NewzIntel.com

Category: Politics

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

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

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

     

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

     

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

     

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

     

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

     

    Background

     

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

     

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

     

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

     

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

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Valadao Works to Reform Our Nation’s Immigration System

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman David G. Valadao (California)

    WASHINGTON – Congressman David Valadao (CA-22) joined Rep. Salazar (FL-27), Rep. Escobar (TX-16), and a bipartisan delegation of 17 members to introduce the Dignity Act of 2025. This bill creates the Dignity Program, which offers a 7-year temporary legal status for undocumented immigrants who have been in the United States for 5 years or more (since before 2021) and can meet certain other requirements, including the ability to pass a criminal background check. Once completed, they will be granted legal status, allowing them to live and work in the United States.

    Congressman Valadao was a co-sponsor of the Dignity Act in the 118th Congress.

    “It’s past time for Congress to pass reasonable immigration reform that restores law and order while recognizing the contributions of undocumented immigrants who have built their lives here,” said Congressman Valadao. “In the Valley there are many people who have lived and worked peacefully for years, and they deserve a fair opportunity to earn legal status. The Dignity Act is a bipartisan step toward fixing our broken immigration system and delivering the reforms our communities need, and I’m proud to join my colleagues in support.”

    “The Dignity Act of 2025 is a revolutionary bill that offers the solution to our immigration crisis: secure the border, stop illegal immigration, and provide an earned opportunity for long-term immigrants to stay here and work,” said Congresswoman Salazar. “No amnesty. No handouts. No citizenship. Just accountability and a path to stability for our economy and our future.”

    “I have seen firsthand the devastating consequences of our broken immigration system, and as a member of Congress, I take seriously my obligation to propose a solution. Realistic, common-sense compromise is achievable, and is especially important given the urgency of this moment. I consider the Dignity Act of 2025 a critical first step to overhauling this broken system,” said Congresswoman Escobar. “Immigrants – especially those who have been in the United States for decades – make up a critical component of our communities and also of the American workforce and economy. The vast majority of immigrants are hard-working, law-abiding residents; and, most Americans recognize that it is in our country’s best interest to find bipartisan reforms. We can enact legislation that incorporates both humanity and security, and the Dignity Act of 2025 offers a balanced approach that restores dignity to people who have tried to navigate a broken system for far too long. The reintroduction of this legislation includes changes that reflect the challenges in today’s political environment. I’m proud of my bipartisan work with Representative Salazar, who has been a strong partner on this issue since December 2022. It is our hope that Congress seizes the opportunity to take an important step forward on this issue.”

    Key provisions of the Dignity Act include:

    • Grants legal status and a path to permanent residency for Dreamers. 
    • Supports American industries—including agriculture—by addressing labor shortages.
    • Takes steps toward legal immigration reform by updating visa categories to align with 21st century needs.
    • Reduces backlogs for high-skilled Employment Based (EB) worker visas.

    Read the full bill here.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: H.R. 3382, Small Entity Update Act

    Source: US Congressional Budget Office

    H.R. 3382 would require the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to study its current definition of “small entity” under the Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA) and revise its rules based on the results of the study. Under current law, agencies subject to the RFA need to determine if their rules have a significant economic effect on small entities, including businesses, nonprofit organizations, and governmental jurisdictions. If so, agencies must consider alternatives that minimize that effect.

    Using information about the cost of similar provisions, CBO estimates that implementing the bill would cost $2 million over the 2025-2030 period. CBO expects that the SEC would need about five employees, at an average annual cost of $330,000 for each employee, to carry out the study and amend the rules. Because the SEC is authorized to collect fees each year to offset its annual appropriation, CBO expects that the net effect on discretionary spending over the 2025-2030 period would be negligible, assuming appropriation actions consistent with that authority.

    If the SEC increases fees to offset the costs associated with implementing the bill, H.R. 3382 would increase the cost of an existing mandate on private entities required to pay those assessments. CBO estimates that the incremental cost of the mandate would be small and would fall well below the threshold established in the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act (UMRA) for private-sector mandates ($206 million in 2025, adjusted annually for inflation).

    H.R. 3382 contains no intergovernmental mandates as defined in UMRA.

    The CBO staff contacts for this estimate are Aurora Swanson (for federal costs) and Rachel Austin (for mandates). The estimate was reviewed by H. Samuel Papenfuss, Deputy Director of Budget Analysis.

    Phillip L. Swagel

    Director, Congressional Budget Office

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: The Islamic Corporation for the Insurance of Investment and Export Credit (ICIEC) and Al Baraka Islamic Bank BSC Bahrain Sign Documentary Credit Insurance Policy to Boost Shariah-Compliant Trade

    Source: APO

    The Islamic Corporation for the Insurance of Investment and Export Credit (ICIEC) (https://ICIEC.IsDB.org), a Shariah-based multilateral insurer and member of the Islamic Development Bank Group, and Al Baraka Islamic Bank BSC Bahrain signed a Documentary Credit Insurance Policy (DCIP). The policy aims to strengthen support for Shariah-compliant trade finance, enabling greater security and confidence in the international trade ecosystem.

    The agreement was signed by Dr. Khalid Khalafalla, Chief Executive Officer of ICIEC, and Dr. Adel Salem, Chief Executive Officer of Al Baraka Islamic Bank BSC Bahrain, in a joint effort to enhance the capacity of Islamic financial institutions to manage trade-related risks more effectively.

    Under this partnership, ICIEC will provide insurance coverage for the confirmation of Letters of Credit (LCs) issued by Al Baraka Islamic Bank in connection with the import and export of eligible Shariah-compliant goods and services. This solution will help mitigate payment risks associated with cross-border trade while promoting sustainable growth in ICIEC’s member states.

    Dr. Khalid Khalafalla, CEO of ICIEC, stated: “This strategic collaboration with Al Baraka Islamic Bank reflects ICIEC’s unwavering commitment to advancing intra-OIC trade and investment. By supporting Shariah-compliant trade finance through our Documentary Credit Insurance Policy, we are facilitating secure trade flows while empowering Islamic banks to broaden their offerings to clients. This partnership demonstrates the power of multilateral cooperation in achieving shared development goals.”

    For his part, Dr. Adel Salem, CEO of Al Baraka Islamic Bank BSC Bahrain, stated: “We are delighted to partner with ICIEC on this pioneering Credit Insurance Policy, which empowers us to extend Shariah‑compliant trade finance to our clients, bolster Bahrain’s role as a regional hub for Islamic banking, and stimulate sustainable economic growth across member states worldwide. This collaboration underscores our unwavering commitment to innovation and robust risk management, giving the businesses we serve greater confidence to expand in global markets.”

    The DCIP serves as a vital tool for Islamic banks, enhancing their ability to expand trade finance operations with reduced exposure to commercial and political risks. The policy also complements ICIEC’s broader mandate to promote economic resilience, financial inclusion, and private sector development in member countries.

    Both institutions reaffirmed their shared dedication to expanding the reach of Islamic finance, strengthening risk mitigation tools, and contributing to inclusive and sustainable economic development.

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Islamic Corporation for the Insurance of Investment and Export Credit (ICIEC).

    Media Contacts:
    ICIEC
    Email: ICIEC-Communication@isdb.org

    Al Baraka Islamic Bank BSC
    Email: marketing@albaraka.bh

    Follow ICIEC on: 
    X: https://apo-opa.co/44Qre2B
    Facebook: https://apo-opa.co/3Iv2bL3
    LinkedIn: https://apo-opa.co/44JYv0J
    YouTube: https://apo-opa.co/4eRJkG9
    Instagram: https://apo-opa.co/44LpCak

    About The Islamic Corporation for the Insurance of Investment and Export Credit (ICIEC):
    As a member of ‘AAA’ rated Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), ICIEC commenced operations in 1994 to strengthen economic relations between OIC Member States and promote intra-OIC trade and investments by providing risk mitigation tools and financial solutions. The Corporation is the only Islamic multilateral insurer in the world. It has led from the front in delivering a comprehensive suite of solutions to companies and parties in its 50 Member States. ICIEC, for the 17th consecutive year, maintained an “Aa3” insurance financial strength credit rating from Moody’s, ranking the Corporation among the top of the Credit and Political Risk Insurance (CPRI) Industry. Additionally, S&P has reaffirmed ICIEC “AA-“ long-term Issuer Credit and Financial Strength Rating for the second year with Stable Outlook.  ICIEC’s resilience is underpinned by its sound underwriting, global reinsurance network, and strong risk management policies. Cumulatively, ICIEC has insured more than USD 121 billion in trade and investment. ICIEC activities are directed to several sectors – energy, manufacturing, infrastructure, healthcare, and agriculture.

    Website: https://ICIEC.IsDB.org

    About Al Baraka Islamic Bank BSC:
    Al Baraka Islamic Bank (AIB) is one of leading financial institutions in the Islamic banking sector within Bahrain. Throughout its history of more than four decades (since its establishment in 1984), the Bank has played a prominent role in building the infrastructure of the Islamic finance industry. The Bank also played a significant role in promoting the Islamic finance industry and publicizing its merits.

    AIB offers innovative financial products, including investments, international trading, management of short-term liquidity and consumer financing, all of which are all based on Islamic financing modes. Such financing includes Murabaha, Wakala, Istisna, Musharaka, Mudarabah, Salam, and Ijara Muntahia Bittamleek.

    Website: https://www.AlBaraka.bh

    Media files

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    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Schatz: Congress Controls Purse Strings, Not Trump

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Hawaii Brian Schatz
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i), lead Democrat on the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on State and Foreign Operations, today urged his colleagues to reject President Donald Trump’s efforts to enact a harmful $9 billion cut to foreign aid and public broadcasting. The Republican rescissions bill would devastate public TV and radio stations across the country, making it more difficult for people – especially those in Native communities and rural areas – to get news and critical emergency alerts. The bill would also gut lifesaving foreign aid programs that millions of people around the world rely on.
    “Being part of the Article One branch means something very specific, and it means that we’re the legislature, and we control the purse strings,” said Senator Schatz. “This bill reduces funding for Ukraine. It reduces funding for global health. It continues to reduce funding for public television and public radio. Republicans don’t actually have to do this.”
    The full text of Schatz’s remarks can be found below. Video is available here. 
    Republicans don’t actually have to do this. I understand as well as anybody wanting to go along with your party’s president, especially in the early months. But being part of an independent and co-equal branch has to mean something. Being part of the Article One branch means something very specific, and it means that we’re the legislature and we control the purse strings.
    Nowhere in the Constitution does it say that if the president wants something, you must do it. And what worries me the most about this rescissions package, if it passes it is one thing for the president’s signature accomplishment, signature policy priority to be supported by Republicans in the legislature. I understand that. I understand the inevitable political momentum behind that. But this isn’t that. And we have now gone six months. Without a single instance of Republicans and Democrats coming together and establishing that there are some limitations on this president’s power.
    And if you remember the first Trump term, there were a couple of moments when the legislature actually stood up to the president, overrode a veto of his rejected a rescissions package. They stood up for their prerogatives. And you know what happened next? Nothing. Why? Because that’s actually how the system is supposed to work. We are not a parliamentary system. We are not a monarchy where the president says by tweet, by tweet, if you don’t adopt this exactly how it’s written, you will not receive my political support. Thank you for your attention to this matter. And that set us on a course towards passing this legislation, which I know a dozen, at least a dozen Republicans hate.
    It reduces funding for Jordan. It reduces funding for Ukraine. It reduces funding for global health. It did reduce funding for PEPFAR. It continues to reduce funding for public television and public radio. By the way, public radio is not just National Public Radio. If you were on a reservation. If you were in a very rural part of your state, it’s often not just the only radio station, the only communications infrastructure that exists in a rural area. So it’s the only platform for news. That’s true. It’s also the only emergency communications infrastructure, because still many places across the United States lack internet. And so Mike Rounds got his deal so that his tribes will be taken care of and I’m glad for him. But there are 49 other states where your emergency communications infrastructure is about to be defunded. Nobody likes that. Some people are pissed off about NPR’s coverage or PBS’s coverage. But come on, you defund an agency because you disagree with their editorial choices? Which country is this? Which country is this?
    I want to tell you something a little technical, but I think it gives away the whole game. So I’m the top Democrat on the foreign ops subcommittee. What does that mean? We do funding for U.S. aid in the State Department and a few other things. When we do the appropriations process, we get letters from every other member. They’re private letters, and a lot of people sign them and they say, “could you please give more money to whatever it is, maternal and child health or malaria prevention or, the PEPFAR program, the initiative to prevent HIV/AIDS transmission.” So we get a bunch of letters saying “please plus up this, please, plus up that” bipartisan letters. And we are trying to write a bill that accommodates all these needs. A lot of people who are about to vote to cut all the stuff are on the side writing me a letter saying, “please increase these accounts.” And why does this matter? This matters because nobody’s voting – I shouldn’t say nobody – many, many people are not voting their conscience tonight. And that’s just a fact.
    There’s a there’s a characterization in poker when you know you’re beat and someone puts money in on the river and you call anyway, it’s called a crying call. You give away your money sort of crying. This is a crying call. This is a “I know I’m beat, I vote aye,” and here’s the thing: we don’t actually have to do this.
    President Trump’s attention is famously divided, and if something pops next week, he will be on that thing next week. He did not wake up every morning thinking, I want to defund UNICEF. I want to defund PEPFAR. His attention will be divided, and the moment the legislature stands up for himself, usually what he does is he understands power and he says, “okay, those guys are asserting themselves. They’re a co-equal branch of government, and I’m going to have to move on from this.” Because why do I know this? We literally did the same thing. There was a rescissions package, which nobody remembers. Why? Because we quietly with Dick Shelby and others appropriators, all said “no, we hold the purse strings here. We write the laws that determine appropriations.” We’re not going to do this thing on a bipartisan basis, enact a spending plan, and then come in on a partisan basis and say, you know, that wasn’t actually the spending plan. That was just the spending cap. And the administration is going to come in and do whatever it wants on a partisan basis. And so what happened is they rejected the rescissions package on the motion to discharge, which is happening in about an hour and five minutes. And then you know what happened? Nothing. Nothing politically. Nothing substantively, except that we kept the appropriations process alive. We kept the filibuster alive. We kept bipartisanship alive. And in this instance, it’s not just about this institution. It is literally about people being kept alive.
    For the last five months, because of the United States’ actions, tens of thousands, at least, maybe hundreds of thousands of babies have gotten HIV/AIDS from their moms because we pulled funding. Because Elon Musk had some bug in his ear about USAID. And one weekend he said, we’re going to feed this thing to the woodchipper. And because Democrats too and pundits decided, you know what, foreign aid isn’t so important to voters. I don’t care if it’s important to voters, if it ranks on the number one, number two, or number three. We’re the United States of America and one of the reasons that we have such a strong reputation is that we do things that are right because they’re right, not because our voters are going to reward us immediately, not because we get some geopolitical advantage, but because we’re the damn good guys.
    And right now, we are ratifying a bunch of decisions against our will. We don’t have to do this. Donald Trump will move on to the next thing tomorrow. And if it’s not on this thing which has low salience for the voters, is 18 months from the next election. If it’s not on this, at what point are my Republican colleagues going to stand up for this branch of government?
    I remain ready to work with anybody on anything. I have talked to Chairman Graham about the possibility of literally enacting these rescissions, or at least a portion of them in the state and foreign ops mark, and yet they choose this legislative violence. We don’t have to do this. We don’t have to operate under the assumption that this man is uniquely so powerful. He’s the most powerful president. He owns the legislature in a way that no president has ever owned the legislature. And we all act like we’re just sort of observers, like clicking on the TV and seeing how our fantasy football team is doing this Sunday.
    We have agency tonight to reestablish that. We are the Article One branch of government, and that means something.

