Category: Politics

MIL-OSI USA: Senator Marshall Joins Newsmax to Discuss the Defining Male and Female Act

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for Kansas Roger Marshall

Washington – U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kansas) joined National Report on Newsmax to discuss the Defining Male and Female Act, legislation he reintroduced today to codify the legal definitions of male, female, and sex to ensure they are based on biological reality rather than radical, left-wing ideology.
This bill would enshrine into law President Donald Trump’s Executive Order entitled “Defending Women From Gender Ideology Extremism and Restoring Biological Truth to the Federal Government,” which clarifies that sex is determined at conception and is dependent on the size of reproductive cells and ensures the federal government uses this sex dichotomy.

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You may click HERE or on the image above to watch Senator Marshall’s full interview.
Highlights from Senator Marshall’s interview include:
On the Defining Male and Female Act:
“I can’t believe it’s necessary. But as you all know, I was an obstetrician for 30 years of my life. I delivered a baby almost every day. I delivered the baby, and I would say a prayer until it made its first cry, and then as the baby started crying, I would hand the baby to the new mom and the new dad and say, it’s a boy, it’s a girl. I never said, well, we’re not sure what this is. We’re going to do a little gender affirmation later and we’re going to assess this baby in three years. And I’d fill out the birth certificate. I would check male or female.
“So, what this bill does, and I’m embarrassed that we have to do this, is say, look, if this child, if this baby, if this future young man, makes sperm, then he’s a male. He’s a dude. And if it’s a person that makes oocytes, makes eggs, then guess what? It’s a girl.”
On President Trump’s executive order recognizing only two sexes:
“[President Trump] [issued] an executive order on day number one to protect the rights, the safety and dignity of women and this, this bill would codify that, that boys are boys and girls are girls. Let’s keep boys out of girls’ sports. Let’s keep boys out of the girls’ locker room.
“If you have a passport, you need to put on your biological sex, not your gender identity. If you’re in a public place, like a prison, a jail, some type of housing situation, public housing, the boys go on the boys’ side, and the girls go on the girls’ side… We just need a little more common sense. But this bill would codify exactly what President Trump did in his executive order.”

MIL OSI USA News –

March 27, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Senator Marshall Introduces Legislation to Reform Dietary Guidelines for Americans

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for Kansas Roger Marshall

Washington – U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kansas) introduced the Dietary Guidelines Reform Act of 2025, legislation that will amend the National Nutrition Monitoring & Related Research Act of 1990 and modernize the development of federal dietary guidelines with up-to-date, evidence-based nutritional information.
The Dietary Guidelines Advisory (DGAC) Committee makes dietary recommendations for tens of millions of Americans, and this bill will provide more transparency and public input to ensure positive nutrition outcomes for all. DGAC guides recommendations for federal food package programs like the National School Lunch Program (NSLP), which has a massive participation of nearly 30 million school children. In addition to advising federal meal programs, the DGAC report also serves as a guide for nutrition education programs such as MyPlate and the Healthy Eating Index.
“Despite decades of Dietary Guidelines for Americans, our citizens have only become sicker and more obese, while taxpayer dollars continue to fund this chaotic and broken process,” Senator Marshall said. “The Dietary Guidelines Reform Act brings much-needed transparency and scientific integrity to the dietary guidelines process, restores public trust, and aims for healthier outcomes by ensuring the recommendations truly serve the American people.”
U.S. Representative Ronny Jackson (R-Texas-13) introduced the House companion version of the bill.
“The Biden administration has weaponized the dietary guidelines to push a partisan agenda instead of sound nutritional science,” Representative Ronny Jackson said. “My bill will ensure these dietary guidelines are based on transparent, evidence-based research – not political ideologies – so Americans can trust they are getting real, science-backed recommendations that support their health and well-being.”
Specifically, the Dietary Guidelines Reform Act of 2025:

Reforms the Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA) drafting process and adds transparency by subjecting the report to the federal rulemaking process.
Expands the DGA report timeline from every fix to every ten years and requires public notice and comment rulemaking to finalize the DGA report.
Requires members of the DGAC to provide full disclosure of all relevant financial and nonfinancial conflicts of interest.
Establishes a bipartisan panel of experts to draft scientific questions intended to direct the work of the DGAC as they draft the DGA report.
Designs dietary guidelines to improve long-term health outcomes and advance nutritional adequacy by addressing current, high-priority health concerns.

Click HERE to read the full bill text.
Background:

Senator Marshall has long been an advocate for food as medicine, working with U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins and Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to ensure Americans have improved access to whole, nutrient-dense food.
Nutrition plays a critical role in long-term health outcomes and in preventing chronic illness, making access to accurate and accessible dietary guidelines vital to Americans’ health.
America is facing a chronic disease epidemic, with poor diet serving as the primary culprit for obesity, diabetes, and other chronic illnesses.
Over 60% of Americans have at least one chronic illness, with over 40% suffering from at least two.

MIL OSI USA News –

March 27, 2025
MIL-OSI China: Center for Financial, Monetary Systems Symposium debuts in HK

Source: China State Council Information Office

The Center for Financial and Monetary Systems 2025 Symposium kicked off here Wednesday, marking the first time the symposium was held in Hong Kong.

Co-hosted by the Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited (HKEX) and the World Economic Forum (WEF), the symposium welcomed business leaders, tech pioneers and academics from around the world to discuss global themes and megatrends that are particularly relevant to Asia today, including emerging technologies, fintech, growth financing and sustainability.

Paul Chan, financial secretary of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government, said at the symposium that Hong Kong will continue to serve as a gateway for international investors to explore development opportunities in the Chinese mainland as well as in Asia.

Chan called on international investors to seize the opportunities and invest in China, noting the Chinese mainland and the Asia-Pacific region will remain the global growth engine over the next decade.

Matthew Blake, head of the Center for Financial and Monetary Systems, World Economic Forum, said that with the world today facing significant uncertainty due to geopolitical, technological, and economic shifts, it is essential that leaders in financial services come together to address these challenges.

Bonnie Chan, chief executive officer of HKEX, said that as a key financial market infrastructure, HKEX is committed to connecting global capital with the region’s opportunities, which is more important than ever in the rapidly changing world. HKEX looked forward to working closely with the WEF to bring global conversations to Asia and driving sustainable progress in the financial services sector.

The WEF is an unofficial international organization dedicated to researching and addressing issues in the global economic sphere, as well as promoting international economic cooperation and exchanges.

MIL OSI China News –

March 27, 2025
MIL-OSI China: Trump announces plans to impose 25% auto tariffs

Source: China State Council Information Office

U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday announced plans to impose 25-percent auto tariffs, with the measures set to take effect on April 2.

“What we’re going to be doing is a 25-percent tariff for all cars that are not made in the United States,” Trump said in the White House Oval Office. “We start off with a 2.5-percent base, which is what we’re at, and go to 25 percent.”

“We’re signing (executive order) today. It goes into effect April 2. We start collecting on April 3,” Trump said.

The U.S. president argued that the tariffs would encourage more production to relocate to the United States, generate new revenue for the government, and help reduce the national debt.

Economists, however, have warned that tariffs would push up car prices, and hurt consumers, who already face elevated prices.

MIL OSI China News –

March 27, 2025
MIL-OSI China: Canadian government looking for possible retaliation against US auto tariffs

Source: China State Council Information Office

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney on Wednesday said his government will be looking at its options for possible retaliation against the U.S. auto tariffs, local media reported.

The liberal leader on his election campaign tour said the tariffs are “a direct attack” against Canadian workers, regardless of how they are applied, according to CBC News.

“We have anticipated this possibility,” he was quoted as saying. “We will take the steps that are in the interests of Canadian workers, of Canada. We’re going to stand up for Canada. We’re going to be united.”

Previously Carney announced a “strategic response fund” which is valued at 2 billion Canadian dollars (1.4 billion U.S. dollars) to bolster the country’s auto industry.

Carney said the money would be used to boost the auto sector’s competitiveness, protect manufacturing jobs, help workers gain expertise and build “a fortified Canadian supply chain.”

Auto parts often cross the border multiple times, and the added costs of tariffs and counter-tariffs would quickly snowball.

Carney called that a “huge vulnerability” and promised to build an “all-in-Canada” manufacturing network to build more car parts domestically, limiting how often they cross the border during production.

“In the new world, that will be an advantage,” he was quoted as saying. “That will help insulate us from President Trump’s trade threats and it will grow the economy.”

If elected on April 28, Carney said his government would also prioritize and procure Canadian-built vehicles, reported CBC News.

U.S. President Donald Trump announced plans on Wednesday for a 25-percent tariff on all vehicles not made in the United States as of April 2.

MIL OSI China News –

March 27, 2025
MIL-OSI Australia: Interview, ABC Ballarat Breakfast

Source: Workplace Gender Equality Agency

STEVE MARTIN: It’s a bit of a rare thing these days where we spend this half hour of the program talking to politicians back to back, but we’re going to do that today. Catherine King is the federal member for Ballarat and also the Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, and is with us this morning to talk about last night’s Federal Budget.

Catherine King, good morning. Welcome.

CATHERINE KING: Good morning. I’m not sure your listeners will thank you for too many politicians back to back there, but there you go.

STEVE MARTIN: It was my gentle reminder that we don’t do this often, but we have to do this today. It is circumstance.

CATHERINE KING: It is post-Budget day, yes.

STEVE MARTIN: Post-Budget day and leading into an election at some point. I won’t ask you again when that’s going to be. What I do want to know, Catherine King, is from this Budget, it doesn’t sound like there was anything new for your electorate or Western Victoria more generally, other than the overall things, such as the tax cuts that have taken a few by surprise. So is there any extra in there for Western Victoria that isn’t already on the table?

CATHERINE KING: Yeah. So what Budgets do is account for both decisions that we’ve already announced before the Budget and then any new initiatives. And obviously, last night the single biggest new initiative was the tax cuts. So every single Ballarat, Western Victorian taxpayer will receive an additional tax cut. And whilst they’re – and they are solely focused on how can we continue to help with cost of living pressure, trying to keep costs down, but also make sure people keep more of what they earn and that’s what they’re focused on building on the tax cuts of previous Budgets. Of course, what the Budget accounts for then is the significant investments that we’re making in Sunshine Station, for example. And I think that sort of – it’s gone – it hasn’t been spoken enough about, but in essence, what Sunshine Station does is detangle the regional rail and the other rail lines that are coming in there, builds almost the Southern Cross of the west, and then allows for airport rail to happen. It will see significant improvements for regional rail services that come through Sunshine and then head on to Southern Cross Station, which will still continue to happen. But it means we get our own –basically our own dedicated line through and our own dedicated platform. So that’s a good thing.

It accounts for the money, obviously for the Western Highway, the $1.1 billion. And of course, there is already a billion dollars that is already being invested from the border down to the Ballarat. And that money and those programs – projects continue. But what we’ve also noticed and known is that we’ve had this huge housing growth down around Caroline Springs, Melton and the highway is just not keeping up with demand. And if you’re driving, you know, during peak hour or trying to get home, that is a really congested part. And so we’re trying to resolve that. And then obviously the issue we’ve had in Ballarat around Brewery Tap Roads is starting to get the detailed design work really finalised for that project, and it’s kick started.

STEVE MARTIN: So most of that is city spend, but regional benefit for our purposes. There has been criticism that the federal government hasn’t committed enough to regional roads, for example, that most of the money has been going into metropolitan areas. And this Budget doesn’t address that in any way that hasn’t already been addressed as you’ve just outlined. So what do you say in response to that?

CATHERINE KING: Well, I’m really proud of our record on regional roads. As I just said, there’s already a billion dollars that is committed to the Western Highway. For example, in – you know, in our rural and regional areas, I was out on the weekend announcing $54 million for 32 regional and rural level road crossing treatments, $13 million for local government road projects across the entire state. One of the things that really shocked me when I first came to government was that the previous government had cut money for maintenance of our national highways, the vast majority of which are in our regions. We have fixed that. We’ve re-indexed – so, re-indexed the maintenance money, but also then backdated it. So all that missing gap, that hole of money that was there has been paid back to states. So that’s now allowing states to really improve their road maintenance on our regional highways as they go through the regions.

And of course I have doubled Roads to Recovery money. So instead of using a colour coded spreadsheet to say one council gets $40 million or $100 million to seal their roads, which is what the previous government did – there are councils that got substantial money just on their own – every single council in the country now gets- will now get double the amount of road money. And they are those local roads that, you know, farmers are getting their produce to market on, people are driving every day to get to work or to get to their families. And I am really proud of that commitment. And the vast majority of our councils are in our regions.

STEVE MARTIN: Some of the reaction to the Budget has been around the energy rebate, and questions as to why it hasn’t been means tested. Now, I know some politicians have raised this, but also listeners. I’ve been watching the SMS system this morning. That’s being raised about means testing for the energy rebate. While people welcome it, many people think it should be more targeted. So is it a misstep not to means-test it?

CATHERINE KING: We looked at this last time when we obviously provided the $350 million. The way in which we are delivering it is through the energy companies themselves. And so dropping that off your bills. The difficulty we had if you administer something based on income is that, you know, energy companies obviously don’t know their individual customers’ incomes. So that’s – and nor should they. So the most efficient way for us to deliver it is the way that we’ve done it. It actually costs quite a bit of money to do it the different way, and that’s really why it’s just more efficient to do it. We understand there may be people who say, I don’t deserve an energy relief. You know, I think that is a matter for people to think about. But really that’s the – it was the most efficient way to deliver it. That’s basically the reason we’ve done it that way. And it was the same with the 350 million. We had to deliver it that way because it’s basically cheaper for government to deliver it that way. It would have cost us money to do it any other way.

STEVE MARTIN: Catherine King, I know you have appointments you have to get to shortly, so I won’t go for too long. But just in relation to the HECS debt, one thing I would like to ask you, and this is in relation to regional universities, particularly Federation University, you’ve offered more HECS debt relief for people with a debt. Is there also an ability or a change to the way people will accumulate HECS debt? Because that seems to be a resistant force for young people to go to university, not wanting to acquire that debt in the first place. And as I say, I ask this in light of Fed University and the fortunes of other regional universities.

CATHERINE KING: Well, a couple of things. We’ve already passed legislation that looked at the way in which the sort of interest rate was applied to HECS debt, and that’s had a significant impact already, and this obviously new commitment around cutting the student debt by 20 per cent. In terms of the incentives, and I think one of the really big things you’ve got to remember, Federation University, we are very lucky is a dual sector university, and as a dual sector university, a large proportion of the students who are going there are TAFE students. So fee free TAFE has been an absolute game changer. I meet people right the way across our communities who are mature aged students who’ve gone back and are retraining in the building sector, childcare workers, aged care workers who are getting now qualifications that they couldn’t afford to. And I think if you ask Federation Uni, they will tell you that TAFE is going gangbusters.

Obviously through the universities accord, there is significant work being done around university funding and governance structures and we’ll continue that work if we’re privileged enough to form government at the next election.

STEVE MARTIN: Just finally on that wage cut, the tax breaks that were getting. ACOSS put out a press release saying: astounded, more dollars for everyone except those with the least. And there’s an SMS that says nothing in this Budget regarding homelessness. Has your side of politics ignored those who are facing the most challenges with the cost of living crisis?

CATHERINE KING: Not at all. And I think that what we’ve done, one, you know, if you remember, we’re the only government who actually – we increased the base rate, both of JobSeeker. We have had two increases to Commonwealth rent assistance, and we have the single largest investment in building new social and affordable homes through the Housing Australia Future Fund. There is a $33 billion program to actually get and help social community housing providers to actually build more homes. That has been the really big thing that we’ve got. We just do not have enough homes being built, particularly in that social sector, what we used to call public housing; getting that done, and we’ve delivered that. We’ve delivered increases to funding to the states for homelessness services as well through our partnership agreements. So there is always more to do, always more that you can do. And Budgets are about trying to do what we can to provide relief right the way across the community.

But the other thing I’d say, the really significant investment we’re making in making medicines cheaper is a really – again, about helping the most vulnerable in our community, people who are really highly dependent on our Medicare system through our urgent care clinics, making sure we’re improving bulk billing. They are really important services for vulnerable people.

STEVE MARTIN: Catherine King, thanks for your time.

CATHERINE KING: Really good to be with you, Steve.

STEVE MARTIN: Catherine King, member for Ballarat and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, just in the wake of the Budget that was handed down last night.

MIL OSI News –

March 27, 2025
MIL-OSI New Zealand: Reducing debt financing barriers for Community Housing Providers

Source: New Zealand Government

New Crown lending facilities and a loan guarantee scheme will support the growth of the Community Housing Provider (CHP) sector and put CHPs on a more level playing field with Kāinga Ora, Housing Minister Chris Bishop says.

