NewzIntel.com

Category: Politics

  • MIL-OSI: Purpose Investments Inc. Announces May 2025 Distributions

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TORONTO, May 20, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Purpose Investments Inc. (“Purpose”) is pleased to announce distributions for the month of May 2025 for its open-end exchange traded funds and closed-end funds (“the Funds”).

    The ex-distribution date for all Open-End Funds is May 28, 2025. The ex-distribution date for all closed-end funds is May 30, 2025.   

    Open-End Funds Ticker
    Symbol    		 Distribution
    per share/unit    		 Record
    Date    		 Payable
    Date    		 Distribution
    Frequency
    Apple (AAPL) Yield Shares Purpose ETF – ETF Units APLY $0.1667 05/28/2025 06/03/2025 Monthly
    Purpose Canadian Financial Income Fund – ETF Series BNC $0.1225¹ 05/28/2025 06/03/2025 Monthly
    Berkshire Hathaway (BRK) Yield Shares Purpose ETF – ETF Units BRKY $0.1000 05/28/2025 06/03/2025 Monthly
    Purpose Bitcoin Yield ETF – ETF Units BTCY $0.0850 05/28/2025 06/03/2025 Monthly
    Purpose Bitcoin Yield ETF – ETF Non-Currency Hedged Units BTCY.B $0.0970 05/28/2025 06/03/2025 Monthly
    Purpose Bitcoin Yield ETF – ETF USD Units BTCY.U US $0.0815 05/28/2025 06/03/2025 Monthly
    Purpose Credit Opportunities Fund – ETF Units CROP $0.0875 05/28/2025 06/03/2025 Monthly
    Purpose Credit Opportunities Fund – ETF USD Units CROP.U US $0.0975 05/28/2025 06/03/2025 Monthly
    Purpose Ether Yield – ETF Units ETHY $0.0405 05/28/2025 06/03/2025 Monthly
    Purpose Ether Yield ETF – ETF Non-Currency Hedged Units ETHY.B $0.0500 05/28/2025 06/03/2025 Monthly
    Purpose Ether Yield ETF – ETF Units Non-Currency Hedged USD Units ETHY.U US $0.0395 05/28/2025 06/03/2025 Monthly
    Purpose Global Flexible Credit Fund – ETF Units FLX $0.0461 05/28/2025 06/03/2025 Monthly
    Purpose Global Flexible Credit Fund – Non-Currency Hedged – ETF Units FLX.B $0.0551 05/28/2025 06/03/2025 Monthly
    Purpose Global Flexible Credit Fund – Non-Currency Hedged USD – ETF Units FLX.U US $0.0385 05/28/2025 06/03/2025 Monthly
    Purpose Global Bond Class – ETF Units IGB $0.0860¹ 05/28/2025 06/03/2025 Monthly
    Microsoft (MSFT) Yield Shares Purpose ETF – ETF units MSFY $0.1100 05/28/2025 06/03/2025 Monthly
    Purpose Enhanced Premium Yield Fund – ETF Series PAYF $0.1375¹ 05/28/2025 06/03/2025 Monthly
    Purpose Total Return Bond Fund – ETF Series PBD $0.0590¹ 05/28/2025 06/03/2025 Monthly
    Purpose Core Dividend Fund – ETF Series PDF $0.1050¹ 05/28/2025 06/03/2025 Monthly
    Purpose Enhanced Dividend Fund – ETF Series PDIV $0.0950¹ 05/28/2025 06/03/2025 Monthly
    Purpose Real Estate Income Fund – ETF Series PHR $0.0720¹ 05/28/2025 06/03/2025 Monthly
    Purpose International Dividend Fund – ETF Series PID $0.0780 05/28/2025 06/03/2025 Monthly
    Purpose Monthly Income Fund – ETF Series PIN $0.0830¹ 05/28/2025 06/03/2025 Monthly
    Purpose Multi-Asset Income Fund – ETF Units PINC $0.0840 05/28/2025 06/03/2025 Monthly
    Purpose Conservative Income Fund – ETF Series PRP $0.0600¹ 05/28/2025 06/03/2025 Monthly
    Purpose Premium Yield Fund – ETF Series PYF $0.1100¹ 05/28/2025 06/03/2025 Monthly
    Purpose Premium Yield Fund Non-Currency Hedged – ETF Series PYF.B $0.1230¹ 05/28/2025 06/03/2025 Monthly
    Purpose Premium Yield Fund Non-Currency Hedged – ETF USD Series PYF.U US $0.1200¹ 05/28/2025 06/03/2025 Monthly
    Purpose Core Equity Income Fund – ETF Series RDE $0.0875¹ 05/28/2025 06/03/2025 Monthly
    Purpose Emerging Markets Dividend Fund – ETF Units REM $0.0950 05/28/2025 06/03/2025 Monthly
    Purpose Canadian Preferred Share Fund – ETF Units RPS $0.0950 05/28/2025 06/03/2025 Monthly
    Purpose US Preferred Share Fund – ETF Series RPU $0.0940 05/28/2025 06/03/2025 Monthly
    Purpose US Preferred Share Fund Non-Currency Hedged – ETF Units2 RPU.B / RPU.U $0.0940 05/28/2025 06/03/2025 Monthly
    Purpose Strategic Yield Fund – ETF Units SYLD $0.0970 05/28/2025 06/03/2025 Monthly
    AMD (AMD) Yield Shares Purpose ETF – ETF Series YAMD $0.2000 05/28/2025 06/03/2025 Monthly
    Amazon (AMZN) Yield Shares Purpose ETF- ETF Units YAMZ $0.4000 05/28/2025 06/03/2025 Monthly
    Broadcom (AVGO) Yield Shares Purpose ETF – ETF Series YAVG $0.1500 05/28/2025 06/03/2025 Monthly
    Coinbase (COIN) Yield Shares Purpose ETF – ETF Series YCON $0.3000 05/28/2025 06/03/2025 Monthly
    Costco (COST) Yield Shares Purpose ETF – ETF Series YCST $0.1000 05/28/2025 06/03/2025 Monthly
    Alphabet (GOOGL) Yield Shares Purpose ETF – ETF Units YGOG $0.2500 05/28/2025 06/03/2025 Monthly
    Tech Innovators Yield Shares Purpose ETF – ETF Series YMAG $0.2000 05/28/2025 06/03/2025 Monthly
    META (META) Yield Shares Purpose ETF – ETF Series YMET $0.1600 05/28/2025 06/03/2025 Monthly
    Netflix (NFLX) Yield Shares Purpose ETF – ETF Series YNET $0.1100 05/28/2025 06/03/2025 Monthly
    NVIDIA (NVDA) Yield Shares Purpose ETF – ETF Units YNVD $0.7500 05/28/2025 06/03/2025 Monthly
    Palantir (PLTR) Yield Shares Purpose ETF – ETF Series YPLT $0.2500 05/28/2025 06/03/2025 Monthly
    Tesla (TSLA) Yield Shares Purpose ETF – ETF Units YTSL $0.5500 05/28/2025 06/03/2025 Monthly
    UnitedHealth Group (UHN) Yield Shares Purpose ETF – ETF Series YUNH $0.1100 05/28/2025 06/03/2025 Monthly
               
    Closed-End Funds Ticker
    Symbol    		 Distribution
    per share/unit    		 Record
    Date    		 Payable
    Date    		 Distribution
    Frequency
    Big Banc Split Corp, Class A BNK $0.1200¹ 05/30/2025 06/13/2025 Monthly
    Big Banc Split Corp – Preferred Shares BNK.PR.A $0.0700¹ 05/30/2025 06/13/2025 Monthly


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

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

    Open-End Fund Ticker
    Symbol    		 Final distribution
    per unit    		 Record
    Date    		 Payable
    Date    		 Distribution
    Frequency
    Purpose USD Cash Management Fund – ETF Units MNU.U US $ 0.3528 05/28/2025 06/03/2025 Monthly
    Purpose Cash Management Fund – ETF Units MNY $0.2370 05/28/2025 06/03/2025 Monthly
    Purpose High Interest Savings Fund – ETF Units PSA $0.1068 05/28/2025 06/03/2025 Monthly
    Purpose US Cash Fund – ETF Units PSU.U US $ 0.3495 05/28/2025 06/03/2025 Monthly

    Purpose expects to issue a press release on or about May 27, 2025, which will provide the final distribution rate for Purpose USD Cash Management Fund, Purpose Cash Management Fund, Purpose High Interest Savings Fund, and Purpose US Cash Fund. The ex-distribution date will be May 28, 2025.

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


    About Purpose Investments Inc.

    Purpose Investments is an asset management company with more than $21 billion in assets under management. Purpose Investments has an unrelenting focus on client-centric innovation and offers a range of managed and quantitative investment products. Purpose Investments is led by well-known entrepreneur Som Seif and is a division of Purpose Unlimited, an independent technology-driven financial services company.

    For further information please contact:
    Keera Hart
    Keera.Hart@kaiserpartners.com
    905-580-1257

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

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-Evening Report: NZ Budget 2025: science investment must increase as a proportion of GDP for NZ to innovate and compete

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Nicola Gaston, Director of the MacDiarmid Institute for Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology, University of Auckland, Waipapa Taumata Rau

    Shutterstock/Olivier Le Queinec

    A lack of strategy and research funding – by both the current and previous governments – has been well documented, most comprehensively in the first report by the Science System Advisory Group (SSAG), released late last year.

    If there is one word that sums up the current state of New Zealan’s research sector, it is scarcity. As the report summarises:

    We have an underfunded system by any international comparison. This parsimony has led to harmful inter-institutional competition in a manner that is both wastefully expensive in terms of process and scarce researcher time, and is known to inhibit the most intellectually innovative ideas coming forward, and of course it is these that can drive a productive innovation economy.

    The government expects research to contribute to economic growth, but policy and action undermine the sector’s capacity to do so.

    The latest example is last week’s cancellation of the 2026 grant application round of the NZ$55 million Endeavour Fund “as we transition to the science, innovation and technology system of the future”. Interrupting New Zealand’s largest contestable source of science funding limits opportunities for researchers looking for support for new and emerging ideas.

    Changes to the Marsden Fund, set up 30 years ago to support fundamental research, removed all funding for social science and the humanities and shifted focus to applied research. This is despite fundamental research in all fields underpinning innovation and the international ranking of our universities.

    New Zealand has an opportunity to change its economy based on the potential of emerging sectors such as artificial intelligence, cleantech and quantum technologies. Other countries, including Australia and the United Kingdom, already consider quantum technologies a priority and fund them accordingly.

    But when it comes to strategy, the composition of the boards of new Public Research Organisations, set up as part of the government’s science sector reform, are skewed towards business experience. Where there is scientific expertise, it tends to be in established industries. The governance of the proposed new entity to focus on emerging and advanced technologies is yet to be announced.

    Critical mass requires funding and strategy

    Scientists have been calling for a science investment target of 2% of GDP for a long time. It was once – roughly a decade ago – the average expenditure within the OECD; this has since increased to 2.7% of GDP, while New Zealand’s investment remains at 1.5%.

    The SSAG report repeatedly refers to the lack of funding, and it would be the obvious thing to see addressed in this year’s budget. But expectations have already been lowered by the government’s insistence there will be no new money.

    The report’s second high-level theme is the engagement of government with scientific strategy. Government announcements to date seem focused on attracting international investment through changes to tax settings and regulation. I would argue this is a matter of focusing on the wrapping rather than the present: the system itself needs to be attractive to investors.

    Creating a thriving research sector is also a matter of scale. International cooperation is one way for New Zealand to access efficiencies of scale. And work on building international partnerships is one area of positive intent. But we need to look at our connectivity nationally as well, and use investment to build this further.

