NewzIntel.com

Category: Politics

  • MIL-OSI China: Chinese envoy calls for int’l efforts to ease Israel-Iran tensions

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

    Fu Cong (C, Front), China’s permanent representative to the United Nations, speaks at a Security Council emergency meeting on threats to international peace and security at the UN headquarters in New York, on June 20, 2025. A Chinese envoy on Friday called for international efforts to promote talks to ease Israel-Iran tensions. (Xinhua/Xie E)

    A Chinese envoy on Friday called for international efforts to promote talks to ease Israel-Iran tensions.

    As the Israel-Iran military conflict enters its eighth day, it is distressing to see the conflict has resulted in a large number of civilian casualties and damage to facilities on both sides, said Fu Cong, China’s permanent representative to the United Nations.

    If the conflict escalates further, not only will both sides suffer greater losses, but regional countries will also be severely affected, he warned.

    Israel’s actions violate international law and the norms of international relations, jeopardize the sovereignty and security of Iran, and undermine regional peace and stability. China unequivocally condemns this, he told an emergency meeting of the Security Council.

    At this critical juncture, the international community should further forge consensus and make every effort to promote talks to ease tensions, he said.

    Fu said there must be an immediate ceasefire and an end to the fighting.

    The use of force is not the right way to resolve international disputes. It will only exacerbate hatred and conflict. The sooner a ceasefire is in place, the less damage will be done. The situation in the region cannot be allowed to slide into an unknown abyss, he said.

    “The parties to the conflict, Israel in particular, should cease fire as soon as possible to prevent the situation from escalating and to avoid any spillover of the fighting.”

    He stressed that the safety of civilians must be ensured.

    The red line for civilian protection in armed conflict must not be crossed at any time, and the indiscriminate use of force is unacceptable. The parties to the conflict must strictly abide by international law, resolutely avoid harming innocent civilians, refrain from attacking civilian facilities, and facilitate the evacuation of third-country nationals, he said.

    The current conflict has interrupted the negotiation process on the Iranian nuclear issue. The attacks on multiple Iranian nuclear facilities set a dangerous precedent and could have catastrophic consequences, said Fu. “We must not waver in the general direction of a political settlement of the Iranian nuclear issue, and we must persist in returning the Iranian nuclear issue to the track of a political solution through dialogue and negotiation.”

    China welcomes the talks in Geneva between the Iranian foreign minister and his counterparts from Britain, France, Germany, as well as the EU foreign and security policy chief, said Fu.

    The Israel-Iran conflict has led to a sudden escalation of tensions in the Middle East, and has had a serious impact on global security. Recently, the foreign ministers of 21 Arab and Islamic countries issued a joint statement, calling for a ceasefire, resuming talks on the Iranian nuclear issue, and maintaining lasting peace in the region. China fully supports the statement, he said.

    The international community, especially major countries with special influence on the parties to the conflict, should make efforts to cool down the situation, rather than doing the opposite, said Fu.

    The Security Council, as the primary body responsible for maintaining international peace and security, should play a greater role in this regard. China supports the council in taking necessary actions in a timely fashion, he said.

    China stands ready to continue to strengthen communication and coordination with all relevant parties, build synergies, uphold justice, and play a constructive role in restoring peace in the Middle East, said the Chinese ambassador.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Murray Responds to Trump Administration’s Denial of WA State’s Appeal for Disaster Declaration for November “Bomb Cyclone”; Slams Trump’s Politicization of Disaster Aid

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Washington State Patty Murray

    Severe storms resulted in extensive damage to critical infrastructure, parks, cultural sites, schools, public buildings, and more, resulting in over $34 million dollars in damages across six counties

    Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, released the following statement on the Trump administration’s denial of Washington state’s appeal for a Major Disaster Declaration to unlock Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) assistance for recovery from the devastating windstorms, heavy rainfall, flooding, and mudslides caused by a bomb cyclone that struck Washington state in November 2024.

    Last month, Senator Murray led Washington state’s entire bipartisan Congressional delegation in sending a letter to President Donald Trump urging him to reconsider the denial of Washington state’s initial, January request to President Trump for a Major Disaster Declaration in response to the November bomb cyclone. Senator Murray also led Washington state’s entire Congressional delegation in a previous letter urging President Biden to grant the state’s request.

    “It is outrageous that President Trump is denying Washington state’s request for a federal disaster declaration, supported by our entire bipartisan Congressional delegation, for one of the most destructive storms in our state’s recent history. This is exactly the kind of catastrophic event federal disaster aid was designed for. County governments cannot be reasonably expected to shoulder $34 million dollars in damages from the bomb cyclone that caused tremendous damage to public infrastructure and left hundreds of thousands of people without power.

    “Make no mistake, what we are seeing under Trump is an unprecedented and dangerous politicization of disaster assistance that cannot continue. Storms and disasters don’t discriminate between red and blue communities and neither should our President. There is simply no justification for this betrayal that leaves local communities and residents of Washington state shouldering painful disaster recovery costs when the federal government was supposed to have their backs.

    “Every Member of Congress should be extraordinarily alarmed by this administration’s insistence on playing politics with disaster aid, no matter the consequences for our constituents. Do Republicans want a future Democratic President denying their constituents disaster aid over politics?”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Jayapal Statement on the Release of Mahmoud Khalil

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal (7th District of Washington)

    “Today’s judicial ruling that Mahmoud Khalil had to be released from ICE detention is a critical step on the road to justice. Mahmoud Khalil will finally be reunited with his wife and newborn baby, whose birth he missed while unjustly detained by the Trump Administration for more than three months.

    “His detention has been a stain on our immigration and justice system in this country: an attack on the constitutional free speech protections guaranteed to every single person in our country, utilizing the immigration system to prevent him from engaging in this constitutionally protected political speech.

    “In this case, as in several others, we see the Trump Administration is continuing to simply target people of all legal statuses, including legal permanent residents and even U.S. citizens, simply for disagreeing with their administration in any way. That is not American and is a gross violation of all of our fundamental rights. Every single person in America should understand that if this Administration can do this to Mr. Khalil, they can do the same thing to you.

    “Today, I celebrate with Mahmoud Khalil and his family. There is more work to do to bring full justice to this situation, and to stop the attacks on so many across this country.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: The China Fund, Inc. Announces Board Approval of Plan of Liquidation

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    BOSTON, June 20, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The China Fund, Inc. (NYSE: CHN) (the “Fund”) announced today that its Board of Directors (the “Board”) has approved a plan of liquidation and dissolution (the “Plan”) for the Fund. The Plan will be submitted to Fund stockholders for approval at a Special Meeting. The date of the Special Meeting and more detailed information about the proposed liquidation and Plan will be set forth in a proxy statement to be mailed to the Fund’s stockholders in the near future. The Board recommends that the Fund’s stockholders vote for the liquidation of the Fund at the Special Meeting.

    In determining to liquidate the Fund, the Board considered a variety of factors including, among others, prevailing geopolitical and market conditions, the size of the Fund, the trading volume of the Fund’s shares, the Fund’s discount to net asset value, and the availability of competing open-end products, such as exchange-traded funds. The Board also considered alternatives, including converting the Fund into an open-end management investment company. On balance, the Board determined that the liquidation of the Fund is in the best interests of the Fund and its stockholders.

    The Fund intends to file a proxy statement with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) with respect to the proposal to liquidate the Fund. As noted, copies of the Fund’s proxy statement will also be mailed to each stockholder of record of the Fund. Upon receipt, stockholders are advised to read the Fund’s proxy statement as it will contain important information. Once filed with the SEC, the proxy statement will be available free of charge on the SEC website, www.sec.gov.

    This press release may contain statements regarding plans and expectations for the future that constitute forward-looking statements within the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements are based on the Fund’s current plans and expectations, and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements. Additional information concerning such risks and uncertainties are contained in the Fund’s regulatory filings, which are available free of charge on the SEC’s website. An investment in the Fund involves risk, including loss of principal. Investment return and the value of shares will fluctuate. Any data and commentary provided in this press release are for informational purposes only.

    The Fund is a closed-end management investment company. The Fund’s investment manager is Matthews International Capital Management, LLC. For further information regarding the Fund, please call (888)-CHN-CALL or visit the Fund’s website at www.chinafundinc.com. The information contained on the Fund’s website is not part of this press release. Copies of the Fund’s complete audited financial statements are available free of charge upon request.

    Investments involve risk, including possible loss of principal, and an investment should be made with an understanding of the risks involved with owning a particular security or asset class. Interested parties are strongly encouraged to seek advice from qualified tax and financial experts regarding the best options for your particular circumstances.

    Contact

    Julian Reid
    Chairman of the Board
    The China Fund, Inc.
    +44 7768 068200

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: The China Fund, Inc. Announces Board Approval of Plan of Liquidation

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    BOSTON, June 20, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The China Fund, Inc. (NYSE: CHN) (the “Fund”) announced today that its Board of Directors (the “Board”) has approved a plan of liquidation and dissolution (the “Plan”) for the Fund. The Plan will be submitted to Fund stockholders for approval at a Special Meeting. The date of the Special Meeting and more detailed information about the proposed liquidation and Plan will be set forth in a proxy statement to be mailed to the Fund’s stockholders in the near future. The Board recommends that the Fund’s stockholders vote for the liquidation of the Fund at the Special Meeting.

    In determining to liquidate the Fund, the Board considered a variety of factors including, among others, prevailing geopolitical and market conditions, the size of the Fund, the trading volume of the Fund’s shares, the Fund’s discount to net asset value, and the availability of competing open-end products, such as exchange-traded funds. The Board also considered alternatives, including converting the Fund into an open-end management investment company. On balance, the Board determined that the liquidation of the Fund is in the best interests of the Fund and its stockholders.

    The Fund intends to file a proxy statement with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) with respect to the proposal to liquidate the Fund. As noted, copies of the Fund’s proxy statement will also be mailed to each stockholder of record of the Fund. Upon receipt, stockholders are advised to read the Fund’s proxy statement as it will contain important information. Once filed with the SEC, the proxy statement will be available free of charge on the SEC website, www.sec.gov.

    This press release may contain statements regarding plans and expectations for the future that constitute forward-looking statements within the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements are based on the Fund’s current plans and expectations, and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements. Additional information concerning such risks and uncertainties are contained in the Fund’s regulatory filings, which are available free of charge on the SEC’s website. An investment in the Fund involves risk, including loss of principal. Investment return and the value of shares will fluctuate. Any data and commentary provided in this press release are for informational purposes only.

    The Fund is a closed-end management investment company. The Fund’s investment manager is Matthews International Capital Management, LLC. For further information regarding the Fund, please call (888)-CHN-CALL or visit the Fund’s website at www.chinafundinc.com. The information contained on the Fund’s website is not part of this press release. Copies of the Fund’s complete audited financial statements are available free of charge upon request.

    Investments involve risk, including possible loss of principal, and an investment should be made with an understanding of the risks involved with owning a particular security or asset class. Interested parties are strongly encouraged to seek advice from qualified tax and financial experts regarding the best options for your particular circumstances.

    Contact

    Julian Reid
    Chairman of the Board
    The China Fund, Inc.
    +44 7768 068200

    The MIL Network –

  • Yoga for One Earth, One Health: PM Modi to lead grand 11th International Day of Yoga celebrations from Visakhapatnam

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The 11th International Day of Yoga (IDY) is set to be celebrated on a grand scale on Saturday, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi leading the national event in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh.

    The theme for this year is “Yoga for One Earth, One Health,” which echoes India’s vision of global wellness and reflects the integrated vision of well-being. It emphasises the interconnectedness of human and planetary health, drawing from the Indian ethos of “Sarve Santu Niramaya” (May all be free from disease).

    PM Modi arrived in Visakhapatnam on Friday evening and was received by Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu.

    “#InternationalYogaDay On behalf of the people of Andhra Pradesh, I welcome Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi Ji to our state for the celebration of International Yoga Day tomorrow. All the districts of Andhra Pradesh are geared up to participate in the grand culmination of #Yogandhra!” the Andhra CM said in a post on X.

    According to the Ministry of AYUSH, the Prime Minister will perform the Common Yoga Protocol (CYP) with over 3 lakh participants at the Visakhapatnam venue, synchronised with over 10 lakh locations across the country under the ‘Yoga Sangam’ initiative.

    The mass demonstration will be held from 6:30 to 7:45 AM and is expected to attract unprecedented participation from across the country.

    He will be joined by Union Minister of State (IC) for AYUSH and Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare Prataprao Jadhav, along with Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, in a massive demonstration of India’s global wellness vision.

    More than 2 crore people are expected to participate in yoga sessions at over 1 lakh locations across the state.

    The Government of Andhra Pradesh is also coordinating a Guinness World Record attempt to mark the occasion.

    Additionally, the Andhra Pradesh government will award over 50 lakh yoga certificates to registered participants, making this decadal edition of IDY a truly historic moment in India’s health and wellness journey.

    As part of the celebrations in Visakhapatnam, a remarkable Surya Namaskar programme was organised at Andhra University today, where around 25,000 tribal children performed 108 Surya Namaskars in 108 minutes. This unique initiative highlighted the enthusiastic participation of tribal communities and reflected yoga’s deepening reach at the grassroots level.