“This Government believes in social housing. We are working hard to deliver better housing to those who need support, including by assisting the CHP sector to expand and grow.

“Currently, CHPs account for 16 percent of our social homes – around 13,000 houses. The government has funded an additional 1,500 social houses in Budget 2024, 1,000 of which are to be delivered by CHPs from June this year.

“Our ambition for the social housing system is for a level playing field between CHPs and Kāinga Ora. The underlying ownership of a house – whether public or private – should be irrelevant. What matters is the provision of warm, dry homes to those who need them, along with social support if required.

“We call this competitive neutrality. In some areas and for some people, CHPs are the answer. In other areas, Kāinga Ora will be the way to go.

“While KO’s borrowing is done through the Crown, CHPs currently access debt from the private market at higher rates. We have further work to do to better align KO and CHP access to, and costs of, finance.

“The Government is moving to level the playing field between Kāinga Ora and CHPs by establishing Crown lending facilities of up to $150 million for the Community Housing Funding Agency (CHFA). CHFA was launched by Community Finance in 2024 and pools financing requirements for CHPs, unlocking lower cost finance at scale to support the delivery of CHP housing.

“The Government is working closely with CHFA and will provide them an interim lending facility in early April to support their immediate financing needs, with the final liquidity facility up and running later this year.

“This will lay the foundation for CHFA to borrow hundreds of millions or billions of dollars, supporting not just the delivery of social housing, but also CHPs’ broader affordable housing portfolios.

“We are also exploring the appetite of banks to participate in a loan guarantee scheme for CHPs, aligned to the principles of previous initiatives like the Business Finance Guarantee Scheme, and the North Island Weather Events Loan Guarantee Scheme.

“A loan guarantee scheme is where the Government takes on some proportion of the loan’s default risk, meaning lenders won’t need to hold as much capital to cover the debt and can use the capital elsewhere. This will likely enable lenders to pass on reduced interest rates to borrowers.

“I expect that this scheme will encourage greater participation by banks in the sector and enable them to pass on meaningfully reduced interest rates and other lending accommodations to CHPs.

“If banks see merit in a CHP loan guarantee scheme, the Minister of Finance will finalise its design and work towards a go-live date later this year.

“Together, these two initiatives will increase the scale at which CHPs can access lower cost debt financing, enabling them to grow.

“This is a really exciting day for the CHP sector in New Zealand. The changes are complex but important and will do a lot to allow the CHP sector to grow and deliver more warm dry houses for people in need.”

MIL OSI New Zealand News –

March 27, 2025
MIL-OSI New Zealand: Speech to KangaNews Debt Capital Markets Forum

Source: New Zealand Government

Opening
Good afternoon. I’m excited to be here at the KangaNews Debt Capital Markets Forum.
It’s a pleasure to be here with all of you – investors, financial institutions, and wholesale market participants who play a vital role in unlocking New Zealand’s economic future.
I’d like to thank ANZ for hosting this event and for inviting me to speak.
Debt capital markets are fundamental to the success of the Government’s plan to go for growth.
Capital is like water to a seed – it enables New Zealanders, businesses, government, and NGOs to action and grow their bright-ideas, ambitions, and aspirations.
The deeper our capital markets get, the more opportunities our country will have to thrive.
Today, I want to discuss how the Government is unlocking growth and overcoming funding and financing challenges in housing and infrastructure in a fiscally constrained environment.
I will also be announcing actions Cabinet has recently agreed to that will reduce debt financing barriers for Community Housing Providers.
Unlocking growth
New Zealanders have said that inflation and the economy are in the top three issues facing the country.
The only sustainable way to fix the cost-of-living crisis is to ensure wages grow faster than inflation.
That means growing the economy through more high-paying jobs, increased productivity, greater innovation, and more investment.
The best thing the Government can do to support this is:

one ensuring systems, regulations, and laws are growth-enabling – like the Resource Management Act, and
two getting interest rates lower.

Now, the Government doesn’t set the Official Cash Rate (OCR) – that’s the Reserve Bank’s job – but we can help support lower interest rates through responsible fiscal management, getting the government’s books back in order, and investing in productivity-enhancing infrastructure.
That’s what we have been doing, and since we came into Government the OCR has dropped 175 basis points.
In Budget 2024, we found $5.9 billion on average in annual operating savings and revenue, and $3.1 billion in capital savings and revenue over the forecast period. We reprioritised savings to fund tax relief and cost pressures in Health, and to support other growth-enabling initiatives.
For us, it’s about ensuring every public dollar goes to its best use. Greater value for money means we can provide more and higher quality services that people need.
Budget 2025 will be no different.
Without swerving too far into the Minister of Finance’s lane – I can say that Budget 2025 will focus on four areas:

Lifting economic growth through measures to tackle New Zealand’s long-term productivity challenges,
Using a social investment approach to improve life outcomes for people with high needs,
Keeping tight control of government spending, while funding high-priority commitments and cost pressures, and
Developing a pipeline of long-term infrastructure investments.

In terms of infrastructure, this Government has and will continue to invest a record amount. More than $68 billion in capital is forecast to be spent by central government on infrastructure over the next five years.
For comparison from 2019 to 2023, $50.8 billion in capital was spent on infrastructure.
Infrastructure Investment Summit
However, we know achieving economic growth is not all about government. We can’t unlock New Zealand’s potential without the private sector.
So, we are also focused on attracting long-term private capital, capacity, and capability into our economy.
To do this, earlier this month, the Prime Minister and I hosted the New Zealand Infrastructure Investment Summit in Auckland, which was attended by over 100 world-leading institutional investors, private investment firms, and construction companies.
It was a huge win for our country, and it was good to see some of you there.
During the Summit, we reaffirmed New Zealand’s position as being open for business, and as a safe and strong country to invest in.
Overall, we focused on three areas:

First, New Zealand’s infrastructure vision and upcoming public infrastructure opportunities,
Second, changes to policy, regulation, and legislation to make it easier to do business here, and
Third, other investment opportunities in growth sectors and the Māori economy.

I just want to briefly touch on the first area.
It was great to get investable and developable opportunities in public infrastructure to market, including Christchurch Men’s Prison PPP and the Northland RoNS PPP.
But as Minister for Infrastructure, I think showcasing our long-term infrastructure pipeline made the biggest impression.
This is what will give the private sector confidence to stay here and invest in people and equipment.
Firms just want to know: What’s next.
For example, the Italian tunnelling company Ghella was preparing to leave New Zealand after completing the 16.2-kilometre Central Interceptor tunnel in Auckland. But following presentations on the pipeline and the positivity of the Summit, Ghella have decided to keep their workers, expertise, and tens of millions of dollars of plant, equipment, and associated services here.
Similarly, Plenary, an infrastructure investment firm managing more than $100 billion in assets has also committed to opening an office in New Zealand and to bidding on at least five PPPs over the next five years due to the PPP pipeline.
Many global firms showed an interest in New Zealand.
When Guido Cacciaguerra of Webuild, a multinational construction and civil engineering firm, said “the Italians are coming back”, all I could think was – yes, that’s fantastic.
These guys helped us construct tunnels for the Tongariro hydro scheme in the 1960s.
It’s partnerships like these we need to help us close our infrastructure deficit, and we are committed to keep this momentum going.
Overcoming funding and financing challenges in infrastructure and housing
Now, let’s move onto overcoming funding and financing challenges in infrastructure and housing.
Public infrastructure in New Zealand has historically been primarily funded by taxpayers or ratepayers.
But our heavy reliance on this blunt approach is not serving us well and has led to perverse outcomes including congestion, run-down assets, and the unresponsive provision infrastructure – contributing to unaffordable housing.
The scale of New Zealand’s infrastructure challenge means we cannot continue the status quo – we need to leverage private capital and alternative funding and financing tools.
I want to outline several pieces of work that interact with debt capital markets, including:

The establishment of the National Infrastructure Funding and Financing Ltd– or NIFFCo,
Treasury’s new Funding and Financing Framework,
The refresh of the Government’s PPP policies, and
New funding and financing tools for infrastructure to support growth.

Establishment of NIFFCo
Let’s start with NIFFCo.
On 1 December 2024, we established NIFFCo to carry out three key functions:

Its first function is to act as the Crown’s ‘shopfront’ to facilitate private sector investment and interest in infrastructure – this includes receiving and evaluating any Market Led Proposals, or Unsolicited Bids.
Its second function is to partner with agencies, and in some cases, local government, to provide expertise on projects involving complex procurement, alternative funding mechanisms and private finance – including PPPs and IFF Act transactions.
Its third function is to administer central government infrastructure funds.

When you decide to join us in transforming New Zealand’s infrastructure, you will likely work with NIFFCo.
Overall, I expect NIFFCo will help unlock access to capital for infrastructure and give the private sector a clear and knowledgeable Government-side partner to work with on projects and transactions.
So, if you want to put forward a project, are looking for an opportunity to invest in New Zealand infrastructure or want to partner with Government – NIFFCo is open for business.
NIFFCo will also lift the government’s commercial capability and help us be a better client of infrastructure. It will do this by deploying expertise into agencies that are working on projects involving private finance and alternative funding mechanisms.
This includes, but is not limited to, projects involving traditional loans, equity investments, PPPs, developer levies, beneficiary levies, concessions, or other value uplift mechanisms.
Funding and Financing Framework
Now, let’s talk about Treasury’s new Funding and Financing Framework.
Last year, Treasury released this Framework to broaden the funding base for Crown investments, and to utilise private capital where efficient.
It provides guidance to agencies that they should, in the first instance, seek user or beneficiary pays to fund new infrastructure projects rather than defaulting to taxpayer money.
I expect proposals from sectors like transport, water, energy, housing, and adaptation to demonstrate how user or beneficiary pays can contribute towards funding.
More utilisation of user- and beneficiary-pays will provide greater opportunities for the private sector, including debt capital markets, to participate in public investments.
We want to use the government’s balance sheet more strategically and apply good commercial disciplines when deciding how to financially support a proposal – essentially providing “just enough support” to make proposals feasible.
This will mean we can deliver more projects, and channel support to sectors where it is appropriate for the Crown to be the primary funder, like in health and education.
PPP Framework and other guidance
To match our more commercial Funding and Financing Framework – we also needed to modernise the Crown’s policies and contracts, particularly in the PPP space.
After extensive engagement, in November last year, we released a Blueprint outlining how the government will approach future PPPs.
There are several key elements in the refreshed Blueprint that will foster a more appealing market for all participants:

A more practical approach to risk transfer,
Guidance for agencies on bid cost recognition,
Enhancing the Interactive Tender Process,
Allowing reasonable price validation to occur during the procurement process,
Improving the process for managing claims and dispute resolution, and
Increasing the capability and resourcing of the Crown so that we can be a better client.

Our approach is to be smart about private capital and use it in a way that unlocks investment, enhances incentives for on-time on-budget delivery, and brings more maturity to the design, build, and maintenance of projects.
The new PPP Blueprint sits alongside new Strategic Leasing Guidance, and Guideline for Market Led Proposals.
New infrastructure funding and financing tools to get more houses built
Let’s move onto new infrastructure funding and financing tools to get more houses built.
As Minister of Housing, I am committed to – well, more accurately obsessed with – fixing our housing crisis.
We are not a small country by land mass, but our restrictive planning system, particularly restrictions on the supply of urban land, has created a scorching hot land and housing market driven by artificial scarcity.
We are changing that by allowing our cities to grow up and out. But this won’t be enough on its own. We also need to enable the timely provision of enabling infrastructure.
Put simply, you can’t have housing without water, transport, and community facilities.
However, under current settings councils, infrastructure providers, and developers face significant challenges to fund and finance enabling infrastructure for housing.
We want to move to a future state where funding and financing tools enable the responsive supply of infrastructure where it is commercially viable to build new houses.
This will shift market expectations of future scarcity, bring down the cost of land for new housing, and improve incentives to develop land sooner instead of land banking.
To achieve this future, our overarching approach is that growth pays for growth.
Last month, I announced five changes to our infrastructure funding and financing toolkit to support urban growth.
I won’t cover all of these. But the most relevant to you are changes to the Infrastructure Funding and Financing Act (IFF) Act.
The IFF Act allows the creation of a Special Purpose Vehicle to raise finance for projects, where the cost is repaid through a levy charged to properties that benefit from a project over a period of about 20 to 30 years.
We are making several remedial amendments to improve the effectiveness of the Act, particularly for developer-led projects, which will make the process simpler and cheaper.
We are also broadening the Act to enable levies to be charged for major transport projects – a gamechanger in New Zealand for funding city-shaping projects.
These changes will lead to the Act being more effective, efficient, and utilised more often.
I expect, private capital will have far more opportunity to support public infrastructure projects.
Reducing debt financing barriers for CHPs
Now, I would like to move onto actions the Government is taking to reduce debt financing barriers for Community Housing Providers, or CHPs.
As I noted earlier, we are fixing the housing crisis by getting the underlying market fundamentals right. This is the single best thing we can do to make housing more affordable.
At the same time, I recognise that these changes will take some time and that there will always be New Zealanders who need housing support.
This Government believes in social housing, and we believe the CHP sector and private capital have a greater role to play in this space.
Currently, CHPs account for 16% of our social homes – or around 13,000 houses.
My ambition for the social housing system is to create a level playing field between CHPs and Kāinga Ora.
I’m obsessed with building houses across the housing continuum for people who need them. But I am agnostic as to whether those houses are delivered by CHPs or by the government.
I call this competitive neutrality. In some areas and for some people, CHPs are the answer. In other areas, Kāinga Ora is the way to go.
However, we don’t have competitive neutrality right now.
As I am sure you are aware, Kāinga Ora can borrow at a small margin above the Crown’s cost of financing, while CHPs effectively get access to finance at commercial rates.
Update on last year’s announcement
In November last year, I outlined three actions we are taking to help CHPs access borrowing to deliver housing:
The first was making $70 million of Operating Supplement available upfront, unlocking equity CHPs need to raise debt.
The second was making changes to IRRS contracts that makes the revenue stream more attractive for financiers.
And the third was to review the use of leasing to provide social housing.
I’ll just give you a quick update on where those are at.
The Ministry of Housing and Urban Development are implementing updated criteria for providing Operating Supplement upfront to support delivery of the 1,500 CHP places committed through Budget 2024.
The updated criteria will focus on the basics – strategic alignment, value for money, deliverability, and whether upfront funding is really needed to unlock financing. We are also removing unhelpful eligibility requirements and allowing larger CHPs and projects in urban areas to access upfront funding, where appropriate.
On updates to the IRRS contracts, HUD are making the following changes that will be in place for the contracting of places from late May onwards:

Additional compensation where the Termination for Convenience clause is exercised on Build to Lease projects,
Limiting the ‘step-in’ period to six months, and
Providing a Financier Direct Deed when requested on all Build to Own projects.

These changes will go some way to reducing real and perceived risk to financiers, although I acknowledge that there is more work to do.
On the use of leasing to provide social housing, HUD has moved to an ownership-agnostic approach.
Leasing could be useful where CHPs want to leverage their local expertise in managing social housing, while partnering with developers who could leverage their larger balance sheets to access finance that a small CHP could not.
CHP credit enhancement
Last year, I also announced that the Government would explore a credit enhancement intervention for CHPs, so that they can access suitable debt.
I am pleased to announce today that Cabinet has agreed to establish Crown lending facilities of up to $150 million for the Community Housing Funding Agency (CHFA) to cover:

an interim lending facility to be provided in early April to support CHFA’s immediate financing needs, and
a final liquidity facility.

