Category: Politics

MIL-OSI USA: Tuberville Reintroduces Legislation to Ban Foreign Adversaries from Buying American Farmland

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for Alabama Tommy Tuberville
Legislation would prohibit the sale of agricultural land to Iran, North Korea, China, and Russia
WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) and U.S. Senator Jim Banks (R-IN) reintroduced the Protecting America’s Agricultural Land from Foreign Harm Act, which would prohibit the sale of U.S. agricultural land to any individual or entity tied to the governments of Iran, North Korea, China, or Russia. The legislation follows Senator Tuberville’s recent reintroduction of the Foreign Adversary Risk Management (FARM) Act to better vet foreign purchases of America’s farmland.
1819 News first reported the reintroduction of the bill.
“For too long, we’ve sat by while foreign nations have been trying to take over our nation’s agricultural industry,” said Senator Tuberville. “Our adversaries are always looking for any way to get their foot in the door and jeopardize our national security—including our agricultural assets. There’s no reason why foreign adversaries should be allowed to buy American farmland. Not only is it dangerous for our farmers, but it’s disastrous for our national security. It’s past time to take action to protect our American farmers and consumers from threats to our food security. I’m proud to reintroduce this legislation with Senator Banks, and will continue fighting to protect America’s farmland and put our farmers and producers first.”
“Food security is national security. Leaving America’s basic needs vulnerable to extortion by foreign control is not an option,” said Senator Banks. “This bill prevents foreign adversaries, including communist China, from owning American farmland in Indiana and across the U.S.—a no-brainer. Proud to lead this effort alongside Senator Tuberville and Rep. Strong.”
U.S. Representative Dale Strong (R-AL-05) also introduced companion legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives.
“Chinese investment in U.S. farmland, much of which is in close proximity to sensitive national security sites, presents an enormous threat not only to our food, fiber, and fuel markets but also to our national security. As the CCP, Iran, Russia, and North Korea look to exploit weaknesses in our free and open society, it is our responsibility to ensure that the American people are protected against those who seek to undermine our national interest,” said Congressman Strong.
Specifically, the Protecting America’s Agricultural Land from Foreign Harm Act would:
Restrict foreign ownership of U.S. agricultural land, forests, and timberland by Iran, North Korea, China, and Russia,
Prohibit participation in certain USDA programs for individuals from Iran, North Korea, China, and Russia,
Close loopholes to ensure adequate reporting of foreign owned U.S. agricultural land,
Establish a federal tax lien if a violation occurs and amend civil penalties,
Establish more in-depth public data sets through online database,
Require U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Department of National Intelligence (DNI), and Government Accountability Office (GAO) to submit individual reports to Congress.
Read the bill or learn more here.
BACKGROUND
Over the past few years, the United States has experienced a rapid increase in foreign investment in the agricultural sector, particularly from China. Growing foreign investment in agriculture and other essential industries, like health care and energy, threaten our country’s national security and ability to survive. Senator Tuberville has long been a vocal critic of foreign ownership of American farmland and other elements of our food supply chain. As Alabama’s voice on the Senate Ag Committee, Senator Tuberville has been sounding the alarm about foreign ownership of American farmland and other elements of our food supply chain.
According to USDA data from December 2023, foreign investors own approximately 45 million acres of U.S. agricultural land. This represents an increase of over 1.5 million acres in one calendar year. Foreign ownership of U.S. agricultural land increased modestly increased from 2012 to 2017 at an average increase of 0.6 million acres per year. However, since 2017, this number skyrocketed to an annual average of 2.6 million acres annually. Additionally, between 2010 and 2021, entities or individuals from China increased their ownership of U.S. agricultural land more than twentyfold, from 13,720 acres to 383,935 acres. Alabama has the fourth-highest amount of foreign-owned agricultural land in the United States, with 2.2 million acres, most of which is forestland.
Earlier this year, Senator Tuberville reintroduced the Foreign Adversary Risk Management (FARM) Act, a bipartisan, bicameral bill that would ensure the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) acknowledges the importance of our agricultural industry and supply chains by adding the Secretary of Agriculture as a permanent member of the committee. Currently, CFIUS does not directly consider the needs of the agriculture industry when reviewing foreign investment and ownership in domestic businesses.
MORE:
Tuberville Continues Efforts to Secure America’s Farmland from Foreign Adversaries
Tuberville Continues Fighting Foreign Influence in American Agriculture
Second Democrat Ag Secretary Endorses Central Provision in Tuberville’s FARM Act
Biden Ag Secretary Endorses Central Part of Tuberville’s FARM Act
Tuberville Continues Push to Combat Chinese Influence in U.S. Agriculture
Tuberville, Jackson Lead Bipartisan, Bicameral Effort to Protect Ag Industry from Foreign Interference
Tuberville Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Ban Foreign Adversaries from Buying U.S. Farmland
Senator Tommy Tuberville represents Alabama in the United States Senate and is a member of the Senate Armed Services, Agriculture, Veterans’ Affairs, HELP, and Aging Committees.

MIL OSI USA News –

February 19, 2025
MIL-OSI Australia: Launch of the What’s My Future national disability support worker recruitment campaign

Source: Ministers for Social Services

19 February 2025

Good morning.

I’d like to begin by acknowledging the Traditional Owners of the lands on which we meet, the Kaurna peoples, and pay my respects to elders past and present. I extend that acknowledgement to all First Nations peoples joining us today.

I would also like to acknowledge my colleagues Anne Aly and Nat Cook, National Workforce Collaboration members and the United Workers Union for hosting us here today.

What a great day. I am so pleased to be part of today’s launch of the What’s my Future? national disability support worker recruitment campaign.

Over the past three years, our Albanese Labor Government has been working hard to support people with disability to live with dignity and to participate fully within their community.

As the Minister for Social Services and Minister for the National Disability Insurance Scheme, I am focused on securing better outcomes for all Australians with disability.

To do that we need a capable, well-trained compassionate workforce working with people with disability.

It is critically important that people with disability can access the high-quality disability services they need, when and where they need them to empower them to fully participate in society.

The workers I’ve met in the disability sector are passionate about making a difference. You are doing amazing, rewarding work, bringing compassion, drive and experience to improve people’s lives. But we need more of you.

We need more of these passionate people to be that support network to help people with disability to meet their goals.

For far too long, many people with disability, especially in regional, rural and remote communities miss out on getting the high quality supports they deserve. The demand for disability support services is growing rapidly and we need to take action to strengthen the disability workforce in Australia.

We must be attracting and retaining people with the right skills, providing training pathways and growing the workforce delivering high quality supports to those who need it.

It’s critically important that these workers are properly supported to build a fulfilling and rewarding career within the sector.

This is why our Labor Government is proud to be funding the National Workforce Collaboration to deliver this new campaign.

The What’s my Future campaign will show prospective workers what their future could look like in disability support.
We know one of the barriers to workers joining is a misunderstanding about the role and what it means to work with people with disability.

It is important to shine a spotlight on what the work entails and hear first-hand from support workers about the diversity of roles and experiences within the sector.

And importantly, the work satisfaction that comes from helping others.

We need to give people the information they need about what to expect, how to enter support work, the qualifications and attributes required, and whether it is right for them.

This campaign will show school leavers, those already working in health, and professionals looking for a career change what the disability support sector can offer.

With a wealth of information, supporting materials, and real-world examples of what the sector has in store, the campaign will help raise both recruitment numbers, and retention.

Thank you all for the work you do, and I am excited to see the positive results this campaign will bring.

Alongside this campaign, the Government is driving action to strengthen the workforce in many other ways.

Shortly, we will be releasing a new NDIS Workforce Data Report to give us a snapshot of the current state of the NDIS workforce and forecast demand over 2025-26.

We are also focusing on training and growth opportunities within the disability sector through HumanAbility.

As one of the Government’s 10 Jobs and Skills Councils, HumanAbility has released its first workforce plan focussed on current, emerging and future workforce challenges and opportunities across the care and support sector.

We are also trialling collaborative community-driven solutions across the care and support sector including through the Integrated Care and Commissioning project, and alternative commissioning trials in First Nations and remote communities.

A stronger workforce is an important part of the Government’s broader disability reform under Australia’s Disability Strategy – which is a commitment by all levels of government to drive inclusion and improved outcomes for all people with disability in Australia.

At the centre of all my decision making, is improving the lives of people with disability. breaking down barriers and working with people with disability and of course those that support them to drive change.

A strong, skilled disability workforce is essential to achieving this goal.

MIL OSI News –

February 19, 2025
MIL-Evening Report: With billions in ‘profit’ exempt from tax, changes to NZ’s charity rules are long overdue

Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Ranjana Gupta, Senior Lecturer, Accounting Department, Auckland University of Technology

Jirsak/Shutterstock

The profit made on every breakfast bowl of weet-bix is tax exempt, giving Sanitarium Health Food Company, owned by the Seventh-day Adventist Church, an advantage over other breakfast food companies. But this could be about to change.

Under current rules, New Zealand’s charities are allowed to run businesses as long as the profits are not for personal gain. This means the government gives up millions in tax revenue from charities across the government.

In December, Finance Minister Nicola Willis proposed revising the tax rules for charitable organisations. The changes are set to be announced with this year’s Budget. According to Willis, there was about NZ$2 billion of “profit” in the charitable sector that was not subject to tax.

My new research – to be published later this year – looks at the integrity and fairness of the taxation framework that gives exemptions to charitable organisations competing directly with the for-profit sector.

Striking the right balance between supporting legitimate charitable activities and preventing the abuse of tax concessions is crucial for ensuring a level playing field in the tax system.

My study shows the tax exemption system in New Zealand, as it stands now, is not really fair and equitable. And it is past time for this to change.

For the public benefit

Under New Zealand’s charity law, a charitable organisation must operate for the public benefit and relieve the government of its burden to provide welfare services and assist disadvantaged people.

A paper prepared by the Tax Working Group, an advisory group that looked at New Zealand’s tax system between 2017 and 2019, estimated 30% of registered charities were likely to have some sort of trading activities, such as second-hand stores.

To be eligible for tax exemptions, any gains from businesses must be reinvested in the organisation’s charitable activities.

The traditional justification for granting charitable organisations tax concessions is that they are dedicated to the greater good of society. The concessions are also meant to offset the disadvantages charities face in accessing capital.

But by treating the producers of identical goods and services differently, there is a risk of compromising horizontal equity principles – basically the idea that taxpayers in similar positions should pay similar amounts of tax.

There are concerns for the tax system’s integrity when charitable organisations shift their focus from providing a public good to providing private or unrelated goods (commercial activities).

In these cases, it is clear that tax breaks should be limited.

When governments offer tax breaks, they forego tax revenue. Governments end up having to raise money from other sources to meet their total tax collection targets, such as increasing tax rates on non-exempt firms, items and individuals.

Taxing unrelated activities

Overseas tax systems take a different view of exemptions for charities, offering examples for New Zealand to follow.

In the United Kingdom, for example, charities cannot undertake commercial trading activities unrelated to their charitable purposes while claiming exemption from income tax. This ensures fair competition between commercial activities.

In the United States, “unrelated business income” is subject to tax, restricting concessions to ensure the tax regime matches conventional tax policy or social welfare policy.

In Australia, commercial trading unrelated to the charity’s core purpose is not allowed.

Ensuring transparency

To ensure greater transparency over who gets an exemption, the financial statements of all charities in New Zealand should also be filed on the Charities Register. These statements should be publicly available.

Charities also need to become more responsible and equitable in their operations. There needs to be stricter regulation, and compliance measures should be implemented. These would prevent tax exemption misuse that benefits a specific group or individuals.

The time for reviewing charitable purposes is long overdue in New Zealand, particularly given the UK and Australia have set out their concepts of charitable purposes in recent years.

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

– ref. With billions in ‘profit’ exempt from tax, changes to NZ’s charity rules are long overdue – https://theconversation.com/with-billions-in-profit-exempt-from-tax-changes-to-nzs-charity-rules-are-long-overdue-249575

MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

February 19, 2025
MIL-OSI China: US, Russia agree to improve ties, work on ending Ukraine conflict

Source: China State Council Information Office

A soldier of the motorized rifle battalion of the 93rd brigade shows an anti-drone shotgun at a position in Donetsk on Aug. 15, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

The United States and Russia have agreed to work on a path to ending the conflict in Ukraine and improve bilateral ties during extensive high-level talks in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday.

In the first face-to-face interactions between senior U.S. and Russian officials since the outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine conflict in February 2022, the Russian delegation, led by Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and the Kremlin’s foreign affairs adviser Yuri Ushakov, met with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who was accompanied by National Security Adviser Mike Waltz and U.S. special envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff.

Serious discussion

Following the four-and-a-half-hour talks, Witkoff described the Riyadh talks as “positive, upbeat, constructive.” Ushakov said it was a “very serious discussion of all the issues we wanted to touch upon,” noting the two sides agreed to take into account each other’s interests and develop bilateral relations.

The United States and Russia agreed to “establish a consultation mechanism to address irritants to our bilateral relationship with the objective of taking steps necessary to normalize the operation of our respective diplomatic missions,” according to a statement by the U.S. Department of State.

Washington and Moscow will “appoint respective high-level teams to begin working on a path to ending the conflict in Ukraine as soon as possible in a way that is enduring, sustainable, and acceptable to all sides,” the statement said.

The two sides agreed to “lay the groundwork for future cooperation on matters of mutual geopolitical interest and historic economic and investment opportunities which will emerge from a successful end to the conflict in Ukraine,” the statement added.

In a press conference following the meeting, Lavrov described the discussions as “very useful,” emphasizing Russia’s firm stance that the deployment of NATO troops in Ukraine is unacceptable.

This meeting is the latest indication of a thaw in the previously frosty relations between Washington and Moscow since U.S. President Donald Trump took office in January.

Last week, Trump had a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin that lasted nearly an hour and a half, during which the Russian president extended an invitation for Trump to visit Moscow.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said in an interview with local media following the phone call that Putin and Trump “agreed quite quickly to coordinate and hold a working meeting somewhere in a third country.”

Echoing the Kremlin’s comments, Trump said that the call, which focused on negotiations to end the Ukraine crisis, is “lengthy and highly productive.”

The phone call between the two presidents has set the wheels in motion for further official exchanges between the two countries.

In a phone call on Saturday, Lavrov and Rubio also agreed to maintain regular contact.

Both sides pledged to keep communication channels open to address accumulated issues in bilateral relations, particularly to “eliminate unilateral obstacles inherited from the previous U.S. administration that hinder mutually beneficial cooperation in trade, economy, and investment,” the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

“The Trump administration is trying to reset tense relations with Moscow,” The Wall Street Journal stated in an opinion piece while commenting on the U.S.-Russia meeting in Saudi Arabia.

Mixed reactions

After the large-scale conflict between Russia and Ukraine erupted, the U.S. government under Joe Biden took a firm stance alongside its European allies, throwing its full support behind Ukraine by providing substantial military aid and isolating Russia on the international stage.

