in reintroducing this critical legislation to ensure those exposed to radiation while in service get the care and benefits, they have rightfully earned,” said Jim Marszalek, National Service Director for Disabled American Veterans.

    “‘Veterans are a uniting issue for America as they are the protectors of our freedom. For many veterans, ionizing radiation is a significant issue and is the focus of our advocacy at The Invisible Enemy. Rep. Titus’ bill to remove the dosage requirement is very important as dosage is often impossible to prove but the impact of that exposure on veteran’s lives is significant. The Invisible Enemy 100% supports Rep. Titus on her effort to help our brothers and sisters in their quest for the benefits so deserved and earned,” said Dave Crete, Chairman of the Las Vegas-based The Invisible Enemy.

    “The National Association of Atomic Veterans is pleased to support the Presume Act. The legacy of Nuclear tests is riddled with Veterans not having proper Personal Protective Equipment and/or failure of monitoring radiation levels. Few of the Veterans were issued radiation badges and of those that had them, there were high failure rates due to environmental factors. Further, these badges only measure external gamma rays, X-rays, and high-energy beta radiation. They do not measure alpha, neutron, or low energy beta radiation. Additionally, none of the monitoring methods measure internal radiation doses of any form. Requiring a veteran to prove the level of exposure places an unreasonable burden of proof upon them,” said Keith Kiefer, National Commander for the National Association of Atomic Veterans.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Norcross Secures Priorities to Invest in South Jersey, Increase National Defense Innovation as NDAA Advances

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

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Ranking Member of the House Armed Services Committee’s Tactical Air and Land Forces Subcommittee and Member of the Seapower and Projection Forces Subcommittee, Congressman Donald Norcross (D-NJ), advanced the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) out of committee and secured priorities that invest in South Jersey and increase national defense innovation. This is the 65th year that the NDAA, the largest authorization bill in Congress with a budget of $882.6 billion, passed out of committee, continuing the tradition of bipartisan cooperation on this bill.   

    “The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that was passed out of committee is a commitment to our nation’s security and a steadfast investment in the courageous men and women in our armed forces. It ensures that we have what every commander wants for their troops: that they are manned, trained, and equipped with the best to carry out our nation’s mission and return home safely. It provides a $3.8% pay raise to all servicemembers and it cuts down on red tape to make certain that our men and women in uniform have the resources they need to keep our country safe,” said Congressman Donald Norcross. “This bipartisan legislation strengthens our industrial base, reinforces Buy American principles, supports our allies, and includes the Streamlining Procurement for Effective Execution and Delivery (SPEED) Act to streamline procurement and decision-making. As ranking member of the Tactical Air and Land Subcommittee, I will continue to work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to strengthen our national defense, continue investing in our industrial base, and deliver for South Jersey.”

    The FY26 NDAA improves military readiness and strengthens American industry by cutting red tape, fixing outdated systems, and supporting defense innovation. The FY26 NDAA also includes a 3.8% pay raise for all servicemembers and a 60 percent increase in the Family Separation Allowance which increases the monthly allowance to military families separated due to mission requirements.  

    Rep. Norcross authored an amendment that was adopted in a bipartisan vote to protect Department of Defense employees by restoring their collective bargaining rights after President Trump illegally issued an executive order that stripped these rights away.  

    Fiscal Year 2026 NDAA Priorities Secured by Rep. Norcross: 

    • Over $618 million for CH-47 helicopters, which will be manufactured by South Jersey workers. 
    • Over $2.5 billion for the KC-46 refueler aircraft, which flies out of Joint Base McGuire-Dix Lakehurst.  
    • $5 million to Rowan University for research, development, and engineering to enable rapid entry and sustainment in the Arctic and other cold regions being conducted. 
    • Protected Buy American principles, American jobs, and manufacturing by making sure defense programs continue using U.S.-made parts and materials, keeping our industrial base strong 
    • Required a detailed Pentagon briefing on how it will spend reconciliation funds to strengthen and modernize the munitions industrial base, holding the Pentagon accountable for how it will use the funds. 
    • Required a DoD study on the state of the skilled trade workforce essential to Navy shipbuilding to strengthen the training and workforce pipeline and increase our shipbuilding capacity. 
    • Protected the E-7 Wedgetail program from cancellation, ensuring $800 million in continued investment in this critical airborne warning and control capability. 
    • $9.9 million investment to enhance Army command and control for unmanned systems and their defense which will be developed by South Jersey workers.  
    • $10 million for research and development of man-portable doppler radars for Army Network Command, Control, Communication, and Intelligence (C3I) Technology. 
    • $50 million to support U.S.-Israel anti-tunneling cooperation. 

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    MIL OSI USA News –