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Category: Politics

  • MIL-OSI China: China cracks down on irrational online sportsperson worship

    Source: China State Council Information Office 2

    The Chinese government has intensified its crackdown on irrational online celebrity worship of sportspeople, removing over 1.6 million pieces of illegal and non-compliant content and shutting down more than 3,700 accounts, according to the Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC).
    The move comes in response to individuals creating accounts or chat groups under the names of national team athletes and coaches, fueling excessive fandom and triggering conflict among fan groups. There have also been instances of users seeking illicit profits through such accounts and chat groups, exerting negative impact on the online community, especially minors, the CAC said.
    National team athletes and coaches have called for the disbandment of fan groups and urged a focus on the sports themselves.
    Cyberspace administration departments, in collaboration with the sports authorities, will continue to strengthen oversight of online sports fan culture, urging website platforms to fulfill their responsibilities and strictly penalizing those that neglect their duties, according to the CAC.

    MIL OSI China News –

    April 3, 2025

  • MIL-OSI China: PLA drills a just move to punish, deter secession attempts

    Source: China State Council Information Office 2

    Zhu Fenglian, a spokesperson for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, gestures at a press conference in Beijing, capital of China, Dec. 13, 2023. [Photo/Xinhua]
    A Chinese government spokesperson on Wednesday said the latest military drills launched by the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) around Taiwan and in the middle and southern areas of the Taiwan Strait were a just move to punish and deter attempts to split the country.
    Zhu Fenglian, a spokesperson for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, said these drills were conducted to safeguard peace and stability of the Taiwan Strait and the well-being of Taiwan compatriots.
    In response to a statement by the U.S. White House regarding the drills, Zhu said that the Taiwan question is purely China’s internal affairs that brook no foreign interference.
    The United States should abide by the one-China principle and the three China-U.S. joint communiques, stressed Zhu.
    “We have full confidence and sufficient capability to deter ‘Taiwan independence’ separatist activities and jointly achieve national reunification,” the spokesperson added.

    MIL OSI China News –

    April 3, 2025

  • MIL-OSI China: One-year high PMI indicates strong momentum of Chinese economy

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

    BEIJING, April 2 — The purchasing managers’ index (PMI) of China’s manufacturing sector registered a one-year high in March, signaling the resilience and upward momentum of the world’s second-largest economy despite global headwinds.

    With the PMI of March at 50.5, the country’s manufacturing sector has shown significant improvement, thanks to a combination of seasonal recovery, policy stimulus, and structural upgrades.

    The March PMI was underpinned by expansion in both production and demand. Notably, the performance of the equipment manufacturing, high-tech manufacturing and consumer goods industries has rebounded over the past two months. Additionally, the PMI of small enterprises jumped 3.3 percentage points to 49.6 in March, the highest in 11 months. These developments indicate a rise in market confidence and the effectiveness of pro-growth policy measures.

    The PMI data for March suggests that the Chinese economy has maintained stable operations, with its recovery and upward trend further consolidated. Last year, China’s economy grew by 5 percent, ranking among the top of the world’s major economies in terms of growth rate while contributing around 30 percent to global economic growth.

    In the first two months of this year, China’s economic performance showed a steady start, with growth rates in industrial production, consumption, and investment all surpassing last year’s full-year figures. This trend reflects a continuation of the upward trajectory in the fourth quarter of last year.

    The sustained momentum is consolidated by enhanced sci-tech innovation, which is key to developing new quality productive forces, replacing old growth drivers with new ones, and securing long-term development.

    The role of consumption is to be further leveraged in expanding domestic demand — a top priority of the government. Bright spots in the consumer market, such as movies, the ice and snow economy, and tourism, highlight the huge potential of the economy. A special action plan that includes 30 measures to expand consumption, released in mid-March by the central authorities, will further boost consumption vitality.

    China regards foreign businesses as important participants in its modernization drive. Since the start of this year, China has secured a raft of major foreign investment projects, with planned investment totaling 33 billion U.S. dollars. The country will remain an ideal, secure, and promising destination for foreign investors.

    With its pro-growth measures continuing to deliver good outcomes, the Chinese economy is poised to sustain its uplifting momentum, advance on the path of high-quality development, and continue to be a major engine of global economic growth.

    MIL OSI China News –

    April 3, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Transcript: Governor Hochul is on “The Beat With Ari Melber”

    Source: US State of New York

    arlier today, Governor Hochul was a guest on MSNBC’s “The Beat with Ari Melber.”

    AUDIO: The Governor’s remarks are available in audio form here.

    A rush transcript of the Governor’s remarks is available below:

    Ari Melber, MSNBC:  We turn now to someone leading one of the largest states in the country, the New York Governor Kathy Hochul, a prominent Democrat who recently explained that she views the tariffs as a reckless tax on hardworking New Yorkers and that this could risk tanking the economy. Thanks for being here, Governor.

    Governor Hochul: Good to see you again.

    Ari Melber, MSNBC: Absolutely. You do real work with real people. This is a real thing that you’ve warned will affect them. What’s your response to these new tariffs tonight?

    Governor Hochul: This is the largest tax increase in American history, nothing short of that. And a place like New York, I have the privilege of governing the 10th largest economy in the world.

    I have Wall Street, I have rural farmers. I have the Walmart moms who are pushing that big shopping cart with the oversized toilet paper and paper towels and baby food – because I was that mom – who are now wondering, even at Walmart, are my prices going to go up? So this is cataclysmic. It is an earthquake, and we’re going to feel the tremors for a long time.

    I have to ask why. Who are we liberating? We’re not liberating Wall Street. We’re not liberating the senior couple who’s watching their portfolio, their nest egg become scrambled. They’ve been saving their whole lives. Who are we helping here? We’re hurting real people in our state and across this country.

    Ari Melber, MSNBC: Yeah. And you know, in politics sometimes they say there are the show horses or the workhorses. You seem to have led New York as more of a workhorse saying, “Let’s get down to business, let’s get real economic opportunity.” Some people around the country, they hear New York, they think Times Square. But there’s a lot more to it than that.

    As you’ve argued and your Democratic colleague, Chuck Schumer was making the same point. That President Trump’s tariffs will cost upstate New Yorkers $7 billion per year. He says it could hit this region harder than just about any place in the country. Do you agree and, and what can Democrats do about it?

    Because unlike some other issues we’ve covered, there aren’t legal arguments for the courts to come in and stop the tariffs. The president has this authority and he’s just using it in a way that a lot of people say is dangerous.

    Governor Hochul: Right. This is a pounding on upstate – and I’m from upstate. I’m the first governor from Buffalo since Grover Cleveland and we sit on the border with Canada. We have 450 miles of shared border with Canada. They’re our largest trading partner.

    The majority of our imported food comes from Canada. Buffalo – half of the Sabers game. I’m a hockey fan as well. They’re Canadians. They buy Buffalo Bills season tickets. They buy theater tickets, they shop in our stores. It’s going to affect the number of people already.

    There’s a decline of 20 percent of Canadians coming across the border to visit because they’re angry. They’re really pissed off about this, and they were our friends, but also the cost of doing business. I talked to one farmer yesterday who’s devastated. He said, “You know what? This is gonna cost me more every single month for the extra shavings.”

    They get the wood shavings for the stalls from Canada. They get their fertilizer from Canada. They get their steel and aluminum to repair fences and barns from Canada. He said, it’s going to cost me, just for feed alone, $10,000 more a month.

    Ari Melber, MSNBC: So can anything be done?

    Governor Hochul: Well, I’ll tell you what I’m working on in my budget as we speak. I have a plan to put $5,000 back in New Yorker’s pockets. People have little kids, a tax credit for families, a middle class tax cut, the largest rate decrease in 70 years. I even have an inflation rebate.

    We’re putting $500 back in people’s pockets because they paid so much more in sales tax. So I’m looking at this holistic – but here’s what’s gonna happen. I’m going to put $5,000 back in their pockets. The tariffs are gonna suck $6,000 out. So how are people supposed to get ahead? Yeah, we are fighting. We’re doing our best, but I’m pleading with Washington. Keep your promise. You said on inauguration day, prices will go down. The opposite is happening. And why are we doing this?

    Ari Melber, MSNBC: We heard – and in many ways the country heard – from Senator Cory Booker here over the past day and tonight, does he have the right idea looking for new or unusual measures to confront this Trump second term?

    Governor Hochul: Yes. Yes. These challenging times call for creative solutions, and that’s what I’m doing with my budget and speaking out, using my voice as someone who represents a population of 20 million. We are not just a blue state, we have many red parts. It is fascinating to me that the parts of our state that are being hit the hardest were the ones that voted for Donald Trump, those rural areas, Elise Stefanik’s district in the North Country. That’s who I’m talking to.

    So he’s got to realize that, whether it’s on Long Island, these people who supported him and voted for him, who are now gonna be hit, they’re gonna be losing their jobs. I don’t know who is supposed to benefit from this. These are real people who count on the president to keep his promises.

    And I talked to them in diners and I went to grocery stores to talk about how expensive it is. I raised kids. I’m the first mom governor the state has ever seen. I know exactly what they’re going through. I think about my parents’ home, their first home was a trailer park. The people who never got out of that trailer park, they shop at Walmart, and if their prices go up 10 to 25 percent, they can’t make it work.

    So Democrats have to stand out and point to those people that we represent and say, “I’m speaking for them. You’re hurting them. Those are my people. And you have to get through me to do that.”

    Ari Melber, MSNBC: We’ve been talking about some things that I know you’re passionate about. The budget you’re working on upstate, we just talked about and of course confronting the president’s tariffs.

    Now I want to ask you about something you might not wanna talk about, but here we are on the news – and that is this New York City Mayor’s race. All around the country, people tend to know the mayor of New York. Whether it’s Rudy Giuliani or Eric Adams, who’s had his recent controversies, and now someone that you are politically linked to – Andrew Cuomo is running, and this is someone who, at times, has been very prominent. People know his name.

    But if you look at the record, there are a ton of questions, including of course, how he left office. Let’s just remind folks a little bit about some of his record:

    […]

    I know you want to focus on other things, but this is reality and he is running. Should he be Mayor of New York?

    Governor Hochul: Here’s my position. Despite what you may think coming out of Washington, we still live in a democracy. The voters will decide who the next mayor is just in a matter of months, and they have all the facts right before them. They’ll evaluate the candidates, and I’m putting my faith in the very smart, engaged voters of this city to decide who my next partner will be, or if the existing partner will continue.

    Ari Melber, MSNBC: Do you think he’d make a good partner?

    Governor Hochul: Whoever it is, they better work with the governor. Because I have a lot of control over the city, and I can help in countless ways. I’m responsible in large part for a reduction in crime, working with NYPD and the mayor because I’ve brought so much more money to the table.

    Ari Melber, MSNBC: But when you say look at the facts, sometimes people say that and it means go get informed. And other times it’s what lawyers say in a closing argument. Look at the facts, which tell you that potentially the best thing for New York is not trying to have you two work together, given all that history and what I don’t imagine is a close relationship right now, if I may.

    Governor Hochul: It’s not up to me. The voters will decide who the Mayor of New York is. I’m the governor. I have a lot of authority and involvement, but I also represent the 8.3 million people who call New York City home. I have their interests at heart and I’ll always fight for the city as I have for the last three years.

    Ari Melber, MSNBC: New York Governor Kathy Hochul on many topics tonight. Thank you for joining me.

    Governor Hochul: Thank you.