When it comes to potential negotiations between Russia and Ukraine, the mantra once shared by the United States and Europe has been “nothing about Ukraine without Ukraine,” emphasizing Ukraine’s leading role in any future talks.

The change in the United States’ stance on the Ukraine-Russia conflict is occurring against a backdrop of increasing divergence in the understanding of defense cooperation between the United States and Europe.

Washington has repeatedly expressed dissatisfaction with its European allies for not pulling their weight in defense spending.

“The United States will no longer tolerate an imbalanced relationship which encourages dependency,” U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth declared during the meeting with NATO defense ministers last week, calling on Europe to assume its “own responsibility for its own security.”

What has further unsettled the European countries and Ukraine is that the high-profile talks between the United States and Russia excluded both Europe and Ukraine.

In an emergency meeting hastily convened in Paris on the eve of the U.S.-Russia talks, a dozen European leaders reaffirmed their commitment to supporting Ukraine as the United States warms its ties with Russia.

Meanwhile, some European leaders have voiced their frustration regarding their exclusion from the dialogue between the United States and Russia.

“There can be no negotiation about Ukraine without Ukraine. The same is true for Europe,” said Dutch Defense Minister Ruben Brekelmans on social media platform X. “Europe must be involved in the negotiations.”

Following the Riyadh meeting, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who is in Türkiye for a visit, said that the Russia-U.S. talks were “a surprise” to Kiev, which it “found out through the media.”

Zelensky stressed that Türkiye and Europe should be involved in discussions about ending the Russia-Ukraine conflict. “Negotiations should not take place behind our backs,” he said, announcing the cancellation of his scheduled visit to Saudi Arabia.

The Ukrainian president has said before that Kiev would not participate in the U.S.-Russia negotiation and his country will not accept the results of the negotiations that do not involve Ukraine.

MIL OSI China News –

February 19, 2025
MIL-OSI China: Chinese FM chairs UN debate

Source: China State Council Information Office

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, chairs an open debate of the Security Council on “Practicing Multilateralism, Reforming, and Improving Global Governance” under the agenda item “Maintenance of International Peace and Security” on Feb. 18, 2025. [Photo/Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs]

On Tuesday, Feb. 18, Chinese Minister for Foreign Affairs Wang Yi chaired an open debate of the Security Council on “Practicing Multilateralism, Reforming, and Improving Global Governance” under the agenda item “Maintenance of International Peace and Security.”

The year 2025 marks the eightieth anniversary of the founding of the United Nations and the victory in the World Anti-Fascist War. The ministerial-level meeting, held under China’s presidency of the Council, provided an opportunity for Member States to review the history of the United Nations, reaffirm their commitment to multilateralism, and jointly build a just and equitable global governance system.

Wang Yi noted that over the past 80 years, the world has witnessed accelerated multi-polarization and economic globalization. People around the world have forged ahead together to overcome challenges. It has been a time of the Global South’s rise and growing strength, as well as a period when societies have emerged from the shadow of the Cold War and moved beyond bipolar confrontation. However, true global peace and common prosperity have yet to be fully realized.

“The international community drew painful lessons from the scourge of two world wars, and the United Nations was founded,” Wang Yi said at the UN Security Council meeting, stressing the need to “reinvigorate true multilateralism, and speed up efforts to build a more just and equitable global governance system” in the face of global crises.

Wang Yi reiterated China’s support for all efforts conducive to peace talks in Ukraine. On the Middle East, he emphasized the importance of upholding the two-state solution. “Gaza and the West Bank are the homeland of the Palestinian people, not a bargaining chip in political trade-offs. The Palestinians governing Palestine is an important principle that must be followed in the post-conflict governance of Gaza,” he said.

Wang Yi also emphasized that UN Security Council resolutions are legally binding and must be upheld by all countries.

MIL OSI China News –

February 19, 2025
MIL-OSI New Zealand: Government must keep cutting to keep interest rate relief coming

Source: ACT Party

The Government must keep cutting to keep the interest rate relief coming, says ACT Leader David Seymour in response to a 0.5 point cut in the Official Cash Rate.

“Households who’ve done it tough through a cost-of-living crisis are seeing their sacrifices pay off. Today’s good news can be credited in part to New Zealanders’ financial discipline, which has eased inflation and made mortgage relief possible,” says Seymour.

“The Government has been doing its part too, reining in Labour’s spending commitments. But we need to do more. The households paying the bills deserve a government that’s as disciplined as they are.

“We can’t expect to coast our way to ongoing interest rate cuts. We need persistent action from Wellington to keep cutting the waste, and ACT is continuously putting ideas forward.

“Less waste and lower interest rates means firms, farms, and families can keep more of their own money, to spend and invest on their own priorities. That is how we achieve real prosperity and economic growth.”

MIL OSI New Zealand News –

February 19, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Reed Works to Nix “Carried Interest” Tax Loophole & Make Wall Street Pay Its Fair Share

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for Rhode Island Jack Reed

WASHINGTON, DC –In an effort to restore fairness to the tax code, U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) is seeking to close the “carried interest” tax loophole, which lets private equity firms and Wall Street managers at investment partnerships pay a lower tax rate on their income than most American workers.

Reed is teaming up with U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) to introduce the Carried Interest Fairness Act (S. 445). Their legislation would ensure that income earned by investment managers of private equity, venture capital, and hedge funds is taxed at the same rate paid by the vast majority of Americans. The non-partisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimates that ending the loophole could reduce the federal deficit by $13 billion through 2034.

Under the current system, fund managers get paid up to two percent of assets as a regular fee, plus twenty percent of the fund’s profits. The managers pay regular income tax on the two percent, but when it comes to their share of the profits, which is called “carried interest,” they usually pay only the lower long-term capital gains tax rate. In a sense, they are converting income from labor into capital gains. So even though the investors are putting up the fund’s capital and taking the risk, the fund managers are able to treat their part of the fund’s earnings as a capital gain, subject only to a top capital gains tax rate at 20 percent compared to the top federal income tax rate of 37 percent for the wealthiest Americans.

“Americans feel the system is fixed against them, and this big, fat loophole sure seems that way. This commonsense legislation would close a glaring loophole in the tax code and restore a key measure of fairness so that wealthy fund managers pay the same rate as regular working Americans. It would end preferential treatment for Wall Street elites and prevent these wealthy executives from paying lower rates than their salaried employees. Everyone has a right to earn their pay, but there shouldn’t be a special set of tax breaks just for the wealthy and well-connected. Congress needs to close this loophole, simplify the tax code, and enact other sensible reforms that will strengthen our economy,” said Senator Reed, a senior member of the Senate Banking Committee.

“Wall Street investors should not be paying less in taxes than Wisconsin firefighters, teachers, and small business owners. But right now, the wealthiest Americans are gaming our tax system to get out of paying their fair share, passing their tax burden onto working Wisconsinites,” said Senator Baldwin.

Despite President Donald Trump previously pledging “we will eliminate the carried interest deduction and other special interest loopholes…” during the 2016 election, his 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act “failed to eliminate [the] key deduction used by wealthy investment firms that Trump had vowed to kill,” leading PolitiFact to rate this a “Promise Broken.”

In 2017, Senate Republicans rejected an amendment to the Trump tax bill by Senator Baldwin to close the carried interest loophole.

In 2022, Senator Reed and the majority of his Democratic colleagues pushed for a provision to eliminate the carried interest loophole as part of the Inflation Reduction Act. But with a 50-50 split in the U.S. Senate, the measure was stripped out of the underlying bill after then-Senator Kyrsten Sinema (I-AZ) objected to its inclusion.

In addition to Baldwin and Reed, the Carried Interest Fairness Act is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Patty Murray (D-WA), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Ed Markey (D-MA), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Peter Welch (D-VT), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), and Mazie Hirono (D-HI).

Companion legislation has been introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives by Congresswoman Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (D-WA-03).

The legislation is endorsed by Communications Workers of America, Americans for Tax Fairness, the American Federation of Teachers (AFT), Public Citizen, American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), Alliance for Retired Americans, Americans for Financial Reform, Take on Wall Street, Patriotic Millionaires, 20/20 Vision, Community Catalyst, Main Street Alliance, American Federation of Government Employees, Small Business Minority, Economic Policy Institute, and the National Women’s Law Center.

MIL OSI USA News –

February 19, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Durbin Condemns President Trump’s Art Of Appeasement To Russian President Vladimir Putin

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for Illinois Dick Durbin

February 18, 2025

Durbin: President Trump has always had a strange affinity for assorted autocrats and dictators—a troubling stain and liability for the leader of the free world

WASHINGTON – In a speech on the Senate floor, U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) condemned President Trump’s appeasement to Russian President Vladimir Putin—where Trump announced key concessions to Putin regarding Ukraine, while apparently ignoring Ukraine’s key demands. Durbin began his speech by recounting history in which British Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain touted the now infamous Munich Agreement as the way to stave off Hitler’s Nazi Germany. One year later, Hitler invaded Poland and triggered World War II.

“Over time, Chamberlain’s name became synonymous with the term ‘appeasement.’ And for good reason. You see, while Chamberlain’s goal of peace may have been honorable, he was dangerously naïve about the human nature of a tyrant in Germany who was bent on territorial and maniacal ambitions—pursuits that could only be thwarted with strength,” said Durbin. “Well, President Trump’s ‘art of the deal’ opening negotiation with Vladimir Putin has the same naïve odor of appeasement.”

Durbin continued, “Trump and his fledgling Defense Secretary publicly gave away huge concessions at the start—signaling they would not insist on a return to Ukraine’s sovereign 2014 borders or future NATO membership. It’s also not clear from the Administration’s bewildering Munich Security Conference remarks if Trump plans to even include Ukraine, or our European allies, in the negotiations over its own future. It is no wonder that in the UK—where they remember Chamberlain’s folly all too well—Donald Trump’s early pronouncements were lambasted for their misreading of history by leaders across the political spectrum.”

Members of the UK Parliament are speaking out against President Trump’s attempt to work with Putin. One Member of Parliament lamented that the West now “might be facing the worse betrayal of a European ally since Poland in 1945.” Another stated, “This is less the Art of a Deal and more a charter for Appeasement.”

Durbin concluded, “President Trump has always had a strange affinity for autocrats and dictators—a troubling stain and liability for the leader of the free world. He almost seems to want their adoration and admiration—especially compared to the clear-eyed leadership of Ronald Reagan in his dealing with the Soviets. But there are real consequences to Trump’s autocrat liaisons for American and allied security—ones Republicans in the Senate must take more seriously. His crazy rants about Greenland, Canada as a 51^st state, Panama, and the Gulf of Mexico may be amusing to some including himself, but it certainly does not portend well for the foreign policy of the United States. Simply caving to Putin and walking away from Ukraine—just as Chamberlain did to Hitler—is an invitation for more confrontations in the future.”

Video of Durbin’s remarks on the Senate floor is available here.

Audio of Durbin’s remarks on the Senate floor is available here.

Footage of Durbin’s remarks on the Senate floor is available here for TV Stations.

-30-

MIL OSI USA News –

February 19, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Durbin Slams Senate Republicans For Blindly Supporting Kash Patel For FBI Director Despite Serious Concerns On Fitness To Serve

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for Illinois Dick Durbin

February 18, 2025

Ahead of procedural vote, Durbin: “My Senate Republican colleagues are willfully ignoring myriad red flags about Mr. Patel, especially his recurring instinct to threaten retribution against his and President Trump’s perceived enemies.”

WASHINGTON – Ahead of tonight’s procedural vote on the nomination of Kash Patel to be Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, spoke on the Senate Floor regarding his serious concerns about Mr. Patel, which includes whistleblower reports that Mr. Patel has been personally involved in the ongoing purge of FBI officials.

Key Quotes:

“After meeting with Mr. Patel, reviewing his record, and questioning him under oath at his hearing, I am deeply concerned about his fitness to serve as FBI Director. He has neither the experience, the judgment, nor the temperament to lead the FBI.”

“My Senate Republican colleagues, sadly, are willfully ignoring myriad red flags about Mr. Patel, especially his recurring instinct to threaten retribution against his political enemies and President Trump’s perceived enemies. This is an extremely dangerous characteristic for someone who seeks to lead the nation’s most powerful domestic investigative agency for the next 10 years.”

“On day one, [Kash Patel] plans to ‘shut down the F.B.I. Hoover Building and reopen it the next day as a museum of the ‘deep state.’’ He even wrote a book on this subject, and I punished myself by requiring that I read it from cover to cover so I understood exactly what this man believed. He has peddled outrageous conspiracy theories that benefit President Trump, claiming that January 6th—the assault on the Capitol—was ‘never an insurrection’ and that the FBI ‘was planning January 6 for a year.’ Where is this man coming up with these wild theories?”

“He compiled an enemies list and published it in the back of his book. Sixty names—‘members of the deep state,’ which includes distinguished public servants from both political parties—like former Attorneys General Bill Barr and Merrick Garland and former FBI Directors Robert Mueller and Chris Wray as the so-called ‘members of the deep state’… whatever that may be.”

“[Patel] decided to assemble a choir of the January 6th individuals who were prosecuted. Then he was involved in making a recording of a patriotic song that these prisoners were singing. Then, he was selling this recording and playing it at the rallies for President Trump… which he denied during our hearing, under oath.”

“Before even being confirmed as the FBI Director, Mr. Patel is already seeking retribution on behalf of President Trump despite Patel’s status as a private citizen. Multiple whistleblowers have disclosed highly credible information to my staff, indicating that Mr. Patel has personally directed the ongoing purge of senior law enforcement officials at the FBI. Senior leaders with collectively hundreds of years of experience have been forced out at the FBI, creating a leadership vacuum.”

“In the FBI’s long history, this has never happened before—never. Keep in mind that the Director is the only [political] appointee at the FBI, and [that] the leaders have been forced out despite their career commitment to law enforcement. This purge has dramatically weakened FBI’s ability to protect the country from national security threats and made America less safe.”

“If these whistleblower allegations are true that Kash Patel, as a private citizen, has been orchestrating the purging of the ranks at the FBI because of political loyalty questions, I will tell you that he came dangerously close to perjuring himself during his nomination hearing when he was asked about the possible firings of FBI officials and he answered, under oath, ‘I don’t know what’s going on right now’ at the FBI. Mr. President, we’re told that’s not true.”

“Mr. Patel has been open about his plans to dismantle the FBI and seek retribution against his and President Trump’s enemies. His directives as a private citizen have already thrown the Bureau into absolute chaos.”

“Mr. Patel’s recent actions and testimony before the Senate Judiciary Committee confirm my belief that he is dangerous, inexperienced, and he’s been dishonest in portraying his role in what’s happening at the FBI.”

“It will be a political and national security disaster if he is confirmed.”

Video of Durbin’s remarks on the floor is available here.