    MIL OSI USA News –

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: H.R. 3339, Equal Opportunity for All Investors Act of 2025

    Source: US Congressional Budget Office

    H.R. 3339 would require the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to develop an exam and certify people who pass as “accredited investors,” which would allow them to make investments for which they are not currently eligible. Under current law, accredited investors are defined as people or entities with sufficient financial sophistication and resources to sustain the risk of loss, including banks, broker-dealers, and investment companies. Accredited investors may participate in investment opportunities not available to nonaccredited investors, such as purchasing securities that are exempt from registration with the SEC.

    Based on the cost of similar provisions, CBO estimates that implementing H.R. 3339 would cost $1 million in both 2026 and 2027. CBO expects that the SEC would need three employees, at an average annual cost of $330,000 for each employee, to establish the examination and amend the current rules on accredited investors. Because the SEC is authorized to collect fees each year to offset its annual appropriation, CBO expects that the net effect on discretionary spending over the 2025-2030 period would be negligible, assuming appropriation actions consistent with that authority.

    If the SEC increases annual fees to offset the costs of implementing provisions of H.R. 3339, it would increase the costs of an existing private-sector mandate on entities required to pay those fees. CBO estimates that the incremental cost of the mandate would be small and would fall well below the annual threshold established in the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act (UMRA) for private-sector mandates ($206 million in 2025, adjusted annually for inflation).

    The bill contains no intergovernmental mandates.

    The CBO staff contacts for this estimate are Aurora Swanson (for federal costs) and Rachel Austin (for mandates). The estimate was reviewed by H. Samuel Papenfuss, Deputy Director of Budget Analysis.

    Phillip L. Swagel

    Director, Congressional Budget Office

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: H.R. 3357, Enhancing Multi-Class Share Disclosures Act

    Source: US Congressional Budget Office

    H.R. 3357 would direct the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to issue rules requiring securities issuers with multi-class stock structures to disclose to all shareholders information about the shares of all classes of securities owned by and the voting power of particular shareholders specified in the bill. A multi-class stock structure is one in which a company offers two or more classes of securities with different voting rights in an election of directors.

    Using information about the cost of similar rulemakings, CBO estimates that implementing H.R. 3357 would cost $1 million over the 2025-2030 period. CBO expects the commission would need three employees, at an average annual cost of $330,000 for each employee, to issue rules over one year. Because the SEC is authorized to collect fees each year to offset its annual appropriation, CBO expects that the net effect on discretionary spending over the 2025-2030 period would be negligible, assuming appropriation actions consistent with that authority.

    If the SEC increased fees to offset the costs for rulemaking as required by the bill, H.R. 3357 would increase the cost of an existing mandate as defined in the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act (UMRA) on private entities required to pay those fees. CBO estimates that the incremental cost of the mandate would be small and would fall well below the annual threshold for private-sector mandates established in UMRA ($206 million in 2025, adjusted annually for inflation).

    The bill would not impose any intergovernmental mandates.

    The CBO staff contacts for this estimate are Aurora Swanson (for federal costs) and Rachel Austin (for mandates). The estimate was reviewed by H. Samuel Papenfuss, Deputy Director of Budget Analysis.

    Phillip L. Swagel

    Director, Congressional Budget Office

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Malaga Financial Corporation Reports Earnings for the First Six Months of 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    PALOS VERDES ESTATES, Calif., July 16, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Malaga Financial Corporation “Company” (OTCIQ:MLGF), the parent company of Malaga Bank FSB, today reported that net income for the six months ended June 30, 2025 was $10,950,000 ($1.16 basic and fully diluted earnings per share) compared to $11,791,000 ($1.25 basic and fully diluted earnings per share, as adjusted for the stock dividend declared on November 15, 2024) for the same period ended June 30, 2024. The $841,000 decrease in net income was primarily due to a $475,000 (net of tax) impact related to the Employment Retention Credit (ERC) received in the prior year. Net income for the quarter ended June 30, 2025 was $5,546,000 ($0.59 basic and fully diluted earnings per share), a decrease of $233,000 or 4% from net income of $5,779,000 ($0.61 basic and fully diluted earnings per share, as adjusted for the stock dividend declared on November 15, 2024) for the quarter ended June 30, 2024. For the first six months of 2025, the Company’s annualized return on average equity was 10.23% and the annualized return on average assets was 1.58%.

    The decrease in earnings of $233,000 for the second quarter of 2025 compared to second quarter of 2024 was primarily attributed to a $191,000 decrease in net interest income, a $92,000 decrease in recovery for provision for loan losses and a $73,000 increase in nonoperating expense offset by a $96,000 decrease in income tax expense and a $25,000 decrease in other operating expense.

    Net interest income totaled $11,016,000 in the second quarter of 2025, a decrease of $191,000 from the same period in 2024. This resulted primarily due to a decrease in average interest-earning assets of $60.0 million offset by an increase in the interest rate spread from 2.92% to 2.97%. The increase in the interest rate spread is primarily attributed to an increase of 0.09% in yield on average interest-earning assets offset by an increase of 0.04% in rate paid on average interest-bearing liabilities.

    Decrease of $92,000 in recovery for provision for loan losses between the second quarter 2025 and the same period in 2024 is primarily due to lower decrease in net loans.

    The nonoperating expense increase of $73,000 in the second quarter 2025 compared to the second quarter 2024, was primarily due to $51,000 in check fraud versus $22,000 in check fraud recovery for the same period in 2024.

    Operating expenses decreased 1% in the second quarter of 2025 to $3,423,000 from $3,448,000 in the second quarter of 2024. The decrease is primarily attributed to a decrease in compensation of $73,000, offset by increases in general and administrative of $19,000, depreciation and amortization of $19,000, and data processing of $9,000.

    The Company had no 30-day delinquent loans or loans with deferred payments and no foreclosed real estate owned at June 30, 2024. The Company’s allowance for credit losses was $3,678,000, or 0.30% of total loans, at June 30, 2025.

    Randy C. Bowers, Chairman, President, and CEO, commented, “As noted in the prior quarter, in the second quarter 2025 we continued to experience volatility and increased uncertainty in both the economic and political environment. We are generally satisfied with our results for the period and note the year-over-year impact of the 2024 ERC credit. Credit quality remains excellent, and expenses are well controlled. In spite of a very challenging operating environment, we remain optimistic going forward and wish to again thank our colleagues for their efforts in achieving these results.”

    Malaga Bank’s total assets decreased by 2% to $1.397 billion at June 30, 2025, compared to $1.425 billion at June 30, 2024. The loan portfolio at June 30, 2025, was $1.209 billion, a decrease of $26.9 million or 2% from June 30, 2024. Malaga originates loans principally for its own portfolio and not for sale.

    Malaga funds its assets with a mix of retail deposits, wholesale deposits and FHLB borrowings. Retail deposits totaled $718.5 million as of June 30, 2025, a $22.0 million decrease from $740.5 million at June 30, 2024. Wholesale deposits increased $31.9 million or 18% from $174.6 million at June 30, 2024, to $206.5 million at June 30, 2025. Wholesale deposits were primarily comprised of $155.5 million brokered long-term certificates of deposits and $51.0 million State of California certificates of deposits as of June 30, 2025. FHLB borrowings decreased $55.0 million or 20% from $280.0 million at June 30, 2024, to $225.0 million at June 30, 2025. The decrease in FHLB borrowings is an interest rate risk management strategy related to the decrease in net loan growth.

    As of June 30, 2025, Malaga Bank was in compliance with all applicable regulatory capital requirements and was deemed “well-capitalized” under applicable regulations. Core capital and risk-based capital ratios were 16.57% and 28.92%, respectively, at June 30, 2025, significantly exceeding the minimum “well-capitalized” requirements of 5% and 10%, respectively.

    Malaga Bank, a subsidiary of Malaga Financial Corporation, is a full-service community bank headquartered on the Palos Verdes Peninsula with six offices located in the South Bay area of Los Angeles. For over fifteen years Malaga Bank has been consistently recommended by one of the nation’s leading independent bank rating and research firms, Bauer Financial Inc. Malaga Bank was awarded Bauer’s premier Top 5-Star rating for the 70th consecutive quarter as of March 2025. Since 1985, Malaga Bank has been delivering competitive banking services to residents and businesses of South Bay, including real estate loan products custom-tailored to consumers and investors. As the largest community bank in South Bay, Malaga is proud of its continuing tradition of relationship-based banking and legendary customer service. The Bank’s web site is located at www.malagabank.com.

    Contact: Randy Bowers
      Chairman of the Board, President, and Chief Executive Officer
      Malaga Financial Corporation
      310-375-9000
      rbowers@malagabank.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Hoyle, Houchin, LaLota Lead Bipartisan Effort to Get Fire Fighters the Parkinson’s Care They Need

    Source: US Representative Val Hoyle (OR-04)

    July 16, 2025

    For Immediate Release: July 16, 2025 

    WASHINGTON, D.C.  – Today, U.S. Representatives Val Hoyle (OR-04), Erin Houchin (IN-09), and Nick LaLota (NY-01) introduced the bipartisan Parkinson’s Protection for Fire Fighters Act of 2025 to provide medical coverage and increased support for federal fire fighters who develop symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. 

    Despite clear evidence linking fire fighting to an increased risk for developing Parkinson’s, the federal government has yet to officially recognize the connection. As a result, fire fighters living with Parkinson’s face needless bureaucratic barriers when seeking thecare they need. This bill would change that by formally recognizing Parkison’s as a job-related illness for fire fighters to access the care they have earned and deserve.

    “Fire fighters are exposed to significantly more toxins than the civilian population. They put their lives on the line to protect and serve our communities. It is our responsibility to ensure that the medical issues that disproportionately arise as a result of their service are covered. Fire fighters shouldn’t have to fight to prove the link between their service and Parkinson’s disorders, given the data. This is the least we can do to those who dedicated their lives to protecting and serving us,” Rep. Hoyle said.

    “Our fire fighters put their lives on the line every day, facing extreme risks most of us will never fully understand. The science is clear—chemical exposure and head trauma from fire fighting significantly increase the risk of Parkinson’s disease. The Parkinson’s Protection for Fire Fighters Act ensures these heroes aren’t left to fight this battle alone. This bill is about honoring their service with the care and support they’ve earned,” Rep Houchin said.

    “The risks fire fighters face don’t end when the fire is out, and the science is clear: repeated exposure to toxic chemicals on the job significantly increases their risk of developing Parkinson’s. That’s why I support federal legislation to establish a presumptive link. Our fire fighters deserve more than praise—they deserve care, support, and the full backing of the country they serve,” said Rep. LaLota.

    “The research is clear: fire fighters face an increased risk of developing Parkinson’s disease due to frequent, repeated exposure to toxins on the job. That’s why the Parkinson’s Protection for Fire Fighters Act is so important. This bipartisan legislation will help ensure fire fighters have access to the care and support needed following a Parkinson’s diagnosis,” said International Association of Fire Fighters General President Edward Kelly. “The IAFF is proud to endorse this bill, and we’re grateful to Reps. Hoyle, Houchin, and LaLota for their leadership on this critical issue.”

    “The sacrifices made by federal fire fighters extend far beyond the immediate risks of responding to fires and other emergencies,” said NFFE National President Randy Erwin. “Many suffer from job-related injuries and illnesses, including Parkinson’s, long after their federal service ends. NFFE is proud to endorse the Parkinson’s Protection for Fire Fighters Act to ensure these brave men and women receive the workers’ compensation benefits they deserve should they be diagnosed with Parkinson’s. Thank you to Representatives Hoyle, Houchin, and LaLota for their leadership on this important issue.”