In addition to this, the Minister of Finance intends to offer a loan guarantee scheme to banks to support their CHP lending.
Both of these interventions align with our market-led approach to fixing our housing crisis, and our transition to more efficient and effective Crown investment.
The liquidity facility and loan guarantee scheme will provide critical support whilst we get the system right.
Let’s start with CHFA –
CHFA was launched by Community Finance in 2024 and aggregates the finance requirements for CHPs around New Zealand, unlocking lower cost finance at scale to support the delivery of social housing.
The CHFA is largest lender to CHPs in New Zealand already indicating they are providing lending solutions highly valued by the sector.
A Crown liquidity facility and credit rating will allow CHFA to lend to more CHPs on a much larger scale.
This will lay the foundation for CHFA to borrow billions of dollars, supporting not just the delivery of social housing, but also CHPs’ broader affordable housing portfolios.
Housing Australia has a similar model – the Affordable Housing Bond Aggregator (AHBA).
Since its inception in 2018, Housing Australia has approved around $4.5 billion in AHBA loans to support the development of more than 18,800 social and affordable homes.
The AHBA loans have helped the sector save an estimated $800 million in interest and fees.
I want this for New Zealand too.
Finally, on the loan guarantee scheme, the Minister of Finance and I have endorsed key design criteria as a starting point for Government’s engagement with banks.
I don’t want to get into too much detail, I will leave that to officials –
But, at a high-level, I expect that this scheme will encourage participation among banks and enable them to pass on meaningfully reduced interest rates and other lending accommodations to CHPs.
Relatedly, last year, the Minister of Finance wrote to the Reserve Bank asking them to look further at the risk weights for lending to CHPs. The Bank intends to consult on potential changes in the middle of 2025. This process may also lead to a meaningful reduction in borrowing costs for CHPs.
Overall, I am really excited about how these changes will support the CHP sector – we heard you, and we hope these changes enable you to grow and do more good work.
Conclusion
Delivering on this Government’s vision for growth and higher living standards will require a strong partnership between government, investors, and the private sector.
Capital markets will play a pivotal role in financing New Zealand’s infrastructure future, and I encourage all of you to explore how your expertise and resources can contribute to this effort.
We are committed to creating a stable, predictable, and investable infrastructure and housing environment – one that supports economic growth, enhances productivity, and improves the quality of life for New Zealanders.
Together, through innovation and partnership, I am confident we can build a more prosperous New Zealand.
I look forward to your insights and collaboration.
Thank you.

MIL OSI New Zealand News –

March 27, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: SBA Offers Relief to Arkansas Small Businesses and Private Nonprofits Affected by Summer Drought

Source: United States Small Business Administration

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced the availability of low interest federal disaster loans to small businesses and private nonprofit (PNP) organizations in Arkansas who sustained economic losses caused by the excessive heat and drought occurring from Aug. 1-Dec. 27, 2024.

The disaster declaration covers the counties of Ashley, Benton, Boone, Bradley, Carroll, Chicot, Cleveland, Conway, Crawford, Desha, Drew, Franklin, Garland, Johnson, Lincoln, Logan, Madison, Montgomery, Newton, Perry, Pope, Scott, Searcy, Van Buren, Washington, and Yell in Arkansas, as well as Barry, Stone and Taney counties in Missouri.

Under this declaration, SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program is available to small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, nurseries, and PNPs impacted by 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.

“Through a declaration by the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, SBA provides critical financial assistance to help communities recover,” said Chris Stallings, associate administrator of the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the SBA. “We’re pleased to offer loans to small businesses and private nonprofits impacted by these disasters.”

The loan amount can be up to $2 million with interest rates as low as 4% for small businesses and 3.25% for PNPs, with terms up to 30 years. Interest does not accrue, and payments are not due, until 12 months after the date of the first loan disbursement. The SBA sets loan amounts and terms based on each applicant’s financial condition.

To apply online, visit sba.gov/disaster. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email 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.

Submit completed loan applications to SBA no later than Nov. 21.

###

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, 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 –

March 27, 2025
MIL-Evening Report: New sentencing laws will drive NZ’s already high imprisonment rates – and budgets – even higher

Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Linda Mussell, Senior Lecturer, Political Science and International Relations, University of Canterbury

Paremoremo Maximum Security Prison near Auckland. Getty Images

With the government’s Sentencing (Reform) Amendment Bill about to become law within days, New Zealand’s already high incarceration rate will almost certainly climb even higher.

The new legislation essentially limits how much judges can reduce a prison sentence for mitigating factors (such as a guilty plea, young age or mental ability). A regulatory impact statement from the Ministry of Justice estimated it would result in 1,350 more people in prison.

This and other law changes are effectively putting more people in prison for longer. By 2035, imprisonment numbers are expected to increase by 40% from their current levels, with significant cost implications. Last year, the Corrections budget was NZ$1.94 billion, up $150 million from the previous year.

In sheer numbers, the Ministry of Justice projects the prison population will increase from 9,900 to 11,500 prisoners over the next decade. But Minister of Corrections Mark Mitchell recently said government policies could see a peak of 13,900 prisoners over that period.

New Zealand’s imprisonment rate is already high at 187 per 100,000 people. That’s double the rate of Canada (90 per 100,000), and well above Australia (163 per 100,000) and England (141 per 100,000).

Accounting for imprisonment and population projections, New Zealand’s prisoner ratio could be between 238 and 263 per 100,000 by 2035. That is higher than the current imprisonment rate in Iran (228 per 100,000).

The role of remand

Much of this increase is driven by the number of people awaiting trial or sentencing on remand. This has risen substantially in the past ten years and is expected to keep rising.

Remand prisoner numbers are projected to nearly equal sentenced prisoners in 2034. Among women and young people, remand numbers are already higher than for sentenced prisoners.

In October 2024, 89% of imprisoned youth were on remand, a 15% increase in seven years. In December 2024, 53% of women prisoners were on remand, more than double the 24% rate a decade ago. Men on remand comprise 41% of prisoners, nearly double the 21% rate a decade ago.

Māori are affected most by these increases, making up 81% of imprisoned youth, 67% of imprisoned women and 53% of imprisoned men.

Some 30% of those on remand are not convicted. Of those who are, data released to RNZ last year showed 2,138 people (15% of remand prisoners) were not convicted of their most serious change, almost double the 2014 figure of 1,075 people.

Significant court delays can mean people are remanded for a long time. By 2034, it is projected the average remand time will be 99 days, compared with 83 days in February 2024. As well as being a human rights concern, this is very expensive.

Minister of Corrections Mark Mitchell: prisoner numbers could reach 13,900 over the next decade.
Getty Images

Putting more people away for longer

Crime and imprisonment rates fluctuate independently of each other, as the former Chief Science Advisor acknowledged in a 2018 report. Increasing imprisonment rates are the result of political decisions, not simple arithmetic.

The Bail Amendment Act 2013 reversed the onus of proof in certain cases, meaning the default rule is that an accused person will not be granted bail. This results in more people being sent to prison while awaiting a hearing, trial or sentencing.

When this week’s changes to the Sentencing Act come into effect, they will further constrain judges’ discretion, capping sentence reductions for mitigating factors at 40% (unless it would be “manifestly unjust”).

At the same time, it has become more difficult for prisoners to return to the community. For example, some are kept in prison or recalled because they do not have stable housing. (Dean Wickliffe, currently on a hunger strike over an alleged assault by prison staff, was arrested for breaching parole by living in his car.)

Last year, Corrections received $1.94 billion in operating and capital budget, a $150 million increase to account for rising imprisonment numbers and prison expansion. There was no meaningful increase in funding for rehabilitation programmes or investment in legal aid.

Imprisoning people is expensive. The cost of a person on custodial remand has almost doubled since 2015, from $239 a day to $437. For sentenced prisoners, it is $562 per day. This comes to between $159,505 and $205,130 per year to confine one person.

The Waikeria expansion and beyond

Corrections has developed a Long-Term Network Configuration Plan to meet anticipated prison population growth. This year’s budget in May will fund 240 high-security beds and 52 health centre beds at Christchurch men’s prison, at a cost of approximately $700-800 million.

Those 240 beds will fit within 160 cells, meaning “double-bunking”. This is known to have a significant impact to prisoner health and rehabilitation, and can also add to staffing costs.

Former corrections minister Kelvin Davis acknowledged this before the first 600-bed expansion of Waikeria prison, costed at $750 million in 2018. By June 2023, that had increased by 22% to $916 million.

The second Waikeria expansion will deliver another 810 beds for an estimated $890 million, although the exact budget has been unclear. These projects will involve public private partnership, a model known for not always delivering the cost savings and service quality initially promised.

There will be other costs for facilities maintenance, asset management services and financing. And there can be unanticipated costs, too. For example, the government’s partner in the Waikeria expansion, Cornerstone, claimed $430 million against Corrections in 2022 for “time and productivity losses” due to COVID-19.

These overall trends are happening while the government is also cutting funding for important social services. Shifting resources to improve social supports would be a better option – and one that has worked in Finland – than pouring more money into expanding prisons.

Linda Mussell 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. New sentencing laws will drive NZ’s already high imprisonment rates – and budgets – even higher – https://theconversation.com/new-sentencing-laws-will-drive-nzs-already-high-imprisonment-rates-and-budgets-even-higher-253119

MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

March 27, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Former North Dakota State Senator Sentenced to 10 Years’ Imprisonment for Traveling to Prague to Engage in Commercial Sex with Children

Source: US State of North Dakota

A former North Dakota state legislator for 45 years was sentenced today to 10 years in prison for traveling to Prague in the Czech Republic, where he paid to sexually exploit children.

According to court documents, Raymon (Ray) Everett Holmberg, 81, of Grand Forks, traveled to Prague approximately 14 times between 2011 and 2021. During these trips, while staying at a brothel that catered to men looking to engage in commercial sex with adolescent boys, Holmberg paid for sex acts with boys. During some of the trips, Holmberg used the alias “Sean Evans.” Witnesses told law enforcement that Holmberg did not want his name on the brothel’s registry because he was a North Dakota state legislator. Witnesses also told law enforcement that Holmberg would also visit a public park in front of the main train station in Prague to procure sex from underage boys.

Holmberg also used the “Evans” alias to tell friends about his trips and encourage them to travel to Prague. In these communications, Holmberg shared an image of an adolescent boy that he called “his twink,” and said that “no one is ever to [sic] young . . . remember Prague.” He emailed a different friend a link to a brothel in Prague and suggested that they go that summer, writing: “The boys rent at around $60 . . . (sex is extra).” Holmberg also wrote: “It will be decadent but oh so much fun bro. What happens in Prague—Stays in Prague.” Back in the United States, Holmberg boasted about having engaged in sexual activity with boys as young as 12- and 15-years old during his travels.

According to the government’s sentencing memorandum, Holmberg’s sexual exploitation of minors was not limited to his trips to Prague. Holmberg established an online relationship with a 16-year-old Canadian boy, posing as a boy of a similar age in order to manipulate the Canadian teen into taking images of himself engaging in sexually explicit conduct and sending them to Holmberg.

On Aug. 8, 2024, Holmberg pleaded guilty to traveling in foreign commerce for the purpose of engaging in illicit sexual conduct.

Matthew R. Galeotti, Head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and Acting U.S. Attorney Jennifer Puhl for the District of North Dakota made the announcement.

Homeland Security Investigations, Grand Forks, and the North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigations investigated the case.

Trial Attorney Charles Schmitz of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, and Acting U.S. Attorney Jennifer Puhl for the District of North Dakota are prosecuting the case.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, visit www.justice.gov/psc.

MIL OSI USA News –

March 27, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Former North Dakota State Senator Sentenced to 10 Years’ Imprisonment for Traveling to Prague to Engage in Commercial Sex with Children

Source: United States Attorneys General 2

A former North Dakota state legislator for 45 years was sentenced today to 10 years in prison for traveling to Prague in the Czech Republic, where he paid to sexually exploit children.

According to court documents, Raymon (Ray) Everett Holmberg, 81, of Grand Forks, traveled to Prague approximately 14 times between 2011 and 2021. During these trips, while staying at a brothel that catered to men looking to engage in commercial sex with adolescent boys, Holmberg paid for sex acts with boys. During some of the trips, Holmberg used the alias “Sean Evans.” Witnesses told law enforcement that Holmberg did not want his name on the brothel’s registry because he was a North Dakota state legislator. Witnesses also told law enforcement that Holmberg would also visit a public park in front of the main train station in Prague to procure sex from underage boys.

Holmberg also used the “Evans” alias to tell friends about his trips and encourage them to travel to Prague. In these communications, Holmberg shared an image of an adolescent boy that he called “his twink,” and said that “no one is ever to [sic] young . . . remember Prague.” He emailed a different friend a link to a brothel in Prague and suggested that they go that summer, writing: “The boys rent at around $60 . . . (sex is extra).” Holmberg also wrote: “It will be decadent but oh so much fun bro. What happens in Prague—Stays in Prague.” Back in the United States, Holmberg boasted about having engaged in sexual activity with boys as young as 12- and 15-years old during his travels.

According to the government’s sentencing memorandum, Holmberg’s sexual exploitation of minors was not limited to his trips to Prague. Holmberg established an online relationship with a 16-year-old Canadian boy, posing as a boy of a similar age in order to manipulate the Canadian teen into taking images of himself engaging in sexually explicit conduct and sending them to Holmberg.

On Aug. 8, 2024, Holmberg pleaded guilty to traveling in foreign commerce for the purpose of engaging in illicit sexual conduct.

Matthew R. Galeotti, Head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and Acting U.S. Attorney Jennifer Puhl for the District of North Dakota made the announcement.

Homeland Security Investigations, Grand Forks, and the North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigations investigated the case.

Trial Attorney Charles Schmitz of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, and Acting U.S. Attorney Jennifer Puhl for the District of North Dakota are prosecuting the case.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, visit www.justice.gov/psc.

MIL Security OSI –

March 27, 2025

MIL-OSI: LeddarTech Reports Annual Shareholder Meeting Results

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

QUEBEC CITY, Canada, March 26, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — LeddarTech^® Holdings Inc. (“LeddarTech” or the “Corporation”) (Nasdaq: LDTC), an automotive software company that provides patented disruptive AI-powered low-level sensor fusion and perception software technology, LeddarVision™, announces the voting results of its annual general and special meeting of shareholders held on March 26, 2025 (the “Meeting”). Shareholders voted on various proposals and elected directors to the board.

Key Highlights of the Meeting

1. Election of Directors: The full slate of six directors was elected to serve until the next annual meeting of shareholders or until a successor is elected or appointed.

Nominee	Votes For	% of Voted	Votes Against	% of Voted
Frantz Saintellemy	22,429,293	99.69%	68,631	0.31%
Charles Boulanger	22,392,108	99.53%	105,816	0.47%
Derek Aberle	22,470,109	99.88%	27,815	0.12%
Yann Delabrière	22,475,831	99.90%	22,093	0.10%
Sylvie Veilleux	22,471,696	99.88%	26,228	0.12%
Lizabeth Ardisana	22,474,890	99.90%	23,034	0.10%

As previously disclosed, Nick Stone and Michelle Sterling, who were members of the Board up to the Meeting, have decided not to stand for reelection.

2. Approval of Auditor: The appointment of Richter LLP as auditors of the Corporation was approved, and the board of directors of the Corporation was authorized to fix the auditors’ remuneration.

Votes For	% of Voted	Votes Withheld	% of Voted
25,480,228	99.81%	49,275	0.19%

3. Other

3.1 The amendment to the Corporation’s omnibus equity-based incentive plan to increase the number of common shares available for issuance thereunder was approved and ratified.

Votes For	% of Voted	Votes Against	% of Voted	Votes Abstain	% of Voted
22,187,011	98.62%	199,079	0.88%	111,834	0.50%

3.2 A second and separate amendment to the Corporation’s omnibus equity-based incentive plan for the adoption of an evergreen provision to the omnibus equity-based incentive plan, providing for an automatic annual increase in the common shares available for issuance thereunder over the next five years, was approved and ratified.

Votes For	% of Voted	Votes Against	% of Voted	Votes Abstain	% of Voted
15,862,324	70.51%	6,630,055	29.47%	5,545	0.02%

For further details on each of these matters, please refer to the Corporation’s management information circular dated February 7, 2025, available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca and EDGAR at www.sec.gov. Final voting results on all matters voted on at the Meeting will be posted on the Investor Relations section of LeddarTech.com and filed on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca and EDGAR at www.sec.gov.

About LeddarTech

A global software company founded in 2007 and headquartered in Quebec City with additional R&D centers in Montreal and Tel Aviv, Israel, LeddarTech develops and provides comprehensive AI-based low-level sensor fusion and perception software solutions that enable the deployment of ADAS, autonomous driving (AD) and parking applications. LeddarTech’s automotive-grade software applies advanced AI and computer vision algorithms to generate accurate 3D models of the environment to achieve better decision making and safer navigation. This high-performance, scalable, cost-effective technology is available to OEMs and Tier 1-2 suppliers to efficiently implement automotive and off-road vehicle ADAS solutions.

LeddarTech is responsible for several remote-sensing innovations, with over 170 patent applications (87 granted) that enhance ADAS, AD and parking capabilities. Better awareness around the vehicle is critical in making global mobility safer, more efficient, sustainable and affordable: this is what drives LeddarTech to seek to become the most widely adopted sensor fusion and perception software solution.

Additional information about LeddarTech is accessible at www.leddartech.com and on LinkedIn, Twitter (X), Facebook and YouTube.