Audio of Durbin’s remarks on the floor is available here.

Footage of Durbin’s remarks on the floor is available here for TV Stations.

-30-

MIL OSI USA News –

February 19, 2025
MIL-OSI Australia: New strata laws ensure fairer rules for fees and charges
Source: New South Wales Government 2

Headline: New strata laws ensure fairer rules for fees and charges

Published: 19 February 2025

Released by: Minister for Better Regulation and Fair Trading

Legislation improving the way strata communities operate passed the NSW Parliament last night.
The reforms will help owners repair and maintain common property, support the uptake of sustainability and accessibility infrastructure, and give owners more options to pay levies when facing financial stress.

This legislation is the Minns Labor Government’s third tranche of strata law reforms and builds on changes which came into effect on 3 February 2025, requiring strata managers in NSW to provide significantly more The reforms will help owners repair and maintain common property, support the uptake of sustainability and accessibility infrastructure, and give owners more options to pay levies when facing financial stress.

The laws will:
- Protect owners corporations from unfair contract terms such as limits on a strata managing agent’s liability.
- Encourage the uptake of sustainable infrastructure such as solar panels and electric vehicle charging by prohibiting bylaws that block the infrastructure due to external appearance.
- Protect owners from bill shock by requiring developers to have initial levy estimates to be independently certified, including increased penalties for non-compliance.
- Make it easier to terminate strata managing agents and building manager agreements if they carry on a business that is contrary to the law.
- Prescribe training requirements for strata committee members to help them perform their roles.
- Allow Fair Trading to enter into enforceable undertakings with owners corporations that do not meet their duties to maintain and repair common property.
- Help owners in financial hardship by requiring owners corporations to offer a payment plan before taking debt recovery action and prohibiting blanket rules to refuse payment plans.
- Make it easier to install accessibility infrastructure in common areas by lowering the voting threshold for approval from 75% to a majority vote.
This legislation is the Minns Labor Government’s third tranche of strata law reforms and builds on changes which came into effect on 3 February 2025, requiring strata managers in NSW to provide significantly more detailed information to owners’ corporations about their services and relationships, to increase transparency and accountability within the strata sector.

Strata managers must now disclose any connections with suppliers and developers, provide detailed breakdowns of insurance quotes including commissions and broker fees, and report in real time if any new connections or interests arise.

The NSW Government’s reforms will be enforced by a dedicated Strata and Property Services Taskforce within NSW Fair Trading, backed by an $8.4 million investment.

Consumer confidence in strata is vital to the government’s housing agenda, and the Taskforce will be focussed on high impact initiatives to support the 1.2 million people living in strata across NSW.

The Taskforce will strengthen compliance and enforcement, dispute resolution, and regulatory reform within the strata sector, with a focus on raising professional standards and delivering better outcomes for consumers.

For more information, visit the NSW Fair Trading website here: https://www.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au/housing-and-property/strata-and-community-living

Quotes attributed to Minister for Better Regulation and Fair Trading Anoulack Chanthivong:

“The family home is often the biggest financial investment most of us will make – when it is in a strata community the Minns Labor Government is making sure that there are protections in place to help owners make informed decisions on the future of the property.

“Repairs to common property are the obligation of the owners’ corporation, and these reforms help to ensure the hard-earned money of individual owners invested in the property will prevent it from being run down, become a safety risk or cause greater damage through neglect.

“These changes will make buying into strata more transparent and improve the building owners experience when they receive the keys from the developer.”

Quotes attributed to Fair Trading Commissioner Natasha Mann:

“The number of strata schemes in New South Wales has grown from around 70,000 at the end of 2015 to more than 87,000 – creating a greater need for targeted, proactive regulation to ensure practitioners and businesses in the property industry are properly trained and supervised.

“The Strata and Property Services Taskforce is improving the NSW Government’s oversight of real estate and strata managing agents by bringing together new and existing specialist staff across Fair Trading to uplift its enforcement of NSW strata and property laws – restoring consumer confidence and lifting standards across the sector.”
MIL OSI News –
February 19, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: SBA Offers Relief to Missouri Businesses, Nonprofits and Residents Affected by November Storms

Source: United States Small Business Administration

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)announced that low‑interest federal disaster loans are available to Missouri businesses, nonprofits and residents affected by the severe storms, tornadoes, straight-line winds and flooding that occurred Nov. 3‑9, 2024. The SBA issued a disaster declaration in response to a request received from Gov. Mike Kehoe on Feb. 14, 2025.

The disaster declaration covers Pulaski County.

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

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

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

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

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

The loan amount can be up to $2 million with interest rates as low as 4% for businesses, 3.625% for nonprofits and 2.563% for homeowners and renters, with terms up to 30 years. Interest does not begin to accrue, and payments are not due until 12 months from the date of the first loan disbursement. The SBA sets loan amounts and terms based on each applicant’s financial condition.

SBA has established a virtual Disaster Loan Outreach Center (DLOC) where customer service representatives will be on hand to answer questions about SBA’s disaster loan program, explain the application process and help individuals complete their electronic loan application. Applicants may call or email as indicated below.

Virtual Disaster Loan Outreach Center
Monday – Friday
8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. PT
FOCWAssistance@sba.gov
(916) 735-1531

The SBA encourages applicants to submit their loan applications promptly. Applications will be prioritized in the order they are received, and the SBA remains committed to processing them as efficiently as possible.

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

The deadline to return for physical damage applications is April 21, 2025. The deadline to return economic injury applications is Nov. 18, 2025.

###

About the U.S. Small Business Administration

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

MIL OSI USA News –

February 19, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: United States Attorney Natalie K. Wight Concludes Service to the United States Department of Justice

Source: Office of United States Attorneys

PORTLAND, Ore.– The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon announced today the departure of United States Attorney Natalie K. Wight.

Ms. Wight was informed of her termination in a communication from the White House. As a Presidential appointee, Ms. Wight is subject to removal from office at the discretion of the sitting President. The White House thanked her for her service to the United States.

A twenty-year veteran of the United States Department of Justice, Ms. Wight was recruited directly into the Attorney General’s Honors Program in 2003.

With the support of Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley, Ms. Wight was nominated by President Joseph R. Biden Jr. on June 6, 2022, and was confirmed by the U.S. Senate on September 9, 2022.

“I am proud of the Office’s dedication to protecting Oregon’s youth, supporting law enforcement, and maintaining strong agency partnerships,” said former U.S. Attorney Wight. During her tenure, Ms. Wight focused on outreach to schools by educating students on the dangers of fentanyl, warning of online exploitation, and applauding the care and compassion of Oregon’s student leaders. This year, the district hosted its third Junior Justice Summit where student ambassadors from local high schools collaborated with civic leaders, public servants, and members of the law enforcement community to identify and achieve common goals to help keep kids safe and our neighborhoods thriving.

“I want to thank our Oregon communities and our exceptional public servants for helping to keep Oregon a safe and beautiful place to live,” said former U.S. Attorney Wight. “I am excited to watch the office’s continued success working with federal, state, county, local, and tribal agencies serving the people of Oregon. I am immensely proud to have worked side by side with such dedicated Oregonians.”

As United States Attorney, Ms. Wight was selected to serve on the Attorney General’s Advisory Committee (AGAC) as the Ninth Circuit representative. The AGAC advises the Attorney General and senior Department of Justice leadership on critical legal issues impacting the districts in each circuit. Ms. Wight served as liaison for the Federal Bureau of Prisons and the Civil Division while on the AGAC. She also served on the national subcommittees for Controlled Substances, Violent Crime, Child Exploitation, and Native American Issues.

There are thirty-six counties and nine tribal reservations in the District of Oregon. The U.S. Attorney’s Offices in Portland, Eugene, and Medford employ career attorneys and professional staff who are responsible for conducting all criminal prosecutions, collection of debts owed to the federal government, and civil litigation in the district involving the United States.

As provided for under the Vacancies Reform Act, the First Assistant U.S. Attorney now serves as the Acting U.S. Attorney.

MIL Security OSI –

February 19, 2025
MIL-OSI China: China reaffirms support for two-state solution

Source: China State Council Information Office

A worker prepares the truck loaded with Chinese aid at the warehouse of Jordan Hashemite Charity Organization in Zarqa, Jordan, on Feb. 18, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

China reaffirmed its firm support for the two-state solution as the only realistic path to resolving the recurring cycles of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, China’s envoy to Egypt and the Arab League said in Cairo on Monday.

Speaking at the Fourth Meeting of the Global Alliance for the Implementation of the Two-State Solution held in Cairo, Ambassador Liao Liqiang expressed deep concern over the situation in Gaza and urged the international community to push for full implementation of the ceasefire agreement, according to a statement released by the Chinese embassy.

Liao emphasized that Gaza is an integral part of Palestinian territory and that future arrangements for the enclave should respect the will of the Palestinian people, adhere to international law and UN resolutions, and address the concerns of regional countries.

The meeting discussed the role of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) and Israel’s restrictions on its operations. Liao reiterated China’s support for UNRWA’s work in post-conflict Gaza, saying any actions targeting or hindering the agency are detrimental to a political settlement.

He called on the international community to utilize platforms like the Global Alliance for the Implementation of the Two-State Solution to build consensus and promote a comprehensive, just and lasting solution to the Palestinian issue.

Egypt’s foreign ministry, in a statement after the meeting, reiterated its commitment to the two-state solution, stressing that an independent Palestinian state based on 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital is the only way to achieve lasting peace.

UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini highlighted the agency’s crucial role in maintaining the ceasefire and providing essential services to Palestinian refugees, calling for urgent international support to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process ad interim Sigrid Kaag underscored the importance of a comprehensive political solution.

The meeting brought together representatives from 35 countries and various regional and international organizations.

MIL OSI China News –

February 19, 2025
MIL-OSI New Zealand: Health Crisis – New crisis working group a sign of desperation by Health Minister – PSA

Source: PSA

The Government’s setting up of a crisis health working group won’t help a failing health system unless increased investment is urgently made.

The so-called health assurance unit will operate within Te Kawa Mataao Public Service Commission.

“This is a crisis of the Government’s own making and the unit is another sign of desperation,” said PSA acting national secretary Fleur Fitzsimons.

“The PSA says the answer is simple. Stop the cuts, lift the hiring freeze and fund health properly.

“The health system is being starved of funds by a Government which has chosen saving dollars over saving lives, tax cuts over a properly funded health system.

“That’s why the PSA has filed urgent legal proceedings with the Employment Relations Authority to stop the planned cuts.

“This all comes on top of three high profile resignations including the Health NZ CEO and Director General of Health.

“It’s time for action, not a working group, before frontline health services are further eroded and patients suffer.”

The Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi is Aotearoa New Zealand’s largest trade union, representing and supporting more than 95,000 workers across central government, state-owned enterprises, local councils, health boards and community groups.

MIL OSI New Zealand News –

February 19, 2025
MIL-Evening Report: Vibes are something we feel but can’t quite explain. Now researchers want to study them

Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Ash Watson, Scientia Fellow and Senior Lecturer, UNSW Sydney

Shutterstock

When we’re uncomfortable we say the “vibe is off”. When we’re having a good time we’re “vibing”. To assess the mood we do a “vibe check”. And when the atmosphere in the room changes we call it a “vibe shift”.

In a broad sense, a “vibe” is something akin to a mood, atmosphere or energy.

But this is an imperfect definition. Often, we’ll use this term to describe something we feel powerfully, but find hard to articulate.

As journalist and cultural critic Kyle Chayka described in 2021, a vibe is “a placeholder for an unplaceable feeling or impression, an atmosphere that you couldn’t or didn’t want to put into words”.

Being able to understand the subtleties of social interactions – that is, to “feel the vibes” – is extremely valuable, not just for our social interactions, but also for researchers who study people.

What’s behind the rise of vibes? And how can sociologists like myself unpack “vibe culture” to make sense of the world?

A history of vibes

The nuance and complexity of vibes makes them an interesting cultural trend. Vibes can be very specific, but can also totally resist specificity.

Australians (and fans of Australiana) will remember the iconic line from the beloved 1997 film The Castle: “It’s just the vibe of the thing… I rest my case.”

While it may seem like a recent cultural development, vibe isn’t the first example of cryptic language being used to express an ambiguous thing or situation. There are similar concepts with long histories, such as “quintessence” in Ancient Greek philosophy and “auras” in mysticism.

More recently, vibes rose in popularity through music including 1960s rock, epitomised by the Beach Boys (“pickin’ up good vibrations”) and Black American rap vernacular from the 1990s, such as in the song Vibes and Stuff by A Tribe Called Quest (“we got, we got, we got the vibes”).

‘Vibes’ rose in popularity through music including 1960s rock and 1990s Black American rap.
Shutterstock

While we don’t know when the term was first used as it is today, it seems to have taken hold in the 1970s.

I trawled the online archive of The New Yorker and found an early mention of vibes in a 1971 report about communes in New York City.

One interviewee spoke about the “vibration of togetherness” that drew them to the commune. Ending the day on the subway, the author Hendrik Hertzberg (now a senior editor at the magazine) “just sat there and soaked up the good vibes”.

New uses and meanings have emerged in the years since.

Vibes today

As vibe is used in more ways, its meaning becomes expanded and diffused. A person or situation can have good vibes, bad vibes, weird vibes, laid-back vibes, or any other adjective you can imagine.

Language is a central part of qualitative research. While new phrases and slang can be casual and superficial, they can also represent broader, more complex concepts. Vibe is a great example of this: a simple term that refers to something potent yet ephemeral, affecting yet ambiguous.

By paying attention to the words people use to describe their experiences, sociologists can identify patterns of social interactions and shifts in social attitudes.

Perhaps vibes work like a heuristic – a mental shortcut – but for feeling rather than thinking.

People use heuristics to make everyday decisions or draw conclusions based on their experiences. Heuristics are, in essence, our common sense. And “vibes” might be best described as our common feeling, as they speak to a subtle aspect of how we collectively relate and interact.

Sociologists have long studied complex common feelings. Ambivalence, for instance, has been a focus in research on digital privacy. Studying when and why people feel ambivalent about digital technology can help us understand their seemingly contradictory behaviour, such as when they say they are concerned about privacy, but do very little to protect their information.

Ambivalence reveals how people make decisions via small, everyday compromises – moments and feelings that may be overlooked in quantitative research. A qualitative approach can help us to align policies with people’s real-world behaviours.

Researchers react

Then again, it’s difficult to study something people find hard to articulate in the first place. Asking participants to rank the “vibes” of something in a survey doesn’t quite work.

So researchers are finding new ways to feel the vibe: to see what participants see, to feel what they feel and get a deeper understanding of their lived experiences.

For instance, such study could provide insight into how senior clinicians make important decisions amid uncertainty. We already know making decisions in complex situations involves more than logic and rationality.

In one Australian study published last year, researchers assessed how vibes have become part of online advertising algorithms. The researchers analysed the social media feeds of more than 200 young people, using the concept of vibes to show how advertising models attune to individuals and social groups.