    Countries with greater GDPs than New Zealand’s invest much more in research as a proportion of GDP. It means the size of these other countries’ scientific ecosystems – if measured by total expenditure – is three to four times New Zealand’s on a per capita basis.

    A matter of scale

    Per-capita scale matters because it tells us how easy it is for researchers to find someone else with the right skillset or necessary equipment. It tells us how likely it is for a student to find an expert in New Zealand to teach them, rather than needing to go overseas.

    And it tells us how quickly start-up companies in emerging technologies will be able to find the skilled employees they need. A thriving university system that attracts young people to develop the research skills needed by advanced technology companies is a key part of this challenge.

    The government’s science sector reform aims to increase its contribution to economic growth. But research contributes to economic growth when scientists can really “lean in” with confidence to commercialising and translating their science.

    That can’t happen if budgets don’t fund the critical mass, connectivity and resources to stimulate the transition to a thriving science system.

    Nicola Gaston receives funding from the Tertiary Education Commission as the Director of the MacDiarmid Institute for Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology. She also receives funding from the Marsden Fund. All research funding goes to the University of Auckland to pay the costs of the research she is employed to do.

    – ref. NZ Budget 2025: science investment must increase as a proportion of GDP for NZ to innovate and compete – https://theconversation.com/nz-budget-2025-science-investment-must-increase-as-a-proportion-of-gdp-for-nz-to-innovate-and-compete-255591

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Protect Children’s Innocence Act

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene (GA, 14)

    Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene has reintroduced her landmark legislation, the Protect Children’s Innocence Act, a bold step to end the barbaric practice of so-called “gender-affirming care” for minors. This legislation, now designated as H.R. 3492, criminalizes genital mutilation, chemical castration, and all sex-change procedures performed on children.

    The Protect Children’s Innocence Act strengthens and codifies President Donald J. Trump’s executive order banning gender transition procedures for minors. Together, this legislation and the President’s action send a clear message: the federal government will no longer tolerate the abuse and exploitation of children by the radical gender ideology of the Left.

    “Left-wing activists and medical institutions are targeting America’s children with dangerous drugs, disfiguring surgeries, and permanent sterilization,” said Congresswoman Greene. “My bill stops the mutilation of kids and holds those responsible for performing or facilitating these barbaric procedures accountable.”

    The bill is scheduled to be marked up in the House Judiciary Committee at 10 AM tomorrow, a critical step toward bringing it to the House floor for a vote.

    When Congresswoman Greene first introduced this bill in 2022, she was joined by Chloe Cole, a courageous young woman who began “gender-affirming care” at age 13 and underwent a double mastectomy at 15. Chloe detransitioned at 16 and is now a vocal advocate for protecting vulnerable youth from irreversible harm. Watch Chloe’s powerful testimony here.

    What the Protect Children’s Innocence Act Does:

    • Criminalizes any attempt to perform or facilitate genital or bodily mutilation or chemical castration on a minor, with up to 10 years in federal prison and/or a significant fine.
    • Bans all puberty blockers and cross-sex hormone treatments for children.
    • Provides no exemption for mental health disorders as justification for these procedures.
    • Defines “chemical castration” and “genital or bodily mutilation” with detailed legal clarity.
    • Exempts children born with certain rare genetic conditions, or who are experiencing medical emergencies as certified by a physician.

    Cosponsors in the 119th Congress include: Crane, Finstad, Luna, Bice, Mary Miller, Crenshaw, McGuire, Kustoff, Biggs, Burlison, Tenney, Higgins, Brecheen, Nehls, Weber, Harris, Grothman, Hern, Collins, Ogles, Babin, Clyde, De La Cruz, Hageman, Owens, Palmer, Timmons, Norman, Max Miller, Steube, Jackson, Riley Moore, Comer, Gill, Baird, McDowell, Harshbarger, and Gooden.

    Supporting organizations include the American Principles Project, Citizens for Renewing America, CPAC, Gays Against Groomers, Independent Women, and Moms for Liberty.

    Read the full bill text here.

    Watch Chloe Cole’s testimony here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Young Kim Bill to Support Small Business Passes Out of Committee

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Young Kim (CA-39)

    Washington, DC – Today, the House Financial Services Committee passed the Improving Access to Small Business Information Act (H.R. 3351), a bipartisan bill led by Reps. Young Kim (CA-40) and Josh Gottheimer (NJ-05) to cut burdensome regulations hurting small business owners.  

    The Improving Access to Small Business Information Act would 

     amend the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 to specify that actions—like conducting field surveys—of the Advocate for Small Business Capital Formation are not a collection of information under the Paper Reduction Act (PRA).   

    Rep. Kim spoke in Committee in support of the bill. Read her remarks below or watch HERE.  

    Thank you, Chairman Hill and Ranking Member Waters, for holding this important markup.   

    I also want to thank my colleague and friend, Representative Gottheimer from New Jersey, for co-leading H.R. 3351 – the Improving Access to Small Business Information Act – with me.    

    My bill is simple. The legislation would specify that activities, like conducting field surveys, carried out by the Advocate for Small Business Capital Formation, are not a collection of information under the Paper Reduction Act (PRA). Currently, OMB’s approval process is prolonged and bureaucratic, which delays feedback collection from small businesses and their investors.    

    I am proud to represent Orange County which is home to over 100,000 small businesses. It takes grit, perseverance, and commitment to start with an idea and make it a reality. As a former small business owner myself, I remember often wondering if the government truly understood the way that its policies impacted small businesses.  

    Former Director of the Office of the Advocate, Martha Miller, said that “the Office went through a yearlong process just to collect registration information for our annual forum and ask a few basic questions to understand the audience attending”. Our regulations are restricting the government from understanding the needs of small businesses.   

    The SEC’s Office of the Advocate for Small Business Capital Formation is the primary office charged with advancing the interests of small businesses and their investors. With the ever-changing economic and regulatory environment, the Office must be able to adapt quickly to the needs of small businesses and gather timely feedback to improve policy. H.R. 3351 reduces red tape and streamlines access to tools that the Office can utilize to gather more effective and timely data. The better information that the Office can gather, the better the SEC can respond, and the better off our small businesses will be.   

    I urge my colleagues from both sides of the aisle to support H.R. 3351. With that, I yield the balance of my time.    

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: UK and Chile sign MoU on Cooperation in Gender Equality

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    World news story

    UK and Chile sign MoU on Cooperation in Gender Equality

    Signing of this MoU marks an important milestone in both countries’ commitment to a foreign policy agenda focused on women’s rights.

    Baroness Chapman, Minister for International Development, Latin America and the Caribbean and Chile’s Undersecretary of Foreign Affairs, Gloria de la Fuente González.

    As part of the visit of Chile’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Gloria de la Fuente to the United Kingdom, and the UK and Chile’s shared commitment to promoting human rights and gender equality, the UK and Chile signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Cooperation in Gender Equality on 2 May. The MoU, with the aim of establishing sustained mutual cooperation in this area, was signed by the Minister for Latin America, Baroness Chapman, and the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Gloria de la Fuente, in London.

    The MoU, the first of its kind that the United Kingdom has signed, marks an important milestone in both countries’ commitment to a foreign policy agenda focused on women’s rights and reflects a shared determination to move towards more equitable, inclusive and respectful societies.

    Baroness Chapman, Minister for International Development, Latin America and the Caribbean, said:

    Chile is a vital partner in our shared efforts to promote equality for women and girls.

    The MoU establishes mechanisms for cooperation, political dialogue and best practices in key areas, such as the promotion of participation in international affairs and the political empowerment of women and girls.

    Louise de Sousa, British Ambassador to Chile, said:

    The signing of this memorandum strengthens bilateral ties between the United Kingdom and Chile and establishes cooperation to deliver equality for women and girls around the world.

    See the Memorandum of Understanding here:

    UK and Chile sign Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation in Gender Equality

    ODT, 13.6 KB

    This file is in an OpenDocument format

    UK and Chile sign Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation in Gender Equality

    PDF, 4.83 MB, 4 pages

    Further information

    If you want to know more about this matter, please contact the Communications Office.

    For more information about the activities of the British Embassy in Santiago, follow us on:

    Updates to this page

    Published 20 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI USA: May 20th, 2025 Heinrich Statement Blasting Senate Republicans’ Plans to Defy the Senate Parliamentarian & Force a Vote to Overturn California’s Clean Energy Air Act Waivers

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Mexico Martin Heinrich
    WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Ranking Member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, released the following statement after Senate Republicans announced their plans to defy the Senate parliamentarian and force a vote to overturn California’s Clean Energy Air Act Waivers:
    “If Senate Republicans force a vote on the California Clean Air Act Waivers, they set a precedent that will allow Congress to overturn nearly any agency decision nationwide. I urge my colleagues to reject this gross overreach. If they don’t, Congressional Review Act resolutions will quickly hijack the Senate floor to retroactively invalidate agency permits, adjudications, and licensing decisions – actions that were never previously considered ‘rules.’
    “We need a reliable energy permitting and approval system if we are going to meet our growing energy needs. But under Republicans’ proposal, Congress could invalidate permits for new oil and gas wells, established rights of way for transmission lines, and approvals of new LNG export terminals. That includes the Department of Energy’s recent approval of Commonwealth LNG’s application to export liquified natural gas. If not challenged immediately, a future administration could also submit Commonwealth’s authorization as a rule retroactively and halt the project years after it has begun construction.
    “By opening this door, Republicans threaten to destroy our permitting and regulatory system, leading to higher energy costs for Americans and making it impossible for new developments to come online. Indeed, nearly every major and minor project the federal government touches could be stalled, creating significant uncertainty if not complete chaos. That is not what the American people want, and it cannot be what Senate Republicans want, either.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Durbin Questions Witnesses In Senate Judiciary Committee Hearing On Defending Against Drones

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Dick Durbin
    May 20, 2025
    Today’s hearing highlighted the growing use of drones and how Congress can strike the right balance in response
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today questioned witnesses during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing entitled “Defending Against Drones: Setting Safeguards for Counter Unmanned Aircraft Systems Authorities.” Today’s hearing highlighted the growing use of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), commonly known as drones, and how Congress can strike the right balance in response. It also examined the existing statutory authorities that enable the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to track, disable, seize, and even shoot down drones. Finally, the hearing also provided an opportunity to consider how to provide sufficient authorities to law enforcement while also safeguarding the national airspace and important privacy rights and civil liberties—including ensuring that actions to counter drones respect First and Fourth Amendment rights and Fifth Amendment due process.
    Durbin began by asking Professor Laura Donohue, Professor of Law at Georgetown University; Director of Georgetown’s Center on National Security and the Law; and Director of the Center on Privacy and Technology, about the balance of protecting privacy and civil liberties, as well as our security, when it comes to the use of UAS.
    According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), there are more than one million drones registered in the United States for commercial and recreational purposes. While most are harmless, UAS can pose serious safety risks when flown near airports, other critical infrastructure, or near mass gatherings like sporting events, parades, or concerts. Drones can also be used by malicious actors including criminals, cartels, terrorist groups, and foreign adversaries.
    “If I were sitting in Wrigley Field… and I saw a drone overhead, I would want to be sure it was a safe and friendly drone. I don’t know that when I’m sitting there. Somebody has to find out or at least ask the question. With over one million drones in our country today… it raises a question of who is going to monitor that activity to make sure these are safe… [and] don’t endanger anyone. At the same time, those drones could be gathering information… and there is a privacy angle there too. Who is protecting the privacy of the people that they are gathering information on?”Durbin said. “How do you balance this?”
    Professor Donohue responded, “As a matter of large scale, outdoor events, most states have regulations and law in place that prohibit the use of drones over large scale events” and noted that many have carveouts that don’t allow others to fly drones over private property without the consent of the property owner themselves. She also noted that the way to balance civil liberties concerns is to make sure there are restrictions.
    Durbin continued by asking Professor Donohue, “Let’s talk about the practical world: you have air traffic controllers monitoring commercial aircraft… but in terms of monitoring actual drone activity to the point of knowing whether it is complying with the state law and if it is not, what to do about it, what’s the answer there? How is it enforced?”
    Professor Donohue responded that both states and the FAA play a role. Currently, DOJ and DHS are also authorized to conduct counter drone operations to protect certain covered facilities and assets related to their missions. However, existing authorities do not sufficiently cover airports, critical infrastructure, or events that federal authorities do not have the capacity or resources to protect. The way to balance these authorities with civil liberties, Professor Donohue noted, is to make sure that there are appropriate restrictions on these authorities.
    Durbin concluded by asking, “Professor Donohue, if counter drone authorities are not drafted carefully, could they permit government authorities to intercept data or communications in violation of the Fourth Amendment?”
    Professor Donohue simply responded, “Yes.”
    Video of Durbin’s questions in Committee is available here.
    Audio of Durbin’s questions in Committee is available here.
    Footage of Durbin’s questions in Committee is available here for TV Stations.
    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Kennedy champions bill to block taxpayer funding of medical schools that indoctrinate students with DEI ideology