    “Fire fighters are exposed to numerous neurotoxic chemicals as they do their vital work. The American Parkinson Disease Association (APDA) is proud to endorse Representative Hoyle’s efforts to support fire fighters who develop Parkinson’s disease as they bravely protect our communities,” said Rebecca Gilbert, MD, PhD, Chief Mission Officer, APDA.

    The Parkinson’s Protection for Fire Fighters Act of 2025 is also cosponsored by U.S. Representatives Carbajal (CA-24) and Neguse (CO-02).

    The bill is also supported by 6 organizations including the: International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF), National Federation of Federal Employees (NFFE), American Parkinson Disease Assocation, Davis Phiney Foundation for Parkinson’s Power Over Parkinson’s, National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, and Power Over Parkinson’s.

    Background

    Parkinsonism (PD) is a term used to describe a group of disorders that impacts movements and motor controls. Studies show that certain consistent chemical exposures and head injuries are linked to increased risk of PD. 

    Fire fighters are routinely exposed to chemicals such as carbon monoxide and hydrogen cyanide through their service, both of which have well documented links to developing PD.

    Fire fighters are also at greater risk of concussions, which has been shown toincreased risk of developing PD.

    The Bill

    The Parkinson’s Protection for Fire Fighters Act of 2025 would officially establish PD as one of the “certain illnesses and diseases deemed to be proximately caused by employment in fire protection activities.”

    Adding PD to the list of diseases linked to fire fighting would make it easier for fire fighters with PD to get medical coverage, care, and benefits without each individual fire fighter having to prove their occupation caused it.

    The bill helps to ensure that current and future generations of federal fire fighters get the protection, support, and care they earned and deserve.

    The full text of the bill can be found here.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICYMI— Hagerty Joins Mornings with Maria on Fox Business to Discuss Rescissions Package, GENIUS Act, Trump’s Strategy on Russia

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Tennessee Bill Hagerty

    WASHINGTON—Yesterday, United States Senator Bill Hagerty (R-TN), a member of the Senate Banking and Appropriations Committees and former U.S. Ambassador to Japan, joined Mornings with Maria on Fox Business to discuss Senate action on the rescissions package, his stablecoin legislation to strengthen digital asset regulation, and President Donald Trump’s strategy to end the war in Ukraine through tough secondary sanctions on Russia’s trading partners.

    *Click the photo above or here to watch*

    Partial Transcript

    Hagerty on the rescissions package and fiscal responsibility: “It’s amazing what we found when we looked into it, and the amount of this rescissions package is just a start. I think your interview with the Speaker [of the House Mike Johnson] was absolutely wonderful in terms of laying out the fact that we’re on a progression to bring fiscal responsibility back to America. It’s going to take several steps, but this rescissions package that’s coming before us this week is an incredibly important first step. What we’re going to see is a cutback on programs that have been wildly mismanaged. If you think about the way these programs have been allowed to grow– I mean, we’re funding lesbian programs in Canada. That’s absolutely ridiculous that U.S. taxpayers should be on the hook for these types of boondoggles. This is a major first step. I’m looking forward to getting it passed this week and continuing down the path of fiscal responsibility.”

    Hagerty on digital asset legislation and American innovation: “The most important thing to understand is the fact that the United States is turning the tide. The Biden administration did everything it could to wage war on the crypto industry in America, to shove that sort of innovation offshore. We’ve taken major steps with this legislation to bring it back, to create a regulatory framework that actually works here in America. I’m the author of the stablecoin legislation. I’ve had great assistance from our chairman Sen. Tim Scott, from Sen. Cynthia Lummis, and members of the Banking Committee. [Representative] French Hill and his team in the House have been absolutely wonderful to work with. And we’ve put together something on stablecoins that the president will be ready to sign at the end of this week. Stablecoins are a new payment system. It puts us into the digital asset arena, and it takes us off of a system that was designed in the 1970s and 80s– very clunky, sometimes taking five to 10 days to clear– and moves it onto the blockchain. It’s far more efficient, far more secure, and it sets the groundwork for the entire crypto industry to thrive here in America. That’s what the Clarity Act is about. That’s what the Anti-Central Bank Digital Currency Act is about. It’s moving this technology forward here in America and making certain we own this innovation going forward.”

    Hagerty on reinforcing the U.S. dollar and countering surveillance: “It [The GENIUS Act] will make it easier to move dollars, which again reinforces the U.S. dollar as the reserve currency. Each of these digital dollars is going to be backed one-for-one by U.S. Treasury securities. That’s going to stimulate demand for U.S. Treasurys, and the increased demand will bring rates down, which will be very positive for our borrowing cost right now at a time when we need it. There are many reasons to love this bill– the working capital it brings back into the system, the immediate access for small and mid-sized businesses. But importantly, we’re going to see this technology thrive here in America. There is a large number of my colleagues here in the Senate, like Sen. Elizabeth Warren, the leader of this group, who are proponents of central bank digital currencies, meaning they’d like to be able to surveil every transaction Americans make. I don’t think Americans want that at all. They’ve seen Operation Choke Point take many different forms. We do not want to empower the federal government to do that yet again.”

    Hagerty on President Trump’s Russia-Ukraine strategy: “I think it’s a very positive development. President Trump has gotten to the end of his rope dealing with Vladimir Putin and [Volodymyr] Zelensky, trying to resolve this conflict in Ukraine. And what he’s done is taken a major step forward, demonstrating his resolve, but he’s done it in a way that takes the American taxpayer off the hook. He’s putting the Europeans on the front line. He’s going to be depleting their stockpiles, not America’s, and they’re going to be paying for it. That moves us in the direction he’s been articulating for some time.”

    Hagerty on the 50-day deadline for Russia: “He’s issued a 50-day timeline. Just ask the Iranians– when President Trump issues a timeline, he expects it to be followed. And if it’s not, the consequences can be serious when he talks about sanctions at this level. I worked on imposing secondary sanctions in the first Trump administration. My job was to work on the Iranian regime and to stop countries around the world from buying Iranian crude oil. I got that done in Japan. It happened around the world. We brought Iran to its knees. And had it not been for voices like John Kerry pleading with them to wait until after the election to see if Joe Biden might win, we’d have had a very different situation in the Middle East. We’re coming back to that strategy now. President Trump has more than three years ahead of him to impose these sanctions, and they’re going to be crippling. The Russians understand this, and most importantly, they know President Trump means business.”

    Hagerty on restoring U.S. sanctions enforcement: “I can’t underscore this enough: Putin knows, and President Trump has demonstrated, that 50 days means 50 days. And if he violates that timeline, the consequences will be severe. Now, under [Treasury] Secretary Scott Bessent, we finally have the capacity to enforce our sanctions. Under Joe Biden, sanctions enforcement went away. That’s sad, because we had capable people at the U.S. Treasury who were responsible for doing this, and they were told to stand down. Now, Secretary Bessent is bringing in a team that understands exactly how to do this. We’re going to see real results.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Video: Kaine Speaks on Senate Floor to Slam Republican Defunding of Faith-Based Organizations

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Virginia Tim Kaine

    BROADCAST-QUALITY VIDEO IS AVAILABLE HERE.

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Last night, U.S. Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA), a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee (SFRC), spoke on the Senate floor slamming President Trump and congressional Republicans’ rescissions package, which includes massive cuts to funding for faith-based organizations that provide important services, such as implementing foreign assistance and national security programming overseas and supporting refugee resettlement in the United States. The Republican rescissions bill, which Kaine opposes, cancels $9.4 billion in federal funding previously appropriated by a bipartisan majority in Congress for public broadcasting and national security programs.

    A transcript of Kaine’s speech is below:

    Mr. President.

    I wish I could tell you my speech will be short. I don’t think it will be long, but I will try to make it interesting. I want to tell you a story, and it’s not a story about anything that’s happened in this building. It’s a story about a very humble Catholic parish in Northside Richmond, Virginia called St. Elizabeth of Hungary.  

    It’s a very humble parish. It’s a small parish. It’s slightly over 100 years old. It’s the church where my wife and I were married more than 40 years ago, where all three of our children were baptized, where we attended Mass just this last Sunday to hear the Gospel reading, the story of the Good Samaritan.

    The church was founded more than 100 years ago in an unusual way.

    There were Italian and German immigrants in Richmond who felt looked down upon because of where they had come from and because of the accents that they spoke with and that their English wasn’t so good. And in the aftermath of World War I, people looked at German Americans and Italian Americans with some suspicion. German language was being criminalized in some of our states in the aftermath.

    And these immigrant refugee Catholics decided that they wanted a place where they could feel welcomed, loved, and safe as they worshipped in accord with the American value of freedom to worship. And so they set up this little parish in the Highland Park neighborhood of Northside Richmond, Virginia, where they could go and be together and feel safe.

    They chose an interesting name: St. Elizabeth of Hungary. St. Elizabeth of Hungary lived 1,000 years ago. She was a teenager and queen in a time of great poverty, and against the wishes of her husband and other officials, she would take bread and put the bread inside of her garments and go out and distribute it to the poor.

    And once she was caught and she was made to open her garment—and when she did open her garment, the bread had turned into roses—and that’s the miracle attributed to her. She lived only a short time and died, but she was made a saint by the Catholic Church.

    And these immigrants who started my parish chose that name because they felt like that was what was needed in the world—people who would try to serve others in need.

    100 years later, we celebrated the centennial of my church, Mr. President, a couple of years ago. And I was sitting there—I’ve now been a member of the parish for 40 years—and I was looking around, and I realized times change, and they don’t.

    Catholic Relief Services, which is one of the largest agencies in the United States that helps settle refugees who are legal immigrants—refugees are legal immigrants—about 15 years ago, settled a Congolese family into my church who had been in a refugee camp after fleeing violence in the Congo. Catholic, French, and Swahili-speaking. One Congolese family came to my church.

    And then over time, Catholic Relief Services decided, ‘well, this family likes St. Elizabeth, and they feel welcomed here.’ And other families started to come to my church. And so by now, as we were celebrating our centennial and I’m looking around the parish where I go, this small, very humble parish, it is sizably a Congolese refugee population—legal immigrants to the United States who have been settled through the Catholic Relief Service—and they’ve come to a place where they feel loved and cared for and safe and welcome.

    The color of their skin, the accent that they use, the fact that they’re unfamiliar with American culture might make them feel not so welcome in other venues, but in my church, they feel welcome.

    And it made me realize, as we celebrated that centennial, that my church looks real different in some ways than when it was founded 100 years ago, but in other ways it’s exactly the same. It’s a haven for people who are legal immigrants to the United States, but need a place where they can gather with others and feel welcome.

    Why do I tell that story? How is it connected to the rescission bill that we’re going to be voting on tomorrow?

    President Trump has sent a bill to Congress, and one of the pillars of that bill is to rescind the funding for refugee resettlement programs in the United States—run by churches.

    Seven of the ten organizations that resettle refugees in the United States are faith-based organizations. The largest two are the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops operating through Catholic Relief Services and the Evangelical organization World Vision. But it’s not just them. Church World Service, Lutheran Social Services, the Episcopal Church of the United States, World Relief. Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society—founded more than 100 years ago to try to bring Jews, at that point, from Europe to the United States and make sure that as legal immigrants, yes, they would be allowed to be here legally, but they needed someone to teach them about American culture and integrate into American life.

    The practice of American religious organizations assisting in legal immigration goes back more than a century, and President Trump’s rescissions package that is before us wipes out funding to a dramatic degree for virtually all of them.

    Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society has had to lay off hundreds of staff.

    World Relief said this, ‘President Trump said he will defend persecuted Christians, but the U.S. refugee resettlement program is one of the primary ways that the U.S. government protects Christians and others fleeing persecution.

    The Episcopal Church of the United States has had to end its long standing refugee resettlement program because of President Trump’s budget cuts.

    Lutheran Social Services has … struggled to make payroll. They’ve had to lay off so many people. They’ve reduced the services that they’re able to provide, especially to Afghan allies who were in the United States because they worked with the United States military in Afghanistan to protect our troops.

    Catholic Charities has laid off all kinds of staff.

    The families at my church, they come up to me after Mass on Sunday, and they’re so frightened about what might happen because many of them have families still in refugee camps who might want to come here as legal refugees, as legal immigrants.

    I don’t know of a president who has attacked religious organizations—Catholic, Evangelical, Jewish—that have been doing this work, in many instances for more than a century, in such an orchestrated, intentional, and calculated way as President Trump.

    Matthew: I was a stranger and you welcomed me in. I was sick and you cared for me. I was hungry and you fed me.

    This is a bedrock belief of our nation’s religious organizations. That they will follow the law—legal refugee program—but they will help the person who is accessing legal refugee programs to be able to integrate into a society so they can live with some sense of dignity and have some chance of success.

    Why cut these programs? Why look in the face of these religious organizations that, out of a motivation of conscience, for decades, even a century, have decided that they will try to smooth that path, to integrate people into American life who are here lawfully. Why cut their funding? Why force them to be laid off? Why debilitate their ability to provide services?

    It’s an attack on the religious organizations so that they cannot do the work that their faith in their Creator compels them to do.

    I’m not surprised that President Trump would propose this. The language and the rhetoric and the behavior that he has exhibited toward even legal refugees, legal immigrants to this country, lead me to not be surprised that this important funding is on the chopping block in the bill that he sent to the Senate.

    But I have to admit that I am surprised that it seems to be just moving on a path to being accepted. It was accepted in the House without much drama, including by a whole lot of people who go to churches just like me and hear sermons preached about the Good Samaritan, just like I do every Sunday.

