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Category: Military Intelligence

  • Union Minister Mandaviya, Army chief pay tributes to 1999 Kargil War heroes in Drass

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya paid heartfelt tributes to the brave soldiers who laid down their lives during the 1999 Kargil War at a solemn ceremony held in Drass town of Ladakh on Saturday.

    This year marks the 26th Kargil Vijay Diwas.

    Joining him at the commemorative event were Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth and Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi.

    The leaders participated in a wreath-laying ceremony to honour the fallen heroes, as part of the annual Kargil Vijay Diwas celebrations.

    A symbolic and emotional moment unfolded during the event as three helicopters flew overhead, showering flowers on the attendees gathered to pay homage to India’s war heroes.

    Earlier in the day, Mandaviya took to X and wrote, “On Kargil Vijay Diwas, we pay homage to our brave soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice to protect Mother India. This day is a symbol of the indomitable courage and valour of our army.”

    This day in 1999, the army announced the successful culmination of ‘Operation Vijay’, declaring victory after a nearly three-month-long battle.

    Union Sports Minister led a ‘padyatra’ featuring over 1,000 youth volunteers, veterans, armed forces personnel, families of fallen soldiers, and civil society members in Drass earlier in the day.

    The 1.5 km long ‘padyatra’ commenced at 7 am from the grounds of Himabass Public High School, Drass and concluded at the grounds of Government Higher Secondary School, Bhimbet.

    War veterans, families of war heroes and many dignitaries are attending the celebrations in Drass town.

    Indus Viewpoint is the third project being inaugurated on Saturday. This will allow visitors to go up to the LoC in the Batalik sector. The project will give an idea to the visitors about the conditions in which soldiers serve, the difficulties and constant dangers they face on a day-to-day basis to ensure that the nation remains safe.

    Located 10,000 feet above sea level, Batalik was the focal point of the Kargil war due to its strategic location between Kargil, Leh and Baltistan.

    The small village in the Indus River valley has now become a major tourist attraction.

    (IANS)

  • MIL-OSI Russia: China’s Ambassador to the UK Reiterates Taiwan’s Inseparable Link with China

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    LONDON, July 26 (Xinhua) — The Chinese people and their armed forces will never allow Taiwan to separate from China and will not tolerate any external forces that undermine reunification efforts, Chinese Ambassador to Britain Zheng Zeguang said on Friday.

    The Cairo and Potsdam Declarations adopted by the major victors of World War II, including China and Britain, explicitly state that Taiwan is territory that Japan took from China and must be returned, he said at a reception to mark the 98th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA).

    “All countries that have diplomatic relations with China must handle Taiwan-related issues correctly, which is key to the smooth development of bilateral relations,” the ambassador stressed.

    This year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, as well as the 80th anniversary of the return of Taiwan to China after Japanese occupation. –0–

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

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    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: 13 Cambodians killed, 71 injured in clashes on Thai border – Cambodian official

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    PHNOM PENH, July 26 (Xinhua) — At least 13 Cambodians have been killed and 71 others injured in clashes along the border with Thailand that have continued for a third day, a spokesman for the Cambodian Ministry of National Defense said on Saturday.

    “Five Cambodian soldiers were killed and 21 others were wounded,” said Mali Sochita, deputy secretary of state and spokesperson for the Cambodian Ministry of National Defense, at a press briefing. “In addition, eight civilians were killed and 50 others were injured in Oddar Meanchey province,” she added.

    Thailand’s attacks have forced a total of 10,307 families, including 35,829 Cambodians, to flee their homes and move to safer areas, she added. -0-

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

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    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: PACIFIC PARTNERSHIP 2025 RETURNS TO PAPUA NEW GUINEA

    Source: United States Navy (Logistics Group Western Pacific)

    LAE, Papua New Guinea – Now in its 21st iteration, the Pacific Partnership series is the largest annual multinational humanitarian assistance and disaster management preparedness mission conducted in the Indo-Pacific., July, 26.

    Returning to Papua New Guinea following last year’s visit to Port Moresby and Wewak, the mission team will work to strengthen relationships, and bolster host nation capacity in order to provide humanitarian services, and support efforts to prepare and respond to potential natural disasters in the Indo-Pacific region. Engagements for this year’s mission are scheduled to take place across Lae and Port Moresby.

    At the invitation of Papua New Guinea, Pacific Partnership’s mission is based on the shared goal of enhancing partnerships with allied nations and building mutual understanding. People-to-people relationships, forged over decades of joint exercises, exchanges, and collaborative response to real-world crises, illustrate the value we place in our allies and partners, and our enduring commitment to maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific as well as Papua New Guinea outreach events. This year’s mission, featuring nearly 1500 personnel from the United States and participating nations including Australia, Canada, Germany, Japan, New Zealand, Republic of Korea (ROK), Singapore, and the United Kingdom.

    “I am excited for what Pacific Partnership 2025 is bringing to Papua New Guinea and grateful for the help of the eight partner nations who are here with us in this effort,” said U.S. Navy Capt. Mark Stefanik, Mission Commander. “The focus is on collective capacity building that strengthens our collaboration with our allies and partners, beginning here in Papua New Guinea — providing opportunities to develop operations, activities and investments as we prepare in calm for times of crisis.”

    While in Papua New Guinea, Pacific Partnership 2025 will provide tailored medical subject-matter exchanges and community education, conduct repairs at a local schoolhouse, and knowledge exchanges with exercises covering disaster response and humanitarian assistance. Additionally, the U.S. Pacific Fleet Band, accompanied by band members from the supporting nations, will perform in a variety of community engagements.

    “We plan to create lasting bonds of friendship and trust between mission partners and host nations by coming together to prepare in calm, in order to be able to respond quickly in crisis.” said Col. Matt Churchward, Deputy Mission Commander.

    Pacific Partnership 2025 underscores the essential role public health plays in strengthening regional cooperation, improving medical readiness, and building trust among partner nations.

    Date Taken: 07.26.2025
    Date Posted: 07.26.2025 00:59
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    MIL Security OSI –

  • President, PM, and Defence Minister pay tribute to heroes on Kargil Vijay Diwas

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh paid solemn tributes to the brave soldiers who laid down their lives during the 1999 Kargil War, on the occasion of Kargil Vijay Diwas observed across the country on Saturday.

    In a message posted on X, President Murmu said, “On the occasion of Kargil Vijay Diwas, I pay tribute to the brave soldiers who laid down their lives for our motherland. This day stands as a symbol of the extraordinary valour, courage, and unwavering determination of our troops.” She added that their dedication and supreme sacrifice will continue to inspire every citizen of the country. “Jai Hind! Jai Bharat!” she concluded.

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi also greeted the nation on the occasion, stating that Kargil Vijay Diwas serves as a reminder of the “unparalleled courage and valour” displayed by the soldiers during the conflict. “This occasion reminds us of the unparalleled courage and valor of those brave sons of Mother India who dedicated their lives to protect the nation’s pride,” the Prime Minister said in a post on X.

    Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, in his tribute, honoured the unmatched bravery of the Indian soldiers who fought under extremely challenging conditions. “On Kargil Vijay Diwas, I pay heartfelt tributes to our bravehearts who displayed extraordinary courage, grit and determination in defending our nation’s honour in the toughest of terrains,” he posted. He further stated that their sacrifice serves as a timeless testament to the unshakeable resolve of the Indian Armed Forces. “India shall remain forever indebted to their service,” Singh added.

    Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge also paid homage, expressing gratitude to the martyrs and their families. “On #KargilVijayDiwas, we extend our heartfelt greetings to the brave soldiers of our Armed Forces, ex-servicemen, their families and all fellow Indians,” he said. “The Indians bow in reverence and salute the supreme sacrifice of the martyrs who valiantly defended our motherland in the Kargil War. Their unflinching courage and valour will forever inspire generations. Jai Hind.”

    Kargil Vijay Diwas is observed annually on July 26 to commemorate India’s victory over Pakistan in the 1999 Kargil War. It marks the successful culmination of Operation Vijay, which led to the eviction of Pakistani forces from Indian territory in the Kargil sector of Ladakh.

    Initially, the Pakistani military denied any involvement in the incursion, attributing the conflict to Kashmiri militants. However, evidence including documents recovered from casualties, statements from captured personnel, and later acknowledgements from Pakistani leaders, confirmed the direct role of the Pakistani Army and paramilitary forces under the command of General Ashraf Rashid.

    (With IANS inputs)

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Israeli army says it intercepted rocket fired from Yemen

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    JERUSALEM, July 26 (Xinhua) — The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said it successfully intercepted a rocket fired from Yemen toward Israel on Friday evening.

    There were no reports of hits or casualties, Israel’s Magen David Adom rescue service reported.

    Sirens sounded in several locations in southeastern Israel, including the Dead Sea area and the Judean Desert city of Arad, after the IDF detected a launch from Yemeni territory.

    The latest missile launch by Yemen’s Houthis took place on Tuesday and was also intercepted.

    The Houthis, who control much of northern Yemen, have been launching ballistic missiles and drones toward Israel since November 2023 in solidarity with the Palestinians and to pressure Israel to end the war and blockade of Gaza. –0–

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

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    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: First time U.S. Army moves Theater Provided Equipment in Australia as part of Talisman Sabre 25

    Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

    BRISBANE, Australia — For Talisman Sabre 25, the Australian Defence Force and United States military took steps to streamline the movement and readiness of military equipment within Australia. The focus of this effort is the utilization of theater-provided equipment from South Australia to training locations in northeastern Australia.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: First time U.S. Army moves Theater Provided Equipment in Australia as part of Talisman Sabre 25

    Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

    BRISBANE, Australia — For Talisman Sabre 25, the Australian Defence Force and United States military took steps to streamline the movement and readiness of military equipment within Australia. The focus of this effort is the utilization of theater-provided equipment from South Australia to training locations in northeastern Australia.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: U.S. Air Advisors Enhance USAF-PAF Interoperability at Cope Thunder 25-2

    Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

    CLARK AIR BASE, Philippines — Cope Thunder 25-2 is a bilateral exercise between the U.S. Pacific Air Forces and Philippine Air Forces that reaffirms each nation’s commitment to the Mutual Defense Treaty of 1951. Held at the invitation of the Philippine government, this iteration of Cope Thunder included a varied contingent of U.S. Air Force air advisors who integrated with their Philippine Air Force counterparts to exchange knowledge and best practices to enhance readiness and interoperability.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: U.S. Air Advisors Enhance USAF-PAF Interoperability at Cope Thunder 25-2

    Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

    CLARK AIR BASE, Philippines — Cope Thunder 25-2 is a bilateral exercise between the U.S. Pacific Air Forces and Philippine Air Forces that reaffirms each nation’s commitment to the Mutual Defense Treaty of 1951. Held at the invitation of the Philippine government, this iteration of Cope Thunder included a varied contingent of U.S. Air Force air advisors who integrated with their Philippine Air Force counterparts to exchange knowledge and best practices to enhance readiness and interoperability.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: https://www.dvidshub.net/news/543802/missiles-fly-1-1-ada-fires-back

    Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

    KADENA AIR BASE, Japan — Operating out of Kadena Air Base, the 1-1 Air Defense Artillery commands four Mobile Interceptor Missile-104 Patriot missile batteries, rotating and deploying them across the region when needed while maintaining a constant aerial defense presence on Okinawa. These Soldiers stand ready to defend against any aerial strike that threatens U.S. forces or allied nations.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI China: Xi: Nation to expand opening-up

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    Chinese President Xi Jinping delivers a speech after receiving the credentials of 16 new ambassadors to China at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, July 25, 2025. (Xinhua/Li Xiang)

    President Xi Jinping, who received the credentials of 16 new ambassadors to China on Friday, welcomed the envoys to their new posts in Beijing and sent a clear signal that China will resolutely expand its high-level opening-up.