Such approaches can complement, or even update, tried-and-tested research methods, expanding on what we know about human relationships and experiences.

Ash Watson receives funding from the Australian Research Council.

– ref. Vibes are something we feel but can’t quite explain. Now researchers want to study them – https://theconversation.com/vibes-are-something-we-feel-but-cant-quite-explain-now-researchers-want-to-study-them-247907

MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

February 19, 2025
MIL-Evening Report: Yes, Australia needs new homes – but they must be built to withstand disasters in a warmer world
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Francesca Perugia, Senior Lecturer, School of Design and the Built Environment, Curtin University

Australia’s housing crisis has created a push for fast-tracked construction. Federal, state and territory governments have set a target of 1.2 million new homes over five years.

Increasing housing supply is essential. However, the homes must be thoughtfully located and designed, to avoid or withstand natural disasters such as bushfires, floods and cyclones.

Recent severe weather, including floods in Queensland and severe storms in north-east Victoria, underscore the growing vulnerability of Australian homes. As climate change worsens, the risk becomes ever-greater.

Our new research examined how disaster risk informs housing location and design in New South Wales, Victoria and Western Australia. We spoke to planners, developers, insurers and housing providers, and found crucial problems that leave communities exposed.

Getting to grips with disaster data

Australia’s towns and cities are increasingly affected by natural disasters. The consequences extend beyond physical destruction to social, psychological and health effects. Disasters also harm the economy.

Despite this, government housing policies and strategies often fail to adequately focus on natural disasters.

Accurate, up-to-date information is crucial when seeking to protect new homes from natural disasters. Informed decisions typically require three types of data:
- foundational: relating to vegetation, landscape features, weather, climate change and building characteristics such as height and materials
- hazards: the risks of different disaster types such as historical flood data, maps of bushfire-prone areas and the recurrence of cyclones
- vulnerability: the potential and actual impacts of natural disasters such as building damage, fatalities and injuries, displacement, psychological and health impacts and insurance losses.
Our research, for the Australian Housing and Urban Research Institute, examined how data could be better used and shared to plan and deliver new housing and protect Australians from disasters.

What we did

We started by identifying what data was available in Australia for bushfire, flood and cyclone risk.
Then we examined who owned and managed the data and how it was, or wasn’t, shared.

The next step was to explore how decision-makers use the data to assess disaster risks for new housing. This involves interviews, workshops and questionnaires with:
- government planning agencies (both state and local government)
- housing providers (public and not-for-profit/community housing)
- housing and land developers (private and public)
- banks and insurers.
What we found

Overall, we found data on disaster risk was fragmented and inconsistent across multiple agencies, and not regularly updated.

Decision-makers in state and local planning agencies often cannot access accurate information about disaster risk. This means they lack the power to restrict housing in areas prone to bushfires, floods or other extreme events.

Flood hazard data is particularly problematic. One planner from Queensland described it as “patchy, of variable quality and currency and not always open source” – the latter meaning it was hard to access.

Many households only learn about their disaster risk when discovering their homes are uninsurable or premiums are prohibitively high. Others become aware of the problem when premiums rise with an existing insurer.

A community housing provider told us:

I think the way people are finding out about risk now is by their insurance policies going up. That’s the market reality. When they get an increase in their insurance policy next year, that will wake them up that they are actually in a high-risk area.

Data held by emergency service agencies and insurers is mostly inaccessible to planners, developers and households due to privacy and commercial sensitivities.

However, this information is crucial. Government agencies should establish protocols to enable data-sharing while protecting privacy and commercial interests.

Lack of transparency for homebuyers

A recent report suggested only 29% of Australian home buyers know the disaster risks associated with the homes they live in.

Disclosure statements are required by the vendor (seller) when marketing their house or land for sale. These vary between states and territories and, in most cases, do not compel the owner to reveal all known risks.

For example, in Victoria, a vendor is required to disclose whether the land is in a designated bushfire-prone area, but not whether it is exposed to flooding.

What’s more, a vendor motivated to sell a house is probably not the best source to provide accurate, impartial information about its exposure to disaster. This is better left to an independent entity such as a local council.

Thorough investigations into a home’s disaster risk is usually at the discretion of the buyer.

Making this information readily available to prospective homebuyers prior to purchase would allow more informed consumer decisions. It would also pressure governments and housing suppliers to address disaster risks.

Where to next?

Australia urgently needs a national framework to ensure data on housing and disaster risk is comprehensive, current and embedded in housing development decisions.

The federal government’s Digital Transformation Agency could establish and implement this system, with input from state and local governments.

Technology known as “spatial digital twins” could also vastly improve how disaster risk is assessed and communicated. These tools enable users to pull together and arrange large amounts of data, to visualise it in the form of models.

For example, a spatial digital twin could combine real time flood sensor data with historical flooding patterns to predict and visualise flood risks before they occur. Federal and state governments are already investing in such technology.

Australia’s push to increase housing supply must be matched with a commitment from governments to ensure the homes are safe, resilient and sustainable in the face of our changing climate.

Addressing the housing crisis isn’t just about numbers – it’s about making sure homes are built in the right places, with the right protections, for the long-term safety of communities.

Francesca Perugia
receives funding from the Australian Housing and Urban Research Institute (AHURI)

Courtney Babb receives funding from the Australian Housing and Urban Research Institute (AHURI) and is a member of the Greens (WA).

Steven Rowley receives funding from the Australian Housing and Urban Research Institute and the Australian Research Council. He is a member of the Housing Industry Forecasting Group in Western Australia

– ref. Yes, Australia needs new homes – but they must be built to withstand disasters in a warmer world – https://theconversation.com/yes-australia-needs-new-homes-but-they-must-be-built-to-withstand-disasters-in-a-warmer-world-249702
MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –
February 19, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Kennedy champions bill to stop bureaucrats from crushing America’s chemical industry
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator John Kennedy (Louisiana)

WASHINGTON – Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) today introduced the No Industrial Restrictions In Secret (No IRIS) Act to prevent the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from using data from the Integrated Risk Information System (IRIS) to make rules that punish America’s chemical manufacturing industry.

“For four years, the Biden administration weaponized the EPA’s IRIS program against America’s chemical industry. My bill would prevent this kind of abuse from happening again and safeguard American businesses from government overreach,” said Kennedy.

The No IRIS Act would prohibit the federal government from using the IRIS to inform its rulemakings unless Congress explicitly authorizes the program.

Rep. Glenn Grothman (R-Wis.) is leading the companion legislation in the House of Representatives.

“Unelected bureaucrats have often disrupted the work of Wisconsin’s chemical manufacturers and inhibited the success of the industry through the abuse of the EPA’s IRIS program. Instead of grounding regulatory decisions in sound science, IRIS has demonstrated a poor track record by issuing assessments that conflict with the industry’s best available scientific expertise and methodologies. The No IRIS Act will protect American jobs, promote innovation, and hold the EPA accountable for acting against the best interest of the industry and our economy,” said Grothman.

“American success relies on American chemistry. Computer chips, national defense, modern healthcare, housing, infrastructure, agriculture, and energy are all made possible by America’s chemical industry. Unfortunately, the EPA’s IRIS program puts many critical chemistries in jeopardy. The IRIS program has a troubling history of being out of step with the best available science and methods, lacking transparency, and being unresponsive to peer review and stakeholder recommendations. It’s time for Congress and EPA to take action and put sound science at the forefront of regulatory decision-making, and we applaud Senator Kennedy and Congressman Grothman for their leadership on this important issue,” said Chris Jahn, President and CEO of the American Chemistry Council.

Background:
- The EPA established the IRIS program in 1985 to gather data on how chemicals impact human health. The EPA designed the system to spot health hazards—not make policy.
- The IRIS program is not currently authorized in statute. As a result, unelected bureaucrats have abused the system to hurt chemical makers in Louisiana and across the country with virtually zero Congressional oversight.
- President Joe Biden’s EPA used unscientific methods in the IRIS to justify rules that hurt businesses and cost Americans their jobs.
- As of 2023, Louisiana was the second-largest chemical-producing state in the country, with its chemical industry paying $3.49 billion in wages.
The full bill text is available here.
MIL OSI USA News –
February 19, 2025

MIL-OSI: Orca Energy Group Inc. Announces Independent Reserves Evaluation for Year End 2024

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

TORTOLA, British Virgin Islands, Feb. 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — February 19, 2025 – Orca Energy Group Inc. (“Orca” or the “Company” and includes PanAfrican Energy Tanzania Limited (“PAET“) and its other subsidiaries and affiliates) (TSX-V: ORC.A, ORC.B) announces the approval of its Independent Reserves Evaluation as at December 31, 2024. All currency amounts in this news release are in United States Dollars ($) unless otherwise stated.

INDEPENDENT RESERVES EVALUATION
The Company’s conventional natural gas reserves as at December 31, 2024 for the period to the end of the primary 25-year term of the production sharing agreement (the “Songo Songo PSA“) with the Tanzanian Petroleum Development Corporation (the “TPDC“) have been evaluated by independent petroleum engineering consultants McDaniel & Associates Consultants Ltd. (“McDaniel“), an independent reserves evaluator, in accordance with the definitions, standards and procedures contained in the Canadian Oil and Gas Evaluation Handbook (“COGE Handbook“) and National Instrument 51-101 – Standards of Disclosure for Oil and Gas Activities (“NI 51-101“). The Songo Songo PSA expires upon the expiry of TPDC’s Songo Songo licence in respect of the Songo Songo gas field (the “Songo Songo Licence“) in October 2026. The preparation date of the independent reserves evaluation prepared by McDaniel is February 18, 2025 and the effective date of the evaluation is December 31, 2024 (the “McDaniel Report“).

All of the Company’s reserves are located in Tanzania. Reserves included herein are stated on a Company gross reserves basis unless noted otherwise. Company gross reserves are the total of the Company’s working interest share in reserves.

The Company’s Board of Directors has reviewed and approved the McDaniel Report. Additional reserves information required under NI 51-101 is included in Orca’s reports relating to reserves data and other oil and gas information under NI 51-101, which will be filed on its profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. The following discussion is subject to a number of cautionary statements, assumptions, contingencies and risks as set forth in this news release.

HIGHLIGHTS

Total Proved (“1P”) Gross Company conventional natural gas reserves at year ended December 31, 2024, were 40.2 billion standard cubic feet (“Bcf“) compared to 85.0 Bcf at year end 2023, representing a 53% decrease.
Total Proved plus Probable (“2P”) Gross Company conventional natural gas reserves at year ended December 31, 2024, were 41.5 Bcf compared to 93.9 Bcf at year end 2023, representing a 56% decrease.
The Company estimated gas sales of 26.7 Bcf in 2024, representing a decrease of approximately 15% compared to year end 2023. The reduction in Gross Company 1P reserves from year end 2023 to year end 2024 was primarily attributed to 26.7 BCF of production in 2024 and 18.1 Bcf of negative technical revisions. The technical revisions were primarily due to lower forecasted gas sales to the end of the license (October 2026) attributed to increased hydro power in Tanzania and the removal of Proved Undeveloped reserves due to the unsuccessful well intervention on SS-7.
Net present value of 1P future net revenue discounted at 10% was $61.8 million at year end 2024, compared to $108.4 million at year end 2023, representing a 43% decrease.
Net present value of 2P future net revenue discounted at 10% was $64.7 million at year end 2024, compared to $118.7 million at year end 2023, representing a 45% decrease.
The 43% reduction in net present value of 1P future net revenues from year end 2023 to year end 2024 was primarily attributed to lower reserves at year end 2024 and the associated 33% reduction in the number of years outstanding on the current Songo Songo Licence.
The following tables outline the Company’s conventional natural gas reserves as at December 31, 2024 and the net present value of future net revenue attributable to such reserves as evaluated in the McDaniel Report utilizing McDaniel’s forecast price and cost assumptions to the end of the Songo Songo Licence term in October 2026.

		Company Gross Reserves	Company Net Reserves
		Conventional. Natural Gas	Conventional. Natural Gas
		MMcf	MMcf
Proved
	Developed Producing	40,244	28,020
	Developed Non-Producing	–	–
	Undeveloped	–	–
Total Proved		40,244	28,020
Probable		1,224	803
Total Proved plus Probable		41,469	28,823

Net Present Value of Future Net Revenue of Gas Reserves

	Before and After Future Income Tax Expenses Discounted at										Unit Value
	Before and After Future Income Tax Expenses Discounted at										Before and After Tax at 10%
	0	%	5	%	10	%	15	%	20	%	$/Mcf
($’000)
Proved
Developed Producing	67,574		64,549		61,824		59,357		57,112		2.21
Developed Non-Producing	–		–		–		–		–		–
Undeveloped	–		–		–		–		–		–
Total Proved	67,574		64,549		61,824		59,357		57,112		2.21
Probable	3,160		3,016		2,887		2,769		2,663		3.60
Total Proved plus Probable	70,735		67,565		64,710		62,126		59,775		2.25

Notes:

During the third quarter of 2015, The Petroleum Act, 2015 (the “Act“) was passed into law by Presidential decree. The Act repeals earlier legislation, provides a regulatory framework over upstream, mid-stream and downstream gas activity, and as well consolidates and puts in place a single, effective and comprehensive legal framework for regulating the oil and gas industry in Tanzania. The Act also provides for the creation of an upstream regulator, the Petroleum Upstream Regulatory Authority. The mid and downstream petroleum as well as gas activities are proposed to be regulated by the current authority, the Energy and Water Utilities Regulatory Authority (“EWURA“). The Act also confers upon on the TPDC the status of the National Oil Company, mandated with the task of managing the country’s commercial interest in the petroleum operations as well as mid and downstream natural gas activities. The Act vests TPDC with exclusive rights in the entire petroleum upstream value chain and the natural gas mid and downstream value chain. However, the exclusive rights of TPDC do not extend to mid and downstream petroleum supply operations. The Act does provide grandfathering provisions upholding the rights of the Company under the Songo Songo PSA as it was signed prior to the passing of the Act.
On October 7, 2016, the Government of Tanzania issued the Petroleum (Natural Gas Pricing) Regulation made under Sections 165 and 258 (1) of the Act (the “Natural Gas Pricing Policy“). Article 260(3) of the Act preserves the Company’s pre-existing right with TPDC to market and sell natural gas together or independently on terms and conditions (including prices) negotiated with third party natural gas customers. To date, the Natural Gas Pricing Policy has not impacted the Company’s ability to market and sell natural gas at prices freely negotiated with natural gas customers. The future impact of the Natural Gas Pricing Policy, if any, cannot be determined at this time.
On January 16, 2018, Orca sold (the “First Swala Transaction“) 7.933 percent of the Class A common shares (7,933 Class A common shares) of its wholly owned subsidiary PAE PanAfrican Energy Corporation (“PAEM“), a Mauritius registered Company and sole shareholder of PAET, a Jersey registered Company, to a wholly owned subsidiary of Swala. The Songo Songo PSA is held by PAET. While Swala had no management or control of PAEM and no shareholding in, or management or control of PAET, the McDaniel Report was previously prepared based on Orca’s ownership of 92.07 percent of PAET’s gross reserves. On July 21, 2023, the Company repurchased (the “Second Swala Transaction”) the 7.933% shares in PAEM eliminating Swala’s interest in the reserves. Accordingly, the 2024 McDaniel Report is prepared based on Orca’s ownership of 100% of PAET’s gross reserves.
“Company Gross Reserves” are the total of the Company’s working interest share in reserves before deduction of royalties owned by others and without including any royalty interests of the Company.
“Company Net Reserves” are the total of the Company’s working interest share in reserves after deducting the amounts attributable to royalties and Profit Gas owned by others (as defined in the PSA), plus the Company’s royalty interests in such reserves.
Company Gross and Net Reserves are based on the Company’s 100 percent ownership interest in the reserves following the Second Swala Transaction.
Under the terms of the Songo Songo Production Sharing Agreement with TPDC and the Government of Tanzania (“PSA“), the Company is required to pay Tanzanian income tax, but this is recovered by the Company through the profit sharing arrangements with TPDC. Where income tax is accrued, the Company’s revenue will be grossed up by the tax due and the tax will be shown as a tax in the Company’s accounts. However, the income tax has no material impact on the cash flows emanating from the PSA and accordingly it has not been identified as a separate cash flow stream in the analysis of the net present values.