    Delhi, too, is set to actively participate in the national celebration. Yoga events will be held at 109 locations across the capital, including a grand programme at the historic Red Fort on Saturday.

    Organised by Brahma Kumaris in collaboration with the Ministry of AYUSH, and supported by the Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga and the Archaeological Survey of India, the Red Fort event will highlight the theme “Yoga for One Earth, One Health.”

    To ensure the inclusive reach of yoga’s benefits, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed a letter to all Gram Pradhans, noting, “It is a matter of pride that yoga has positively transformed lives not only in India but across the world.”

    As in previous editions of IDY, the Prime Minister’s message has infused Gram Panchayats with renewed enthusiasm, resulting in a significant rise in yoga-related activities at the grassroots level, particularly in Panchayats, Anganwadis, and Community Health Centres. The introduction of 10 Signature Events to encourage public participation for IDY 2025 has elicited an unprecedented response from across the country and abroad.

    Against the target of 1 lakh registrations for the June 21 event, more than 11 lakh organisations and groups have registered for the Yoga Sangam event at their respective places through the Yoga portal of the Ministry of AYUSH.

    Rajasthan topped the list with 2.25 lakh registrations, followed by three more states that crossed the 1 lakh registration mark.

    To honour this milestone year, the Ministry of AYUSH has conceptualised 10 Signature Events, rolled out over 100 days. These events cater to different sections of society and showcase the evolving landscape of yoga in India and abroad.

    They include Yoga Sangam, which involves mass yoga demonstrations across over 1,00,000 locations alongside the national event; Yoga Bandhan, which includes international collaborations and the exchange of yoga delegations; Harit Yoga, which integrates yoga with environmental actions like tree plantations and cleanliness drives; and Yoga Park, which involves upgrading public parks into dedicated yoga spaces.

    It also includes Yoga Samavesh, an inclusive yoga outreach with customised protocols for marginalised groups; Yoga Prabhava, a comprehensive 10-year impact report on IDY and its societal outcomes; Yoga Connect, a global online yoga summit held on June 14, featuring global experts and policymakers; Yoga Unplugged, youth-centric campaigns combining tech, trends, and traditional yoga; Yoga Maha Kumbh, a series of large-scale events celebrating yoga’s cultural and spiritual dimensions; and Samyoga, which showcases the integration of yoga evidence with modern healthcare practices.

    The decadal celebration is being coordinated through a Whole-of-Government approach, involving ministries, departments, state governments, urban local bodies, and Indian missions abroad.

    Preparatory activities have been ongoing for weeks, with special drives, yoga camps, and competitions organised by various government bodies.

    Globally, Indian embassies and cultural centres are actively conducting yoga demonstrations and awareness campaigns, further strengthening India’s cultural diplomacy and leadership in wellness. With its strong foundation over the past ten years and enthusiastic participation from all sectors, IDY 2025 is poised to be a landmark moment in India’s wellness journey.

    The message is clear — yoga is not only a gift from India to the world but also a pathway to a healthier, more harmonious, and sustainable future for all. 

    (ANI)

  • MIL-Evening Report: Former New Zealand PM Helen Clark blames Cook Islands for crisis

    By Lydia Lewis, RNZ Pacific presenter/producer

    Former New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark believes the Cook Islands, a realm of New Zealand, caused a crisis for itself by not consulting Wellington before signing a deal with China.

    The New Zealand government has paused more than $18 million in development assistance to the Cook Islands after the latter failed to provide satisfactory answers to Aotearoa’s questions about its partnership agreement with Beijing.

    The Cook Islands is in free association with New Zealand and governs its own affairs. But New Zealand provides assistance with foreign affairs (upon request), disaster relief, and defence.

    Helen Clark (middle) . . . Cook Islands caused a crisis for itself by not consulting Wellington before signing a deal with China. Image: RNZ Pacific montage

    The 2001 Joint Centenary Declaration signed between the two nations requires them to consult each other on defence and security, which Foreign Minister Winston Peters said had not been honoured.

    Peters and Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown both have a difference of opinion on the level of consultation required between the two nations on such matters.

    “There is no way that the 2001 declaration envisaged that Cook Islands would enter into a strategic partnership with a great power behind New Zealand’s back,” Clark told RNZ Pacific on Thursday.

    Clark was a signatory of the 2001 agreement with the Cook Islands as New Zealand prime minister at the time.

    “It is the Cook Islands government’s actions which have created this crisis,” she said.

    Urgent need for dialogue
    “The urgent need now is for face-to-face dialogue at a high level to mend the NZ-CI relationship.”

    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has downplayed the pause in funding to the Cook Islands during his second day of his trip to China.

    Brown told Parliament on Thursday (Wednesday, Cook Islands time) that his government knew the funding cut was coming.

    He also suggested a double standard, pointing out that New Zealand had also entered deals with China that the Cook Islands was not “privy to or being consulted on”.

    Prime Minister Mark Brown and China’s Ambassador to the Pacific Qian Bo last year. Image: RNZ Pacific/ Lydia Lewis

    A Pacific law expert says that, while New Zealand has every right to withhold its aid to the Cook Islands, the way it is going about it will not endear it to Pacific nations.

    Auckland University of Technology senior law lecturer and a former Pacific Islands Forum advisor Sione Tekiteki told RNZ Pacific that for Aotearoa to keep highlighting that it is “a Pacific country and yet posture like the United States gives mixed messages”.

    “Obviously, Pacific nations in true Pacific fashion will not say much, but they are indeed thinking it,” Tekiteki said.

    Misunderstanding of agreement
    Since day dot there has been a misunderstanding on what the 2001 agreement legally required New Zealand and Cook Islands to consult on, and the word consultation has become somewhat of a sticking point.

    The latest statement from the Cook Islands government confirms it is still a discrepancy both sides want to hash out.

    “There has been a breakdown and difference in the interpretation of the consultation requirements committed to by the two governments in the 2001 Joint Centenary Declaration,” the Ministry for Foreign Affairs and Immigration (MFAI) said.

    “An issue that the Cook Islands is determined to address as a matter of urgency”.

    Tekiteki said that, unlike a treaty, the 2001 declaration was not “legally binding” per se but serves more to express the intentions, principles and commitments of the parties to work together in “recognition of the close traditional, cultural and social ties that have existed between the two countries for many hundreds of years”.

    He said the declaration made it explicitly clear that Cook Islands had full conduct of its foreign affairs, capacity to enter treaties and international agreements in its own right and full competence of its defence and security.

    However, he added that there was a commitment of the parties to “consult regularly”.

    This, for Clark, the New Zealand leader who signed the all-important agreement more than two decades ago, is where Brown misstepped.

    Clark previously labelled the Cook Islands-China deal “clandestine” which has “damaged” its relationship with New Zealand.

    RNZ Pacific contacted the Cook Islands Ministry of Foreign Affairs for comment but was advised by the MFAI secretary that they are not currently accommodating interviews.

    This article is republished under a community partnership agreement with RNZ.

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI USA: President Trump signs Kennedy resolution undoing cumbersome Biden-era bank merger rule

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator John Kennedy (Louisiana)

    WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump today signed Sen. John Kennedy’s (R-La.) joint resolution of disapproval under Congressional Review Act (CRA) procedures to block an Office of Comptroller (OCC) rule that hurts community banks by adding unnecessary red tape to the bank merger approval process.

    “When the Biden administration imposed crippling red tape on the bank merger process, they delivered a devastating blow to small community banks nationwide, strangling their ability to serve their customers. I’m deeply thankful to my House and Senate colleagues for passing this vital legislation and to President Trump for signing my resolution to dismantle this oppressive regulation,” said Kennedy.

    The Biden administration’s rule, which went into effect on Jan. 1, 2025, amended the Bank Merger Act of 1960 to make it harder for the OCC to approve healthy bank mergers quickly. Kennedy’s resolution would reverse the Biden administration’s misguided rule so that banks can stay in business and serve hardworking Americans.

    Sens. Tim Scott (R-S.C.), Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Steve Daines (R-Mont.) and Bernie Moreno (R-Ohio) cosponsored the Senate resolution. 

    “The Biden-era rule restricting bank mergers disproportionately harmed small and midsized banks and would have reduced access to credit and financial services. I’m grateful to President Trump for signing Senator Kennedy’s resolution to overturn the rule, which will ensure the free market can decide how financial institutions can best serve their customers,”said Scott, Chairman of the Senate Banking Committee.

    Rep. Andy Barr (R-Ky.), Chairman of the Financial Institutions Subcommittee on the House Financial Services Committee, introduced the companion resolution.

    “Bank mergers create competition and efficiency in the banking system. By eliminating this rule, we will remove unnecessary guardrails on the bank merger process that make smaller and medium-sized banks less competitive. This is another win for President Trump, who is making our economy stronger by cutting government red-tape and unleashing the free market,” said Barr.

    Background:

    • Historically, the OCC assumed that a potential merger passed muster if the agency did not take action on a merger application within 15 days. The burden of showing that a merger would harm businesses and consumers fell on the OCC and bank regulators.
    • The Biden administration’s rule shifted the burden of proof to individual banks, making it harder for banks – particularly community banks – to fulfill their obligations by making smart, strategic mergers.
    • In February 2025, Kennedy introduced his resolution to undo the Biden administration’s rule.
    • On May 8, 2025, the Senate passed Kennedy’s resolution. 
    • On May 20, 2025, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the resolution.

    The full resolution is available here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: President Trump signs Kennedy resolution undoing cumbersome Biden-era bank merger rule

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator John Kennedy (Louisiana)

    WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump today signed Sen. John Kennedy’s (R-La.) joint resolution of disapproval under Congressional Review Act (CRA) procedures to block an Office of Comptroller (OCC) rule that hurts community banks by adding unnecessary red tape to the bank merger approval process.

    “When the Biden administration imposed crippling red tape on the bank merger process, they delivered a devastating blow to small community banks nationwide, strangling their ability to serve their customers. I’m deeply thankful to my House and Senate colleagues for passing this vital legislation and to President Trump for signing my resolution to dismantle this oppressive regulation,” said Kennedy.

    The Biden administration’s rule, which went into effect on Jan. 1, 2025, amended the Bank Merger Act of 1960 to make it harder for the OCC to approve healthy bank mergers quickly. Kennedy’s resolution would reverse the Biden administration’s misguided rule so that banks can stay in business and serve hardworking Americans.

    Sens. Tim Scott (R-S.C.), Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Steve Daines (R-Mont.) and Bernie Moreno (R-Ohio) cosponsored the Senate resolution. 

    “The Biden-era rule restricting bank mergers disproportionately harmed small and midsized banks and would have reduced access to credit and financial services. I’m grateful to President Trump for signing Senator Kennedy’s resolution to overturn the rule, which will ensure the free market can decide how financial institutions can best serve their customers,”said Scott, Chairman of the Senate Banking Committee.

    Rep. Andy Barr (R-Ky.), Chairman of the Financial Institutions Subcommittee on the House Financial Services Committee, introduced the companion resolution.

    “Bank mergers create competition and efficiency in the banking system. By eliminating this rule, we will remove unnecessary guardrails on the bank merger process that make smaller and medium-sized banks less competitive. This is another win for President Trump, who is making our economy stronger by cutting government red-tape and unleashing the free market,” said Barr.

    Background:

    • Historically, the OCC assumed that a potential merger passed muster if the agency did not take action on a merger application within 15 days. The burden of showing that a merger would harm businesses and consumers fell on the OCC and bank regulators.
    • The Biden administration’s rule shifted the burden of proof to individual banks, making it harder for banks – particularly community banks – to fulfill their obligations by making smart, strategic mergers.
    • In February 2025, Kennedy introduced his resolution to undo the Biden administration’s rule.
    • On May 8, 2025, the Senate passed Kennedy’s resolution. 
    • On May 20, 2025, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the resolution.

    The full resolution is available here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Togo: African Development Bank strengthens partnership with civil society

    Source: African Development Bank Group
    The African Development Bank held its first-ever Civil Society Open Day in Lomé, Togo, on 3 June. The event brought together representatives from the Togolese government, around 30 national and international civil society organisations (CSOs), and Bank staff — all committed to strengthening development partnerships…

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Senegal and Kenya Top African Development Bank’s Electricity Regulatory Index, as Regulators Drive Tangible Reforms

    Source: African Development Bank Group

    Kenya and Senegal have claimed the top spots in the African Development Bank’s 2024 Electricity Regulatory Index (ERI), demonstrating exceptional progress in power sector governance and regulatory outcomes. The comprehensive assessment, officially unveiled today at the Africa Energy Forum in Cape Town, evaluates regulatory frameworks across 43 African countries.

    Uganda, Liberia and Niger round out the top five performers, with Niger registering one of the biggest gains, underlining the strong impact of sustained reforms and political commitment to power sector development.

    The ERI evaluates three dimensions—Regulatory Governance, Regulatory Substance, and Regulatory Outcomes (ROI). Notably, the ROI, which tracks service delivery and utility performance, recorded the most substantial improvement across the continent.