    During a group meeting with the ambassadors, Xi also voiced optimism about China’s economic prospects, saying that the nation will share “the dividends of its supersized market”.

    Currently, China is advancing the building of a strong nation and the great cause of national rejuvenation on all fronts through the Chinese path to modernization, while its economy “continues its upward momentum amid steadfastness”, Xi said.

    The nation will turn its new development into new opportunities for various countries, and “inject more certainty into global economic growth”, he added.

    On Friday morning, as welcoming bugles sounded and honor guards of the People’s Liberation Army stood solemnly in formation outside the north gate of the Great Hall of the People, the new ambassadors of Vietnam, Panama, the Dominican Republic, Albania, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Angola, Egypt, Nicaragua, Iran, Chile, Ukraine, Benin, the United States, Israel and South Sudan arrived one by one to meet the president.

    Xi accepted the credentials presented by the envoys and also posed for photos with each of them. He also met with Nurlan Yermekbayev, secretary-general of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization.

    After the ceremony, Xi delivered a speech welcoming the envoys and asked them to convey his best wishes to the leaders and the people of their respective countries.

    Xi expressed his hope that the envoys will gain a comprehensive and in-depth understanding of China, and make earnest contributions to deepening China’s friendship with various countries and enhancing its exchanges with the rest of the world.

    This year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression (1931-45) and the World Anti-Fascist War, as well as the 80th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations.

    China stands ready to work with all countries to firmly safeguard the international system with the UN at its core and the international order underpinned by international law, Xi said.

    China is willing to work with all countries to practice friendly cooperation, promote mutual learning among civilizations, build a community with a shared future for humanity, and “join hands to create a better future for this planet”, he added.

    Xi emphasized that amid accelerating global changes and a turbulent international landscape, countries around the world need to enhance solidarity and cooperation more than ever before. They should embrace a broad vision to rise above divisions and conflicts, and bear in mind the future of all humanity, he said.

    China always cherishes its friendship with people across the globe, and stands ready to strengthen all-around cooperation and exchanges with other countries on the basis of mutual respect, equality, mutual benefit and win-win cooperation, Xi said.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Photo exhibit in Moscow recalls China-Russia friendship in World Anti-Fascist War

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    Guests visit the photo exhibition commemorating the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, in Moscow, Russia, July 24, 2025. The photo show is presented by Xinhua News Agency at the Chinese Embassy in Russia, which drew around 600 distinguished guests from China, Russia and other countries. [Xinhua/Cao Yang]

    A photo exhibition held here Thursday brought the audience back to the history of the joint fight against Fascism by China and Russia 80 years ago.

    To commemorate the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, Xinhua News Agency presented the photo show at the Chinese Embassy in Russia, which drew around 600 distinguished guests from China, Russia and other countries.

    These historical photos showcased the bravery of the Chinese people in resisting Japanese aggression, stories of the Soviet Volunteer Group fighting alongside the Chinese people, and wartime friendship forged between the peoples of China and Russia.

    In his address after visiting the exhibition, Chinese Ambassador to Russia Zhang Hanhui spoke highly of the vital contributions made by China and the former Soviet Union — then main battlefields in Asia and Europe — to the global victory over Fascism.

    The Chinese and Russian peoples fought side by side, making monumental contributions with their lives and blood to defend human dignity and restore world peace, which is recorded in world history forever, he said.

    “As major victors of WWII and permanent members of the UN Security Council, China and Russia will firmly safeguard the fruits of that victory, uphold the post-war international order, and oppose any attempt to distort historical facts,” said the ambassador.

    Both countries will jointly defend fairness and justice, and work toward building a community with a shared future for humanity, he added.

    In front of a picture showing Chinese and Russian veterans embracing, Russian Deputy Minister of Defense Anna Tsivileva called it “truly heartwarming.”

    “We can deeply feel the genuine joy of the veterans as they reunite,” she said. “Thank you for organizing such a wonderful photo exhibition.”

    The exhibition was jointly organized by Xinhua News Agency’s Eurasia Bureau, Hubei Province Branch and China Image Group, sponsored by Angel Yeast Co., Ltd., with support from the Chinese embassy. 

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    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Murray Statement on Air Force Extending KC-46A Tanker Contract Award to Acquire Up to 75 Additional Aircraft Produced in Everett, WA

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Washington State Patty Murray

    Last month, Murray pressed Air Force Secretary Troy Meink on when the Air Force would award the next tanker production contract

    Senator Murray has long supported production of KC-46As in Everett and pushed for contract extension

    Washington, D.C. –  Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, released the following statement on the Air Force’s recent decision to extend their contract with Boeing to buy up to 75 additional KC-46A aircraft. Senator Murray has been a longtime champion of KC-46A aircraft, which are produced in Everett, Washington. Last month, at a Senate Appropriations Committee hearing to review the Air Force budget request, Senator Murray questioned Air Force Secretary Troy Meink on the timeline for the Air Force awarding the next tanker production contract, and the possibility of Fairchild Air Force Base receiving KC-46As.

    “The decision by the Air Force to extend their contract with Boeing to purchase up to 75 additional KC-46As is a huge deal for Everett and the thousands of skilled aerospace workers in Washington state who are working hard every day to deliver world-class aircraft for our women and men in uniform. This announcement means billions of dollars in new investment in Washington state, and job security for talented aerospace workers in Washington state.

    “I’ve worked for years to make the case to administration officials and anyone who would listen that these next-generation air refueling tankers are critical for keeping up with China and ensuring the success of high-stakes Air Force missions across the globe—and they should continue to be produced in Washington state. Air Force Secretary Meink told me in June that the decision on the next tanker production contract would come ‘within months,’ so I’m glad to see the Air Force roll out their final decision less than a month after our conversation.

    “Extending the existing contract is not only the most cost-effective and well-considered decision for our Air Force, it’s also a boon to Washington state’s entire economy and our expert aerospace workforce.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: U.S. Senators Call on Netanyahu to Immediately Change Course in Gaza

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Rhode Island Jack Reed

    WASHINGTON, DC — Today, Senate Armed Services Committee Ranking Member Jack Reed (D-RI), Senate Judiciary Committee Ranking Member Dick Durbin (D-IL), Senate Foreign Relations Committee Ranking Member Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Senate Select Committee on Intelligence Vice Chairman Mark Warner (D-VA), Ranking Defense Appropriator Chris Coons (D-DE), and Ranking State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriator Brian Schatz (D-HI) released the following joint statement urging the Trump Administration to press Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu to immediately change course in its war in Gaza:

    “Humanitarian conditions in Gaza are appalling and unconscionable. This week, more than 100 NGOs—including Mercy Corps, Doctors Without Borders, Save the Children, and Oxfam—warned of mass starvation spreading across Gaza. Following Prime Minister Netanyahu’s nearly 3-month blockade of humanitarian assistance, three-quarters of the population is facing emergency or catastrophic levels of hunger.

    “The handful of Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) sites are wholly inadequate to meet the needs of this starving population. Widespread problems have made GHF aid delivery chaotic and dangerous, leading to the deaths of an estimated 700 people. Yet the Trump Administration recently approved $30 million for GHF, overriding established procedures and waiving consultation with Congress.

    “While some established humanitarian organizations have been allowed to resume very limited operations, a number of restrictions and security challenges prevent them from fully functioning. To make matters worse, this week’s expansion of Israel’s military operation into central Gaza for the first time in the conflict has put at risk these few remaining operations. Moreover, the UN estimates that nearly 88 percent of Gaza is no longer accessible to civilians, leaving approximately two million people confined to a troublingly small remaining area.

    “Meanwhile, hostages remain in captivity in Gaza, including American citizens, and three out of four Israelis are calling for an end to this war. Last September, the IDF assessed that Hamas had been largely defeated militarily from its peak strength when it heinously attacked Israeli civilians on October 7, 2023 and is now effectively a “guerilla terror group.” As we know from our own experience following the attacks of September 11, 2001, there is no solely military solution to defeating a terrorist group. Continuing this war with no discernable end is not in Israel’s national security interest, and the lack of a viable “day after” plan has been a glaring mistake.

    “We call on the Trump Administration to use its considerable leverage to press Prime Minister Netanyahu to:

    • Reach a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas that releases the hostages as soon as possible.
    • Support a surge in humanitarian assistance that provides both a sufficient amount of humanitarian aid and credible mechanisms for effective distribution, including the verification and monitoring of assistance to ensure equitable distribution and to prevent Hamas from diverting assistance. Established humanitarian organizations like the World Food Programme have the experience and ability to renew their delivery of assistance without civil unrest. We must allow them to do their jobs.
    • Dramatically reform or shut down the Gaza Humanitarian Fund and resume support for the existing UN-led aid coordination mechanisms in Gaza with enhanced oversight to ensure that humanitarian aid reaches civilians in need.
    • Establish a “day after” plan for Gaza where Hamas does not retain power, Israel disavows annexation of the West Bank and further integrates into the region, a reformed Palestinian Authority is fostered and empowered, and regional partners are included in rebuilding.
    • Create a framework for a viable path back to a two-state solution that will allow the Israeli and Palestinian people to live side by side in security, dignity, and prosperity.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Padilla Announces Bill to Reopen Lawful Pathway to Legalization, Countering Trump’s Cruel Mass Deportation Agenda

    US Senate News:

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

    Padilla Announces Bill to Reopen Lawful Pathway to Legalization, Countering Trump’s Cruel Mass Deportation Agenda

    WATCH: Padilla pushes back against indiscriminate ICE raids and the militarization of Los Angeles
     
    A one-pager on the Registry bill is available here.

    LOS ANGELES, CA — Today, U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Immigration Subcommittee, hosted a press conference in Los Angeles alongside immigration advocates, impacted families, and community leaders to announce legislation to expand a pathway to lawful permanent residency for millions of long-term U.S. residents. Amid the Trump Administration’s indiscriminate immigration enforcement in California and across the country, the bill would offer a forward-looking, strategic update to our outdated immigration system to counter President Trump and Stephen Miller’s demonization of undocumented immigrant communities.

    Padilla’s Renewing Immigration Provisions of the Immigration Act of 1929 would update the existing Registry statute of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) by adjusting the Registry date to meet current circumstances so that an immigrant may qualify to apply for lawful permanent resident status if they have lived in the U.S. continuously for at least seven years before filing an application, do not have a criminal record, and meet all other current eligibility requirements to receive a green card.

    This overdue update would provide a much-needed pathway to a green card for more than 8 million people, including Dreamers, forcibly displaced citizens (TPS holders), children of long-term visa holders, essential workers, and highly skilled members of our workforce, such as H-1B visa holders, who have been waiting years for a green card to become available. According to 2023 FWD.us estimates, if the undocumented individuals covered in this bill eventually became citizens, they would contribute approximately $121 billion to the U.S. economy annually and about $35 billion in taxes.

    Senator Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, is co-leading the legislation in the Senate, and Representative Zoe Lofgren (D-Calif.-18) is leading companion legislation in the House of Representatives.

    “Americans know there’s a better path forward than the Trump Administration’s cruel scapegoating of hardworking immigrants and fearmongering of California communities,” said Senator Padilla. “We believe that if you’ve lived here for over seven years, paid taxes for years, contributed to your community for years, and you don’t have a criminal record, then you deserve a pathway to legalization. My bill is a commonsense fix to our outdated immigration system and the same kind of reform that Republican President Ronald Reagan embraced four decades ago, calling it a ‘matter of basic fairness.’ This legislation creates no new bureaucracies or agencies — it’s simply an update to a longstanding pathway to reflect today’s reality and provide a fair shot at the American Dream for millions of Dreamers, TPS holders, and highly skilled workers who have faced delays and uncertainty for decades.”