McDaniel employed the following gas sales, pricing and inflation rate assumptions as of December 31, 2024 in estimating the Company’s reserves data using forecast prices and costs. The Company received an average gas price of $4.67/Mcf in 2024 and $4.22/Mcf net of the transportation tariff imposed by Songas Limited as determined by the energy regulator, EWURA.

			Songo Songo gas prices
Year	Brent crude $/bbl	Proved $/Mcf		Proved plus probable $/Mcf	Annual inflation %

2025	76.50	5.15		5.20	2
2026	78.03	5.25		5.32	2

Note: Brent price forecast based on the McDaniel January 1, 2025 price forecast.

The price of gas for the Industrial sector is based on a formula related to discounts to heavy fuel oil prices and includes caps and floors. This has been reflected in the above pricing.

Orca Energy Group Inc.

Orca is an international public company engaged in natural gas development and supply in Tanzania through its subsidiary PAET. Orca trades on the TSX Venture Exchange under the trading symbols ORC.A and ORC.B.

For further information please contact:

Jay Lyons
Chief Executive Officer
+44 (0)20 8434 2754
ir@orcaenergygroup.com

For media enquiries:
Celicourt (PR)
Mark Antelme
Jimmy Lea
Orca@celicourt.uk
+44 (0)20 8434 2754

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Service Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Abbreviations

bbl	cubic meters
Mcf	thousand cubic feet
MMcf	million standard cubic feet

Forward Looking Information

Certain information regarding Orca set forth in this news release contains forward-looking information and statements as defined under applicable securities laws (collectively, “forward-looking statements” or “statements“) that involve substantial known and unknown risks and uncertainties. The use of any of the words “plan”, “expect”, “prospective”, “project”, “intend”, “believe”, “should”, “anticipate”, “estimate” or other similar words, or statements that certain events or conditions “may” or “will” occur are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These statements are only predictions and actual events or results may differ materially. Although the Company’s management believes that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, it cannot guarantee future results, levels of activity, performance or achievement since such expectations are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties and contingencies. Many factors could cause Orca’s actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in any forward-looking statements made by, or on behalf of, Orca.

In particular, statements relating to “reserves” are deemed to be forward-looking statements, as they involve the implied assessment, based on certain estimates and assumptions that the resources described exist in the quantities predicted or estimated, and that the resources described can be profitably produced in the future. Additional forward-looking statements in this news release include statements regarding: expectations regarding demand for natural gas and the implications of decreasing demand; expiration of the Songo Songo PSA and the Songo Songo Licence and pending extension of the Songo Songo Licence and Songo Songo PSA; reserves and future net revenue from the Company’s reserves; assumptions regarding the increased demand for hydro power in Tanzania; and assumptions regarding gas sales, pricing and inflation rates.

These forward-looking statements are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to risks and uncertainties regarding or associated with: drilling wells, including the costs of drilling and whether development drilling results in commercially productive quantities of oil and gas; the terms of Orca’s future petroleum contracts, including potential obligations to drill wells and declare discoveries in order to retain Orca’s exploration and production rights; Orca’s local operational dependence and focus of its existing contracts; Orca’s future control over the Songo Songo Licence areas and facilities, including its status as operator thereof, and the timing and extent of costs in association therewith; estimations of reserves and the present value of future net revenues derived from them; Orca’s dependency on its management and technical team; Orca’s business plan including the additional capital required to execute such plans; commercializing Orca’s interests in any hydrocarbons produced from future licence areas; Orca’s ability to access appropriate equipment and infrastructure in a timely manner; the exploration and production of oil and natural gas, including but not limited to drilling and other operational and environmental risks and hazards; severe weather including but not limited to tropical storms and hurricanes; disagreements with TPDC regarding the Songo Songo PSA; the political and economic circumstances in the countries in which Orca operates; disputes with the Government of Tanzania; technological development; activism against oil and exploration and development; limitations on insurance coverage; Orca’s operations in a litigious environment; global populism; Orca’s future capitalization which may include additional indebtedness; acquisitions and the integration of any target entity or business into Orca’s current business; cybersecurity and data breaches; impacts of pandemics; share price volatility and dilution; Orca’s controlling shareholder and its control over key decision making as a result of its control of a majority of the voting rights attached to Orca’s issued and outstanding securities; Orca’s status as a holding company that’s ability to declare and pay dividends and purchase its own securities is dependent upon the receipt of funds from Orca’s subsidiaries by way of dividends, fees, interest, loans or otherwise; the impact of general economic conditions, including global and local oil and gas prices; industry conditions including changes in laws and regulations, and changes in how they are interpreted and enforced; competition; lack of availability of qualified personnel; risks related to obtaining required approvals of regulatory authorities; risks associated with negotiating with governments and other counterparties; fluctuations in foreign exchange or interest rates; risks and uncertainties associated with obtaining an extension to the Songo Songo PSA and related Songo Songo Licence or successfully renegotiating them; changes in income tax laws or tax rates; ability to access sufficient capital from internal and external sources; associated with the failure of counterparties to perform under the terms of their contracts, including collectability of Orca’s receivables from such parties; reduced global economic activity as a result of global pandemics, including lower demand for natural gas and a reduction in the price of natural gas; prolonged deficiency in Tanzania’s official reserve and foreign exchange losses; political instability and the impacts of the Russian-Ukrainian conflict, the Israel-Hamas conflict, conflicts in the Middle East and related actions; and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of the Company. Readers are cautioned that the foregoing list of factors is not exhaustive.

Although the forward-looking statements contained in this news release are based upon assumptions which management believes to be reasonable, Orca cannot assure investors that actual results will be consistent with these forward-looking statements. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements included in this news release, as there can be no assurance that the plans, intentions or expectations upon which the forward-looking statements are based will occur. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve numerous assumptions, known and unknown risks and uncertainties that contribute to the possibility that the predictions, forecasts, projections and other forward-looking statements will not occur. With respect to forward-looking statements contained in this news release, Orca has made assumptions regarding, among other things: continued and timely development of infrastructure in areas of new production; obtaining an extension to the Songo Songo PSA and related Songo Songo Licence on terms acceptable to Orca; accuracy of estimates of Orca’s reserves volumes; the impact of any pandemics or political conflicts on the demand for and price of natural gas, volatility in financial markets, disruptions to global supply chains and the Company’s business, operations, access to customers and suppliers, availability of employees to carry out day-to-day operations, and other resources; future commodity prices and commodity price fluctuations; availability of skilled labour; availability of transactions to facilitate Orca’s growth strategy; growth of demand and consumption of natural gas in Tanzania and throughout Africa; the impact of increasing competition; conditions in general economic and financial markets; effects of regulation by governmental agencies; receipt of partner, regulatory and community approvals; future operating costs; effects of regulation by governmental agencies; that Orca’s conduct and results of operations will be consistent with its expectations; current or, where applicable, proposed industry conditions, laws and regulations will continue in effect or as anticipated as described herein; and other matters. There are a number of assumptions associated with the development of the evaluated areas, including continued performance of existing wells, future drilling programs and performance from new wells, the growth of infrastructure, well density per section, and recovery factors and development necessary involves known and unknown risks and uncertainties, including those risks identified in this news release. Orca believes the material factors, expectations and assumptions reflected in the forward-looking information are reasonable but no assurance can be given that these factors, expectations and assumptions will prove to be correct.

Management has included the above summary of assumptions and risks related to forward-looking information provided in this news release in order to provide investors with a more complete perspective on Orca’s current and future operations and such information may not be appropriate for other purposes. Orca’s actual results, performance or achievement could differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, these forward-looking statements and, accordingly, no assurance can be given that any of the events anticipated by the forward-looking statements will transpire or occur, or if any of them do, what benefits Orca will derive. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this news release and Orca disclaims any intent or obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise, other than as required by applicable securities laws. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement.

Oil and Gas Advisory

The Company’s conventional natural gas reserves as at December 31, 2024 disclosed herein were evaluated by McDaniel in accordance with the definitions, standards and procedures contained in the COGE Handbook and NI 51-101. The McDaniel Report had an effective date of December 31, 2024. The Company’s conventional natural gas reserves as at December 31, 2023 disclosed herein were evaluated by McDaniel in accordance with the definitions, standards and procedures contained in the COGE Handbook and NI 51-101. Such report had an effective date of December 31, 2023.

Additional reserves information required under NI 51-101 are included in Orca’s reports relating to reserves data and other oil and gas information under NI 51-101, which are filed on its profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.

This news release contains estimates of the net present value of Orca’s future net revenue from the Company’s reserves. The net present value of future net revenue attributable to the Company’s reserves is stated without provision for interest costs and out of country general and corporate administrative costs, but after providing for estimated royalties, production costs, development costs, other income and future capital expenditures. It should not be assumed that the undiscounted or discounted net present value of future net revenue attributable to the Company’s reserves estimated by McDaniel represent the fair market value of those reserves. Such amounts do not represent the fair market value of the Company’s reserves. The recovery and reserve estimates of the Company’s conventional natural gas reserves provided herein are estimates only and there is no guarantee that the estimated reserves will be recovered. Actual reserves may be greater than or less than the estimates provided herein.

The MIL Network –

February 19, 2025

MIL-OSI United Kingdom: ‘Ronan’s Law’ to see toughest crackdown yet on knife sales online
Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

Retailers will need to report suspicious and bulk purchases of knives on their platforms to police, with tougher sentences for selling knives to under 18s.
Image: Getty Images

Stricter rules for online retailers selling knives will be introduced by the government, along with tougher penalties for failing to enforce them, as we pursue every avenue to protect young people from knife crime.

Following tragedies where the unlicensed sale of these weapons online has led to young people being killed, retailers will be required to report any bulk or suspicious-looking purchases of knives on their platforms to police to prevent illegal resales happening across social media accounts.

Underlining our commitment to stop these weapons from reaching young people, we will increase the sentence for selling weapons to under 18s from 6 months to up to 2 years prison time, which could apply to an individual who has processed the sale or a CEO of the company.

This increased penalty will also apply to the sale or supply of prohibited offensive weapons such as recently banned zombie-style knives, following police evidence outlined by Commander Stephen Clayman, the National Police Chiefs’ Council lead for knife crime, where he identified a discrepancy in current legislation which means there is more leniency for illegally selling weapons than possessing one.

And in recognition of the broad array of knives – legal or banned – that are involved in knife attacks, a new offence of possessing an offensive weapon with intent for violence will be introduced in the Crime and Policing Bill which will come with a prison sentence of up to 4 years in prison. This means that no matter if the weapon in possession is legal or not, if there is intent to cause violence, it is a crime.

The government will also explore through a consultation later this year whether a registration scheme should be put in place for all online retailers selling knives so that only responsible sellers are able to sell knives. This follows the government’s recent announcement that we will significantly strengthen ID checks on the sale and delivery of knives to keep our streets safe as part of the Plan for Change.

Home Secretary, Yvette Cooper said:

It is horrifying how easy it is for young people to get hold of knives online even though children’s lives are being lost, and families and communities are left devastated as a result.

Not enough has been done to tackle the online market over recent years which is why we made it an urgent priority in our manifesto and the measures today will be underpinned by investment for a new dedicated police unit to go after those who are breaking the law and putting children and teenagers lives at risk.

We are honouring our commitment to introduce Ronan’s Law in memory of Ronan Kanda who was tragically killed in 2022. I am so grateful to the Kanda family for their endless perseverance in ensuring governments take the right actions to protect young people from further tragedy.

This government has set an ambitious mission for the country to halve knife crime over the next decade and we will pursue every possible avenue to save young lives.

Last autumn, the Home Secretary commissioned Commander Clayman to conduct an end-to-end review into the sale of knives online. The review, being published today, exposed lethal loopholes in the sale of knives online which are allowing dangerous weapons to end up in the wrong hands.

The review highlighted the lack of minimum standards for age verification and delivery checks. That is why the government has announced that a stringent two-step system will be mandated for all retailers selling knives online.

National Police Chiefs’ Council lead for Knife Crime, Commander Stephen Clayman said:

A key focus in our fight to tackle knife crime and improve the safety of our communities is limiting the accessibility of knives wherever possible, restricting their availability and the routes to purchase. All too often in policing, we are dealing with the horrific consequences of knife crime and seeing how it devastates individuals and families.

The evidence in the end-to-end review clearly demonstrates just how easy it is for anyone to purchase a knife online, often avoiding any age verification at all, or where it is in place, exploiting vulnerabilities, especially with delivery.

We welcome the government’s commitment in working with policing and partners to tackle knife crime and these new measures will significantly enhance our response to this.

Today’s new measures will collectively be known as ‘Ronan’s Law’ in honour of Ronan Kanda who was tragically killed in 2022 in a case of mistaken identity near his home in Wolverhampton aged 16.

Ronan’s killers, who were also teenagers, illegally bought lethal weapons online and collected them from the Post Office on the day of the attack, with no age or identity verification taking place. It was later revealed that one of Ronan’s teenage killers had bought more than 20 knives online, including by using his mother’s ID. Today’s measures to close lethal loopholes in the online sale of knives deliver on a manifesto commitment to introduce Ronan’s Law and are the result of tireless campaigning by Ronan’s mother Pooja and sister Nikita to restrict young people’s access to weapons online and to protect other families from the same heartbreak.