    Key findings from the 2024 ERI:

    • Kenya and Senegal led with a score of 0.892, reflecting standout progress in tariff reform, regulatory outcomes, and utility performance.
    • A remarkable 41 out of 43 participating countries achieved RGI scores above 0.5, representing a significant increase from 24 countries in 2022.
    • Countries scoring below 0.500 reduced significantly from 19 in 2022 to just 6 in 2024.
    • Even the lowest-performing country tripled its score—from about 0.10 to 0.33.
    • The ROI surged from roughly 0.40 in 2022 to 0.62 in 2024, showing that reforms are delivering tangible service improvements on the ground.

    Now in its seventh edition, the ERI shows strong momentum toward more effective, transparent, and impactful regulation, with real-world results beginning to emerge.

    “The 2024 ERI shows that Africa’s regulators are stepping up. We are now seeing stronger institutions delivering real results for utilities and consumers. This shift is critical if we are to achieve Mission 300 and connect 300 million people to electricity by 2030,” says Dr. Kevin Kariuki, AfDB Vice President for Power, Energy, Climate and Green Growth.

    For the first time, the 2024 ERI also assessed regional regulatory bodies, recognizing their growing role in harmonizing technical standards and enabling cross-border electricity trade.

    As the backbone of Mission 300, ERI continues to inform the design and implementation of national energy compacts—currently active in 12 countries, with another 20 in development.

    Bridging the Gap – Addressing Ongoing Challenges

    While celebrating regulatory progress, the report calls for greater focus on regulatory independence, the financial viability of utilities, and the integration of off-grid and mini-grid systems into national frameworks. The ERI underscores that regulation must translate into better access, affordability, and reliability, especially for underserved rural populations.

    The report outlines priority areas for enhancing regulatory effectiveness:

    • Strengthening regulatory independence
    • Enhancing accountability mechanisms
    • Promoting transparency and predictability
    • Improving stakeholder participation
    • Deepening economic regulation and advancing cost-reflective tariff methodologies.

    “The ERI 2024 tells a hopeful story. African countries are not just passing laws—they are implementing them. Regulators are transforming from administrative bodies into strategic institutions with measurable influence. However, challenges related to independence, financing, and enforcement persist,” said Wale Shonibare, Director for Energy Financial Solutions, Policy and Regulation at the Bank Group.

    Launched in 2018, the ERI is a diagnostic and policy tool used by governments, regulators, and development partners to identify gaps, track progress, and prioritize reform efforts. The 2024 edition incorporates extensive feedback from utilities, regulators, and regional energy bodies.

    The full ERI 2024 report will be available here.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI China: Chinese vice premier calls for championing humanity’s common values, promoting multipolar world

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

    Chinese vice premier calls for championing humanity’s common values, promoting multipolar world

    ST. PETERSBURG, June 20 — Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang on Friday called for championing humanity’s common values, and promoting an equal and orderly multipolar world as well as universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization.

    Ding, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks when delivering a speech titled “Championing Humanity’s Common Values and Promoting a Multipolar World” at the plenary session of the 28th St. Petersburg International Economic Forum.

    Ding said that a decade ago, Chinese President Xi Jinping noted in his speech at the General Debate of the 70th Session of the UN General Assembly that peace, development, equity, justice, democracy and freedom are the common values of all mankind and the lofty goals of the United Nations.

    The important proposition transcends differences among different countries, ethnic groups, social systems and ideologies, drawing a value-based concentric circle for building a community with a shared future for mankind, and has received extensive support and positive responses from the international community, he added.

    At present, global changes unseen in a century are accelerating, multiple risks are intertwined, and humanity is confronted with many common challenges, said Ding, calling for reviewing President Xi’s important speech to steer the world toward a bright future of peace, security, prosperity and progress.

    The Chinese vice premier put forward a four-point proposal.

    First, uphold the concept of global governance featuring extensive consultation, joint contribution, and shared benefits. Promote equal rights, opportunities, and rules for all nations, and safeguard UN authority and international fairness.

    Second, jointly build an open and pluralistic world economy. Take concrete steps to safeguard the multilateral trading system and international economic order, expand and fairly share the “pie” of economic globalization, and create more opportunities for Global South countries.

    Third, advocate exchanges and mutual learning among civilizations. Respect the diversity of human civilizations, support all nations in exploring their own paths to realizing values, and oppose any “new Cold War” or ideological confrontation.

    Fourth, safeguard global peace and development by building trust, settling conflicts, and enhancing security through dialogue, passing the torch of peace to future generations for lasting stability and common prosperity.

    Ding stated that China and Russia are true friends who share weal and woe, and good partners for mutual success. Last month, President Xi paid a state visit to Russia and attended the celebrations marking the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Soviet Union’s Great Patriotic War, he said, adding that the two heads of state agreed to further consolidate political mutual trust, strengthen strategic coordination, and jointly deliver a resounding stance for upholding the outcomes of World War II and international fairness and justice.

    China is willing to work with Russia to elevate the China-Russia relationship to greater heights, broaden its dimensions, and strengthen its resilience, expand high-quality mutually beneficial cooperation, so as to better benefit the two peoples, said Ding, urging the two countries to strengthen coordination and collaboration on multilateral platforms such as the United Nations, and make greater contributions to building a more just, equitable, and prosperous multipolar world.

    Ding said that despite the increasing impact of external shocks, China’s economy has continued to show a positive trend, demonstrating robust vitality and resilience to the world.

    China will expeditiously implement more proactive and effective macro policies, focus on stabilizing employment, enterprises, markets and expectations, and use the certainty of high-quality development to counter the uncertainties of the rapidly changing external environment, he said.

    No matter how the external environment changes, China’s door to opening up will only swing wider open, said Ding, adding that enterprises from all countries are sincerely welcome to invest and start businesses in China, actively participate in the process of Chinese modernization, and share China’s development opportunities.

    In the interactive session after the address, Ding responded to questions from the plenary session moderator on major-country relations and China-Russia cooperation in education and technology.

    On the sidelines of the forum, Ding met respectively with Russian First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak, Russian oil company Rosneft’s chief executive Igor Sechin, and Gazprom CEO Alexey Miller.

    The two sides agreed to fully leverage the roles of the China-Russia Investment Cooperation Committee, the China-Russia Energy Cooperation Committee and the China-Russia Energy Business Forum, promote the high-quality development of investment and energy cooperation, and provide more impetus for the development of bilateral relations.

    Ding also had brief and friendly conversations respectively with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, National Security Advisor of Bahrain Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, and South African Deputy President Paul Mashatile.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Marshall County Man Sentenced to 10 Years for Child Pornography Charge

    Source: US FBI

    WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Ryan Bobby Schnettler, 34, of Benwood, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 120 months in federal prison for possession of child pornography.

    According to court documents and statements made in court, Schnettler was on supervised release for a prior child pornography charge. U.S. Probation conducted home inspections and found three undocumented phones. A search of the phones uncovered hundreds of images of child pornography and evidence of chats with underage females. Schnettler admitted that he portrayed himself as a 17-year-old within teen chat and kid chat room websites. Schnettler has prior convictions of second-degree sexual assault, failure to register as a sex offender, and possession of child pornography

    Schnettler will serve 10 years of supervised release following his prison sentence.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Conklin prosecuted the case on behalf of the government.

    The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the United States Probation Office investigated.

    U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey presided.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Labrador Letter: Victory in Fight Against Child Gender Transition Procedures

    Source: US State of Idaho

    Home Newsroom Labrador Letter: Victory in Fight Against Child Gender Transition Procedures

    Dear Friends,
    After two years of fighting in federal court, we’ve won. Challengers to Idaho’s Vulnerable Child Protection Act have dismissed their lawsuit entirely and Idaho is now free to fully enforce our law protecting children in Idaho from harmful and irreversible gender transition procedures.
    This victory is more than just a legal win on paper. It’s a victory for parents, children, and the principle that kids suffering from gender dysphoria need love, support, and medical care rooted in biological reality. What they don’t need is life-altering drugs and surgeries with permanent consequences and added confusion.
    Idaho’s Vulnerable Child Protection Act protects children in Idaho by prohibiting doctors from providing puberty blockers, cross-sex hormones, and transition surgeries to children under 18 to alter their appearance or affirm their “gender identity” when that identity differs from their biological sex. The law makes providing these procedures a felony, recognizing that children cannot consent to experimental treatments with permanent consequences.
    When the state legislature passed this law in 2023, activists immediately sued to block it. A federal district judge initially sided with them, issuing an injunction that prevented Idaho from enforcing the law statewide. This meant doctors could continue performing these procedures on children across Idaho despite our state law.
    I immediately appealed the case to the U.S. Supreme Court, and in April 2024, the Supreme Court granted Idaho’s request, ruling that the lower court had overstepped by blocking the law for everyone in the state. The Court narrowed the injunction to apply only to the two families who sued, allowing Idaho to enforce our child protection law for all other children statewide. The case continued in the lower court until this week, when the challengers asked to dismiss their lawsuit entirely. The dismissal ends the remaining injunction, allowing Idaho to fully enforce our protections for all children in Idaho.
    Idaho was among the first states to pass a law protecting children from these dangerous procedures. We’ve witnessed firsthand the devastating consequences of drugs and procedures used on children with gender dysphoria, and it’s a preventable tragedy. The state has a duty to protect and support all children, and that’s why I’m proud to defend Idaho’s law that ensures children are not subjected to these life-altering drugs and procedures.
    The dismissal of this case also coincides with the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling this week upholding Tennessee’s similar law protecting children from these harmful practices. As more states follow Idaho’s lead in protecting vulnerable children, our victory sends a clear message that states have the authority to protect children from this evil.
    This fight has always been about more than just one law. It’s about supporting biological reality over ideology, and it’s about Idaho’s sovereignty to enact laws that reflect our values and protect our families. I was proud to fight for this law, and I am grateful that we’ve won the ability to protect Idaho’s kids from these procedures going forward.
    Best regards,

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Chinese premier holds talks with New Zealand’s PM

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

    Chinese Premier Li Qiang holds talks with New Zealand’s Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, who is on an official visit to China, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, June 20, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    BEIJING, June 20 — Chinese Premier Li Qiang held talks with New Zealand’s Prime Minister Christopher Luxon in Beijing on Friday.

    Li emphasized that strengthening strategic communication and deepening mutually beneficial cooperation between China and New Zealand are of great significance in light of all the changes and turbulence in today’s world.

    President Xi Jinping met with Prime Minister Luxon this morning, pointing out the direction for the development of bilateral relations in the next stage, Li said, noting that China is willing to work with New Zealand to carry forward traditional friendship, consolidate political mutual trust, and expand practical cooperation, to promote common development and deliver greater benefits to both peoples.

    Highlighting high complementarity between the two economies, the premier proposed aligning development strategies to explore more converging interests, upgrading cooperation quality in all fields for higher-level win-win outcomes.

    He called on the two sides to further expand the scale of trade, continuously promote the liberalization and facilitation of trade and investment, expand cooperation in emerging fields and better promote regional economic integration.

    China stands ready to import more quality agricultural and food products from New Zealand, and will continue to encourage capable Chinese enterprises to invest in New Zealand, and hopes that New Zealand will provide a fair and open business environment for Chinese enterprises operating in the country, Li said.

    China welcomes New Zealand as the guest country of honor at the China Annual Conference & Expo for International Education 2025 and is willing to deepen exchanges with New Zealand in education, tourism, think tanks, and subnational cooperation, to enhance mutual understanding and amity between the two peoples.

    At present, the global economic and trade landscape is undergoing profound transformation and adjustment, Li said, adding that China is willing to strengthen communication and cooperation with New Zealand within frameworks such as the United Nations, World Trade Organization, and Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation, safeguard the rules-based multilateral trading system, create an open, inclusive and non-discriminatory international economic cooperation environment, and inject more stability and certainty into the turbulent world.

    Luxon reaffirmed New Zealand’s adherence to the one-China policy, expressing willingness to maintain high-level exchanges with China, strengthen mutual understanding and trust, and deepen exchange and cooperation in the fields of trade, agriculture, tourism, and education.

    New Zealand is also willing to enhance communication and coordination with China in such areas as response to climate change and green development, jointly committing to upholding the international order and promoting peace, stability and prosperity in the Asia-Pacific region, Luxon said.

    After the talks, Li and Luxon jointly witnessed the signing of multiple cooperation documents covering customs, food safety, organic product certification, climate change, and cultural heritage.

    Chinese Premier Li Qiang holds talks with New Zealand’s Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, who is on an official visit to China, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, June 20, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: IMF Executive Board Completes the Third Review under the Extended Credit Facility Arrangement for Burkina Faso

    Source: IMF – News in Russian

    June 20, 2025

    • The IMF Executive Board completed today the third review under the Extended Credit Facility Arrangement for Burkina Faso. This enables an immediate disbursement of about US$32.8 million.
    • Supportive policies and favorable weather conditions boosted agricultural output in 2024; however, widespread insecurity continues to weigh on economic activity in other sectors, especially gold mining, the primary source of export earnings for the country.
    • Program performance has been broadly satisfactory. While end-December 2024 performance criteria for the primary fiscal deficit and net domestic financing were missed by 0.6 percent of GDP, the 2025 budget includes adequate corrective measures. On this basis, the Executive Board approved waivers of nonobservance of these performance criteria. All continuous performance criteria were met. Seven out of eight structural benchmarks were achieved, with the remaining one implemented later as a prior action.