    And we’ll have an opportunity tomorrow to grapple with it here. I intend to, at least, offer an amendment to try to strip this piece of the bill out so that the bill will not be an attack on religious organizations doing what they feel compelled by their faith to do.

    And it is my prayer that the entire rescission bill fail for the reasons my colleagues have said. A deal is a deal, and we shouldn’t backtrack on it.

    But if we can’t defeat the entire rescission bill, it is my hope that we will allow organizations like Catholic Relief Services and the Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society and the Episcopal Church and World Vision and World Relief and Lutheran Social Services. It is my hope that we will at least allow them to practice the faith they sincerely believe and do it in a way consistent with what their practices have been for decades and in some cases, even more than a century.

    And so that’s what I’m going to be praying for tonight, that there’s a bit of a an epiphany in this body, and we realize that the work that these church-based organizations are doing isn’t bad. This work isn’t something that should be slashed and cut with these valuable faith workers laid off.

    My hope is that the Senate will realize this is good work that is really at the core of who we are as Americans. And tiny little parishes like St. Elizabeth of Hungary or synagogues or other churches all over this country who pride themselves on offering a welcoming environment for people who are here lawfully and want to make a way in America will be able to continue to do just that.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senate Unanimously Passes Peters’ Bipartisan Bill to Advance U.S. Manufacturing Policy and Competitiveness

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Michigan Gary Peters

    WASHINGTON, DC – The U.S. Senate unanimously passed bipartisan legislation authored by U.S. Senator Gary Peters(MI) to establish a National Manufacturing Advisory Council at the U.S. Department of Commerce. Peters’ National Manufacturing Advisory Council Act would establish the National Manufacturing Advisory Council as a key component in developing federal manufacturing policy to help strengthen U.S. leadership in global manufacturing. 

    “To support manufacturers in Michigan and throughout the United States, we need our industry partners, economic developers, lawmakers, and workers reading from the same playbook,” said Senator Peters. “A National Manufacturing Advisory Council would help bring together and amplify the voices of manufacturers, workers, and industry experts to strengthen our federal manufacturing policy. In doing so, we can proactively address rising challenges in the industry and better seize opportunities that will propel American manufacturing to new heights in the coming decades.”

    Peters’ bipartisan legislation – which he introduced with U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) – would establish a National Manufacturing Advisory Council made up of manufacturing, labor, and education leaders to advise both Congress and the Secretary of Commerce on how best to ensure the United States remains the top destination globally for investment in manufacturing. It would serve as a bridge between the manufacturing sector and federal government to improve communication and collaboration, and better support the industry and its workforce.

    The National Manufacturing Advisory Council would meet at least twice a year to advise the Secretary of Commerce on policies and programs that impact U.S. manufacturing. It would also propose solutions to challenges and problems facing manufacturers in the United States. The Advisory Council would be required to: 

    • IDENTIFY AND ASSESS the effects of technological developments, production capacity, skill availability, investment patterns, and emerging needs for United States manufacturing competitiveness.  
    • SOLICIT INPUT from the public and private sectors – including businesses and labor groups – as well as academia on emerging trends in manufacturing. 
    • PROVIDE RECOMMENDATIONS to the Secretary addressing global and domestic manufacturing trends threatening the U.S. manufacturing sector, including supply chain interruptions, logistical challenges, and technological changes. The Advisory Council would also advise the Secretary on ways to increase federal attention with respect to manufacturing – as well as matters relating to the U.S. manufacturing workforce such as the impact of new technology and worker training and education priorities.  
    • IDENTIFY REGULATORY ISSUES encountered by the domestic manufacturing sector and provide advice on how to mitigate issues through a favorable environment for manufacturers, workers, and consumers.  

    “This initiative, the National Manufacturing Advisory Council Act, is designed to improve the resources and support for our nation’s small and medium-size manufacturers, which are a truly vital driver of our economy. I applaud Senator Peters for his steadfast, unwavering commitment to American manufacturing,” said Ingrid Tighe, President of the Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center, the Michigan representative of the Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) program, part of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).  

    “We applaud Senator Gary Peters for introducing this bill to improve the federal government’s planning and coordination of efforts to strengthen domestic manufacturing,” said Scott Paul, President of the Alliance for American Manufacturing (AAM). “Recent supply chain disruptions have made clear that it is time for the United States to shore up its critical manufacturing capabilities, which will not only better prepare us for the next crisis but also create jobs and boost the economy. This increased coordination between the many programs designed to support our manufacturers and their workers is an important step towards rebuilding our industrial base. We are grateful to Senator Peters for his efforts to bolster American manufacturing.”  

    “The Association of Equipment Manufacturers applauds Senator Gary Peters and Senator Marsha Blackburn for their continued leadership on behalf of the manufacturing sector and for introducing legislation that will prioritize a national strategy focused on ensuring American manufacturing policy can rapidly respond to changes in the global marketplace,” said Kip Eideberg, American Equipment Manufacturers (AEM), Senior Vice President of Government and Industry Relations. “Our economic prosperity and national security depend on a strong manufacturing sector, and establishing a National Manufacturing Advisory Council will help unleash innovation and mobilize a comprehensive, coordinated, and competent national effort in support of the manufacturing sector and its workforce.”    

    “We commend Senator Gary Peters (D-MI) and Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) for introducing legislation to establish a National Manufacturing Advisory Council,” said Ana Meuwissen, Senior Vice President of Government Affairs for Motor and Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA), The Vehicle Suppliers Association. “This council will be a forum for manufacturers and other key stakeholders to provide input to the Department of Commerce (DOC) on important long-range issues such as workforce, supply chain, technology, and defense industrial base. The NMAC legislation would also foster better coordination of federal manufacturing policy in the DOC and across the federal government. When this legislation is enacted, it will be an asset to assist in retaining U.S. competitiveness in critical manufacturing sectors like motor vehicle parts.”    

    Peters’ National Manufacturing Advisory Council for the 21st Century Act is also supported by the American Small Manufacturers Coalition (ASMC).   

    Peters has consistently prioritized strengthening domestic manufacturing and supply chains. Peters helped author and pass into law the CHIPS and Science Act to boost U.S. manufacturing of semiconductor chips, strengthen critical domestic supply chains, and create good-paying American jobs. The CHIPS and Science Act additionally increased funding for the Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) program, which has been a priority for Peters. In May, Peters’ bipartisan Securing Semiconductor Supply Chains Act passed the Senate, which builds upon the Chips and Science Act to strengthen federal efforts to attract investment in U.S. semiconductor manufacturers and supply chains.

    Peters additionally supported and helped pass the Inflation Reduction Act, which will strengthen domestic manufacturing, onshore our supply chains, combat the climate crisis, and create millions of American jobs.  

    In May 2024, the Senate unanimously passed Peters’ bipartisan Strengthening Support for American Manufacturing Act to bolster federal efforts supporting U.S. manufacturing and American workers. Last year, the Senate also unanimously passed Peters’ bipartisan legislation to strengthen federal efforts to expand domestic manufacturing of semiconductor chips.   

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Warren, Moskowitz, Blumenthal, Raskin, Stansbury Introduce New Bill to Rein in Potential Corruption Through Presidential Library Donations

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts – Elizabeth Warren

    July 16, 2025

    Special interests seemingly seeking favors from Donald Trump have funneled hundreds of millions of dollars into Trump’s presidential library 

    Recent Paramount settlement, $400M Qatari jet gift raise questions about potential influence-peddling

    Bill Text (PDF) | Bill One-Pager (PDF)

    Washington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Ranking Member of the Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, along with Representatives Jared Moskowitz (D-Fla.), Jamie Raskin (D-Md.), and Melanie Stansbury (D-N.M.) unveiled the Presidential Library Anti-Corruption Act to close loopholes that allow presidential libraries to be used as tools for corruption and bribery.

    Giant corporations, at least one foreign government, and other entities have promised donations collectively worth hundreds of millions of dollars to President Donald Trump’s future library while he has the power to impact those same entities’ futures, from mega-merger approvals, to the preservation of the U.S. military base in Qatar, to Big Tech regulation, and more. The contributions, many in the form of settlements to Trump-filed lawsuits, raise serious ethics concerns about potential bribery and influence-peddling.

    “Companies like Paramount and Meta and foreign governments like Qatar may be paying off Donald Trump in plain sight — and right now, there are no rules to stop them,” said Senator Warren. “I’m leading the fight to rein in this avenue for corruption. Government should work for the American people, not just whichever giant company or foreign government can dump the most money into the president’s future library.”

    “President Trump’s acceptance of an extravagant plane from the Qatari government for eventual use in his Presidential Library is corruption plain and simple. Without any restrictions on donations to Presidential Libraries, other foreign governments can potentially extract policy favors from the White House in exchange for gifts and benefits. Our bill closes these loopholes for good so that Presidential Libraries cannot be used as backdoor tools for influence and corruption,” said Senator Blumenthal.

    “Presidential libraries are an incredible resource for American families to learn about our history and the people who shaped it—but it’s also important we know who’s funding that history. Right now, these libraries are a black box, allowing for anonymous donors and even foreign governments to give unlimited amounts of money,” said Representative Moskowitz. “This bill reforms the process so presidents of all parties are subject to commonsense ethics rules. I led this effort last Congress and am doing it again now because the American people deserve the transparency created under this bill, and all presidents should be subject to it.” 

    “I’m proud to co-lead this legislation, which would impose commonsense safeguards on fundraising for presidential libraries,” said Representative Raskin. “Our bill would ensure that presidential libraries are tools for teaching and preserving presidential history, and not just another corrupt self-enrichment scheme for the president. Our bill would ban the use of library donations for personal expenses, ensure quarterly disclosures of contributions made while the president is still in office, and prevent presidential library donations from being used as a backdoor tool by powerful corporations, lobbyists and foreign governments to influence the president and foreign and domestic policy.”

    Unlike presidential campaigns or inaugural committees, Presidential Libraries are subject to almost no restrictions on donations. Presidents can raise funds for their libraries, even while still in office, and accept donations from anyone — including foreign nationals, lobbyists, people seeking presidential pardons, and corporations with matters before federal agencies. These donations can be unlimited and donor names do not have to be disclosed. 

    Just weeks ago, Paramount settled President Trump’s seemingly meritless lawsuit for $16 million — with the money funneling straight into Trump’s future library. Paramount is currently vying for the Trump administration’s approval of its proposed mega-merger with Skydance. In May 2025, President Trump announced that he would accept a free luxury jet — worth about $400 million — from the government of Qatar, and that the jet would be donated to his Presidential Library after he leaves office. 

    Senator Warren this week published a new analysis revealing that companies seeking favorable outcomes from the Trump administration have pledged to funnel at least $63 million into Trump’s future presidential library. Other gifts and in-kind donations — including the luxury Qatari jet, expensive candlelight dinners at Mar-a-Lago, leftover inauguration donations, revenue from sales of Trump-themed merchandise, and more — bring the total value of gifts flowing into Trump’s library to roughly half a billion dollars. 

    The Presidential Library Anti-Corruption Act would:

    • Ban fundraising while the President is in office, with a carveout for nonprofits: Require that Presidential Libraries wait until the President leaves office before fundraising or accepting donations, except from 501(c)(3) organizations (mirroring the standard adopted by the Obama Foundation).
    • Establish a contribution cap: For 501(c)(3) organizations that can donate while a president is still in office, limit donations to $10,000 total.
    • Impose a cooling-off period for donations from foreign nationals, lobbyists, contractors, individuals seeking pardons: For an additional 2 years after the President leaves office, prohibit donations from foreign nationals or foreign governments, registered lobbyists, federal contractors, and individuals seeking presidential pardons.
    • Ban conversion of donations to personal use: Bar the use of Library donations for personal expenses or unrelated financial obligations.
    • Mandate quarterly disclosures: During the President’s time in office and for 5 years after, require all donations of $200 or more to be disclosed to the National Archives each calendar quarter. Publish donor information (including name, employer, and date and amount of the donation) online in a searchable, downloadable format.
    • Prohibit straw donations: Make it illegal to donate in someone else’s name, or to knowingly allow your name to be used for a straw donation.

    The following senators joined as cosponsors: Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Andy Kim (D-N.J.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Gary Peters (D-Mich.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.).

    The bill is also cosponsored by Representatives Andre Carson (D-Ind.), Emmanuel Cleaver (D-Mo.), Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-N.J.), Dwight Evans (D-Pa.), Hank Johnson (D-Ga.), Dave Min (D-Calif.), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-D.C.), Frank Pallone (D-N.J.), and Nikema Williams (D-Ga.). 

    The bill is endorsed by the following: Project On Government Oversight (POGO), Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW), Democracy Defenders Action (DDA), Campaign Legal Center (CLC), Freedom of the Press Foundation, Public Citizen, Society for Historians of American Foreign Relations, Demand Progress, and American Governance Institute.

    “The Presidential Library system was created by FDR to be a gift to the people and posterity – not a grift for a greedy president or a conduit for favor-seekers and influence peddlers. The Presidential Library Anti-Corruption Act turns off this firehose of corruption and restores Presidential Libraries to their original mission: to enable the American people to access presidential papers so they can learn from the past and build a better future,” said Jon Golinger, Democracy Advocate at Public Citizen.

    “For far too long, presidential libraries have operated without sufficient transparency or guardrails. Recent reporting that the Trump administration plans to accept a luxury jet from the Qatari government to be donated to President Trump’s presidential library foundation raises significant concerns regarding the use of gifts from foreign actors to curry favor with the president,” said Debra Perlin, Vice President for Policy at Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW). “Senator Warren’s Presidential Library Anti-Corruption Act of 2025 would bring urgently needed reform to presidential libraries by prohibiting presidents from fundraising or accepting most donations until after they leave office and impose an additional two year ban on any donations from foreign nationals, lobbyists, contractors or individuals seeking pardons. CREW enthusiastically endorses this legislation and urges the Senate to pass it expeditiously.”