Contact:
Chris Stewart, Chief Financial Officer, LeddarTech Holdings Inc.
Tel.: + 1-514-427-0858, chris.stewart@leddartech.com

Leddar, LeddarTech, LeddarVision, LeddarSP, VAYADrive, VayaVision and related logos are trademarks or registered trademarks of LeddarTech Holdings Inc. and its subsidiaries. All other brands, product names and marks are or may be trademarks or registered trademarks used to identify products or services of their respective owners.

LeddarTech Holdings Inc. is a public company listed on the Nasdaq under the ticker symbol “LDTC.”

The MIL Network –

March 27, 2025

MIL-OSI New Zealand: Government to support greenfield housing
Source: New Zealand Government

The Government has made changes to build more homes on the outskirts of our cities, allocating $100 million to be lent to developers for housing infrastructure, as well as cutting the RMA red tape restricting land available for development, says Housing and Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop.

“The government is committed to letting our cities grow up and out to address our housing crisis. Medium-sized greenfield developments play a crucial role in increasing supply, but without the right support, many projects risk being delayed or unable to progress,” says Chris Bishop.

“The government’s Going for Housing Growth and Resource Management Act reforms will be critical in addressing our housing crisis – but it will take time to legislate and then bed in. In the meantime, we don’t have time to waste, so these immediate changes are necessary interim measures to help boost housing supply.

“The government’s National Infrastructure Funding and Financing Agency (NIFFCo) has been developing a pipeline of potential important greenfield projects, and the initial transactions are expected to be drawn from this pipeline.

“Under this new model, which we are calling the Greenfield Model, NIFFCo will lend to an Infrastructure Funding and Finance Act Special Purpose Vehicle at a very competitive interest rate during the development phase of a project. Then, the debt will be refinanced to private markets once the development is complete. The funding will ultimately be repaid by future homeowners through an annual levy.

“The development phase of a project is often the riskiest, and private financiers reflect this by charging higher interest rates. NIFFCo’s loan will provide lower cost financing to developers over the development period by charging approximately what private financiers would charge for completed developments.

“This support will bridge the financing gap and help ensure that new homes continue to be built in areas where they are needed most.

“Funding for the new ‘Greenfield Model’ comes from unallocated funding within NIFFCo. It will be able to recycle capital into new projects after the five- to seven-year development period.

“I am also announcing today that Cabinet has agreed to remove LUC-3 protections from the National Policy Statement on Highly Productive Land (NPS-HPL) this year, fulfilling National’s election promise.

“The NPS-HPL protects our productive soils from development, ensuring New Zealand has a secure food supply. However, there needs to be a balance between how we protect our most productive land with our need for more housing to tackle our housing crisis.

“As currently drafted, the NPS-HPL protects a total of 15 percent of the country’s landmass. Three classifications of soil are protected under the NPS-HPL, with two thirds being classified as LUC-3, the lowest quality.

“Across the country, this change has the potential to open up new land for greenfield housing roughly equivalent to the size of the Waikato region.

“To ensure we have got the balance between protecting our food supply and enabling more houses to be built, alongside this change we are going to consult on whether we should establish ‘special agriculture zones’.

“These would essentially protect LUC 1, 2 and 3 land when it is grouped together in a natural configuration in key horticultural horticulture hubs like Horowhenua or Pukekohe.

“These are good, short-term and cost-effective interventions while we get the underlying system settings right to fix our housing crisis. They will both make it easier to bring new much needed housing projects to market that otherwise wouldn’t have happened or would have happened much later.”

Notes to Editors:

Background:
1. The Infrastructure Funding and Finance Act (IFF Act) enables Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) to finance infrastructure by charging a levy to those who benefit from the infrastructure. NIFFCo provides equity and debt, raises necessary external debt finance, operates SPVs, and repays finance through levies collected through councils.
2. The IFF Act has been successfully used for city-wide transport projects in Tauranga and a wastewater treatment plant in Wellington.
MIL OSI New Zealand News –
March 27, 2025
MIL-OSI New Zealand: Speech to the Property Council Residential Development Summit

Source: New Zealand Government

Good morning.
I’m excited to be here at the Residential Development Summit.
Thank you to the Property Council for hosting this event.
Residential developers, investors, and the broader property community will play a key role in fixing New Zealand’s housing crisis.
We need your knowledge, expertise, and big ideas to help New Zealand’s housing system grow. We need to go up, we need to go out, we need more housing choice, and we need more tenure types.
Today I’d like to give you an update on our Going for Housing Growth programme, and how changes to the Resource Management Act (RMA) will make it simpler and easier to supply the housing that New Zealanders so desperately need.
I will also be announcing actions Government has agreed to that will enable more greenfield development – allowing our cities to grow out.
Letting our cities grow
I am, unapologetically, an urbanist – dare I say, an ‘urban nerd’ – and a proponent of growth.
I won’t dwell on our housing challenge. You’ve all heard me bang on about that before. Our housing crisis is holding New Zealand back socially and economically.
Report after report and inquiry after inquiry has found that our planning system, particularly restrictions on the supply of urban land, are at the heart of our housing affordability challenge.
I believe that fixing our planning system by making it more enabling and getting the fundamentals right in housing are the best things we can do to unleash New Zealand’s potential.
Getting this right will:

lift economic growth and productivity,
reduce the cost-of-living pressure from housing, and
ensure New Zealanders can enjoy a higher standard of living.

As the Minister Responsible for RMA Reform, Minister of Housing, and now Minister of Transport, I get up every day determined to try and make a difference.
Update on Going for Housing Growth
Let me start with an update of our Going for Housing Growth programme.
It has three pillars:

Pillar One: freeing up land for development and removing unnecessary planning barriers,
Pillar Two: improving infrastructure funding and financing to support urban growth, and
Pillar Three: providing incentives for communities and councils to support growth.
Housing Growth Targets for Tier 1 and 2 councils to “live-zone” 30-years of housing demand,
making it easier for cities to expand,
strengthening the intensification provisions in the National Policy Statement on Urban Development (NPS-UD),
putting in new rules requiring councils to enable mixed-used development, and
abolishing minimum floor areas and balcony requirements.

Pillar One
We have made good progress on Pillar One which includes:
I announced these changes last year and officials have been working hard on the finer details.
The changes I announced last year build on the NPS-UD brought in by the previous government in 2020, but they obviously sit within the existing RMA structure.
As you’ll have seen on Monday, the Government is replacing the RMA entirely with two new laws.
This presents an obvious sequencing problem. We are committed to housing growth targets, strengthening density requirements, and so on.
This year we will consult on changes through Pillar One, as intended. You can expect that around May.
However, if we implemented them straight away in 2026, Councils would be forced to conduct expensive and lengthy plan changes – only to start all over again a year or so later once the new RMA comes into effect.
So, we’ve made the pragmatic decision to implement Pillar One of our Housing Growth changes as part of the replacement of the RMA.
This also allows us to think about housing growth targets in the context of standardised zones.
So, councils will implement Phase 3 of the Resource Management reforms through development of new plans, starting from 2027.
Rest assured, Pillar One will be ready to go for Councils’ 2027 Long Term Plan cycle.
Pillar Two
Now, let’s talk about Pillar Two – improving infrastructure funding and financing.
Pillar One is about upending the system by flooding the market with development opportunities and fundamentally making housing more affordable.
But, freeing up urban land is not enough on its own. We also need to ensure the timely provision of infrastructure.
Put simply, you can’t have housing without land, water, transport, and other community infrastructure.
But under the status quo, councils and developers face big challenges to fund and finance enabling infrastructure.
So, last month I announced five changes to our infrastructure funding and financing toolkit to get more houses built.

The first is replacing Development Contributions (DCs) with a Development Levy System, where growth pays for growth,
The second is establishing regulatory oversight of these Levies to ensure charges are fair and appropriate,
The third is increasing the flexibility of targeted rates,
The fourth is making changes to the Infrastructure Funding and Financing Act (IFF Act) that will make it more effective and simplify processes, and
The fifth is broadening the IFF Act so that beneficiaries can help pay for major transportation projects.

I won’t go into too much detail here today.
But at a high-level, these changes will help create a flexible funding and financing system to match our flexible planning system.
These are some big changes, and it will take some time to get them right.
Our aim is to have legislation in the House by September this year, to come into effect next year.
Councils will be able to make the shift to development levies on the same timeline as the 2027 Long Term Plan cycle.
You can see, I hope, a lot of really good things coming together around 2027.
Pillar Three
On Pillar Three, officials are working away on this, and we will have more to say later this year.
Changes to RMA will support more housing
I want to quickly talk about how RMA reform will make it simpler and easier to supply the housing New Zealanders need.
For example, standardised zones will be a game changer.
I completely agree with urban economist Stuart Donovan – zoning is so balkanised that even large developers tend to stick to one or a few main centres as branching out requires reconfiguring to different planning rules.
Developers currently face a Gordian knot of these rules.
Maximum building heights of 9m in Kapiti versus 8m in Dunedin. Porirua requires an outdoor living space of at least 20m2 for a medium-density residential unit – in the Manawatu it’s 36m2. In Dunedin, maximum building site coverage can vary from 30% to 60% whereas in Taupō it varies from 2.5% to 55%.
Councils are even getting involved with things as niche as whether it is possible for someone to see the TV from the likely location of their couch – or whether doors should face out for “privacy” or in for “inclusion and community”.
I get email after email about this stuff. People stop me in the street to tell me about it. It is utterly out of control.
Councils should be focusing on engaging with communities, looking at capacity in the network, and making decisions on where growth is most appropriate.
And we need to grow both up and out.
For the remainder of this speech, I want to focus on what we are doing to enable more greenfield development.
Changes to the NPS-HPL
The National Policy Statement for Highly Productive Land – or the NPS-HPL, was introduced by the last Government to protect New Zealand’s highly productive soils. This piece of national direction is intended to boost food security for both our domestic food supply and primary exports.
However, it is clear that it has gone too far. As currently drafted, the NPS-HPL protects a total of 15 percent of the country’s landmass. That’s nearly as large as the entire Canterbury region.
This protected land often surrounds our biggest and fastest growing cities where growth is busting to get out.
I have lost count of the number of developers who have come up to me since this has been introduced, frustrated that they are unable to secure land for greenfield housing to be developed.
There needs to be a balance between how we protect our most productive land with our need for more housing to tackle our housing crisis.
Right now, that balance is out of whack.
National campaigned on amending the NPS-HPL to remove the lowest classification of land protected, what is known as LUC-3.
This kind of land is not the golden soils we need in Pukekohe – instead, it’s much lower quality land that is good for housing.
Despite being a lower quality of soil, two thirds of land protected by the NPS-HPL is classified as LUC-3.
I am pleased to announce today that Cabinet has agreed to remove LUC-3 from the NPS-HPL this year, fulfilling our election promise.
Across the country, this will open up land for housing roughly equivalent to the size of the Waikato region.
Alongside this, we are going to consult on whether we should establish what we’ve called ‘special agriculture zones’ around key horticulture hubs like Horowhenua or Pukekohe. This would essentially protect LUC 1, 2 and 3 land when it is grouped together in a natural configuration.
We need more houses, and we need more greenfield development.
Removing these restrictions will allow us to have our vegetables and eat them too.
Changes to the NPS-HPL will be progressed as part of our National Direction changes in Phase 2 of our RMA reforms.
I will announce further details about the timing and shape of that package tomorrow but wanted to announce this change today to highlight our Government’s commitment to greenfield housing.
Greenfield Model
To further demonstrate this commitment, we are also taking action to get more greenfield houses built in the near term.
I am pleased to announce that the Government will provide finance to developers to ensure more medium-sized greenfield developments – think around 1,000 to 2,000 dwellings – are enabled through the Infrastructure Funding and Finance Act.
We are calling this the Greenfield Model.
The Government will support National Infrastructure Funding and Financing Ltd – or NIFFCo – in lending up to $100 million to developers for infrastructure needed to enable new greenfield housing.
This model is being funded using existing unallocated funding within NIFFCo.
Here is how it will work.
NIFFCo will lend to an IFF Act Special Purpose Vehicle at a very competitive interest rate during the development phase of a project.
Then, the debt will be refinanced to private markets once the development is complete, with the funding ultimately being repaid by future homeowners through an annual levy.
The development phase of a project is often the riskiest – and private financiers reflect this by charging higher interest rates.
NIFFCo’s loan will provide lower cost financing to developers over the development period by charging approximately what private financiers would charge for completed developments.
This is a big win for growth.
NIFFCo will also be able to recycle capital into new projects after the five- to seven-year development period.
We are putting the Greenfield Model in place as a targeted interim measure while our Going for Housing Growth policy and Local Government reforms bed-in from 2027 or so onwards.
To date, the IFF Act has not been used for greenfield housing developments.
The Act is complex, and levies are deemed too expensive. The higher than anticipated levies are also much less favourable than using DCs which are often artificially low, under-recover growth costs, and are cross subsidised by rates.
The economics of IFF Act levies just don’t make sense right now.
The changes we are making through Pillar Two, particularly around improvements to the IFF Act and our shift from DCs to Development Levies, will do the heavy lifting to fix incentives and put in place a more effective infrastructure funding and financing system where growth pays for growth.
But, as fast as we are going on this, it won’t happen overnight.
So, the Greenfield Model is a good short-term, cost-effective intervention as the lower interest rate provides benefits of around $10,000 per dwelling.
For comparison, the Infrastructure Acceleration Fund, which was set up to support new housing by the previous government, cost around $28,000 per house.
This model will support growth that otherwise wouldn’t have happened – or would have happened much later.
I am excited to just crack on.
Conclusion
Let me finish by saying that solving our housing crisis is one of this Government’s top priorities.
And to be honest, it is my number one priority.
I look forward to working with you to grow up and out, and to deliver more housing that New Zealanders need.
Thank you.

MIL OSI New Zealand News –

March 27, 2025
MIL-Evening Report: Australia may no longer be a ‘deputy sheriff’, but its reliance on the US has only grown deeper since 2000

Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By David Andrews, Senior Manager, Policy & Engagement, Australian National University

The year 2000 marked an inflection point for many Western countries, including Australia, in their outlook towards the world.

The focus began to shift away from the peacekeeping interventions that had dominated the previous decade to one shaped by counter-terrorism operations and deployments to the Middle East.

The threat of terrorism hasn’t gone away. But Australia is much more preoccupied by threats of a different nature 25 years later, largely emanating from China. These include cyber attacks, economic coercion, political interference, and the harassment of Australian Defence Force (ADF) ships, aircraft and personnel.

Though our international outlook has changed a lot over the past quarter century, Australia’s alliance with the US has remained a constant throughout.

However, as our militaries have grown closer, the US-China competition has also intensified. Combined with the array of unpredictable and destabilising decisions coming from the second Trump administration, this closeness has caused some unease in Australia.

Evolving threats and challenges

In December 2000, the Howard government released its first Defence White Paper. This marked the beginning of a period of major change in Australia’s international outlook and presence.

It emphasised that “two interrelated trends seem likely to shape our strategic environment most strongly – globalisation and US strategic primacy”. It also noted that “military operations other than conventional war [were] becoming more common.”

The paper was prescient in respect to China’s rise, as well. It said:

The United States is central to the Asia-Pacific security system […] It will be in Asia that the United States is likely to face the toughest issues in shaping its future strategic role – especially in its relationship with China.

There is a small but still significant possibility of growing and sustained confrontation between the major powers in Asia, and even of outright conflict. Australia’s interests could be deeply engaged in such a conflict, especially if it involved the United States.

Yet, nine months after that document’s release, the terrorist attacks of September 11 2001, followed by the Bali bombings of 2002, began to dramatically reshape the global security outlook.

A few days after the September 11 attack, Howard invoked the ANZUS Treaty for the first and only time, joinging US President George W. Bush’s “war on terror”. Australian forces then deployed to Afghanistan as part of the US-led invasion in October 2001.

By the time the 2003 Foreign Policy White Paper was released, it highlighted “terrorism, the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, regional disorder and transnational crimes such as people smuggling” as the key features of Australia’s “more complex security environment”.

A month later, Australia joined the US-led “coalition of the willing” to invade Iraq to overthrow the regime of Saddam Hussein and locate and destroy stockpiles of weapons of mass destruction believed to be there. (It later emerged that evidence of the existence of these weapons was erroneous.)

Australia contributed 2,000 troops to the mission. Our soldiers remained actively engaged in training, reconstruction and rehabilitation work in Iraq until July 2009.

Both of these events tied Australia’s foreign policy interests to the US to a greater degree than any time since the Vietnam War.

Although the relationship with the US had been critical to Australian defence and foreign policy for decades, it had become less prominent in Australia’s strategic planning in the years following the end of the Cold War.