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator John Kennedy (Louisiana)
    WASHINGTON – Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.), a member of the Senate Budget Committee, today reintroduced the Embracing anti-Discrimination, Unbiased Curricula and Advancing Truth in Education (EDUCATE) Act, which would block federal funding for medical schools and accrediting institutions that force students to affirm ideological beliefs and prioritize diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI). 
    “Medical schools should be in the business of training our future doctors to save lives—not indoctrinating students with anti-American DEI ideology. The EDUCATE Act would make sure the government isn’t wasting your money on woke struggle sessions and blatant discrimination in medical schools,” said Kennedy.
    Sen. Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.) joined Kennedy in reintroducing the bill in the Senate.
    “For too long the radical Left has used our education system to advance their woke DEI agenda rather than advancing scientific achievement. This has now injected itself into medical schools across the nation putting the lives of countless Americans in danger all to appease the woke mob. I am proud to be leading this legislation to once again put merit above social justice quotas,” said Schmitt.
    Rep. Greg Murphy (R-N.C.) reintroduced the bill in the House of Representatives.
    “American medical schools are the best in the world and should remain free from discrimination, politicization, and acceptance of anything other than excellence. The EDUCATE Act bans race-based mandates at medical schools, protects the First Amendment and civil rights of students, and promotes objective, science-based medicine. Excluding individuals based on appearance or beliefs in the name of diversity is wrong and debases the integrity of the profession. Doctors must be taught to treat patients with the highest quality of care regardless of who they are. This includes dealing with other medical professionals who may not look like they do. I have dedicated my life to serving others as a physician and will not stand for discrimination in our nation’s institutions of medicine,” said Murphy. 
    Kennedy and Murphy also authored this op-ed in the Washington Examiner urging Congress to pass their EDUCATE Act.
    The EDUCATE Act would block federal funding from medical schools that:
    Direct, compel or incentivize students, faculty or staff to affirm or adopt certain ideological tenets.
    Take any action that would deprive a student of educational opportunities or otherwise adversely affect his or her status as a student on the basis of race or ethnicity.
    Require a course of instruction that directs or compels students, faculty or staff to state, pledge, recite, affirm or adopt certain ideological tenets. 
    Maintain a DEI or equivalent office within the medical school.
    Require or incentivize an individual to complete a diversity statement that affirms or capitulates to DEI as a condition of the person’s being admitted to or employed by a school.
    Do No Harm, America First Policy Institute, Eagle Forum, Heritage Action and CPAC support the EDUCATE Act.
    “Do No Harm applauds Congressman Murphy and Senator Kennedy for their relentless work to end harmful DEI practices and to restore integrity to American medical schools. For too long, accrediting bodies and medical colleges have prioritized identity politics over merit and expertise—putting patients’ health at serious risk. President Trump’s Administration has taken critical steps to dismantle these political activists’ grip on medical education, even causing some accreditors and schools to suspend their discriminatory practices. But the EDUCATE Act could enshrine the President’s actions into law, thereby eradicating DEI programs from medical education permanently,” said Dr. Stanley Goldfarb, founder and Board Chairman of Do No Harm. 
    “Diversity Equity and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives are an offshoot of Critical Race Theory—designed to promote race-stereotyping, race-exclusion, and indoctrination into divisive far-left ideologies. When publicly funded universities and medical schools teach students to make snap judgments about each other and our broader society based on skin color, they are conditioning them to reject foundational American commitments, including equal treatment and opportunity for all, administrative impartiality, and due process. Congressman Murphy’s bill is an essential first step toward restoring academic excellence and truth-seeking as the focal points of medical education so that tomorrow’s health professionals are prepared to provide exceptional care to every patient, regardless of their race or sex,” said Dr. Michael Shires, Ph.D., Vice Chair of Education Opportunity at the America First Policy Institute. 
    “DEI has invaded US medical schools like a virus in recent years—harming these institutions and the public as well. Senator Kennedy’s EDUCATE Act is the cure. We urge the Senate to move this bill forward,” said Kris Ullman, President of the Eagle Forum.
    Full text of the EDUCATE Act is available here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: House passes Kennedy resolution to undo cumbersome Biden-era bank merger rule

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator John Kennedy (Louisiana)
    WASHINGTON – The U.S. House of Representatives today passed Sen. John Kennedy’s (R-La.) joint resolution of disapproval under Congressional Review Act (CRA) procedures to block an Office of Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) rule that delays the bank merger approval process by adding more red tape that could lead to consumer uncertainty. It now moves to the president’s desk for signing.
    “When the Biden administration decided to tinker with bank merger rules for no good reason, they threw a gut punch to small community banks just trying to offer their customers a good service. I’m grateful to the U.S. House of Representatives for doing the right thing, and I look forward to President Trump signing my resolution to undo this cumbersome regulation,” said Kennedy.
    Rep. Andy Barr (R-Ky.), chairman of the Financial Institutions Subcommittee on the House Financial Services Committee, introduced the companion resolution in the House of Representatives.
    “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.
    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.
    Background:
    Historically, the OCC assumed that a potential merger passed muster if the agency took no action on a merger application within 15 days. The burden of showing that a merger would harm business 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 Feb. 2025, Kennedy introduced his resolution to undo the Biden administration’s rule.
    On May 8, 2025, the Senate passed Kennedy’s resolution of disapproval. Sens. Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Tim Scott (R-S.C.), Steve Daines (R-Mont.) and Bernie Moreno (R-Ohio) were cosponsors.
    The American Bankers Association (ABA) supports Kennedy’s resolution.
    “We applaud today’s House passage of the Congressional Review Act resolution nullifying the OCC’s flawed bank merger rule, and we thank Rep. Andy Barr for leading this effort. This action, along with the companion resolution led by Sen. John Kennedy and passed by the Senate, will provide regulators with the opportunity to reenvision the framework governing bank mergers so that it more effectively promotes competition while allowing banks to better serve their customers. We look forward to President Trump signing this important resolution into law,” said Rob Nichols, President and CEO of the ABA.
    Text of the resolution is available here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Dina Titus Introduces Legislation to Curb Big Ag Lobbying

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

    Congresswoman Dina Titus (D-NV) and Congresswoman Nancy Mace (R-SC) introduced bipartisan legislation today to close a loophole that allows taxpayer dollars to be used to subsidize lobbying by large agricultural interests at the expense of smaller producers and consumers.

    The Opportunities for Fairness in Farming (OFF) Act refines the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)’s checkoff programs by closing a loophole that allows taxpayer dollars to be used for lobbying. The programs were established by the federal government and are funded through compulsory fees on producers of milk, eggs, beef, and other agricultural products so that members of the agricultural industry could pool their financial resources for promotional and research purposes. But lax oversight at the federal level has allowed harmful collusion between the boards governing these programs and the agriculture lobby.

    “This system has been abused by big agricultural interests,” Congresswoman Titus said. “Their lobbyists have pushed Congress to enact laws that benefit only them. With too many Nevadans bearing the brunt of higher food prices, big ag corporations should be working to keep costs low, not lining their own pockets by promoting anticompetitive practices. I’m pushing this bipartisan legislation to increase federal oversight, prevent conflicts of interest, and stop ag lobbyists from squeezing small producers out of business.”

    The OFF Act targets the influence of agriculture lobbyists and prohibits anticompetitive behavior by preventing USDA checkoff programs from paying organizations that lobby on agricultural issues, banning activities that involve a conflict of interest, and requiring audits to ensure compliance.

    “We applaud the Members of Congress for their long-term leadership and for introducing the bipartisan, bicameral OFF Act and call on both the House and Senate Agriculture Committee leaders to stand up for American family farmers by moving this legislation swiftly through their committees,” said Taylor Haynes, President of the Organization for Competitive Markets. “If we’re going to be forced to pay into USDA’s checkoff programs then the very least we should expect is transparency, accountability, and oversight of our hard-earned dollars, and the OFF Act accomplishes just that.”

    “Scandal after scandal has proven the long-term corruption in the beef, dairy, and pork checkoff programs that continue to utilize our own tax dollars against us and the day of reckoning is here,” said Mike Schultz, Founder of the Kansas Cattlemen’s Association and Vice-President at the Organization for Competitive Markets. “American family farmers are up in arms and are determined to see justice in the 119th Congress with the enactment of the OFF Act. Clean up decades of corruption.” 

    “America’s farmers and ranchers are fed up with their hard-earned money landing in the hands of corporate lobbyists,” said Farm Action Fund President and Missouri farmer Joe Maxwell. “We face enough hurdles as it is; the last thing we need is our own dollars extracted against our will and then used to illegally lobby on behalf of the largest corporations that are already squeezing us out of the market. It’s the USDA’s job to prevent this abuse, and they continue to fail us. The OFF Act’s common-sense reforms would ensure USDA performs stringent oversight so that farmers know exactly where their money is going.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Uniting the West for economic strength

    At this year’s Western Premiers’ Conference, Premier Smith will champion Alberta’s priorities and work alongside fellow leaders to advance shared goals, including economic growth, job creation and the development of new economic corridors in every direction, including oil and gas pipelines, to secure long-term prosperity for all Canadians.

    The Premiers will also discuss the state of Canada’s federation and set a clear path forward with the new federal government. Key topics will include expanding markets in the face of global uncertainty, accelerating nation-building projects, advancing economic and energy corridors, strengthening and fortifying the Arctic and improving access to affordable housing.

    “This is a critical moment for Alberta and for the West. We cannot afford federal overreach into provincial jurisdiction to continue, or damaging federal policies to impact the upward trajectory of our economies. I will be at the table to advocate for Alberta’s interests, particularly the importance of new pipelines, in an effort to put the power of our economy back in the hands of western Canadians.”

    Danielle Smith, Premier

    The Western Premiers’ Conference is held annually and gathers Premiers and governments from Canada’s four western provinces (British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba) and three territorial governments (Northwest Territories, Yukon, Nunavut) to work together on advancing western interests in the Canadian federation.

    The Western Premiers’ Conference operates by consensus and the chair rotates on an annual basis. This year’s conference will be hosted by Premier of Northwest Territories R.J. Simpson.

    Media are invited to a press conference following the conclusion of the Western Premiers’ Conference.

    Western Premiers’ Conference Media Availability:

    WHEN: Thursday, May 22, 2025, 3-3:30 MST

    WHERE: Caribou Room, Chateau Nova, Yellowknife

    Media are required to RSVP. Local media will be provided accreditation at the venue. Out of town media will be provided a meeting link.