    Washington, DC: The Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) completed the third review under the 48-month Extended Credit Facility (ECF) arrangement that was approved on September 21, 2023. The completion of the review enables the immediate disbursement of SDR 24.08 million (about US$32.8 million), bringing total IMF financial support under the arrangement to SDR 96.32 million (about US$131.3 million). 

    Real GDP growth is estimated to have reached 5.0 percent in 2024. Strong growth in agriculture and services outweighed contractions in mining and manufacturing. Real GDP growth is projected to average 4.2 percent in 2025, as growth in the agricultural output is expected to soften in line with average rainfall conditions. Inflation is projected to ease to 3.0 percent in 2025 amid moderating food prices.

    Balance of payments strengthened, reflecting a positive shift in terms of trade. The current account deficit rose from 5.0 percent of GDP in 2023 to 5.7 percent in 2024 but is expected to narrow to 3.4 percent in 2025 due to record-high gold prices. Trade policy turbulences will likely have a marginal impact as the United States are not a major trading partner.   

    Elevated capital spending affected fiscal performance in 2024. Nonetheless, the overall fiscal deficit narrowed from 6.7 percent of GDP in 2023 to 5.8 percent in 2024. Building on the 2025 budget, fiscal policy is expected to be tightened considerably in 2025, with the overall fiscal deficit projected in the 3.3 to 4.0 percent of GDP range, depending on the availability of external concessional financing. Risks to the outlook are tilted to the downside due to terrorist threats.

    Progress under the ECF arrangement has been broadly satisfactory. Due to fiscal pressures in late 2024, the end-December performance criteria (PCs) on the primary fiscal deficit and net domestic financing were missed by 0.6 percent of GDP, while all other PCs were met. Three out of six indicative targets (ITs) were missed by small margins. All three continuous PCs and five end-March 2025 ITs, including on the primary fiscal deficit and net domestic financing were met, while the remaining four ITs were missed by small margins.

    The Burkinabè authorities advanced their structural reform agenda under the program. They met seven out of eight structural benchmarks (SBs) and have addressed the missed SB on the preparation of the clearance plan for domestic arrears as a prior action for the third review. They have also implemented two other prior actions: they shared a list of treasury deposit accounts and cleared all domestic arrears outstanding at end-2023. Three new SBs under the program aim to strengthen the governance in public procurement, uphold integrity in revenue administration, and increase control over the public wage bill.

    At the conclusion of the Executive Board’s discussion, Mr. Kenji Okamura, Deputy Managing Director, and Acting Chair, issued the following statement:

    “Burkina Faso’s economy has proven resilient notwithstanding security challenges, a difficult humanitarian situation, and weather shocks. A lasting improvement in socio‑economic conditions will require progress on security and structural reforms to foster diversification, fiscal governance, and resilience.

                “While the policy framework remains strong, fiscal pressures affected program performance in 2024. For the first time, and in difficult circumstances, performance criteria on the primary fiscal deficit and net domestic financing were missed. The margin of nonobservance—while not negligible—did not undermine the fiscal consolidation trend. The authorities counteracted the slippage with strong measures on the expenditure side and remain committed to reducing the overall fiscal deficit to three percent of GDP by the end of the ECF arrangement, while safeguarding fiscal space for poverty-reducing social spending. This commitment is reflected in the 2025 budget and fiscal performance through end-March.

                “The authorities are on track and have expanded their structural reform agenda, focusing on fiscal governance and transparency. They have provided a list of treasury deposit accounts, adopted an arrears’ clearance plan, and cleared all arrears outstanding at end-2023 following their audit. These measures are informed by the preliminary findings of the IMF’s Governance Diagnostic Assessment (GDA). The GDA report is being finalized. The authorities intend to publish the final report in coming weeks and adopt, within four months from publication, an action plan reflecting its key recommendations. Structural conditionality for the fifth review has been strengthened with the addition of benchmarks on implementing the action plan from the procurement audit and strengthening further wage bill control and governance in revenue services.”

    Table 1.  Burkina Faso: Selected Economic and Financial Indicators, 2023–29

    Population (2023): 23.3 million  

      Gini Index (2021): 37.4

    Per capita GDP (2023): 910 USD

    		      

    Life Expectancy (years): 60

    Share of population below the poverty line (2022): 43.7%

    Literacy rate (2022): 34%

    2023

    2024

    2024

    2025

    2025

    2026

    2027

    2028

    2029
     

    Act.

    ECF 2nd Review

    Prel.

    ECF 2nd Review

    Proj.

    Proj.

    Proj.

    Proj.

    Proj.
     

    (Annual percentage change, unless otherwise indicated)

    GDP and Prices

    		            

    GDP at constant prices

    3.0

    4.2

    5.0

    4.3

    4.2

    4.9

    4.7

    4.7

    4.7

    GDP deflator

    2.0

    7.2

    8.9

    5.6

    5.9

    4.0

    3.3

    2.8

    2.3

    Consumer prices (annual average)

    0.7

    3.6

    4.2

    3.0

    3.0

    2.5

    2.1

    2.0

    2.0

    Consumer prices (end of period)

    1.0

    3.4

    4.9

    2.8

    3.0

    2.5

    2.1

    2.0

    2.0
                 

    Money and Credit

    		            

    Net domestic assets (banking system) 1/

    5.3

    18.7

    0.4

    14.7

    6.1

    8.8

    8.7

    7.5

    7.0

    Credit to the government (banking system) 1/

    3.0

    9.8

    3.7

    8.1

    3.8

    3.4

    3.3

    2.3

    2.1

    Credit to private sector

    5.9

    13.1

    -2.2

    9.5

    2.6

    8.2

    8.3

    7.9

    7.5

    Broad money (M3)

    -3.0

    20.8

    7.2

    15.6

    6.1

    9.1

    8.1

    7.6

    7.1

    Private sector credit/GDP

    31.6

    30.7

    27.0

    30.5

    25.1

    24.9

    24.9

    25.0

    25.1
                 

    External Sector

    		            

    Exports (f.o.b.; valued in CFA francs)

    -3.1

    10.5

    2.0

    10.5

    25.3

    7.8

    5.3

    4.2

    2.7

    Imports (f.o.b.; valued in CFA francs)

    -1.5

    5.3

    4.8

    3.5

    10.8

    6.3

    6.5

    6.4

    5.7

    Current account (percent of GDP)

    -5.0

    -5.2

    -5.7

    -3.5

    -3.4

    -3.1

    -3.4

    -3.7

    -4.4
     

    (Percent of GDP, unless otherwise indicated)

    Central Government Finances

    		            

    Current revenue

    20.6

    20.1

    20.6

    18.6

    19.8

    20.1

    20.4

    20.8

    20.9

     of which: Tax revenue

    18.2

    17.8

    18.3

    16.9

    18.1

    18.4

    18.8

    19.1

    19.3

    Total expenditure and net lending

    29.0

    26.3

    27.7

    24.1

    25.0

    24.7

    24.6

    24.9

    25.1

     of which: Current expenditure

    17.9

    16.5

    16.3

    15.4

    16.0

    15.5

    15.1

    14.7

    14.3

    Overall fiscal balance, incl. grants (commitments)

    -6.7

    -5.0

    -5.8

    -4.3

    -4.0

    -3.5

    -3.0

    -3.0

    -3.0

    Total public debt 2/

    56.2

    53.0

    56.9

    52.2

    56.1

    55.0

    54.0

    53.0

    52.3

            of which: External debt

    25.9

    23.7

    25.4

    22.2

    24.8

    24.0

    23.7

    23.3

    23.1

            of which: Domestic debt

    30.3

    29.4

    31.6

    29.9

    31.3

    30.9

    30.3

    29.7

    29.2
                 

    Memorandum Items:

    		            

    Nominal GDP (CFAF billion) 3/

    12,328

    14,330

    14,098

    15,791

    15,561

    16,973

    18,355

    19,755

    21,153

    Nominal GDP per capita (US$)

    874

    990

    975

    1,050

    1,002

    1,063

    1,120

    1,175

    1,227

    Nominal exchange rate (CFAF/US$, period average)

    606

    602

    606

    598

    635

    637

    637

    637

    637

    Gold price (USD/troy ounce)

    1,943

    2,342

    2,387

    2,608

    2,821

    2,963

    3,096

    3,198

    3,244

    Sources: Burkinabé authorities; IMF staff estimates and projections.

    1/ Percent of beginning-of-period broad money.

    2/ The 2nd review total public debt data has been retroactively adjusted to correct an exchange rate calculation error starting in 2023. In addition, the denominator (GDP) in the table has been revised (see footnote 3 below). Previously, total public debt in 2024 was estimated at 52.6 percent of GDP, while it was assessed to have reached 53.6 percent of GDP in 2023.

    3/ Historical nominal GDP figures have been revised down, in line with the most recent publication of official estimates by the National Institute of Statistics.
    IMF Communications Department
    MEDIA RELATIONS

    PRESS OFFICER: Tatiana Mossot

    Phone: +1 202 623-7100Email: MEDIA@IMF.org

    https://www.imf.org/en/News/Articles/2025/06/20/pr-25211-burkina-faso-imf-completes-the-3rd-review-under-the-ecf-arrangement

    MIL OSI

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: USAID Official and Three Corporate Executives Plead Guilty to Decade-Long Bribery Scheme Involving More Than $550 Million in Contracts; Two Companies Admit Criminal Liability for Bribery Scheme and Securities Fraud

    Source: US FBI

    Greenbelt, Maryland – Four men, including a government contracting officer for the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), and three owners and presidents of companies, have pleaded guilty for their roles in a decade-long bribery scheme involving at least 14 prime contracts worth more than $550 million in U.S. taxpayer dollars.

    Roderick Watson, 57, of Woodstock, Maryland, who worked as a USAID contracting officer, pled guilty to bribery of a public official; Walter Barnes, 46, of Potomac, Maryland, pled guilty to conspiracy to commit bribery of a public official and securities fraud; Darryl Britt, 64, of Myakka City, Florida, pled guilty to conspiracy to commit bribery of a public official; and Paul Young, 62, of Columbia, Maryland, pled guilty to conspiracy to commit bribery of a public official.

    In addition, Apprio and Vistant, both of which contracted with USAID, have agreed to admit criminal liability and enter into three-year deferred prosecution agreements (DPAs) in connection with criminal informations filed today in the District of Maryland. As part of these resolutions, both Apprio and Vistant admitted to engaging in a conspiracy to commit bribery of a public official and securities fraud. The DPAs entered into with Apprio and Vistant require each company to, among other obligations, provide ongoing cooperation with and disclosures to the Justice Department, implement a compliance and ethics program, and report to Justice Department regarding remediation and implementation of these compliance measures.

    “Watson was entrusted to serve the interests of the American people – not his own – and his criminal actions for his own personal gain undermines the integrity of our public institutions,” said Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland. “Public trust is a hallmark of our nation’s values, so corruption within a federal government agency is intolerable. This office, along with our law-enforcement partners, will continue to pursue and prosecute corruption at every level to ensure accountability and protect public trust.”

    “The defendants sought to enrich themselves at the expense of the American taxpayers,” said Matthew R. Galeotti, Head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division.  “Their scheme violated the public trust by undermining the integrity of the Federal government’s procurement process.  Anybody that cares about good and effective government should be concerned about the waste, fraud, and abuse in government agencies, including USAID.  Those who engage in bribery schemes to exploit the U.S. Small Business Administration’s vital economic programs for small businesses—whether individuals or corporations acting through them—will be held to account.” 

    “The guilty verdicts reflect the FBI’s unwavering commitment to holding accountable all those who abuse the authority and responsibility of public service,” said Assistant Director Joe Perez of the FBI’s Criminal Division. “The actions of the defendants in this scheme serve to erode public trust. The FBI is focused on rebuilding this trust and protecting American taxpayers from corruption through investigations such as these.”

    “Corruption in government programs will not be tolerated. Watson abused his position of trust for personal gain while federal contractors engaged in a pay-to-play scheme,” said USAID OIG Acting Assistant Inspector General for Investigations Sean Bottary. “USAID OIG is firmly committed to rooting out fraud and corruption within U.S. foreign assistance programs. Today’s announcement underscores our unwavering focus on exposing criminal activity, including bribery schemes by those entrusted to faithfully award government contracts. We appreciate our longstanding partnership with the Department of Justice in holding accountable those who defraud American taxpayers.”    

    “Watson exploited his position at USAID to line his pockets with bribes in exchange for more than $550 million in contracts. While he helped three company owners and presidents bypass the fair bidding process, he was showered with cash and lavish gifts. Through its financial crime investigations, IRS-CI works to protect taxpayer dollars and ensure government funds are awarded based on merit—not corruption. In close coordination with our law enforcement partners, IRS-CI helped put an end to their greed and criminal conduct. Now, Watson and his co-conspirators will face justice,” said Guy Ficco, Chief, IRS Criminal Investigation.

    Overview of Bribery Scheme

    According to court documents, beginning in 2013, Watson, while a USAID contracting officer, agreed with Britt to receive bribes in exchange for using Watson’s influence to award contracts to Apprio. As a certified small business under the SBA 8(a) contracting program, which helps socially and economically disadvantaged businesses, Apprio could access lucrative federal contracting opportunities through set-asides and sole-source contracts exclusively available to eligible contractors without a competitive bid process.

