NewzIntel.com

Category: Politics

  • MIL-OSI USA: Welch Calls Out Trump Administration for Abandoning Afghan Refugees Facing Persecution

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Peter Welch (D-Vermont)
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) yesterday spoke on the Senate Floor on how President Trump’s January 20th Executive Order suspending admission to the United States for Afghan refugees has left vulnerable families stranded and abandoned thousands who face persecution.
    In his remarks, Senator Welch urged Congress to expedite the resettlement of Afghan refugees, many of whom worked with, and for, the U.S. government, our diplomats, and our intelligence officers. Senator Welch praised the Vermont Afghan Alliance and other resettlement organizations which have connected Afghans to state and local services. He also urged Congress and the Trump Administration to streamline and overhaul the resettlement process.  
    “I so appreciate the work of the Vermont Afghan Alliance, and the many other refugee assistance organizations around the country. They have been indispensable in helping us meet our obligation to support the Afghans who helped our soldiers—that’s our obligation. But ultimately, resettlement is the responsibility of the federal government…This population of refugees exists, I state again, because of their work with and for our government, for our soldiers, for our diplomats, and our intelligence officers. We have abandoned our partners in their time of need,” said Senator Welch. 
    “We have to meet our commitments to people who helped us…So, this must be an opportunity to expedite, expedite the resettlement to the United States of these Afghan refugees who trusted in us and whose lives are very much at risk.” 
    Watch Senator Welch’s speech below: 
    Read a key excerpt from Senator Welch’s remarks: 
    “The Trump Administration’s termination of USAID’s assistance programs in more than a hundred countries—including Afghanistan—without any meaningful review, has caused people everywhere to doubt that they can rely on the United States. We’re putting our reputation in jeopardy. And President Trump and Secretary Rubio provided literally no credible explanation or justification, in clear violation of Congress’ intent with the destruction of these USAID programs.  
    “But by abandoning thousands of Afghans, who do face persecution if forced to return, we reinforce those doubts. And by doing so, we encourage those who have long seen the United States as a world leader and as a partner to look for more reliable partners elsewhere—bad for our national security… 
    “There’s no justification for us to abandon them. You know, I’m really concerned about the Administration’s—what I see as an increasingly brazen flaunting of court orders. And I think all of us in Congress should condemn any deviation from abiding by court orders by the Administration. And I hope the Administration’s review of the refugee admissions is not another pretext review like we had—supposedly—of the USAID programs. It cannot, it cannot be an excuse to manufacture a false justification for abandoning the victims of our nation- building’s debacle. We have to take ownership of what it is we did.” 
    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  

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Pierre Poilievre’s proposals on intimate partner violence will do little to stop it

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Walter S. DeKeseredy, Anna Deane Carlson Endowed Chair of Social Sciences, Director of the Research Center on Violence, and Professor of Sociology, West Virginia University

    Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre recently announced that if elected in Canada’s upcoming federal election, his party would enact tougher sentences for anyone accused of intimate partner violence.

    He has also vowed to institute a three-strikes policy for anyone who commits three serious offences, with a minimum 10-year prison sentence with no eligibility for parole.

    The proposed actions include creating a new offence of “assault of an intimate partner,” requiring stricter bail conditions for anyone accused of intimate partner violence and ensuring first-degree murder convictions for anyone who kills their partner.

    There are many steps policymakers who are concerned about victims could take. For example, they could fund a variety of effective prevention programs. However, the approach articulated by Poilievre does not appear to centre the victim, but rather the offender.

    Punishment is often ineffective

    Although government policies in Canada and other countries have emphasized punitive actions towards men who abuse their partners, relatively few of these men are arrested, incarcerated or treated.

    This is due in large part to the fact that most perpetrators are not reported to the police. In fact, one important factor hindering women from reporting their abuse to law enforcement is that officers often express distrust of victims.

    Starting with this survey in 1992, studies repeatedly show that at least one out of every four Canadian female undergraduate students will experience at least one type of sexual assault during their time at university.

    Furthermore, at least 11 per cent of Canadian women in marital or cohabiting relationships are physically abused by their male partners in a year, and in the mid-1990s, there was evidence showing that Canadian men appeared to have higher rates of physical violence towards female intimates than their U.S. counterparts.

    The prevalence of such violence is unlikely to decrease much if all the men who have beaten, raped or killed their partners are arrested and locked up. Decades of research shows that punishment is ineffective in reducing crimes like violence against women.

    Prison and other harsh legal sanctions do not deter abusive men from injuring their female partners any more than they deter the myriad of violent crimes that occur outside domestic or intimate contexts. This has been the conclusion of the majority of deterrence studies conducted in the past 50 years.