    To RSVP, please contact:
    Cabinet Communications
    Government of the Northwest Territories
    [email protected]

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: BREAKING: In Senate, Rosen Passes Her Bipartisan Bill to Eliminate Taxes on Tips, Helping Deliver Tax Breaks for Nevada Workers

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV)
    Senator Rosen Asked For And Received Unanimous Consent To Pass Her Bill To Eliminate Federal Income Tax On Tips
    Watch Senator Rosen’s remarks on the Senate floor HERE.
    WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV) took to the Senate floor to ask for unanimous consent to pass her bipartisan No Tax on Tips Act, which would exempt American workers’ tipped wages from federal income tax. Senator Rosen successfully passed the bipartisan legislation after receiving no objections on the Senate floor. The bill now heads to the U.S. House of Representatives to be considered.
    Nevada has the highest concentration of tipped workers in the nation, and the bipartisan No Tax on Tips Act would allow workers to keep their tips without paying federal income tax on them. This legislation also includes guardrails to ensure that it benefits Nevadans who need it most, and not CEOs and wealthy individuals. 
    Below are excerpts from Senator Rosen’s remarks:
    “No tax on tips” was one of President Trump’s key promises to the American people, which he unveiled in my state of Nevada. 
    And, I am not afraid to embrace a good idea, wherever it comes from.
    So I agreed we need to get this done. It’s not a time for politics, it’s a time for progress for hard-working Americans.
    This bipartisan bill is a good idea. It has support from Democrats and Republicans, so we should pass it, well, as soon as possible, without any poison pills.
    The problem is that House Republicans have included a version of the No Tax on Tips Act in their bigger budget bill, a bill that cuts Medicaid, SNAP, and other programs families rely on to give more tax breaks for billionaires and the ultra-wealthy. 
    We shouldn’t be forcing working families to choose between keeping their health care or keeping their tips, which is why we want this bipartisan bill on its own – on its own – not part of a harmful, extreme budget bill.
    If we are serious about providing service employees with financial relief, let’s do it now, let’s do it today!
    The American people, they get sick and tired of Washington games.
    Let’s pass this bill without playing politics or taking away health care and food assistance from families who need it most.
    Let’s pass it by itself.
    And so that’s why I’m calling on the Senate to pass the bipartisan No Tax on Tips Act right here, right now, as a standalone bill.
    We’re going to cut taxes for real hard-working Americans, for Nevadans, for everyone – not just for billionaires. 
    We’re going to cut taxes on service workers’ tips without cutting Medicaid or SNAP. 
    And let’s get this done with strong guardrails so CEOs and the ultra-wealthy don’t exploit loopholes meant to help working people. And let’s pass it today.
    Nevadans sent me here to fight for them – and I’m going to keep working to lower costs, raise wages, and make sure the people who power our economy, our working families, can keep more of what they earn.
    And through this bipartisan bill, it shows that I am not going to allow Washington gridlock and partisanship to block a bill without a fight. That’s why we’re going to pass it today.
    I’m taking matters into my own hands with the support of my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to pass our bipartisan No Tax on Tips Act by unanimous consent.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Warner, Kaine, Colleagues Introduce Legislation to Combat Doge’s Unsafe Retention of Personal Information

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Virginia Tim Kaine
    WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senators Mark R. Warner (D-VA), a member of the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs, Tim Kaine (D-VA), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), and Peter Welch (D-VT) introduced the Defending Our Government’s Electronic data: Bolstering Responsible Oversight & Safeguards (DOGE BROS) Act, legislation to hold Elon Musk and the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) accountable for their continued efforts to improperly access, and retain, individuals’ personally identifiable information (PII) including names, addresses, phone numbers, email addresses, Social Security numbers, and other financial information.
    “As unvetted and unqualified DOGE employees continue to recklessly access the sensitive personal information of millions of Americans, it’s important that we take steps to better protect this data,” Warner said. “For too long, our privacy laws have sat outdated, barely serving as a deterrent for improper handling or potential release of information. This legislation would enforce that privacy must be a priority when handling the data of the American public.”
    “Elon Musk and his ‘Department of Government Efficiency’ are wreaking havoc across the government and gaining access to Americans’ sensitive information without proper authorization, which poses significant privacy and national security concerns,” Kaine said. “That’s why I’m introducing this bill to increase the penalties for violating privacy laws and help safeguard Americans’ personal information.”
    “Elon Musk and his DOGE cronies have been illegally ransacking federal agencies to gain access to troves of Americans’ sensitive personal data – from Social Security numbers to medical records to bank account information. Strengthening penalties for the theft of this data will help further deter these illegal abuses and keep Americans’ private information safe,” Van Hollen said.
    “The American people do not want Elon Musk knowing their Social Security numbers and sifting through their financial information. Musk and his team of wildly unqualified DOGE employees have gone too far – and we are sick of it. The Senate needs to prove we care more about those we serve than Elon Musk. Let’s immediately pass this legislation to protect the data and privacy of the American people,” Alsobrooks said.
    “From day one, Elon Musk’s DOGE has taken a wrecking ball to the federal government and critical services for the American people, all while carelessly pursuing their sensitive personal data,” Luján said. “Congress must do more to protect that information and keep it out of the wrong hands. That’s why I’m proud to join my colleagues in introducing legislation to strengthen our privacy laws and put Americans’ privacy first.”
    “Elon Musk’s so-called ‘Department of Government Efficiency’ and his DOGE agents are wreaking havoc on the federal government and the programs millions of Americans rely on. There’s no reason DOGE should gain access to Vermonters’ personal information, and I’m working with my colleagues to hold DOGE accountable and protect peoples’ privacy and data,” Welch said. 
    The United States has existing laws that are designed to protect personal information held by the government. However, the penalties established in these various laws have not been properly adjusted or increased to account for inflation, making them far less impactful today. The DOGE BROS Act would increase five penalties for violation of federal privacy laws to better protect the sensitive information that DOGE is accessing in their reckless purge of the federal government. Specifically, the DOGE BROS Act would increase the following existing penalties for the unauthorized release of the following information:
    Individually Identifiable Information Contained Within Any Agency Record 
    Code Section: 5 U.S.C. §552a(i)(i, ii, iii)
    Current Penalty: up to $5,000
    Proposed Penalty: up to $30,000

    Information from Any Department or Agency of the United States Obtained Using a Computer Without Authorization
    Code Section: 18 U.S.C. 1030(a)(2)(B)
    Current Penalty: up to $250,000
    Proposed Penalty: up to $750,000

    Social Security and Medicare Data
    Code Sections: 42 U.S.C. §1306
    Current Penalty: up to $10,000
    Proposed Penalty: up to $25,000

    Tax Return Information
    Code Section: 26 U.S.C. §7213
    Current Penalty: up to $5,000
    Proposed Penalty: up to $25,000

    Census Data
    Code Section: 13 U.S.C. §214
    Current Penalty: up to $5,000
    Proposed Penalty: up to $25,000

    Copy of the bill text is available here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Welch Grills Trump’s Pick to Lead IRS 

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Peter Welch (D-Vermont)
    Welch on Trump using the IRS for political goals: “The president is not restrained by what’s legal or not.” 
    WASHINGTON, D.C.—In a Senate Finance Committee hearing today, U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) grilled President Trump’s nominee to lead the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Senator Welch asked former Congressman Billy Long about how cuts to IRS staff will affect the ability of the IRS to hold billionaire tax cheats accountable, and how gutting IRS funding and staff will hurt services and help for U.S. taxpayers. Senator Welch also questioned Mr. Long on President Trump’s actions to undercut institutes of higher education. 
    Welch: The Administration, President Trump, has specifically gone after higher education. There have been significant cuts in research funding to Columbia, to Harvard, and to other universities. The president, who will be your boss, has explicitly stated that he wants to eliminate the tax-exempt status for Harvard. What’s your opinion about the recommendation by the president that Harvard loses its tax-exempt status?  
    Long: I’m not over there. I haven’t seen why they would think that. But it’s something I want to get into and figure out once I’m over there. I’ve never been around it, so I don’t know. 
    Welch: One of the concerns here is that if a president is using the IRS as a tool to achieve his goals— 
    Long: That should not be done by anybody. 
    Welch: Alright, so you will tell Trump to pound sand if he comes to you as Commissioner— 
    Long: That’s my understanding. Like I said, if it is fair, not fair, legal, or not legal. If what you are saying is not legal, it should not be done and nobody should by able to do that.  
    Welch: You know, the President is not restrained by what’s legal or not…The president is explicitly stating he wants to go after Harvard—or [another] higher education institution is next—you will be in the line of fire on that. And what I’m looking for from you is not something you are able to give me right now, and that’s assurances that you will tell the president ‘no’ when he is using the IRS for a political objective. 
    Long: I said earlier the IRS will not and should not be politicized on my, or any, watch. 
    Watch the full exchange here: 
    ■■■ 
      
    Senator Welch’s Committee and Subcommittee Assignments for the 119th Congress include:  
    Senate Committee on Finance   
    Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, & Forestry 
    Ranking Member, Subcommittee on Rural Development, Energy, and Credit   
    Senate Committee on the Judiciary 
    Ranking Member, Subcommittee on the Constitution   
    Senate Committee on Rules & Administration 
    Learn more about his work by visiting his website or by following him on social media. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Gaza – Aid instrumentalised, health system under fire: Gaza is being deliberately asphyxiated by Israeli forces – MSF

    Source: Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors Without Borders (MSF)

    Jerusalem, 21 May 2025 – An insufficient amount of aid is being allowed into the Strip, merely a smokescreen to pretend the siege is over. 

    Meanwhile, at least 20 medical facilities in Gaza have been damaged, or forced partially or completely out of service in the past week by advancing Israeli ground operations, intensified airstrikes, and widespread evacuation orders. 

    As people remain in desperate need of medical care and aid, Israeli authorities must stop the deliberate asphyxiation of Gaza and the annihilation of its healthcare system, that is underpinning their campaign of ethnic cleansing, says Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors Without Borders (MSF).

    “The Israeli authorities’ decision to allow a ridiculously inadequate amount of aid into Gaza after months of an air-tight siege signals their intention to avoid the accusation of starving people in Gaza, while in fact keeping them barely surviving”, says Pascale Coissard, MSF emergency coordinator in Khan Younis. “This plan is a way to instrumentalise aid, making it a tool to further Israeli forces’ military objectives.”

    Before October 2023, 500 aid trucks were entering Gaza every day, according to the UN. The current authorisation for 100 per day, when the situation is so dire, is woefully inadequate.

    Meanwhile, evacuation orders are continuing to uproot the population, while Israeli forces are still subjecting health facilities to intensive attacks.

    On 19 May, between 6am to 6.30, MSF teams reported hearing almost one strike per minute in Khan Younis. One of these strikes hit Nasser hospital compound, 100 metres away from the intensive care unit and the inpatient department that are run by MSF. This is the third time in two months that Nasser hospital compound has been struck, once again depriving people of treatment and care. To reduce exposure, our teams were forced to temporarily close both the outpatient department and sedation room for patients awaiting or recovering from surgery, as well as suspend physiotherapy and mental health activities, which are essential for burn patients – most of whom are children.

    Yesterday’s strike also severely damaged the Ministry of Health pharmacy store in Nasser Hospital. This puts additional pressure on supplies at a time when medical stocks are running critically low due to the siege.

    As part of the expansion of their ground operations, Israeli forces have issued widescale evacuation orders, further limiting people’s access to medical care and MSF’s ability to provide it. On 19 May, for example, an evacuation order covering almost the entire eastern part of Khan Younis, at the edge of Nasser hospital, forced people to immediately move towards Al Mawasi area.