    Vistant was a subcontractor to Apprio on one of the contracts awarded through Watson’s influence. After Apprio graduated from the SBA 8(a) program and it was no longer eligible to be a prime contractor for new contracts with USAID under this program, the scheme shifted so that Vistant became the prime contractor and Apprio became the subcontractor on USAID contracts awarded through Watson’s influence between 2018 and 2022.

    During the scheme, Britt and Barnes paid bribes to Watson that were often concealed by passing them through Young, who was the president of another subcontractor to Apprio and Vistant. Britt and Barnes also regularly funneled bribes to Watson, including cash, laptops, thousands of dollars in tickets to a suite at an NBA game, a country club wedding, downpayments on two residential mortgages, cellular phones, and jobs for relatives. The bribes were also often concealed through electronic bank transfers falsely listing Watson on payroll, incorporated shell companies, and false invoices. Watson is alleged to have received bribes valued at more than approximately $1 million as part of the scheme.

    In exchange for the bribe payments, Watson influenced the award of contracts to Apprio and Vistant by manipulating the procurement process at USAID through various means, including recommending their companies to other USAID decisionmakers for non-competitive contract awards, disclosing sensitive procurement information during the competitive bidding process, providing positive performance evaluations to a government agency, and approving decisions on the contracts, such as increased funding and a security clearance.

    Apprio and Vistant also agreed to resolve concurrently with the Justice Department in its separate Civil False Claims Act investigations relating to the bribery scheme.

    Overview of Vistant Securities Fraud Scheme

    According to court documents, in 2022, Barnes and Watson defrauded a licensed small business investment company (SBIC), in furtherance of the bribery scheme, by inducing it into executing a credit agreement with Vistant. Through the credit agreement, Barnes caused Vistant to issue stock warrants that, if exercised, would result in the SBIC having a 40% equity stake in Vistant. The credit agreement also provided for a $14 million loan to Vistant from which Barnes could pay himself a $10 million dividend. Prior to executing the credit agreement, Watson agreed at Barnes’s request to speak with the SBIC about Vistant’s performance as a government contractor on USAID contracts. When speaking with the SBIC, Watson omitted that Barnes had bribed Watson to obtain USAID contracts for years. Watson’s endorsement of Vistant thereafter induced the SBIC to enter into the credit agreement with Barnes.

    Overview of Apprio Securities Fraud Scheme

    According to court documents, in 2023, Apprio, acting through Britt, engaged in a scheme in which Apprio fraudulently induced a private equity firm, which had an investment pool that was licensed as a SBIC, to purchase from Apprio’s parent company a 20% equity stake in the company for $4 million and simultaneously extend it a $4 million loan secured by shares of Apprio stock. In addition to making false material representations in the stock purchase and loan agreements, Britt intentionally omitted during his negotiations the material fact that he had bribed Watson for years, which was intended to deceive and induce the private equity company into executing the agreements.

    Deferred Prosecution Agreements with Apprio and Vistant

    The Justice Department reached its resolution with Apprio based on several factors, including Apprio’s credit for clearly accepting responsibility for its criminal conduct, fully cooperating in the investigation and engaging in timely remedial measures. Based on these factors, the criminal penalty calculated under the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines reflects a 10% reduction off the bottom of the applicable Guidelines fine range pursuant to the Criminal Division Corporate Enforcement and Voluntary Self-Disclosure Policy (CEP). According to court documents, Apprio agreed that the appropriate criminal penalty based on the law and facts in its case is $51,673,185; however, Apprio also met its burden of establishing an inability to pay the criminal penalty sought. Based on the Justice Department’s independent analysis, it determined that paying a criminal penalty and civil settlement greater than $500,000 would substantially threaten the continued viability of Apprio. Accordingly, the Justice Department determined that the appropriate resolution of this case is a DPA and a payment of $500,000 in a civil settlement.

    Similarly, the Justice Department reached its resolution with Vistant based on a number of factors, including Vistant’s credit for clearly accepting responsibility for its criminal conduct and cooperating with the investigation. Although Vistant’s cooperation was initially delayed and limited, Vistant began to fully cooperate thereafter. Vistant also received credit for engaging in timely remedial measures. Based on these factors, the penalty calculated under the Guidelines reflects a 5% reduction off the bottom of the applicable Guidelines fine range pursuant to the CEP. Vistant agreed that the appropriate criminal penalty based on the law and facts in its case is $86,407,740; however, Vistant also met its burden of establishing an inability to pay the criminal penalty sought. Based on the Justice Department’s independent analysis, it determined that paying a criminal penalty and civil settlement greater than $100,000 would substantially threaten the continued viability of Vistant. Accordingly, the Justice Department determined that the appropriate resolution of this case is a DPA and a payment of $100,000 in a civil settlement.

    Watson faces a maximum sentence of 15 years in federal prison. His sentencing is scheduled for Oct. 6.  Young faces a maximum sentence of five years in federal prison. His sentencing is scheduled for Sept. 3.  Britt faces a maximum sentence of five years in federal prison. His sentencing is scheduled for July 28.  Barnes faces a maximum sentence of five years in federal prison. His sentencing is scheduled for Oct. 14.

    U.S. Attorney Hayes commended the FBI, USAID OIG, and IRS-CI who are investigating this case.

    Ms. Hayes also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Patrick D. Kibbe and Trial Attorneys Matt Kahn and Brandon Burkart, Department of Justice, Criminal Division Fraud Section, who are prosecuting the case.

    For more information about the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to report fraud, visit justice.gov/usao-md  and justice.gov/usao-md/community-outreach.

    # # #

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: Portman Ridge Announces Adjournment of Special Meeting of Stockholders to Allow Additional Time for Stockholders to Vote “FOR” the Share Issuance Proposal

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Stockholders of PTMN Who Have Voted Thus Far Have Expressed Strong Support for the Proposed Merger, with Favorability in Excess of 85%

    Logan Ridge Stockholders Approved Merger at its Special Meeting of Stockholders Held on June 20, 2025

    NEW YORK, June 20, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Portman Ridge Finance Corporation (NASDAQ: PTMN) (“Portman Ridge” or “PTMN”) announced today the adjournment of its Special Meeting of Stockholders (the “PTMN Special Meeting”) to provide stockholders with additional time to cast their vote to approve the share issuance proposal in connection with the proposed merger of Logan Ridge Finance Corporation (NASDAQ: LRFC) (“Logan Ridge” or “LRFC”) with and into PTMN (the “Share Issuance Proposal”).

    The PTMN Special Meeting, convened on June 20, 2025, has been adjourned and will reconvene on Friday, June 27, 2025, at 10:00 am ET. Stockholders of PTMN can attend the meeting and cast their votes by following the instructions outlined in the amended joint proxy statement. Alternatively, stockholders can also access the virtual meeting and vote by going to the following website: http://www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/PTMN2025SM, or by calling 1-833-218-3911 and providing the control number which is listed in the proxy card received.

    At the time the PTMN Special Meeting was adjourned, stockholders who had already cast their votes showed strong support for the Share Issuance Proposal, with favorability in excess of 85% of voting shares. Under PTMN’s organizational documents, the proposed merger requires the approval of a majority of the quorum of holders of PTMN Common Stock. Currently, over 48% of PTMN’s outstanding shares have voted or abstained from voting their shares. Accordingly, less than 2% of shares outstanding still need to vote or make an election to abstain from voting their shares in order to reach the required quorum threshold of a majority of PTMN Common Stock issued and outstanding. The Board of Directors of PTMN unanimously recommends that stockholders vote “FOR” the Share Issuance Proposal.

    On June 20, 2025, Logan Ridge stockholders voted to approve the merger with Portman Ridge, representing a key milestone in the proposed transaction. With this approval, the merger remains subject to the approval by the Portman Ridge stockholders of the Share Issuance Proposal and the satisfaction of other customary closing conditions.

    The record date for determining stockholders entitled to vote at the reconvened Special Meeting remains the close of business on May 6, 2025. Stockholders as of the record date are eligible to vote, even if they have subsequently sold their shares. Stockholders who have already voted do not need to take any further action. Proxies previously submitted will be voted at the reconvened meetings unless properly revoked.

    The Board of Directors of PTMN respectfully requests stockholders vote their proxies as soon as possible. Voting promptly will help ensure that the Special Meeting can proceed without further delays.

    Stockholders can access the joint proxy statement and prospectus by clicking HERE. Stockholders who have questions about the meeting date, joint proxy statement or about voting their shares should contact PTMN’s proxy solicitor, Broadridge, at 1-833-218-3911.

    About Portman Ridge Finance Corporation

    PTMN is a publicly traded, externally managed closed-end investment company that has elected to be regulated as a business development company under the Investment Company Act of 1940. PTMN’s middle market investment business originates, structures, finances and manages a portfolio of term loans, mezzanine investments and selected equity securities in middle market companies. PTMN’s investment activities are managed by its investment adviser, Sierra Crest Investment Management LLC, an affiliate of BC Partners Advisors L.P. PTMN’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), earnings releases, press releases and other financial, operational and governance information are available on Portman Ridge’s website at www.portmanridge.com.

    About Logan Ridge Finance Corporation

    LRFC is a business development company (a “BDC”) that invests primarily in first lien loans and, to a lesser extent, second lien loans and equity securities issued by lower middle-market companies. LRFC invests in performing, well-established middle-market businesses that operate across a wide range of industries. It employs fundamental credit analysis, targeting investments in businesses with relatively low levels of cyclicality and operating risk. For more information, visit www.loganridgefinance.com.

    About BC Partners Advisors L.P. and BC Partners Credit
    BC Partners Advisors L.P. (“BC Partners”) is a leading international investment firm in private equity, private credit and real estate strategies. Established in 1986, BC Partners has played an active role in developing the European buyout market for three decades.

    Today, BC Partners executives operate across markets as an integrated team through the firm’s offices in North America and Europe. For more information, please visit https://www.bcpartners.com/.

    BC Partners Credit was launched in February 2017 and has pursued a strategy focused on identifying attractive credit opportunities in any market environment and across sectors, leveraging the deal sourcing and infrastructure made available from BC Partners.

    Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

    Some of the statements in this communication constitute forward-looking statements because they relate to future events, future performance or financial condition. The forward-looking statements may include statements as to future operating results of PTMN and LRFC, and distribution projections; business prospects of PTMN and LRFC, and the prospects of their portfolio companies; and the impact of the investments that PTMN and LRFC expect to make. In addition, words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “expect,” “seek,” “plan,” “should,” “estimate,” “project” and “intend” indicate forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements include these words. The forward-looking statements contained in this communication involve risks and uncertainties. Certain factors could cause actual results and conditions to differ materially from those projected, including the uncertainties associated with (i) the ability of the parties to consummate the merger on the expected timeline, or at all; (ii) the expected synergies and savings associated with the merger; (iii) the ability to realize the anticipated benefits of the merger, including the expected elimination of certain expenses and costs due to the merger; (iv) the percentage of PTMN shareholders and LRFC shareholders voting in favor of the applicable Proposal (as defined below) submitted for their approval; (v) the possibility that competing offers or acquisition proposals will be made; (vi) the possibility that any or all of the various conditions to the consummation of the merger may not be satisfied or waived; (vii) risks related to diverting management’s attention from ongoing business operations; (viii) the combined company’s plans, expectations, objectives and intentions, as a result of the merger; (ix) any potential termination of the merger agreement; (x) the future operating results and net investment income projections of PTMN, LRFC or, following the closing of the merger, the combined company; (xi) the ability of Sierra Crest to implement its future plans with respect to the combined company; (xii) the ability of Sierra Crest and its affiliates to attract and retain highly talented professionals; (xiii) the business prospects of PTMN, LRFC or, following the closing of the merger, the combined company, and the prospects of their portfolio companies; (xiv) the impact of the investments that PTMN, LRFC or, following the closing of the merger, the combined company expect to make; (xv) the ability of the portfolio companies of PTMN, LRFC or, following the closing of the merger, the combined company to achieve their objectives; (xvi) the expected financings and investments and additional leverage that PTMN, LRFC or, following the closing of the merger, the combined company may seek to incur in the future; (xvii) the adequacy of the cash resources and working capital of PTMN, LRFC or, following the closing of the merger, the combined company; (xviii) the timing of cash flows, if any, from the operations of the portfolio companies of PTMN, LRFC or, following the closing of the merger, the combined company; (xix) the risk that stockholder litigation in connection with the merger may result in significant costs of defense and liability; and (xx) future changes in laws or regulations (including the interpretation of these laws and regulations by regulatory authorities). PTMN and LRFC have based the forward-looking statements included in this document on information available to them on the date hereof, and they assume no obligation to update any such forward-looking statements. Although PTMN and LRFC undertake no obligation to revise or update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, you are advised to consult any additional disclosures that they may make directly to you or through reports that PTMN and LRFC in the future may file with the SEC, including the Registration Statement and Joint Proxy Statement (in each case, as defined below), annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and current reports on Form 8-K.

    No Offer or Solicitation

    This communication is not, and under no circumstances is it to be construed as, a prospectus or an advertisement and the communication is not, and under no circumstances is it to be construed as, an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to purchase any securities in PTMN, LRFC or in any fund or other investment vehicle managed by BC Partners or any of its affiliates.