US support – and diplomatic pressure on Indonesia – had been vital in securing the post-referendum presence of Australian peacekeepers in East Timor in 1999. However, it was the “war on terror” that really re-centred the relationship as core to Australian foreign policy.

In fact, Australia was even referred to as the US’ “deputy sheriff” in the Asia-Pacific – a nickname used by Bush in 2003 that caused some unease at home and in the region.

This image has since gone on to have significant staying power, and it’s proved difficult for Australia to dislodge.

History repeating?

Though the accusations of war crimes levelled against Australian special forces in Afghanistan continue to reverberate, our foreign policy focus has shifted firmly back to our own region.

This change was driven in large part by the perceived threat posed by a rising China. While the need to focus more on China was acknowledged as early as the 2009 Defence White Paper, this emphasis became most pronounced under Scott Morrison’s leadership.

The 2024 National Defence Strategy portrayed Australia as facing “its most challenging strategic environment since the Second World War”.

It advocated for a significant change in the ADF’s strategic objectives and structure, noting the optimism of the 1990s had been “replaced by the uncertainty and tensions of entrenched and increasing strategic competition between the US and China”.

Today, the military ties between the US and Australia are arguably as close as they have ever been.

The ADF operates top-tier US platforms like the F-35 combat aircraft, P-8 maritime patrol aircraft, M1 Abrams tanks, and AH-64 Apache helicopters. Defence Minister Richard Marles has gone so far as to say the ADF should not only interoperable with the US, but interchangeable.

If all goes to plan, Australia will also build and operate its own fleet of nuclear-powered submarines under the AUKUS partnership in the coming decades.

At the same time, US President Donald Trump’s “America First” positioning has made the US’ closest allies nervous.

His early moves have put paid to the notion that globalisation is the goal all major states are pursuing. In fact, some argue that deglobalisation may be taking hold as the US aggressively enacts tariffs against its allies, pursues economic onshoring and withdraws from key international bodies.

These actions have led to many to question whether Australia has become too dependent on its major ally and if we need to emphasise a more self-reliant defence posture. However, this is much easier said than done.

Looking back, the year 2000 represented the beginning of a period of major change for Australian foreign policy. Such is the pace of change now, we may view 2025 in the same light in another quarter century.

Whether Australia’s alliance with the US will face long-term harm is yet to be seen. No matter how the bilateral relationship may change, the Indo-Pacific region will continue to be at the core of Australia’s foreign policy outlook, much as it was at the turn of the century.

This piece is part of a series on how Australia has changed since the year 2000. You can read other pieces in the series here.

David Andrews has not personally received funding from any relevant external bodies, but he has previously worked on projects funded by the Departments of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Home Affairs, and Defence. David is a member of the Australian Labor Party and Australian Institute of International Affairs, and previously worked for the Department of Defence.

– ref. Australia may no longer be a ‘deputy sheriff’, but its reliance on the US has only grown deeper since 2000 – https://theconversation.com/australia-may-no-longer-be-a-deputy-sheriff-but-its-reliance-on-the-us-has-only-grown-deeper-since-2000-252501

MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

March 27, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: News 03/26/2025 PHOTO: Blackburn Hosts Tele-Town Hall with Middle and East Tennesseans

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn)
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) released the following statement after hosting a telephone town hall with residents from Campbell, Cumberland, Fentress, Grundy, Jackson, Macon, Marshall, Moore, Morgan, Overton, Pickett, Putnam, Roane, Scott, Smith, and Warren counties:
“Last night, I heard from individuals across Middle and East Tennessee who are so pleased with President Trump’s actions to secure our border and hold the federal government accountable for spending taxpayer dollars wisely,” said Senator Blackburn. “Just this week, the Trump administration arrested 370 illegal aliens in Boston, including many facing charges or convictions for murder, drug trafficking, organized crime, and child sex abuse. The Trump administration is already Making America Safe Again, and Tennesseans can sleep better at night knowing they have a president who is working around the clock to make their communities safer.”

MIL OSI USA News –

March 27, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Reed pledges to “end throwaway society” working with business to slash waste, boost growth and clean up Britain
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments 2

Press release

Reed pledges to “end throwaway society” working with business to slash waste, boost growth and clean up Britain

In front of industry titans, Environment Secretary Steve Reed to outline plan to cut waste across industry as part of Government’s Plan for Change
Construction workers on a building site

A new plan to transform the nation’s economy by slashing waste across industry will be unveiled today (Thursday 27 March) in a speech by Environment Secretary Steve Reed.

Speaking to industry leaders from the likes of Mace, British Land, Jaguar Land Rover, the Food and Drink Federation and the Environmental Services Association, at the Dock Shed in London, Environment Secretary Steve Reed will set out how the government will provide the direction and certainty for businesses to plan and spearhead the nation’s transition to a truly circular and future-proof economy. This will deliver growth and fundamentally shift our relationship with the goods we use every day – making reuse and repair the norm and ending the throwaway society.

He will underline how introducing the seismic shift to a circular economy – where innovation is paramount – is now essential in delivering real change in communities across the country, with recycling rates stagnating and far too much waste going to landfill or being burned in incinerators.

To kickstart the nation’s move to a circular economy, an independent Circular Economy Taskforce – chaired by Andrew Morlet, former CEO of the Ellen MacArthur Foundation – was established to bring together the brightest minds from industry, academia and civil society to tackle this challenge head on.

The Government has now confirmed the first five priority sectors that the taskforce will focus on to make the greatest difference – textiles, transport, construction, agri-food and chemicals & plastics.

Delivering on businesses’ calls for more government leadership, the Taskforce will now work with these sectors to create a series of specific roadmaps to improve and reform the approach to using materials, underpinned by a Circular Economy Strategy which will be published in Autumn. Both the roadmaps and Strategy will give businesses certainty to plan and the confidence to build and invest in new infrastructure.

Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Steve Reed said:

It’s time to end Britain’s throwaway society – the status quo is economically, environmentally, and socially unsustainable.

Moving to a circular economy is a pivotal moment for British businesses to innovate, grow and lead the world, so we can slash waste and strengthen supply chains.

My vision for delivering a truly circular economy is an important step in kickstarting this path to change. That is why we are bringing together the brightest minds from industry, academia and civil society to deliver this, which won’t just clean up our streets and reduce the need for landfill and incineration, but help us cut carbon emissions, create new jobs and increase business profitability.

The case for making this transition is clear – underlined by stable government leadership, businesses will be given the freedom to harness their world-leading entrepreneurial spirit, by allowing them to unlock new technologies and ensuring the right infrastructure is in place to maximise what they offer.

Sectors will also benefit from untapped profit streams, while being vital in delivering the Government’s Plan for Change and mission to boost economic growth, helping to revitalise towns and cities with new investment. This will create the industries of the future and thousands of highly skilled, well-paid jobs to support them in the long term.

Recent events, like Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine, have also shown that international supply chains are at greater risk from global instability. Embracing a circular economy will secure our national security in an increasingly unstable world, ensuring local supply chains are toughened up and more of the resources we produce are used, rather than relying on the 80% of materials we import from abroad.

The Government’s waste reforms, which include an overhaul of collection and packaging regimes, represent progress in moving the nation to a circular economy and work will continue to make sure they work for businesses. Together these reforms will generate an estimated £10 billion investment in new recycling infrastructure and create 21,000 green jobs.

From innovative tech start-ups turning waste into valuable materials, to community enterprises giving used goods a second chance, British businesses are already showing what is possible when this forward-thinking approach is adopted.

However, the government inherited an economy in need of fresh ideas, and bold approaches – challenges which will be met through the circular economy transition, while contributing to the government’s Plan for Change and moving us on the path to Net Zero.

Andrew Morlet, chair of the Circular Economy Taskforce, said:

Transitioning to a circular economy is an ambitious but crucial goal as this Government kickstarts economic growth and turns Britain into a clean energy superpower.

I welcome the vision set out by the Environment Secretary at this critical juncture in our journey. Our taskforce will bring together industry, academic and policy experts with central and local government to ensure we maximise its potential fully by creating jobs, increasing resource efficiency and accelerating the path to net zero.

Libby Peake, head of resource policy at the Green Alliance and member of the Circular Economy Taskforce, said:

Waste is baked into our current economic system and causes us harm on so many levels. It’s degrading our environment and international supply chains to the extent that economic shocks become inevitable. It adds a cost burden to businesses’ bottom lines and frustrates people who are fed up with shoddy products, blatant waste and litter.

But as the Environment Secretary outlines today, it really doesn’t have to be this way and it’s great to hear his vision for how innovative, circular businesses will thrive in the UK in future. It’s an incredible opportunity to help bring that about this change as part of the government’s Circular Economy Taskforce.

The sectors were chosen as the first ones for intervention after the Taskforce analysed extensive evidence, which found they had the best potential to generate major economic gains, while protecting the environment and delivering Net Zero.

This comes as senior officials from the UK Government, Dutch Government and City of London Corporation came together at Mansion House yesterday to set out a path towards closer working to finance the move to a circular economy.

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Published 27 March 2025
MIL OSI United Kingdom –
March 27, 2025
MIL-OSI United Nations: 26 March 2025 Departmental update New study highlights the potential impact of funding cuts on the HIV response

Source: World Health Organisation

A new study published in The Lancet HIV conducted by the Burnet Institute and WHO highlights the potential impact of international funding cuts on the global HIV response. The research underscores the urgent need for sustained financial support to prevent millions of new HIV infections and deaths in the coming years.

The study, which analysed data from 26 countries, found that if international support declines, an additional 4.43 to 10.75 million new HIV infections – including up to 880 000 in children – could occur by 2030. In the same period, 770 000 to 2.93 million more people could die from HIV-related causes, with up to 120 000 of these deaths affecting children.

Low- and middle-income countries could be the most affected, particularly those in sub-Saharan Africa. This region has seen tremendous progress in HIV treatment coverage for people living with HIV, pregnant women and children, and in prevention for populations at high risk of infection.

Dr Meg Doherty, Director of WHO’s Department of Global HIV, Hepatitis and Sexually Transmitted Infections Programmes, emphasized the importance of international collaboration and investment in maintaining progress against HIV. “This study is a stark reminder that international cooperation and funding are essential to sustain the advances we’ve made in HIV prevention and treatment, as well as in developing innovative products that save lives.”

Halting treatment causes a rapid increase in HIV viral load and a decline in CD4 cell count, leading to increased potential for HIV transmission and development of advanced HIV disease, respectively. The study found that the discontinuation of HIV treatment, in scenarios where funding cuts and suspensions continued, could lead to an additional 4.4 million new infections, even if mitigation efforts resumed treatment within two years. If the available funds were redirected from HIV testing and prevention services to maintain critical treatment for people living with HIV, an additional 1.7 million new infections by 2030 would occur, compared to the status quo scenario.

Since 2015, international donors have provided around 40% of all HIV funding in low- and middle-income countries. Programmes like PEPFAR and The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria have been instrumental in providing the financial, programmatic and technical support needed to implement and expand HIV services.

HIV service disruptions that have resulted from funding challenges in 2025 include staffing shortages, supply chain interruptions, and increased barriers to access for prevention and treatment services. As Dr Doherty stated, “It is crucial to develop innovative, country-led financing strategies and integrate HIV services into broader health systems to maintain progress and prevent avoidable suffering and deaths.”

WHO remains committed to supporting national governments, community and civil society partners, and donors in adapting to changing donor support to safeguard the health and well-being of those most vulnerable to HIV, viral hepatitis and sexually transmitted infections. By building the capacity of national health systems, the global community can continue essential life-saving services and support the long-term stability of sustainable health systems.

MIL OSI United Nations News –

March 27, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Senators Reverend Warnock, Ossoff, Join Congressmembers Scott, Bishop, to Reintroduce Bipartisan, Bicameral Bill to Establish Ocmulgee Mounds as Georgia’s First National Park & Preserve

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock – Georgia

Senators Reverend Warnock, Ossoff, Join Congressmembers Scott, Bishop, to Reintroduce Bipartisan, Bicameral Bill to Establish Ocmulgee Mounds as Georgia’s First National Park & Preserve

Bipartisan, bicameral bill would establish Georgia’s first U.S. National Park & Preserve

Bill introduction follows years of advocacy by Muscogee (Creek) Nation, Middle Georgia leaders

Senator Reverend Warnock toured the Ocmulgee Mounds in Macon in November 2023

Senator Reverend Warnock: “Ocmulgee Mounds is a living testament to our intertwined histories and a robust source of economic and cultural vitality, so I’m proud to continue supporting the bipartisan, bicameral efforts to establish Ocmulgee Mounds as Georgia’s first National Park and Preserve”

Above: Senator Reverend Warnock’s visit to Ocmulgee Mounds in November 2023

Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-GA), alongside U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff (D-GA) and U.S. Representatives Austin Scott (R-GA-08) and Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (D-GA-02) reintroduced the bipartisan Ocmulgee Mounds National Park and Preserve Establishment Act, which would establish the Ocmulgee Mounds and surrounding areas in Middle Georgia as Georgia’s first National Park and Preserve.

“Ocmulgee Mounds is a living testament to our intertwined histories and a robust source of economic and cultural vitality, so I’m proud to continue supporting the bipartisan, bicameral efforts to establish Ocmulgee Mounds as Georgia’s first National Park and Preserve,” said Senator Reverend Warnock. “I want to thank Congressmen Scott and Bishop for their yearslong efforts on this in the U.S. House, as well as Senator Ossoff for his leadership. Local leaders and everyday Georgians have been waiting for Congress to act and now is the time. Working together, we can prove what is possible when we put politics aside to serve the people of Georgia.”

“We made unprecedented progress last Congress toward creating Georgia’s first ever National Park,” Senator Ossoff said. “I look forward to working alongside Congressman Scott, Senator Reverend Warnock, Congressman Bishop, the Muscogee (Creek) Nation, and local leaders to successfully establish Georgia’s first national park.”

“Establishing the Ocmulgee Mounds and surrounding areas as Georgia’s first National Park and Preserve remains a top bipartisan initiative for all lawmakers and stakeholders involved,” said Rep. Austin Scott. “The Ocmulgee Mounds are of invaluable cultural, communal, and economic significance to our state, and I am committed to keeping this initiative moving forward.”

“I am proud to join my colleagues in reintroducing this bipartisan bill. By establishing the Ocmulgee Mounds as Georgia’s first National Park and Preserve, we are highlighting over 17,000 years of history and culture as well as welcoming people from across the country to enjoy Georgia’s natural beauty,” said Rep. Bishop. “Elevating the status of and expanding this site to a national park and preserve will raise awareness about it, increase public hunting and fishing grounds, encourage more visitors to our area, and boost the local economy.”

The bill is cosponsored by 11 other members of Georgia’s Congressional Delegation: Representatives Earl L. “Buddy” Carter (R-GA-01), Brian Jack (R-GA-03), Henry C. “Hank” Johnson (D-GA-04), Nikema Williams (D-GA-05), Lucy McBath (D-GA-06), Rich McCormick (R-GA-07), Mike Collins (R-GA-10), Barry Loudermilk (R-GA-11), Rick Allen (R-GA-12), David Scott (D-GA-13), and Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA-14).

The area is the ancestral home of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation and has been inhabited continuously by humans for over 12,000 years. American Indians first arrived in the area during the Paleo-Indian Period hunting Ice Age mammals. Around 900 CE, the Mississippian Period began, and Muskogean people constructed mounds for meeting, living, burial, agricultural, and other purposes, many of which remain today and would be encompassed in the new U.S. National Park and Preserve.

“The Muscogee (Creek) Nation remains steadfast in our support of the Ocmulgee Mounds National Park and Preserve Bill. The opportunity to make the historic Ocmulgee Mounds a national park is so important to us because we have been included, we have been shown the respect of collaboration, and because of that we can feel confident that the living history that will be told here is authentic and has the power to elevate Georgia forever. We are thrilled to continue offering our support for this legislation every step of the way,” said David Hill, Principal Chief of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation.

“I cannot overstate the importance of this legislation to our region, state, and country. Tens of millions of private dollars have been leveraged to conserve the precious cultural and ecological resources of the Ocmulgee Corridor and this bipartisan legislation allows us to continue to grow the middle Georgia economy, protect our national security interests at Robin Air Force Base, expand hunting and fishing access, and authentically preserve some of the most culturally significant sites in the country,” said Seth Clark, Macon Mayor Pro Tempore and Executive Director of the Ocmulgee National Park and Preserve Initiative.“We’re grateful for the continued bipartisan dedication of the Georgia delegation. And call for the swift passage of this legislation this year so that we can continue our stewardship of this landscape and our economy.”