    The Site Management Cluster estimates that over 138,900 people were forcibly displaced between 15-20 May. The intensified Israeli bombardments and evacuation orders across Khan Younis have forced MSF to maintain only lifesaving activities in the emergency rooms of Al Attar and Al Mawasi clinics. Since yesterday, Al Hakker clinic, in Deir Al Balah, has also been closed. Before that, MSF teams had been providing more than 350 consultations per day for paediatric, antenatal and post-natal care, psychological first aid and ambulatory nutritional treatment among other things.

    A few days earlier, on 15 May, Israeli authorities issued an evacuation order to Sheikh Radwan basic healthcare centre in Gaza City, which led to the closure of the facility. Before that, with MSF’s support, the Ministry of Health teams were providing around 3000 consultations per day in an area with estimated 250,000 people. This was the last fully functional public basic healthcare clinic in the area.

    According to the Ministry of Health, following the besiege of the Indonesian Hospital, all public hospitals in North Gaza are now out of service The MSF field hospital in Deir Al Balah has seen its bed capacity rise to 150 per cent over the last few days, forcing them to add additional staff and increase their baseline by 20 beds. According to the UN, there are currently around 1,000 functional hospital beds across the Strip, while previously to the war the bed capacity was 3500.

    Attacks on civilians and healthcare must stop now and aid must enter Gaza in sufficient quantities and in a way that allows it to reach those who need it. Israel’s allies must exert all their pressure to make this happen as a matter of extreme urgency. Every day that is lost reinforces their complicity in the annihilation of the people of Gaza.

    MSF is an international, medical, humanitarian organisation that delivers medical care to people in need, regardless of their origin, religion, or political affiliation. MSF has been working in Haiti for over 30 years, offering general healthcare, trauma care, burn wound care, maternity care, and care for survivors of sexual violence. MSF Australia was established in 1995 and is one of 24 international MSF sections committed to delivering medical humanitarian assistance to people in crisis. In 2022, more than 120 project staff from Australia and New Zealand worked with MSF on assignment overseas. MSF delivers medical care based on need alone and operates independently of government, religion or economic influence and irrespective of race, religion or gender. For more information visit msf.org.au  

    MIL OSI – Submitted News –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: NGOs – Swiss Peace Initiative for Nagorno Karabakh to launch in Bern

    Source: Christian Solidarity International (CSI)

    CSI welcomes formation of committee by members of Swiss parliament in support of a peace forum to negotiate the safe return of Armenians to their homeland

    On May 26, a cross-party committee of nineteen parliamentarians in support of the Swiss Peace Initiative for Nagorno Karabakh will be launched in Bern.

    The Initiative is being launched to support Switzerland’s commitment to “facilitate an open dialogue between Azerbaijan and representatives of the Nagorno-Karabakh Armenian people, conducted under international supervision or in the presence of internationally relevant actors, to negotiate the safe and collective return of the historically resident Armenian population.”

    Nagorno Karabakh’s population of 120,000 Armenian Christians was forced to flee the region in the wake of Azerbaijan’s invasion in September 2023. The exodus was the latest twist in a decades-long struggle over the territory, historically inhabited by Armenians, but claimed by Azerbaijan.

    “The conflict between Azerbaijan and the now expelled population of Nagorno Karabakh threatens regional security, obstructs Eurasian economic development and takes a terrible toll on human rights and dignity,” commented Dr. John Eibner, the president of Christian Solidarity International.

    “CSI applauds the formation of this committee. It reflects the will of Switzerland to adhere to its tradition of neutrality, humanitarianism and conflict resolution and to generate domestic and international support for the rights of the people of Nagorno Karabakh.”

    The inaugural event of the committee – to which the media are cordially invited – will take place on May 26 at the Hotel Kreuz in Bern. The committee, which has broad cross-party support, is led by National Councillor Erich Vontobel (EDU, Zurich) and National Councillor Stefan Müller-Altermatt (The Center Party, Solothurn).

    The event will feature presentations from Vontobel and Müller-Altermatt, as well as Vartan Oskanian, the former foreign minister of Armenia and current Chairman of the Committee for the Defense of the Fundamental Rights of the People of Nagorno Karabakh, Vardan Tadevosyan, the Director of the Lady Cox Rehabilitation Centre (formerly in Nagorno Karabakh), Sarkis Shahinian, the Gen. Sec. of the Parliamentary Friendship Group Switzerland-Armenia, and Dr. Joel Veldkamp, CSI’s Director for Public Advocacy.

    Afterwards, media representatives will have the opportunity to conduct interviews with the co-chairs of the Committee and other expert speakers.

    More information on the launch event:

    – Date: Monday, May 26, 2025

    – Time: 11.30 am – 12.30 pm. With aperitif & standing lunch.

    – Venue: Hotel Kreuz, Zeughausgasse 41, 3011 Bern

    Registrations to (limited number of places): info@csi-int.org

    Further information on the event and the “Swiss Peace Initiative for Nagorno Karabakh” committee can be found at: www.swisspeacekarabakh.com

    The members of parliament in the Swiss Peace Initiative for Nagorno Karabakh Committee are:

    Co-Chair Erich Vontobel (NR, EDU), Co-Chair, Stefan Müller-Altermatt (NR, Mitte), Jean-Luc Addor (NR, SVP), Gerhard Andrey (NR, Grüne), Christine Badertscher (NR, Grüne), Marianne Binder-Keller (SR, Mitte), Thomas Burgherr, (NR, SVP), Laurence Fehlmann Rielle (NR, SP), Beat Flach (NR,GLP), Andy Gafner, (NR, EDU), Martin Haab (NR, SVP), Marc Jost, (NR, EVP), Fabian Molina (NR, SP), Lukas Reimann (NR, SVP), Priska Eiler Graf (NR, SP), Carlo Sommaruga (SR, SP), Jakob Stark (SR, SVP), Nicolas Walder (NR, Grüne), David Zuberbühler, (NR, SVP).

    Christian Solidarity International (CSI) is a Christian human rights organization promoting religious liberty and human dignity.

    MIL OSI – Submitted News –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Global Bodies – World’s top parliamentarians to meet in Geneva – IPU

    Source: Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU)

    Geneva, Switzerland, 20 May 2025 – The Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), in close collaboration with the United Nations, is pleased to announce that the Sixth World Conference of Speakers of Parliament will take place from 29 to 31 July 2025 at the Palais des Nations, United Nations Office at Geneva.

    Established in 2000 by the IPU, the World Conference of Speakers of Parliament brings together the highest level representatives of parliaments and the United Nations every five years. Previous Conferences have played an important role in strengthening the parliamentary dimension of global governance and bridging the democracy gap in international affairs.

    During the Conference, the world’s top legislators are expected to engage with leaders from international organizations, academia, civil society and the media.

    Programme highlights

    29 July 2025: Start of the General Debate on A world in turmoil: Parliamentary cooperation and multilateralism for peace, justice and prosperity for all, and panel 1 on women’s and youth participation in parliament.

    30 July 2025: Panels on innovating for peace, achieving the SDGs by 2030, parliaments’ role in shaping the digital future, and anti-discrimination action.

    31 July 2025: Interactive debate with multiple stakeholders on “networked” global governance, and adoption of the final declaration.

    Women Speakers of Parliament

    The Conference will be preceded by the 15th Summit of Women Speakers of Parliament on 28 July 2025 organized in collaboration with the Swiss Parliament. The Summit will take place at the headquarters of the International Labour Organization. 

    The IPU is the global organization of national parliaments. It was founded in 1889 as the first multilateral political organization in the world, encouraging cooperation and dialogue between all nations. Today, the IPU comprises 181 national Member Parliaments and 15 regional parliamentary bodies. It promotes peace, democracy and sustainable development. It helps parliaments become stronger, younger, greener, more innovative and gender-balanced. It also defends the human rights of parliamentarians through a dedicated committee made up of MPs from around the world.

    MIL OSI – Submitted News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Peters Supports Resolution Condemning Trump’s Acceptance of Qatari Jet “Gift”

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Scott Peters (52nd District of California)

    Washington, D.C. — Today, Representative Scott Peters (CA-50) signed onto Rep. Jamie Raskin’s (MD-8), resolution to condemn President Donald Trump’s effort to accept a $400 million luxury private jet from the royal family of Qatar without obtaining Congress’s approval, in violation of the Constitution’s Foreign Emoluments Clause.

    “President Trump continues to flout the Constitution and the rule of law,” said Rep. Peters. “It is so plainly obvious that this ‘gift’ is a means to curry favor and improperly influence U.S. foreign policy. Just because this corrupt act is taking place out in the open does not mean we should not call it out. Rather, it is more important than ever to hold the President accountable so that such unconstitutional behavior does not become normalized.”

    On May 11, an ABC News report revealed that President Trump planned to accept a $400 million private jet from the Qatari royal family—a lavish and unconstitutional gift that would become the property of his personal presidential library foundation at the conclusion of his term. In a news conference on May 12, when asked about this reported gift, Trump stated, “I would never be one to turn down that kind of an offer… I could be a stupid person and say, ‘no, we don’t want a free, very expensive airplane.’” In 2016, then-candidate Trump criticized Hillary Clinton for donations the Clinton Foundation accepted from Qatar.

    While Trump claimed that this extravagant gift from a foreign government would result in “big savings [that] will be spent, instead, to MAKE AMERICA GREAT,” it in fact would require potentially billions of dollars in taxpayer funds to retrofit and debug the plane.

    Click here to read the resolution.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Budget 2025 – Greenpeace braced for ‘scorched earth’ budget from Govt

    Source: Greenpeace

    With the Government set to release its Budget tomorrow, Greenpeace is calling for bold investment in climate and nature, but is bracing for the worst.
    “Given that this Government just legalised killing kiwi, we’re bracing for a Scorched Earth Budget,” says Greenpeace Aotearoa spokesperson Gen Toop.
    Greenpeace has been critical of the Luxon-led Government’s anti-environment policies, but says that the PM’s war on nature does not have to continue in the 2025 Budget.
    Budget 2024 decreased funding for DOC to such an extent that last year the agency was asking for public donations to fund its work and is this year reportedly facing a 30% shortfall for maintaining its hut and track network.
    “This Budget is a chance for the Government to change course from its war on nature,” says Toop. “It’s a chance to invest in climate action, protect biodiversity, and support everyday people with the cost of living – that’s what a responsible, future-focused Budget would do.”
    “People have a right to clean water, a livable climate, and groceries and power bills they can afford. Any budget that prioritises corporate profits and tax cuts for landlords instead of those basic rights is not the kind of budget we need,” says Toop.
    Greenpeace says a Budget that truly tackles the climate, biodiversity, and cost of living crises would:
    • Make a significant investment in distributed solar to bring down power bills, reduce emissions and help communities generate their own energy.
    • Create an ecological farming fund to support farmers to transition away from intensive dairy and take advantage of the rise in demand for plant-based food.
    • Bring back Jobs for Nature, funding real employment in the restoration of forests, rivers and wetlands to combat the biodiversity crisis.
    • Fund it all by taxing corporations and the ultra-wealthy, starting with bringing the country’s biggest climate polluter, Fonterra and intensive dairying into the Emissions Trading Scheme.
    Since taking the reins, the Government has abolished the clean car discount; forced the Ministry for the Environment, the Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Conservation to cut jobs; canceled the Auckland Light Rail Project; cut public transport subsidies for young people; and steadfastly refused to put agriculture into the Emissions Trading Scheme.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: PSA supports Waitangi tribunal’s call to halt Regulatory Standards Bill