    Ari Melber, MSNBC: Really appreciate it.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    April 3, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Murphy, Blumenthal, 45 Senate Democrats Demand Trump Rescind Illegal Executive Order Threatening Federal Employee Collective Bargaining Agreements

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Connecticut – Chris Murphy
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), a member of the U.S. Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee, and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) on Wednesday joined the entire Senate Democratic Caucus in a letter urging President Donald Trump to rescind his March 27 executive order to end collective bargaining agreements between public employee unions and dozens of federal agencies and bureaus. The senators blasted the move as a “gross overreach” of presidential authority, asserting that the executive order is a clear attempt to gut the federal merit-based civil service and implement a system of political cronyism. They stressed that the order poses a grave threat to the ability of over one million federal workers to carry out their missions and deliver important services for the American people – and thus should be rescinded immediately.
    “We write today in outrage over your recent executive order entitled Exclusions from Federal Labor-Management Relations Programs, a gross overreach of the authority granted in the Civil Service Reform Act of 1978 (CSRA). This order is an insult to the hardworking public servants who go to work on behalf of the American people,” the senators began.
    “The executive order effectively classifies two thirds of the federal workforce as having national security missions, a blatant misuse of a limited authority intended to provide operational flexibility to address legitimate security needs,” the senators continued. “There is no evidence that the long-standing collective bargaining agreements at these agencies have jeopardized our nation’s security in any way; to the contrary, the protection collective bargaining has provided for employees allows them to conduct their work on behalf of the American people—including blowing the whistle on fraud or abuse—without political interference.”
    “This Administration clearly does not have even a basic understanding of the legally binding nature of federal collective bargaining agreements and is actively trying to bend the law to undermine protections for federal civil servants. We urge you to immediately rescind this illegal executive order so that our dedicated public servants can continue to work on behalf of the American public without fear for their job or political retribution,” they concluded.
    U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.), Mark Warner (D-Va.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), John Fetterman (D-Pa.), Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), Andy Kim (D-N.J.), Angus King (I-Maine), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Jon Ossoff (D-Ga.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Gary Peters (D-Mich.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) also joined the letter.
    The letter is endorsed by the American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO), American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE), National Treasury Employees Union (NTEU), International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers (IFPTE), and Service Employees International Union (SEIU).
    Full text of the letter is available HERE and below.
    Dear President Trump: 
    We write today in outrage over your recent executive order entitled Exclusions from Federal Labor-Management Relations Programs, a gross overreach of the authority granted in the Civil Service Reform Act of 1978 (CSRA). 
    This order is an insult to the hardworking public servants who go to work on behalf of the American people. They care for our veterans, deliver disaster assistance, prevent wildfires, help farmers improve crop yields, manage health benefits for 9/11 first responders, research treatments and cures for diseases, keep air travel safe, process tax returns, staff our national parks and much, much more. Nearly one third of these dedicated civil servants are veterans seeking to continue their service to our country out of uniform.  
    The executive order effectively classifies two thirds of the federal workforce as having national security missions, a blatant misuse of a limited authority intended to provide operational flexibility to address legitimate security needs. The national security exemption has existed for nearly 50 years and has been used only sparingly by Republican and Democratic Administrations—including during your first term—to exclude federal offices with an unquestionable core function in intelligence, counterintelligence, or national security. There is no evidence that the long-standing collective bargaining agreements at these agencies have jeopardized our nation’s security in any way; to the contrary, the protection collective bargaining has provided for employees allows them to conduct their work on behalf of the American people—including blowing the whistle on fraud or abuse—without political interference. 
    Federal employees’ collective bargaining agreements are critical to ensuring they continue to serve the American people with the peace of mind that comes with being protected from unfair labor practices. Unlike in the private sector, federal employee unions in most cases cannot negotiate pay or benefits, which are set by Congress, and they are legally prohibited from striking. The federal collective bargaining agreements do, however, protect federal employees from illegal firings, retaliation, and discrimination. They also promote resources for whistleblowers and veterans. These federal union contracts give employees in the civil service protections from retaliation so they can serve the American people fairly and effectively without partisan political interference.  
    This executive order, which ruthlessly strips collective bargaining agreements for over one million federal workers, is the most recent attack your Administration has levied against our merit-based civil service in the effort to cut the workforce and replace them with political cronies. While the CSRA does give the president the authority to limit collective bargaining agreements due to national security concerns, the executive order’s direction to terminate mass swaths of federal employee collective bargaining agreements is clearly intended to broadly dismantle the CSRA, which is specifically designed to grant federal employees the right to collective bargaining as a means to resolve workplace issues while maintaining the smooth functioning of government operations.  
    When the Secretary of Labor testified in February in front of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, Members of Congress asked her both in-person and through questions for the record whether she and the Administration would commit to honoring all legally binding collective bargaining agreements signed by federal agencies and labor unions, and whether federal employees have the right to organize and collectively bargain without fear of retaliation. The Secretary answered, “if confirmed, I will follow the law and work with the experts at the Department to understand the collective bargaining process at the Department and the terms and conditions of the collective bargaining agreements in place.” This Administration clearly does not have even a basic understanding of the legally binding nature of federal collective bargaining agreements and is actively trying to bend the law to undermine protections for federal civil servants.  
    We urge you to immediately rescind this illegal executive order so that our dedicated public servants can continue to work on behalf of the American public without fear for their job or political retribution.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    April 3, 2025

  • MIL-Evening Report: Scientists worked with Warlpiri to track down bilby poo – and uncover clues to help conserve these iconic animals

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Hayley Geyle, Ecologist, Charles Darwin University

    Sarah Maclagan/Author provided

    The greater bilby (Macrotis lagotis) is one of Australia’s most iconic yet at-risk animals — and the last surviving bilby species. Once found across 70% of Australia, its range has contracted by more than 80% since European colonisation.

    Today, these nocturnal marsupials, still culturally significant to many Indigenous peoples, are restricted to remote deserts. They face an ongoing threat of extinction.

    Local elders, Indigenous rangers and scientists hold valuable knowledge about bilby populations, the threats they face, and strategies needed to sustain them into the future.

    Our new study, published today in Conservation Science and Practice, reveals how collaboration between scientists and Indigenous land managers can help yield new and vital information.

    In the field, we used two methods – one based on Warlpiri knowledge and one based on standard scientific protocols – to locate bilbies and collect scat (poo) samples in the North Tanami Indigenous Protected Area in the Northern Territory.

    By drawing on Warlpiri tracking expertise and Western scientific methods, we uncovered crucial information on bilby populations that could help conserve these rare creatures.

    The greater bilby is one of Australia’s most iconic yet at-risk animals.
    Ken Griffiths/Shutterstock

    Understanding bilby numbers is important – but hard

    Bilbies turn over tonnes of soil each year, helping to improve soil health, help seeds germinate and enhance water infiltration. Their deep, complex burrows also provide shelter for other species.

    They’re crucial to the health of desert ecosystems; protecting bilbies means protecting the web of life they support.

    To do this, we need to know more about:

    • how many bilbies there are
    • how they respond to land management techniques such as planned burning
    • how they respond to threats such as feral predators.

    Yet, bilbies are notoriously difficult to monitor directly via live capture. They’re nocturnal, shy and solitary. And they inhabit vast landscapes, making it very hard to estimate population numbers.

    Bilby tracks North Tanami (pen for scale).
    Hayley Geyle/Author Provided

    Luckily, the tracks, diggings and scats bilbies leave behind provide ample clues. DNA from scat (if it can be found) can be used to estimate how many bilbies are present in a particular area.

    Systematic ecological surveys, often used to monitor wildlife, can be rigid and expensive, especially in remote regions.

    We need flexible methods that align with local knowledge and the practical realities of monitoring bilbies on Country.

    A new approach to monitor and manage bilbies

    We tested two methods of locating bilby scat for DNA analysis.

    The first was systematic sampling. This is a standard scientific approach where fixed lengths of land were walked multiple times to collect scat.

    This ensures sampling effort is even over the search area and comparable across sites. However, like most species, bilby distribution is patchy, and this approach can lead to researchers missing important signs.

    The second method was targeted sampling, guided by Warlpiri knowledge, to search in areas most likely to yield results.

    This allowed the search team to focus on areas where bilbies were active or predicted to be active based on knowledge of their habits and food sources.

    Altogether, we collected more than 1,000 scat samples. In the lab, we extracted DNA from these samples to identify individual bilbies. These data, combined with the location of samples, allowed us to estimate the size of the bilby population.

    We then compared estimates that would have been derived if we had only done systematic or targeted sampling, or both, to assess their strengths and limitations for monitoring bilby populations.

    The deep, complex burrows of bilbies also provide shelter for other species.
    Kelly Dixon/Author provided

    What we found

    We identified 20 bilbies from the scats collected during systematic surveys and 26 – six more – from targeted surveys. At least 16 individual bilbies were detected by both methods. In total, we confirmed 32 unique bilbies in the study area.

    When it came to population estimates – which consider how many repeat captures occur and where – combining data from both types of surveys produced the most accurate estimates with the least effort.

    Targeted sampling tended to overestimate population size because it focused on areas of high activity. Systematic sampling was more precise but required greater effort.

    Combining both approaches provided the most reliable estimates while saving time.

    In the lab, we extracted DNA from bilby scat samples to identify individual bilbies.
    Hayley Geyle/Author provided

    What this means for conservation

    Our research highlights how collaboration that includes different ways of knowing can improve conservation.

    By adapting standard on-ground survey techniques to include Warlpiri methods for tracking bilbies, we produced better data and supported local capacity for bilby monitoring.

    Elders also had opportunities to share tracking skills with younger people, helping keep cultural knowledge alive.

    Conservation programs often rely on standardised ecological monitoring protocols – in other words, doing things much the same way no matter where you’re working.

    While these protocols provide consistency, they are rigid and don’t always yield the best results. They also fail to incorporate local knowledge crucial for managing species like the bilby.

    Our approach shows how integrating diverse ways of working can deliver more inclusive and effective outcomes, without compromising data reliability.

    A path forward

    Bilbies face ongoing threats including:

    • introduced predators (particularly foxes)
    • habitat degradation and
    • inappropriate fire regimes.

    Their future depends on collaborative efforts that draw on scientific and Indigenous and local knowledges.

    This study provides an example of how such partnerships can work – not just for bilbies, but for other species and ecosystems.

    As Australia confronts biodiversity loss, this research underscores the importance of listening to those who know Country best.

    By valuing and respecting local expertise, we can build a stronger future for bilbies and the landscapes that are their home.

    Hayley Geyle is employed by Territory NRM, who receives funding for threatened species projects from the Australian government through the Natural Heritage Trust. She also works on the Digital Women Ranger project. She is affiliated with Territory NRM and the Northern Institute (Charles Darwin University).

    Cathy Robinson is employed at CSIRO and is Group Leader in the Agriculture and Food Sustainability Program and Research lead for the Digital Women Ranger Program which is supported by the Telstra Foundation. Cathy is also an Adjunct Professor at Charles Darwin University, Chair of IUCN Australian Expert Advisory Panel for the Green List, and Executive Advisor for the Liveris Academy for Innovation and Leadership at the University of Queensland.

    Christine Schlesinger does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    Helen Wilson does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. Scientists worked with Warlpiri to track down bilby poo – and uncover clues to help conserve these iconic animals – https://theconversation.com/scientists-worked-with-warlpiri-to-track-down-bilby-poo-and-uncover-clues-to-help-conserve-these-iconic-animals-245153

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

    April 3, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Energy – What to Expect at Angola Oil & Gas 2025

    SOURCE: Energy Capital & Power

    As Angola marks 50 years of independence, Angola Oil & Gas returns in 2025 with an expanded multi-track program, a larger exhibition space, a dedicated deal room and a pre-conference technical agenda

    LUANDA, Angola, April 2, 2025/ — With a $60 billion upstream investment pipeline, a 2025 licensing round and restructured block opportunities, Angola is positioning itself as the premier destination for upstream investors. Meanwhile, new downstream projects are opening up financing opportunities for technology and capital providers. Against this backdrop, the Angola Oil & Gas (AOG) conference and exhibition returns for its sixth edition from September 3-4 in Luanda, bringing together industry leaders to explore investment opportunities, forge collaborations and drive Angola’s oil and gas sector forward. Here is what to expect from this year’s edition:

    Celebrating 50 Years of Angola

    Taking place on the eve of Angola’s 50th anniversary of independence, AOG 2025 will celebrate five decades of growth in the country’s oil and gas sector. By reflecting on past successes, challenges and lessons learned, the event will not only highlight Angola’s profitability and potential, but also lay the groundwork for future investment and development.