“Preserving the undeveloped lands within the Ocmulgee River Corridor is critical to safeguarding Robins Air Force Base from incompatible land use, ensuring we can sustain our national security missions,” said Brig. Gen. John C. Kubinec, USAF (ret), President/CEO of 21st Century Partnership. “This park and preserve will also provide our military members and their families with valuable opportunities for outdoor recreation and leisure, enhancing their quality of life while strengthening the economic vitality of Middle Georgia.”

“Establishing Georgia’s first National Park and Preserve at Ocmulgee Mounds will serve as a robust form of economic development for Middle Georgia while conserving the site’s important series of ecological and cultural assets. Representatives Austin Scott and Sanford Bishop with their bipartisan leadership and admirable partnership with the Muscogee (Creek) Nation have assembled a broad statewide coalition including chambers of commerce, hunters and anglers, and conservation organizations working to pass this legislation. The formal process of creating a National Monument out of the Ocmulgee Old Fields formally began in 1933, when the Macon Junior Chamber of Commerce purchased the sites and requested their protection. Today, through the leadership of the Greater Macon Chamber of Commerce and other local leaders, we are one step closer to making that a reality. The Georgia Chamber is proud to support Representatives Scott and Bishop’s legislation to create Georgia’s first National Park and Preserve, after almost a century of civic advocacy,” said Chris Clark, CCE, President and CEO of the Georgia Chamber.

“The Greater Macon Chamber of Commerce has long seen the national park and preserve designation as a top congressional priority. Getting this done this year is vital to the economic viability and stability of middle Georgia. Being home to Georgia’s first and only national park and preserve will create a better business climate, allow for lower taxes, and create thousands of good paying, sustainable jobs. Our members have marshaled tens of millions of dollars in preparing middle Georgia for the passage of this legislation and as we have for almost a century, we and the greater middle Georgia business community fully support and call for getting it done this year,” said Jessica Walden, President and CEO of the Greater Macon Chamber of Commerce.

The full text of the legislation can be found here.

MIL OSI USA News –

March 27, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Reed, Senate Democrats Demand Transparency and Accountability on Trump Admin. Sharing Attack Plans Over Signal Chat

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for Rhode Island Jack Reed

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI), the Ranking Member of the Senate Armed Services Committee today joined Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and top Senate Democrats on key national security committees in seeking information about members of President Trump’s cabinet using the Signal app to convene a group chat to “coordinate and share classified information about sensitive military planning operations.”

In a letter to President Trump, the U.S. Senators sounded the alarm over the public discovery that the Trump Administration has been sharing discussions of classified military operations via unsecured text chains, jeopardizing national security, and endangering the lives of American servicemembers. The letter was also cc’ed to Attorney General Pam Bondi as well as numerous Trump administration officials who were reportedly members of the Signal group chat, including: Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, CIA Director John Ratcliffe, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard.

Reed and Schumer, along with U.S. Senator Mark Warner (D-VA), Vice Chair of the Senate Intelligence Committee; U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee; U.S. Senator Gary Peters (D-MI), Ranking Member of the Senate Homeland Security Committee; U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee; and U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-DE), Ranking Member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, are pressing for answers to questions after The Atlantic revealed that an unsecured text chain with at least 18 senior-level Trump administration officials was used to coordinate and share highly sensitive military planning and operations information. This reckless operational security failure made a sensitive military mission vulnerable to interception by U.S. adversaries, and was exposed after the group inexplicably included a journalist, damaging our national security and risking the lives of American servicemembers.

“We write to you with extreme alarm about the astonishingly poor judgment shown by your Cabinet and national security advisors,” the seven Senators wrote. “You have long advocated for accountability and transparency in the government, particularly as it relates to the handling of classified information, national security, and the safety of American servicemembers. As such, it is imperative that you address this breach with the seriousness and diligence that it demands.”

The Senators note the willful or negligent disclosure of classified information constitutes a criminal offense and call for Attorney General Bondi to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation.

Additionally, the Senators demanded answers to ten questions, more information about the “Houthi PC small group” chat, and if any other classified information is currently being discussed on unsecured text chains in a similar fashion by senior administration officials.

Full text of the letter follows:

Dear President Trump,

We have learned that members of your Cabinet recently convened a group chat on the commercial messaging app “Signal” to discuss active, highly classified military plans and operations, and that they mistakenly included the editor-in-chief of The Atlantic in this group. The group, which was titled “Houthi PC small group,” apparently encompassed at least 18 people including your Vice President; Secretaries of Defense, State, and Treasury; National Security Advisor; CIA Director; Director of National Intelligence; White House Chief of Staff; and several other senior appointees.

Over the course of several days, this group chat reportedly discussed operational plans, targets, and weapon systems for upcoming U.S. military strikes in Yemen, and provided after-action battlefield damage assessments. These messages allegedly provided detailed intelligence about the movements and future locations of specific military assets and personnel in active combat zones. The group chat also contained extremely sensitive conversations between the Vice President and Cabinet officials that could have a negative impact on our diplomatic efforts with foreign allies and partners, particularly in Europe. We are aware that the Director of National Intelligence, and possibly others, appears to have been overseas while this group chat was active, making the entire discussion more vulnerable to interception by foreign adversaries. Inexplicably, throughout the days-long chat conversation, the editor-in-chief of The Atlantic remained in the group chat and his presence was never questioned.

Let us be clear, if any American military servicemember, intelligence official, or law enforcement officer committed such an egregious breach of operational security and endangered the lives of their comrades downrange, they would be investigated and likely prosecuted.

We write to you with extreme alarm about the astonishingly poor judgment shown by your Cabinet and national security advisors. You have long advocated for accountability and transparency in the government, particularly as it relates to the handling of classified information, national security, and the safety of American servicemembers. As such, it is imperative that you address this breach with the seriousness and diligence that it demands.

Our committees have serious questions about this incident, and members need a full accounting to ensure it never happens again. Moreover, given that willful or negligent disclosure of classified or sensitive national security information may constitute a criminal violation of the Espionage Act or other laws, we expect Attorney General Bondi, copied here, to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation of the conduct of the government officials involved in improperly sharing or discussing such information. We also ask that you immediately direct relevant officials to preserve records of these communications and any other discussions of government business occurring on any messaging application. Some of the messages in the Signal chat were apparently set to disappear after a certain period of time – a potential violation of both the Federal Records Act and the Presidential Records Act.

We hereby request answers to the following:

1.         Please provide a complete and unredacted transcript of the “Houthi PC small group” chat for review by our appropriate committees in a secure setting.

2.         Please provide a complete list of all personnel who participated in or had access to the “Houthi PC small group” chat.

3.         What dates was the “Houthi PC small group” established and when was the last message transmitted to the Signal group chat?

4.         Were there any other individuals, in addition to Jeffrey Goldberg, who were erroneously included in the “Houthi PC small group” chat?

5.         Did any U.S. government personnel access the “Houthi PC small group” chat using personal communication devices?

6.         Were any personnel who participated in or had access to the “Houthi PC small group” chat traveling overseas while the group chat was active? If yes, on which devices did group members operate while accessing the group chat?

7.         Did any individuals transfer classified information, including operational war plans, from classified systems to unclassified systems, and if so, how?

8.         Has the intelligence community conducted a damage assessment of the potential leakage of classified and sensitive information via the “Houthi PC small group” chat and subsequent reporting?

9.         Are any Cabinet level officials, their deputies or other designees, or White House officials using Signal or other commercial products to discuss classified or sensitive information or any communications subject to statutory recordkeeping requirements?

10.       If so, how is the Administration ensuring that it meets its statutory requirements with regard to these conversations?

You and your Cabinet are responsible for the safety and security of the American people, as well as our military servicemembers and intelligence personnel in the field. We expect your Administration to address this dangerous lapse in security protocol—whether intended or not—with the utmost seriousness, and to uphold the ethic of accountability that our nation holds sacred. We must work together to ensure this does not happen again, and we look forward to reviewing the forthcoming reports.

Sincerely,

MIL OSI USA News –

March 27, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Cantwell Joins Colleagues to Fight for Social Security Recipients

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for Washington Maria Cantwell
03.26.25
Cantwell Joins Colleagues to Fight for Social Security Recipients
As DOGE hacks away at Social Security, Seattle constituent was incorrectly marked dead; this week, he’s still fighting SSA to get his money back; Cantwell: These billionaires are “so out of touch with the American people.”
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), senior member of the Senate Finance Committee and ranking member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, joined Minority Leader Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) and other Democratic colleagues at a press conference standing up for Social Security in the face of multiple Trump Administration efforts that will make it harder for recipients to access the benefits they earned and are entitled to.
“Social Security is a contract between citizens and their government, so they can retire with dignity. 1.4 million people in the State of Washington want that right, of what they sacrificed and paid in to have that retirement. But what have they gotten out of the Trump administration?” Sen. Cantwell said. “First, cutting the workforce, then trying to cut offices, then coming up with a suggestion that that you should re-register to even qualify for Social Security. Is that any way to meet the contractual obligation our government has to help people have a minimal amount of dignity in retirement? But no – instead, this administration is trying to claim fraud.”
Referencing previous remarks from billionaire and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick on a conservative podcast claiming that anyone who complains about missed Social Security payments must be a fraudster, Sen. Cantwell added: “I guess he is so out of touch with the American people that he doesn’t understand that people are depending on that for a lifeline.”
Yesterday, during a hearing of the Senate Finance Committee, Sen. Cantwell pressed Frank Bisignano — President Trump’s pick to serve as Commissioner of the Social Security Administration — on recent comments by Trump officials attacking Americans’ Social Security benefits.
WATCH MORE:
MSNBC’s Rachel Maddow: “Washington state Democratic Senator Maria Cantwell today bringing a story from her home state paper.”
KXLY Spokane: “Senator Maria Cantwell grilled President Trump’s pick to oversee Social Security.”
KEPR Pasco: “Cantwell says the cuts by President Trump and Elon Musk’s DOGE team are already impacting Washingtonians.”

In the State of Washington, 1.4 million people receive Social Security. Below is a breakdown of Social Security Recipients by county:

County

Number of Social Security Recipients

King Co.

312,000+

Spokane Co.

115,000+

Clark Co.

98,000+

Yakima Co.

46,000+

*County data sourced from SSA.gov*
At yesterday’s hearing, Sen. Cantwell referenced a constituent in Seattle who was incorrectly presumed dead shortly after Elon Musk sicced his DOGE team on the Social Security Administration. DOGE staffers were specifically tasked with seeking out evidence that tens of millions of dead people are receiving Social Security benefits – a false claim made by both President Trump and Musk. Subsequently, Ned Johnson was incorrectly listed as dead by SSA, which failed to issue his next Social Security check and clawed back over $5,000 in prior benefits payments from his and his wife’s joint bank account.
Sen. Cantwell said in the hearing, “And then what did he do? He had to go down to the building in Seattle, the federal building that you’re trying to close, and stand in line for hours and hours and hours to try to say he wasn’t dead and to stop taking his money.”
Although his money was originally returned, on Monday the Social Security Administration withdrew the same amount from Mr. Johnson’s bank account yet again. He also found out that the administration had notified his Medicare carrier of his “demise,” so Mr. Johnson and his wife, Pam, went without health insurance for three months, KUOW reported this morning.
Sen. Cantwell has been a long-standing champion for Social Security and protecting Washingtonian’s benefits. Sen. Cantwell co-sponsored and voted in December 2024 to pass the bipartisan Social Security Fairness Act, which repealed two Social Security policies that unfairly limited payments for people who also receive a pension from a job that is not covered by Social Security, as well as their surviving spouses and widow(ers). In 2018, Sen. Cantwell introduced and passed the Tribal Social Security Fairness Act to correct a long-standing inequity in the Social Security Act that prevented elected tribal leaders from contributing to and accessing Social Security benefits.
Video of Sen. Cantwell’s remarks today are available HERE, audio HERE, and a transcript is HERE.

MIL OSI USA News –

March 27, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Cantwell Reintroduces Bipartisan Bill to Improve Fentanyl Overdose Tracking
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator for Washington Maria Cantwell

03.26.25

Cantwell Reintroduces Bipartisan Bill to Improve Fentanyl Overdose Tracking

The Opioid Overdose Data Collection Enhancement Act would expand use of tools that record fatal and nonfatal overdoses in near-real-time; WA first responders say better data collection could help identify overdose hotspots so they can deploy resources faster & save lives

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), ranking member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation and senior member of the Senate Finance Committee, reintroduced the bipartisan Opioid Overdose Data Collection Enhancement Act. The bill would direct the Department of Justice (DOJ) to award grants to states, units of local government, law enforcement task forces, and tribes to adopt and implement an overdose data collection program, including the Overdose Data Mapping Application Program (ODMAP).

The bill was drafted by and reintroduced alongside Senators Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), and John Cornyn (R-TX). Originally introduced in September, it unanimously passed the Senate in December but was not brought up by the House of Representatives before the end of last session.

“When responding to fentanyl overdoses, an extra minute can save a life,” said Sen. Cantwell. “Tracking fatal and non-fatal opioid overdoses will help our first responders, law enforcement, and public health professionals better target and prevent OD spikes and surge resources to communities that need them the most.”

“The fight to end addiction and drug abuse in our communities requires a robust understanding of the problem at hand. By investing in local partners, we empower communities to more effectively track drug abuse trends and prevent future overdoses,” Sen. Grassley said. “I’m glad to support this cost-effective plan to expand vital data collection programs.”

During Sen. Cantwell’s 10-city fentanyl roundtable tour across Washington state, she heard from multiple officials on the front lines of the epidemic that expanding ODMAP could help prevent overdoses and save lives. Expanding ODMAP would provide near real-time awareness of known or suspected overdose incidents across the United States, supporting public safety and public health efforts to coordinate immediate responses to sudden spikes in overdoses.

The bill has supporters across the State of Washington:

PUGET SOUND:

“Effective and timely overdose prevention and response activities rely upon high-quality data. Within the ecosystem of Seattle, King County, and community teams working to address opioid overdose, timely and targeted data are always the starting point for interventions. We endorse legislation that will expand similar shared platforms of overdose data collection, mapping, and analysis,” said Seattle Fire Chief Harold Scoggins.

“This bill would help Everett and communities across the country address the fentanyl and opioid crisis by implementing proven cutting-edge data tools to track overdoses,” said Everett Mayor Cassie Franklin. “The City of Everett supports all efforts to implement data-driven methods to address this critical issue and is proud to support the Opioid Overdose Data Collection Enhancement Act.”

“The opioid epidemic affects all corners of our community,” said King County Sheriff Patricia Cole-Tindall. “I welcome Senator Cantwell’s efforts to help address this by building on the programs we have in place. Bringing more resources to fight this crisis is an essential step in saving lives.”

“The importance of a robust data collection tool, such as the Overdose Detection Mapping Application Program, that facilitates the near real-time tracking of fatal and nonfatal overdoses, and the administration of opioid reversal medications, cannot be overstated. By Senator Cantwell introducing this important bill, the Opioid Overdose Data Collection Enhancement Act, participating agencies and entities will be better able to identify overdose spikes and trends, allowing for rapid responses and deliberate strategies to save lives,” said NW HIDTA Executive Director Jonathan Weiner.

EASTERN WA:

“In critical emergencies, first responders need accurate information to act fast. This legislation would improve data collection, giving police officers and firefighters the reliable tools they need to protect and serve their communities,” said Spokane Mayor Lisa Brown.

“As first responders on the frontlines of the opioid crisis, we see the devastating impact of overdoses every day. Expanding access to real-time overdose data through ODMAP is critical for improving emergency response, identifying emerging trends, and ultimately saving lives. The Opioid Overdose Data Collection Enhancement Act will provide vital support to local communities and agencies like ours, ensuring we have the tools needed to respond effectively to this crisis. I strongly support this bill and urge its swift passage,” said Spokane Fire Chief Julie O’Berg.

“Fentanyl and other illicit drugs pose a significant risk to the health and well-being of Spokane citizens. The overwhelming majority of these substances make their way to our county from neighboring foreign countries such as Mexico. Investment in real-time overdose mapping technology will help law enforcement disrupt the flow of Fentanyl in the United States. Having accurate data on where overdose spikes occur will go a long way towards securing safer communities and saving lives threatened by the fentanyl crisis,” said Spokane County Sheriff John Nowels.