    Additional Information and Where to Find It

    This communication relates to the proposed merger of PTMN and LRFC and certain related matters (the “Proposals”). In connection with the Proposals, PTMN has filed a registration statement (Registration No. 333-285230) with the SEC (the “Registration Statement”) that contains a combined joint proxy statement for PTMN and LRFC and a prospectus of PTMN (the “Joint Proxy Statement”) and has mailed the Joint Proxy Statement to its and LRFC’s respective shareholders. The Registration Statement and Joint Proxy Statement contain important information about PTMN, LRFC and the Proposals. This communication does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities or a solicitation of any vote or approval. No offer of securities shall be made except by means of a prospectus meeting the requirements of Section 10 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. SHAREHOLDERS OF PTMN AND LRFC ARE URGED TO READ THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT, JOINT PROXY STATEMENT AND OTHER DOCUMENTS THAT ARE FILED OR WILL BE FILED WITH THE SEC, AS WELL AS ANY AMENDMENTS OR SUPPLEMENTS TO THESE DOCUMENTS, CAREFULLY AND IN THEIR ENTIRETY WHEN THEY BECOME AVAILABLE BECAUSE THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT PTMN, LRFC AND THE PROPOSALS. Investors and security holders will be able to obtain the documents filed with the SEC free of charge at the SEC’s website, http://www.sec.gov or, for documents filed by PTMN, from PTMN’s website at https://www.portmanridge.com, and, for documents filed by LRFC, from LRFC’s website at https://www.loganridgefinance.com.

    Participants in the Solicitation

    PTMN, its directors, certain of its executive officers and certain employees and officers of Sierra Crest and its affiliates may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies in connection with the Proposals. Information about the directors and executive officers of PTMN is set forth in its proxy statement for its 2025 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, which was filed with the SEC on April 29, 2025. LRFC, its directors, certain of its executive officers and certain employees and officers of Mount Logan and its affiliates may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies in connection with the Proposals. Information about the directors and executive officers of LRFC is set forth in the Annual Report on Form 10-K/A, which was filed with the SEC on April 29, 2025. Information regarding the persons who may, under the rules of the SEC, be considered participants in the solicitation of the PTMN and LRFC shareholders in connection with the Proposals will be contained in the Registration Statement, including the Joint Proxy Statement included therein, and other relevant materials when such documents become available. These documents may be obtained free of charge from the sources indicated above.

    Contacts:
    Portman Ridge Finance Corporation
    650 Madison Avenue, 3rd floor
    New York, NY 10022

    Brandon Satoren
    Chief Financial Officer
    Brandon.Satoren@bcpartners.com
    (212) 891-2880

    The Equity Group Inc.
    Lena Cati
    lcati@equityny.com
    (212) 836-9611

    Val Ferraro
    vferraro@equityny.com
    (212) 836-9633

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Conflict and Stocks – Israel and Iran Stock Markets Hit Record Highs Amid Conflict – Finbold

    Source: Finbold

    War is Bad for Stocks? Think Again.

    June 20, 2025 – Missiles struck the heart of Tel Aviv’s financial district yesterday, yet investors barely flinched. Defying conventional market logic, Israel’s stock indices surged to record highs, even as tensions with Iran escalated dramatically.

    Notably, shares of the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange itself (TASE.TA) climbed approximately 1.67% to close around 6,161 ILA, extending impressive year-to-date gains beyond 45%. Broader market indices also reached fresh 52-week peaks, with the prominent Tel Aviv-35 closing at approximately 2,834 points, and the Tel Aviv-125 index finishing around 2,850 points.

    Meanwhile, Iran’s Tehran Stock Exchange (TEDPIX) remained near its recent all-time highs around 3,035,000 points, despite a brief pullback triggered by recent conflict developments. TEDPIX’s dramatic year-over-year increase of roughly 46% has largely been driven by aggressive domestic monetary expansion and capital fleeing currency instability, rather than true economic strength.

    Finbold’s market analyst Jordan Major explained these unusual market dynamics:

    “Investors seem to be betting on resilience rather than peace. Israeli markets are buoyed by sector rotation into defense, cybersecurity, and commodities, alongside robust governmental support and expectations of swift, limited military retaliation. In Iran, however, market strength primarily reflects investors’ efforts to shield their capital from currency instability rather than genuine economic optimism.”

    For more information: https://finbold.com/israel-and-iran-stock-markets-at-all-time-highs/

    MIL OSI – Submitted News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congresswoman Harriet Hageman Celebrates Landmark 15th Town Hall of 2025

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Wyoming Congresswoman Harriet Hageman

    Washington, D.C. – U.S. Representative Harriet Hageman (WY-AL) today hosted her 15th town hall of the year, marking another milestone in her commitment to hold at least one meeting in each of Wyoming’s 23 counties annually. With two-thirds of counties already reached, Congresswoman Hageman is well on track to fulfill her promise for a third consecutive year.  

    “I promised to host a town hall in every county, every year, and I am continuing to honor that promise in 2025, just as I did in 2024. After several weeks in Washington, there were many issues to discuss, including the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, public lands, sanctuary cities, election reform, and so much more. I value the opportunity to hear ideas, feedback, and questions from my constituents. Thank you to everyone who showed up to one of my town halls this past week to ask questions and express your concerns,” said Hageman. 

    Look out for upcoming town halls near you by subscribing to Congresswoman Hageman’s newsletter at https://hageman.house.gov/join or by following her on social media @RepHageman.  

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: H.R. 3132, Certified Help Options in Claims Expertise for Veterans Act of 2025

    Source: US Congressional Budget Office

    Bill Summary

    H.R. 3132 would require the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to inform veterans and their survivors about organizations and people, such as attorneys and agents, that are accredited by the department to help them claim VA benefits. The bill also would establish a new accreditation process for people who assist applicants with filing claims for VA benefits. Finally, the bill would extend the reduction of pension payments for veterans and survivors who reside in Medicaid nursing homes.

    Estimated Federal Cost

    The estimated budgetary effects of H.R. 3132 are shown in Table 1. The costs of the legislation fall within budget functions 550 (health) and 700 (veterans benefits and services).

    Table 1.

    Estimated Budgetary Effects of H.R. 3132
     

    By Fiscal Year, Millions of Dollars

    		    
     

    2025

    2026

    2027

    2028

    2029

    2030

    2031

    2032

    2033

    2034

    2035

    2025-2030

    2025-2035
     

    Increases or Decreases (-) in Direct Spending

    		    

    Estimated Budget Authority

    *

    1

    *

    1

    *

    *

    1

    -20

    *

    *

    1

    2

    -16

    Estimated Outlays

    *

    1

    *

    1

    *

    *

    1

    -20

    *

    *

    1

    2

    -16
     

    Increases in Spending Subject to Appropriation

    		    

    Estimated Authorization

    *

    6

    1

    *

    1

    1

    *

    1

    1

    1

    *

    9

    12

    Estimated Outlays

    *

    4

    3

    *

    1

    1

    *

    1

    1

    1

    *

    9

    12

    Basis of Estimate

    For this estimate, CBO assumes that H.R. 3132 will be enacted in fiscal year 2025 and that outlays will follow historical spending patterns for affected programs.

    Provisions that Affect Spending Subject to Appropriation and Direct Spending

    Section 2 would require VA to provide additional information about organizations and people that are accredited by the department to help veterans and their survivors claim benefits. Specifically, VA must:

    • Notify applicants about VA-accredited representation if their initial applications do not indicate that they have such representation,
    • Provide information about limitations on fees that potential representatives may charge applicants on each VA web page through which those applicants may file benefit claims, and
    • Maintain an online tool that allows people claiming VA benefits to search for accredited representatives who may assist with those claims.

    CBO anticipates that VA would require additional information technology (IT) resources to notify claimants who lack representation that such assistance is available and to update the department’s website with information about fee limitations. Using information from VA, CBO estimates that it would cost $15 million over the 2025-2035 period to upgrade and maintain the department’s IT system. VA maintains a web portal through which claimants can search for accredited representation for benefit claims. Thus, that requirement would have no budgetary effect.

    CBO expects that some of the costs of implementing the bill would be paid from the Toxic Exposures Fund (TEF) established by Public Law 117-168, the Honoring our PACT Act. The TEF is a mandatory appropriation that VA uses to pay for health care, disability claims processing, medical research, and IT modernization that benefit veterans who were exposed to environmental hazards. Additional spending from the TEF would occur if legislation increases the costs of similar activities that benefit veterans with such exposure. Thus, in addition to increasing spending subject to appropriation, enacting section 2 would increase amounts paid from the TEF, which are classified as direct spending.

    CBO projects that the proportion of costs paid by the TEF will grow over time based on the amount of formerly discretionary appropriations that CBO expects will be provided through the mandatory appropriation as specified in the Honoring our PACT Act. CBO estimates that over the 2025-2035 period, implementing section 2 would increase spending subject to appropriation by $11 million and direct spending by $4 million. Most of those costs would occur within a few years of the bill’s enactment.

    Direct Spending and Revenues

    In addition to expanding benefits that would partly be covered by the TEF, the bill would affect direct spending by reducing pension payments to veterans and survivors who reside in Medicaid nursing homes. The bill also would establish a new accreditation program for organizations and people that help claimants for VA benefits. In total, the bill would decrease net direct spending by $16 million over the 2025-2035 period (See Table 2).

    Table 2.

    Estimated Changes in Direct Spending and Revenues Under H.R. 3132
     

    By Fiscal Year, Millions of Dollars

    		    
     

    2025

    2026

    2027

    2028

    2029

    2030

    2031

    2032

    2033

    2034

    2035

    2025-2030

    2025-2035

    Information Technology Improvements

    		                      

    Estimated Budget Authority

    *

    1

    *

    1

    *

    *

    1

    *

    *

    *

    1

    2

    4

    Estimated Outlays

    *

    1

    *

    1

    *

    *

    1

    *

    *

    *

    1

    2

    4

    Pensions

    		                      

    Estimated Budget Authority

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    -20

    0

    0

    0

    0

    -20

    Estimated Outlays

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    -20

    0

    0

    0

    0

    -20

    Total Changes

    		                        

    Estimated Budget Authority

    *

    1

    *

    1

    *

    *

    1

    -20

    *

    *

    1

    2

    -16

    Estimated Outlays

    *

    1

    *

    1

    *

    *

    1

    -20

    *

    *

    1

    2

    -16

    Pensions. Under current law, VA reduces pension payments to veterans and survivors who reside in Medicaid nursing homes to $90 per month. That required reduction expires November 30, 2031. Section 8 would extend that reduction for five months, through April 30, 2032. CBO estimates that extending that requirement would reduce VA benefits by $10 million per month. (Those benefits are paid from mandatory appropriations and are therefore considered direct spending.) As a result of that reduction in beneficiaries’ income, Medicaid would pay more of the cost of their care, increasing spending for that program by $6 million per month. Thus, enacting section 8 would reduce net direct spending by $20 million over the 2025-2035 period.

    Accreditation Process. H.R. 3132 would establish a new process for accrediting attorneys and agents to represent veterans and survivors who claim VA benefits. Under the bill, VA would be required to process applications within 180 days or temporarily accredit people whose applications are not processed in that time frame. The bill would authorize VA to charge applicants a fee of up to $500 for processing the application. Under current law, no guidelines exist concerning the time allotted to process applications for accreditation, and VA does not charge application fees.

    Application fees would be available to cover the costs of administering the accreditation program. Because collecting and spending those fees would not require further appropriation, they would be classified as decreases and increases in direct spending. CBO estimates that fee receipts would offset spending for the administration of the program. Thus, administering the new accreditation program would decrease net direct spending by less than $500,000 over the 2025-2035 period, CBO estimates.

    Fines. H.R. 3132 would permit accredited attorneys and agents to collect fees from veterans and their survivors for helping them file initial claims for benefits. Under current law, representatives may charge fees only to help appeal VA’s initial decision on a claim. The bill also would set limits on the fee amounts.

    Section 4 would establish fines for unaccredited people who charge fees for assisting with VA benefits claims and for people who charge fees that exceed permitted amounts. The section also would establish fines of up to $50,000 for people who are conditionally accredited by VA to assist with claims for benefits that violate any laws concerning those claims. The bill would make those fines available for expenditure without further appropriation. Collected fines would be recorded as revenues and the subsequent spending would be classified as direct spending. Based on information from VA, CBO estimates that few people would pay fines under the bill. As a result, CBO estimates that enacting section 4 would increase revenues and direct spending by insignificant amounts and, on net, decrease deficits by less than $500,000 over the 2025‑2035 period.

    Spending Subject to Appropriation

    In addition to the $11 million in spending subject to appropriation for information technology improvements discussed above under the heading “Provisions that Affect Spending Subject to Appropriation and Direct Spending,” section 5 of the bill would require the Government Accountability Office to report to the Congress on VA’s processes for accrediting attorneys and agents. The report would be due within one year of enactment. Based on the cost of similar studies, CBO estimates that the report would cost $1 million to complete. Thus, implementing the bill would cost $12 million over the 2025-2035 period, subject to the appropriation of the estimated amounts.

    Pay-As-You-Go Considerations

    The Statutory Pay-As-You-Go Act of 2010 establishes budget-reporting and enforcement procedures for legislation affecting direct spending or revenues. The net changes in outlays and revenues that are subject to those pay-as-you-go procedures are shown in Table 1.