    Legal scholar Michelle Alexander and sociologists like Loic Wacquant and Bruce Western have outlined how incarceration can actually increase crime and exacerbate other social problems like unemployment and poverty.

    This information has been available to virtually every Canadian politician for many years, yet they have lacked the political will to act on this information. However, calls to institute more severe sentences often play into public desires to see those accused of crimes punished.

    Improve lives, not punish more

    Violence against women is often a key symptom of structured social inequality. Those who want to reduce it must find ways of reducing social inequality. Governments often compartmentalize social problems like violence against women along bureaucratic lines.

    In other words, some government departments are expected to handle economic issues and find ways to cut spending. However, those working for these departments rarely consider how reductions in unemployment or cuts to social programs and so on affect rates of abuse.

    Rather, the police and courts are often left to respond to male-to-female violence after it has happened. Yet, in real life, jobs, welfare, housing, employment equity, child care, gender inequality and a host of other factors affect the ways men treat women.

    It is time that we move beyond the well-worn path of using after-the-fact approaches to dealing with violence against women.
    (Shutterstock)

    It should be noted that police, courts, prisons and treatment programs play an important role in responding to violence against women. Nevertheless, neither the criminal justice system nor battered women’s shelters should be solely, or even primarily, responsible for dealing with violence against women. Relying only on them to make women’s lives safer is tantamount to “closing the barn doors after the horses have left.”

    Calling the police after a beating, rape or femicide does not prevent the crime from taking place. And although shelters are undoubtedly necessary in our society, shelter workers cannot be expected to solve the problem of woman abuse single-handedly.

    Therefore, it is time that we move beyond the well-worn path of using after-the-fact approaches. Hopefully, if implemented sensitively, what legal professor Leigh Goodmark refers to as a balanced policy approach will result in major reductions in violence against women.

    This approach entails using initiatives such as: putting cash resources directly in the hands of abused women, providing affordable housing and childcare, creating an anti-poverty movement, increased funding for the development and evaluation of community-based prevention programs and encouraging progressive men to be part of the solution.

    Will these strategies make a difference? As criminologist Elliott Currie puts it:

    “We have tried moral exhortation. We have tried neglect. We have tried punishment. We have even grudgingly, tried treatment. We have tried everything but improving lives.”

    The authors do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. Pierre Poilievre’s proposals on intimate partner violence will do little to stop it – https://theconversation.com/pierre-poilievres-proposals-on-intimate-partner-violence-will-do-little-to-stop-it-254014

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI USA: McClellan Statement on Passage of the SAVE Act, Ushering in a New Era of Voter Suppression

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan (Virginia 4th District)

    Washington, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan (VA-04) issued the following statement on House passage of H.R. 22, the SAVE Act, which threatens millions of Americans’ fundamental right to vote:

    “The SAVE Act is the latest chapter in this country’s dark history of suppressing the sacred right to vote through a modern-day poll tax.

    “House Republicans just imposed a modern day poll tax on millions of American citizens and erected barriers to registration for active duty service members stationed away from home, women who no longer use their maiden name, homebound seniors and disabled individuals, and rural communities.

    “Masquerading as ‘election security’ — a solution in search of a problem — the SAVE Act forces millions of Americans to pay for documentary proof of citizenship to register to vote. It also forces citizens to register to vote in person by eliminating mail-in and online options.

    “Whether it’s the $2.12 poll tax my father paid in 1947, a $130 passport, or a $1,385 certificate of citizenship, no American should have to pay to cast their vote.

    “My great-grandfather had to take a literacy test and find three white men to vouch for his character just to register to vote. My father and grandfather had to pay poll taxes to be able to register to vote. I stand firm against efforts to return to these Jim Crow tactics. I voted No on the SAVE Act today.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Hinson: The No Rogue Rulings Act will End Judicial Weaponization

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Ashley Hinson (IA-01)

    Washington, DC – Congresswoman Ashley Hinson (IA-02) released the following statement after voting for the No Rogue Rulings Act, legislation that would prohibit district judges from legislating from the bench and single handedly overturning the president’s agenda.

    “The courts are an important check and balance in our democracy. However, activist lower court judges have repeatedly issued politically motivated nationwide injunctions to obstruct President Trump’s agenda. For example, U.S. District Court Judge James Boasberg ordered planes carrying dangerous illegal immigrants to turn around midair back to the United States, even after President Trump and President Bukele of El Salvador negotiated an agreement to deport these illegals. The No Rogue Rulings Act will ensure district court judges cannot issue nationwide injunctions and end this latest judicial weaponization tactic.” – Congresswoman Ashley Hinson 

    Background:

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Import a Non-Standard Magistrate Claim Service

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    News story

    Import a Non-Standard Magistrate Claim Service

    Import claims from your case management system using new functionality in the Non-Standard Magistrate claims service

    The Non-Standard Magistrate Claim service was successfully implemented as a replacement for the eForms service in September 2024.