    “Recently, we have seen devastating arrests of immigrants who have spent their lives in this country, building communities and families in the United States, without any due process. Most have never committed any crime. Protections for these hard-working individuals are long overdue. It’s common sense that immigrants who pose no safety threat and contribute to our country should be able to call America home with certainty; additionally, it’s also common sense that the small percentage of undocumented immigrants who do commit violent crimes should be removed. Expanding the registry pathway to citizenship is a practical solution to provide stability to immigrants who have worked and contributed to our country for years. It’s part of the solution, and I look forward to working to pass this bill into law,” said U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Durbin, Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee.

    “When Donald Trump ran for president, he pledged to deport violent criminals. Instead, masked, heavily-armed agents, often refusing to identify themselves, are aggressively, sometimes violently, targeting day laborers, busboys, farmworkers, and some of the hardest-working people in this country. It’s outrageous and deserves the condemnation of every Member of Congress. We need to control our borders, but we also need a straightforward reform solution for those who have resided peacefully for a long time in America,” said Representative Lofgren. “My colleagues and I are reintroducing our registry legislation to simply update a historically-bipartisan provision that provides lawful permanent resident status to vetted immigrants who have been a part of our communities for years. Providing stability to our communities and our workforces – versus terrorizing them – will make our country stronger.”

    The bill is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), and Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.).

    Section 249 of the Immigration and Nationality Act, also known as the Registry, gives the Secretary of Homeland Security the discretion to register certain individuals for lawful permanent resident status if they have been in the country since a certain date and meet other requirements. Section 249 was first codified in 1929 and Congress has modified it four times, most recently during the Reagan Administration in 1986. No changes have been made since 1986, and the cutoff date for eligibility remains January 1, 1972 — more than 50 years ago.

    Specifically, the Renewing Immigration Provisions of the Immigration Act of 1929 would:

    • Amend the existing Registry statute by moving the eligibility cutoff date so that an immigrant may qualify for lawful permanent resident status if they have been in the U.S. for at least seven years before filing an application under Registry.
    • Preempt the need for further congressional action by making the eligibility cutoff rolling, instead of tying it to a specific date, as it is now.

    Padilla continues to lead the charge to pass commonsense immigration reforms that strengthen communities, protect long-term residents, and unlock America’s economic potential. He was joined today by community members impacted by the Trump Administration’s cruel immigration raids, including Alejandro Barranco — a veteran and the son of Narciso, who was violently detained by masked Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents in Orange County.

    “As the son of a hardworking immigrant, I never imagined our family’s story would become national news. Yet the violent and unjust treatment my father endured on June 21st is one that countless others are experiencing across this country. My father, a man who has spent over 30 years working to provide for our family, was beaten and detained by men with no identification—simply for doing the work that makes this country great. This attack wasn’t just on him; it was on every immigrant who has ever sacrificed for the American dream. It’s long overdue for this country’s broken immigration system to be fixed, or more families will continue to be torn apart. I stand with leaders like Senator Padilla to fight for a pathway to citizenship for people like my dad, whose contributions make America stronger,” said Alejandro Barranco.

    “I ask the American people: if you trust us to pick your crops, help build your homes, take care of your children and elderly parents, play with sons and daughters in the same sports teams, why won’t you trust us to be part of the American dream? A path to citizenship is the only solution that will protect us and the nation. Only a path to citizenship will allow us to live free in this our home, the United States of America,” said Angelica Salas, Executive Director for Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights (CHIRLA).

    Senator Padilla is a leading voice in Congress for providing long-term undocumented immigrants with pathways to citizenship or permanent legal residence. As Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids and mass deportation assaults intensified in Los Angeles, Padilla marked the 13th anniversary of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) policy by urging Congress to take immediate action to deliver permanent protections for millions of families, parents, and individuals who are increasingly at risk amid President Trump’s mass deportation agenda. He also delivered remarks on the Senate floor ahead of the anniversary, pushing for permanent protections for Dreamers rather than the indiscriminate ICE raids stoking fear in Los Angeles communities. Padilla previously introduced the Citizenship for Essential Workers Act, which would create a pathway to citizenship for immigrant essential workers, including Dreamers, as his first bill in Congress.

    Senator Padilla has been outspoken in criticizing Trump’s mass deportations and unprecedented militarization and escalation of tensions by deploying National Guard troops and active-duty U.S. Marines to respond to overwhelmingly peaceful protests in Los Angeles. He recently introduced the VISIBLE Act to require immigration enforcement officers to display clearly visible identification during public-facing enforcement actions. He also led the entire Senate Democratic Caucus last month in demanding that President Trump immediately withdraw all military forces from Los Angeles and cease all threats to deploy the National Guard or active-duty service members to American cities. Padilla spoke on the Senate floor following his forcible removal from Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem’s press conference, where he was thrown to the ground and handcuffed after attempting to ask a question.

    Video of Senator Padilla’s opening remarks from today’s press conference can be viewed here and downloaded here. His closing remarks are available to watch here and can be downloaded here.

    Additional photos from today’s event can be found here.

    A one-pager on the bill is available here.

    Full text of the bill is available here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: America Must Win the Energy War: CrowdPoint Unveils Strategic Blueprint to Reinvent the U.S. Power Grid

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Austin, TX, July 25, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — In a bold new vision titled “America Must Win the Energy War—Here is How We Reinvent the Grid Before It Breaks Us,”Akhtar lays out a national imperative to transform the power grid from a vulnerable utility into an intelligent, sovereign infrastructure system. The stakes, he argues, are nothing less than national security.

    “America’s freedom does not run on ideology—it runs on electrons. And our grid is dangerously brittle,” Akhtar warns. “The next war will be fought not just with bombs and boots—but with bits and volts.”

    From Utility to Battlefield: The New Energy Doctrine

    The U.S. power grid—centralized, outdated, and opaque—is increasingly failing under the strain of climate events, cyber threats, and growing demand from electric vehicles and digital infrastructure. Akhtar contends that America’s energy system must adopt the mindset and strategy of military defense: speed, autonomy, and coordination.

    CrowdPoint Technologies’ answer? Optimal Energy™—a next-generation energy intelligence platform that turns traditional infrastructure into a synchronized, software-defined Virtual Power Plant (VPP).

    “We don’t just move power—we command it,” says Akhtar. “This is energy as orchestration. Every home, EV, battery, and data center becomes a sovereign, real-time node in a larger battlefield strategy.”

    Software as Strategic Defense

    Unlike conventional grid upgrades that rely on massive physical infrastructure projects, CrowdPoint’s platform uses edge-based intelligence and predictive software to forecast, allocate, and route energy based on microsecond decision-making. The system behaves more like a financial market than a utility—anticipating spikes, preventing failures, and maximizing value.

    The platform’s capabilities include:

    • Microsecond-level control of energy dispatch
    • Distributed autonomy at the edge
    • AI-driven demand forecasting
    • Military-grade coordination across vast energy assets
    • Real-time anomaly detection and preemptive rerouting

    “This is not about disruption—it’s about elevation. We’re elevating electrons into assets, software into defense, and power into sovereignty,” said Akhtar.

    The New Eisenhower Moment

    Echoing the transformative impact of the Interstate Highway System in the 1950s, Akhtar calls for a modern equivalent: a national grid modernization doctrine built through strong public-private collaboration.

    “Just like highways once unified and protected America, an intelligent, adaptive energy network must do the same today,” he said. “What we need now is federal alignment—fast-tracked approvals, strategic infrastructure prioritization, and a wartime mindset.”

    Why It Matters Now

    As adversaries like China invest in resilient, decentralized energy architectures, the U.S. risks being left behind—or worse, exposed. With the grid now a strategic vulnerability, Akhtar emphasizes that energy independence is no longer about generation—it’s about control.

    “This is not a green dream—it’s a red, white, and blue necessity,” he asserts. “America must win the energy war—not just for comfort, but for continuity. Not just for savings, but for sovereignty.”

    The Mission: Make America Unbreakable

    CrowdPoint is calling on stakeholders in government, utilities, and industry to adopt its blueprint and move with urgency. The technology exists. The threat is clear. The only question that remains is whether the nation is ready to act.

    “If the grid fails, the Republic falters. Energy is destiny. The mission is simple: Make America Unbreakable.”

    Read the complete article here.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Hoeven: 119th Wing in the Fight Every Day, Need New $33 Million Headquarters to Better Support Operations

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for North Dakota John Hoeven
    07.25.25
    Facility Will Bring Happy Hooligan Leadership, Support and Training Personnel Under Single Roof, Strengthening Reaper & RTS Operations
    FARGO, N.D.- Senator John Hoeven today announced efforts to build a new $33 million headquarters for the North Dakota Air National Guard’s (NDANG) 119th Wing in Fargo:
    The new facility will provide nearly 22,400 sq. ft. of space to consolidate the 119th Wing’s leadership, support and training personnel under a single roof.
    A replacement is needed for the existing, 66-year-old headquarters, as it lacks adequate space to house the various aspects of the 119th Wing’s missions.
    This results in operational inefficiencies and imposes high maintenance costs on the unit, which must maintain multiple outdated facilities.

    As a member of the Senate Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Committee, Hoeven secured an initial $2 million in Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 for planning and design of the new headquarters.
    The Wing expects to award the design contract in the coming weeks, with a proposed floorplan to be ready by May 2026.
    Once the floorplan is approved, the final location of the building will be identified.

    The facility will be purpose-built to support the range of missions and operations undertaken by the 119th Wing, including the Regional Training Site (RTS).
    The RTS provides specialized training programs like Rapid Airfield Damage Repair to active-duty and Guard units from across the country.
    This is one of only four RTS operated by the Air Guard in the nation, and the only Air Force RTS in the Upper Midwest region, with the next closest site being in Arkansas.

    “The Happy Hooligans have a record of pure excellence, and are one of the best units in the Air National Guard. Moreover, they are in the fight globally every single day supporting our military, special forces and intelligence agencies, and they deserve facilities that more effectively support the important missions they carry out for our nation. This new $33 million headquarters will do just that by enabling them to consolidate a range of offices, staff and operations into a single, updated and purpose-built facility, rather than maintaining multiple out-of-date structures,” said Hoeven. “This aligns with our ongoing work to not only enhance the Reaper mission flown by the Happy Hooligans, but also support the specialized training they offer to military units from across the country through their Regional Training Site, the only site of its kind in the entire Upper Midwest.”
    The new headquarters comes as the latest in Hoeven’s work to strengthen the missions and operations of the 119th Wing. This includes:
    The $17.5 million state-of-the-art operations center that Hoeven previously worked to fund.
    The 119th Wing’s MQ-9 Reaper mission began moving into the new center in 2023, and the facility is anticipated to be fully operational later this year.

    Securing funding to upgrade the Reaper mission from the Block 1 to the Block 5 aircraft.
    Currently, the Happy Hooligans operate four Block 5 MQ-9 Reapers, one of which has been permanently assigned to the Wing.
    The Air Force plans for three additional Block 5s to have a permanent home at the Wing in the future.

    Securing $10 million in FY25 funding to create a data center in the former MQ-9 ops facility to support the Test Resource Management Center’s (TRMC) Sky Range hypersonic missile testing program.
    Sky Range is an innovative method for gathering information from hypersonic missile tests using refurbished Global Hawks and MQ-9s.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Thailand imposes martial law in areas bordering Cambodia – Thai Navy

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    BANGKOK, July 25 (Xinhua) — The Thai navy on Friday declared martial law in several areas of the eastern coastal provinces of Chanthaburi and Trat, citing national security concerns along the border with Cambodia.