“With over thirty-three years in law enforcement and currently serving as police chief in Spokane, Washington, I witness firsthand the devastating impact of the opioid crisis on individuals, families, and entire communities. The Opioid Overdose Data Collection Enhancement Act is a crucial step forward in equipping law enforcement, first responders, and public health professionals with the necessary tools to track, respond to, and prevent overdoses more effectively. This bill expands access to real-time overdose data collection tools, such as the Overdose Detection Mapping Application Program (ODMAP). These tools enable us to identify trends, coordinate responses, and allocate resources where they are most needed. By utilizing existing DOJ funding, this legislation enhances our ability to combat the opioid epidemic without imposing additional financial burdens on taxpayers. I wholeheartedly support this initiative because timely, accurate data saves lives. The ability to monitor overdose spikes and share critical information across agencies allows us to act more swiftly, prevent more deaths, and ultimately foster safer, healthier communities,” said Spokane Police Chief Kevin Hall.

CENTRAL WA:

“The collection of data on overdoses is critical to the effectively addressing the serious opioid problem in this country. Knowing when and where overdoses occur can enable agencies to focus on the areas needing more attention. Funding for programs designed to collect overdose data is essential in the fight against the opioid epidemic,” said Yakima County Sheriff Robert Udell.

“Having a single platform to share overdose data is essential to saving lives, guiding decisions, and preventing overdoses. ODMAP (Overdose Mapping) is the platform. ODMAP allows for the collaboration and real-time data sharing between law enforcement, fire departments, EMS, hospitals, and health departments,” said Kennewick Police Chief Chris Guerrero.

“Using ODMAP locally throughout our county has already proven invaluable in identifying overdose hotspots and enabling rapid, targeted responses. Expanding its use statewide has the potential to transform how we address the fentanyl crisis in Washington. By standardizing overdose tracking across the state, we can pinpoint trends, respond more effectively, and deploy life-saving resources faster than ever. This tool is more than just data—it empowers us to act decisively and collaboratively to save lives and combat this devastating epidemic,” said Melissa Sixberry, Director of Disease Control at the Yakima Health District.

“In order to make the most appropriate moves to facilitate change, we must have good, accurate data. Otherwise we are blindly throwing darts at a board. ODMAP will allow for the most appropriate distribution of resources to help combat the nation-wide opioid epidemic. Without it, we will continue to potentially ignore high impacted areas that may desperately need the assistance,” said Cameron Haubrich, Chief of the Sunnyside Fire Department.

“ODMAP creates a unified, real-time system to track and respond to overdoses, enabling first responders, health departments, and law enforcement to allocate resources more effectively. By identifying overdose hotspots and trends as they happen, we can deploy targeted interventions and engage communities in prevention efforts,” said Grant County Sheriff Joey Kriete when the bill passed the Senate in December.

“ODMAP is a game-changer in fighting the overdose epidemic! With the real-time data from ODMAP, responders and communities can monitor overdose events, identify patterns, deploy resources where needed, and ultimately save lives! In the State of Washington, we currently only track overdose deaths which grossly underestimates the true magnitude of the overdose epidemic (by 6200%),” said Alicia Stromme Tobin, Executive Director of Safe Yakima Valley, when the bill passed the Senate in December. “ODMAP provides agencies with a tool to track fatal and nonfatal overdoses. By providing a comprehensive view of overdose trends, ODMAP fosters collaboration across public health, law enforcement and EMS, allowing for more targeted interventions and prevention efforts. I applaud Senator Cantwell for recognizing the tremendous positive impact ODMAP will have on saving lives! Congratulations and well done!”

“Solutions start with a hope, hope is the gateway for innovation and collaboration, and efforts like ODMAP are the tools that communities need to impact the fentanyl crisis and save lives,” said Yakima Police Department Lt. Chad Janis when the bill passed the Senate in December.

SOUTHWEST WA:

“Vancouver strongly supports the Opioid Overdose Enhancement Act and urges the Department of Justice to award grants for the adoption and implementation of the Overdose Detection Mapping Application Program (ODMAP). As Vancouver Fire responded to over 400 overdose calls in 2024, it has become increasingly clear that gathering and analyzing overdose data is a significant challenge. Our current process of manually searching medical records for specific call information is labor-intensive and costly. A centralized database would be invaluable in identifying overdose hotspots, tracking trends, and saving lives. This federal legislation is a crucial step toward streamlining these efforts and addressing the opioid crisis effectively,” said Vancouver Mayor Anne McEnerny-Ogle.

“Vancouver Fire responded to more than 400 overdose calls in 2024. It has been a consistent challenge for us to gather data because it requires us to dig deep into our medical records system and search for keywords that will identify the specific call information. This process is labor intensive and time consuming. A centralized database would be very helpful to allow us to not only track location hotspots, but also trends. We fully support federal legislation that streamlines this process,” said Vancouver Fire Chief Brennan Blue.

“Senator Cantwell’s bill to implement the Overdose Detection Mapping Application Program is a critical step in combating the opioid crisis. By providing timely data on overdoses and opioid reversal medication applications, this program will allow local departments of health and law enforcement to respond quickly and effectively, saving lives, holding opioid dealers accountable, and targeting resources where they’re needed most. I strongly endorse this vital legislation,” said Vancouver Police Chief Troy Price.

“Clark-Cowlitz Fire Rescue (CCFR) supports the Opioid Overdose Data Collection Enhancement Act and Comprehensive Opioid Abuse Grant Program. With the rise of opioid related incidents in our district as well as in the counties we serve, CCFR has worked with community partners to address opioid use, overdose, and treatment. Through our CARES Program and in partnership with neighboring fire districts and the Clark County’s Medical Program Director’s Office, CCFR has implemented administration of medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) during the time of an opioid related incident or overdose. CCFR crews are able to introduce buprenorphine as well as provide leave-behind Narcan for individuals following administration of opioid overdose reversal medication. In partnership with treatment centers in the county, CARES is able to provide immediate referrals to these facilities in order to assist community members seeking treatment,” said John Nohr, Fire Chief of Clark-Cowlitz Fire Rescue.

“The Washington Fire Chiefs Association fully endorses Senator Cantwell’s Opioid Overdose Data Collection Enhancement Act. We believe that a crucial component of the Act, which supports adoption and implementation of the Overdose Detection Mapping Application (ODMAP), will place critical, data-driven, information into the hands of first responders, saving lives,” said Kristan Maurer, President of Washington Fire Chiefs Association, Fire Chief of Clark County Fire District 6.

OLYMPIC PENINSULA:

“Having access to real-time data is critical to getting ahead of the overdose crisis. With the rapidly changing drug supply, these kinds of data allow us to identify overdose clusters and communicate with individuals at risk as well as community partners so that we can help prevent overdoses in the future,” said Allison Berry, Health Officer for Clallam County & Jefferson County.

The bill is also endorsed by several coveted national law enforcement organizations including: National Narcotic Officers’ Associations’ Coalition (NNOAC), National HIDTA Directors Association (NHDA), National Alliance of State Drug Enforcement Agencies (NASDEA), Association of State Criminal Investigative Agencies (ASCIA), National Association of Police Organizations (NAPO), Major County Sheriffs Association (MCSA).

ODMAP was developed in 2017 by the Washington/Baltimore High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) as a free, web-based, mobile-friendly platform for near real-time reporting and monitoring of suspected fatal and non-fatal overdose events, as well as instances where opioid overdose reversal medications such as Naloxone were administered. It displays overdose data within and across jurisdictions, helping agencies identify spikes and clusters of suspected overdose events in their community, neighboring communities, and across the country.

As of February 2025, approximately 5,330 agencies across all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico are using the platform. Over 2.9 million overdose events have been entered into ODMAP and more than 36,000 users registered.

Washington state has not adopted ODMAP statewide, however, localities in the state utilize the program. In 2025, 77 agencies across 17 counties in Washington state use ODMAP, and have logged 2,248 entries into ODMAP. In 2024, 7,857 entries were logged. Yakima County, Spokane County, and the City of Seattle have recently implemented programming that allows their data to instantaneously populate the ODMAP dashboard with all overdose responses. Elsewhere in the state, ODMAP coverage is limited and therefore only captures a portion of the overdose instances occurring.

Currently, overdose data in Washington state is only available to government health partners and only contains fatal overdose cases (which are released months or years after the fact). Overdose counts are released publicly via Washington State’s Department of Health website. However, they only provide instances of fatal overdoses (a small fraction of all overdose incidents) and are hampered by significant delays. Currently, the most recent data populating the DOH overdose death rate data dashboard is from the fourth quarter of 2023.

In 2023 and 2024, Sen. Cantwell traveled across the State of Washington to 10 communities — Tacoma, Everett, Tri-Cities, Seattle, Spokane, Vancouver, Port Angeles, Walla Walla, Yakima, and Longview – hearing from people on the front lines of the fentanyl crisis, including first responders, law enforcement, health care providers, and people with firsthand experience of fentanyl addiction. She also participated in the National Tribal Opioid Summit, a gathering of approximately 900 tribal leaders, health care workers, and first responders from across the country hosted by the Tulalip Tribes following the first-ever statewide summit hosted by the Lummi Nation. Sen. Cantwell has since used what she heard in those roundtables and related events to craft and champion specific legislative solutions, including:
- The Halt All Lethal Trafficking of Fentanyl Act, which would permanently classify illicit fentanyl knockoffs as Schedule I drugs;
- The Stop Smuggling Illicit Synthetic Drugs on U.S. Transportation Networks Act, which would crack down on the trafficking of illicit synthetic drugs, like fentanyl, using the U.S. transportation network;
- The FEND Off Fentanyl Act, signed into law by President Joe Biden, which will help U.S. government agencies disrupt opioid supply chains by imposing sanctions on traffickers and fighting money laundering;
- The Fight Illicit Pill Presses Act, which would require that all pill presses be engraved with a serial number and impose penalties for the removal or alteration of the number;
- The Combating Illicit Xylazine Act, which would list xylazine as a Schedule III controlled substance while protecting the drug’s legal use by veterinarians, farmers, and ranchers, enable the Drug Enforcement Administration to track xylazine’s manufacturing to ensure it is not diverted to the illicit market;
- The TRANQ Research Act of 2023, signed into law by President Biden, which will spur more research into xylazine (also called “tranq”) and other novel synthetic drugs by directing the National Institute of Standards and Technology to tackle these issues; and
- The Parity for Tribal Law Enforcement Act, which would bolster Tribal law enforcement agencies by helping them hire and retain tribal law enforcement officers by raising their retirement, pension, death, and injury benefits to be on part with those of federal law enforcement officers.
In addition, Sen. Cantwell voted for a series of federal funding bills allocating $1.69 billion to combat fentanyl and other illicit drugs coming into the United States, including an additional $385.2 million to increase security at U.S. ports of entry, with the goal of catching more illegal drugs like fentanyl before they make it across the border. Critical funding will go toward Non-Intrusive Inspection (NII) technology at land and sea ports of entries. NII technologies—like large-scale X-ray and Gamma ray imaging systems, as well as a variety of portable and handheld technologies—allow U.S. Customs and Border Protection to help detect and prevent contraband from being smuggled into the country without disrupting flow at the border.

A full timeline of Sen. Cantwell’s actions to combat the fentanyl crisis is available HERE.
MIL OSI USA News –
March 27, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Cornyn Slams Tesla Attacks, Crockett’s Rhetoric Against Fellow Texans

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for Texas John Cornyn

WASHINGTON – Today on the floor, U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) blasted two of the latest examples of Democrats’ unhinged behavior because President Trump was delivered a mandate on November 5^th: Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett (TX-30) using derogatory and unacceptable language against fellow Texans Governor Greg Abbott and Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX), and Democrats – who once considered themselves champions of electric vehicles – attacking Tesla cars and showrooms in Texas and nationwide. Excerpts of Sen. Cornyn’s remarks are below, and video can be found here.

“Just two days ago, police officers found what they called multiple incendiary devices at a local Tesla dealership in North Austin, where I live…This prompted a full bomb squad to respond, and an investigation is still under way.”

“The Associated Press has reported that there have been at least 50 demonstrations around the country focused on Tesla, while more are planned, not just here in the United States, but around the world in countries like England, Spain, and Portugal.”

“Some Tesla owners have reported incidents of vandalism on their personal vehicles. Some have even been spray painted with swastikas.”

“We should not hesitate to call this what it is: Domestic terrorism…It’s reminiscent of the violent unrest that plagued our nation with the BLM riots that happened during the summer of 2020.”

“We live in a democratic republic, not a banana republic.”

“Placing bombs and lighting cars on fire is not an appropriate means of expressing dissenting views in a country like the one we are blessed to live in.”

“I was disappointed to see one of my fellow Texans in our congressional delegation go so far as to condone these kind of activities.”

“Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett recently made comments encouraging violent protests at a virtual rally. She said, ‘All I want to see happen on my birthday is for Elon to be taken down.’”

“I would expect better than this sort of incendiary rhetoric from a member of Congress, who was elected to her position because of the very democracy we are fortunate to enjoy.”

“This isn’t the only thing she said recently that has raised eyebrows and resulted in condemnation. Congresswoman Crockett recently commented that our governor, Governor Greg Abbott—who happens to be a paraplegic as a result of a terrible accident years ago—she referred to him as ‘Governor Hot Wheels.’”

“Then Senator Cruz, my colleague, the junior senator from Texas, she said should ‘Be knocked over the head, like hard.’ This is disgraceful, and we should call it for what it is.”

“This is a disturbing trend in political rhetoric, one that has turned to violence.”

“All Americans and all Texans deserve better.”

MIL OSI USA News –

March 27, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Governor Stein Broadens State of Emergency as State Coordinates Response to Wildfires, Urges Caution in Western North Carolina

Source: US State of North Carolina

Headline: Governor Stein Broadens State of Emergency as State Coordinates Response to Wildfires, Urges Caution in Western North Carolina

Governor Stein Broadens State of Emergency as State Coordinates Response to Wildfires, Urges Caution in Western North Carolina
lsaito
Wed, 03/26/2025 – 18:19

Raleigh, NC

(RALEIGH) Today, Governor Stein issued a State of Emergency to expand the state’s capacity to respond to the wildfires burning in western North Carolina. The Governor and Emergency Management Officials are urging North Carolinians to be aware of high fire danger conditions across the state. All residents should pay close attention to local emergency alerts and evacuation notifications.

“The wildfires in western North Carolina continue to grow, so I have expanded our State of Emergency,” said Governor Josh Stein. “Our State Emergency Response Team is responding with every tool at its disposal. Please stay safe and stay alert for any evacuation orders if the fires spread to an area near you.”

The State Emergency Response Team has been assisting counties with resource and personnel needs since late last week. North Carolina Emergency Management has deployed communications resources, tactical emergency telecommunicators, and incident management personnel to the scene. The North Carolina Forest Service is assisting with incident management and firefighting efforts and the North Carolina Office of State Fire Marshal has deployed fire department from across the state to western North Carolina to assist.

The State of Emergency includes the following counties: Alexander, Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Buncombe, Burke, Cabarrus, Caldwell, Catawba, Cherokee, Clay, Cleveland, Gaston, Graham, Haywood, Henderson, Iredell, Jackson, Lincoln, Macon, Madison, McDowell, Mecklenburg, Mitchell, Polk, Rowan, Rutherford, Stanly, Swain, Transylvania, Union, Watauga, Wilkes, Yancey, as well as the tribal lands in the State of North Carolina held by the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.

To stay up to date on evacuation orders, please follow your local government website and social media outlets and enable emergency alerts on your cell phone. You can monitor current fires across the state here. Visit www.readync.gov for information on how you and your family can be prepared for all emergencies and disasters.

Mar 26, 2025

MIL OSI USA News –

March 27, 2025
MIL-OSI: 2024 Annual Results: Record activity driving strong performance and reinforcing the attractiveness of AFL’s model
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

Press release

March 27, 2025

2024 Annual Results:
Record activity driving strong performance and reinforcing the attractiveness of AFL’s model

As of December 31, 2024, AFL Group reports solid results:

– Net banking income exceeds €24 million, while gross operating profit rises to €7.8 million
– Credit production to local authorities reaches €2 billion for the first time
– New memberships, totalling 269 local authorities, a record since AFL Group’s inception over 10 years ago, bring the total number of local authorities shareholders to 1,045
– Liquidity remains high, with an LCR ratio of 447% and an NSFR ratio of 220%
– CET1 ratio stands at 63%
– Leverage ratio for public development credit institutions reaches 11.25%

Key Figures of the consolidated results as of 12/31/2024 (IFRS)

Committed capital: €328 million (+€34.6 million vs. 12/31/2023)

Credit production: €2 billion (+3% vs. 12/31/2023)

Market funding raised: €2.4 billion (+13% vs. 12/31/2023)

Net banking income: €24.1 million (+3% vs. €23.4 million as of 12/31/2023)

Gross operating profit: €7,848K (+3% vs. 12/31/2023)

Net profit before tax: €7,466K (-3.5% vs. 12/31/2023)

Net profit after tax: €5,407K (vs. €5,739K as of 12/31/2023)

Cost-to-income ratio: 67.4% (vs. 67.4% as of 12/31/2023)

Results driven by the growth of credit activity

Since reaching breakeven in 2020, the AFL Group has recorded 10 consecutive semesters of positive results, with steady growth in gross operating profit. These results stem from the strong expansion of the bank’s lending activity to local authorities, combined with strict cost management, while continuing to monitor the scaling up of workforce and IT investments.