    New functionality release

    We recently released an import feature within the service that allows you to upload claims exported from enabled case management software systems.

    The ‘Import a Claim’ button on the ‘Your claims’ page, has, as of 24 March 2025, allowed a user to upload a claim exported in XML file format from their case management system. This will populate as much of the form as possible and help users complete their claims faster and with fewer errors. 

    This will be particularly helpful if you have many work items, as currently, these must be entered line by line.

    Why is it happening now?

    We have heard and seen the difficulty providers have submitting these claims, especially when there are many work items to add. We really wanted to find a fast and simple solution to improve the efficiency of these submissions.

    Updates may be required to your case management system

    For this feature to work, your case management systems will need to be updated with the ability to export a claim to an XML file that maps to the correct schema.

    Case management system providers should have received communications with this attached. However, if yours has not, you may pass on the schema linked in the further information section below.

    Note that, without an export that maps to this specific schema, attempts to use the ‘import a claim’ feature will either not work or cause errors and therefore create a slower claim submission experience. If you cannot export a claim in this format, please talk to your case management system provider so that they may assist you in adding this capability.   

    Provider feedback

    The Non-Standard Magistrate Claim service has been informed by provider feedback, and we continue to welcome your feedback through the feedback link in the service.

    Looking forward

    We will continue to expand the functionality of the service, listening to feedback from providers to deliver a more accessible, user-friendly platform.

    Further information

    Schema for case management system providers

    CRM7 replacement service launch – GOV.UK

    Contact Online Support on NSCC@justice.gov.uk for technical issues.      

    Contact Magistrates Billing on 0300 20 20 20 or email magsbilling@justice.gov.uk for queries about claims and guidance.

    Updates to this page

    Published 10 April 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: The UK welcomes the formation of the new Syrian government: UK statement at the UN Security Council

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments 3

    Speech

    The UK welcomes the formation of the new Syrian government: UK statement at the UN Security Council

    Statement by Jess Jambert-Gray, UK Deputy Political Coordinator, at the UN Security Council meeting on Syria.

    I will make three points.

    First, since this Council last met, Syria has made further positive progress in its political transition. 

    The UK welcomes the announcement on the formation of the new Syrian government. 

    And we look forward to the protection of human rights, unfettered access of humanitarian aid, the safe destruction of chemical weapons and the combatting of terrorism and extremism.

    The government’s formation marks an important milestone in the transition. 

    We hope this spirit of inclusive representation will be carried forward in state institutions and in any further appointments, including to the Legislative Committee, and to a clear timeline for the next phases of the transition. 

    The UK stands ready to work with the Syrian government to this end and to support an inclusive, stable and prosperous future for the Syrian people.

    Second, this opportunity for stability is being threatened by the continued violence. 

    We are concerned by Israeli strikes and incursions into Syria, with reports of civilian deaths. 

    These actions risk destabilising Syria and the wider region. 

    And this is in no one’s interest. 

    We recognise Israel’s focus on protecting the security of its borders and its people, but the actions it takes must be proportionate and in line with international law. 

    We call on all actors to uphold the 1974 Disengagement Agreement, respect Syrian territorial integrity and prioritise diplomacy over force.

    Third, it is the Syrian people who will suffer the most from this worrying escalation. 

    After fourteen years of tyranny and conflict at the hands of the Assad regime, the Syrian people still face a staggering humanitarian crisis. 

    And that is why the UK has recently pledged up to $207 million in critical humanitarian assistance. 

    Our focus should now be on supporting Syrians to rebuild their country. 

    Therefore we call on all parties to ensure that humanitarian access remains possible across Syria and that civilian lives are protected. 

    The UK will continue to work with our international partners to support Syrians as they look to build a better future.

    Updates to this page

    Published 10 April 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: More detail announced on the Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    News story

    More detail announced on the Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee

    3,000 additional neighbourhood police officers and police community support officers will be in post within the next 12 months, the government has confirmed.

    Getty Images.

    The news was announced today by the Prime Minister during a visit to Cambridgeshire, as further detail was made public on the Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee.

    As part of this, every neighbourhood in England and Wales will have dedicated teams spending their time on the beat, with guaranteed police patrols in town centres and other hotspot areas at peak times such as Friday and Saturday nights. 

    Communities will also have named, contactable officers to tackle the issues facing their communities.

    There will be a dedicated antisocial behaviour lead in every force, working with residents and businesses to develop tailored action plans to tackle antisocial behaviour, which is blighting communities.

    These measures will be in place from July, in addition to the new neighbourhood officers who will be in their roles by next April.