    The Border Defense Command in Chanthaburi and Trat provinces announced the order on Friday evening, which took immediate effect in eight districts in the two provinces.

    In a statement, the Thai Navy said the move was necessary to ensure peace and order, protect Thailand’s sovereignty and the lives and property of its citizens.

    The Thai Navy said the justification for tightening security was past incursions by Cambodian forces into the kingdom. –0–

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Syria: Deadly sectarian violence displaces thousands in Sweida; healthcare attacked

    Source: United Nations 4

    Since 13 July, around 176,000 people have been displaced from Sweida,  according to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).

    Mostly migrating to neighbouring Dar’a and Rural Damascus governorates, civilians are fleeing violent clashes between Bedouin tribal fighters, Syrian caretaker government forces and Druze militias.

    Meanwhile in the north of the country, local authorities reported that a large explosion struck an ammunition depot in Ma’arrat Tasmarin, in Idleb Governorate, on Thursday, reportedly killing six people and injuring at least 140 others.

    Although Syrian Civil Defense teams attempted to evacuate people and transfer the injured for medical care, secondary explosions in the vicinity significantly hindered emergency response efforts.

    Attacks on healthcare

    In Sweida, health facilities are under immense strain, with staff operating in extremely difficult conditions, while access to healthcare remains a challenge.

    As WHO confirmed five attacks on healthcare, including the killing of at least two doctors, the organization also reported on the obstructions to and targeting of ambulances as well as the temporary occupation of hospitals.

    “We know healthcare must never be a target. In fact, health facilities, patients and health workers must be actively protected,” said Dr. Christina Bethke, WHO acting representative in Syria, speaking from Damascus to journalists at the UN in Geneva on Friday.

    Dr. Bethke said that Sweida’s hospitals are facing shortages of staff, electricity, water, and basic supplies, with the morgue at the city’s main hospital reaching capacity earlier this week.

    “Ensuring that doctors, nurses and supplies can reach people safely is not just vital for saving lives, it is a responsibility under international law that all sides must uphold,” Dr. Bethke said.

    Limited access

    As different groups control different pathways, poor security conditions are restricting access to Sweida, limiting the ability of the UN and partners to deliver aid to those affected by the violence.

    While access to the city remains limited, WHO has been able to deliver vital supplies to health facilities in Dar’a and Damascus governorates, including trauma supplies, essential medicine and hospital support.

    In response to rising violence both in Sweida and in the north, UN humanitarian coordinator in Syria Adam Abdelmoula  launched an extension of the 2025 humanitarian appeal, which is currently less than 12 per cent funded. 

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: U.S. Coast Guard, Royal Canadian Air Force medevac man 180 miles west of Astoria

    Source: United States Coast Guard

    News Release  

    U.S. Coast Guard Northwest District PA Detachment Astoria
    Contact: Coast Guard PA Detachment Astoria
    Office: (503) 861-6380
    After Hours: (206) 220-7237
    PA Detachment Astoria online newsroom

     

    07/25/2025 05:06 PM EDT

    A U.S. Coast Guard aircrew medevaced a man from a fishing vessel approximately 180 miles offshore of Astoria, Oregon, Thursday. A Royal Canadian Air Force CC-295 Kingfisher crew from 19 Wing Comox in British Columbia, provided assistance overhead with weather reporting and communications. The man was safely flown to Astoria where he was transferred to EMS.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: U.S. Coast Guard, Royal Canadian Air Force medevac man 180 miles west of Astoria

    Source: United States Coast Guard

    News Release  

    U.S. Coast Guard Northwest District PA Detachment Astoria
    Contact: Coast Guard PA Detachment Astoria
    Office: (503) 861-6380
    After Hours: (206) 220-7237
    PA Detachment Astoria online newsroom

     

    07/25/2025 05:06 PM EDT

    A U.S. Coast Guard aircrew medevaced a man from a fishing vessel approximately 180 miles offshore of Astoria, Oregon, Thursday. A Royal Canadian Air Force CC-295 Kingfisher crew from 19 Wing Comox in British Columbia, provided assistance overhead with weather reporting and communications. The man was safely flown to Astoria where he was transferred to EMS.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: $10M to Support Coastal Shoreline Project in Buffalo

    Source: US State of New York

    overnor Kathy Hochul today announced $10 million to support the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Centennial Park’s Coastal Shoreline Project in the City of Buffalo. The funding from the $4.2 billion Clean Water, Clean Air and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act is part of a $65 million initiative to enhance the resiliency of the Lake Erie shoreline by replacing an aging 100-year-old seawall and naturalizing the shoreline along the park property.

    “Enhancing the Ralph Wilson Park is just the type of project New York voters envisioned when they overwhelmingly supported the $4.2 billion Environmental Bond Act in 2022,” Governor Hochul said. “This park restoration project enhances accessible recreational opportunities just steps away from downtown Buffalo while advancing a more sustainable and resilient future for the Lake Erie shoreline. By bolstering and naturalizing the urban shoreline, we’re helping protect this special area from high water, reducing flooding from extreme weather events driven by climate change and enhancing valuable shoreline fish and wildlife habitat.”

    Governor Hochul first announced the transformation of the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Centennial Park property in 2022. The waterfront location on the east end of Lake Erie at its confluence with the Niagara River provides desirable lake access but is also subject to frequent and damaging wind, ice, and waves. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ condition assessment of the seawall in June 2011 showed significant deterioration requiring repairs to structural failures along this stretch of shoreline.

    In 2018, the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation committed $50 million to support the City of Buffalo and surrounding community to transform the former LaSalle Park into a world-class destination. The Wilson Foundation provided additional funding to launch the Imagine LaSalleinitiative, a multi-year, community-driven effort to explore and develop a community vision for the park as it undergoes a $110 million transformation. The park’s name honors the legacy of the late Buffalo Bills owner, American veteran, entrepreneur and philanthropist, Ralph C. Wilson, Jr.

    The City of Buffalo, University at Buffalo Regional Institute, and community engagement group Imagine LaSalle conducted outreach and created a redevelopment plan for Ralph Wilson Park that includes replacement of part of the degraded sea wall with a resilient softened shoreline that will dissipate damaging wave energy, reduce flood risk, and create recreational waterfront access.

    New York State is contributing $10 million in funding from the Environmental Bond Act, administered by the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) to support Phase II of the shoreline redevelopment, including the Blueway, at Ralph Wilson Park to rehabilitate a segment of the Lake Erie shoreline, replace the deteriorating seawall with a more resilient, graded revetment-based shoreline that reduces flooding of City infrastructure, provide waterfront access to car-top watercraft, and contribute to the larger efforts of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Great Lakes Restoration Initiative. This new resilient shoreline includes an armored natural slope that will restore habitat while protecting a revamped community gem. The park is a world class destination that serves neighborhoods, residents from Western New York, and beyond. The park features a new signature pedestrian bridge that spans I-90 and connects neighbors with a regional destination. The park builds on existing high value amenities such as the swimming pool, splash pad, skate park, and dog park and by adding new and revamped community assets which include: an active-imaginative play garden, soccer fields, baseball and softball diamonds, tennis courts, playground areas with custom equipment, picnic shelters and concession stands, and miles of pedestrian and bike paths.

    New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Amanda Lefton said, “As climate change and extreme weather continue to impact our shorelines, the $4.2 billion Clean Water, Clean Air and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act is one of the most critical tools we have to support projects like the shoreline restoration at Ralph Wilson Park in Buffalo. This investment is helping New York State safeguard communities from extreme weather, protect natural resources and drinking water, and ensure people have places to explore nature and public recreation. Under Governor Hochul’s sustained leadership and generational investments, New York State is committed to building a healthier, more sustainable, and resilient future for every New Yorker.”

    Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said,“Empire State Development is pleased to support the Ralph C. Wilson Centennial Park project through the Buffalo Niagara Waterkeeper by funding paddlesport launches to provide safe access to the water. The excitement for this project is building as we work to create a thriving waterfront that attracts visitors, boosts tourism, and generates economic activity.”

    Environmental Facilities Corporation President and CEO Maureen A. Coleman said, “We applaud this latest investment in the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Centennial Park shoreline project, which builds on EFC’s earlier support of nearly $2.5 million through our Green Innovation Grant Program. This transformational project is a model for how Environmental Bond Act funding can strengthen shoreline resiliency, improve water quality, and reconnect communities to their natural waterfronts. We’re proud of the continued partnership on projects like this that deliver long-lasting benefits for Buffalo and the region.”

    In addition to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation, Buffalo Niagara Waterkeeper, and Empire State Development are supporting the current phase of shoreline restoration. Other contributing partners to previous phases of the project include the Great Lakes Commission, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, New York State Environmental Facilities Corporation, Dormitory of the State of New York, City of Buffalo, National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, and the Western New York Land Conservancy.

    State Senator Ryan said, “When New Yorkers voted to pass the Environmental Bond Act, we took a massive step forward to promote climate resiliency, insulate communities across the state from the impacts of climate change, and invest in the future of parks and green spaces across New York. This project is a natural fit for the bond act’s shoreline restoration funding. This funding will help protect the park and the pumping station for decades to come, which is essential for the future of the City of Buffalo. I thank Governor Hochul and the DEC for recognizing this critical need.”

    Assembly Majority Leader Crystal Peoples-Stokes said, “I applaud Governor Hochul and DEC for their $10 million investment in Niagara River shoreline restoration with the seawall replacement. This investment will protect and complement the continued redevelopment of Ralph C. Wilson Centennial Park, the shoreline aquatic habitat, and recreational water access. Both investments will be appreciated by generations of Buffalonians to come.”

    Assemblymember Jonathan Rivera said, “This investment and commitment to the Coastal Shoreline Project at Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Centennial Park will ensure that this treasured community space is both environmentally resilient and accessible for generations to come. This project strengthens our shoreline, restores natural habitats, and enhances a beloved public destination that connects Buffalo’s neighborhoods both to its waterfront and to each other. This is a win for sustainability, recreation, and regional pride, and I’m proud to continue building on New York State’s commitment to our region’s greatest natural assets.”

    City of Buffalo Mayor Christopher P. Scanlon said, “Ralph Wilson Park represents a once-in-a-generation transformative investment in the future of Buffalo’s waterfront and in the quality of life for our residents. This $10 million investment through the Environmental Bond Act helps us build a more sustainable future by safeguarding critical infrastructure, enhancing natural ecosystems, and strengthening the long-term resiliency of our Lake Erie shoreline — all while honoring the community’s vision for a park that is inclusive, accessible, and connected to surrounding neighborhoods. I want to thank Governor Hochul, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, and the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation for their partnership and shared commitment to making Buffalo a greener, stronger, and more connected city.”

    Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation President & CEO David Egner said, “Throughout the Imagine LaSalle community engagement process, thousands of residents shared their hopes and concerns for the future of the park. As the Foundation joins with the City of Buffalo, State of New York and dozens of public and private partners to invest in the incredible transformation of Ralph Wilson Park into the community’s vision, it’s critical that we also address the safety and resiliency needs along the shoreline so the park can be enjoyed today, tomorrow and long into the future.”

    Ralph Wilson Park Conservancy Executive Director Katie Campos said, “This funding shores up one of the most vital pieces of infrastructure in our city—and unlocks the next phase of a once-in-a-generation investment in Ralph Wilson Park. Thanks to Governor Hochul’s leadership and the support of the Environmental Bond Act, we are delivering on the community’s bold vision for a world-class, resilient, and welcoming waterfront park. This shoreline not only protects the park and our drinking water system—it makes the entire transformation possible.”