    Source: PSA

    The PSA supports the Waitangi Tribunal’s call to stop progressing the Regulatory Standards Bill until there has been meaningful engagement with Māori.
    The Public Service Association (PSA) Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi is deeply opposed to the Bill which is being fast-tracked by the Government despite overwhelming Māori and Tangata Te Tiriti opposition, and serious constitutional concerns.
    Driven by Minister for Regulation David Seymour, the Bill prioritises personal liberty and property rights while posing a direct threat to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and the rights of Māori, PSA Te Kaihautū Māori Janice Panoho says.
    In an Interim report the Tribunal found that the Bill would be of constitutional significance and relevance to Māori but that Māori were not consulted. The Tribunal therefore called for a halt to the Bill until there had been meaningful engagement with Māori.
    On Monday (May 19) Cabinet approved sending the Bill for debate in Parliament, bypassing meaningful consultation and undermining the jurisdiction of the Waitangi Tribunal, which convened an urgent hearing last week in response to the bill, Panoho says.
    More than 18,000 individuals supported a collective Waitangi Tribunal claim (Wai 3470) led by Toitū te Tiriti and other Māori groups, reflecting the widespread concern that the Bill is not only anti-Treaty but actively hostile to all New Zealanders.
    “This legislation represents a serious constitutional overreach and an attack on the foundational principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi,” Panoho says.
    “It entrenches economic ideology at the expense of Māori rights and tino rangatiratanga. Rushing it through Cabinet without proper consultation dishonours Te Tiriti and shows a complete lack of good faith by the Crown. Māori must not be an afterthought in legislative processes that could redefine our rights in law,” Panoho says.
    “This is not neutral policy, it is a calculated shift toward deregulation and privatisation, one that threatens public accountability and undermines the government’s ability to protect collective wellbeing.
    “By prioritising property rights over social justice, environmental sustainability, and Treaty obligations, the Bill fundamentally alters the role of government in a way that is unbalanced and deeply concerning.
    “The Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi urges all political parties and communities to reject the Bill. We must not allow our democratic processes to be hijacked by ideology that seeks to silence Te Tiriti, disempower communities, and privilege profit over people and planet,” Panoho says.
    The Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi is Aotearoa New Zealand’s largest trade union, representing and supporting more than 95,000 workers across central government, state-owned enterprises, local councils, health boards and community groups.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Budget 2025 – Budget must deliver for burnt-out St John workforce

    Source: Workers First Union

    Ambulance officers who work for Hato Hone St John say this week’s Budget must include real funding to improve pay and conditions or the Government risks driving more experienced paramedics offshore or back into industrial action.
    Last week, ambulance delegates from across Aotearoa gathered in Auckland for a Workers First conference (photo attached) as the group prepares to enter bargaining again with the partially charity-funded ambulance provider. They also discussed their growing concerns about a workforce crisis that is being made worse by insufficient public health funding.
    Faye McCann, Workers First National Ambulance Coordinator, said that this year’s Budget marks the final year of a four-year ambulance funding agreement, and last year’s negotiations had failed to substantially lift wages, address penal rates that are significantly lower than comparable health professions, or deliver the infrastructure needed to keep the service functioning successfully while meeting growing patient demand.
    “We can’t keep plugging holes with goodwill and expecting ambulance officers to carry the cost of a broken system,” said Ms McCann.
    “Ambulance staff are already burnt out, understaffed, and responding to more mental health and high-risk incidents than ever before. It’s getting worse, especially in Auckland, where short staffing is at crisis levels even as the population grows and demand rises.”
    “Officers are leaving for Australia because the pay is better, the infrastructure is better, and the workload is safer. We’re losing people we can’t afford to lose.”
    Ms McCann said ambulance officers were dismayed that last year’s Budget failed to fulfil the National Party and New Zealand First’s coalition promise to increase the proportion of Government funding for the country’s ambulance services.
    “When it comes to the Treaty Principles Bill or other dodgy political priorities, the coalition agreement framework between parties is treated like it’s enshrined in law – but when it comes to funding emergency services, that promise is suddenly a ‘nice-to-have’,” said Ms McCann.
    She warned that unless this Budget delivers real improvements, ambulance officers could be forced back into the same impossible bargaining position as last year, when St John repeated that they couldn’t improve wages and conditions without additional Government funding.
    “Some funding eventually came, but only after a national strike and a drawn-out, behind-closed-doors process that no one wants to repeat,” said Ms McCann.
    “We’re calling on the Government to fund ambulance services properly so that St John can offer decent wages, fair conditions, and a service that New Zealanders can actually rely on.”
    “Cuts to the broader health budget, or a failure to meet growing cost pressures and rising demand, will mean ambulance officers are the ones bearing the brunt of underfunding, and patients will be worse off for it.”
    “Ambulance services cannot be the casualty of another austerity Budget from this Government.”
    Ms McCann said that Workers First ambulance officers’ ultimate goal remained the full operational funding of emergency health services, and she believed that services like St John and Wellington Free fully supported that aim.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Budget 2025 must prioritise support for small businesses – Buy NZ Made

    Source: Buy NZ Made

    Buy NZ Made is calling on the Government to deliver meaningful support for New Zealand’s small businesses, the backbone of the economy and the heart of our local communities.
    With small businesses making up over 97% of all enterprises in New Zealand and employing more than 600,000 Kiwis, Buy NZ Made Executive Director Dane Ambler says it is essential that the 2025 Budget includes targeted initiatives to ease cost pressures, encourage innovation, and drive local consumer confidence.
    “Small businesses are facing a tough economic climate – rising costs, uncertain demand, and global competition. What they need now is a Government that steps up with strategic, long-term investment in local enterprise.
    “Ideally, we would like to see increased access to low-interest loans, grants, and tax relief for small businesses, especially those recovering from the impacts of inflation and global supply chain disruptions.”
    Ambler says the government’s recent move to a “local-first” approach in procurement to ensure New Zealand-made products and services are given fair consideration in public spending decisions was a good start.
    “Backing small businesses is not just good economics – it’s good nation-building.
    “When the Government supports local, it sends a powerful message to every New Zealander that choosing Kiwi-made products and services creates jobs, strengthens communities, and keeps money circulating within our own economy.”
    Buy NZ Made is encouraging the public and policymakers alike to think local, buy local, and back the businesses that make New Zealand unique.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Surveys – Poll shows overwhelming majority support increase in spending on public services

    Source: Better Taxes for a Better Future

    As the Government prepares to release a Budget that will deliver further cuts to public services an overwhelming majority of New Zealanders support increased spending on those services, according to a new poll commissioned by the Better Taxes for a Better Future campaign.

    The Talbot Mills Research poll asked whether government spending on key public services such as hospitals, schools, and the police should increase (a lot or a bit), stay the same or decrease (a bit or a lot). 83% of respondents supported increases in public spending, and this support remained high across the political spectrum with even 62% of ACT supporters endorsing an increase.

    “This poll shows that there is widespread support for greater investment in our public services to meet the needs of New Zealanders, such as in healthcare, and education,” says Glenn Barclay spokesperson for the Better Taxes campaign.

    “It’s clear that, even in these tough economic times, people across the political spectrum realise investment in public services now is important to help build a better future.”

    The poll also asked if wealthier New Zealanders (e.g.people who earn over $180,000 per year and/or have assets worth more than $5m) should pay more, the same, or less tax than they do at present. A majority (57%) supported the wealthy paying more tax.

    “This may not be a surprising result for Labour, Green and Te Pāti Māori supporters, yet even a majority of National Party supporters favour the wealthy paying more tax,” says Glenn Barclay.

    “The IR report into High Net Worth Individuals in 2023 demonstrated that the wealthiest 310 families in New Zealand had an effective tax rate of 9.4% compared to over 20% for the average New Zealander and it is clear that there is support for rectifying this imbalance,” says Glenn Barclay.

    “The responses to these two questions send a clear message that New Zealanders don’t want to see cuts to essential public services, and the government needs to be looking at other ways to generate the revenue we need to provide services that will enable all New Zealanders to succeed,” says Glenn Barclay.

    “We encourage the Government and opposition parties to be looking at tax changes that would ensure those that have more to contribute, make that contribution. Gathering more revenue from wealth and gains from wealth would put us in a better position to address the challenges we face in delivering public services, addressing poverty and climate change, and funding major infrastructure.”

    The Better Taxes for a Better Future Campaign is a coalition of over 20 organisations led by Tax Justice Aotearoa.

    We believe that tax reform is the only solution to the current challenges facing Aotearoa NZ.  We need the tax system to:

    • be transparent
    • raise more revenue to enable us address the challenges we face
    • make sure people who have more to contribute make that contribution: that we gather more revenue from wealth, gains from wealth, all forms of income, and corporates
    • make greater use of fair taxes to promote good health and environmental health
    • address the tax impact on the least well off in our society.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SCHUMER: SHOCKING NEW DISTRICT-BY-DISTRICT REPORT SHOWS THE GOP PLAN TO GUT MEDICAID COULD KICK 1.5 MILLION NEW YORKERS OFF HEALTH INSURANCE & AND RIP AWAY $13.5 BILLION FROM LOCAL HOSPITALS & NY…

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New York Charles E Schumer
    SENATOR SAYS THIS WEEK IS PIVOTAL AS HOUSE RUSHES TO PASS DEVASTATING CUTS; DEMANDS NY HOUSE REPUBLICANS WITHHOLD VOTES & REJECT CUTS TO TAKE AWAY HEALTHCARE FROM THOUSANDS OF THEIR CONSTITUENTS
    This Week House Republicans Are Planning Vote To Pass The Largest Cut To Medicaid In American History To Fund Trump’s Tax Breaks For Corporations & Billionaires; Terminating Health Insurance For 1.5 Million NY-ers, Decimating Local Hospitals, Nursing Homes, & Rural Health Clinics From Long Island To The North Country
    Schumer Says $13.5 Billion Would Crater NY Healthcare, Leading To Layoffs & Closures – With Margins So Tight In House, Senator Says NY GOP Reps Can Stop This – And Should Because Thousands Of Their Constituents Will Be First To Suffer
    Schumer: This Is THE Week. We Are In The Fight Of Our Lives To Save Healthcare For 1.5 Million New Yorkers
    With the House planning to vote this week to pass the largest Medicaid cut in American history and gut the healthcare system – all to fund Trump’s tax breaks for billionaires and wealthy corporations – U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer broke down shocking new district-by-district data revealing this cruel GOP plan could rip away health insurance for 1.5 million New Yorkers and lead to a $13.5 billion funding crater that could cripple NY’s hospitals and healthcare economy.
    “This is as cruel and heartless as it gets. Trump and House Republicans want to kick 1.5 million New Yorkers off their health insurance and rip away $13.5 billion from NY’s hospitals and healthcare economy so they can have bigger tax breaks for billionaires & corporations. NY House Republicans promised for months they would protect Medicaid, but now New Yorkers know the truth: they never intended to keep that promise, and this confirms it,” said Senator Schumer. “We cannot let this plan go under the radar. From Long Island to the North Country, people will lose their healthcare, hospitals and nursing homes will shutter, premiums will go up, and health care workers will lose their jobs. This week is when House Republicans plan to vote on these cuts and NY House Republicans have the votes to stop it. We need everyone to make their voices heard and tell NY’s House Republicans to stand up to Trump, and stop the largest cut to healthcare in American history, because thousands of their constituents will be the first to suffer.”
    Schumer said the proposed $900+ billion cut from Medicaid and the ACA would directly impact healthcare for nearly 14 million Americans. The bill would shift billions of dollars in Medicaid costs to New York State, while simultaneously changing rules that would result in thousands of New Yorkers losing health coverage.
    A new report from NY State shows just how devastating the GOP healthcare cuts would be for local hospitals in NY and the thousands of New Yorkers in every Congressional District, which can be found below:

    NY Congressional District

    Projected Losses For Local Hospitals

    People At Risk Of Losing Health Insurance Coverage

    NY-1

    $29,066,244

    47,515

    NY-2

    $35,322,184

    47,935

    NY-3

    $49,612,361

    37,435

    NY-4

    $39,079,356

    44,065

    NY-5

    $22,378,442

    79,316

    NY-6

    $161,956,005

    89,975

    NY-7

    $26,071,884

    81,082

    NY-8

    $22,474,403

    79,672

    NY-9

    $120,606,309

    88,530

    NY-10

    $82,240,122

    64,165

    NY-11

    $19,435,181

    51,984

    NY-12

    $311,229,420

    28,520

    NY-13

    $16,583,715

    96,741

    NY-14

    $24,655,008

    92,929

    NY-15

    $108,472,912

    106,903

    NY-16

    $30,239,334

    54,798

    NY-17

    $32,088,650

    31,189

    NY-18

    $21,668,362

    38,392

    NY-19

    $24,813,186

    37,453

    NY-20

    $30,149,640

    32,224

    NY-21

    $25,343,510

    44,082

    NY-22

    $34,359,346

    38,000

    NY-23

    $13,483,095

    34,672

    NY-24

    $11,949,091

    31,388

    NY-25

    $45,044,227

    40,542

    NY-26

    $32,225,707

    45,232

    NY Total

    $1,370,547,694

    1,464,739

    Overall, New York State estimates that the state will lose $13.5 billion if House Republicans’ proposed cuts go through. That includes:
    More than $7.5 billion due to cuts to Essential Plan funding.
    Nearly $3 billion due to the federal government shifting costs to the state.
    Over $3 billion due to new administrative burdens for running the Medicaid program, including burdensome work reporting requirements.
     Schumer warned that Medicaid serves as a lifeline for more than 7 million New Yorkers and provides care to seniors, children, people with disabilities, and veterans across the state. Medicaid is the primary payer for long-term care in the United States, including at nursing homes and for people living at home. Medicaid pays for services for 2 in 3 nursing home residents. Almost half of all kids in the country rely on Medicaid, and 1 in 3 people with disabilities look to Medicaid for their insurance coverage. Cutting this program will leave families with nowhere to turn when they need care.
    Schumer said while some Congressional Republicans claim this plan won’t cut Medicaid, this new data proves otherwise and there is no way to protect Medicaid benefits if Republicans pass these cuts. These cuts will not only hurt people who get their health insurance through Medicaid, but create new challenges for the state’s entire healthcare system. Costs will go up for everyone, with higher premiums a result of the new strain on providers like hospitals and community health centers. This bill creates burdensome red tape requirements not only for people with Medicaid, but also for people who buy insurance themselves in the marketplace.
    Schumer added, “This isn’t targeting waste and fraud, this is a rushed plan to bankroll Trump’s tax breaks for the ultra-rich paid for by ripping away healthcare for New Yorkers.”
    GOP cuts include hundreds of billions from the Affordable Care Act, terminating coverage for Americans who purchase their own health insurance like small business owners and family caregivers, as well as taking away tax credits that help them afford this coverage.
    GOP healthcare cuts will hit rural hospitals in the North Country and Southern Tier particularly hard. The bill will end provider taxes, which allows New York to directly fund providers like rural emergency departments, and limits state-directed payments which allow hospitals to provide maternity, emergency, and behavioral health care, which is especially helpful in rural areas where these services can be more difficult to find.
    Schumer said the GOP healthcare cuts would inevitably shift the costs of care to local governments, resulting in agonizing decisions with county executives and state legislators forced to decide where to make up for the huge budget hole caused by the staggering loss in federal funding. Counties could be forced to shoulder the burden of increased costs in Medicaid, using more local dollars to manage people’s coverage with less federal funding will be coming in. This will squeeze budgets across the state, meaning the possibility of higher taxes or cuts to other programs that communities rely on, like education or public safety.
    Schumer concluded, “This is as backwards as it gets. Stealing from Medicaid, taking resources away from our hospitals to pay for Trump’s tax cuts for wealthy corporations and billionaires. It is just plain wrong. NY Republicans are tying themselves in knots to try to justify these cuts, but the data shows this will hurt our seniors, kids, families, and healthcare providers who rely on Medicaid.”
    An overview of the various healthcare cuts included in the current GOP bill can be found HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Gov. Hochul Removes 24 Line Items From FY 2026 Budget

    Source: US State of New York

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    May 20, 2025

    Albany, NY

    Governor Hochul today removed 24 line items from the FY 2026 Enacted Budget in accordance with Article VII of the State Constitution. The rejected additions are duplicative or prior-year funding items that were fully expended and, therefore, not necessary.

    The full list of vetoes is available here.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Kehoe Signs Executive Order 25-24 Allowing Missourians Affected by Tornadoes and Severe Storms to Continue Receiving Prescribed Medications

    Source: US State of Missouri

    MAY 20, 2025

    Jefferson City — Today, Governor Mike Kehoe signed Executive Order 25-24 to further assist affected individuals whose prescriptions were lost or destroyed, whose records are not available, or whose original prescribing physician is unavailable, to be able to continue to receive prescribed medications.

    “To ensure the health and safety of those impacted by these recent devastating storms, we must ensure that Missourians are able to continue receiving prescribed medications in a timely manner,” Governor Kehoe said. “This executive order grants the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services and the State Board of Pharmacy discretionary authority to temporarily waive or suspend rules and regulations which will allow medical professionals to better assist those affected by storms. We thank the medical professionals across our state who are playing a critical role in helping Missouri communities recover.”

    Governor Kehoe first declared a State of Emergency on March 14, 2025, through Executive Order 25-19 in preparation for severe weather. The State of Emergency declaration in Executive Order 25-19 was subsequently extended by Executive Order 25-22 and Executive Order 25-23.

    Executive Order 25-24 will expire on June 30, 2025, unless otherwise terminated or extended. To view the Order, please click here.

    Additional May 16 Severe Storm Response Updates:

    Yesterday, Governor Mike Kehoe also requested President Trump issue a federal Emergency Declaration to expedite FEMA assistance and requested that FEMA participate in joint Preliminary Damage Assessmentsfor City of St. Louis, St. Louis County, and 6 Southeast Missouri Counties.

    A federal Emergency Declaration provides federal resources to support state response operations to protect lives, safeguard public health and provide for public safety. It does not delay or affect the process of pursuing a federal Major Disaster Declaration, which would provide Individual Assistance to help homeowners and renters, and Public Assistance, which would reimburse local governments for emergency response costs, debris removal, and repair and replacement of damaged roads, bridges, and other public infrastructure. Individual Assistance and Public Assistance require joint preliminary damage assessments by teams made up of representatives from FEMA, SEMA, the U.S. Small Business Administration, and local emergency management officials, extensive documentation, and a federal review process that can take weeks to complete.

    Beginning Wednesday, May 21, six teams will survey and verify documented damage in Cape Girardeau, Iron, New Madrid, St. Louis, Scott, Stoddard, and Wayne counties and the City of St. Louis to determine if Individual Assistance can be requested through FEMA. Individual Assistance allows eligible residents to seek federal assistance for temporary housing, housing repairs, replacement of damaged belongings, vehicles, and other qualifying expenses. Initial damage assessments for roads, bridges and other public infrastructure are ongoing, potentially resulting in a request for PDAs for Public Assistance in the future.

    Yesterday, Governor Kehoe also directed the Missouri National Guard provide a Liaison Officer (LNO) to assist the City of St. Louis with evaluating and advising local officials on potential appropriate missions for the Guard. This LNO reported to the St. Louis Emergency Operations Center this morning.

    The State of Missouri will continue to provide resources and personnel to St. Louis based on resource requests from the city and identified missions to meet the city’s needs. The Missouri National Guard maintains coordination with the Missouri State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) to respond if critical capability gaps occur in the local agencies’ response efforts.

    State assistance so far has included the Missouri State Highway Patrol assisting with law enforcement, search and rescue efforts and traffic control; an 84-person Type 1 Urban Search and Rescue (US&R) team from Missouri Task Force 1 assisting with highly technical search and rescue efforts; SEMA sending regional coordinators and specialized personnel to assist with mass care, feeding and housing, donations management, and volunteer management. SEMA has also sent tarps and other supplies to assist with immediate needs.

    SEMA continues to coordinate with local officials and volunteer and faith-based partners to identify needs and assist impacted families and individuals. Missourians with unmet needs are encouraged to contact United Way by dialing 2-1-1 or www.211helps.org or the American Red Cross at 1-800-733-2767.

    For additional resources and information about disaster recovery in Missouri, including general clean-up information, housing assistance, and mental health services, visit recovery.mo.gov.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Financial news: Two Federal Treasury deposit auctions will take place on 21.05.2025

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Moscow Exchange – Moscow Exchange –

    Application selection parameters
    Date of the selection of applications 05/21/2025
    Unique identifier of the application selection 22025132
    Deposit currency rubles
    Type of funds funds of the single treasury account
    Maximum amount of funds placed in bank deposits, million monetary units 50,000
    Placement period, in days 2
    Date of deposit 05/21/2025
    Refund date 05/23/2025
    Interest rate for placement of funds (fixed or floating) Fixed
    Minimum fixed interest rate for placement of funds, % per annum 20.05
    Basic floating interest rate for placement of funds –
    Minimum spread, % per annum –
    Terms of conclusion of a bank deposit agreement (fixed-term, replenishable or special) Urgent
    Minimum amount of funds placed for one application, million monetary units 1,000
    Maximum number of applications from one credit institution, pcs. 5
    Application selection form (open or closed) Open
    Application selection schedule (Moscow time)
    Venue for the selection of applications PAO Moscow Exchange
    Applications accepted: from 09:30 to 09:40
    Pre-applications: from 09:30 to 09:35
    Applications in competition mode: from 09:35 to 09:40
    Formation of a consolidated register of applications: from 09:40 to 09:50
    Setting a cut-off percentage rate and/or recognizing the selection of applications as unsuccessful: from 09:40 to 10:00
    Submission to credit institutions of an offer to conclude a bank deposit agreement: from 10:00 to 10:50
    Receiving acceptance of an offer to conclude a bank deposit agreement from credit institutions: from 10:00 to 10:50
    Deposit transfer time In accordance with the requirements of paragraph 63 and paragraph 64 of the Order of the Federal Treasury dated 04/27/2023 No. 10n
    Application selection parameters
    Date of the selection of applications 05/21/2025
    Unique identifier of the application selection 22025133
    Deposit currency rubles
    Type of funds funds of the single treasury account
    Maximum amount of funds placed in bank deposits, million monetary units 50,000
    Placement period, in days 182
    Date of deposit 05/21/2025
    Refund date 11/19/2025
    Interest rate for placement of funds (fixed or floating) Floating
    Minimum fixed interest rate for placement of funds, % per annum –
    Basic floating interest rate for placement of funds Ruonmds
    Minimum spread, % per annum 0.00
    Terms of conclusion of a bank deposit agreement (fixed-term, replenishable or special) Urgent
    Minimum amount of funds placed for one application, million monetary units 1,000
    Maximum number of applications from one credit institution, pcs. 5
    Application selection form (open or closed) Closed
    Application selection schedule (Moscow time)
    Venue for the selection of applications PAO Moscow Exchange
    Applications accepted: from 12:00 to 12:10
    Formation of a consolidated register of applications: from 12:10 to 12:20
    Setting a cut-off percentage rate and/or recognizing the selection of applications as unsuccessful: from 12:10 to 12:30
    Submission to credit institutions of an offer to conclude a bank deposit agreement: from 12:30 to 13:20
    Receiving acceptance of an offer to conclude a bank deposit agreement from credit institutions: from 12:30 to 13:20
    Deposit transfer time In accordance with the requirements of paragraph 63 and paragraph 64 of the Order of the Federal Treasury dated 04/27/2023 No. 10n

    RUONmDS = RUONIA – DS, where

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    DS – discount – a value expressed in hundredths of a percent and rounded (according to the rules of mathematical rounding) to two decimal places, calculated by multiplying the value of the Key Rate of the Bank of Russia by the value of the required reserve ratio for other liabilities of credit institutions for banks with a universal license, non-bank credit institutions (except for long-term ones) in the currency of the Russian Federation, valid on the date for which interest is accrued, and published on the official website of the Bank of Russia on the Internet.