Relative to outstanding loans, operating expenses stands at 17 basis points as of December 31, 2024, compared to 20 basis points at year-end 2023. The cost-to-income ratio remains stable year-over-year at 67.4%.

Risk cost, very limited due to the sector, increases with the deterioration of the economic and financial environment and the balance sheet growth

AFL’s risk cost remains intrinsically limited due to the public development credit institution model, the company’s prudent management, and the excellent solvency of local authorities. The risk weighting of local authorities was reduced to 0%¹ following a decision of the ACPR’s supervisory board on June 21, 2024.

As of December 31, 2024, AFL has made a provision of €381K for ex-ante impairments on expected credit losses under IFRS 9, compared to a reversal of provisions of €117K in 2023. This provision reflects the growth in AFL’s balance sheet and a change in the weighting of underlying macroeconomic scenarii in the provisioning model, while recognizing that loans to local authorities and securities held in AFL’s portfolio are inherently low-risk.

A robust financial structure enabling balanced growth

The AFL Group boasts a very strong financial structure:
- The CET1 solvency ratio (consolidated) stands at 63% (with a regulatory minimum of 11.75%, excluding the countercyclical capital buffer).
- The leverage ratio, calculated in accordance with the methodology applicable to public development credit institutions, is 11.25% (with a regulatory minimum of 3%).
- The LCR ratio stands at 447% (with a regulatory minimum of 100%).
- The 12-month internal liquidity ratio (NCRR) reaches 90% as of December 31, 2024, corresponding to a liquidity reserve of €1.9 billion. This ensures that AFL can meet all of its needs for more than 11 months without needing to access the market.
- The NSFR ratio stands at 220% (with a regulatory minimum of 100%).
Key Highlights of 2024

Cost efficient Funding

In 2024, despite a significant deterioration in general refinancing conditions, AFL, the Group’s issuer, successfully raised €2.4 billion in funding on favorable terms for several reasons:
- The continuation of a diversification strategy in both currencies and instruments.
- The benefit of HQLA 1 classification for AFL’s debt by the ACPR since June 2024.
- A rating by rating agencies on par with that of France.
AFL rating

Fitch Ratings Standard & Poor’s

Long-Term rating Aa3 AA-

Outlook Negative Negative

Short-Term rating P-1 A-1+

Strengthening of the financial structure

In order to support the strong growth of its balance sheet, AFL has issued super-subordinated debt instruments intended to be recognized as Additional Tier 1 (AT1) capital. With this issuance, the AFL Group will be able to meet the borrowing needs associated with increased investment expenditures of French local authorities in the context of transition financing.

Post-year end Events and Outlook
- AFL-ST completed its 43^rd capital increase on March 13, 2025, which enabled 57 new local authorities to join the AFL Group, bringing the total promised capital to nearly €331 million.
- The AFL Group aims to exceed 1,300 member local authorities by the end of 2025.
The AFL’s Executive Board approved the annual financial statements, both individual and consolidated, for the year 2024 on March 11, 2025. The AFL’s Supervisory Board favorably examined the financial statements on March 26, 2025.

The Board of Directors of AFL-ST, Société Territoriale, convened on March 26, 2025, approved the financial statements of its parent company, Société Territoriale, and the consolidated financial statements of the AFL Group.

Audit procedures on the annual and consolidated financial statements, related to the period from January 1, 2024, to December 31, 2024, were conducted by the statutory auditors, whose reports are available at the following address: http://www.agence-france-locale.fr

This press release contains certain forward-looking statements. Although AFL Group believes that these statements are based on reasonable assumptions on the date of publication of this press release, they are by their nature subject to risks and uncertainties, relating to geopolitical tensions and changes in macroeconomic forecasts and monetary policies, which could cause actual figures to differ from those indicated or implied in these statements.

The financial information of AFL Group for the year 2024 consists of this press release, complemented by the report available on the website:

https://www.agence-france-locale.fr/actualite/2024-annual-resu…ss-of-afls-model/

AFL 2024 Annual Results Report: https://www.agence-france-locale.fr/app/uploads/2025/03/publi_vdef-rapport-annuel-afl-2024-eng.pdf

AFL-ST 2024 Annual Results Report: https://www.agence-france-locale.fr/app/uploads/2025/03/publi-vdef-rapport-annuel-afl-st-2024-en.pdf

About the AFL, the bank for local authorities

“To embody responsible finance in order to strengthen the local world’s ability to act, addressing the present and future needs of citizens.”

The only French bank fully owned (100%) by local authorities, the AFL has a unique and innovative model: a bank created by and for all local authorities. By becoming AFL’s shareholders, local authorities gain access to fast, tailored financing for their local investments while committing to sustainable and responsible finance practices. For local authorities, it is the freedom to invest, with a controlled management of their finances. Since its launch in 2015, the AFL has already granted nearly €11.5 billion in loans, including €2 billion in 2024, and currently has 1,101 shareholders.

1 0% risk-weighing applies to regions (régions), departments (départements), communes and intercommunal cooperation public establishments (établissements publics de coopération intercommunale à fiscalité propre).

Attachment
- 2025.03.CP_AFL_2024_Annual_Results
The MIL Network –
March 27, 2025
MIL-OSI Economics: Media release: Victorian voters back long-term role for gas in state’s energy mix – Australian Energy Producers
Source: Australian Petroleum Production & Exploration Association

Headline: Media release: Victorian voters back long-term role for gas in state’s energy mix – Australian Energy Producers

A majority of Victorian voters in the key federal electorates of Kooyong and Goldstein believe that natural gas has a long-term role in the state’s energy mix, new research shows.

With Victoria facing peak-day gas shortfalls from 2028, a poll of 1600 voters found that 86 per cent of voters in Goldstein think there is a role for gas, 61 per cent citing a long-term role. In Kooyong 81 per cent of voters believe there is a role for gas, 52 per cent citing long-term.

The poll commissioned by Australian Energy Producers also found that eight in 10 households in the two Melbourne electorates rely on gas for cooking, heating and hot water, and strongly oppose the Victorian Government’s plan to force them off gas.

Australian Energy Producers Chief Executive Samantha McCulloch said the results showed Victorians understood the critical role of gas in the state. “Victorians rely on natural gas, which has underpinned the state’s economic growth and energy security for more than half a century,” Ms McCulloch said.

“More than two million Victorian households are connected to gas and a third of the state’s manufacturing energy needs comes from gas. Natural gas also contributes $22 billion a year to the state economy and supports more than 44,000 jobs across the state.

“As the Australian Energy Market Operator confirmed last week, there are several gas projects in the southern states that could meet all southern gas demand this decade and beyond, but urgent government action is needed to remove regulatory barriers to new gas supply.”

70 per cent of voters in Kooyong and 56 per cent in Goldstein would prefer governments allow more natural gas exploration and production in Australia than develop gas import terminals.

JWS Research recently polled more than 800 voters in each of the electorates of Kooyong and Goldstein, held by Teal MPs Monique Ryan and Zoe Daniel. The poll found cost of living and energy affordability was the biggest issue influencing their vote in the upcoming federal election.

“The results send a strong message to candidates contesting this election that cost-of-living and rising power bills is front-of-mind for Australians,” Ms McCulloch said.

“Candidates should listen to their constituents who are concerned about rising power bills and support the economic and energy security benefits of bringing more gas online.”

Key findings from JWS Research polling in the electorates of Kooyong and Goldstein are summarised below.  

Key results of JWS Research polling in Kooyong and Goldstein   

JWS conducted the poll on 12-13 March on behalf of Australian Energy Producers, with around 800 respondents in each electorate.

Goldstein
- 86% believe natural gas has a role in Victoria’s energy mix, with 61% citing a long-term role. Only 6% saw no role.
- 80% use natural gas at home for cooking, heating or hot water.
- 53% oppose the Victorian Government’s proposal to ban new household gas connections and appliances. Only 37% support a ban.
- 70% would prefer governments allow more natural gas exploration and production in Australia than develop gas import terminals. Only 12% said they’d prefer LNG import terminals, with 18% undecided.
- 34% ranked cost of living including energy affordability as the most important issue in deciding who to vote for in the upcoming election, followed by crime (14%), climate change and the environment (14%), and hospitals, healthcare and ageing (11%).
Kooyong 
- 81% believe natural gas has a role in Victoria’s future energy mix, with 52% citing a long-term role. 10% saw no role.
- 80% use natural gas at home for cooking, heating or hot water.
- 54% oppose the Victorian Government’s proposal to ban new household gas connections and appliances. Only 37% supported the ban.
- 56% would prefer governments allow more natural gas exploration and production in Australia than develop gas import terminals. Only 12% said they’d prefer LNG import terminals, with 32% undecided.
- 31% ranked cost of living including energy affordability as the most important issue in deciding who to vote for in the upcoming election, followed by hospital, healthcare and ageing (15%), climate change and the environment (14%), and housing affordability (12%).
Media contact: 0434 631 511
MIL OSI Economics –
March 27, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Cramer Questions FWS, EPA Nominees on WOTUS, Cooperative Federalism in EPW Hearing

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND)

***Click here for audio. Click here for video.***

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee held a hearing to discuss nominees to serve in the Trump administration. The hearing featured testimony from Brian Nesvik, nominee for Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and Jessica Kramer, nominee for Assistant Administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Office of Water.

[embedded content]

U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND) questioned Kramer on the EPA’s Waters of the United States (WOTUS) interim guidance and upcoming rulemaking, which it announced on March 12. He asked her to explain the guidance, why it complies with the U.S. Supreme Court’s prescriptive decision in Sackett v. EPA, and how the previous rule did not align with Sackett.

“It is a straightforward guidance document that essentially says that an implementation [of a WOTUS rule], EPA and the Army Corps of Engineers, they’re going to follow the law,” said Kramer.

“To your point, Sackett was prescriptive. It was prescriptive in a number of ways, specifically focused around wetlands, which is what the guidance document focused on,” explained Kramer. “Sackett held that the Rapanos plurality was correct, which means that the significant nexus test that had been previously applied and implemented by both agencies no longer stands. It specifically focuses on the fact that only those wetlands that are adjacent to or abutting relatively permanent waters are jurisdictional moving forward. While Sackett was very prescriptive in certain aspects, there are some terms and phrases of ambiguity that are remaining from the courts. I’m thinking about things like the phrase ‘continuous surface connection’ [and] ‘relatively permanent waters.’ What does it mean to be connected to a relatively permanent water and then the age-old question of, is this ditch in or out? […] Any potential rulemaking that would be taken by the agency would hope to shore up those remaining areas of ambiguity so a landowner can confidently stand on their property and know whether or not they have a WOTUS or they don’t have a WOTUS.”

Kramer also committed to visiting North Dakota during the WOTUS rulemaking process.

Cramer asked the witnesses to give a primer on their interpretations of cooperative federalism.

“What cooperative federalism means to me is that there are certainly roles that are very clearly defined, for both the federal government and the state government,” responded Nesvik. “And broadly speaking, most wildlife species are the responsibility of the individual states to manage with the exception of those who have been listed under the Endangered Species Act, and then there are a few other acts, Migratory Bird Treaty Act, Horse and Burro Act. There’s some other species that certainly have a federal rule. But at the end of the day, there is an opportunity on all of those, both state- managed species and federal- managed species for the two entities to work together with their common stakeholders to find solutions. It’s a more efficient way to run government. It’s better when the states and the federal government are working together on these things. And as long as they stay within their own lane on those things that are sovereign to their particular entity, whatever that may be, whether it’s the federal government or the state.”

“We’ve talked about Waters of the United States, but I’m going to focus on the Underground Injection Control Well Program in the Safe Drinking Water Act,” responded Kramer. “This is an example of a program that can be delegated from the federal implementation […] to the state for them to actually implement the program. The great thing about that is that the states know their resources best. Part of this is the remaining oversight rule that EPA has to ensure that the states are continuing to implement these programs consistent with the requirements of the federal law. It also allows the states the ability to be more stringent in the restrictions that they put in place, which again, states know their resources best to the extent that there is a need for a little bit of additional protection from their perspective, that is the ability to do it. It’s that joint working together, recognizing expertise of the states while also maintaining the oversight role that is required under the federal law.”

MIL OSI USA News –

March 27, 2025
MIL-OSI New Zealand: Outstanding branch activist

Source: Post Primary Teachers Association (PPTA)

Being a unionist is in Lisa Murphy’s DNA. “It’s part of my family heritage, being from a Catholic family there are a lot of
teachers in my background. My Mum was a high school teacher in the 1970s, she taught in all sorts of Auckland schools and was always involved in the union. So, we had discussions about Tomorrow’s Schools, education, and politics. “Being a union member is just not something I would question, I suppose. I never look at the subs and think I could save that money.

Chairing with gusto

Paul Stevens, Chair of PPTA’s Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland region, nominated Lisa for the Guy Allan award. “As branch chair, Lisa has taken to this role with gusto, ensuring her colleagues and comrades are well supported and well connected to the work of the PPTA. Lisa should feel proud that she has maintained a strong branch through very tricky times.

“To me Lisa is the demonstration of what PPTA Te Wehengarua represents at its best: a humble hard-working teacher and activist, who cares about our rangatahi, supports her colleagues, and recognises the important work of our collective to ensure the future of our profession.”

When Lisa heard she had won the award, she felt pleased and proud. “I feel like I put in the work and the award is an acknowledgement of that which is nice. It is also an acknowledgement of the branch behind me and around me.” A sign of a great leader is that they do not have to be present for the work to continue. “I was away last July and a bunch of them went to the pub and wrote a submission on charter schools.”

Enjoying the role

There are many reasons why Lisa enjoys being a branch chair. “I love the people I work with; I want to bring them together so they have a place they can feel safe and heard- and get power from each other.” She also finds the political and social dynamics fascinating. “We’ve got these really interesting political and social structures going on, like why are people in the union or not? The political background to that, their choices of why they are in the union or not fascinate me, how they are led to their various political choices and why.

‘It is also an acknowledgement of the branch behind me and around me.’

“I really enjoy navigating the variety of views that you get across such a big branch and I’m always quite amazed by the psychology of it, how different perceptions can be of any one issue.” Being a staunch PPTA member, Lisa has always been interested in union meetings and how they operate. She was an observer at Annual Conference a couple of years ago and was fascinated. “Seeing the formal processes that are happening, I was amazed by that because in my daily life as an art and art history teacher, I touch on politics and philosophy, but to see democracy in action and how structured it is, was really inspiring. It was like being in a mini government.”

Tips for new branch chairs

Lisa has some tips for new branch chairs in preparation for this year’s collective agreement campaign. Go to your regional meetings and get as much information as you can because the members will be hungry for information
about what’s going on. Set up regular meetings – because most members would prefer to hear it in a discussion or meeting than have to read a whole lot of emails. Some people do read the emails so they can bring the information to the meeting. Make sure meetings are a nice place to be- have a bit of food if your branch can afford it. And provide the opportunity for members to share but keep it focused as well – not a whinge fest.

* PPTA Te Wehengarua established the Guy Allan award in 2005 to recognise outstanding branch activism in the Counties-Manukau and Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland regions. The award commemorates the late Guy Allan — a former PPTA branch chair and Auckland based field officer who was renowned for his commitment to unionism and branch activism.

Last modified on Thursday, 27 March 2025 11:44

MIL OSI New Zealand News –

March 27, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: U.S. Coast Guard cutter promotes regional security in the Pacific with Papua New Guinea

Source: United States Coast Guard

03/26/2025 06:44 PM EDT

The U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Midgett (WMSL 757) recently concluded its second port call in Papua New Guinea (PNG), following nine days of shiprider operations with representatives from the PNG Defence Force, PNG Customs Service, and PNG National Fisheries Authority. Midgett was invited by the Papua New Guinea government to participate in the operation. The PNG shipriders led the mission by selecting vessels of interests and conducting boardings while the U.S. Coast Guard provided ship based and shoreside support. The successful shiprider operations reinforced the importance of deepening and expanding strong bilateral relationships.

For breaking news follow us on twitter @USCGHawaiiPac

MIL Security OSI –

March 27, 2025

	Fitch Ratings	Standard & Poor’s
Long-Term rating	Aa3	AA-
Outlook	Negative	Negative
Short-Term rating	P-1	A-1+

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