    Buffalo Niagara Waterkeeper Executive Director Jill Jedlicka said, “Buffalo Niagara Waterkeeper has guided efforts in the region for decades in order to create living shorelines and a healthier environment, and we couldn’t be happier with the results and progress that has been made by all of the partners working on this project at Ralph Wilson Park. The vision has always been to create a more resilient waterfront in the face of climate change, to endure relentless Lake Erie seiche impacts, and to rehabilitate habitat for the fish and wildlife that can once again thrive here. Through collaboration and creativity, that vision is becoming a reality. Thank you to the Ralph Wilson Park Conservancy, the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation, and state and federal partners including the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the New York State Department of Conservation, for collaborating on the transformation of this invaluable Great Lakes shoreline and community space.”

    On Nov. 8, 2022, New Yorkers overwhelmingly approved the Environmental Bond Act ballot proposition to make $4.2 billion available for environmental and community projects. The Environmental Bond Act supports new and expanded projects across the state to safeguard drinking water sources, reduce pollution, and protect communities and natural resources from climate change. State agencies, local governments, and partners can access this historic funding to protect water quality, help communities adapt to climate change, improve resiliency, and create green jobs.

    This investment is the latest step in Bond Act investments to enhance shoreline resiliency, encourage economic development, revitalize neighborhoods, and bolster recreational opportunities. In April, the Governor announced $60 million in Environmental Bond Act funding for the next round of  Green Resiliency Grants to support vital stormwater management and resilient infrastructure projects in flood-prone communities across New York State. Applications for this program are due by Aug. 15, 2025. To learn more about resources available for resilient Bond Act-supported projects, visit environmentalbondact.ny.gov.

    New York’s Commitment to Water Quality

    New York State continues to increase its nation-leading investments in water infrastructure. With an additional $500 million for clean water infrastructure in the 2025-2026 enacted State Budget announced by Governor Hochul, New York will have invested a total of $6 billion in water infrastructure since 2017. The budget also maintains a strong commitment to environmental conservation with a $425 million Environmental Protection Fund (EPF). This funding bolsters a wide array of vital programs, including land acquisition for habitat and open space preservation, climate change mitigation and adaptation initiatives, and water quality improvement projects.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senate Appropriations Committee Advances Interior And Transportation, Housing, & Urban Development Funding Bills With Illinois Priorities Secured By Durbin, Duckworth

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Dick Durbin
    July 25, 2025
    The Senate Appropriations Committee passed Interior, Environment, & Related Agencies; and Transportation, Housing, & Urban Development, & Related Agencies government funding bills
    SPRINGFIELD – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) announced that the Senate Appropriations Committee advanced a funding bill for Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies, as well as for Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies for Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26). Durbin and Duckworth worked to secure various priorities for Illinois in the appropriations bills, both through Congressionally Directed Spending requests and through the programmatic appropriations process.
    “It is the responsibility of Congress to fund our government programs and agencies through the appropriations process. Rather than rely on continuing resolutions, I hope that we can prioritize a true bipartisan process to pass these funding bills through the Senate in a timely process,” said Durbin. “While the Trump Administration continues to drain resources from critical programs, I will fight for the funding and support for the programs Illinoisans rely on.”
    “Our state and our nation are stronger when we invest in our communities and families—and that’s what these bipartisan funding bills do,” Duckworth said. “Appropriating federal funding is the primary role of Congress, and it’s critical this responsibility remains in the legislative branch. I’m proud I was able to help secure critical support for projects throughout Illinois that help modernize our state’s infrastructure, clean up our water, improve accessibility and more.”
    The two funding bills include the following Illinois priorities secured by Congressionally Directed Spending requests:
    Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies
    · City of Chester, Chester, Illinois. $1.2 million to the City of Chester to help fund the Route 150 water main replacement.
    · City of Markham, Markham, Illinois. $1.5 million to the City of Markham to help fund water system infrastructure improvements.
    · Infrastructure Improvements, Lockport, Illinois. $250,000 to the Bonnie Brae Forest Manor Sanitary District to fund water main infrastructure improvement projects.
    · Lead Service Line Replacements, Chicago, Illinois. $2 million to the City of Chicago to replace more than 200 lead service lines. Chicago has more lead service lines than any other municipality in the country and the majority of properties in Chicago receive their water from lead service lines.
    · Lead Service Line Replacements, Macomb, Illinois. $1 million to the City of Macomb to replace lead drinking water service lines in various locations throughout the City.
    · PFAS Remediation, Rockford, Illinois: $1 million to Winnebago County to help fund water infrastructure upgrades to address PFAS contamination in Rockford.
    · Stormwater and Flooding Mitigation Project, Carbondale, Illinois. $1.5 million for the City of Carbondale to replace storm sewer piping. The failing pipes cause frequent flooding during significant rain events and is also causing pavement failures on an arterial street that is heavily traveled.
    · Wastewater Improvements, Paris, Illinois. $500,000 to the City of Paris to help fund wastewater treatment plant upgrades.
    · Water Main Extension, Winnebago County, Illinois. $600,000 to Winnebago County to extend a water main to provide water to additional areas of the County.
    · Water Main Improvements, Park Forest, Illinois. $1.45 million to the Village of Park Forest to replace the highest priority water main.
    · Water Main Replacement, Springfield, Illinois. $900,000 to the City of Springfield to replace a water main on South Seventh Street in downtown Springfield. The water main was installed in 1931 and has had 27 breaks and is need of replacement. The main serves the historic downtown Springfield area, including Lincoln’s Home National Historic Site Visitor Center, the Illinois State Police Memorial Park, Springfield Clinic, and the Elijah Iles House.
    · Well Reconstruction and Water Treatment, Machesney Park and Roscoe, Illinois. $1 million to North Park Public Water District for the reconstruction of Roscoe and Machesney Park’s well to accommodate PFAS treatment. This funding will ensure continued access to a reliable source of safe, plentiful, and affordable drinking water for the communities of Machesney Park and Roscoe in Winnebago County, Illinois.
     
    Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies
    · Accessibility Upgrades, Chicago, Illinois. $750,000 to Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago to help fund accessibility upgrades at the Boys and Girls Club True Value in Little Village.
    · Affordable Housing, Edwardsville, Illinois. $1 million to Home First Housing to help expand affordable housing units in Edwardsville.
    · Affordable Housing, Joliet, Illinois: $1 million to Volunteers of America Illinois to help fund the expansion of Hope Manor Village Joliet’s housing development initiative.
    · Capital Improvements, Chicago, Illinois. $500,000 to Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago to make capital improvements at the Bartlett J. McCartin Boys & Girls Club in the Bridgeport neighborhood of Chicago.
    · City of Marseilles, Marseilles, Illinois. $1.5 million to the City of Marseilles to help fund the Sycamore Street Bridge rehabilitation.
    · Construction of the National Institute for Advanced Manufacturing, Chicago, Illinois. $2.5 million to Illinois Institute of Technology to fund construction of a facility to serve as the National Institute for Advanced Manufacturing (NIAM). The NIAM on IIT’s Bronzeville Campus will train more than 4,000 students in advanced manufacturing fields through in-person instruction and online curricula.
    · Economic Hub Project, Carbondale, Illinois. $693,000 to Carbondale Community Arts, Inc. (d.b.a. Artspace 304) to make facility improvements for an economic hub.
    · Equipment Upgrades, Chicago, Illinois. $722,000 to Navy Pier Inc. to upgrade the Pier’s surveillance apparatus to ensure the safety of the Pier’s guests and businesses.
    · Environmental Justice Institute, Chicago, Illinois. $900,000 to People for Community Recovery to help fund the development of the Hazel M. Johnson Institute for Sustainability and Environmental Justice.
    · Facilities Improvements and Technology Upgrades, Carbondale, Illinois. $500,000 to Southern Illinois University’s (SIU) Center for Teaching Excellence to revitalize learning spaces at the SIU campus and community colleges throughout Southern Illinois.
    · Facility Improvements, Springfield, Illinois. $450,000 to the Lincoln Presidential Foundation for facility improvements at the Visitor Center at the Lincoln Home National Historic Site.
    · Fire Truck, North Chicago, Illinois. $861,000 to the City of North Chicago to purchase a new fire truck, as the City’s current fire truck has exceeded its useful life by nearly 10 years.
    · Food Security Project, Hamilton, Illinois. $2.5 million to the City of Hamilton to establish a rural health village, in partnership with Memorial Hospital, to address food insecurities in the region by offering meal subscription/prescription programming, home-delivered meals, and more.
    · Infrastructure Developments, Chicago, Illinois: $1.6 million to North Lawndale Catalyst Impact Initiative, Inc. to help fund infrastructure developments in Chicago’s North Lawndale community.
    · Infrastructure Updates, Mascoutah, Illinois. $4 million to MidAmerica St. Louis Airport to help fund infrastructure upgrades at airport.
    · Land Remediation, Will County, Illinois. $3 million to the State of Illinois, in coordination with the State of Michigan, to remediate 3.6 acres of land on the bank of the channel of the Des Plaines River needed for construction of the Brandon Road Lock and Dam Interbasin Project.
    · Station Improvements, Macomb, Illinois. $134,000 to the Illinois Department of Transportation to make improvements to Macomb’s Amtrak Station, including HVAC upgrades, electrical work, and painting.
    · Supportive Housing Development, Arlington Heights, Illinois. $750,000 to Full Circle Communities for construction of a housing development to support veterans and people with disabilities.
    · Track Reconstruction Design, Chicago, Illinois. $2 million to the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) to fund design of track reconstruction of CTA’s Blue Line Forest Park Branch from Western Avenue to Lathrop Avenue, a roughly 6.5-mile section of the line. This reconstruction is needed in order to improve safety and on-time performance of the Forest Park Branch.
    · Trail Extension, Normal, Illinois. $1.9 million to the Town of Normal to fund engineering and construction of a trail connection. This will close a gap in pedestrian and bicycle accommodations between the existing Constitution Trail network and major employers located in west Normal, and promote safe multimodal travel by separating pedestrians and cyclists from motor vehicles.
    · Transit Improvements; Vermilion County, Williamson County, and Jackson County; Illinois. $3.711 million to the Illinois Department of Transportation to fulfill ongoing transit needs, including vehicle and equipment purchases, maintenance, and other improvements for transit agencies serving Carbondale, Marion, and Danville.
    · Transitional Shelter, Chicago, Illinois. $650,000 to BEDS Plus, Inc. to help fund the expansion of transitional shelter services at BEDS Plus Inc.
    · Transportation Center Pedestrian Access Improvements, Normal, Illinois. $1.6 million to Connect Transit to improve pedestrian access to the City of Bloomington’s Downtown Transportation Center.
    · Unhoused Population Support, Carbondale, Illinois: $2 million to the City of Carbondale to help fund the development of a new homeless center facility in Carbondale.
    · Workforce Accelerator Program, Chicago, Illinois. $1 million to the North Lawndale Employment Network to transform a vacant lot across the street from its workforce development campus to offer an agricultural and environmental workforce accelerator program.
    · Youth Mentoring, Springfield, Illinois. $1 million to The Outlet Mentoring Program to help fund the development of a youth mentoring center in Springfield.
     