    Multi-Track Agenda

    AOG 2025 offers a dynamic multi-track agenda designed to cater to all segments of the oil and gas value chain. Topics range from upstream exploration and production, to downstream refinery and petrochemical advancements, to regulatory and policy frameworks, and more. Keynote presentations and panel discussions will also provide insights into Angola’s latest licensing round and emerging opportunities in the oil and gas sector.

    Pre-Conference Program

    Leading up to the main event, AOG 2025 introduces an expanded pre-conference program, including specialized technical workshops and training sessions led by global energy experts. Designed for engineers, geologists, project managers and energy financiers, these sessions will explore cutting-edge advancements in drilling technologies, reservoir management, digital transformation and sustainable energy practices. To take part in the pre-conference program, contact sales@energycapitalpower.com

    Dedicated Deal Room

    A centerpiece of AOG 2025 is the exclusive Deal Room, designed as a high-impact ‘Dragon’s Den’-style platform where companies, service providers, SMEs and technology firms can showcase their solutions to investors, project developers and government representatives. This setup fosters direct engagement, driving collaboration and deal-making.

    Expanded Exhibition

    AOG 2025 will feature an expanded exhibition space, spotlighting the latest technologies, services and innovations shaping the oil and gas industry. Exhibitors will gain access to unparalleled brand exposure, senior decision-makers, high-value networking and targeted lead generation. The exhibition serves as a vital platform for companies looking to increase visibility and forge new business relationships.

    Networking Prospects

    As Angola’s largest oil and gas industry event, AOG 2025 welcomes the participation of over 2,500 attendees from 40 countries and 450 organizations. The event unites the entire oil and gas value chain, connecting upstream exploration and production to downstream infrastructure and services to finance, policy and technology. Delegates will have the unique opportunity to strengthen cross-sector collaboration and grow their brand in one of Africa’s most exciting oil and gas markets.

    Secure Your Place at AOG 2025

    Don’t miss the chance to engage with one of Africa’s largest oil and gas markets. Join the AOG 2025 conference today and be a part of the discussion on turning Angola’s oil and gas industry into a fuel for long-term, sustainable economic development. AOG 2025 offers a range of participating opportunities, including sponsorships, exhibition, speaking slots and delegation prospects. Visit www.AngolaOilandGas.com for more information.

    AOG is the largest oil and gas event in Angola. Taking place with the full support of the Ministry of Mineral Resources, Oil and Gas; the National Oil, Gas and Biofuels Agency; the Petroleum Derivatives Regulatory Institute; national oil company Sonangol; and the African Energy Chamber; the event is a platform to sign deals and advance Angola’s oil and gas industry. To sponsor or participate as a delegate, please contact sales@energycapitalpower.com.

    MIL OSI – Submitted News –

    April 3, 2025

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Science – Co-existence with genetic modification possible in New Zealand: review – AgResearch

    Source: AgResearch

     

    Co-existence of genetically modified (GM) and non-GM plants in New Zealand industries will be challenging, but is achievable, a review has found.

     

    In a just-published article in the New Zealand Journal of Agricultural Research, leading researcher and Chief Technical Officer for AgResearch subsidiary Grasslanz Technology, John Caradus, looked at the issue through a global lens to see what the experience of other nations had been.

     

    Proposed legislation in New Zealand is expected to allow greater use of GM and gene editing technology, including in plants; making coexistence critical to the needs of different industries of the primary sector. The issue was repeatedly raised in recent submissions on the Gene Technology Bill before the NZ Parliament.

     

    “We know co-existence is achievable because several other nations have successfully managed it, including nations that are both major producers of GM products and non-GM products, with the latter including products from the organic sector,” Dr Caradus says.

     

    “Organic farmers obviously have a particular interest given GM use is regulated to be zero. Co-existence regulations and guidance have been developed in many countries and can occur with appropriate planning and communication within farming communities. This must be working effectively when you consider that countries with the largest areas devoted to organic agriculture also have amongst the highest land area used for GM crops.”

     

    Genetic modification and gene editing have enabled major gains in the performance of crops globally, and opportunities to enhance pasture plant species are now being tested.

     

    Dr Caradus says co-existence has been a contentious issue since GM technologies were commercially released in the 1990s. In New Zealand in 2002, a public controversy emerged over the importation of corn claimed to be contaminated with GM corn, prompting a formal probe by Parliament.

     

    “In the first decade of commercial GM use, there were a significant number of contamination incidents resulting from GM presence in non-GM crops and seed, some with a significant financial penalty,” Dr Caradus says.

     

    “However, these types of incidents seem to be less frequent in recent times. New Zealand needs to learn from mistakes that occurred in the first decade of GM crop use and determine effective methods for ensuring co-existence of GM, non-GM and organic farming systems.”

     

    Strategies for effective co-existence included both on-farm management decisions and downstream segregation during processing of seed in the supply chain. Co-existence on the farm was reliant on physical containment to stop pollen dispersal and seed movement, which could be assisted by using biological/molecular containment through genetic manipulation to disrupt the pollination and fertilisation process.

     

    Read the full review at: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/00288233.2025.2479724

     

    Find out more about the genetically modified or edited pasture that AgResearch scientists are working on at:https://www.agresearch.co.nz/our-research/pasture-biotechnology/

     

     

    AgResearch’s core focus is to deliver high quality science to enhance the value, productivity and sustainability of New Zealand’s pastoral, agri-food and agri-technology sectors. More at www.agresearch.co.nz

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

    April 3, 2025

  • MIL-OSI China: Capital flows from listed banks demonstrate China’s economic dynamism

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    The recently released 2024 annual reports of China’s listed banks highlight the diverse dynamics of China’s economic development, as banks, serving as the primary channels for corporate and household financing, in their capital underscore the economy’s growth momentum.

    Key sectors in focus: tech firms attracting major capital

    Data from annual reports indicate that over the past year, listed banks have continued to expand credit issuance to support the real economy. In 2024, China’s four major state-owned banks, which include Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC), Agricultural Bank of China (ABC), Bank of China (BOC), and China Construction Bank (CCB), collectively issued more than 8 trillion yuan (about 1.11 trillion U.S. dollars) in new loans.

    ICBC and ABC each saw loan increases exceeding 2 trillion yuan.

    Strategic national initiatives and key industries remained top priorities for credit allocation, the reports showed, and banks reported notable growth in loans directed toward manufacturing, strategic emerging industries, and elderly care services.

    By the end of 2024, ICBC’s outstanding loans to strategic emerging industries had exceeded 3.1 trillion yuan, while BOC’s lending to these industries had grown by 26.31 percent year on year.

    CCB’s loans to the manufacturing sector totaled 3.04 trillion yuan, and the medium-to-long-term loans to the manufacturing industry by ABC saw a 20.2-percent year-on-year increase.

    Technology-driven enterprises also gained traction. CCB’s loans to science and technology-related industries topped 3.5 trillion yuan by the end of 2024, while ICBC’s loans to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that are specialized, refined, distinctive and innovative rose over 54 percent from the start of the year. China Everbright Bank also reported a 42.1-percent year-on-year increase in loans to tech firms.

    Behind the figures, banks have been accelerating the establishment of financial mechanisms that align with technological innovation. ICBC has set up 25 regional technology finance centers nationwide, ABC expanded its network of tech-focused branches to nearly 300, and BOC launched a dedicated science and technology innovation fund.

    However, many SMEs in the tech field still face financing challenges. At their earnings briefings, multiple banks pledged to deepen integrated equity-loan-bond-insurance financial services and tailor products to meet diverse innovation needs.

    Boosting consumption, demand: consumer loans surging

    Consumer credit has emerged as a catalyst for domestic spending. Banks actively promoted traditional sectors like automobiles and home appliances while cultivating new consumption scenarios in tourism, elderly care, and other services.

    By end-2024, Bank of Communications saw personal consumer loans jump 90.44 percent year on year, adding 156.8 billion yuan. ABC’s consumer loans grew 28.3 percent, that of CCB rose 25.21 percent, and China Merchants Bank’s consumer loan balance hit 396.16 billion yuan, up 31.38 percent year on year.

    CCB also reported over 1 trillion yuan in credit card loans.

    At the same time, banks have focused on meeting residents’ essential and improved housing needs by maintaining stable personal mortgage lending. By the end of 2024, CCB’s personal mortgage clients had surpassed 15 million, with outstanding mortgage loans totaling 6.19 trillion yuan. China CITIC Bank’s mortgage loan balance increased by 61.41 billion yuan, ranking among the highest in the industry.

    Since the fourth quarter of last year, China’s housing market has shown positive changes following the implementation of a series of policy measures, which was also reflected in the financial sector.

    According to CCB vice president Ji Zhihong, the bank’s daily average mortgage loan applications in Q4 2024 rose by 73 percent quarter-on-quarter and 35 percent year-on-year, with early repayments declining further in Q1 2025.

    With additional policies aimed at boosting consumption on the horizon, the consumer finance market is poised for new growth opportunities. Dong Qingma, deputy dean of the Institute of Chinese Financial Studies at Southwestern University of Finance and Economics, stated that financial institutions will continue to ramp up support for consumption through fiscal incentives, interest subsidies, and tax reductions, injecting more capital into the economy.

    While CMB’s annual report highlighted plans to tap into consumption scenarios encouraged by national policies, including high-end and comprehensive household spending. ICBC announced that it will actively engage with emerging economic models such as the ice and snow economy and the silver economy to further unleash consumption potential and enhance economic circulation.

    Unlocking credit growth: fueling real economy

    Multiple banks have signaled their commitment to maintaining stable credit growth, ensuring strong, sustained financial support for the real economy.

    ICBC pledged over 6 trillion yuan in financing to private enterprises over the next three years. ABC aims to exceed 7.5 trillion yuan in loans to private firms by 2025, with inclusive finance loans growing faster than average.

    A review of various banks’ strategic directions suggests that credit allocation priorities for 2025 are becoming clearer. Bank of Communications plans to issue 480 billion yuan in corporate loans, targeting major infrastructure projects, manufacturing, rural revitalization, and strategic emerging industries aligned with government policies.

    CCB plans to further expand its retail credit and focus on green finance in key sectors such as energy, industry, and transportation, while continuing to support major infrastructure projects. China Everbright Bank will allocate over 70 percent of its corporate credit growth to tech, green, and inclusive sectors.

    “The implementation of a more proactive fiscal policy and a moderately loose monetary policy this year will provide a favorable macroeconomic environment for the banking industry,” said ABC president Wang Zhiheng, adding that in 2025, the bank will seize strategic opportunities in rural development, industrial upgrades, and green transitions, among others.

    Experts believe that as banks align their strategies with macroeconomic priorities, they will continue to identify and meet effective credit demand, enhancing the precision and adaptability of financial services, thus, continuing to channel high-quality funding to sustain the real economy’s growth. 

    MIL OSI China News –

    April 3, 2025

  • MIL-OSI China: China enhances social credit system to boost high-quality development

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    China has expedited efforts to improve its social credit system and build a creditworthy society as part of the country’s broader push to advance a market-oriented economy.

    The country has made progress in areas such as credit information sharing and the enforcement of penalties against bad-faith actions, as part of efforts to strengthen the social credit system, Li Chunlin, deputy director of the National Development and Reform Commission, told a press conference on Wednesday.

    The credit system is the bedrock of the market economy, according to experts. Credit plays a key role in optimizing the business environment, improving financial services, and enhancing governance and service efficiency of the government.

    To boost credit information sharing, China has established a national-level credit information sharing platform, which aggregated over 80.7 billion credit records from 180 million business entities, according to Li.