    Increase in Long-Term Net Direct Spending and Deficits

    CBO estimates that enacting H.R. 3132 would not increase net direct spending by more than $2.5 billion in any of the four consecutive 10-year periods beginning in 2036.

    CBO estimates that enacting H.R. 3132 would not increase on‑budget deficits by more than $5 billion in any of the four consecutive 10-year periods beginning in 2036.

    Mandates

    H.R. 3132 would impose an intergovernmental mandate as defined in the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act (UMRA) by preempting state laws that regulate representation for veterans filing initial claims for benefits. CBO estimates that because the preemption would not result in additional expenditures or losses in revenues, it would not exceed the threshold established in UMRA for intergovernmental mandates ($103 million in 2025, adjusted annually for inflation). The legislation does not contain private-sector mandates as defined in UMRA.

    Previous CBO Estimate

    On May 16, 2025, CBO transmitted a cost estimate for H.R. 1578, the Veterans Claims Education Act of 2025, as ordered reported by the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs on May 6, 2025. Section 2 of H.R. 3132 is similar to section 2 of H.R. 1578 and CBO’s estimates for both are the same.

    Federal Costs: Logan Smith

    Mandates: Brandon Lever

    Estimate Reviewed By

    David Newman
    Chief, Defense, International Affairs, and Veterans’ Affairs Cost Estimates Unit

    Kathleen FitzGerald 
    Chief, Public and Private Mandates Unit

    Christina Hawley Anthony
    Deputy Director of Budget Analysis

    Phillip L. Swagel

    Director, Congressional Budget Office

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Delegation Applauds Passage of Alaska Native Legislation

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Alaska Lisa Murkowski

    06.20.25

    H.R. 42 and H.R. 43 Pass the U.S. Senate; headed to President’s Desk

    Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan, along with U.S. Representative Nick Begich (all R-Alaska), applauded Senate passage of two important bills—H.R. 42, the Alaska Native Settlement Trust Eligibility Act, and H.R. 43, the Alaska Native Village Municipal Lands Restoration Act of 2025. These bills previously passed the U.S. House of Representatives on February 4. Both pieces of legislation were led by Congressman Begich.

    H.R. 42 and H.R. 43 passed the U.S. Senate by unanimous consent, following floor remarks by Senator Murkowski. These measures uphold the promises made to Alaska Natives in the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA) and empower Alaska Native people to exercise self-determination over their lands and resources for the benefit of their communities.

    H.R. 42 amends ANCSA to exclude certain payments from Settlement Trusts to aged, blind, or disabled Alaska Natives or their descendants from being counted as income when determining eligibility for need-based federal programs.

    H.R. 43 amends ANCSA to end the requirement for Alaska Native village corporations to convey lands to the State of Alaska to be held “in trust” for future municipal governments.  In addition, the bill provides a process for village corporations to get the land back that they conveyed to the State.  These reconveyances or “reversions” will be subject to any valid existing rights created by the State Municipal Land Trust during its management of these village corporation lands.

    The bills now head to the President’s desk to be signed into law.

    “I’m very glad we could reach agreement to pass these important measures for Alaska Natives in the Senate. These are common sense bills that are long overdue—Alaska Natives who are aged, blind, or disabled will no longer have to choose between accepting the settlement trust income they are entitled to or qualifying for federal needs-based benefits. And with the passage of HR 43, we restore the ability of Alaska Native villages to make decisions about their lands and resources for the benefit of their communities,” said Senator Murkowski. “This has been a years-long effort to get these measures to the President’s desk. And I am proud to have led that effort and to it see it through.”

    “For the more than 50 years since ANCSA was signed into law, Alaska Native people have sustainably managed their lands, fostered world-class businesses that have become integral to Alaska’s economy, and helped Alaska Native communities preserve their unique cultures, languages and ways of life,” said Senator Sullivan. “Despite the enormous good ANCSA has done, the law was not perfect. Senator Murkowski, Congressman Begich and I have put forward legislation to address two oversights of ANCSA, giving Alaska Native communities more decision-making power over their lands and ensuring elder and disabled Alaska Native people are not unfairly excluded from the federal assistance they may need. I want to commend our Senate colleagues for unanimously supporting our legislation, and I look forward to these bills being signed into law soon.”

    “These bills represent the kind of meaningful, nonpartisan work that Alaskans sent me here to do,” said Congressman Begich. “We’ve corrected longstanding federal issues that have held Alaska Native communities back, and we’ve done it with strong support from both parties. These bills were about local decision-making and empowering communities to build their futures. My team and I have worked diligently since day one to move these bills through Congress, and I’m honored to be one of the only freshmen of the 119th Congress to send legislation to the President’s desk. This is a major victory for Alaskans, and a strong step forward towards greater self-determination and opportunity for Alaska Natives.”

    Legislative History:

    1. S. 2615, the Alaska Native Village Municipal Lands Restoration Act (S. 2615) was introduced on July 27, 2023.  The Subcommittee on Public Lands, Forests and Mining in the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources held a hearing on S. 2615 on October 25, 2023.  The Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources reported S. 2615 favorably, without amendment, to the full Senate on May 17, 2023.  (S. Rept 118-177) S. 2615 passed the Senate by unanimous consent on December 20, 2024. Similar legislation was introduced and considered in the Senate in the 116th Congress as part of S. 4889, the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act Fulfillment Act.
    2. S. 623, the Alaska Native Settlement Trust Eligibility Act (S. 623), was introduced on March 2, 2023.  The Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources reported the bill favorably without amendment to the full Senate on May 17, 2023.  (S. Rept 118-56) S. 623 passed the Senate by unanimous consent on December 20, 2024. Similar legislation was introduced and considered in the Senate in the 117th Congress and in the 116th Congress.  
    3. January 2025: Representative Begich introduced H.R. 42 and H.R. 43. They passed the House in February 2025. These were the first pieces of legislation introduced by Congressman Begich and the first pieces of legislation to be passed by a freshman member in the 119th Congress.
    4. June 2025: Senator Murkowski led the effort to pass both bills in the Senate by unanimous consent. Video of her full floor remarks can be found here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Q&A: Senate Legislates One Big Beautiful Bill

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Iowa Chuck Grassley

    Q: How will the Senate version of the One Big Beautiful Bill impact Iowans?

    A: Based on my county meetings, emails and phone calls, Iowans are paying close attention to the One Big Beautiful Bill moving through Congress. After passing the House of Representatives, the committees of jurisdiction in the Senate are now hammering out policy details on agriculture, taxes, immigration, health care and more. The bill is advancing in the Senate under the expedited reconciliation process that doesn’t require a 60-vote threshold and can’t include non-budgetary matters in the bill. As a senior member and former chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, I’ve had my sleeves rolled up at the policymaking table advocating on behalf of Iowans, including agriculture, energy, taxes, health care and more. This package is a generational opportunity to prevent the largest tax increase in U.S. history and restore fiscal sanity. Americans sent a strong message in the last election and delivered a mandate to President Trump and the Republican Majority in Congress. That mandate includes cutting government bloat, reining in wasteful spending and stopping the biggest tax increase in the history of the country.

    Let’s start with health care, in particular Medicaid. That’s the federal-state program that provides free or low-cost health care to individuals based on their income and family size, serving Americans with disabilities, seniors, kids, pregnant moms and others. A sizable majority of Americans supports efforts to stop wasteful spending that drains resources for people who truly need this safety net and puts an unfair burden on taxpayers. I’ve been a long-time champion for protecting the Medicaid program for the most vulnerable Iowans. This includes my work to pass the Family Opportunity Act and Advancing Care for Exceptional (ACE) Kids Act, and my continued work on supporting kids with complex medical needs and improving maternal and child health. The Senate bill includes measures to strengthen the integrity of the Medicaid program, delay costly Biden-era regulations, stop Obamacare subsidies from going to illegal immigrants and enacting work requirements for able-bodied adults with reasonable exemptions, such as parents with young kids.

    Contrary to misinformation campaigns seeking to stop these common-sense reforms from getting to the president’s desk, the Senate bill does not take away Medicaid from those who genuinely need it. In fact, our bill seeks to strengthen the program so that it can continue to serve vulnerable populations it was designed to serve. For example, it would stop people from taking advantage of Medicaid coverage in multiple states; remove safe harbor protections for those who make erroneous excess payments; and, ban Medicaid managed care PBM spread pricing, among many other common-sense program integrity provisions. Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) are the middlemen who negotiate prices with pharmaceutical companies, health insurance companies, employer benefit plans, pharmacies and the consumer. PBMs can raise prices consumers pay for their medications, and instead of passing that revenue along to the pharmacy, they pocket the difference, known as “spread pricing.” I’ve long worked to reduce prescription drug prices and I’m pleased to get this specific reform in the Senate bill.

    Q: What’s so critical about the tax provisions in the bill?

    A: Our bill makes the 2017 tax law permanent. If Congress does nothing, the U.S. economy will get strangled by a $4 trillion tax hike on American workers, small businesses, farmers and families. The last thing American households and small businesses need – after recovering from supply chain setbacks during the pandemic and record-setting inflation under the Biden administration – is a higher tax bill from the federal government. Letting the 2017 tax law expire would cut the child tax credit and standard deduction in half. Iowa families would see on average a $1,400 tax increase. It also would slap a massive tax increase on small businesses, slamming the brakes on hiring, investing and expanding in local communities across the country. Iowa would stand to lose 57,000 jobs and more than $5 billion in employee wages across the state.

    Instead, the Senate bill would provide additional tax relief to working families, making permanent across-the-board tax rates; expanding the child tax credit; strengthening employer-provided childcare credit; enhancing the standard deduction; and, making permanent the small business deduction. It adds new tax relief for tipped workers and hourly workers who earn overtime pay, repeals burdensome reporting requirements for gig workers (rolls back the proposed $600 threshold for online payment platforms) and reduces paperwork burdens for small businesses by increasing the 1099-MISC threshold. The Senate-backed pro-growth tax policies would fuel investment with full expensing for domestic research and development, new capital improvements (including machinery and equipment) and new factories and factory improvements. These measures would provide much-needed certainty for small businesses and factories across our state, concerns I hear about regularly during my county meetings.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: House of Commons passes One Canadian Economy Act

    Source: Government of Canada – Prime Minister

    Canada’s new government has a mandate to build big, build bold, and build now. Today, the Prime Minister, Mark Carney, welcomed the passing in the House of Commons of Bill C-5, One Canadian Economy Act.

    The legislation will build one strong Canadian economy by:

    • Removing federal barriers to internal trade and labour mobility, helping goods, services, workers, and businesses move freely across provinces and territories.
    • Expediting nation-building projects that will connect and transform our country and unleash economic growth while ensuring environmental protections and Indigenous rights are upheld.
    • Working with Indigenous Peoples through consultation and engagement to build shared prosperity.

    Taken together, these measures will create and connect Canadians to good-paying careers and more prosperity. The Prime Minister shared an update on this work with the premiers of the provinces and territories during their meeting earlier today. The leaders agreed to stay in close contact as they reinforce Canada’s strength at home.

    Indigenous partnership is a critical component of this legislation, and fulsome consultation will be pivotal to the success of future projects. The Government of Canada is committed to respecting the rights of Indigenous Peoples recognized and affirmed by section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982 and the rights set out in the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. To this end, Prime Minister Carney will be meeting with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis over the coming weeks.

    Bill C-5 now moves to the Senate for consideration and brings us one step closer to removing federal barriers to free trade by Canada Day.

    Quotes

    “Today’s passing of Bill C-5, One Canadian Economy Act, will remove trade barriers, expedite nation-building projects, and unleash economic growth, with Indigenous partnership at the centre of this growth. It’s time to build big, build bold, and build now. As Canadians, we can give ourselves more than any foreign nation can ever take away.”

    “The adoption of Bill C-5 by the House of Commons is a crucial step in building one Canadian economy and getting big projects built faster. Thank you to colleagues who supported this legislation – you are helping build a stronger Canada.”

    “This legislation is about building a stronger, more united Canada. Let’s build trust, tear down internal trade barriers, and create one single economy – from coast to coast to coast. Together, we’re building a stronger Canada, for everyone.”

    “I am pleased to see the One Canadian Economy Act achieve this milestone. This Act means we are no longer asking ‘Why build?’, but instead ‘How do we get it done?’. We are removing barriers, leveraging Canada’s resources and talented workers, centring Indigenous consultation and equity, and continuing to fight climate change – all to get building and to become an energy superpower. In the new economy we are building, Canada will be defined by delivery, not delay.”

    “Indigenous Peoples’ voices are at the table where discussions are happening, and decisions are made. This government understands that Indigenous Peoples have the right to determine their future. As the first Indigenous Minister of Indigenous Services, I understand the importance of relationship moving forward – and I am pleased to see the Prime Minister has determined this as a priority and a critical part of the work ahead.”

    Related Product

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Mike Levin’s Statement on the Supreme Court’s Spent Nuclear Fuel Ruling

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Mike Levin (CA-49)

    June 18, 2025

    Washington, D.C.–Today, Rep. Mike Levin (CA-49) released the following statement in response to the Supreme Court’s ruling in NRC v. Texas, which concerned the temporary storage of spent nuclear fuel:

    “Today’s Supreme Court ruling on the issue of spent nuclear fuel underscores the need for Congressional action. While I appreciate the Court’s decision to uphold the Nuclear Regulatory Commission’s authority to license storage facilities, this decision is not sufficient to advance efforts addressing the broader societal challenges of spent nuclear fuel.