    The two funding bills include additional Illinois priorities secured through the programmatic appropriations process:
    Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies
    Department of Interior
    Bureau of Land Management (BLM)
    Plant Conservation Activities. $20.6 million for conservation activities and includes language supporting BLM’s continued support of the Seed Strategy, the interagency Native Plant Materials Development Program, the Seeds of Success program, the Plant Conservation Alliance, and regional native plant materials development programs.
    o Urban and Community Forestry (Chicago Region Trees Initiative). Includes language prioritizing multi-organizational collaborations to support conservation and offset climate change for urban and community forestry grants.
    o Migratory Bird Management Program, Incidental Take. Includes language supporting an incidental take authorization program for the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, which will help bird species that are experiencing population decline.
     
    National Park Service
    New Philadelphia National Historic Site. Includes language directing the National Park Service to ensure park operation begins in a reasonable timeframe for the newly established New Philadelphia site.
    Springfield Race Riot Site. Includes language directing the National Park Service to work with the community to complete the Foundation Document for the Springfield 1908 Race Riot National Monument and provide for park planning.
    Land and Water Conservation Fund
    Hackmatack National Wildlife Refuge. Includes language supporting federal land acquisition by the National Fish and Wildlife Service for the Hackmatack National Wildlife Refuge
    Environmental Health Program. $30.5 million for the program and includes language that sets aside $1 million for addressing PFAS contamination in the Great Lakes.
     
    Environmental Protection Agency
    Clean Water State Revolving Funds (CWSRF). $1.6 billion to provide critical investments that create jobs, repair crumbling wastewater infrastructure, and protect public health and environmental quality. Ten percent of CWSRF may be used as grants to address lead exposure.
    Drinking Water State Revolving Funds (SRF). $1.13 billion to help water systems and states to ensure clean and safe drinking water is reliably delivered to communities. Fourteen percent of DWSRF may be used as grants to address lead exposure.
    EPA Compliance. $97.7 million to enable EPA and co-regulators to undertake inspections and other monitoring activities to determine if regulated entities are complying with environmental statutes as well as applicable regulations and permit conditions.
    EPA Enforcement. $284.9 million to ensure consistent and fair enforcement of all major environmental statutes and numerous regulations implementing each of those statutes. Includes report language supporting EPA in addressing PFAS contamination through National Enforcement and Compliance Initiatives and incorporating Supplemental Environmental Projects (SEPs) in settlements.
    Bubbly Creek. Includes report language on the inclusion of the restoration Bubbly Creek in EPA’s Lakewide Management Plan (LAMP) and directs EPA to maximize its partnerships and resources to ensure no further delays.
    Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI). $368 million for GLRI and includes report language to allow funds from the program to be used for projects in the Chicago River Watershed. Congress established the GLRI to provide funding to states, tribes, local governments, and federal agencies to protect the Great Lakes. The program has provided $4 billion since 2010 to fund projects that restore habitat, fight invasive species, clean up toxic pollution, and reduce pollution runoff.
    Lake Explorer II Support Vessel Decommission. Includes language regarding the importance of EPA replacing the Great Lakes research vessel Lake Explorer II so the agency may continue uninterrupted water quality and biological monitoring of the Great Lakes.
    Coal Combustion Residual Permit Program. Includes language requesting $9 million for federal and state permitting programs for coal combustion residuals (CCR, coal ash).
    Transportation, Housing, and Urban Development
    Department of Transportation
    Capital Investment Grants (CIG). $1.95 billion for grants to fund the extension and improvements of existing transit systems. This amount would fully fund the Chicago Transit Authority’s Red Line Extension Project for FY26.
    Protections for the Chicago Transit Authority’s Red Line Extension Project. Includes language protecting Chicago’s FY26 allocation of $350 million and requiring disbursement within 120 days of enactment.
    Amtrak. $2.43 billion in nationwide funding to support Amtrak operations, with $1.57 billion for the National Network.
    BUILD (formerly RAISE) Grants. $250 million to fund innovative transportation projects that will create jobs and have a significant impact on the nation, a region, or a metropolitan area.
    Passenger Rail Grant Programs. The two rail grant programs were reauthorized in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) and address gaps in supporting and growing our nation’s rail infrastructure:
    Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) Grants. $151.52 million for the CRISI program.
    Federal-State Partnerships for Intercity Passenger Rail Grant (FSP) Program. $75 million for FSP grants for capital improvement projects that expand or establish intercity passenger rail service.

    Midwest Rail Commission Study. Includes report language directing GAO to examine the establishment of a federally authorized commission for the purposes of developing a long-term delivery strategy for Midwest rail. The study would identify lessons learned from the establishment of the Northeast Corridor Commission that could be applied to a Midwest Rail Commission, it also would examine any Federal resources necessary to establishment of the commission.
    FRA Rail Research & Development Center of Excellence (COE). Supports the FRA’s intent to use no less than $2.5 million of its and development funding for the FRA COE, which Durbin established in IIJA and secured funding for in FY22, FY23, and FY24 (FY25’s full-year CR did not have a report, so the COE was not funded in the CR). The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign was competitively selected to host the COE.
    Blocked Crossings Causes & Solutions Identification. Includes report language directing the FRA to include in its annual report potential solutions and best practices to improve safety, mobility, and emergency response capabilities at highway-rail crossings. This would require the FRA to consider technology’s potential role in detecting the highest risk areas and to explore what role train length plays in blocked crossings, among other measures.
    Emergency Response Blocked Crossing Reports. Includes report language urging the FRA to require states receiving track inspection funding to require first responders to report verified blocked crossing incidents to the FRA’s blocked crossings portal, which you established through previous appropriations legislation. It also directs the FRA to continue working with stakeholders to identify root causes of blocked crossings and identify meaningful solutions.
    Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). $22.4 billion for the FAA. This includes $13.8 billion for FAA operations and $4 billion for facilities and equipment. This funding will allow the FAA to hire 2,500 additional air traffic controllers; improve air traffic control facilities, equipment, and systems; improve the aircraft certification process; improve hazardous materials transport oversight, and more.
    Airport Improvement Program. More than $4 billion for airport improvement grants for capital improvements at the nation’s airports, including investments that emphasize capacity development, safety improvements, and security needs.
    Digital Alert Technologies. Includes report language urging National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to deploy digital alert technologies, with local law enforcement, that can provide up-to-date information about dynamic road conditions to drivers.
    NHTSA Rulemakings. Includes language directing NHTSA to continue to provide quarterly briefings on the status of all major rulemakings to the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations. In 2023, DOT implemented a key provision of Durbin and Duckworth’s Protecting Roadside First Responders Act by proposing a rule to require automatic emergency braking (AEB) on all new cars and light trucks, and finalizing this rule in April 2024. The provision, which was passed in the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, aims to reduce the number of traffic fatalities and injuries. According to NHTSA, the rule could save more than 360 lives and prevent more than 24,000 injuries each year. The Trump Administration has delayed the effective date of this rule.
    Automated Track Inspections. Includes no less than $21.6 million to support the FRA’s fleet of advanced inspection vehicles that accompany its field inspectors to validate the railroads’ inspection programs and advance research priorities, with a special emphasis on routes transporting passengers and hazardous materials.
    Department of Housing and Urban Development
    HEAL Initiative Pilot Program. Includes $5 million to support efforts underway between HUD and HHS to provide direct technical assistance to communities leveraging programs like Medicaid to cover and provide housing-related supportive services and behavioral healthcare. Includes report language acknowledging that several studies have demonstrated that interventions based on social determinants of health can help support housing permanency.
    Lead Hazard Control and Healthy Homes. $295.6 million to provide funding to state and local governments to develop cost-effective ways to reduce lead-based paint hazards.
    Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA). $529 million to help cities and states address the housing crisis facing people living with HIV/AIDS.
    Homeless Assistance Grants. $4.5 billion to provide funding to state and local governments for emergency shelters, rapid re-housing, permanent supportive housing, and other crisis response programs.
    Housing Counseling. $57.5 million to enable housing counseling organizations to provide foreclosure prevention counseling, mortgage counseling before and after purchase, rental counseling, homelessness prevention counseling, and fair housing education.
    Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity (FHEO). $86.36 million to provide resources to nonprofit fair housing organizations that tackle discrimination and predatory lending and ensure that our nation’s fair housing laws are enforced.
    Community Development Block Grant (CDBG). $3.1 billion to provide states and localities with resources to meet the needs of low-income communities, including housing rehabilitation, supportive services, public improvements, and economic development projects.
    Home Investment Partnerships Program (HOME). $1.25 billion to provide state and local governments the funding necessary to provide affordable housing in low-income communities.
    Public Housing Capital and Operating Funds. $3.2 billion for Capital Funds and $4.87 billion for Operating Funds. This includes $30 million for emergency capital needs; $10 million for safety and security measures, with report language supporting safety and security improvements to protect tenants; and $65 million for lead remediation grants.
    Section 8 Tenant-Based Rental Assistance. $37.35 billion for Section 8 Tenant-Based rental assistance. This includes $429 million for new Tenant Protection Vouchers, $15 million to expand the HUD-VASH program, and $30 million for new Family Unification Program vouchers.
    Self-Help Homeownership Opportunity Program (SHOP) and Rural Capacity Building Program (RCB). $13 million for SHOP and $5 million for RCB. Both programs support affordable housing in rural communities.
    Section 4 Capacity Building Program. $49 million for Section 4 Capacity Building Program. This program allows HUD to partner with national nonprofit community development organizations to provide education, training, and financial support to local community development corporations (CDCs) across the country.
    Choice Neighborhoods Program. $40 million to provide funding for the transformation, rehabilitation, and replacement of distressed public and HUD-assisted housing, as well as support for communities working to revitalize neighborhoods of concentrated poverty.
    Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) Program. $156.4 million to provide funding for an asset-building program to serve more households, both within already-established Public Housing and Housing Choice Voucher FSS Programs
    Neighborhood Reinvestment Corporation (NeighborWorks). $158 million to create opportunities for Americans to live in affordable and safe homes by providing community development organizations in all fifty states with financial resources and counseling services.
    -30-
     
     

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Langworthy Announces $18.8 Million Defense Contract for Lockheed Martin Owego

    Source: US Congressman Nick Langworthy (NY-23)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Nick Langworthy (NY-23) announced today that Lockheed Martin’s Owego facility has been awarded an $18,828,520 contract from the U.S. Department of the Navy. The funding will support the procurement of 25 Digital Magnetic Anomaly Detection (DMAD) hardware kits, along with associated program management services. 

    The project work will be carried out in Owego, New York, with an expected completion date of January 2027.

    “This is a tremendous win for Lockheed Martin Owego and the hardworking men and women of the Southern Tier,” said Congressman Langworthy. “This investment not only strengthens our national defense capabilities – it fuels our local economy, supports good-paying jobs, and reinforces the critical role our region plays in keeping America safe.”

    Lockheed Martin’s Owego site continues to be a national leader in cutting-edge defense technology and a vital partner to the U.S. military. 