    The Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee will put 13,000 more officers into communities by 2029, an increase of more than 50%. The early focus of the plan will be to establish named local officers, target town centre crime and build back neighbourhood policing.

    Under these plans, communities across the country will, for the first time in 15 years, be able to hold forces to account and expect a minimum standard of policing in their area.

    The government’s new Police Standards and Performance Improvement Unit will ensure police performance is consistently and accurately measured.

    Updates to this page

    Published 10 April 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: 10 April 2025 Departmental update Worldwide rally for maternal and newborn health marks World Health Day 2025

    Source: World Health Organisation

    On the occasion of the World Health Day 2025 dedicated to the theme of Healthier beginnings, hopeful futures, over 100 global offices of the World Health Organization (WHO) have organized wide-ranging public advocacy actions in collaboration with Member States, communities, health workers, partner and donor agencies and civil society organizations.

    The unprecedented global action to defend maternal and newborn health care services highlights the importance of protecting critical maternal, newborn health related services that are increasingly under threat of funding challenges affecting the global health sector.
     

    World Health Day 2025 actions by WHO offices

    African Region

    • Angola launched a dynamic Facebook live event and media campaign with UNICEF and UNFPA and partners.
    • Burundi orchestrated a 10-day celebration featuring refugee clinic visits, school disease screenings, and maternal health workshops.
    • Central African Republic hosted a presidential-level celebration launching maternal health roadmap with nationwide media coverage.
    • Chad mobilized 250 UN volunteers for the campaign, culminating in a ministerial ceremony and refugee camp celebrations.
    • Republic of the Congo featured a high-profile Walk the Talk event with the Regional Director to launch a maternal death management system, among other events.
    • Comoros held a joint event with the Directorate of Family Health.
    • Côte d’Ivoire spotlighted reproductive health of disabled women through powerful exhibitions and data showcases.
    • Eritrea conducted knowledge competitions and community visits to maternal waiting homes led by Minister of Health, among other events.
    • Eswatini organized community dialogues on maternal issues with strategic media placements across multiple platforms.
    • The Gambia commemorated through media engagements on national radio and TV networks.
    • Guinea implemented nationwide vaccination campaigns alongside free consultations and high-level advocacy efforts.
    • Lesotho engaged the Prime Minister in a community event complemented by university debates and a scientific symposium.
    • Liberia held a Walk the Talk event with the Ministry of Health.
    • Madagascar combined official ceremonies with free health care services, video broadcasts, among many other activities including an energetic Zumba fitness event.
    • Malawi delivered a bilingual media campaign featuring the Minister of Health addressing maternal and neonatal health priorities.
    • Mali showcased perinatal clinic facilities through an official ceremony and comprehensive media coverage.
    • Mauritania blended cultural performances with scientific panels on reproductive health in a high-impact ceremony.
    • Nigeria: WHO Nigeria, MOH and partners organized a walk to sensitize on improving maternal and newborn health, ending preventable deaths, and prioritizing women’s long-term well-being.
    • South Sudan: amidst the ongoing security concerns, no public events were held but advocacy messages were disseminated.
    • Republic of Sierra Leone facilitated the First Lady’s visit to a maternal hospital alongside diplomatic tours of health monitoring facilities.
    • South Africa produced impact videos and coordinated joint statements with the National Department of Health across media platforms.
    • Uganda published compelling human-interest stories on maternal health alongside policy dialogues and community health check-ups, among many other events (see here).
    • Zambia released a presidential video message highlighting maternal health partnerships and community outreach initiatives (also see here and here).
    • Tanzania: WHO joined the Ministry of Health and partners for the climax of National Health Week.

    WHO Region of the Americas/Pan American Health Organization

    • The Bahamas launched the SIP+ maternal health initiative through a strategic press conference and social media campaign.
    • Belize hosted a media breakfast with the Ministry of Health featuring targeted video content for multiple platforms.
    • Chile partnered with the Ministry of Health for a nationwide campaign launch with sustained media presence.
    • Colombia showcased traditional midwifery alongside technical experts in a ministerial panel on maternal mortality reduction.
    • Cuba celebrated zero maternal deaths in Villa Clara province through a festival and a multi-agency scientific symposium.
    • Guatemala secured vice presidential participation for a high-profile campaign launch at the national palace.
    • Guyana transformed the Rosignol Health Centre into a community hub with a health fair and live social media coverage (also see here).
    • Haiti launched a National Health Week with the Prime Minister featuring themed days and nationwide health fairs.
    • Suriname combined a public health fair with a technical forum on Perinatal Health Information System implementation.
    • Trinidad and Tobago placed strategic advertorials in major newspapers highlighting SIP implementation success.