    The country has also set up a nationwide financing and credit service platform that compiles key enterprise-related credit data, including business registration and tax payment. Li said that the platform is designated to help financial institutions access comprehensive credit information of small firms, enabling them to provide targeted financial support to those in real need.

    As of February 2025, financial institutions across the country have issued a total of 37.3 trillion yuan (about 5.2 trillion U.S. dollars) in loans through the platform, including 9.4 trillion yuan in credit loans. This has significantly alleviated the capital constraints facing small private enterprises, according to the official.

    Regarding information security, the country is working to minimize the risk of information leakage by making data available but not visible. It also plans to incorporate blockchain technology to ensure traceability and enhance security during data processing.

    The press conference came days after the release of a new guideline on further improving the social credit system. The guideline includes 23 measures and aims to create a unified national market while ensuring a fair and orderly competitive market environment.

    The guideline calls for the establishment of a unified social credit system covering all types of entities, in order to promote the deep integration of social credit system into all aspects of social and economic development.

    Highlighting the significance of the guideline, experts noted that these measures are expected to address challenges such as fragmented regulatory rules and data silos.

    “The guideline marks a new historical starting point for China’s social credit system, and it will undoubtedly propel the system to reach a higher level of development,” said Wang Wei, a professor with the Party School of the Communist Party of China Central Committee (National Academy of Governance).

    China will support domestic credit service institutions in establishing independent and impartial third-party credit service partnerships with Belt and Road Initiative partner countries and BRICS nations, and will also promote the internationalization of domestic credit rating agencies, according to the guideline.

    Looking ahead, Li said China will increase efforts in data governance, facilitate the flow of data, effectively cultivate the credit market, and expand the credit economy. 

    MIL OSI China News –

    April 3, 2025

  • MIL-Evening Report: US tariffs will upend global trade. This is how Australia can respond

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Felicity Deane, Professor of Trade Law, Taxation and Climate Change, Queensland University of Technology

    US President Donald Trump has imposed a range of tariffs on all products entering the US market, with Australian exports set to face a 10% tariff, effective April 5.

    These import taxes will be charged by US customs on each imported item. The punitive tariffs on 60 countries range as high as 34% on imports from China and 46% on Vietnam, and exceed the rates agreed between the United States and other global trade partners.

    “For decades, our country has been looted, pillaged, raped and plundered by nations near and far, both friend and foe alike,” Trump said.

    The impact on Australian industries will be both direct and indirect. The largest Australian export to the US is meat products, totalling A$4 billion in 2024, and our farmers may divert some product to other nations.

    Direct and indirect impacts

    The larger economic risk is to our regional trading partners.

    While Australia faces only 10% tariffs, our major trading partners China, Japan and South Korea all face much higher US tariffs under the new regime. So the risk of a manufacturing slowdown in those countries could dampen demand for Australia’s much larger exports – iron ore, coal and gas.

    Australian investors reacted swiftly, wiping 2.1% off the main stock market index, the S&P/ASX 200, in the first hour of trade.

    Another problem will be the disruption to global supply chains. It is not just finished products impacted. For instance, the 25% automobile tariff will be extended to auto parts on May 3. This means even if a car is entirely built in the US, it will still be more expensive because many components are imported.



    Read more:
    What are tariffs?

    What sectors has the US complained about?

    On April 1, the US released an annual trade report that identifies what it describes as “foreign trade barriers”. There was a long list of grievances with both tariff and non-tariff barriers identified.

    The report identified Australia’s biosecurity restrictions on meat, apples and pears. The Australian biosecurity rules do not directly ban any products, although in practice raw beef products are excluded.

    Trump singled out Australian beef in his speech. “They won’t take any of our beef,” he claimed.

    In a speech riddled with inaccuracies and falsehoods, this was one of them. Australia take shelf-stable US products, but not raw products for which consumer safety can not be assured.

    The US cited two other main Australian trade barriers. US drug companies have criticised the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme approvals processes. The Albanese government’s plan to strengthen the News Media Bargaining Code that requires tech companies to pay for news published on their platforms was also targeted.

    How can Australia respond?

    Both Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Opposition Leader Peter Dutton are in agreement over what we should do in response. They say Australian law and policy is not up for sale. We don’t negotiate on biosecurity, we don’t negotiate on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme process, and our local news media deserves protection from Big Tech.

    1. All avenues start with negotiations

    The preferred option is for a negotiation with the US to secure an exemption.

    A dispute at the World Trade Organization (WTO) sends a strong message to our trading partners and will also mean there’s an expert adjudication on this unprecedented move.

    However, the US has sidelined the WTO in recent years and Albanese has ruled out this route.

    2. Consultation

    The second potential action is to initiate consultations under the Australia–US Free Trade Agreement. There is a formal process identified in the agreement to which Albanese referred, with a threat of “dispute resolution mechanisms”.

    Albanese has ruled out imposing “reciprocal tariffs” on US imports, noting this would only push up prices for Australian consumers.

    3. Find new markets

    Third, we can find other markets. Australian agricultural products are some of the most desirable in the world. Australian producers will have other options. Indeed, the latest data for beef exports showed exports to China jumped 43% from January, to Japan up 27%, and to South Korea up 60% from the previous month.

    What has the government said?

    Albanese announced a response package, including $50 million to help pursue new markets. He said the tariff announcement was “not the act of a friend” and had “no basis in logic”:

    It is the American people who will pay the biggest price for these unjustified tariffs. This is why our government will not be seeking to impose reciprocal tariffs.

    Albanese’s response contains only one direct trade measure. That is the plan to strengthen anti-dumping provisions on steel, aluminium and other manufacturing. This means countries looking to sell their products too cheaply in Australia will face countervailing duties. It is a measure that aligns with trade rules.

    The decision by the US to impose tariffs in this way shows complete disregard for the world trade order established after World War II.

    The rules that have existed since this time aimed to limit trade barriers (such as tariffs). They also recognised the importance of supporting developing countries to be part of the world economy.

    Some of the biggest US tariffs are to hit some of the lowest-income countries. This will impact their economies badly and disadvantage people already living in poverty.



    Read more:
    Why developing countries must unite to protect the WTO’s dispute settlement system

    Felicity Deane does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. US tariffs will upend global trade. This is how Australia can respond – https://theconversation.com/us-tariffs-will-upend-global-trade-this-is-how-australia-can-respond-253621

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

    April 3, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: On Senate Floor, Klobuchar Calls for Congress to Pass Her Legislation to Reverse Canada Tariffs

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Minnesota Amy Klobuchar

    WASHINGTON—On the Senate Floor, U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) called for support of her bipartisan legislation with Senators Tim Kaine (D-VA) and Mark Warner (D-VA) to undo President Trump’s across-the-board tariffs on Canadian imports. The administration is imposing a 10 percent tariff on energy from Canada and a 25 percent tariff on other goods — a move that amounts to a tax hike on American consumers and businesses. Canada is Minnesota’s top trading partner.

    “This resolution is about drawing a line in the sand and saying you cannot abuse your emergency powers to start an unjustified trade war,” said Klobuchar. “You cannot abuse your emergency powers to hurt one of the finest relationships in the world, the relationship between America and Canada, and you cannot drive up prices, eliminate jobs, and put in place a national sales tax.”

    Along with Klobuchar, Kaine, and Warner, the legislation is cosponsored by Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Angus King (I-ME), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Chris Coons (D-DE), and Rand Paul (R-KY).

    Specifically, the senators’ legislation would work by terminating the President’s February 1 declaration that President Trump used to launch his trade war with Canada, and thus eliminate the tariffs on Canadian imports as a result. The declaration invoked the International Economic Emergency Powers Act (IEEPA), an unprecedented use of that law in its nearly 50-year history to justify across-the-board tariffs on a longstanding U.S. ally. 

    A rough transcript of Klobuchar’s remarks is available below. Download video HERE. 

    Senator Klobuchar: Madam President, I rise today in strong support of the bipartisan resolution led by my colleague who is here today, Senator Tim Kaine, which I co-lead with him and Senator Warner to restore stability to our trade with one of our greatest allies, greatest friends, and that is the country of Canada. 

    This resolution does one thing, and it does it clearly. It terminates the President’s declaration related to the Canadian border that he is using as an excuse to impose across-the-board tariffs, which are, in fact, taxes on Canadian imports under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act. 

    Passing this resolution just became even more urgent because of the President’s announcement of even more across-the-board tariffs this afternoon, including a minimum 10% tax on all imports and even higher tariffs on certain countries, including our friends and allies. 

    This is a country that has thrived on the fact, and our economy has grown because we do business with the world. And already with the President’s announcement, which he calls Liberation Day, I call it a National Sales Tax Day, because the estimates are that these tariffs will result in about $5,000 in taxes, that’s right, on the average family in America every single year. 

    What has happened? Well, the stock market is closed, but the futures are tanking. They are tanking, and that is because people get that this is not going to work for our American economy. They don’t want a national sales tax. People involved in the economy of this country, everyone from small business owners on and they’re going to be the first hit by this, because they do not actually have the wherewithal and the big conglomeration to try to deal with it. 

    Small farmers in my state that are already dealing with retaliatory tariffs, that are already dealing with the fact that Canadians who used to buy their stuff don’t want to buy it anymore, or other countries aren’t buying their stuff. And what happens then, the Canadians look for other markets, and there’s other countries, other manufacturers, other farmers, and other nations that say “we are more than happy to fill your contract, sir. We are more than happy to help you out with that aluminum, Mam.” Because of these tariffs. 

    …

    This resolution is about drawing a line in the sand and saying you cannot abuse your emergency powers to start an unjustified trade war. You cannot abuse your emergency powers to hurt one of the finest relationships in the world, the relationship between America and Canada, and you cannot drive up prices, eliminate jobs, and put in place a national sales tax. 

    Canada is not just our neighbor with my state, it’s our number one trading partner. In fact, we do so much business with Canada that it is more than the total of our number two, number three, and number four, largest markets combined. We are the fourth biggest ag exporter, the state of Minnesota, in the country. So, we know a little bit about how this works. 

    In 2023 alone, our state exported 7 billion in goods to Canada, including ag products, machinery, and medical devices. That’s a major hit for the retaliatory tariffs that we’re going to see. 

    The damage could extend to every sector of our economy. I just mentioned tourism. So I chair the Canadian American Interparliamentary Group. I go to Canada a lot. I know our partners over there. I know the people in the Conservative Party, the Liberal Party, all of them. And the one thing that has united us to a T is this friendship, that has far transcended this President. 

    I remember it was the Canadian Embassy in one of the worst of times for our country, that had banners draped in the front of their embassy that said, “friends, neighbors, partners, allies.” Those banners aren’t hanging there right now, and they’re not going to put them up any time soon. 

    It was the Canadians that were the first to arrive after 9/11 to volunteer, to help out our country in its greatest moment of need. They fought alongside us in two World Wars. This is a long-standing friendship and an incredible trade relationship based on mutual respect and trust, and yes, two strong economies. 

    Because these new tariffs are already causing harm, as I noted, they amount to a national sales tax. 

    Since the administration began to propose and implement or pause but hang over people’s heads, wide-ranging tariff, wholesale prices have gone up on everything from meat and coffee to natural gas and lumber. 

    Homeowners Association, Home Builders Association, Retail Association, how many business groups? Are the Republicans not listening to them anymore? And add to that, the Steelworkers. Do they not care about that? They’re opposed to that, and they support this resolution that Senator Kaine, and Warner, and I have come together to introduce.

    With these tariffs across the world, we’re going to see a $20,000 increase to the price of a home and a $3,000 increase to an American-made car. This might not mean much to Elon Musk and the billionaires in Trump’s cabinet, but it means a lot to the people in my state. 