    “There are already too many ways for powerful interests to game the system, peddle influence and capture institutions,” said Dylan Hedtler-Gaudette, Vice-President of Policy and Government Affairs at the Project On Government Oversight (POGO). “The fact that it appears as though presidential libraries have become yet another vector of potential corruption and pay-to-play is deeply disturbing. It only makes sense to enact some commonsense guardrails and rules around how donations to presidential libraries can be made, when, in what amounts and by who, similar to campaign finance rules. Senator Warren and her colleagues should be commended for introducing this bill and leading the way on these anti-corruption reforms.” 

    “The American people deserve to know which self-interested corporations, billionaires and foreign nationals are funneling millions of dollars to the president. The Presidential Library Anti-Corruption Act is a commonsense reform that brings needed transparency to the legal wild west of presidential library donations. We thank Sen. Warren for working to stop this corruption and for holding presidents of both parties accountable,” said Emily Peterson-Cassin, Corporate Power Director of Demand Progress.

    “Donations to presidential libraries are the soft belly of political corruption, providing an opportunity for foreign nations and unscrupulous actors to bribe sitting presidents with gifts of unlimited funds for their post-presidential projects. The Presidential Library Anti-Corruption Act provides critical limits and accountability to reign in corrupt practices that have besmirched presidents for decades,” said Daniel Schuman, Executive Director of the American Governance Institute.

    “Campaign Legal Center (CLC) strongly supports the Presidential Library Anti-Corruption Act and thanks its sponsors for introducing this vital legislation,” said Erin Chlopak, Senior Director of Campaign Finance at Campaign Legal Center. “Presidential libraries are supposed to be about our nation’s history. However, donations to these institutions are increasingly being used as a loophole for wealthy special interests, corporations, and even foreign governments to seek favor with the president and gain undue influence. Because existing laws that regulate money in politics don’t extend to presidential libraries, new rules are needed to prevent them from becoming another avenue for corruption that undermines trust in our government. CLC urges Congress to pass this legislation and safeguard the integrity of our democracy without delay.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Reed: Instead of Lowering Prices, Trumponomics is Increasing Inflation

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Rhode Island Jack Reed

    WASHINGTON, DC — As Trump’s irresponsible tariff taxes and reckless trade wars cause inflation to surge and continue to push up the price of many goods – including clothing, furniture, groceries, and large appliances, U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) issued the following statement:

    “President Trump is forcing Americans to pay higher costs for everyday goods.  His senseless decision to ramp up tariffs on nearly every good entering the U.S. has created a de facto national sales tax and his chaotic policy decisions are dragging down American family finances.  He should reverse course and work on a bipartisan basis to help bring down costs, lower prices, and strengthen our economy.

    “His so-called 90 deals in 90 days hasn’t materialized, but his trade war rhetoric has already driven up costs for Main Street businesses and those price hikes are passed along to consumers. 

    “I urge the president to curb his tariff taxes, senseless attacks on the independence of the Federal Reserve, and pressure campaign to lower interest rates for political expedience, which would only turbocharge inflation.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Analysis: The government wants local authorities to embrace AI – here’s one way it could work in practice

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Alex Lord, Professor, Lever Chair of Urban Planning, University of Liverpool

    Francesco Scatena/Shutterstock

    Few issues ignite communities more fiercely than what to do with land. The prospect of releasing small portions of green belt land for housing developments, a windfarm proposal or plans for a new road can transform mild-mannered citizens into passionate advocates overnight.

    This visceral connection between people and place perfectly illustrates the famous observation that “all politics is local”. In England, the principle that every citizen should be given the opportunity to “have their say” on planning matters is enshrined in law. Before any planning document is adopted, local authorities must give the public the chance to provide feedback.

    The logic for this is based on a common-sense morality: before binding decisions are made about how an area might change, the local people who have to live with those decisions should be given the opportunity to endorse or reject that plan.

    In practice this is a hugely cumbersome process. Local authorities have to make sense of thousands of comments. This prompted my colleagues and I at the University of Liverpool to begin thinking about how AI could be used to make this process more efficient.

    Once a local authority publishes the relevant local planning document, every citizen, company, public, private or third sector organisation has the right to submit a written response. These may address the entire document or focus on a specific issue.

    In all cases, the local authority is obliged to collate, comprehend and concisely summarise all public submissions. They will then decide whether the document requires amendments or if further evidence is needed to justify the proposals.

    This creates an overwhelming burden for planning departments up and down the country. In high-development areas, submissions often number in the tens of thousands. And individual submissions range from a few sentences to over 100 pages.

    Planners must read, absorb and synthesise all this information into a final report which will be used to make a decision. This report must fairly represent the aggregate views across all submissions.

    Beyond the sheer volume of responses, human cognitive limitations and biases further complicate the process. Some submissions may be given greater emphasis than others. Recently read submissions are likely to have a greater influence on the reader than those reviewed earlier.

    A digital solution

    These challenges prompted us to explore alternatives. We partnered with Greater Cambridge Shared Planning – the planning authority for Cambridge City and South Cambridgeshire District Councils – to develop an AI-powered solution. Our tool, Plan AI, would read and summarise public submissions to the planning process.

    In 2025, my colleagues and I conducted a real-world experiment. Three live public consultation exercises were processed in parallel – once by planners and once by Plan AI.

    It took a planning officer just over 60 hours in total to download and process 320 submissions. Eighteen hours of this time was used to summarise each submission – a task that took Plan AI only 16 minutes. In that time, the AI tool was also able to create comprehensive reports identifying key themes, referenced sources and geographic analysis of the submissions.

    A subsequent qualitative assessment found there to be no discernible difference in the quality of the summaries produced by the human planning officer and those by Plan AI. In fact, the general overview document produced by Plan AI is a significant addition to what would normally be produced. It included a geographic analysis of the origins of submissions – crucial information for planners to understand which communities and demographic groups were participating in the consultation.

    Controversial planning proposals can attract tens of thousands of public comments.
    pjhpix/Shutterstock

    The future of planning

    The UK government has set out a vision for local authorities to embrace AI for reducing administrative burden and improving the efficiency of government. For example, it recently rolled out an AI tool, developed with Google DeepMind, to digitise planning records.

    The implications of experiments like these are far reaching. Planners can focus on their core expertise – assessing applications and supporting government priorities for housing, new towns and infrastructure renewal – rather than spending countless hours processing public comments.

    AI can process vast amounts of text more consistently and comprehensively than humans. It can also identify connections between submissions that might otherwise be missed.

    With the administrative burden drastically reduced, local authorities could potentially consult citizens more frequently across a wider range of planning issues, making planning even more democratic. Planners freed from paperwork could also dedicate more time to meaningful public engagement.

    Of course, one danger with AI is that it could be used on the other side of the consultation, to generate a large volume of submissions in an attempt to over-amplify a particular point of view. However, AI tools could be used to defend against this.

    PlanAI or similar programmes can generate an immediate summary of a comment submission, an ideal opportunity to insert a verification check that the submitter is indeed human. Putting the human back in the loop in this way reduces the potential for AI to be used to skew consultations.

    By building the right tools and systems, we can create planning processes that are both more efficient and more responsive to citizen input – a win for democracy and effective governance alike.

    PlanAI was developed under a paid contract with Greater Cambridge Shared Planning. At the time of publication, it is not sold or marketed to other governments or authorities, but may be so in the future. Alex Lord and the other researchers involved received funding from the UK government’s PropTech initiative and Greater Cambridge Shared Planning.

    – ref. The government wants local authorities to embrace AI – here’s one way it could work in practice – https://theconversation.com/the-government-wants-local-authorities-to-embrace-ai-heres-one-way-it-could-work-in-practice-258449

    MIL OSI Analysis –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Rural and Remote Health Minister Continues Summer Tour Through Eastern Saskatchewan

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Released on July 16, 2025

    Rural and Remote Health Minister Lori Carr is continuing her Saskatchewan summer tour through the eastern part of the province. Minister Carr will meet with local leadership and health care staff while visiting health facilities in Nokomis, Wynyard and Foam Lake.

    “It has been a wonderful opportunity to travel throughout the province over the past months and meet with dedicated health professionals in each community,” Minister Carr said. “Our government remains committed to ensuring high quality healthcare for residents close to home, and safe, modern facilities to attract the best healthcare professionals to this province.”

    As part of its capital funding plan, Government provided $760,000 in 2024-25 for roof repairs at Foam Lake Jubilee Home which will take place in 2025-26 and has budgeted an additional $150,000 this year to replace the facility’s air conditioning system. 

    Additionally, over the past three years, the Nokomis Health Centre received upgrades including a new kitchen HVAC exhaust system, new shingles and a nurse call system for a total cost of $281,000.

    -30-

    For more information, contact:

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Washington state sues Trump administration for unlawfully cutting billions in disaster mitigation funding

    Source: Washington State News

    SEATTLE — Attorney General Nick Brown today led a coalition of 20 states in suing the Trump administration over its decision to illegally shut down the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) bipartisan Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) program, designed to protect communities from natural disasters before they strike.  

    For the past 30 years, the BRIC program has provided communities across the nation with resources to proactively fortify against natural disasters. By focusing on preparation, the program has protected property, saved money that would have otherwise been spent on post-disaster costs, reduced injuries, and saved lives. 

    The impact of the BRIC program’s termination has been devastating, with communities across the country being forced to delay, scale back, or cancel hundreds of mitigation projects depending on this funding. Projects that have been in development for years, and in which communities have invested millions of dollars are now threatened. And now, Americans from coast to coast face a higher risk of harm from natural disasters.

    “This illegal cut endangers the communities most vulnerable to natural disasters,” Brown said. “Communities and states face devastating consequences when the federal government doesn’t meet its obligations to the public, and I will hold the Trump administration accountable for abandoning their safety.”

    Responding to the catastrophic losses resulting from Hurricane Katrina and its aftermath, Congress passed a law stating FEMA must protect communities through four interrelated functions — mitigation, preparation, response, and recovery. The BRIC program is the core of FEMA’s pre-disaster mitigation efforts. A recent study concluded that every dollar FEMA spends on mitigation saves an average of six dollars in post-disaster costs. 

    The BRIC program supports often difficult-to-fund projects, such as constructing evacuation shelters and floodwalls, safeguarding utility grids against wildfires, protecting wastewater and drinking water infrastructure, and fortifying bridges, roadways, and culverts. 

    Over the past four years, FEMA has selected nearly 2,000 projects to receive roughly $4.5 billion in BRIC funding nationwide. In Washington state, there are 27 open BRIC projects that total $182 million and nearly three quarters of that funding goes to small towns and rural communities. This money funds projects like constructing levees and floodwalls in Aberdeen and Hoquiam and generating electricity in Klickitat County for hospitals and school districts if the power goes out during wildfires and severe weather.

    The coalition of attorneys general argue that FEMA’s decision to abruptly terminate the BRIC program is in direct violation of Congress’s decision to fund it. The executive branch has no lawful authority to unilaterally refuse to spend funds appropriated by Congress. They also assert that shutting down the BRIC program violates Separation of Powers and the Administrative Procedure Act, and violates the Appointments Clause because Cameron Hamilton, who acted as FEMA Administrator and gave the directive to terminate the BRIC program, was never appointed by the President or confirmed by the Senate and therefore was acting as an administrator unlawfully. 

    With this lawsuit, the coalition of attorneys general are seeking a preliminary injunction to prevent the Trump administration from spending BRIC funds for other purposes and a permanent injunction to reverse the termination of the BRIC program and require the restoration of these critical funds to the communities relying on them.  

    Joining Washington state in filing this lawsuit, are attorneys general of Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Wisconsin, and the governor of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

    The complaint can be found here.

    -30-

    Washington’s Attorney General serves the people and the state of Washington. As the state’s largest law firm, the Attorney General’s Office provides legal representation to every state agency, board, and commission in Washington. Additionally, the Office serves the people directly by enforcing consumer protection, civil rights, and environmental protection laws. The Office also prosecutes elder abuse, Medicaid fraud, and handles sexually violent predator cases in 38 of Washington’s 39 counties. Visit www.atg.wa.gov to learn more.

    Media Contact:

    Email: press@atg.wa.gov

    Phone: (360) 753-2727

    General contacts: Click here

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Israel launches airstrikes on presidential palace area in Damascus, Syrian army headquarters partially destroyed

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

    DAMASCUS, July 16 (Xinhua) — Israel launched intense air strikes on the presidential palace area in the Syrian capital Damascus on Wednesday, partially destroying the Syrian army’s headquarters, local media and eyewitnesses reported.

    As noted, the strikes were directed against the interim authorities of Syria due to clashes between the government army and the Druze community in the province of As-Suwayda in the south of the country.

    Israel carried out at least five airstrikes on Wednesday afternoon, mostly targeting the Syrian army’s General Command, destroying part of the building, according to local media and the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.

    Local television footage showed smoke rising from the headquarters in Umayyad Square in central Damascus.

    Another strike hit the area of the Syrian presidential palace, Qasr al-Shaab, sending plumes of white smoke rising over the mountain on which the palace is located.

    There have been no reports of casualties or official comments yet.

    Following the previous strike on the headquarters early Wednesday morning, Syrian state television channel Al-Ikhbariya reported that two civilians were wounded as a result of “Israeli aggression.”