    WHO Eastern Mediterranean Region

    • Bahrain coordinated joint UN-Ministry of Health events with a cross-platform media campaign, among other events (see here and here).
    • Djibouti celebrated the dual milestone of World Health Day and 40 years of WHO presence with a maternal health focus.
    • Jordan launched a Let’s talk about health video from the WHO country office staff to share insights and inspire change.
    • Iraq designed a comprehensive Health Week with daily themes engaging youth, media, and community volunteers.
    • Kuwait secured prime national TV coverage with coordinated social media messaging (see here and here).
    • Oman mobilized a multi-ministry response integrating higher education institutions in maternal health initiatives.
    • Pakistan engaged government officials in high-visibility events complemented by human interest stories and op-eds.
    • Tunisia implemented Health Champions Week featuring centre visits and a bilingual media campaign.

    WHO European Region

    • Republic of Armenia combined provincial and ministerial leadership in a women’s health event with national TV coverage.
    • Republic of Azerbaijan inaugurated a cutting-edge simulation laboratory at Azerbaijan Medical University with national television coverage.
    • Bosnia and Herzegovina distributed ministerial certificates alongside strategic op-eds in local newspapers.
    • Bulgaria honoured Bulgarian nurses through a campaign supporting a new national nursing strategy with UNICEF amplification.
    • Cyprus launched the National Mental Health Strategy alongside breastfeeding advocacy initiatives.
    • Czechia leveraged World Health Day to amplify a national alcohol action plan through high-profile press events.
    • Estonia published influential op-eds supporting early childhood vaccination with a multi-stakeholder social media campaign.
    • Hellenic Republic unveiled WHO European Quality Standards for child/youth mental health services with expert consultation.
    • Hungary launched a targeted campaign on heatwave impacts during pregnancy featuring expert recommendations.
    • Kazakhstan mobilized the Ministry of Health and Astana Medical University for a dynamic Walk the Talk event.
    • Kyrgyz Republic engaged university students through specialized talks on maternal and newborn health priorities.
    • Montenegro secured a national television interview alongside a smoking cessation initiative for pregnant women.
    • North Macedonia combined a media briefing with a doctors’ association and prime-time national TV news coverage.
    • Republic of Moldova produced a national TV health series complemented by school campaigns and a breastfeeding caravan.
    • Romania showcased kangaroo mother care through a strategic partners exhibition and technical roundtables.
    • Serbia illuminated Belgrade Tower with campaign messaging alongside prime-time media interviews.
    • Türkiye lit the iconic Atakule landmark while hosting a university seminar with the Ministry of Health and UN agencies.
    • Turkmenistan organized a bicycle marathon and youth dialogue with health network members.
    • Republic of Uzbekistan unveiled a maternal health mural at the National Center of Mother and Child with a influencer video series.

    WHO South-East Asia Region

    • Bangladesh hosted a national event at Osmani Memorial Auditorium with a newspaper supplement and district-level activities.
    • Bhutan combined a team-building hike with a celebration featuring video messages from the Minister of Health.
    • India showcased achievements in reducing maternal and child mortality rates through a regional webinar (also see here).
    • Indonesia celebrated 75 years of WHO partnership through an online talk show and targeted social media campaign.
    • Nepal highlighted mortality rate reductions through ministerial messages and video testimonies.
    • Sri Lanka delivered a specialized webinar series on maternal health topics with technical policy briefs.
    • Thailand focused on preterm infant care through a Department of Health event featuring regional voices.
    • Timor-Leste launched the Every Newborn Action Plan alongside a Ministry of Health–WHO exhibition and technical seminar.

    WHO Western Pacific Region

    • Cambodia connected health workers nationwide through a virtual gathering with parliamentary engagement.
    • China secured ministerial leadership for a National Health Commission event featuring the Director-General’s video remarks.
    • Lao People’s Democratic Republic published a joint WR/Minister of Health opinion piece with a planned UN partner MCH event.
    • Mongolia simultaneously launched the Healthy Newborn Initiative and the Cervical Cancer Elimination Programme.
    • Independent State of Papua New Guinea implemented a comprehensive activity series including regulatory workshops and violence prevention initiatives.
    • South Pacific coordinated a joint release with regional partners while launching the WHO South Pacific LinkedIn platform.
    • Solomon Islands celebrated maternal and child health achievements with medical workers and ministry officials.
    • Socialist Republic of Viet Nam partnered with the Young Physicians Association for a Hanoi event with strategic opinion pieces in the national media.

    Worldwide actions exemplified above, among many others, generate a strong response to the global call issued by UN agencies on World Health Day, raising alarm on the threat of major backsliding of maternal and newborn health.