    Tariffs can be an important tool. Sure, you can have targeted tariffs. That’s not what this is. These tariffs on Canada are an abuse of the emergency powers, and if they want to negotiate this, put it in the upcoming negotiations of the USMCA, the United States, Mexico, Canada, Trade Agreement that I supported, that President Trump negotiated in his last administration. Why wouldn’t he do it there? Why, instead, is he doing his usual shock and awe, jarring the economy? This is going to be a blanket permission slip for tariff wars. 

    And I will note again, thank Senator Kaine, our bipartisan group of supporters, and the United Steelworkers, International Association of Machinists, North American Building Trades Union, AFL-CIO, Chamber of Commerce, National Taxpayers Union, and the National Retail Federation have all endorsed this resolution. Maybe we don’t care about all those businesses and all those workers, but maybe we should listen to them. 

    This resolution is about restoring common sense and responsible governance. It is about Congress reasserting its constitutional role on trade, and it’s about standing up for American workers, businesses, and consumers who are being asked to pay the price of this trade war. 

    Let’s change course, before the damage becomes even more permanent. I urge my colleagues to support this resolution. 

    Thank you.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    April 3, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cole Mourns the Passing of Wes Watkins

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04)

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | CONTACT: Olivia Porcaro 202-225-6165

    Washington, D.C. – Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) released the following statement after hearing about the passing of Wes Watkins: 

    “I was deeply saddened to learn of the sudden and unexpected passing of my dear friend and distinguished public servant, Wes Watkins of Stillwater, Oklahoma.

    “Wes was a remarkable man and had a brilliant career in Congress, serving on two of the House’s most powerful committees, the Appropriations Committee and the Ways and Means Committee. Amazingly, he did so first as a Democrat (1977-1991) and then as a Republican (1997-2003). Wes also served as a State Senator in the 1970s and twice ran for Governor of Oklahoma (1990 and 1994), first as a Democrat and then as an Independent.

    “Even though they ran against one another in a three-way race, former Governor Frank Keating nominated Wes for a cabinet level position in his first Administration. However, the Democratic dominated State Senate of that era refused to confirm his nomination – but Wes had the last laugh the next year when he reclaimed his old congressional seat as a Republican.

    “Wes was the only person in Oklahoma history to carry a congressional seat as a Democrat, as an Independent in his 1994 Governor’s race, and finally as a Republican. No politician was ever as popular in the historic Third District, also known as Little Dixie. Wes Watkins’ remarkable electoral journey both symbolized and propelled Oklahoma’s own political transformation.

    “I was privileged to serve as Wes’ lead political consultant in his final three congressional campaigns. I never worked for a more popular figure in a congressional district or a harder working man or a more energetic and effective campaigner than Wes. He was an institution in southeast Oklahoma, serving his constituents ably, honorably, and tirelessly throughout his political career.

    “Wes Watkins may have changed political parties, but he never changed his political principles. He also never lost his passion for public service or let down the people he worked so hard to represent.

    “Wes Watkins loved three things above all else – his family, the people of Oklahoma, and Oklahoma State University. He served all of them with love, dedication, and genuine distinction.

    “The soulmate and cherished partner of Wes Watkins’ life was his beloved wife, Lou. You literally cannot think of one without thinking of the other. Their marriage was truly a match made in heaven.

    “I will miss my friend Wes. The people of Oklahoma will miss him more. As one of his television ads once claimed, there simply was ‘no better man.’

    “I extend my deepest sympathies to Lou, Wes’ children and grandchildren, and to all of Wes Watkins’ countless friends, former staffers, and admirers. Oklahoma has lost one of its favorite sons, most distinguished public servants, and ardent champions,” said Congressman Cole.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

    April 3, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cole Statement on Senate Passage of Government Funding

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04)

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | CONTACT: Olivia Porcaro 202-225-6165

    Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) released the following statement after the U.S. Senate passed the full-year Continuing Resolution to keep the government open and working for the American people:

    “House Republicans don’t just act—we deliver for the American people. I’m proud the clean funding extension we led is now headed to President Trump’s desk. This win for the country was secured by those who made an informed choice to support their constituents. I am extremely grateful for each vote that strongly supported critical operations and programs, our communities, and the military.

    “Ensuring our government remains open and working for the nation is not a partisan issue, but many Democrats made it one. Their strategy of trying to empower and enable a reckless shutdown did not win with votes, or the public’s opinion. They counted on leveraging chaos and fearmongering—but were only met with a unified voice and product absent of poison pills. This point reiterates that there are people to acknowledge and important lessons to learn. Thank you to those who voted for the legislation in each chamber, our members and staff—and most of all—the President and Vice President, who pushed the bill across the line.

    “As we look ahead to the next fiscal year, we must remember: Republicans win when they stick together, Democrats are more effective when they negotiate rather than provoke partisan confrontations, and the country is better off when Republicans and Democrats actually work together. I look forward to continuing to chart a responsible fiscal path forward and working to deliver on America’s golden age. Each policy victory advances a safer, stronger, and more prosperous future for all,” said Congressman Cole.

    ###

     

    MIL OSI USA News –

    April 3, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cole Celebrates Passage of Full-Year Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act of 2025

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04)

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | CONTACT: Olivia Porcaro 202-225-6165

    Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) released the following statement after his legislation, the Full-Year Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act of 2025, to keep the government operational and continue support for Americans passed the House of Representatives:

    “The choice before us was simple: you either support keeping the government open and working for the American people – or you want a reckless government shutdown. House Republicans acted to meet the nation’s fiscal deadline. My vote reflects a steadfast commitment to continuing operations for our military, veterans, Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid, child nutrition, public safety, and other critical services relied on by our constituents. I’m also proud to have supported the largest pay raise for our brave junior enlisted heroes since President Reagan. With no poison pills or unrelated riders, the bill is a straightforward extension of funding and certainty for the nation. We asked for Democrats to join us at the table. Instead, they sat at the joint address, sat on the sidelines, and sat in their general contempt for President Trump. It is ironic that by rejecting all the priorities this stopgap put forward, they are showing exactly where they do stand. I ask the Senate to act on this bill quickly and ensure responsible governance,” said Congressman Cole.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

    April 3, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cole Statement on Passing of Rep. Raul Grijalva

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04)

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | CONTACT: Olivia Porcaro 202-225-6165

    Washington, D.C. – Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) released the following statement after hearing about the passing of Rep. Raul Grijalva:

    “I was sad to learn of the passing of my colleague and friend, Raul Grijalva of Arizona. Raul and I disagreed on almost everything – he was a proud progressive Democrat, and I am a stout conservative Republican. However, there was one topic where Raul and I did agree and worked together seamlessly. We were both fierce defenders of Indian Country. Each of us believed strongly in tribal sovereignty and the U.S. government’s trust responsibility with respect to tribal nations,” said Congressman Cole.

    “Raul and I collaborated on tribal issues for many years, especially when he chaired the National Resource Committee, which has the most jurisdiction over Native American issues than any other committee in the House,” said Congressman Cole.

    “Raul took his legislative responsibilities seriously. He was a knowledgeable, principled, and pragmatic lawmaker. I will miss him as a partner on Indian issues, as a serious legislator, and as a friend. I extend my sympathy to Raul’s family and his many friends and supporters,” said Congressman Cole.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    April 3, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: LEADER JEFFRIES: “DONALD TRUMP, THE ADMINISTRATION AND REPUBLICANS ARE TRYING TO DETONATE SOCIAL SECURITY”

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Hakeem Jeffries (8th District of New York)

    Washington, DC – Today, Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries held a press conference where he emphasized that Democrats will continue to protect everyday Americans against the Republican effort to break Social Security.

    LEADER JEFFRIES: Good afternoon, everyone. House Democrats are going to continue to focus on the things that matter to the American people. We’re going to protect Social Security, protect Medicare, protect Medicaid, protect our public schools, protect veterans and protect nutritional assistance to children, everyday Americans and families. House Republicans and the Trump administration are trying to take a chainsaw to everything that matters to the American people, like ending Social Security and Medicaid as we know it. Seniors on Social Security receive an average of $65 per day. They rely on Social Security—an earned benefit—to put food on the table, clothing on their back and to make sure that they can pay their rent or pay their mortgage. It’s extraordinary to us that Donald Trump, the administration and Republicans are trying to detonate Social Security in real time, including by dismantling the Social Security Administration, which will impact the ability of older Americans to receive benefits. The Republicans believe that Social Security is a Ponzi scheme. Project 2025 is the Ponzi scheme.
    Republicans are defrauding the American people. Last year, Republicans promised that they would drive down the high cost of living and ignored Project 2025, lied to the American people as if it didn’t exist. This year, Donald Trump, the administration and Republicans in the Congress have done nothing to drive down the high cost of living. Costs aren’t going down. They are going up. Inflation is going up. America is becoming more expensive and less affordable under complete Republican control of government. At the same period of time, Republicans are flooding the zone with a parade of horribles that all relate to Project 2025. That’s the Ponzi scheme that’s been run on the American people and front and center right now is the target that Republicans have put on the back of Social Security recipients all across America. Democrats are going to fight hard to protect Social Security and Medicare and Medicaid and the things that actually matter to making life better for the American people.

    Full press conference can be watched here. 

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

    April 3, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: NADLER CONDEMNS TRUMP’S CONTINUED ASSAULT ON HIGHER EDUCATION

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

    Today, Congressman Nadler issued the following statement:

     

    “I strongly condemn former President Trump’s latest attacks on higher education cloaked under the guise of fighting antisemitism. Once again, the President is weaponizing the real pain American Jews face to advance his desire to wield control over the truth-seeking academic institutions that stand as a bulwark against authoritarianism.

    Withholding funding from Columbia and, potentially, Harvard will not make Jewish students safer. Cutting funding to programs that work to cure cancer and make other groundbreaking discoveries will not make Jewish students safer. Impounding congressionally appropriated funding will not make Jewish students safer. Trump’s “review” is part of a larger effort to silence universities and intimidate those who challenge the MAGA agenda. It is a dangerous and politically motivated move that risks stifling free thought and academic inquiry.

    Make no mistake. Trump’s actions are not rooted in genuine concern for combatting hate. If Trump were truly committed to fighting antisemitism, he would not have crippled the Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights, the only agency specifically tasked with enforcing anti-discrimination laws at our nation’s educational institutions. If Trump were truly committed to fighting antisemitism, he would start by rooting out the numerous antisemites that he has brought into some the highest echelons of power in the government of the United States.

    Let’s also not forget that Trump’s record is stained by praise for neo-Nazis, Holocaust deniers, and white nationalists—groups that openly express their disdain for the Jewish people.

    We cannot allow Trump’s authoritarian tactics to prevail—this is not the America we want to live in, nor is it the America we need.

    I call on our nation’s universities to reject President Trump’s demands and to fight back against these hostile acts. If necessary, these issues must be litigated in federal court to put an end to the illegal and unconstitutional actions taken by the Trump Administration.”

     

    MIL OSI USA News –

    April 3, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: NADLER CONDEMNS TRUMP CUTS AT HHS

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

    “Firing 10,000 of our nation’s top scientists, doctors, and public health experts is not reform—it’s sabotage. Trump, Musk, and Kennedy Jr.’s reckless purge of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is gutting the agency American families rely on to stop disease outbreaks, develop new treatments, and save lives. With these dangerous firings, our government is losing generations of talented researchers, doctors, epidemiologists, and public health professionals—people who have dedicated their lives to advancing medical science and protecting the public. Their departure will set back lifesaving research and likely delay cures for diseases we’ve spent decades fighting.

    “With regional offices shuttering, every community—urban, rural, red or blue—will feel the consequences. Fewer staff means longer delays for approvals, slower responses to health crises, and higher costs as the remaining workforce is stretched thin and forced to travel farther to get critical work done.