    The Israeli military campaign is part of a larger effort to support the Druze community in As-Suwayda, where deadly clashes have escalated between local Druze militias, Bedouin tribes and interim government forces. –0–

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

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI: Agricultural Scientific Begins Construction on Innovative Hydroponic Greenhouse to Transform U.S. Food Supply Chain

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    LAGRANGE, Ga., July 16, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Agricultural Scientific, LLC announces that construction is now underway on the Agriculture Technology Campus (ATC), an innovative agricultural project in South Carolina set to transform food production in the Eastern U.S.

    Located at the 1,000-acre Agriculture Technology Campus, the high-tech hub will feature a hydroponic greenhouse and processing facility in Early Branch, SC. It will produce locally grown, organic tomatoes with 90% greater water efficiency than traditional farming, reducing dependence on imports from Mexico, California, and Canada.

    Initially announced in September 2020 during the COVID pandemic, the highly anticipated project that garnered international interest, has been galvanized through a strategic partnership between Phoenix Lender Services, a subsidiary of Community Bankshares, Inc. and Optus Bank of South Carolina.

    Backed by a complex capital stack of USDA Business & Industry and Food Supply Chain loans, the project will enable 400+ acres of hydroponic greenhouses to produce year-round vegetables, cutting water use and eliminating pesticides. Upon completion, this innovative project will bring $350 million in private capital investment and over 1000 direct jobs to rural Hampton County and the surrounding region.

    “This isn’t just about growing vegetables—it’s about reshaping the future of agriculture and re-shoring our critical U.S. supply chain,” said Zeb Portanova, CEO of Agricultural Scientific. “By producing fresh, high-quality produce closer to consumers, we can reduce food miles, cut emissions, and limit our reliance on foreign countries. Thank you to the United States Department of Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins for her integral support of this project.”

    Currently, 90% of vegetables consumed in the Eastern U.S. are transported from other countries and regions, leading to supply chain vulnerabilities and excessive carbon emissions. This project will drastically shorten food miles, ensuring fresher produce while slashing CO₂ emissions by approximately 600 metric tons per 100 truckloads.

    Key benefits of this initiative include:

    • Enhance food security by reducing reliance on imported produce from Mexico and Canada
    • Lower carbon emissions through sustainable, localized production
    • Align with retailers’ goals by providing fresher, locally grown, organic, and environmentally responsible products
    • Foster U.S.-based manufacturing growth and reinvestment in critical sectors that sustain communities and the economy
    • Generate hundreds of skilled agricultural jobs in South Carolina

    “This is a landmark moment for agriculture, rural America, and sustainability,” said Chris Hurn, President of Phoenix Lender Services and Community Bankshares, Inc. “By investing in local food production, we’re not only boosting U.S. agriculture but also bringing manufacturing back home, reducing reliance on foreign supply chains and creating lasting economic impact.”

    “This facility represents the future of sustainable food production,” said Reggie Webber, Chief Credit Officer of Optus Bank. “It’s not just an investment in farming—it’s an investment in economic stability, job creation, and environmental responsibility.

    “At Optus Bank, we are proud to bank on communities through innovation, impact, and economic empowerment. Our strategic partnership with Community Bankshares and their subsidiaries, Phoenix Lender Services, allows us to achieve a key strategic imperative for the Bank,” said Benita Lefft, President of Optus Bank.

    A total USDA loan capital stack of $46,157,187 was successfully structured through the partnership. This included two food supply chain loans totaling $29,610,400 and a Business & Industry (B&I) loan of $16,546,787.

    The ATC is developed and owned by Agricultural Scientific, LLC and leased to Lokal Harvest USA (LHUSA), a subsidiary of Harvest House, one of Europe’s largest and most successful greenhouse operators. With a track record of supplying major retailers like Walmart, Kroger, Sam’s Club, Trader Joe’s, and Publix, Lokal Harvest USA is well-positioned to scale operations and meet the rising demand for fresh, locally grown produce.

    “The Agriculture Technology Campus has been the talk of Hampton County since it was first announced, and the commencement of construction could not have come at a better time. We in Hampton County understand that good economic development has a direct tie to a better quality of life for all of our citizens, and we are excited about this innovative agricultural project. We thank everyone involved in the ATC project for their support, and we look forward to working with the company for decades to come as new jobs and opportunities emerge in Hampton County,” said Dr. Roy Hollingsworth, Chairman of Hampton County Council.

    “SouthernCarolina Alliance is delighted to see this critical project coming to fruition. We appreciate the support of our partners at USDA, the SC Dept. of Commerce, the SC Dept. of Agriculture, Phoenix Lender Services, Community Bankshares, and Optus Bank in facilitating this investment in our region. Good jobs and investment change communities, and this project will not only affect Hampton County locally, but also improve the quality of life in our region and beyond through both its economic impact and fresher, healthier produce for all,” said Danny Black, President and CEO, SouthernCarolina Alliance.

    This landmark project is more than just a local initiative—it’s a scalable model for the future of agriculture in the U.S. With federal support, private investment, and the expertise of global leaders in hydroponic agriculture, this initiative is poised to set a new standard for modern farming—one that delivers fresher produce, reduces environmental impact, and supports economic growth.

    Local, legislative and state leaders gathered at the construction site on July 16 to celebrate the partnership and view the construction underway.

    For more information, please visit The Agriculture Technology Campus https://agtechcampus.com.

    For more information about Phoenix Lender Services and its lending solutions, please visit www.phoenixlenderservices.com.

    ABOUT AGRICULTURE TECHNOLOGY CAMPUS (ATC)

    The Agriculture Technology Campus in Hampton County, SC, is a pioneering agricultural development designed to revolutionize food production through controlled-environment farming, sustainable growing practices, and strategic partnerships with global leaders in greenhouse technology. If you are interested in joining the ATC campus, please email info@gemozf.com. Backed by a complex capital stack of USDA Business & Industry and Food Supply Chain loans, the project will enable 400+ acres of hydroponic greenhouses to produce year-round vegetables, cutting water use and eliminating pesticides.

    ABOUT PHOENIX LENDER SERVICES

    Based in Georgia and serving clients nationwide, Phoenix Lender Services offers a comprehensive suite of commercial lending solutions, including loan underwriting, closing, and servicing; participant lender matching; secondary market sales; portfolio management; risk analysis; and compliance reviews and regulatory support. Our seasoned professionals combine extensive industry expertise in SBA, USDA, and other commercial government-guaranteed lending with industry-leading technologies to deliver tailored solutions that align with each client’s unique strategic goals. Phoenix Lender Services is leading the way in SBA and USDA commercial lending.

    ABOUT COMMUNITY BANKSHARES INC

    Community Bankshares, Inc. is a dynamic company that is revolutionizing the financial landscape via its support for America’s businesses. As a mission-focused company, we are redefining how lending capital is provided across the nation and its territories in ways that promote business stability and encourage local area prosperity. In doing so, we foster economic growth, job creation and retention, and community strength. https://communitybankshares.com/

    ABOUT OPTUS BANK

    Established in 1921, Optus Bank is a federally designated Minority Depository Institution (MDI) and certified Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) dedicated to serving underserved communities. Optus is committed to Banking on Communities Through Innovation, Impact, and Economic Empowerment—providing access to capital, financial education, and full-service banking for individuals, small businesses, and mission-aligned organizations. https://optus.bank/

    ABOUT LOKAL HARVEST USA

    Lokal Harvest USA is a leading producer of hydroponic greenhouse vegetables, bringing advanced farming techniques and global supply chain expertise to the U.S. market in partnership with Harvest House, one of Europe’s largest greenhouse operators.

    https://agtechcampus.com/

    MEDIA CONTACT

    Abigail Davison
    Uproar PR by Moburst for Community Bankshares, Inc.
    abigail.davison@moburst.com

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/e99b9c29-2298-468a-8d70-705020ace65d

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: In Burkina Faso, cashew cultivation is a lever for sustainable and inclusive rural development

    Source: APO

    Launched in 2017 and completed in 2024, the Cashew Development Support Project in the Comoé Basin for REDD+ (PADA/REDD+) exemplified sustainable development. The project combined poverty reduction, ecological transition and the empowerment of women and young people, achieving a remarkable implementation rate of 95 percent.  It has revitalised the cashew nut industry, Burkina Faso’s third largest agricultural export after cotton and sesame.

    The PADA/REDD+ project received support from the African Development Bank, which granted a loan of $4 million, and the African Development Fund, the Bank Group’s concessional funding window, with a grant of $1.39 million, representing 61 percent of the total project cost of $8.82 million. The government of Burkina Faso and the beneficiaries provided the remaining funding.

    The project mobilised the necessary resources to contribute to the sustainable transformation of the Cascades, Hauts Bassins and South-West regions, with significant participation from women. It enabled producers to reduce maintenance costs, improve soil fertility and structure, and increase cashew productivity and incomes in a sustainable manner.

    Climate action combined with agricultural production

    The first component of the PADA/REDD+ focused on carbon sequestration. This resulted in the creation of seven tree parks, the production of more than 1.6 million improved seedlings and the development of approximately 27,000 hectares of agroforestry plantations. One-third of these plantations are maintained by women, underlining the project’s commitment to promoting social inclusion. A total of 35,340 producers, including 6,047 women, were trained in good agricultural and organic practices.

    This capacity-building approach for producers and processors equipped each stakeholder with the skills required to meet their needs and expectations, particularly in mastering technical production and processing methods.

    Adama Patrick Sombié, a cashew nut processor in Bérégadougou, confirms his satisfaction: “Before the project, there were no cashew tree parks in the village, only forest and a few orchards. When the project offered plots to promoters, I signed up and received two hectares.”

    Access to finance and modernization of processing

    The second component of the project focused on strengthening value chains. Long hampered by limited access to finance, the sector’s development has benefited from an innovative partnership with the umbrella organisation of Burkina Faso’s Caisses populaires banks, alongside savings and loan cooperatives.

    This mechanism enabled investment loans to be granted based on a sliding scale of interest rates, financing 103 microprojects for a total of 888 million CFA francs, or approximately $500,000. The project also created 9,580 additional “green” jobs, 92.66 percent of which were for women, by financing micro-investment projects.

    Thanks to the funding provided, seven processing units were modernised. A new unit called “Tensya” was established in the commune of Toussiana, and three warehouses were built, one of which is reserved for women. The project also enabled the purchase of 12 trucks and 45 tricycles, training in good practices for 631 people, strengthening the environmental skills of 477 stakeholders, and the construction and equipping of infrastructure such as a cooking and shelling centre for women in Diéri, entirely subsidised by the African Development Bank.

    An inclusive and sustainable impact

    These microprojects reached nearly 18,000 people, 61 percent of whom were women, further strengthening the inclusive approach of PADA/REDD+. “This project is a blessing for us. Thanks to the income generated, we can send our children to school and keep them healthy. Before, we used to sell our products at rock-bottom prices, but now, with our own processing units, we control the entire value chain,” says Aramatou Barro, a processor in Diéri.

    Christiane Koné, a processor in Toussiana, confirms this postive impact: “Thanks to the project, we have been able to purchase six automatic shelling machines, which are twice as fast as our 25 manual shelling tables.”

    At the same time, the project structured supply networks, ensured that 96 cooperatives complied with OHADA (Organization for the Harmonization of Business Law in Africa) standards and implemented an environmental management plan. Working conditions have improved significantly. Isso Kindo, a trader in Bobo-Dioulasso, says: “Transport was our main obstacle. Today, thanks to the truck financed by the project, I can transport up to 60 tonnes of nuts from the towns of Banfora and Mangodara.”

    The impact of PADA/REDD+ can also be measured in terms of job creation for young people and rural entrepreneurs. In Orodara, Arzouma Zougouri, a producer and business owner, explains that “the project’s support has enabled me to better equip my processing unit. I’ve gone from 200 to 300 employees,” he says proudly.

    By structuring the cashew nut sector sustainably, increasing productivity and strengthening local processing, PADA/REDD+ achieved its objectives whilst laying the foundations for more resilient rural development. Its contribution to carbon sequestration through agroforestry plantations strengthens its environmental impact. Perennial plantations, modernised agricultural practices, a strengthened local processing network and better access to finance were the pillars of this success.

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB).

    Media files

    .

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI USA: H.R. 1469, Senior Security Act of 2025

    Source: US Congressional Budget Office

    H.R. 1469 would require the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to establish and administer a task force to identify challenges faced by senior investors, coordinate commission activities with respect to senior investors, and consult with state securities and law enforcement authorities and insurance regulators. The task force would be required to report to the Congress every two years on its activities. The bill also would direct the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to report to the Congress and the task force on the financial exploitation of senior citizens.

    Using information from the SEC, CBO estimates that implementing H.R. 1469 would cost $8 million over the 2025-2030 period. CBO expects that the SEC would need five employees, at an average annual cost of $330,000 for each employee, to administer the task force and report to the Congress. Because the SEC is authorized to collect fees each year to offset its annual appropriation, CBO expects that the net effect on discretionary spending over the 2025-2030 period would be negligible, assuming appropriation actions consistent with that authority. CBO estimates that the GAO report would cost less than $500,000; any related spending would be subject to the availability of appropriated funds.

    If the SEC increased fees to offset the costs for rulemaking as required by the bill, H.R. 1469 would increase the cost of an existing mandate as defined in the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act (UMRA) on private entities required to pay those fees. CBO estimates that the incremental cost of the mandate would be small and would fall well below the annual threshold for private-sector mandates established in UMRA ($206 million in 2025, adjusted annually for inflation).

    The bill would not impose any intergovernmental mandates.

    The CBO staff contacts for this estimate are Aurora Swanson (for federal costs) and Lucy Marret (for mandates). The estimate was reviewed by H. Samuel Papenfuss, Deputy Director of Budget Analysis.