Mother of Ronan and campaigner, Pooja Kanda said:

In 2022, I lost my son, Ronan, to knife crime and mistaken identity. In 2023, we sat in the courtroom where we were shown a Ninja sword and 25+ bladed articles. Looking at them, I knew my son didn’t stand a chance. Without proper ID checks, the online sale of these bladed articles played a crucial role in this tragedy. How was this allowed? A 16-year-old managed to get these weapons online and sold these weapons to other people. I knew we could not go on like this, and our fight for what was right had begun. Proper ID checks by sellers, as well as postal and delivery services, played a crucial role.

We welcome the government’s plans to tackle the online sale of these weapons. Retailers, social media, and sellers need to take on more responsibilities. We welcome the proposal of a registration scheme, where the government will continue to implement stricter measures on the online sale of bladed articles. We have so much work to tackle knife crime; this is a much-needed beginning.

This part of Ronan’s law will provide much-needed barriers against knife crime. I wish this was done years ago, and my son would be with me today.

Patrick Green, CEO of Ben Kinsella Trust said:

I am pleased to see that the government is listening to frontline organisations and is tightening the legislation needed to eliminate the supply of dangerous and intimidating weapons.

These new laws, particularly the focus on reporting suspicious purchases and stronger age verification, will compel retailers to take responsibility for their actions. It has been our stated position that a licencing system for retailers is only way to ensure that specialised knives are only sold to those with legitimate and lawful need.

A licensing system will ensure that only reputable retailers who comply with the law and prioritise public safety will be able to sell knives.

In the spring, the Home Office intends to launch a consultation into a registration scheme for retailers in order to sell knives online.

The government has an ambitious mission to halve knife crime over the next decade and tackling the online space is a core part of that plan. We have already announced that we will introduce significant fines in the region of £10,000 for tech executives who fail to remove illegal knife crime content from their platforms and a mandatory two-step verification system for all retailers selling knives online. This will require customers to submit photo ID at the point of sale and again at the point of delivery. In addition, delivery companies will only be able to deliver a bladed article to the same person who purchased it.

Since coming into government, ministers have acted with urgency to ban zombie-style knives and machetes, accelerate a ban on ninja swords and address the online market in order to keep weapons off the streets and out of the wrong hands. The government is also steadfast in its commitment to making prevention a central part of its knife crime action plan through the new Young Futures Programme, which will identify young people at risk of being drawn into violent crime and provide the interventions necessary to steer them in the right direction.

Graham Wynn, Assistant Director of Regulatory Affairs at the British Retail Consortium, said:

Retailers take their responsibilities seriously and are fully committed to playing their part in making sure knives don’t make their way into the wrong hands. We look forward to considering the full details of the new proposal and welcome the commitment from the Home Office to meet retailers on this vital issue to ensure the safe sale of knives.

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Updates to this page

Published 19 February 2025
MIL OSI United Kingdom –
February 19, 2025

MIL-OSI: Purpose Investments Inc. Announces February 2025 Distributions

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

TORONTO, Feb. 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Purpose Investments Inc. (“Purpose”) is pleased to announce distributions for the month of February 2025 for its open-end exchange-traded funds and closed-end funds (“the Funds”).

The ex-distribution date for all Open-End Funds is February 26, 2025. The ex-distribution date for all closed-end funds is February 28, 2025.

Open-End Funds	Ticker Symbol	Distribution per share/unit	Record Date	Payable Date	Distribution Frequency
Apple (AAPL) Yield Shares Purpose ETF – ETF Units	APLY	$0.1667	02/26/2025	03/04/2025	Monthly
Purpose Canadian Financial Income Fund – ETF Series	BNC	$0.1225¹	02/26/2025	03/04/2025	Monthly
Purpose Global Bond Fund – ETF Units	BND	$0.0840	02/26/2025	03/04/2025	Monthly
Berkshire Hathaway (BRK) Yield Shares Purpose ETF – ETF Units	BRKY	$0.1000	02/26/2025	03/04/2025	Monthly
Purpose Bitcoin Yield ETF – ETF Units	BTCY	$0.0850	02/26/2025	03/04/2025	Monthly
Purpose Bitcoin Yield ETF – ETF Non-Currency Hedged Units	BTCY.B	$0.0970	02/26/2025	03/04/2025	Monthly
Purpose Bitcoin Yield ETF – ETF USD Units	BTCY.U	US $0.0815	02/26/2025	03/04/2025	Monthly
Purpose Credit Opportunities Fund – ETF Units	CROP	$0.0875	02/26/2025	03/04/2025	Monthly
Purpose Credit Opportunities Fund – ETF USD Units	CROP.U	US $0.0975	02/26/2025	03/04/2025	Monthly
Purpose Ether Yield – ETF Units	ETHY	$0.0405	02/26/2025	03/04/2025	Monthly
Purpose Ether Yield ETF – ETF Non-Currency Hedged Units	ETHY.B	$0.0500	02/26/2025	03/04/2025	Monthly
Purpose Ether Yield ETF – ETF Units Non-Currency Hedged USD Units	ETHY.U	US $0.0395	02/26/2025	03/04/2025	Monthly
Purpose Global Flexible Credit Fund – ETF Units	FLX	$0.0461	02/26/2025	03/04/2025	Monthly
Purpose Global Flexible Credit Fund – Non-Currency Hedged – ETF Units	FLX.B	$0.0551	02/26/2025	03/04/2025	Monthly
Purpose Global Flexible Credit Fund – Non-Currency Hedged USD – ETF Units	FLX.U	US $0.0385	02/26/2025	03/04/2025	Monthly
Purpose Global Bond Class – ETF Units	IGB	$0.0860¹	02/26/2025	03/04/2025	Monthly
Microsoft (MSFT) Yield Shares Purpose ETF – ETF units	MSFY	$0.1100	02/26/2025	03/04/2025	Monthly
Purpose Enhanced Premium Yield Fund – ETF Series	PAYF	$0.1375¹	02/26/2025	03/04/2025	Monthly
Purpose Total Return Bond Fund – ETF Series	PBD	$0.0590¹	02/26/2025	03/04/2025	Monthly
Purpose Core Dividend Fund – ETF Series	PDF	$0.1050¹	02/26/2025	03/04/2025	Monthly
Purpose Enhanced Dividend Fund – ETF Series	PDIV	$0.0950¹	02/26/2025	03/04/2025	Monthly
Purpose Real Estate Income Fund – ETF Series	PHR	$0.0720¹	02/26/2025	03/04/2025	Monthly
Purpose International Dividend Fund – ETF Series	PID	$0.0780	02/26/2025	03/04/2025	Monthly
Purpose Monthly Income Fund – ETF Series	PIN	$0.0830¹	02/26/2025	03/04/2025	Monthly
Purpose Multi-Asset Income Fund – ETF Units	PINC	$0.0840	02/26/2025	03/04/2025	Monthly
Purpose Conservative Income Fund – ETF Series	PRP	$0.0600¹	02/26/2025	03/04/2025	Monthly
Purpose Premium Yield Fund – ETF Series	PYF	$0.1100¹	02/26/2025	03/04/2025	Monthly
Purpose Premium Yield Fund Non-Currency Hedged – ETF Series	PYF.B	$0.1230¹	02/26/2025	03/04/2025	Monthly
Purpose Premium Yield Fund Non-Currency Hedged – ETF USD Series	PYF.U	US $0.1200¹	02/26/2025	03/04/2025	Monthly
Purpose Core Equity Income Fund – ETF Series	RDE	$0.0875¹	02/26/2025	03/04/2025	Monthly
Purpose Emerging Markets Dividend Fund – ETF Units	REM	$0.0950	02/26/2025	03/04/2025	Monthly
Purpose Canadian Preferred Share Fund – ETF Units	RPS	$0.0950	02/26/2025	03/04/2025	Monthly
Purpose US Preferred Share Fund – ETF Series	RPU	$0.0940	02/26/2025	03/04/2025	Monthly
Purpose US Preferred Share Fund Non-Currency Hedged – ETF Units²	RPU.B / RPU.U	$0.0940	02/26/2025	03/04/2025	Monthly
Purpose Strategic Yield Fund – ETF Units	SYLD	$0.0970	02/26/2025	03/04/2025	Monthly
AMD (AMD) Yield Shares Purpose ETF – ETF Series	YAMD	$0.2000	02/26/2025	03/04/2025	Monthly
Amazon (AMZN) Yield Shares Purpose ETF- ETF Units	YAMZ	$0.4000	02/26/2025	03/04/2025	Monthly
Alphabet (GOOGL) Yield Shares Purpose ETF – ETF Units	YGOG	$0.2500	02/26/2025	03/04/2025	Monthly
META (META) Yield Shares Purpose ETF – ETF Series	YMET	$0.1600	02/26/2025	03/04/2025	Monthly
NVIDIA (NVDA) Yield Shares Purpose ETF – ETF Units	YNVD	$0.7500	02/26/2025	03/04/2025	Monthly
Tesla (TSLA) Yield Shares Purpose ETF – ETF Units	YTSL	$0.5500	02/26/2025	03/04/2025	Monthly

Closed-End Funds	Ticker Symbol	Distribution per share/unit	Record Date	Payable Date	Distribution Frequency
Big Banc Split Corp, Class A	BNK	$0.1200¹	02/28/2025	03/14/2025	Monthly
Big Banc Split Corp, Preferred Shares	BNK.PR.A	$0.0700¹	02/28/2025	03/14/2025	Monthly

Estimated February 2025 Distributions for Purpose USD Cash Management Fund, Purpose Cash Management Fund, Purpose High Interest Savings Fund, and Purpose US Cash Fund

The February 2025 distribution rates for Purpose USD Cash Management Fund, Purpose Cash Management Fund, Purpose High Interest Savings Fund, and Purpose US Cash Fund are estimated to be as follows:

Fund Name	Ticker Symbol	Estimated Distribution per unit	Record Date	Payable Date	Distribution Frequency
Purpose USD Cash Management Fund – ETF Units	MNU.U	US $0.3407	02/26/2025	03/04/2025	Monthly
Purpose Cash Management Fund – ETF Units	MNY	$0.2707	02/26/2025	03/04/2025	Monthly
Purpose High Interest Savings Fund – ETF Units	PSA	$0.1125	02/26/2025	03/04/2025	Monthly
Purpose US Cash Fund – ETF Units	PSU.U	US $0.3244	02/26/2025	03/04/2025	Monthly

Purpose expects to issue a press release on or about February 25, 2025, which will provide the final distribution rate for Purpose USD Cash Management Fund, Purpose Cash Management Fund, Purpose High Interest Savings Fund, and Purpose US Cash Fund. The ex-distribution date will be February 26, 2025.

(1)	Dividend is designated as an “eligible” Canadian dividend for purposes of the Income Tax Act (Canada) and any similar provincial and territorial legislation.
(2)	Purpose US Preferred Share Fund Non-Currency Hedged – ETF Units have both a CAD and USD purchase option. Distribution per unit is declared in CAD; however, the USD purchase option (RPU.U) distribution will be made in the USD equivalent. Conversion into USD will use the end-of-day foreign exchange rate prevailing on the ex-distribution date.

About Purpose Investments Inc.

Purpose Investments is an asset management company with more than $23 billion in assets under management. Purpose Investments has an unrelenting focus on client-centric innovation and offers a range of managed and quantitative investment products. Purpose Investments is led by well-known entrepreneur Som Seif and is a division of Purpose Unlimited, an independent technology-driven financial services company.

For further information, please email us at info@purposeinvest.com

Media inquiries:
Keera Hart
keera.hart@kaiserpartners.com
905-580-1257

Commissions, trailing commissions, management fees, and expenses may all be associated with investment fund investments. Please read the prospectus and other disclosure documents before investing. Investment funds are not covered by the Canada Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government deposit insurer. There can be no assurance that the full amount of your investment in a fund will be returned to you. If the securities are purchased or sold on a stock exchange, you may pay more or receive less than the current net asset value. Investment funds are not guaranteed, their values change frequently, and past performance may not be repeated.

The MIL Network –

February 19, 2025

MIL-OSI USA: Hickenlooper, Bennet Press Trump Admin on Treatment of Federal Employees