    World Health Day 2025 marks WHO’s 77th birthday and kicks off a year-long campaign on maternal and newborn health. WHO urges governments and the health community to ramp up efforts to end preventable maternal and newborn deaths, and to prioritize women’s longer-term health and well-being.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Federal Court Permanently Shuts Down Ohio Tax Preparer

    Source: US State of North Dakota

    Note: View order here.

    A federal court in Ohio yesterday permanently enjoined a Columbus, Ohio, tax preparer from preparing returns for others and from owning or operating any tax return preparation business in the future. According to the court’s order, Michael Craig, both individually and doing business as Craig’s Tax Service, consented to the entry of the injunction.

    The court’s order requires Craig to send notice of the injunction to each person for whom he prepared federal tax returns or refund claims after Jan. 1, 2022. According to the government’s complaint, many tax returns that Craig prepared made false and fraudulent claims, including:

    • Reporting losses for fictitious Schedule C businesses;
    • Claiming costs of goods sold (COGS) for types of businesses that cannot legitimately claim COGS and without supporting documentation;
    • Inventing or inflating expenses for otherwise legitimate Schedule C businesses; and
    • Taking deductions for both cash and non-cash charitable deductions that are either exaggerated or completely fabricated.

    According to the complaint, the IRS estimated a tax loss of more than $3.1 million in 2022 alone from tax returns prepared by Craig.

    The Justice Department’s Tax Division made the announcement.

    Taxpayers seeking a return preparer should remain vigilant against unscrupulous tax preparers. The IRS has information on its website for choosing a tax return preparer and has launched a free directory of federal tax preparers. The IRS also offers guidance on the credentials and qualifications that taxpayers should seek from their return preparer.

    In the past decade, the Justice Department’s Tax Division has obtained injunctions against hundreds of unscrupulous tax preparers. Information about these cases is available on the Justice Department’s website. An alphabetical listing of persons enjoined from preparing returns and promoting tax schemes can be found on this page. If you believe that one of the enjoined persons or businesses may be violating an injunction, please contact the Tax Division with details.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Pittsburgh Felon Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Shooting at Mail Carrier and Illegal Possession of Firearm

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    PITTSBURGH, Pa. – A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, was sentenced in federal court to 120 months of imprisonment on his convictions for shooting at a mail carrier and possessing a firearm as a convicted felon, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.

    United States District Judge Christy Criswell Wiegand imposed the sentence on Martinel Humphries, 30, on April 9, 2025.

    According to information presented to the Court, Humphries fired four shots from a semi-automatic pistol at a mail carrier on January 5, 2023, for no apparent reason. The bullets missed the mail carrier, who fell to the ground upon seeing the defendant’s gun, but entered a nearby home, shattering the glass front door. Humphries fled and was apprehended soon after by law enforcement. Humphries has a lengthy criminal history, including two separate firearms convictions in 2015 relating to arrests in 2013 and 2015, and a 2021 conviction for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon, for which he still was serving a term of federal supervised release at the time he shot at the mail carrier. Federal law prohibits possession of a firearm or ammunition by a convicted felon.

    “Federal employees must be able to work without fearing for their personal safety,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Rivetti. “This sentence reflects the seriousness of the defendant’s violent act, shooting at a mail carrier who was in the middle of his route. Our office will continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners at all levels to prioritize combating violent crimes such as committed by this defendant.”

    “The U.S. Postal Inspection Service is committed to its core mission of protecting postal employees,” said Lesley Allison, Inspector in Charge of the Pittsburgh Division of the United States Postal Inspection Service. “Thankfully, the letter carrier escaped being physically hurt in this crime, and, with the assistance of our local law enforcement partners, Humphries was quickly apprehended to prevent further harm to the public. Postal Inspectors will always strive to keep our employees safe while delivering mail to our communities. And we take pride in working with our law enforcement partners to ensure justice is served to those like Humphries, who bring violence to our communities.”

    Assistant United States Attorney William B. Guappone prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

    Acting United States Attorney Rivetti commended the United States Postal Inspection Service, City of Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, Allegheny County Police Department, Ross Township Police Department, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Humphries.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Federal Court Permanently Shuts Down Ohio Tax Preparer

    Source: United States Attorneys General 2

    Note: View order here.

    A federal court in Ohio yesterday permanently enjoined a Columbus, Ohio, tax preparer from preparing returns for others and from owning or operating any tax return preparation business in the future. According to the court’s order, Michael Craig, both individually and doing business as Craig’s Tax Service, consented to the entry of the injunction.

    The court’s order requires Craig to send notice of the injunction to each person for whom he prepared federal tax returns or refund claims after Jan. 1, 2022. According to the government’s complaint, many tax returns that Craig prepared made false and fraudulent claims, including:

    • Reporting losses for fictitious Schedule C businesses;
    • Claiming costs of goods sold (COGS) for types of businesses that cannot legitimately claim COGS and without supporting documentation;
    • Inventing or inflating expenses for otherwise legitimate Schedule C businesses; and
    • Taking deductions for both cash and non-cash charitable deductions that are either exaggerated or completely fabricated.