    Phillip L. Swagel

    Director, Congressional Budget Office

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICE Los Angeles special agents arrest Iranian national for violation of US sanctions

    Source: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement

    LOS ANGELES — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrested an Iranian national July 10 upon arriving at Los Angeles International Airport for U.S. export violations.

    “The circumvention of export laws to provide Iran with U.S. origin sensitive technologies is a huge national security concern,” said Homeland Security Investigations Los Angeles Special Agent in Charge Eddy Wang. “This arrest has taken a dangerous member of an Iranian procurement network off the street.”

    Bahram Mohammad Ostovari is alleged to have unlawfully exported U.S.-made electronic components used in railway signaling and telecommunications systems from the United States to an Iranian company by using his own companies in the United Arab Emirates as conduits.

    Ostovari, a lawful permanent resident of the United States, was charged with violation of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, Iranian transactions and sanctions regulations, unlawful export information activities, outbound smuggling, conspiracy to commit the aforementioned offenses and money laundering.   

    From May 2018 to July 2025, Ostovari and his co-conspirators obtained and shipped to Iran sophisticated computer processors and railway signaling equipment. Many of these items were controlled under federal regulations and their export to Iran without a license is prohibited.

    After Ostovari became a lawful permanent resident of the United States in May 2020, he continued to export, sell, and supply electronics and electrical components to a Tehran-based engineering company he owned, operated, and controlled. This firm — identified in the indictment as “Company A” — secured contracts to supply signaling and communications systems to Iran and its government, including on projects for the Islamic Republic of Iran Railways.

    Ostovari, aware of U.S. sanctions against Iran, directed a co-conspirator to provide false information to a federal export control officer regarding the end use of the U.S.-origin goods they were shipping.

    Furthermore, he directed co-conspirators at a UAE company to acquire the electronics and other components, including U.S. export-controlled items and other U.S.-origin items, for his company in Iran. Ostovari and his co-conspirators intentionally concealed from companies based in the U.S. and elsewhere the true identifies of the ultimate end users of the goods by providing false and misleading information about those end users.

    An indictment contains allegations that a defendant has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty in court.

    If convicted, Ostovari would face a statutory maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison for each count.

    This is a collaborative investigation between ICE HSI Los Angeles, the United States Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security and the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigations.

    Anyone with information on the illegal export of U.S. sensitive technologies is encouraged to call the ICE Tip Line at 1-866-347-2423.

    Learn more about HSI’s mission to investigate violations of U.S. export laws at @HSILosAngeles.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Energy Department Announces Pilot Program to Build Advanced U.S. Nuclear Fuel Lines and End Foreign Dependence

    Source: US Department of Energy

    WASHINGTON— The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) today announced the start of a new pilot program to accelerate the development of advanced nuclear reactors and strengthen domestic supply chains for nuclear fuel. The Department issued a Request for Application (RFA) and is seeking qualified U.S. companies to build and operate nuclear fuel production lines using the DOE authorization process. This initiative will help end America’s reliance on foreign sources of enriched uranium and critical materials, while opening the door for private sector investment in America’s nuclear renaissance.

    Today’s action directly supports President Trump’s executive orders to reform nuclear reactor testing at the Department and deploy nuclear reactor technologies for national security, and establishes a domestic nuclear fuel supply chain for testing new reactors.

    “America has the resources and the expertise to lead the world in nuclear energy development, but we need secure domestic supply chains to fuel this rapidly growing energy source and achieve a true nuclear energy renaissance,” said Energy Secretary Chris Wright. “The Trump Administration is accelerating innovation, not regulation, and leveraging partnerships with the private sector to safely fuel and test new reactor designs that will unleash more reliable and affordable energy for American consumers.”

    Background:

    DOE launched a new reactor pilot program in June 2025 to expedite the testing of advanced reactor designs that will be authorized by the Department at sites located outside of the National Laboratories.

    DOE is currently reviewing potential applicants and anticipates selecting at least three advanced reactor designs later this summer that have the potential to achieve criticality by July 4, 2026.

    The United States currently lacks the sufficient domestic nuclear fuel resources to meet projected demand. DOE is relying on the same authority used to expedite testing to jumpstart fuel line development and rebuild America’s nuclear fuel production base.

    Applicants will be responsible for all costs associated with the construction, operation, and decommissioning of an advanced nuclear fuel line, as well as the procurement of all nuclear material feedstock. The selections will be based on a set of criteria, including technological readiness, established fuel fabrication plans, and financial viability.

    While the advanced nuclear fuel lines will serve for research, development, and demonstration purposes, seeking DOE authorization of the facilities can help unlock private funding and provide a fast-tracked approach to enable future commercial licensing activities for potential applicants.

    Initial applications are due by August 15, 2025, with subsequent applications allowed on a rolling basis.

    Additional information on today’s RFA can be found on the FedConnect listing, here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Dan Goldman Moves to Subpoena Pam Bondi and Kash Patel Over Epstein Files in Homeland Security Committee Hearing

    Source: US Congressman Dan Goldman (NY-10)

    As Republicans Try to Distract Americans, Goldman and Committee Dems Ignore Bait and Focus on Real Accountability 

     

    Goldman: “Many people are saying Donald Trump is in the Epstein files and that there are pictures of him with topless women. The American people deserve answers, and Pam Bondi and Kash Patel need to release the files or come in and testify about what they are hiding. Anyone who thinks otherwise is a weakling. THANK YOU FOR YOUR ATTENTION TO THIS MATTER.” 

     

    Watch Goldman’s Committee Remarks Here 

     

    Washington, D.C. — Congressman Dan Goldman (NY-10) today moved to subpoena Attorney General Pam Bondi and FBI Director Kash Patel for their role in covering up the Epstein Files and protecting Donald Trump’s extensive ties to Jeffrey Epstein, as well as their respective agencies’ weaponization of the levers of power against political enemies. Goldman’s move came during a baseless Homeland Security Committee hearing Republicans convened to relitigate Biden-era immigration policies nearly six months into Donald Trump’s second term. 

    Congressman Dan Goldman said, “Many people are saying Donald Trump is in the Epstein files and that there are pictures of him with topless women. The American people deserve answers, and Pam Bondi and Kash Patel need to release the files or come in and testify about what they are hiding. Anyone who thinks otherwise is a weakling. THANK YOU FOR YOUR ATTENTION TO THIS MATTER.” 

    Goldman’s subpoena upended a GOP-led committee hearing meant to distract from the ongoing schism within the Republican party over the Trump administration’s brazen coverup of the Epstein files, as well as the militarized immigration enforcement now being conducted by Trump’s Department of Homeland Security against law-abiding, non-violent immigrants nationwide. 

    Goldman’s subpoena push underscores his ongoing effort to hold Trump’s allies accountable for suppressing damaging evidence and undermining the rule of law. Both Bondi and Patel have played central roles in downplaying or obstructing investigations into Trump’s conduct, whether involving Epstein, classified documents, or politically motivated prosecutions. 

    ### 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • India and Argentina strengthen agricultural ties at 2nd Joint Working Group Meeting

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The 2nd Joint Working Group (JWG) meeting on Agriculture between India and Argentina was held virtually on Wednesday, marking a significant milestone in bilateral agricultural cooperation.

    Devesh Chaturvedi, Secretary of India’s Department of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare, emphasized Argentina’s importance as a key partner for India, highlighting the potential for collaboration in sharing knowledge, technologies, and best practices. He identified agricultural mechanization, pest control, climate-resilient agriculture, and joint research as critical areas for cooperation, underscoring the mutual benefits for both nations.

    Argentina’s Sergio Iraeta reaffirmed Argentina’s commitment to strengthening ties with India, expressing interest in advancing cooperation in agricultural mechanization, genome editing, and plant breeding technologies. He noted that the rich agricultural expertise of both countries could complement each other to enhance productivity, promote mechanization, and improve farmers’ welfare.

    Muktanand Agrawal, Joint Secretary (Plant Protection), provided an overview of India’s agricultural achievements, spotlighting government initiatives such as digital solutions, climate-resilient practices, risk mitigation, and farmer credit schemes aimed at bolstering the sector.

    Discussions covered key areas including horticulture, oilseed and pulses value chains, mechanization, precision agriculture, carbon credits for farmers, biopesticides, locust control, new breeding technologies, and market access. The meeting saw participation from senior officials of India’s Department of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare, Indian Council of Agricultural Research, Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying, and Ministry of External Affairs, reflecting a strong commitment to advancing this partnership.

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Since the beginning of the year, more than five thousand new SMEs have emerged in the tourism sector in Russia.

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Ministry of Economic Development (Russia) – Ministry of Economic Development (Russia) –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    In the first half of 2025, more than five thousand new small and medium-sized businesses in the tourism sector were created in Russia. Thus, the total number of tourism SMEs in the country reached almost 76.5 thousand, and their revenue by the end of 2024 exceeded 1 trillion rubles.

    “Over three years, the number of small and medium-sized enterprises in the tourism sector has grown by 12% and is now approaching 76.5 thousand. And the total employment in the SME segment in the tourism sector is 296 thousand people. The growth rate of domestic tourism and targeted government support provide opportunities for the development of small and medium-sized businesses. Moreover, this is a two-way street: the active involvement of SMEs in the creation of tourism infrastructure is not only a response to market demand, but also the creation of new points of attraction for the redistribution or increase of tourist flows,” said Deputy Minister of Economic Development of the Russian Federation Dmitry Vakhrukov.

    According to the SME Corporation, the growth rate of SMEs in tourism is 1.5 times higher than in other industries.

    “The key feature of the growth of tourism SMEs was the high growth rate relative to SMEs in all industries – more than 1.5 times. Since the beginning of 2025, more than five thousand SMEs have been created in key areas of tourism with a reproduction rate (the ratio of opened and closed enterprises) of 1.7. In general, for all industries, this ratio is significantly lower and is 1.1. Another important trend is the interest in tourism on the part of young people. Every fifth SME is accounted for by young entrepreneurs under 35. At the same time, the average age of entrepreneurs in the tourism sector is 44 years old, which is a year higher than the average for the SME sector,” said Alexander Isaevich, General Director of the SME Corporation.

    About 45% of SMEs in the tourism sector have hired workers, their number is 234 thousand people. Another 62 thousand are self-employed citizens who work as guides and also provide temporary accommodation services.

    The largest number of SMEs in tourism in 2025 opened in Moscow (537), Krasnodar Krai (465), St. Petersburg (282), Moscow Region (244), and the Altai Republic (225). In the ranking of cities, besides Moscow, the resort city of Sochi leads in this indicator (86 SMEs), followed by Krasnodar (83), Yekaterinburg (72), Ufa (60), and Kazan (53). The top 10 municipalities in terms of business growth in tourism also included Gelendzhik (48), Perm (48), municipalities of the city of Moscow (47), Anapa (45), and Novosibirsk (44).

    Let us recall that in order to support the tourism business, the SME Corporation allocated a special limit of “umbrella” guarantees in 2025, which will allow small and medium businesses in this area to attract at least 25 billion rubles by the end of the year. A full range of financial and non-financial support measures for the creation and development of entrepreneurship in the tourism sector is presented on the SME.RF Digital Platform.

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Meeting of Mikhail Mishustin with the head of the Federal Service for Supervision of Transport Viktor Gulin

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Government of the Russian Federation – Government of the Russian Federation –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    The results of the service’s work and the main tasks for the upcoming period were discussed. In particular, they discussed working with risk indicators, introducing proactive mechanisms for self-examination and assessing the integrity of enterprises, electronic services for the provision of public services, in particular, for checking the theoretical knowledge of drivers remotely using AI technologies.

    From the transcript:

    M. Mishustin: Good afternoon, dear Viktor Borisovich!

    You have recently taken charge of the service responsible for all types of control and supervision in the transport sector. You are responsible for the activities of air, water, rail, freight road transport, as well as the subway, which is extremely important for the safety of passengers and the prevention of injuries in transport, the preservation of goods and equipment.

    You are familiar with this work. You have extensive professional experience in this field. I am sure that your competence and knowledge will help you in managing this important system.

    I would like to ask you about the results of the service’s work recently and what are its main tasks.

    V. Gulin: Dear Mikhail Vladimirovich!

    Head of the Federal Service for Supervision of Transport Viktor Gulin.

    The government has approved regulations on types of supervision on all types of transport. They contain all the necessary tools, methods of control and prevention that we use.

    The main task of the Federal Service for Supervision of Transport is to reduce accidents and injuries, and to prevent emerging risks and incidents in the transport industry.

    The Service, within the framework of the departmental project to improve control and supervision activities in the transport sector, has achieved the main goal – a 45% reduction in the number of fatalities and injuries by 2024 compared to the base year of 2017. The number of transport accidents has also decreased by 45% compared to the base year.

    In the framework of the law on control and supervision, the most effective tool today, we believe, is the risk indicators of violation of mandatory requirements. Risk indicators are compliance with or deviation from the parameters of objects of control, which in themselves are not violations, but indicate the presence of some risk factors.

    Working with risk indicators allows monitoring the activities of controlled persons without interaction. That is, we do not create an additional burden on business.

    Based on the results of the assessment of the state of transport safety and in order to improve the efficiency of control and supervision activities, the service has developed and adopted 41 risk indicators for all types of transport. At the same time, in the first five months of this year, Rostransnadzor has already carried out 115 unscheduled control and supervision activities, which were carried out based on the triggering of risk indicators, which is almost twice as much as in the same period last year.

    The effectiveness of risk indicators is quite high. For example, in railway transport it is 100% today. We continue to work on developing risk indicators. Today, six new risk indicators are being developed in the field of aviation, automobile transport and transport safety.