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Warner, Reed, Durbin, Shaheen, Coons, and Schatz Call on Trump Administration to Engage Netanyahu to Immediately Change Course in Gaza

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Commonwealth of Virginia Mark R Warner
    WASHINGTON —Today, Senate Select Committee on Intelligence Vice Chairman Mark Warner (D-VA) joined with Senate Armed Services Committee Ranking Member Jack Reed (D-RI), Senate Judiciary Committee Ranking Member Dick Durbin (D-IL), Senate Foreign Relations Committee Ranking Member Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Ranking Defense Appropriator Chris Coons (D-DE), and Ranking State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriator Brian Schatz (D-HI) to release the following statement urging the Trump Administration to press Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu to immediately change course in its war in Gaza:
    “Humanitarian conditions in Gaza are appalling and unconscionable. This week, more than 100 NGOs—including Mercy Corps, Doctors Without Borders, Save the Children, and Oxfam—warned of mass starvation spreading across Gaza. Following Prime Minister Netanyahu’s nearly 3-month blockade of humanitarian assistance, three-quarters of the population is facing emergency or catastrophic levels of hunger. 
    “The handful of Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) sites are wholly inadequate to meet the needs of this starving population. Widespread problems have made GHF aid delivery chaotic and dangerous, leading to the deaths of an estimated 700 people. Yet the Trump Administration recently approved $30 million for GHF, overriding established procedures and waiving consultation with Congress.  
    “While some established humanitarian organizations have been allowed to resume very limited operations, a number of restrictions and security challenges prevent them from fully functioning. To make matters worse, this week’s expansion of Israel’s military operation into central Gaza for the first time in the conflict has put at risk these few remaining operations. Moreover, the UN estimates that nearly 88 percent of Gaza is no longer accessible to civilians, leaving approximately two million people confined to a troublingly small remaining area.    
    “Meanwhile, hostages remain in captivity in Gaza, including American citizens, and three out of four Israelis are calling for an end to this war. Last September, the IDF assessed that Hamas had been largely defeated militarily from its peak strength when it heinously attacked Israeli civilians on October 7, 2023 and is now effectively a “guerilla terror group.” As we know from our own experience following the attacks of September 11, 2001, there is no solely military solution to defeating a terrorist group. Continuing this war with no discernable end is not in Israel’s national security interest, and the lack of a viable “day after” plan has been a glaring mistake. 
    “We call on the Trump Administration to use its considerable leverage to press Prime Minister Netanyahu to:
    Reach a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas that releases the hostages as soon as possible.
    Support a surge in humanitarian assistance that provides both a sufficient amount of humanitarian aid and credible mechanisms for effective distribution, including the verification and monitoring of assistance to ensure equitable distribution and to prevent Hamas from diverting assistance. Established humanitarian organizations like the World Food Programme have the experience and ability to renew their delivery of assistance without civil unrest. We must allow them to do their jobs. 
    Dramatically reform or shut down the Gaza Humanitarian Fund and resume support for the existing UN-led aid coordination mechanisms in Gaza with enhanced oversight to ensure that humanitarian aid reaches civilians in need.
    Establish a “day after” plan for Gaza where Hamas does not retain power, Israel disavows annexation of the West Bank and further integrates into the region, a reformed Palestinian Authority is fostered and empowered, and regional partners are included in rebuilding.
    Create a framework for a viable path back to a two-state solution that will allow the Israeli and Palestinian people to live side by side in security, dignity, and prosperity.”
     

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Political Organizer and Former President of City Council of Atlantic City Sentenced to 24 Months for Submitting Fraudulent Mail-In Ballots

    Source: US FBI

    CAMDEN, N.J. – An Atlantic County, New Jersey, man was sentenced today to 24 months in prison for his role in the procurement, casting, and tabulation of fraudulent mail-in ballots submitted in connection with the general election held on November 8, 2022, U.S. Attorney Alina Habba announced.

    Craig Callaway, 64, a former member and President of the City Council of Atlantic City and a political organizer who assisted campaigns for elected offices in New Jersey, previously pleaded guilty before Chief U.S. District Judge Renée Marie Bumb in Camden federal court to an Information charging him with depriving, defrauding, and attempting to deprive and defraud the residents of the State of New Jersey of a fair and impartially conducted election process by the fraudulent procurement, casting, and tabulation of ballots.

    “Today’s sentence sends a clear message to those who seek to undermine New Jersey’s electoral process: that such conduct will result in serious consequences.  The sentence also reflects our Office’s commitment to protecting free and fair elections, one of the bedrock principles of our democracy.”

    – U.S. Attorney Alina Habba

    “The right to vote is a fundamental aspect of our democracy, one that the FBI and our law enforcement partners strive to protect. Craig Callaway’s nefarious plot to hijack mail-in ballots resulted in his arrest and subsequent sentencing, and serves as a reminder to like-minded criminals, voter fraud will not be tolerated in New Jersey,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Stefanie Roddy.

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

    Beginning in or about October 2022, approximately one month before the general election held on November 8, 2022 (the “2022 General Election”), Callaway and others who were working at Callaway’s direction approached numerous individuals in Atlantic City, promising to pay them between approximately $30 and $50 to act as purported authorized messengers for voters who supposedly wished to vote by mail.

    After receiving Vote-By-Mail Applications from Callaway or his subordinates, these purported messengers entered the Atlantic County Clerk’s Office carrying anywhere from one to four completed Vote-By-Mail Applications. Inside the County Clerk’s Office, as instructed by Callaway or his subordinates, these individuals provided County Clerk’s Office personnel proof of identification and signed the Vote-By-Mail Applications in the authorized messenger portion before handing those signed applications to office personnel.  Further as instructed by Callaway or his subordinates, these purported messengers waited while office personnel processed the applications and, if the applications were approved, provided to the purported messengers mail-in ballots for the voters listed on the applications.

    Under New Jersey law, a messenger is required to deliver any mail-in ballot they received directly to the voter who requested the ballot and must certify that they would do so.  However, after receiving mail-in ballots, these purported messengers left the County Clerk’s Office and handed the ballots to Callaway or his subordinates, instead of delivering the ballots to the voters.

    Many of the mail-in ballots collected by Callaway or his subordinates were ultimately cast in the names of voters who have confirmed that they did not vote in the 2022 General Election—either in-person or by submitting a mail-in ballot—and that they did not authorize Callaway, his subordinates, or anyone else, to cast ballots for them in the 2022 General Election.  Many of these mail-in ballots were counted towards the 2022 General Election.

    In addition to the prison term, Chief Judge Bumb sentenced Callaway to three years of supervised release. 

    U.S. Attorney Habba credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Stefanie Roddy; the FBI’s Atlantic City Resident Agency’s Public Corruption Task Force, including the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Prosecutor William Reynolds; the Atlantic City Police Department, under the direction of Officer-in-Charge Chief James A. Sarkos; and the New Jersey State Police, under the direction of Superintendent Colonel Patrick J. Callahan; as well as special agents of the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General, Northeast Region, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Jonathan Mellone; the Department of Agriculture – Office of Inspector General, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Bethanne M. Dinkins; and the postal inspectors of the United States Postal Inspection Service, Philadelphia Division, under the direction of Inspector in Charge Christopher A. Nielsen, with the investigation leading to today’s sentence. 

    The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney James H. Graham of the Special Prosecutions Division.

                                                                           ###

    Defense counsel: Megan J. Davies, Esq.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Former New Jersey Resident Pleads Guilty to Wire Fraud and Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud for Telemarketing Scheme Targeting Timeshare Owners Over the Age of 55

    Source: US FBI

    CAMDEN, N.J. – A former New Jersey resident recently pled guilty to wire fraud and conspiracy to commit wire fraud for his participation in a telemarketing scheme to defraud timeshare owners over the age of 55 from 2016 to 2020, U.S. Attorney Alina Habba announced today.

    James Toner, a/k/a “Jason Turner,” a/k/a “James Turner,” a/k/a “Jason Thomas,” 43, of Lake Mary, Florida pleaded guilty today, before the Hon. Karen M. Williams, U.S. District Judge, Camden, to Counts One and Two of a 13-count Indictment, charging conspiracy to commit wire fraud in connection with telemarketing that targeted or victimized timeshare owners over the age of 55 (Count One) and wire fraud in connection with telemarketing that targeted or victimized timeshare owners over the age of 55 (Count Two). Toner’s sentencing is scheduled for December 2, 2025.

    Toner was previously charged by indictment along with William O’Hanlon, a/k/a “Patrick Burns,” a/k/a “William Burns,” 61, Karen Stefanowski, 63, and William Chiusano, Jr., then-48, of Laguna Niguel, California. Chiusano is now deceased, and charges against him have been dismissed. O’Hanlon and Stefanowski previously pleaded guilty before Judge Williams to their roles in fraudulent telemarketing schemes from 2016 to 2023 on May 9, 2025 and April 30, 2025, respectively.

    In addition, Alex Klemash, 32, of Williamstown, New Jersey, Michael Lambe, 45, of Mullica Hill, New Jersey, and La’Tresa Jackson, 59, of Lindenwold, New Jersey, previously pleaded guilty before Judge Williams on March 8, 9, and 13, 2023, respectively, to related Informations charging them with conspiracy to commit wire fraud in connection with the 2016 to 2020 telemarketing scheme.

    Accordingly, all living defendants charged for their roles in the telemarketing scheme from 2016 to 2020 have now pleaded guilty. The sentencings for the defendants are currently scheduled as follows:

    La’Tresa Jackson September 25, 2025
    Alex Klemash September 23, 2025
    Michael Lambe September 30, 2025
    William O’Hanlon September 24, 2025
    Karen Stefanowski September 4, 2025
    James Toner December 2, 2025

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

    The wire fraud conspiracy and wire fraud charge to which Toner pleaded guilty arise out of his participation in a timeshare fraud scheme operated through businesses WILLIAMS ANDREWS BURNS LLC, RESORT BNB, INC., and WILLIAMS & BURNS, INC. (collectively referred to as “WAB”). As part of his plea agreement, Toner admitted that he was a manager and supervisor at WAB.

    From in or about October 2016 through in or about October 2020, Toner and additional co-conspirators (collectively referred to as “Conspirators”), engaged in a scheme to financially enrich themselves by selling fraudulent services to timeshare owners offered through WAB, including offering to rent and/or buy the owners’ timeshares under false and fraudulent pretenses or representations, and offering to recover monies timeshare owners had previously paid in connection with other scams. The Conspirators obtained lists of timeshare owners and their contact information, and cold-called them to pitch their various services in return for upfront fees.

    The Conspirators made numerous false and misleading statements to the timeshare owners, including falsely stating that the timeshare owners had “bonus” timeshare weeks which WAB would rent for them in return for an upfront fee, and falsely guaranteeing thousands of dollars in rental income for the timeshare owners. Once the timeshare owners had signed up and paid their fees for the phony rentals services, the Conspirators also generally pitched collections/recovery services, offering to obtain refunds of monies previously paid by the timeshare owners in other fraudulent scams, in return for fees. Again, the Conspirators made numerous false and misleading statements in many instances to both timeshare owners and the banks that issues their credit cards. One of the fraudulent pitches used by the Conspirators was to falsely claim that the timeshare owner had been identified as a victim of timeshare fraud and was entitled to monies that were held by a government entity, often referred to as the attorney general’s office or the FTC (Federal Trade Commission), and that WAB would obtain those monies for the timeshare owner in return for the payment of an upfront fee. The Conspirators also offered additional fraudulent services to timeshare owners, including occasionally offering timeshare buyouts/take-overs.

    Toner agreed to make restitution for any proven losses to victims of WAB.

    Each count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and wire fraud is punishable by a maximum of 30 years in prison, including an enhancement of 10 years in prison for committing such fraud via telemarketing that targeted persons over the age of 55 or victimized 10 or more persons over the age of 55. The sentences on each count may run consecutively. Each offense also carries a potential fine of the greater of $250,000,or twice the gross gain or loss from the offense, and the defendant may be sentenced to a term of supervised release after any term of imprisonment imposed.

    U.S. Attorney Habba credited agents of the FBI’s Philadelphia Division, South Jersey Resident Agency, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Wayne A. Jacobs; special agents of the IRS Criminal Investigations, Newark Field Office, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Jenifer Piovesan; and special agents of the Social Security Administration, Office of the Inspector General, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge, Cooperative Disability Investigations – Eastern Region, Conor Washington, with the investigation leading to the guilty plea.