    “Democrats will not stand by while America’s health infrastructure is dismantled. We will fight these dangerous cuts in Congress and in the courts.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

    April 3, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Tonko Demands Answers on Trump EPA’s Clean Air Act Exemptions

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

    WASHINGTON, DC — Today, Congressman Paul D. Tonko (NY-20) sent a letter to Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lee Zeldin condemning the Trump administration’s outrageous decision to encourage polluters to apply for exemption from critical Clean Air Act standards by simply sending a template email response to EPA officials. These standards, required pursuant to Section 112 of the Clean Air Act, seek to protect human health and the environment from hazardous air pollutants including asbestos, benzene, hydrogen chloride, and mercury, which are known to cause cancer and other serious health impacts.

    Tonko is demanding information about each regulated entity seeking exemption from these lifesaving standards, and promising close public and Congressional scrutiny of the exemptions granted through this unprecedented, slapdash process.

    “I was appalled to learn that EPA has invited regulated entities to apply for exemptions in lieu of complying with existing standards for hazardous air pollutants,” Tonko writes. “The invitation for mass-exemptions to these standards flies in the face of Congressional intent and could have serious public health consequences, which appear not to have been given any consideration in your exemption process.”

    Standards developed under Section 112 are developed under a robust public process that includes rigorous scientific analysis of the environmental and public health risks associated with air pollution, as well as consideration of new and existing cost-effective technologies that industrial sources can utilize to mitigate those risks. Under this new process, these standards could be completely undone by a simple email from a polluter to the agency responsible for protecting the public from dangerous air pollution.

    “While Section 112 standards have been developed through these robust processes, EPA’s public comments indicate that exemptions will be granted based on the arbitrary whims of President Trump, which may include actions to benefit his political supporters, regardless of the potential public health and environmental harms to those that live and work near these exempted facilities,” Tonko continues. “EPA and the regulated community should expect that Congress and the American people will closely scrutinize any exemptions granted through this process.”

    Tonko serves as Ranking Member on the House Energy and Commerce Committee’s Subcommittee on the Environment as well as Co-Chair of the Sustainable Energy and Environment Coalition (SEEC) and has been a leader for many years on efforts to limit air pollution and foster healthier, more sustainable communities across the nation.

    The full letter can be read HERE and below:

    March 28, 2025

    The Honorable Lee Zeldin

    Administrator

    Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

    1200 Pennsylvania Avenue NW

    Washington, DC 20460

    Dear Administrator Zeldin:

    I was appalled to learn that EPA has invited regulated entities to apply for exemptions in lieu of complying with existing standards for hazardous air pollutants required pursuant to Section 112 of the Clean Air Act. The invitation for mass-exemptions to these standards flies in the face of Congressional intent and could have serious public health consequences, which appear not to have been given any consideration in your exemption process.

    As you know, Section 112 of the Clean Air Act seeks to protect human health and the environment from hazardous air pollutants. This class of emissions includes many dangerous pollutants, including asbestos, benzene, hydrogen chloride, and mercury, which are known to cause cancer and other serious health impacts.

    Standards developed pursuant to Section 112 are informed by public processes, which include robust scientific and public health analysis of the risks of air pollution. These processes also consider technologies and techniques that industrial sources can adopt to mitigate those risks, often relying upon existing, cost-effective solutions already in use by regulated entities. It is astonishing that these standards, which often take years to develop, could be undone simply by a polluter sending a template email response to the agency responsible for protecting the public from dangerous air pollution.

    While Section 112 standards have been developed through these robust processes, EPA’s public comments indicate that exemptions will be granted based on the arbitrary whims of President Trump, which may include actions to benefit his political supporters, regardless of the potential public health and environmental harms to those that live and work near these exempted facilities. EPA and the regulated community should expect that Congress and the American people will closely scrutinize any exemptions granted through this process.

    While Section 112(i)(4) of the Clean Air Act is clear that the President must report to Congress on the issuance of any exemption, the American people have an immediate right to know which entities are pursuing exemptions and how those exemptions may affect the air they breathe.

    With that in mind, I request the following for each regulated entity seeking an exemption through this process not later than Monday, April 7, 2025:

    1. the name of each regulated entity requesting an exemption;
    2. the specific emissions standard or limitation subject to the request;
    3. the location of any facility or affected source subject to the request;
    4. the length of time sought to delay compliance for each request; and
    5. an explanation for why—

    A.   the technology necessary to implement the standard is not available; and

    B.   the exemption would be in the national security interests of the United States.

    I look forward to your response to ensure appropriate transparency of EPA’s Section 112 exemption process.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

    April 3, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: VIDEO: Senator Peters Raises Michigan Defense Priorities with Intended Air Force Secretary Nominee Troy Meink During Confirmation Hearing

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Michigan Gary Peters

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI), a member of the Armed Services Committee, raised issues important to Michigan’s defense footprint with Troy Meink, President Trump’s intended nominee for Secretary of the Air Force, during his confirmation hearing. Peters pressed Dr. Meink to work with him to support the recapitalization of Air National Guard fighter missions, including at Selfridge Air National Guard Base in Macomb County. Peters recently introduced bipartisan legislation that would support this goal by preserving the Air Force’s fighter force structure.  

    “As you know, without recapitalization, the DOD risks losing hundreds of skilled service members at a time when we are already short over 1,000 fighter pilots and over 4,500 maintainers. Of the 25 Air National Guard fighter squadrons in existence today, 15 do not have a recapitalization plan. And being from a National Guard state, Air National Guard state, that concerns me a great deal,” said Senator Peters. “And so, my question for you, sir, is how can we ensure we are taking full advantage of the expertise of our current National Guard aviators and the crews that they have to address this personnel shortfall that the Air Force has?”

    Dr. Meink responded, “One of the things I will be looking at across the board is the procurement plan of fighters to meet the overall requirements that the Department has been given… and Senator, if confirmed, I promise to work directly with you on where we think we’re going to land and have that discussion for sure.”

    During the hearing, Dr. Meink also reiterated the commitment he made to Peters during their meeting prior to the hearing that Selfridge Air National Guard Base will receive a full squadron of new, next-generation KC-46A aircraft tankers, a decision Peters announced last year.  

    Peters also underscored the critical role that Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCAs) will play in U.S. national security efforts moving forward given their versatile capabilities. Dr. Meink agreed with Peters that CCAs will “have to be a focus” and are required to “deter any aggressor” in the Indo-Pacific and other regions around the world.

    Peters has pushed for and secured language to support the development and integration of CCAs, including during a hearing last year with the former Secretary of Defense and former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Peters has also secured language to help position Selfridge Air National Guard Base as a potential location for testing CCAs. He led a provision included in recent government funding legislation requiring a report regarding basing criteria of CCAs. This report will include an evaluation of whether existing Air National Guard bases with legacy fighter missions, such as Selfridge, may be appropriate locations for the basing of CCAs.

    Watch Peters’ full line of questioning HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    April 3, 2025

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Scottish Secretary focusses on jobs and investment in USA visit

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Scottish Secretary focusses on jobs and investment in USA visit

    US investors invited to Edinburgh for a Global Investment Summit to help boost jobs and investment, putting more money back in people’s pockets.

    Jobs and investment in Scotland will be top of the agenda today [Thursday 3 April] when Scottish Secretary Ian Murray, Lord Mayor of London Alastair King and Scottish Financial Enterprise Chief Executive Sandy Begbie meet key sectors in a series of meetings in New York during Tartan Week.

    In a co-ordinated effort aimed at boosting growth in Scotland they will invite companies to attend the Scottish Investor Summit – organised by Scottish Financial Enterprise and The City of London Corporation – to be held in Edinburgh in October this year.

    The event will be key to encouraging inward investment in Scotland – investment which can boost Scotland’s economy, create well paid jobs and boost living standards, putting more money back in people’s pockets. 

    The New York meetings will showcase Scotland’s key strengths in financial services, clean energy and life sciences to international investors. This will be held at the UK Consul General’s residence in New York and at the offices of BlackRock, a global investment management corporation with a significant presence in Scotland. 

    Secretary of State for Scotland Ian Murray said: 

    “At a time when we are celebrating Scotland on the international stage, we want to highlight the exceptional investment opportunities in innovative industries. These meetings and roundtables are at the heart of Brand Scotland, selling the nation on the global stage. By strengthening these international partnerships through our Plan for Change, we’re laying the groundwork for the Edinburgh Global Investment Summit.”

    Lord Mayor of London Alastair King said:

    “Tartan week is not just an opportunity to celebrate the strong cultural and economic links between Scotland and the US, it is also a chance to deepen them further especially in financial services. That is why I am in New York speaking to major US businesses and investors and promoting the forthcoming Scottish Investment Summit in Edinburgh in October

    “The theme of my mayoralty is ‘growth unleashed’, aiming to reignite the City’s appetite for positive risk and fully leverage the white heat of new technology to fuel economic growth across the United Kingdom. One of the best ways to do that is through greater cooperation with the US in financial services – which is a major part of both the Scottish and wider UK economy.”

    Chief Executive of Scottish Financial Enterprise Sandy Begbie CBE said:

    “Tartan week is an excellent example of the soft power which Scotland commands across the globe, but especially in the US. These roundtables provide just a small taste of the investment opportunity in Scotland.

    “The Scottish investment summit later this year will showcase in detail the very best of Scotland’s financial services, renewables and life science to global investors. This coupled with opportunities to engage with government stakeholders and investment prospects highlight the unique opportunity the summit will bring.”

    The Scottish investment summit, to be held in Edinburgh in October, will bring together major global investors, UK industry leaders, higher education institutions, and government representatives. Around 150 senior-level attendees are expected at the summit, with at least half representing significant global investors. 

    The summit will showcase the investments that have already been made, as well as the rationale behind why firms made the decision to invest in Scotland and what have been the returns and benefits to them as a result. It will also provide opportunities for investors to engage with investment prospects that currently exist in our investment pipeline, as well as government and regulatory stakeholders.

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    Published 3 April 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    April 3, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: MENG CALLS ON DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY TO RESTORE FEDERAL MONEY TO QUEENS FOOD PANTRIES

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Grace Meng (6th District of New York)

    Congresswoman sends letter to Secretary Kristi Noem urging release of millions of dollars held back from pantries in the borough and throughout NYC

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-Queens) announced today that she called on the Department of Homeland Security to restore the millions of dollars it is holding back from local food pantries in Queens and across New York City.

    In a letter to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, the Congresswoman wrote that local pantries are no longer receiving the funding they need from the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Emergency Food and Shelter Program due to a review the agency is conducting into “all grants to non-governmental organizations.”

    As a result, many area pantries may no longer be able to fully serve borough residents who need help putting food on the table. This halting of funds may force several pantries to cut their hours or reduce the amount of food they provide to the public.

    “Nobody in Queens or anywhere throughout our country deserves to go hungry and that is why Secretary Noem must immediately release these payments,” said Congresswoman Meng. “Taking food out of the mouths of those who rely on local pantries is unconscionable and unacceptable. It is also cruel and reckless. This essential funding needs to be reinstated now, and I hope the Secretary swiftly restores it after receiving my letter.”

    A copy of Meng’s correspondence can be viewed here, and the text is below.

    The Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFSP) is a key federal initiative to ensure food assistance for individuals and families experiencing, or at risk of experiencing, hunger and/or homelessness. It is administered by FEMA, which is part of the Department of Homeland Security.

    “Our food pantry is a lifeline for the communities we serve, and this interruption in funding has made it incredibly difficult for us to help our fellow New Yorkers, particularly our neighbors, meet their most basic needs,” said Rev. Benjamin Ytac, Jr., Executive Director of Yeshua Worldwide Ministries New York located in Middle Village. “We serve thousands of people every month and without us there is no place else for them to turn. We join together with our partner community organizations and call on the federal government to restore funding to the Emergency Food and Shelter Program and allow us to continue supporting our most vulnerable fellow New Yorkers and neighbors.”

    “Most of our clients are underserved and lack access to culturally palatable staples like rice, wheat flour, lentils, spices, cooking oil and fresh produce,” said Sudha Acharya, Executive Director of South Asian Council for Social Services (SACSS) located in Flushing. “EFSP gives flexibility to nonprofits like us to buy food from ethnic vendors and distribute it to deserving families.”