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for Colorado John Hickenlooper
Blanket buyouts and layoffs threaten Colorado’s 40,000 federal employees and raise potential for severe delays in federal services
Hickenlooper and Bennet: “Our federal workers keep Colorado, and America moving.”
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators John Hickenlooper and Michael Bennet sent a letter to the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) pushing the Trump administration to respond to concerns regarding OPM’s blanket buyout offer to federal employees. The senators argue that the buyout threatens severe delays and pauses to ongoing federal services in Colorado including health care for veterans, childcare for underserved families, and access to national parks.
“In Colorado alone, there are more than 40,000 federal workers across agencies and areas of expertise. Such a sweeping reduction of the workforce could have a devastating impact on the programs that our constituents rely on,” the senators wrote.
“…While every administration has the right to review and make changes to the executive branch personnel, doing so without a strategic plan, without appropriated funds, and without adhering to workers’ legal protections, is a misleading overreach. Further, these changes will likely lead to workforce shortages and talent gaps that delay timely and effective service to our constituents,” they continued.
In late January, OPM sent an e-mail to over two million federal workers offering them the opportunity to resign in exchange for their full pay and benefits. According to OPM, an estimated 75,000 federal employees have accepted the buyout offer.
The senators’ letter raises questions about the legality and legitimacy of the Trump administration’s offer. The OPM promised full pay and benefits to employees who accepted the offer, but Congress has not appropriated funding to make good on that commitment. Given the lack of clarity, federal employees across Colorado have received confusing instructions or no guidance at all from their supervisors.
The buyout offer is part of a larger Trump administration initiative to drastically reduce the size of the federal workforce. Last Tuesday, Trump signed an executive order paving the way for “large-scale” layoffs and pauses in hiring. In accordance with the executive order, the Department of the Interior fired 2,300 employees, and the Department of Veterans Affairs fired 1,000.
Last week, Hickenlooper pushed the Department of the Interior to resolve looming staffing shortages at the National Park Service following news that the Trump administration had fired thousands of National Forest Service and National Park Service workers.
Full text of the letter is available HERE and below.
Dear Acting Director Ezell:
The State of Colorado’s federal workforce is essential to ensure that the work we do, in Congress and in the Executive Branch, benefits our constituents. We are deeply concerned about the implications of the Office of Personnel Management’s (OPM’s) January 27th Memorandum on Agency Return to Office Implementation Plans and the agency’s subsequent “Fork in the Road” e-mail, issued January 28. This offer was accepted by over 75,000 federal employees as of the February 12th deadline. Given the decision by the U.S. District Court of Massachusetts to uphold OPM’s offer, it is critical that this process is transparent and that OPM works in earnest to prevent delays or pauses in federal services.
Historically, under the Chief Human Capital Officers Act of 2002, OPM could not pay more than $25,000 per person in a lump sum payment for resignations. OPM currently includes this policy on its website. Under OPM’s deferred resignation plan, the federal government will be responsible for paying billions of dollars in salary and benefits to employees that would be doing important work, had they not been chased away by the administration’s offer to resign.
Despite OPM’s guidance about how agencies implement the new return-to-work and deferred resignation offer, we continue to hear from Coloradans who received confusing instructions or no guidance at all from their supervisors. Colorado’s federal workforce consists of workers who provide unique services across the state. For many of our workers, remote work and telework policies have been in place long before COVID-19. Workers are also increasingly skeptical that this deferred resignation offer will not actually allow them to continue receiving their full salary and benefits or protect them from future federal employee layoffs.
In Colorado alone, there are more than 40,000 federal workers across agencies and areas of expertise. Such a sweeping reduction of the workforce could have a devastating impact on the programs that our constituents rely on. For example, the Department of Veterans Affairs (V A) Health Administration comprises more than 7,000 workers in Colorado. While the VA has taken steps to minimize impacts related to veterans’ direct care, mass resignations could delay administration of other VA services like veterans’ disability or burial benefit payments. Denver, Colorado also houses one of 12 regional Head Start offices that helps ensure that our more than 8,000 Head Start children in Colorado receive high-quality child care. Just as importantly, our four national parks, 11 national forests, eight wildlife refuges, and 65 national conservation lands all depend on the federal employees who keep these areas safe, well-maintained, and welcoming to Coloradans and visitors from around the world.
A highly skilled and stable workforce is key to making our government efficient and effective. However, under OPM’s offer, roughly 3 percent of federal employees will exit the workforce in just a matter of days. Further, the Trump Administration set a goal to see an initial 10 percent reduction across the federal workforce. While every administration has the right to review and make changes to the executive branch personnel, doing so without a strategic plan, without appropriated funds, and without adhering to workers’ legal protections, is a misleading overreach. Further, these changes will likely lead to workforce shortages and talent gaps that delay timely and effective service to our constituents.
We question whether the Administration can achieve its goal of streamlined and efficient service to Colorado–and the nation–while making such sweeping changes to the federal workforce. To ensure transparency in this ongoing process, we ask that you answer the following questions:
How many federal workers nationally and based in Colorado accepted OPM’s resignation offers and from which agencies? Which agencies had the highest concentrations of resignations?
Will OPM and relevant agencies ensure employees continue receiving their contractually obligated salaries, and benefits, including any previously negotiated Cost of Living Adjustments (COLA), through September 30, 2025? If not, why not?
Have senior agency staff since been consulted about the next steps to implement resignation processes? How soon should workers expect to receive specific information about their agency’s expectations for workers who accept the resignation offer?
How does OPM plan to work with agencies to prevent delays to constituent services in the event of future workforce shortages these resignations may cause? Has OPM submitted guidance to each agency about preserving mission-critical staffing for services like health care and child care facilities, care for the elderly or veterans’ affairs?
Consistent with the Civil Service Reform Act of 1978, workers are protected against retaliation if they a) choose to exercise their right to appeal, file a complaint or grievance against their agency; b) testify in support of another worker’s appeal, complaint or grievance process, c) cooperate or disclose information to an Inspector General or other federal entity responsible for internal investigations; or d) refuse to obey an order that would require that they violate a law, rule or regulation. Will OPM adhere to these protections for workers? How will you continue to enforce these protections?
Many federal workers are protected by union–negotiated collective bargaining agreements, which are legally binding. Does OPM acknowledge and agree to adhere to these bargaining agreements and the agreed upon protections for workers?
Our federal workers keep Colorado, and America moving. We implore you to implement these resignations thoughtfully and to take every step to prevent unintended harm to our constituent services. We look forward to hearing from you by Monday, March 10, 2025.
Sincerely,

MIL OSI USA News –

February 19, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Wyden, Merkley, Colleagues Demand Answers About Elon Musk and DOGE’s Access to Disaster Victims’ Personal Data

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator Ron Wyden (D-Ore)
February 18, 2025
Washington D.C.—U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley said today they have joined Senate colleagues to demand answers from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Administrator, on the potential security breach created by Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which has reportedly accessed the sensitive personal data of disaster victims.
The senators in their letter to Cameron Hamilton, Senior Official Performing the Duties of the FEMA Administrator also sought more information on the procedures FEMA follows to protect data from misuse, and if DOGE’s unaccountable agents complied with federal law.
“The United States has suffered from a growing number of natural disasters over the past several years—from severe flooding in Vermont and hurricanes in North Carolina, to catastrophic wildfires in Hawaii and California. In order to register for federal disaster assistance and receive help rebuilding their communities, our constituents have provided their personally identifiable information to FEMA. They did not do so with the expectation that their sensitive information would be turned over to unvetted, unaccountable DOGE agents,” the senators wrote.
“Mr. Musk has stated his desire to eliminate waste at FEMA. We agree the country must examine and thoughtfully consider reforms to the operation of FEMA. Our constituents have experienced first-hand the frustrating bureaucracies that hinder the federal disaster recovery process. Congress must take steps to equip FEMA and communities with the tools needed to better assist disaster victims after the storm has passed. We stand ready to work with anyone willing to fix it,” the senators continued. “But such reforms do not require, or come close to justifying, the invasive measures DOGE has reportedly undertaken.”
“When disaster strikes, Americans should have confidence the government will safeguard their data, regardless of the Administration at the helm. Reports indicate you have breached that trust—perhaps in violation of federal privacy law,” the senators concluded.
In their letter, the senators requested responses to the following questions to understand the scope of that breach and the extent of FEMA’s compliance with federal law:
Please provide a complete list of individuals authorized by FEMA to access disaster victims’ data and records during the period between January 20, 2025, and February 14, 2025. Please indicate whether those individuals are employees of FEMA, the White House, DOGE, or another federal agency and specify the agency. If the individuals are not federal employees, please indicate that in your response.
What are the individuals specified above authorized to do with disaster victims’ data and records, and what types of data were obtained?
What procedures does FEMA follow to protect disaster victims’ data from misuse? Are DOGE-affiliated individuals required to follow those procedures?
How many Americans’ personally identifiable data has been accessed by DOGE-affiliated individuals? What vetting did these individuals undergo prior to their being granted access to FEMA systems?
The letter was led by U.S. Senators Peter Welch, D-Vt., and Alex Padilla, D-Calif. In addition to Wyden and Merkley, the letter was co-signed by U.S. Senators Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., Adam Schiff, D-Calif., Mazie Hirono, D-Hawaii, Martin Heinrich, D-N.M., Edward J. Markey, D-Mass., Chris Van Hollen, D-Md., Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., and Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn.
Full text of the letter is here.

MIL OSI USA News –

February 19, 2025
MIL-OSI China: Chinese military warns off Philippine aircraft from territorial airspace over Huangyan Dao

Source: China State Council Information Office 2

Naval and air forces of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army Southern Theater Command on Tuesday tracked, monitored and warned off a Philippine C-208 aircraft from the territorial airspace over China’s Huangyan Dao in accordance with the law and regulations, a Chinese military spokesperson said.
“Without the approval of the Chinese government, the Philippine aircraft illegally intruded into Chinese airspace,” according to Tian Junli, spokesperson for the theater command, who added that the Philippine side had also spread false narratives.
The acts of the Philippine side severely violated China’s sovereignty as well as international law and Chinese law, Tian noted.
Huangyan Dao is China’s inherent territory, and the Philippines’ attempts to assert illegal territorial claims through military provocations and mislead international understandings through agitation and hyping will ultimately prove futile, according to the spokesperson.
Forces of the theater command remain on high alert to resolutely safeguard national sovereignty and security as well as peace and stability in the South China Sea, Tian said.

MIL OSI China News –

February 19, 2025
MIL-OSI China: HKSAR gov’t to co-host briefing on new agreement under CEPA

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

HONG KONG, Feb. 18 — A briefing regarding the Mainland and Hong Kong Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement (CEPA) will be held on Wednesday to outline the new measures and arrangements for the business sector, said John Lee, chief executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), on Tuesday.

Signed on Oct. 9, 2024, between the HKSAR government and the Ministry of Commerce, the Second Agreement Concerning Amendment to the CEPA Agreement on Trade in Services took effect upon inking and will be officially implemented as of March 1, 2025.

The agreement is designed to lower barriers for Hong Kong enterprises and professionals seeking access to the Chinese mainland services market, said Lee. It introduces new measures in key service areas where Hong Kong has advantages and removes the requirement that service providers must operate in Hong Kong for three years before entering most service sectors, he added.

The agreement also includes provisions allowing eligible Hong Kong businesses to select Hong Kong law for contracts and designate Hong Kong as the arbitration venue, Lee noted.

The Ministry of Commerce and the HKSAR government will jointly organize a briefing in Hong Kong. Representatives from more than 10 ministries, relevant offices and the HKSAR government will introduce the measures and implementation arrangements in detail according to different service industries.

In addition to business developments, Lee highlighted that March will feature a series of popular cultural, artistic, and sporting events, alongside several major conferences and exhibitions. On the housing front, the average waiting time for public rental housing applicants is set to decrease to 5.3 years by the end of 2024, marking a reduction of 0.2 years and the lowest figure in six years.

MIL OSI China News –

February 19, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Padilla, Welch Lead Push to Demand Answers About Elon Musk and DOGE’s Access to Disaster Survivors’ Personal Data
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.)

Padilla, Welch Lead Push to Demand Answers About Elon Musk and DOGE’s Access to Disaster Survivors’ Personal Data
Senators: “When disaster strikes, Americans should have confidence the government will safeguard their data, regardless of the Administration at the helm”

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) and Peter Welch (D-Vt.) demanded answers from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) after Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) reportedly accessed sensitive personal data of disaster survivors.

Senators Padilla and Welch led 10 of their colleagues from disaster-impacted states in sounding the alarm on DOGE’s potential security breach. This breach is particularly concerning as Californians request federal disaster assistance following the devastating Southern California fires last month.

The Senators also requested more information on the procedures FEMA follows to protect data from misuse, and questioned whether DOGE’s unaccountable agents were in compliance with federal law.

“In order to register for federal disaster assistance and receive help rebuilding their communities, our constituents have provided their personally identifiable information to FEMA. They did not do so with the expectation that their sensitive information would be turned over to unvetted, unaccountable DOGE agents,” wrote the Senators.

“When disaster strikes, Americans should have confidence the government will safeguard their data, regardless of the Administration at the helm,” continued the Senators. “Reports indicate you have breached that trust—perhaps in violation of federal privacy law.”

In their letter, the Senators also expressed that while Congress must better equip FEMA and communities with the tools needed to cut through red tape and quickly assist disaster victims, these reforms “do not require, or come close to justifying, the invasive measures DOGE has reportedly undertaken.”

In addition to Senators Padilla and Welch, Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) also signed the letter.

The Senators requested responses to the following questions to understand the scope of the breach and the extent of FEMA’s compliance with federal law:

Please provide a complete list of individuals authorized by FEMA to access disaster victims’ data and records during the period between January 20, 2025, and February 14, 2025. Please indicate whether those individuals are employees of FEMA, the White House, DOGE, or another federal agency and specify the agency. If the individuals are not federal employees, please indicate that in your response.

What are the individuals specified above authorized to do with disaster victims’ data and records, and what types of data were obtained?

What procedures does FEMA follow to protect disaster victims’ data from misuse? Are DOGE-affiliated individuals required to follow those procedures?

How many Americans’ personally identifiable data has been accessed by DOGE-affiliated individuals? What vetting did these individuals undergo prior to their being granted access to FEMA systems?

Senator Padilla has fought relentlessly to secure and protect Southern Californians’ access to desperately needed disaster relief aid. In the immediate aftermath of the Los Angeles fires, Padilla and Senator Schiff led 47 bipartisan members of the California Congressional delegation in successfully urging President Biden to grant Governor Gavin Newsom’s request for a major disaster declaration to expedite timely relief to Los Angeles County residents impacted by these disasters. Last month, Padilla delivered remarks on the Senate floor urging his Republican colleagues and President Trump to provide essential disaster recovery aid to California without conditioning it on the passage of partisan legislation. He also sharply rebuked the order from President Trump’s Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to freeze all congressionally approved federal grants and loans, including disaster relief for Californians, and raised the alarm on OMB Director Russell Vought’s record of withholding federal disaster aid.

Full text of the letter is available here and below:

Dear Mr. Hamilton,

We write with serious concern about reports that Elon Musk’s “Department of Government Efficiency” (DOGE) has obtained access to sensitive information at the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), including the personal data of thousands of disaster victims.

The United States has suffered from a growing number of natural disasters over the past several years—from severe flooding in Vermont, Minnesota, and Connecticut and hurricanes in North Carolina, to catastrophic wildfires in Hawai’i, California, New Mexico, and Oregon. In order to register for federal disaster assistance and receive help rebuilding their communities, our constituents have provided their personally identifiable information to FEMA. They did not do so with the expectation that their sensitive information would be turned over to unvetted, unaccountable DOGE agents.

Mr. Musk has stated his desire to eliminate waste at FEMA. We agree the country must examine and thoughtfully consider reforms to the operation of FEMA. Our constituents have experienced first-hand the frustrating bureaucracies that hinder the federal disaster recovery process. Congress must take steps to equip FEMA and communities with the tools needed to better assist disaster victims after the storm has passed. We stand ready to work with anyone willing to fix it.

But such reforms do not require, or come close to justifying, the invasive measures DOGE has reportedly undertaken.

When disaster strikes, Americans should have confidence the government will safeguard their data, regardless of the Administration at the helm. Reports indicate you have breached that trust —perhaps in violation of federal privacy law.

To understand the scope of that breach and the extent of your compliance with federal law, we request responses to the following items by no later than February 28, 2025:

1. Please provide a complete list of individuals authorized by FEMA to access disaster victims’ data and records during the period between January 20, 2025, and February 14, 2025. Please indicate whether those individuals are employees of FEMA, the White House, DOGE, or another federal agency and specify the agency. If the individuals are not federal employees, please indicate that in your response.

2. What are the individuals specified above authorized to do with disaster victims’ data and records, and what types of data were obtained?

3. What procedures does FEMA follow to protect disaster victims’ data from misuse? Are DOGE-affiliated individuals required to follow those procedures?

4. How many Americans’ personally identifiable data has been accessed by DOGE affiliated individuals? What vetting did these individuals undergo prior to their being granted access to FEMA systems?

Sincerely,
MIL OSI USA News –
February 19, 2025
MIL-OSI Australia: Improving university pathways for Queensland’s Western Downs

Source: Australian Ministers for Education

Federal Assistant Minister for Education and Regional Development, Anthony Chisholm will officially open a new Regional University Study Hub in Chinchilla today, which will be known as the Country Universities Centre (CUC) Western Downs.

The new university hub provides dedicated support for students across the region to access and complete a tertiary education.