    The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Elisa T. Wiygul and Diana Vondra Carrig of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Camden.

                                                                           ###                               

    Defense Counsel:

    Lee Vartan, Esquire and Melissa Wernick, Esquire for William O’Hanlon

    Zach Intrater, Esquire for Karen Stefanowski

    Megan Davies, Esquire for James Toner

    Michael Baldassare, Esquire for La’Tresa Jackson

    Perry DeMarco, Sr., Esquire for Alex Klemash

    Ira M. Slovin, Esquire for Michael Lambe

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Peters Secures Funding for Great Lakes, Michigan’s Water Infrastructure in Appropriations Bill

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Michigan Gary Peters

    WASHINGTON, DC?– U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) helped the Senate Appropriations Committee pass the Fiscal Year 2026 Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act. The bipartisan legislation would provide funding for Michigan priorities and high-impact local projects to strengthen water infrastructure, protect our wildlife and environment, and improve access to clean drinking water for Michiganders. As Co-Chair of the Great Lakes Task Force, Peters also advocated and secured funding for the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, which plays a critical role in protecting and restoring Great Lakes waterways and habitats. The bill now advances to the full Senate.

    “Protecting our Great Lakes and Michiganders’ access to clean drinking water have been some of my top priorities,” said Senator Peters, Co-Chair of the Senate Great Lakes Task Force.“This bipartisan legislation helps us accomplish those things by investing in our state’s water infrastructure, removing dangerous lead pipes, and working to protect folks from exposure to toxic PFAS contamination. The bill also makes sure the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, a historic program that keeps our Great Lakes healthy and vibrant, continues to receive funding to carry out essential cleanup projects in our state.”  

    The bill includes numerous measures led and supported by Peters, including:

    Protecting our Great Lakes, Fisheries, and Environment

    Funding for the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative: Peters fought and secured continued funding for the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI). The GLRI is the largest investment in the Great Lakes’ health, ecosystem, and water quality. Since the program’s inception in 2010, $4 billion has been used to fund over 8,000 projects to combat the greatest threats to the Great Lakes, including invasive species, harmful algal blooms, and loss of fish and wildlife habitats. During his time in the Senate, Peters has championed the GLRI, and earlier this year led the effort to introduce the?Great Lakes Restoration Act of 2025,?which would reauthorize the program and increase its annual authorized funding levels.

    Keeping Invasive Carp Out of the Great Lakes: Invasive carp pose a grave risk to the lasting health of our Great Lakes. That’s why this bill provides funding for the Fish and Wildlife Service’s Aquatic Invasive Species program, which supports Great Lakes Basin-wide efforts to combat aquatic invasive species, including invasive carp. This work helps assess the threats posed by invasive carp to the Great Lakes and supports efforts to detect and respond to new invasive species. The bill also provides funding for the U.S. Geological Survey’s Biological Threats and Invasive Species Research Program which produces essential research, detection methods, and tools to help keep invasive carp out of the Great Lakes. Finally, the bill also provides funding for efforts to monitor, detect, and respond to aquatic nuisance species within the Great Lakes and Lake Champlain Systems.

    Great Lakes Fish and Wildlife Restoration: The bill protects funding for The Great Lakes Fish and Wildlife Restoration Act, which helps fund critical fish and wildlife projects in the Great Lakes Basin. Funding from this program has helped establish ecosystem management tools, restored wetlands and aquatic habitat, and advanced fish and wildlife monitoring and modeling.

    Great Lakes Science Center: Peters secured funding in the bill to support the Great Lakes Science Center, which works to enhance our understanding of the Great Lakes’ complex ecosystem through studies and collaboration with a wide range of partners.

    Forest Service: The bill provides robust funding for the Forest Service. These resources will help ensure adequate staffing levels and improve forest restoration and fire risk reduction efforts.

    Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF): The bill allocates funding for federal land acquisition and financial assistance to states through the?Great American Outdoors Act. This program is critical for improving recreational access to our federal lands, protecting iconic landscapes, delivering grants to states and local governments to create and protect urban parks and open spaces. It also provides farmers and ranchers with easements to allow them to continue to steward their private lands in the face of development pressures.

    Addressing Wildfires: As catastrophic wildfires grow in size and frequency, it is essential that support for, and investments in, the federal firefighting workforce keep pace. As such, this bill fully funds essential wildfire preparedness and suppression efforts by providing $4.25 billion for wildfire suppression, of which $2.85 billion is for the Wildfire Suppression Operations Reserve Fund. The Reserve Fund provides the Forest Service and the Department of the Interior with an assured amount of funding to be used when major fire activity requires expenditures exceeding regular base suppression operations funding. This bill also provides much-needed funding to help prevent a devastating pay cut for the federal firefighting workforce. 

    Strengthening Michigan’s Water Infrastructure & Ensuring Clean Drinking Water

    Addressing PFAS: Michigan communities and residents continue to face severe challenges with toxic PFAS contamination. Michigan is home to a number of military installations where PFAS contamination has been detected, including Camp Grayling and the former Wurtsmith Air Force Base in Oscoda. The bill provides much needed funding for PFAS research and remediation efforts. Peters has led and championed numerous efforts in the Senate to address PFAS. Peters convened the first-ever hearing on PFAS contamination in the Senate, then convened a field summit in Grand Rapids in November 2018 to shine a light on how local, state and federal governments are coordinating responses to address PFAS contamination. Peters introduced and advanced bipartisan legislation to reduce the spread of PFAS chemicals at commercial airports. Peters’ Preventing PFAS Runoff at Airports Act, which was signed into law in 2022, is working to deploy more existing Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) funding for commercial airports to purchase devices to test their firefighting equipment without discharging toxic PFAS chemicals. In 2022, Peters’ bill to help protect firefighters and emergency responders from PFAS exposure in the line of duty was also signed into law.

    Bolstering Lead Abatement Programs: Lead poisoning continues to be a public health challenge in areas with aging infrastructure, causing life-long health impacts particularly among children. Peters helped secure funding for critical programs that support communities seeking to clean up lead contaminated waste sites, replace toxic lead pipes, and minimize exposure in surrounding areas. The bill includes funding for the Lead Testing in Schools Program and Reducing Lead in Drinking Water Program.

    Drinking Water and Clean Water State Revolving Funds: The bill restores funding for both the Drinking Water and the Clean Water State Revolving Funds, which the Trump Administration had proposed slashing by nearly 90 percent. The Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Funds are vital to protecting Michigan’s water resources and rebuilding critical water infrastructure. These projects provide Michigan residents with significant benefits, ranging from reduced exposure to pollution to lead-free drinking water. While the primary focus of the state revolving funds is offering financing solutions for water infrastructure for wastewater, storm water, and drinking water systems, the funds also reduce energy waste and decrease water system rates, improving affordability. 

    Mitigate PFAS Contamination, Provide Safe Drinking Water for Residents of Grayling Township: The bill provides $3,000,000 to deliver clean, safe drinking through a new municipal water system to residents whose water wells have been contaminated from PFAS migrating off the Grayling Army Airfield and Camp Grayling.

    Improve Water Reliability in Grand Blanc: The bill provides $1,000,000 to modernize critical water infrastructure throughout Grand Blanc, reducing inefficiencies and water loss and improving water reliability for residents and businesses.

    Strengthen St. Ignace’s Water and Wastewater System: The bill provides $36,000 for St. Ignace to update its system that controls the alarms and communication between water wastewater plants as well as other facility operations.

    Upgrade the Aging Freud & Conners Creek Pump Stations: The bill provides $1,000,000 to make improvements to the aging Freud and Conner Creek pump stations.

    Improve Wastewater Management in Oakwood: The bill provides $1,000,000 to improve wastewater management in Oakwood, Michigan.

    Upgrade Marquette County K.I. Sawyer Wastewater Treatment Plant: The bill provides $1,370,000 to upgrade the disinfection system at the K.I. Sawyer Wastewater Treatment Plant.

    Pontiac Drinking Water System Improvements: The bill provides $1,000,000 to improve drinking water quality and reliability for Pontiac residents.

    Lead Service Lines Replacement in Redford Charter Township: The bill provides $1,000,000 to replace lead service lines in Redford Charter Township.

    Supporting New Drinking Water Well for Village of Bellevue: The bill provides $144,000 to help build a new drinking water well in the Village of Bellevue to ensure continued safe drinking water for the residents and surrounding community.

    Protecting and Preserving Public Lands and Cultural Resources

    Preservation of the Historic Freer House at Wayne State University: The bill provides $550,000 for Wayne State University to repair and replace damaged and deteriorating parts of the historic Charles Lang Freer House, which is an important part of Detroit’s cultural heritage.

    Funding for the National Park Service: The bill includes nearly $3 billion to support National Park Service (NPS) operations. This funding will allow NPS to more effectively manage its 433 national parks, monuments, historical sites and other recreational areas that encompass nearly 84 million acres of land across the United States. Michigan is proud to be home to five National Parks, which draw more than 2.5 million visitors to the state annually.

    Supporting the National Heritage Areas Program: Peters helped secure funding for the National Park Service’s Heritage Partnership Program. National Heritage Areas (NHAs) across the country commemorate, conserve, and promote important natural, scenic, historic, and cultural resources, delivering recreational and educational opportunities to visitors, residents, and entire regions. NHAs are key for economic development in their communities. Michigan’s MotorCities NHA alone creates an economic impact every year of nearly $490 million including?5,343 jobs and $40 million in tax revenues.

    Protecting Tribal Nations

    Tribal Programs: In total, the bill provides $12 billion for Tribal programs across the Department of the Interior and the Indian Health Service, rejecting President Trump’s proposed cuts of nearly $1 billion from Tribal programs. 

    Indian Health Service (IHS):The bill provides $8 billion in total resources for IHS to maintain critically important health care services and maintain current staffing for doctors, nurses, and health services staff.

    Supporting Tribal Self-Governance and Essential Services: The bill provides $1.91 billion, an increase in funding, for the Bureau of Indian Affairs’ operations of Indian programs. This funds essential government services in critical areas like roads and infrastructure, housing improvement, natural resources protection, Tribal courts, economic development, and social services. This funding is essential for Tribal governments exercising self-determination and crucial to upholding the federal government’s trust responsibility.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: European Peace Facility: Council adopts first assistance measure in support of the Djibouti Armed Forces

    Source: APO


    .

    Today the Council adopted an assistance measure under the European Peace Facility (EPF) in support of the Djibouti Armed Forces.

    This first measure benefitting Djibouti is worth €10 million and aims to strengthen the defence capacities of the Djibouti Armed Forces to safeguard the sovereignty and rights of Djibouti in accordance with the United Nation Convention Law of the Sea and to strengthen maritime security in the Red Sea. 

    The assistance measure is expected to enhance the Djiboutian Navy’s operational readiness by contributing to:

    • the development and maintenance of assets to deliver full operational capabilities over the long term
    • increased maritime domain awareness
    • enhanced presence at sea

    Today’s decision is in line with the EU’s objective to provide an integrated and coherent response to the increased insecurity in the Red Sea and secure EU interests at this critical maritime chokepoint.

    In this regard, EPF support will strengthen Djibouti’s potential with respect to maritime domain awareness, complementing EU Common Security and Defence Policy operations in the Red Sea.

    Background and next steps

    The European Peace Facility was established in March 2021 for the financing of actions under the common foreign and security policy to prevent conflicts, preserve peace and strengthen international security and stability. In particular, the European Peace Facility allows the EU to finance actions designed to strengthen the capacities of third States and regional and international organisations relating to military and defence matters.

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Council of the European Union.

    MIL OSI Africa –