    “The consequences of federal funding cuts to the Emergency Food and Shelter Program during this review period are dire, as food pantries and eviction prevention providers that many New Yorkers rely on run dangerously low on resources,” said United Way of New York City President and CEO Grace Bonilla. “This is not just a bureaucratic delay—it is a direct threat to both the lives of those in need and the organizations that support them. It is critical that funding, which in many cases is for services already provided, be restored as soon as possible.”

    ——————————

    Dear Secretary Noem:

    I am writing to bring to your attention that numerous organizations serving New York’s Sixth Congressional District and the greater New York City area have not received the payments they are entitled to under the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Emergency Food and Shelter Program. This program supports organizations that feed, shelter, and provide lifesaving assistance to people experiencing, or at risk of experiencing, homelessness and hunger.

    You stated your department is conducting reviews of “all grants to non-governmental organizations.” These organizations, however, have received little to no communication from your department regarding the purpose or timeline of the reviews, or the duration of the payment pauses. Meanwhile, the need for the food assistance they provide is urgent and ongoing.

    I urge your department to restore these payments immediately so that food pantries can continue offering essential services that many of my constituents and countless individuals throughout the United States rely on. It is simply unacceptable for Americans to go hungry while waiting for your department to conduct these so-called reviews.

    Sincerely,

    Grace Meng

    Member of Congress 

    MIL OSI USA News –

    April 3, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Bacon Named One of the Top Effective Legislators

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

    Bacon Named One of the Top Effective Legislators

    Omaha, Nebr. –  Rep. Don Bacon (NE-02) was named one of the top effective legislators for the 118th Congress, by the Center for EffectiveLawmaking (CEL). The report, linked here, lists the top ten for each party and how they arrived at their conclusions.

    CEL said: “Our analysis found that Representative Bacon ranked as one of the most effective Republican House Members in the last Congress. In addition, he ranked as the most effective Representative in terms of having their sponsored standalone bills substantially incorporated into the laws of other members of Congress. We congratulate the Representative for his hard work and setting an example for promoting the importance of effective lawmaking.”

    “This report shows we can work on a bipartisan level to get meaningful legislation passed, even if we don’t follow the traditional method of introducing stand-alone bills,” said Bacon. “My intent is to get good legislation passed and sometimes you give up the grandeur of your name on a bill to get something meaningful done.”

    Bacon was ranked second in the Republican Party for effectiveness, scoring high in defense, Native Americans, banking and commerce, and law, crime and family issue areas. https://thelawmakers.org/find-representatives

    The Center for Effective Lawmaking seeks to advance the generation, communication, and use of new knowledge about the effectiveness of individual lawmakers and U.S. legislative institutions. We envision American legislatures comprised of effective lawmakers, strong institutional capacity, and the incentive structure needed to address America’s greatest public policy challenges. https://thelawmakers.org/

    This rating corresponds to GovTrack that said Don Bacon was most successful legislator in Congress by passing the most bills and getting them signed into law. 

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

    April 3, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Press Releases Smith Applauds Trump Administration’s Quick Action to Ensure Seniors Receive Social Security Benefits They Are Owed February 27, 2025

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jason Smith (8th District of Missouri)

    WASHINGTON – America’s seniors are getting the Social Security benefits they are owed quickly thanks to efforts by the Trump administration and the Ways and Means Committee to implement the Social Security Fairness Act. Less than four months after Congress repealed the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO), the Trump administration will begin paying Social Security beneficiaries who are owed retroactive payments as soon as March, and changes to monthly benefits will begin as soon as April, despite previous claims by the Social Security Administration (SSA) that implementation could take up to one year.

    Ways and Means Committee Chairman Jason Smith (Mo.) issued the following statement:

    “The Trump administration is wasting no time in ensuring America’s seniors receive the Social Security benefits they are owed. The Social Security Administration’s announcement that it will be expediting the delivery of retroactive payments and monthly benefit increases shows the agency is being responsive to the request of our Committee to act on the repeal of the WEP and GPO without delay. Not letting the bureaucracy get in the way of benefits owed to America’s seniors is the right course of action. It will bring much needed relief to those individuals who were harmed by a flawed system.”

    This action follows a letter sent by Smith and Social Security Subcommittee Chairman Ron Estes (Kan.) to then Acting SSA Commissioner Carolyn Colvin requesting that the agency provide information and clear guidance to Congress and the American people on how the agency planned to implement the repeal of the WEP and GPO in a quick and efficient manner.

    Background:

    • The Social Security Fairness Act (H.R. 82) was signed into law on January 5, 2025 – repealing the WEP and GPO, effective December 2023.
    • The WEP and GPO were enacted in 1983 and primarily affected state and local government employees, like teachers, police officers, and firefighters, and federal government employees who received a pension based on earnings that are exempt from Social Security payroll taxes.
      • The WEP reduced the benefits of certain beneficiaries who are entitled to both Social Security benefits and pension benefits from employment not covered by Social Security.
      • The GPO reduced the benefits of certain spouses and survivors who are also receiving pension benefits from employment not covered by Social Security.

    READ: Smith, Estes Demand the Social Security Administration’s Plan to Ensure Timely Relief in Implementing Repeal of the WEP and GPO

    MIL OSI USA News –

    April 3, 2025

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Health targets focusing system on delivering more for patients

    Source: New Zealand Government

    New data highlights that while the Government’s commitment to health targets continues to stabilise the health system, increased service delivery is required to get on top of waitlists, Health Minister Simeon Brown says.“Ensuring all Kiwis have access to timely, quality healthcare is a priority for the Government. I am encouraged by Health New Zealand’s release of second quarter 2024/25 results today, which show improvements in three of the five health targets,” Mr Brown says.“Wait times in emergency departments continue to reduce, with 72.1 per cent of patients being admitted or discharged within six hours, an improvement from 67.4 per cent in the previous quarter.“Access to faster cancer care continues to improve, with 85.9 per cent of patients receiving treatment within 31 days – just 0.1 per cent away from the yearly milestone. “And more children are now fully immunised, with 77 per cent of two-year-olds being immunised in the second quarter of this year, up from 75.7 per cent in the previous quarter.”The data also confirms that more work is needed to get on top of waitlists for those waiting over four months for elective treatment and first specialist assessments, which grew by 2,500 per cent and 6,400 per cent respectively under the previous government.“While performance declined for the elective treatment and first specialist assessment targets, more was delivered by Health New Zealand in 2024, with more Kiwis having their elective surgeries and first specialist assessments than previous years.
     

     
    2021
    2022
    2023
    2024

    Total first specialist assessments delivered*
    608,384    
    567,901    
    608,027    
    624,202    

    Total elective care delivered
    320,328
    305,310
    338,692
    341,276

     
    “However, more people are being added to waitlists than who are receiving treatment or assessments, which means there is still significant work required to improve the pace at which elective treatment and first specialist assessments are being delivered.“Delivering more at a faster rate than patients are added to waitlists is key to reducing waitlists and wait times.“That’s why I recently announced the elective boost, partnering with private hospitals to maximise operating capacity and expand procedures. This initiative will deliver 10,579 additional procedures by mid-year, with 2,000 already completed, including cataracts, hip, and knee replacements.“We are reducing specialist assessment delays by improving waitlist management, expanding service models, and implementing initiatives like AI diabetes retinal screening and Kaitaia’s complete cataract care pathway to free up waitlists.“To further ease pressure on hospitals and emergency departments, our Government is taking action to ensure New Zealanders have increased access to more doctors and nurses and expanding primary healthcare options.“The Government is investing more than ever into our health system – a record $30 billion each year – and we expect it to deliver more for patients as a result.“By measuring what matters and holding the system accountable, we are putting patients first and supporting our frontline healthcare workers to deliver the healthcare New Zealanders need in a timely and quality manner,” Mr Brown says.
     
     
    * First specialist assessment data for 2024 excludes the Auckland district.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

    April 3, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: SBA Opens New Business Recovery Assessment Center in Mitchell County

    Source: United States Small Business Administration

    ATLANTA – The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced the opening of a Business Recovery Assessment Center (BRAC) in Mitchell County to assist businesses, nonprofits and residents affected by Hurricane Helene.

    Beginning Wednesday, April 2, SBA customer service representatives will be on hand at the BRAC to answer questions about SBA’s disaster loan program, explain the application process and help individuals complete their application. Walk-ins are accepted, but you can schedule an in-person appointment in advance at appointment.sba.gov.  

    The BRAC’s hours of operation is listed below.

    Business Recovery Assessment Center (BRAC)

    Mitchell County

    Maryland Community College Small Business Center

    67 Hotel Place

    Spruce Pine, NC 28777

    Opening: Wednesday, April 2, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

    Hours:     Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

    Closed: Saturday & Sunday

    “SBA’s Business Recovery Assessment Centers have consistently proven their value to business owners following a disaster,” said Chris Stallings, associate administrator of the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the SBA. “Business owners can visit these centers to meet face-to-face with specialists who will guide them through the disaster loan application process and connect them with resources to support their recovery.”

    The SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program is available to small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives and private nonprofit (PNP) organizations with financial losses directly related to the disaster. The SBA is unable to provide disaster loans to agricultural producers, farmers, or ranchers, except for small aquaculture enterprises.  

    EIDLs are available for working capital needs caused by the disaster and are available even if the small business or PNP did not suffer any physical damage. The loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable, and other bills not paid due to the disaster.  

    Businesses and nonprofits are eligible to apply for business physical disaster loans and may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace disaster-damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory, and other business assets.  

    Homeowners and renters are eligible to apply for home and personal property loans and may borrow up to $100,000 to replace or repair personal property, such as clothing, furniture, cars, and appliances. Homeowners may apply for up to $500,000 to replace or repair their primary residence.  

    Applicants may also be eligible for a loan increase of up to 20% of their physical damages, as verified by the SBA, for mitigation purposes. Eligible mitigation improvements include strengthening structures to protect against high wind damage, regrading landscaping for better drainage, and installing a safe room or storm shelter to help protect property and occupants from future damage.  

    Interest rates are as low as 4% for businesses, 3.250% for nonprofits, and 2.813% for homeowners and renters, with terms up to 30 years. Interest does not begin to accrue, and payments are not due, until 12 months from the date of the first loan disbursement. The SBA sets loan amounts and terms based on each applicant’s financial condition.

    To apply online and receive additional disaster assistance information visit sba.gov/disaster. Applicants may also call the SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or send an email to disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.

    The filing deadline to return applications for physical property damage is April 27, 2025. The deadline to return economic injury applications is June 30, 2025.

    ###

    About the U.S. Small Business Administration

    The U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of business ownership. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow or expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

    April 3, 2025

  • MIL-Evening Report: Scientists worked with Walpiri to track down bilby poo – and uncover clues to help conserve these iconic animals

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Hayley Geyle, Ecologist, Charles Darwin University

    Sarah Maclagan/Author provided

    The greater bilby (Macrotis lagotis) is one of Australia’s most iconic yet at-risk animals — and the last surviving bilby species. Once found across 70% of Australia, its range has contracted by more than 80% since European colonisation.

    Today, these nocturnal marsupials, still culturally significant to many Indigenous peoples, are restricted to remote deserts. They face an ongoing threat of extinction.

    Local elders, Indigenous rangers and scientists hold valuable knowledge about bilby populations, the threats they face, and strategies needed to sustain them into the future.

    Our new study, published today in Conservation Science and Practice, reveals how collaboration between scientists and Indigenous land managers can help yield new and vital information.

    In the field, we used two methods – one based on Walpiri knowledge and one based on standard scientific protocols – to locate bilbies and collect scat (poo) samples in the North Tanami Indigenous Protected Area in the Northern Territory.