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  • MIL-OSI Russia: Marat Khusnullin: Construction of the building of the Baltic Higher School of Musical and Theatre Arts as part of the cultural cluster has been completed in Kaliningrad

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    The construction of the building of the branch of the Russian State Institute of Performing Arts – the Baltic Higher School of Music and Theatre Arts on Oktyabrsky Island in Kaliningrad has been completed

    May 20, 2025

    Branch of the Russian State Institute of Performing Arts – Baltic Higher School of Musical and Theatre Arts on Oktyabrsky Island in Kaliningrad

    May 20, 2025

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    The construction of the building of the branch of the Russian State Institute of Performing Arts – the Baltic Higher School of Music and Theatre Arts on Oktyabrsky Island in Kaliningrad has been completed

    On Oktyabrsky Island in Kaliningrad, as part of a cultural and educational complex, the construction of a building for a branch of the Russian State Institute of Performing Arts – the Baltic Higher School of Musical and Theatre Arts – has been completed. This was reported by Deputy Prime Minister Marat Khusnullin.

    “On the instructions of the President, large-scale cultural and educational complexes are being built in four cities. Their creation is intended to increase the availability of the best examples of musical, theatrical, and fine arts for millions of people. The regions will have additional opportunities for creative expression, for the development of talents, and, first of all, of course, for young people. In addition, a modern, well-maintained urban environment is being created on the territory of the complexes, accessible to all residents and visitors of the city. Thus, clusters also give impetus to the tourism industry and, in general, have a positive effect on the development of the regions. Today, the construction of a building for the branch of RGISI – the Baltic Higher School of Musical and Theatrical Arts – has been completed in Kaliningrad. A certificate of conformity has already been received for the new facility. Permission to put it into operation is expected,” said Marat Khusnullin.

    The Deputy Prime Minister added that the Baltic Higher School of Music and Theatre Arts will become the first university in the Kaliningrad Region where students can master the basics of creative professions in 9 areas. The educational institution is designed to train 150 students. The building will also house a school of creative industries for young people – a site for two-year additional education for schoolchildren in grades 5-11. The general contractor for the construction is Stroytransgaz.

    “Throughout the construction process, we closely cooperated with the management of RGISI, which allowed us to take into account all the requirements and wishes. It was not easy, because creative people have their own unique ideas about comfort and functionality. We paid attention to every detail – glossy or matte surfaces, the height of the suspension of technological and stage equipment, acoustics, floors and much more. The STG-Zapad team created in Kaliningrad not just a building, but a modern and stylish space that will become a real home for the creative youth of our country. We are sure that the new residents will like their new home and it will inspire them to new achievements,” said Dmitry Rzhannikov, General Director of STG-Zapad LLC.

    The educational institution is equipped with a modern transformable theater, a coworking area, recreation areas and a media library. The building is the first in Kaliningrad, the facade of which is made entirely of Corten steel and glass. Corten is considered one of the most durable and corrosion-resistant materials, which is important for the climate of Kaliningrad.

    In general, the cultural cluster in Kaliningrad is almost ready. Earlier, a branch of the Tretyakov Gallery, branches of the Moscow State Academy of Choreography and the Central Music School – the Academy of Performing Arts “Baltic” were built and put into operation there. In addition, a comprehensive school with a swimming pool, two boarding schools for students and a dormitory for students, as well as five apartment buildings for teachers and artists of the cultural cluster have already been built. The construction of a branch of the Bolshoi Theater continues.

    In addition to Kaliningrad, cultural and educational complexes are being built in Vladivostok, Kemerovo and Sevastopol.

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Yuri Trutnev held a meeting of the co-chairs of the Intergovernmental Russian-Chinese Commission on Cooperation and Development of the Russian Far East and the Northeast of China

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Yuri Trutnev held a meeting of the co-chairs of the Intergovernmental Russian-Chinese Commission on Cooperation and Development of the Russian Far East and the Northeast of China

    May 20, 2025

    Yuri Trutnev held a meeting of the co-chairs of the Intergovernmental Russian-Chinese Commission on Cooperation and Development of the Russian Far East and the Northeast of China

    May 20, 2025

    Previous news Next news

    Yuri Trutnev held a meeting of the co-chairs of the Intergovernmental Russian-Chinese Commission on Cooperation and Development of the Russian Far East and the Northeast of China

    A meeting of the co-chairs of the Intergovernmental Russian-Chinese Commission on Cooperation and Development of the Russian Far East and the Northeast of the People’s Republic of China was held in Moscow. The Russian part of the commission is headed by Deputy Prime Minister – Presidential Plenipotentiary Envoy to the Far Eastern Federal District Yuri Trutnev. The head of the Chinese part of the commission is Vice Chairman of the State Council of the People’s Republic of China Zhang Guoqing.

    “Our meeting is taking place immediately after an important political event – the official visit of the Chairman of the People’s Republic of China Xi Jinping to Russia and his participation in the celebrations of the 80th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War. The leaders of our countries confirmed their course to strengthen good-neighborliness and cooperation. In late August – early September, Russian President Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin plans to visit China to participate in the summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and the celebrations of the anniversary of the victory over Japan and the end of World War II. Relations between Russia and China are an important stabilizing factor in global politics and economics. I am confident that the work of our commission as one of the bridges of cooperation between Russia and China is of particular importance today. In recent years, our countries have faced unprecedented challenges, destabilization of international relations and the global economy. At the same time, Russian-Chinese ties continue to strengthen. In 2024, mutual trade turnover once again set a record, reaching almost 245 billion US dollars. “I am confident that our meeting today will contribute to the implementation of the agreements of the heads of state and government, primarily in the development of cooperation between the Russian Far East and Northeast China,” Yuri Trutnev opened the meeting.

    “In recent years, under the strategic leadership of the Chairman of the People’s Republic of China, Xi Jinping and the President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin, Sino-Russian relations reached the highest level in their history and have become the standard of cooperation between world powers and neighboring countries. Our leaders set a course and direction for our further interaction, sent the whole world a clear signal about the stable and healthy development of Sino-Russian relations at a high level, which introduced stability and positive to a complex international situation. The key task of today’s meeting is to implement agreements between our leaders and conduct appropriate preparations for the upcoming meeting between them, as well as for regular meetings of the heads of government. Currently, individual countries under various pretexts abuse tariff measures, which grossly violating the laws, rights and interests of other states and seriously contradicts the Rules of the WTO, damages the multilateral trading system, undermines the stability of the global economic order. Such actions have a negative impact on the world supplies and production chains. In these conditions, it is important for us to consistently deepen cooperation in all areas, including the interaction of the north-east of the People’s Republic of China and the Far East of the Russian Federation in order to make an even greater contribution to the development of our countries, ”said Zhang Gotsin.

    The results and promising areas of joint work in the Russian Far East and the North-East of the People’s Republic of China were discussed. Over 6 years (from 2018 to 2023), the trade turnover of the Russian Far East with the People’s Republic of China increased by almost 2.5 times and exceeded 1.9 trillion rubles in 2023.

    In the territories of advanced development and in the free port of Vladivostok, 65 investment projects with a total investment volume of 1 trillion rubles are being implemented with the participation of Chinese capital. Projects with the participation of Chinese companies in the total investment volume in the Far East make up 10%. In a number of large projects, Chinese companies are technological partners, carry out work on the construction of new enterprises, and participate in start-up work.

    Work on the creation of a new preferential regime – an international territory of advanced development – is being completed. The regime was developed in cooperation with representatives of China and other countries. The draft law on international territories of advanced development was adopted in the first reading by the State Duma of the Russian Federation. The regime will be created by the end of this year. Chinese companies are showing interest in interaction within the new legal framework. Five companies from China have already applied as residents.

    The development of transport infrastructure was discussed. In 2024, the volume of bilateral foreign trade cargo transportation through border crossings and seaports of Russia and China increased by 9% to almost 176 million tons. In 2024, land checkpoints on the border with China increased cargo turnover from 40.4 to 45.9 million tons. A significant contribution to the growth was made by the opening of two new bridge crossings in 2022: Blagoveshchensk – Heihe and Nizhneleninskoye – Tongjiang. In 2024, 6.2 million tons of cargo were transported through them.

    The construction of a bridge in the area of the settlements of Jalinda (Russia) and Mohe (China) can contribute to the increase in freight traffic. Amur Region and Heilongjiang Province have formed a promising freight base. The location of the bridge has been agreed upon. On the Russian side, key participants in the project and the main technical parameters have been determined.

    The Russian side invited Chinese partners to further develop the Northern Sea Route. In 2024, the number of voyages carried out by Chinese companies in the NSR waters doubled and amounted to 14 voyages.

    On the instructions of Russian President Vladimir Putin, a project to create an innovative scientific and technological center on Russky Island is being implemented. Research and development centers in the fields of biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, biomedicine, marine engineering, artificial intelligence and big data are being created. The construction of a pilot building is nearing completion. Chinese organizations and departments, representatives of scientific communities have been invited to participate in the implementation of joint projects in these areas.

    “This September, the anniversary, tenth Eastern Economic Forum will be held in Vladivostok with the participation of the President of the Russian Federation. This event is invariably an important platform for developing cooperation with the countries of the Asia-Pacific region. China is traditionally one of the main guests of the Eastern Economic Forum. We invite our Chinese colleagues to take part in the work of the tenth Eastern Economic Forum in September this year,” said Yuri Trutnev.

    Summing up the meeting, Yuri Trutnev once again emphasized: “The Russian government is open to dialogue and is ready to provide support to Chinese partners in the Far East.”

     

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Statement from U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor on Trump’s Cruel Move to Strip Protections & Work Permits from 350,000 Venezuelans

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Reprepsentative Kathy Castor (FL14)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL-14) released the following statement regarding President Donald Trump’s rescission of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for hundreds of thousands of Venezuelans, including many living and working in Florida, that was upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court late yesterday:

    “Hundreds of thousands of Venezuelans who fled political and economic oppression are now condemned to an uncertain and unstable future due to President Trump’s decision to revoke TPS. Venezuela is still a dangerous country where many are persecuted for their commitment to democratic ideals. The cruel and costly Trump policy will uproot families, destabilize communities and endanger the lives of people who fled a brutal dictatorship and sought refuge in the United States. These are hardworking men and women who came to the U.S. legally to contribute to our economy, raise families and worship alongside us. They are part of the fabric of our state.

    “Instead of cruelly targeting them for deportation, we should provide stability and a tough but fair pathway to citizenship. That’s why I am cosponsoring legislation to provide our Venezuelan neighbors with a pathway to work and residency—so they can build a future in the country they have contributed so much to.

    “I call on my colleagues in Congress to support this pathway and reject President Trump’s cruel and shortsighted agenda, and join me in standing up for our Venezuelan neighbors. America’s strength lies in our compassion and our commitment to freedom, not in tearing families apart to score political points.”

    Rep. Castor has consistently championed TPS protections for Venezuelans and others fleeing violence and oppression, and she continues to advocate for permanent solutions that uphold American values of dignity, safety and opportunity.

    MIL OSI USA News –