    In addition, the service widely applies a whole range of preventive measures. In figures, Rostransnadzor has carried out more than 450 thousand preventive measures in the first five months of this year, including 50 thousand warnings, 2 thousand preventive visits, 84 self-examinations. 12 measures to stimulate conscientiousness have been adopted, 66 public hearings have been held.

    Preventive measures help maintain the proper level of safety in transport.

    M. Mishustin: It is absolutely obvious that we need to shift the emphasis to the conscientious implementation of all procedures by the business itself. In fact, this is the risk-oriented approach we are talking about, when the service can provide relevant information at a high professional level to a company or organization for their independent actions in this area, mainly preventively.

    And of course, we need to further expand the practice of stimulating companies and enterprises to comply with mandatory technical and technological requirements. This is an effective mechanism for improving the business climate.

    Feedback from enterprises and entrepreneurs is very important here, because they themselves are interested in receiving such information. This reduces their insurance premium and gives them the opportunity to correct themselves in time if any of the risks may materialize.

    The most important thing, of course, is preserving the lives of employees. What have you managed to achieve in this direction?

    V. Gulin: In accordance with the concept of improving control and supervisory activities approved by the Government, effective development and popularization of self-examination are impossible without ensuring the necessary level of motivation of economic entities. We understand this. In this regard, today we are integrating the self-examination mechanism into the system of categorizing objects of control, which allows controlled persons to reduce the risk categories of objects.

    It is already possible to reduce the risk category in relation to objects of control. This is envisaged as a measure to stimulate good faith by the provisions on state control in the field of railway transport, merchant shipping and inland water transport, in the field of civil aviation.

    Thus, we are creating a flexible two-way mechanism: on the one hand, a proactive one, motivating controlled persons to comply with mandatory requirements and undergo self-examination and integrity assessment, on the other hand, it is a risk-oriented approach in the form of unscheduled inspections that we conduct when risk indicators are triggered. That is, here we are already introducing a security management system.

    I would also like to mention feedback from businesses in terms of providing public services. Today, the most significant criterion for the work performed for us is the level of satisfaction of the applicant with the quality of services provided. At present, Rostransnadzor has such a level of 4.8% out of 5 possible.

    Today Rostransnadzor provides 100% of state services through a single portal of state services. And we have 18 such services.

    As a result of the optimization of permitting activities, the terms of provision of state services by Rostransnadzor have been reduced from 45 days to 5 days. Some services are provided within two days. The number of documents provided has been halved. And we have transferred two services to a notification procedure.

    Such results were achieved with the help of electronic services. We are developing information electronic interaction with the Ministry of Digital Development, the Prosecutor General’s Office, Rosaccreditation, Rosavtodor, Rosaviatsia and other government agencies and business structures. And such interaction allows us to exercise control in a remote format and most effectively implement the requirements of the legislation.

    And I would like to note separately: as part of the digital transformation of the department for the state service of issuing a certificate for the right to operate railway rolling stock, Rostransnadzor plans to implement the possibility of passing a theoretical knowledge test remotely using artificial intelligence technologies.

    Currently, the Ministry of Transport has completed work on approving a new procedure for issuing certificates, which will come into effect on September 1 of this year. A new form of certificate has been introduced with the addition of the category “high-speed railway rolling stock”.

    On September 3 of this year, the service has already planned to conduct a theoretical knowledge test for the first group of drivers in the category of “high-speed railway rolling stock”. By the end of this year, about 200 drivers will undergo a theoretical knowledge test in the new category.

    This work is being carried out within the framework of the instructions of the President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin on the implementation of the project for the construction of the high-speed railway Moscow – St. Petersburg.

    M. Mishustin: Viktor Borisovich, it is important to continue improving the technological and safe transport system. To promote the consolidation in practice, which is very important, of our domestic solutions, including in the field of digital transformation, software.

    You have just spoken about the results. They are quite effective. In particular, the reduction of the terms from 45 to 5 days, I am sure, was felt by many citizens and companies, who in one way or another need a quick and motivated response from your service when there are any questions related to the implementation of state functions. And of course, it is necessary to implement all the necessary approaches to ensure our Russian sovereignty in this area. Good luck to you.

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: New wildlife management area protects more of Great Bear Sea

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    The Province, in collaboration with partner First Nations, has protected 1,450 hectares of critical ecosystems in the Great Bear Sea.

    “The Great Bear Sea is home to some of the richest ecosystems in the world, and together with First Nations, we’re conserving these important areas that support biodiversity, community well-being and economic prosperity for coastal communities,” said Randene Neill, Minister of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship. “In doing so, we continue our partnership with nature. I thank the Gitga’at First Nation and Gitxaała Nation for their efforts in making co-governance possible.”

    This newest wildlife management area (WMA) covers the north coast’s Kishkosh and Kitkiata inlets, southeast of Prince Rupert. It includes habitat for humpback whales, wild salmon and overwintering and migratory seabirds and shorebirds, as well as eelgrass meadows and kelp beds that help support these key species. The area also includes ecologically and culturally important sites and supports food security for First Nations and coastal communities, as the inlets are also home to groundfish, bivalves, crabs and prawns.

    “The Marine Protected Area Network is designed for and by the people of the coast to protect and conserve these important resources to grow our local economies, enhance culture and biodiversity, and develop the tools to become more self-reliant,” said Christine Smith Martin, CEO, Coastal First Nations-Great Bear Initiative. “Coastal First Nations-Great Bear Initiative is honoured to support its member Nations in the establishment of their marine protected areas. These marine protected areas are integral to advancing a healthy and sustainable future for the coast, including abundant fisheries and healthy marine ecosystems that support the needs of all British Columbians.”

    The WMA advances progress of B.C.’s first Coastal Marine Strategy, released in July 2024, and fulfils a recommendation from the 2023 Marine Protected Area Network Action Plan for the Great Bear Sea. Endorsed by 15 First Nations, Canada and the Province, the action plan recommended conservation objectives for marine protected areas in the Northern Shelf Bioregion and links together efforts to manage biodiverse environments from northern Vancouver Island to the southern Alaska border.

    Next steps for the partner First Nations and the Province include co-developing a management plan for the WMA. Together, they will manage the area collaboratively and work to maintain the conservation objectives for the area, while balancing commercial and public use. Further public and stakeholder engagement is anticipated during the management planning phase. 

    Quotes:

    Tamara Davidson, Minister of Environment and Parks and MLA for North Coast-Haida Gwaii –

    “B.C.’s beautiful coastlines are part of what makes this land so special, and I am blessed to live near one of the most unique, the Great Bear Sea. Through meaningful partnership with the Gitga’at First Nation and Gitxaała Nation, this Wildlife Management Area will chart a path forward for stewardship of these waters, ensuring humpback whales, salmon and numerous other fish and birds can continue to thrive now and into the future.”

    Christine Boyle, Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation –

    “This partnership is helping to protect marine ecosystems, cultural sites and food security in the vital Great Bear Sea region. Together with the Gitga’at First Nation and Gitxaała Nations who have stewarded these areas since time immemorial, we are collaboratively working to ensure the rich ecological and cultural legacies of these important areas remain for future generations.”  

    Quick Facts:

    • Conservation and management of fish, wildlife and their habitats are the priority in a WMA management plan, which may also support limited or modified resource-based activities if compatible with conservation objectives.
    • Public and stakeholder engagement in the planning phase of the Marine Protected Area Network Action Plan included direct input from representatives of 17 sectors, including coastal forestry, commercial tourism, aquaculture, and local government and members of the public, from 2015-22.
    • The designation of this WMA does not affect any existing approvals or authorizations.

    Learn More:

    To learn more about the work of Coastal First Nations, visit:
    https://coastalfirstnations.ca

    To read about the importance of wildlife management areas, visit: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/environment/plants-animals-ecosystems/wildlife/wildlife-habitats/conservation-lands/wma

    To find out about Marine Protected Area Network partners’ plan to protect British Columbia’s North Coast, visit: https://news.gov.bc.ca/stories/marine-protected-area-network-partners-endorse-plan-to-protect-british-columbias-north-coast

    To get a summary of MPA Network Action Plan, visit: https://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/oceans/publications/nsb-mpan-ramp-bpn/index-eng.html

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Support for the Canadian Steel Sector

    Source: Government of Canada News

    This move comes in response to both U.S. tariffs on steel and global steel overproduction, which are pushing foreign exporters to find new places to sell their steel—including Canada. Strengthening these import limits will help prevent the Canadian market from being overwhelmed with cheap steel, while still making sure Canadian businesses that rely on steel can continue to get the supply they need.

    Canada is among the countries most affected by global steel tariffs. It is one of the world’s largest per capita importers of steel. Canadian steel producers are highly trade exposed, exporting just over 50 per cent of their annual production in 2024, during which over 90 per cent went to the U.S. Our steel industry is a cornerstone of the national economy—critical to building infrastructure, supporting advanced manufacturing, and securing our future prosperity. Canada is proud of our highly skilled steelworkers and the strong, resilient industry they power. However, rising trade pressures and market disruptions demand a clear and proactive response. The government is taking decisive steps to protect, stabilize, and pivot our steel sector. Canada needs steel to build Canada strong – homes, bridges, transit, and the clean economy of tomorrow—and the government is committed to ensuring our industry is ready to meet that demand.

    Tariff rate quotas

    Tariff rate quotas (TRQs) allow a certain amount of steel to come in at a reduced tariff or tariff-free. After that limit is reached, higher tariffs apply. The government is strengthening the TRQs for steel products implemented on June 27, 2025.

    This move comes in response to both U.S. tariffs on steel and global steel overproduction, which are pushing foreign exporters to find new places to sell their steel—including Canada. Strengthening these import limits will help prevent the Canadian market from being overwhelmed with cheap steel, while still making sure Canadian businesses that rely on steel can continue to get the supply they need.

    • Effective August 1, 2025, the TRQs will be extended to countries that have a free trade agreement in force with Canada, with the exception of the United States and Mexico. This will result in a 50 per cent surtax being applied on steel imports above 100 per cent of 2024 levels.
    • For those countries that do not have a free trade agreement with Canada, the quota for tariff-free imports will be reduced to 50 per cent of 2024 levels. A 50 per cent surtax will be applied on steel imports exceeding this threshold.
    • The government will consult with industry to finalize adjustments to other design elements of the tariff rate quotas.

    Melt and Pour Tariffs

    A 25 per cent surtax will also be applied on imports from all countries other than the U.S. that contain steel melted and poured in China. This will increase transparency in the domestic supply chains and help prevent circumvention of Canada’s trade measures. The product scope of the surtax would align with the existing China Surtax Order on steel. This measure will be implemented before the end of July.

    Strategic Innovation Fund

    The government will provide up to $1 billion to the Strategic Innovation Fund to support the steel industry’s transition toward new lines of business and to strengthen domestic supply chains. This investment will help the sector pivot to emerging opportunities, modernize production capabilities, and better serve the Canadian market. By fostering innovation and adaptability, this funding will build a more resilient, competitive, and sustainable steel industry for the future. Funding will be provided to support the competitiveness of Canada’s steel companies by:

    • Enhancing competitiveness of domestic steel companies to serve the domestic market;
    • Supporting the production of steel products not currently produced in Canada;
    • Supporting the production of steel products needed by strategic sectors such as defence; and,
    • Anchoring the presence of steel companies that are, or would become, commercially viable in a sustained tariff environment.

    Labour Market Development Agreements

    The government is investing $70 million over three years for steel workers via Labour Market Development Agreements with provinces and territories.

    • Supports will be developed in partnership with workers, employers and provinces and territories to retrain and upskill up to 10,000 steel workers.
    • Funding will support access to targeted training, reskilling financial-related supports, and job retention programs to ensure workers can continue contributing to a resilient and competitive steel sector and in-demand jobs.
    • These measures will benefit mid-career, long-tenured steel workers affected by U.S. tariffs and global market shifts.

    Regional Tariff Response Initiative

    In March 2025, the Government of Canada announced funding to Canada’s regional development agencies so they could better support businesses impacted by U.S. tariffs. Up to $150 million of the $450 million Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI) will be targeted to SME projects in the steel sector. The RTRI will be launched very shortly and more details will be available for potential applicants at that time.

    Large Enterprise Tariff Loan Facility

    In March 2025, the government announced the creation of Large Enterprise Tariff Loan (LETL), a new $10 billion financing facility to support Canadian companies affected by actual or potential tariffs and countermeasures.

    The Large Enterprise Tariff Loan facility terms will be revised to enable the Canada Enterprise Emergency Funding Corporation to provide targeted support the steel industry. These changes include:

    • Reducing the proposed initial interest rate from CORRA + 400 basis points to CORRA + 200 basis points
    • Reducing the minimum annual revenue criterion from $300 million to $150 million,
    • Reducing the minimum loan size criterion from $60 million to $30 million,
    • Extending the loan maturity from 5 years to 7 years,
    • Enabling the Canada Enterprise Emergency Funding Corporation to hold equity in companies,
    • Requiring companies prioritize worker retention.

    Procurement

    Through changes to federal procurement processes, companies contracting with the government will be required, where possible, to source steel from Canadian companies. Companies will only be granted a Ministerial exemption if they attest in writing that no Canadian steel producer could or wants to produce the steel required. Alternatively, companies will be required to provide proof that the requirement would raise the cost to unstainable levels or delay critical equipment required by the Government for defence, national security or other key sectors.

    Pivot to Grow

    Launched in winter 2025, Pivot to Grow is a $500 million fund administered by the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) and seeks to help small and medium-sized enterprises transition to new markets and increase productivity.

    The BDC will provide more flexible repayment terms through its Pivot to Grow fund, with the financing to provide liquidity support to eligible steel Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) facing liquidity concerns. Further details will be available from BDC shortly.

    MIL OSI Canada News –