    According to the complaint, the IRS estimated a tax loss of more than $3.1 million in 2022 alone from tax returns prepared by Craig.

    The Justice Department’s Tax Division made the announcement.

    Taxpayers seeking a return preparer should remain vigilant against unscrupulous tax preparers. The IRS has information on its website for choosing a tax return preparer and has launched a free directory of federal tax preparers. The IRS also offers guidance on the credentials and qualifications that taxpayers should seek from their return preparer.

    In the past decade, the Justice Department’s Tax Division has obtained injunctions against hundreds of unscrupulous tax preparers. Information about these cases is available on the Justice Department’s website. An alphabetical listing of persons enjoined from preparing returns and promoting tax schemes can be found on this page. If you believe that one of the enjoined persons or businesses may be violating an injunction, please contact the Tax Division with details.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Deeply Saddened by Passing of Former General Assembly President, Interim African Union Chairperson, Secretary-General Hails Amara Essy for Effective Leadership

    Source: United Nations General Assembly and Security Council

    The following statement was issued today by the Spokesman for UN Secretary-General António Guterres:

    The Secretary-General was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Amara Essy, former Interim Chairperson of the African Union Commission, former President of the forty-ninth Session of the General Assembly and former Minister for Foreign Affairs of Côte d’Ivoire.  Mr. Essy also held several leadership positions with the United Nations.

    The Secretary-General extends his deepest condolences to his family and the Government and people of Côte d’Ivoire as well as to the entire African Union family.

    Mr. Essy played a pivotal role in steering the African Union through the crucial transition from the former Organization of African Unity, marking a significant step in the continent’s push for regional integration.  He also facilitated the peaceful resolution of several conflicts in Africa.

    As President of the forty-ninth session of the United Nations General Assembly, Mr. Essy was known for his effective leadership and for being a consensus builder.  In the same vein, as Special Envoy of the Secretary-General on the Central African Republic and the Republic of the Congo, Mr. Essy contributed to the facilitation of the resolution of the political crisis in the region.

    Mr. Essy will be remembered for his dedication to the African cause.  He was a true African statesman whose legacy will continue to inspire generations of future diplomats.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Lung Screening Program Expands to Eastern Nova Scotia

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    More lives will be saved from lung cancer as the Lung Screening Program expands to Cape Breton and the eastern mainland.

    The program, which targets people at very high risk of developing lung cancer, is now available in Nova Scotia Health’s Eastern Zone, which includes all of Cape Breton and Antigonish and Guysborough counties.

    “Cancer screening saves lives, and expanding the lung screening program will improve outcomes for people by preventing or finding and treating lung cancer earlier,” said Addictions and Mental Health Minister Brian Comer, MLA for Cape Breton East, on behalf of Health and Wellness Minister Michelle Thompson. “I encourage Nova Scotians who are eligible for the program to make that call sooner than later. Your life could depend on it.”

    Nova Scotians aged 50 to 74 who have smoked daily for 20 years or more at any point in their lives can contact the program. Primary care providers may also refer patients to the program.

    People who meet the initial program criteria are offered a clinical assessment to determine their personal risk of lung cancer and whether they would benefit from a low-dose computerized tomography (CT) chest scan. Everyone who calls the program receives information about lung health and, if applicable, supports available to stop smoking.

    People can contact the Lung Screening Program by calling 1-833-505-LUNG (5864).

    To date, more than 2,700 people have called or been referred to the program, which launched in the central health zone (Halifax Regional Municipality and West Hants) in January 2024. It will continue to be rolled out across the province over the next year.

    Quotes:

    “More Nova Scotians die of lung cancer than all other cancers combined, and there is a lot of shame associated with it. Many people believe that they bring it on themselves because they smoke, but smoking is an addiction, and we are here to help. This is why the Lung Screening Program offers tobacco cessation supports to anyone interested in quitting. However, a person does not have to stop smoking to qualify for lung screening. Our job is to help Nova Scotians prevent lung cancer when we can or find it earlier when treatment works better.”
    — Dr. Daria Manos, Medical Director, Lung Screening Program

    “Screening programs put the power of prevention and early detection into the hands of our people. This is especially true for lung cancer, which is often diagnosed at late stage when treatment is less effective. The Lung Screening Program is changing this by finding lung cancer before there are warning signs or symptoms and making it more treatable. By expanding the Lung Screening Program to Eastern Zone communities – where incidence of lung cancer is high – we’re making early detection more accessible for people who are at high risk for the disease.”
    — Valerie Nugent, Director, Cancer Care, Eastern Zone, Nova Scotia Health