CUC Western Downs was one of the 10 new Regional University Study Hubs announced in March 2024, and is one of 12 regional hubs across Queensland to be funded through the Australian Government’s Regional University Study Hubs Program.

This hub, right in the centre of Chinchilla, will bring tertiary education closer to home for students who would otherwise have to travel over 150kms each way to attend university, or move away from their hometown.

With only 10.8 per cent of people in the Western Downs region have a bachelor’s degree or higher, the new hub will help more students pursue a tertiary education while remaining near the support network.

The hub is also expected to provide support for local First Nations students, with 7.6 per cent of the Chinchilla population identifying as First Nations.

Increasing the number of study hubs in regional and outer-suburban communities was a priority action of the Australian Universities Accord Interim Report, and contributes to the government’s target of helping 80 per cent of the country’s workforce attain a university degree, or TAFE qualification, by 2050.

Further information on the program, including a list of funded hubs, can be accessed here.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Education, Jason Clare:

“Today, almost one in two young people in their 20s and their 30s have a university degree. But not everywhere. Not in the outer suburbs and not in regional Australia.

“The Universities Accord makes it clear that we need more people from the regions and outer suburbs to get a university qualification.

“The evidence is that where University Study Hubs are established, university participation goes up, and that’s why we’re doubling them right across the country.

“Bringing university closer to where you live will encourage more people, who otherwise might decide not to go to university at all, to give it a crack.”

Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister for Education and Regional Development, Anthony Chisholm:

“CUC Western Downs is a great example of how these study hubs help regional, rural and remote students achieve academic success.

“Almost half of students who have studied at one of these hubs are the first in their family to attend university and as someone who was the first in their family to attend university, this is fantastic to see.

“Only 20.5 per cent of young people across regional Queensland have university a degree. Creating new hubs across our state makes attaining a degree easier – no matter where students live.

“Regional University Study Hubs open up new opportunities for students from these areas, and by tailoring university offerings to the needs of regional communities, we’re engaging more students and levelling the playing field regardless of where students live.”

MIL OSI News –

February 19, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Utah Man Accused of Bank Robbery in Custody

Source: Office of United States Attorneys

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – A Utah man was indicted by a federal grand jury in Salt Lake City after he allegedly robbed two banks on two different days in Salt Lake County.

Robert Buckley Hardy, 47, of Salt Lake County, Utah, was originally charged by complaint on February 7, 2025, and taken into custody.

According to court documents, Hardy, entered a Chase Bank in Cottonwood Heights on January 30, 2025, at approximately 3:17 p.m. Hardy allegedly asked the bank teller if an appointment was necessary and was told no. Hardy then handed the teller a manila envelope with several documents and left the bank. The documents referenced several United States and government actions regarding money laundering, drug trafficking, sex trafficking, and corruption. One document also stated, “assume that this is an active bomb threat.” One document read, “I need $2001 for it to be considered a felony and get the un-kompromised FBI bank robbery division to respond.”

Court documents allege, on February 6, 2025, Hardy entered a Chase Bank in Salt Lake City at approximately 2:04 p.m. Hardy allegedly told the teller it was a robbery and gave the teller various manila envelopes with documents inside and a typed note that read, “poor people steal because they are hungry. Rich people steal because they are greedy.” The note also said, “I need this evidence chain in the hands of the FBI bank robbery division and the local and federal police.” The note read, “please stuff at least $2001 into the bag for me. And make certain the FBI gets this.” The teller complied and gave Hardy $2001.00.

Surveillance footage from the investigation and a Utah Driver’s License photo identified Hardy. Hardy was taken into custody without incident.

Hardy is charged with bank robbery. His initial appearance on the indictment is February 21, 2025, at 11:45 a.m. in courtroom 8.4 before a U.S. Magistrate Judge at the Orrin G. Hatch United States District Courthouse in downtown Salt Lake City.

The case is being investigated by the FBI Salt Lake City Field Office.

Acting United States Attorney Felice John Viti of the District of Utah made the announcement.

Assistant United States Attorney Carlos A. Esqueda of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah is prosecuting the case.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce gun violence and other violent crime, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit Justice.gov/PSN.

An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

MIL Security OSI –

February 19, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Leader Of One Of Newark’s Largest Open-Air Drug Markets And Last Of 26 Defendants Sentenced To 168 Months’ Imprisonment
Source: Office of United States Attorneys

NEWARK, N.J. – a Newark, New Jersey man was sentenced today for his role as the leader of an expansive drug trafficking organization that distributed significant quantities of drugs and used firearms to protect their drug operation in Newark, New Jersey, Acting U.S. Attorney Vikas Khanna announced.

Shaheed Blake, a/k/a “Sha Gotti,” a/k/a “Sha,” a/k/a “Bruh,” 41, was sentenced to 168 months’ imprisonment followed by 5 years’ supervised release by U.S. District Judge Evelyn Padin in Newark, New Jersey. He was the last among his 25 co-defendants to be sentenced in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey in Newark.

Blake’s 25 conspirators were previously sentenced as follows:
- Anderson Hutchinson was sentenced to 168 months’ imprisonment;
- Jabaar Blake was sentenced to 163 months’ imprisonment;
- Jason Colon was sentenced to 144 months’ imprisonment;
- Keyenn Rodgers was sentenced to 150 months’ imprisonment;
- William Teal was sentenced to 132 months’ imprisonment;
- Brian White was sentenced to 120 months’ imprisonment;
- Todd Garrett was sentenced to 84 months’ imprisonment;
- Anthony Bowens was sentenced to 88 months’ imprisonment;
- Dorrell Blake was sentenced to 84 months’ imprisonment;
- Daquan Lockhart was sentenced to 90 months’ imprisonment;
- Aldoray McClain was sentenced to 72 months’ imprisonment;
- Sharif Davis was sentenced to 72 months’ imprisonment;
- Roger Thomas was sentenced to 70 months’ imprisonment;
- Lamont Pugh was sentenced to 60 months’ imprisonment;
- David Rogers was sentenced to 60 months’ imprisonment;
- Hanif Yarrell was sentenced to 60 months’ imprisonment;
- Aaron Watson was sentenced to 60 months’ imprisonment;
- Marquise O’Neal was sentenced to 60 months’ imprisonment;
- Jaleel Metz was sentenced to 66 months’ imprisonment;
- Bernard Brown was sentenced to 60 months’ imprisonment;
- Jesse Scott was sentenced to 60 months’ imprisonment;
- Rasheem Langley was sentenced to 60 months’ imprisonment;
- Shadesasha Ford was sentenced to 60 months’ imprisonment;
- Linwood Lyles was sentenced to 42 months’ imprisonment; and
- Andrew Knox was sentenced to 30 months’ imprisonment.
This case was the result of a long-running wiretap investigation led by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the Newark Police Department.

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

Defendants were members and associates of a Bloods-affiliated gang that called itself the “CKarter Boys,” a play on “the Carter”—the name of the drug distribution building in the 1991 film New Jack City. As Bloods members, the CKarter Boys used the letters “CK” to signify “Crip Killer,” a sign of disrespect to their rival street gang, the Crips.

The investigation revealed that the organization’s leaders—Blake and Anderson Hutchinson, a/k/a “Murda Rah”—operated a massive drug market that flooded the streets of Newark with heroin and crack cocaine 24 hours per day, seven days per week.

Blake, Hutchinson, and members of their organization sold heroin and crack cocaine to customers out of two neighboring houses near the Newark-Irvington border. These drug dens were located in the heart of a residential community, just two blocks from the Thurgood Marshall Elementary School, a public school serving children from Pre-K to Fifth Grade. On average, just one of these locations, which Blake controlled, generated approximately $10,000 per day in revenue from narcotics sales, and, on at least one occasion, revenue exceeded $13,000 in a single shift.

One of the abandoned residences was virtually impenetrable due to the organization’s efforts to fortify the structure by boarding up all doors and windows. The defendants gained access to the residence through a second-floor window by way of a ladder that conspirators then brought inside the residence. Once inside the abandoned residence, the defendants would sell heroin and crack cocaine through a small hole that was cut out on a first-floor outer wall, allowing customers to purchase narcotics in exchange for cash, similar to a restaurant’s drive-through window. In a backyard shed, the defendants stored narcotics, a communal cell phone that was used to operate the business, multiple firearms, and several boxes of ammunition.

The investigation resulted in charges against 26 defendants, including Blake, two other leaders, middlemen who assisted with transporting drugs and drug proceeds, distributors, and suppliers.

Acting U.S. Attorney Khanna credited special agents of ATF, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge L.C. Cheeks, Jr. in Newark, and members of the Newark Department of Public Safety, under the direction of Director Emanuel Miranda, with the investigation. He also thanked the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office, the Essex County Sheriff’s Office, the New Jersey State Police, the Irvington Police Department, the Union County Prosecutor’s Office, the Belleville Police Department, the West Orange Police Department, the Livingston Police Department, the Nutley Police Department, the Orange Police Department, and the Verona Police Department.

The CKarter Boys were prosecuted as part of the Newark Violent Crime Initiative (“VCI”). The VCI was formed in August 2017 by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey, the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office, and the City of Newark’s Department of Public Safety for the sole purpose of combatting violent crime in and around Newark. As part of this partnership, federal, state, county, and city agencies collaborate and pool resources to prosecute violent offenders who endanger the safety of the community. The VCI is composed of the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the ATF, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) New Jersey Division, the U.S. Marshals, the Newark Department of Public Safety, the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office, the Essex County Sheriff’s Office, New Jersey State Parole, the Essex County Correctional Facility, New Jersey State Police Regional Operations and Intelligence Center/Real Time Crime Center, New Jersey Department of Corrections, the East Orange Police Department, and the Irvington Police Department.

This case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.

The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Desiree Grace, Chief of the Criminal Division, and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Olta Bejleri and Jake A. Nasar of the Criminal Division in Newark.

###

MIL Security OSI –
February 19, 2025
MIL-OSI Australia: Minns Labor Government to establish SafeWork NSW as a standalone regulator

Source: New South Wales Premiere

Published: 19 February 2025

Released by: Minister for Work Health and Safety

The NSW Minns Labor Government will continue its mission to ensure workers have strong laws and a tough regulator on the beat by introducing a bill into the NSW Parliament to establish SafeWork NSW as a standalone regulator.

The establishment of SafeWork NSW as a standalone regulator reflects the Minns Labor Government’s commitment to preventing workplace deaths, injuries and illnesses.

The new structure will ensure SafeWork NSW will become a strong, robust and fit-for-purpose regulator capable of effectively securing safer and healthier workplaces in NSW.

Since coming to government, the Minns Labor Government has already undertaken significant reform to prepare SafeWork NSW to become a standalone regulator.

Under the former government, SafeWork NSW was hidden within the Department of Customer of Service and was not able to fully fulfil the functions expected of the state’s work health and safety regulator.

The bill will also establish a new Advisory Council to provide advice to the Minister for Work Health and Safety and SafeWork NSW on how it can support both workers and businesses in creating the safest possible workplaces.

The Council will be made up of representatives from employer organisations, unions, a WHS expert and a member representing the interests of injured workers and their families.

The new executive agency will be led by a SafeWork Commissioner appointed in due course.

The SafeWork Commissioner will lead the agency with clear authority to enforce compliance, promote best practices and engage meaningfully with workers, unions and businesses across all industries in NSW.

Minister for Work Health and Safety Sophie Cotsis said:

“Every worker has the right to go home safely at the end of the day. By creating SafeWork NSW as a standalone agency, the NSW Government is strengthening our ability to enforce WHS laws, support businesses to meet their obligations and drive cultural change to prevent workplace harm.

“The NSW Government is committed to establishing SafeWork NSW as a strong, robust and responsive WHS regulator. Through the establishment of the SafeWork Advisory Council and the SafeWork Commissioner, we will ensure SafeWork NSW can secure safer and healthier workplaces for all workers in NSW.”

MIL OSI News –

February 19, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Fact Sheet: President Donald J. Trump Requires Transparency for the American People About Wasteful Spending

US Senate News:

Source: The White House
PROMOTING TRANSPRENCY AND ACCOUNTABILITY: Today, President Donald J. Trump signed a memorandum requiring radical transparency regarding wasteful spending of taxpayer dollars by the federal government.
It requires all departments and agencies to disclose details about terminated programs, cancelled contracts, and discontinued grants to the fullest extent allowed by law.
PUTTING AN END TO WASTEFUL SPENDING: By signing this memorandum, President Trump recognizes that the American people have a right to see how the federal government has wasted their hard-earned wages.
The United States government has wasted taxpayer dollars on programs, contracts, and grants that do not serve the American public’s interests.
For too long, taxpayers have subsidized ideological projects overseas and domestic organizations engaged in actions that undermine the national interest.
The Biden Administration spent billions on electric vehicle charging stations, yet only a fraction were completed.
The Trump Administration recently canceled a Biden-era $50 million environmental justice grant to an organization that believes “climate justice travels through a Free Palestine.”
Numerous USAID grants have come under review, including $1.5 million to “advance diversity equity and inclusion in Serbia’s workplaces and business communities.”
The Biden Administration gave nearly $4.6 million to help foreign groups promote LGBT projects like drag shows and pride parades.
The Trump Administration found $20 billion parked at a financial institution by the Biden Administration to fund partisan pet projects.
President Trump’s Department of Education canceled $881 million in unnecessary contracts that were not benefiting students, including a $4.6 million contract just to coordinate Zoom and in-person meetings.
President Trump’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has already recovered $1.9 billion in taxpayer funds “misplaced” by the Biden Administration.
The Government Accountability Office released a report last year estimating that the federal government “could lose between $233 billion and $521 billion annually to fraud.”
KEEPING HIS PROMISE TO THE AMERICAN PEOPLE: President Trump campaigned on a promise to return power back to the American people by “cleaning out the Deep State, firing rogue bureaucrats and career politicians, and targeting government corruption.”
President Trump recently signed a memorandum to stop last-minute collective bargaining agreements issued by the Biden Administration designed to constrain the incoming Trump Administration from reforming government.
President Trump created the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to bring accountability and transparency to federal spending, ensuring taxpayer dollars are spent wisely and effectively.
President Trump launched a 10-to-1 deregulation initiative, ensuring every new rule is justified by clear benefits for taxpayers.
The Trump Administration is aggressively investigating Biden-era programs that wasted billions of taxpayer dollars on inefficient and politically-driven projects, including canceling unnecessary government contracts and grants that do not serve the national interest.

MIL OSI USA News –

February 19, 2025

Category: Politics

For the public benefit

Taxing unrelated activities

Ensuring transparency

Durbin: President Trump has always had a strange affinity for assorted autocrats and dictators—a troubling stain and liability for the leader of the free world

Ahead of procedural vote, Durbin: “My Senate Republican colleagues are willfully ignoring myriad red flags about Mr. Patel, especially his recurring instinct to threaten retribution against his and President Trump’s perceived enemies.”

Source: PSA

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