    By drawing on Warlpiri tracking expertise and Western scientific methods, we uncovered crucial information on bilby populations that could help conserve these rare creatures.

    The greater bilby is one of Australia’s most iconic yet at-risk animals.
    Ken Griffiths/Shutterstock

    Understanding bilby numbers is important – but hard

    Bilbies turn over tonnes of soil each year, helping to improve soil health, help seeds germinate and enhance water infiltration. Their deep, complex burrows also provide shelter for other species.

    They’re crucial to the health of desert ecosystems; protecting bilbies means protecting the web of life they support.

    To do this, we need to know more about:

    • how many bilbies there are
    • how they respond to land management techniques such as planned burning
    • how they respond to threats such as feral predators.

    Yet, bilbies are notoriously difficult to monitor directly via live capture. They’re nocturnal, shy and solitary. And they inhabit vast landscapes, making it very hard to estimate population numbers.

    Bilby tracks North Tanami (pen for scale).
    Hayley Geyle/Author Provided

    Luckily, the tracks, diggings and scats bilbies leave behind provide ample clues. DNA from scat (if it can be found) can be used to estimate how many bilbies are present in a particular area.

    Systematic ecological surveys, often used to monitor wildlife, can be rigid and expensive, especially in remote regions.

    We need flexible methods that align with local knowledge and the practical realities of monitoring bilbies on Country.

    A new approach to monitor and manage bilbies

    We tested two methods of locating bilby scat for DNA analysis.

    The first was systematic sampling. This is a standard scientific approach where fixed lengths of land were walked multiple times to collect scat.

    This ensures sampling effort is even over the search area and comparable across sites. However, like most species, bilby distribution is patchy, and this approach can lead to researchers missing important signs.

    The second method was targeted sampling, guided by Warlpiri knowledge, to search in areas most likely to yield results.

    This allowed the search team to focus on areas where bilbies were active or predicted to be active based on knowledge of their habits and food sources.

    Altogether, we collected more than 1,000 scat samples. In the lab, we extracted DNA from these samples to identify individual bilbies. These data, combined with the location of samples, allowed us to estimate the size of the bilby population.

    We then compared estimates that would have been derived if we had only done systematic or targeted sampling, or both, to assess their strengths and limitations for monitoring bilby populations.

    The deep, complex burrows of bilbies also provide shelter for other species.
    Kelly Dixon/Author provided

    What we found

    We identified 20 bilbies from the scats collected during systematic surveys and 26 – six more – from targeted surveys. At least 16 individual bilbies were detected by both methods. In total, we confirmed 32 unique bilbies in the study area.

    When it came to population estimates – which consider how many repeat captures occur and where – combining data from both types of surveys produced the most accurate estimates with the least effort.

    Targeted sampling tended to overestimate population size because it focused on areas of high activity. Systematic sampling was more precise but required greater effort.

    Combining both approaches provided the most reliable estimates while saving time.

    In the lab, we extracted DNA from bilby scat samples to identify individual bilbies.
    Hayley Geyle/Author provided

    What this means for conservation

    Our research highlights how collaboration that includes different ways of knowing can improve conservation.

    By adapting standard on-ground survey techniques to include Warlpiri methods for tracking bilbies, we produced better data and supported local capacity for bilby monitoring.

    Elders also had opportunities to share tracking skills with younger people, helping keep cultural knowledge alive.

    Conservation programs often rely on standardised ecological monitoring protocols – in other words, doing things much the same way no matter where you’re working.

    While these protocols provide consistency, they are rigid and don’t always yield the best results. They also fail to incorporate local knowledge crucial for managing species like the bilby.

    Our approach shows how integrating diverse ways of working can deliver more inclusive and effective outcomes, without compromising data reliability.

    A path forward

    Bilbies face ongoing threats including:

    • introduced predators (particularly foxes)
    • habitat degradation and
    • inappropriate fire regimes.

    Their future depends on collaborative efforts that draw on scientific and Indigenous and local knowledges.

    This study provides an example of how such partnerships can work – not just for bilbies, but for other species and ecosystems.

    As Australia confronts biodiversity loss, this research underscores the importance of listening to those who know Country best.

    By valuing and respecting local expertise, we can build a stronger future for bilbies and the landscapes that are their home.

    Hayley Geyle is employed by Territory NRM, who receives funding for threatened species projects from the Australian government through the Natural Heritage Trust. She also works on the Digital Women Ranger project. She is affiliated with Territory NRM and the Northern Institute (Charles Darwin University).

    Cathy Robinson is employed at CSIRO and is Group Leader in the Agriculture and Food Sustainability Program and Research lead for the Digital Women Ranger Program which is supported by the Telstra Foundation. Cathy is also an Adjunct Professor at Charles Darwin University, Chair of IUCN Australian Expert Advisory Panel for the Green List, and Executive Advisor for the Liveris Academy for Innovation and Leadership at the University of Queensland.

    Christine Schlesinger does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    Helen Wilson does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. Scientists worked with Walpiri to track down bilby poo – and uncover clues to help conserve these iconic animals – https://theconversation.com/scientists-worked-with-walpiri-to-track-down-bilby-poo-and-uncover-clues-to-help-conserve-these-iconic-animals-245153

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

    April 3, 2025

  • MIL-Evening Report: Trump highlights Australian beef in ‘Liberation Day’ trade crackdown

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra

    US President Donald Trump singled out Australia’s beef trade for special mention in his announcement that the United States would impose a 10% global tariff as well as “reciprocal tariffs” on many countries.

    In a long speech in the White House Rose Garden, Trump said: “Australia bans – and they’re wonderful people and wonderful everything – but they ban American beef.

    “Yet we imported US$3 billion of Australian beef from them just last year alone.

    “They won’t take any of our beef. They don’t want it because they don’t want it to affect their farmers and you know, I don’t blame them but we’re doing the same thing right now starting at midnight tonight, I would say.”

    Australia bans US fresh beef imports because of biosecurity concerns. The US just-released Foreign Trade Barriers report says, “the United States continues to seek full market access for fresh US beef and beef products”.

    Trump announced a “minimum baseline tariff” of 10%, which would apply to Australia as well as to all other countries.

    Initially, given Trump’s language, there was confusion about what will happen with beef but later it was clarified it would face the basic 10% general tariff, and nothing more.

    Prime Minister Anthony Albanese condemned the new US trade regime and said Australia would continue to try to get exemptions for Australia.

    The trade decision was “not unexpected” but had “no basis in logic” and “was not the act of a friend”.

    Albanese announced a response package, but flagged the government did not want to take the US to the World Trade Organisation. The package includes:

    • strenghening anti-dumping provisions

    • providing A$50 million to affected sectors to secure and pursue new markets

    • sending five missions abroad to develop other markets

    • setting up a new resilience program, involving $1 billion in loans to capitalise on new investment opportunities

    • putting Australian businesses at “the front of the queue” in a “buy Australian” policy in government procurement

    • setting up a strategic reserve for Australian critical minerals.

    Albanese re-emphasised Australia would make no changes to the country’s biosecurity rules.

    Under Trump’s announcement, varying “reciprocal” rates are being imposed on individual countries according to the barriers they impose on American items.

    The president described this as “one of the most important days in American history”, saying it represented a “declaration of economic independence”.

    China will face a 34% tariff, while there will be a 25% global tariff on cars imported into the US. Imports from the European Union will have a 20% tariff imposed.

    There will be 25% on imports from South Korea, as well as 24% on imports from Japan and 32% on those from Taiwan.

    Trump’s message to countries seeking special treatment could not have been blunter.

    “To all of the foreign presidents, prime ministers, kings, queens, ambassadors, and everyone else, who will soon be calling to ask for exemptions from these tariffs, I say, terminate your own tariffs, drop your barriers, don’t manipulate here your currencies – they manipulate their currencies, like, nobody can even believe, when it’s a bad, bad thing, and very devastating to us.

    “And start buying tens of billions of dollars of American goods.

    “Tariffs give us protection against those looking to do us economic harm.”

    He said the new US trade regime would raise trillions of dollars that would reduce American taxes and pay down its debt.

    Opposition campaign spokesman James Paterson described the announcement as “disappointing”, He said Australia should work “calmly and directly” with the US administration to get a better deal.

    Nationals leader David Littleproud said action against beef would mean the price of Big Mac burgers would go up for American consumers. Australian beef exported to the US is especially for burgers.

    Michelle Grattan does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. Trump highlights Australian beef in ‘Liberation Day’ trade crackdown – https://theconversation.com/trump-highlights-australian-beef-in-liberation-day-trade-crackdown-253111

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

    April 3, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Magaziner Co-Leads Bipartisan, Bicameral Bill to Cut Red Tape for Family Caregivers

    Source: US Representative Seth Magaziner (RI-02)

    WASHINGTON, DC — Today, Representatives Seth Magaziner (RI-02) and Kat Cammack (FL-03) introduced the Alleviating the Barriers for Caregivers Act (ABC) Act, a bipartisan, bicameral bill aimed at reducing bureaucratic hurdles for family caregivers. A companion bill has also been introduced in the Senate by Sens. Ed Markey (D-MA) and Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), underscoring the broad, bipartisan commitment to making life easier for America’s caregivers.

    The legislation directs the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and the Social Security Administration (SSA) to review existing policies, forms, and procedures that impact family caregivers. The goal is to identify ways to streamline processes, reduce paperwork, and make it easier for caregivers to access essential services. Within two years, both agencies must report back to Congress with updates on their findings and any challenges they encounter.

    “Every day, family caregivers provide essential support for their older parents, spouses, siblings, grandparents, and loved ones so they can live independently,” said Representative Magaziner. “That is why I am introducing the Alleviating Barriers for Caregivers Act, a bicameral, bipartisan bill that will reduce stressful paperwork and make it easier for caregivers to navigate resources and benefits that are available to them.”

    “America’s family caregivers work around-the-clock to provide essential care for their loved ones, and over half act as advocates on behalf of their family members. The last thing these caregivers need is more red tape that distracts from their support for those in their care,” said Representative Cammack. “I’m honored to introduce this bipartisan and bicameral ABC Act with my colleagues to lower the burden around the important medical decisions caregivers must make every day. Together we can support the 48 million caregivers that make up a critical part of our health care landscape in the U.S.” 

    “Caregivers, like my father was, serve on the frontlines of our nation’s health care system by giving our families and friends the care and support they need to remain in their homes and communities with their loved ones,” said Senator Markey. “But caregivers are struggling needlessly to navigate complex, burdensome, and stressful processes each and every day while also still managing day-to-day family and professional responsibilities. The Alleviating Barriers for Caregivers Act will help lift the weight off caregivers by clearing the red tape that so often gets in their way. I thank Senator Capito and Representatives Magaziner and Cammack for their partnership on this critical legislation.”

    “More than 1 in 4 Americans over 50 are now caregivers. I was one of these caregivers for my parents during their struggle with Alzheimer’s disease and know personally how hard it can be to balance all of the responsibilities put on individuals caring for their loved ones,” Senator Capito said. “One of the most common frustrations I hear from caregivers in West Virginia is how difficult it is to navigate federal processes and procedures. The Alleviating Barriers for Caregivers Act would attempt to ease this often-stressful time by requiring federal agencies, such as the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and Social Security Administration, to review their processes, procedures, forms, and communications to reduce the administrative burden on family caregivers.” 

    With nearly 50 million family caregivers across the U.S. providing an estimated $600 billion in unpaid care annually, the need for reform is urgent. More than half of these caregivers serve as advocates for their loved ones, navigating complex healthcare systems and government agencies. However, one in four say they struggle with paperwork and eligibility requirements for vital services.

    The bill is endorsed by The AARP, ALS Association, Alzheimer’s Association, American Heart Association, Autism Speaks, the Family Caregiver Alliance, the Home Care Association of America, and the National Alliance for Caregiving, and others.

    The full text of the legislation can be found here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    April 3, 2025
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