    “As the current Administration seeks to unleash a nuclear renaissance, there remains no solution the back end of the fuel cycle—both existing and future. With or without the Administration’s efforts, our nation already has 90,000 metric tons and growing of spent nuclear fuel with no permanent management plan.

    “Congress must act to pave the way for the successful siting and community acceptance of storage and disposal facilities. We must end a top-down approach to spent nuclear fuel and pass legislation – like my bipartisan Nuclear Waste Administration Act – to empower negotiations between all levels of government. I will not stop until the job is done.”

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Minister Anand and United Arab Emirates’ Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs strengthen bilateral relationship

    Source: Government of Canada News

    June 20, 2025- Ottawa, Ontario – Global Affairs Canada

    The Honourable Anita Anand, Minister of Foreign Affairs, met yesterday with His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

    The Ministers underscored the strength of the two countries’ bilateral relationship and expressed a shared ambition to continue building a durable partnership for the future. They noted their countries celebrated the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2024.

    The Ministers discussed opportunities to expand already strong economic ties and they committed to deepening their collaboration on trade, investment and innovation.

    The Ministers also exchanged views on key geopolitical challenges, expressing deep concern over the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran and emphasizing the need for de-escalation. They also discussed the ongoing conflict in Gaza, underscoring the importance of increased humanitarian aid, reducing tensions and creating conditions for regional peace, security and prosperity. Minister Anand thanked His Highness Sheikh Abdullah for the UAE’s critical role in mediating the exchange of prisoners of war between Ukraine and the Russian Federation.

    The Ministers agreed to stay in close contact and Minister Anand expressed her interest in reciprocating His Highness Sheikh Abdullah’s visit.

    Associated links

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Government of Canada officials to provide technical briefing on the Prime Minister’s participation in the Canada-EU Summit and NATO Summit

    Source: Government of Canada News

    Ottawa, Ontario – June 20, 2025 – Media are invited to a virtual briefing by senior government officials on the Prime Minister’s upcoming participation in the Canada-EU Summit and NATO Summit. Information provided at the technical briefing is for attribution to senior officials. Video and audio recording of the briefing for the purpose of broadcast is prohibited.

    Technical Briefing  
    Date: Saturday, June 21, 2025
    Time: 3:00 p.m. ET
    Location: Virtual

    Details: This event is for accredited members of the Press Gallery only. Media who are not members of the Press Gallery may contact pressres2@parl.gc.ca to request temporary access.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: NCDHHS Director of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities and Substance Use Services on Elimination of Federal Funding for 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline Dedicated to LGBTQ+ Youth Services

    Source: US State of North Carolina

    Headline: NCDHHS Director of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities and Substance Use Services on Elimination of Federal Funding for 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline Dedicated to LGBTQ+ Youth Services

    NCDHHS Director of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities and Substance Use Services on Elimination of Federal Funding for 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline Dedicated to LGBTQ+ Youth Services
    hejones1

    The United States Department of Health and Human Services recently announced it would eliminate federal funding for the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline service dedicated to LGBTQ+ youth services. On July 17, 2025, people who call 988 will no longer have the option to Press 3, specific to LGBTQ+ youth considering suicide. In response, and to reaffirm North Carolina’s commitment to serving everyone who calls 988 for crisis care, Kelly Crosbie, NCDHHS Director of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities and Substance Use Services, released the following statement.

    “The need for mental health care for young people in North Carolina has never been greater, and we are committed to reaching every person in every community in every corner of our state. North Carolina is a national leader in 988 implementation, with calls being answered in under 14 seconds on average, with every call being answered. This will not end with the elimination of federal dollars to support the 988 option to press 3 for the LGBTQ+ community. More than 8,000 North Carolinians call the 988 Lifeline each month for support. Everyone can and should still call 988, including members of the LGBTQ+ community. Experienced and trained 988 operators will respond to all calls and ensure that people receive the support and resources that they need.

    Suicide is the second leading cause of death among young people aged 10 to 14, and a leading cause of death among 15–24-year-olds. LGBTQ+ young people are more than four times as likely to attempt suicide than their peers. In North Carolina, there will always be someone to call, someone to respond and somewhere to go if you are in crisis or just need someone to talk to.

    In addition to being a national leader in crisis care, we are working to transform mental health care in North Carolina to build a system that works for everyone and supports people through their mental and behavioral health journey.”

    ###

    If you or someone you know is struggling with their mental health or need someone to talk to, you are not alone. Resources are available on the NCDHHS Suicide Prevention website for social or family situations, depression, anxiety, panic attacks, thoughts of suicide, alcohol or drug use, or if you just need someone to talk to. Our Crisis Services Communications Toolkit includes free flyers, posters and other resources to promote and explain crisis services in your community in English and Spanish.

    • For those in a mental health crisis, NCDHHS provides somewhere to go, someone to talk to and someone to respond. The 988 Lifeline Chat and Text – 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is free, confidential, and available to everyone 24/7 by call, text, or chat. Targeted resources are available for Veterans, Spanish speakers, and currently for LGBTQ+ youth and young adults.
    • North Carolinians can call the Peer Warmline (1-855-PEERS NC [855-733-7762]) 24/7 to speak with a Peer Support Specialist. Peer Support Specialists (or “peers”) are people living in recovery with mental illness and/or substance use disorder who provide support to others who may have similar life experiences and can benefit from their lived experiences.
    • NCDHHS crisis services include mobile crisis teams that can come to you and community crisis centers, which are safe places where you can get help from a licensed clinician, without needing to go to the emergency room.

    El Departamento de Salud y Servicios Humanos de los Estados Unidos anunció recientemente que eliminaría los fondos federales para el servicio de la Línea 988 de Prevención del Suicidio y Crisis (988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline) dedicado a los servicios juveniles LGBTQ+. El 17 de julio de 2025, las personas que llamen al 988 ya no tendrán la opción de oprimir 3, específicamente para los jóvenes LGBTQ+ que estén considerando suicidarse. En respuesta, y para reafirmar el compromiso de Carolina del Norte de servir a todos los que llaman al 988 para atención de crisis, Kelly Crosbie, Directora de Salud Mental, Discapacidades del Desarrollo y Servicios de Uso de Sustancias de NCDHHS, emitió la siguiente declaración.

    “La necesidad de atención de salud mental para los jóvenes en Carolina del Norte nunca ha sido mayor, y estamos comprometidos a llegar a cada persona en cada comunidad en cada rincón de nuestro estado. Carolina del Norte es un líder nacional en la implementación de la Línea 988, con llamadas que se responden en menos de 14 segundos en promedio, y cada llamada se responde. Esto no terminará con la eliminación de los dólares federales que apoya la opción de la Línea 988 y oprimir 3 para la comunidad LGBTQ+. Más de 8000 habitantes de Carolina del Norte llaman a la línea 988 cada mes para obtener ayuda. Todos pueden y deben llamar al 988, incluidos los miembros de la comunidad LGBTQ+. Las/Los operadoras (operadores) de la línea 988 capacitados y con experiencia responderán a todas las llamadas y se asegurarán de que las personas reciban el apoyo y los recursos que necesitan.

    El suicidio es la segunda causa de muerte entre los jóvenes de 10 a 14 años, y una de las principales causas de muerte entre los jóvenes de 15 a 24 años. Los jóvenes LGBTQ+ tienen más de cuatro veces más probabilidades de intentar suicidarse que sus compañeros. En Carolina del Norte, siempre habrá alguien a quien llamar, alguien quien responderá y un lugar a donde ir si está en crisis o simplemente necesita a alguien con quien hablar.

    Además de ser un líder nacional en atención de crisis, estamos trabajando para transformar la atención de salud mental en Carolina del Norte para construir un sistema que funcione para todos y apoye a las personas en su viaje de salud mental y conductual”.

    ###

    Si usted o alguien que conoce está luchando con su salud mental o necesita a alguien con quien hablar, no está solo. Los recursos están disponibles en el sitio web de NCDHHS de Prevención del Suicidio para situaciones sociales o con familiares, depresión, ansiedad, ataques de pánico, pensamientos de suicidio, consumo de alcohol o drogas, o si solo necesita a alguien con quien hablar. Nuestro Kit de herramientas de comunicaciones de servicios de crisis incluye volantes gratuitos, pósteres y otros recursos para promocionar y explicar servicios de crisis en su comunidad en inglés y español.

    • Para aquellos en una crisis de salud mental, el NCDHHS proporciona un lugar a donde ir, alguien con quien hablar y alguien quien responderá. La Línea 988 chat y texto 988 es la Línea 988 de Prevención del Suicidio y Crisis (Lifeline Chat and Text – 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) es gratuita, confidencial y está disponible para todas las 24 horas del día, los 7 días de la semana, por llamada, mensaje de texto o chat. Los recursos específicos están disponibles para veteranos, hispanohablantes y actualmente para jóvenes y adultos jóvenes LGBTQ+.
    • Los habitantes de Carolina del Norte pueden llamar a la Línea de Ayuda entre Pares (1-855-PEERS NC [855-733-7762]) las 24 horas del día, los 7 días de la semana, para hablar con un Especialista en Apoyo Entre Pares. Los especialistas en apoyo entre pares (o “pares”) son personas que viven en recuperación con enfermedades mentales y/o trastornos por uso de sustancias que brindan apoyo a otras personas que pueden tener experiencias de vida similares y pueden beneficiarse de sus experiencias vividas.
    • Los servicios de crisis de NCDHHS incluyen equipos móviles de crisis que pueden acudir a usted y a centros comunitarios de crisis, que son lugares seguros donde puede obtener ayuda de un médico autorizado, sin necesidad de ir a la sala de emergencias.
    Jun 20, 2025

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Duluth Man Indicted for Threatening Two U.S. Senators and Their Families

    Source: US FBI

    ATLANTA – Robert Davis Forney, 25, of Duluth, Georgia, was arraigned today before a United States Magistrate Judge on federal charges of communicating threats in interstate commerce.  Forney was indicted by a federal grand jury seated in the Northern District of Georgia on June 10, 2025. 

    “Threatening our elected officials and their families is an act of violence that undermines our entire democracy,” said U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg.  “Political discourse and disagreements never justify resorting to vile attacks against our nation’s leaders.”

    “Targeting public officials with threatening messages is a serious federal crime,” said FBI Atlanta Special Agent in Charge Paul Brown. “There is no place for political violence or threats of violence in the United States. We will not hesitate to arrest and charge others who engage in similar criminal conduct.”

    According to U.S. Attorney Hertzberg, the charges, and other information presented in court: On January 9, 2025, Forney twice called the office of Texas U.S. Senator Ted Cruz and left voicemails in which he threatened sexual violence against Senator Cruz and the senator’s family.  The following day, Forney called the office of Nebraska U.S. Senator Deb Fischer and left a voicemail in which he threatened sexual violence against Senator Fischer as well.  

    Members of the public are reminded that the indictment only contains charges.  The defendant is presumed innocent of the charges, and it will be the government’s burden to prove the defendant’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at trial.

    This case is part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys Bret R. Hobson and Brent Alan Gray are prosecuting the case.

    This case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the United States Capitol Police.

    For further information please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at USAGAN.PressEmails@usdoj.gov or (404) 581-6280. The Internet address for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia is http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Former Sunset Chief of Police Sentenced for Federal Civil Rights Violation

    Source: US FBI

    LAFAYETTE, La. – Acting United States Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook announced that Luis Enrique Padilla a/k/a Louis Padilla, former Chief of Police of the Sunset Police Department has been sentenced by United States District Judge David C. Joseph. Padilla was sentenced to six months home incarceration with GPS monitoring, and five years of probation, for willfully using unreasonable force against an individual violating his civil rights.   

    Padilla pled guilty in March to a one-count Bill of Information charging him with deprivation of rights under color of law and agreed to resign and not run for re-election as part of his plea deal. Padilla had been employed as the Chief of Police of the Sunset Police Department since 2016. According to information presented in court, on December 1, 2023, while acting under the color of law, Padilla used unreasonable force against an individual during an arrest.

    Padilla was on duty and involved in an investigation concerning a hit and run and reported to the residence of the suspect, who was identified as a black female. Upon Padilla’s arrival at the residence, a male was standing outside of the residence. This individual was not aware of the alleged hit and run incident and did not match the physical description of the suspect.  Padilla immediately approached the male in an aggressive manner and placed him in handcuffs. The individual did not resist in any way or pose a threat to himself of any officer.

    While handcuffed, Padilla poked the individual in the chest and neck area and began to yell at him. Padilla continued to yell in the individual’s face and threatened to show him that he was “a bad man.” The victim never reacted to Padilla’s tirade. While he was handcuffed, Padilla then warned “let me show you how bad I am” and proceeded to forcefully twist the victim’s left thumb and wrist, causing pain to the handcuffed individual who was unlawfully detained. 

    Padilla admitted to willfully using unreasonable force under the circumstances. The suspect was taken to the Sunset Police Department and released without being charged. 

    The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Myers P. Namie.

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