    Quick Facts:

    • lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths in Nova Scotia; each year, about 1,000 Nova Scotians are diagnosed and 700 die of the disease
    • to date, more than 1,500 people have had a telephone assessment in the screening program, including:
      • 403 people who asked to be referred to smoking cessation counselling
      • 385 people who were determined to be at very high risk for lung cancer received free nicotine replacement therapy to help them stop smoking
      • 41 patients were found to possibly have lung cancer and were referred to a lung specialist for a diagnostic assessment
    • the government will invest about $3 million annually in the Lung Screening Program once fully implemented across the province

    Additional Resources:

    Lung Screening Program website: https://www.nshealth.ca/lungscreening

    Other than cropping, Province of Nova Scotia photos are not to be altered in any way

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Democrats Demand McMahon Reverse Abrupt Policy Change Halting Funding for Schools Nationwide

    Source: {United States House of Representatives – Congressman Bobby Scott (3rd District of Virginia)

    Headline: Democrats Demand McMahon Reverse Abrupt Policy Change Halting Funding for Schools Nationwide

    Top authorizers and appropriators press Trump’s Department of Education for details about its’ abrupt halt of funding for state governments and school districts that adds a bureaucratic hurdle to reimbursement and will harm student recovery following the pandemic.

    As originally released by the Committee on Education and Workforce, Democrats

    WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman Robert C. “Bobby” Scott (D-VA-03), Ranking Member of the House Committee on Education and Workforce, Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (D-CT-03), Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Committee, Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP), and Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Ranking Member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies, led a letter to Secretary Linda McMahon demanding a reversal of a new policy the Department of Education announced recently that suddenly upended departmental policy and imposed new red tape on states, which will prevent them from accessing pandemic relief funds they are counting on to support students’ learning.

    In their letter, the lawmakers press McMahon for immediate reversal of the Department’s revision to its longstanding liquidation extension policy for COVID-19 education recovery funding—warning that the Department’s change, along with the myriad other harmful actions taken at ED recently, seriously jeopardizes students’ learning and growth.

    “We write to request the immediate reversal of the Department of Education’s recent March 28, 2025, action to revise the liquidation extension policy for COVID-19 relief funds,”write the lawmakers. “Just over a month ago, the Department announced a policy change to the longstanding extension policy that imposed an additional step for processing of extension reimbursements. … However, on March 28, 2025, with many state extension requests having been approved more than six months ago, the Department suddenly announced on March 28 that ‘the Department is modifying the liquidation period to end on March 28, 2025,’ the very same day as the announcement.”

    “In short,”the lawmakers state, “the Department changed the spending rules it affirmed just one month ago, without providing any notice, and imposing more federal red tape.”

    The lawmakers continue: “This abrupt and chaotic revision of policy is not helpful to students whose states, school districts, or institutions of higher education are uncertain about the Department’s commitments to implementing federal funding designed to support students. The March 28th decision is an imposition of an unauthorized layer of bureaucratic red tape on the expenditure of resources passed by Congress to support learning recovery for our nation’s students.”

    The lawmakers note that the abrupt change—coupled with the mass firings at ED—seriously threaten the ability of schools to support students’ learning: “When combined with the massive reduction in force announced earlier this month, the Department jeopardizes an estimated $4 billion from the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2021 and American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 in nearly all of our states and outlying areas and roughly 1,000 school districts nationwide. This action is particularly harmful to rural school districts that faced the greatest disruptions during the authorized program period. This will also have a disproportionate impact on $800 million reserved for identification and support for students experiencing homelessness, which was implemented slowly in many states. The March 28th decision of the Department improperly imposes its will on state and local budget decisions in a manner not contemplated by Congress.”

    The lawmakers note their alarm about the Department’s lack of recognition of the lasting effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on students, with the latest National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) scores showing national scores are below pre-pandemic levels in all grades and subjects. “We are alarmed by your lack of a recognition of the lasting effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on our nation’s students,” write the lawmakers. “Years after the COVID-19 pandemic, our schools and communities still have much work to do to help students recover and the Department’s termination of the remaining resources Congress passed for that purpose will only serve to delay and undermine our students’ recovery.”

    They also note Congress provided flexibility when providing the funding to ensure it best supports communities across the country: “Congress intended the Secretary to support states and districts in their use of the flexibility under the law to ensure the unique needs of their communities were met and to implement evidence-based learning loss interventions. The Department is now trying to change the spending rules and impose an administrative hurdle by stating ‘the Department will consider an extension to your liquidation period on an individual project-specific basis.’…We are astonished by the amount of hypocrisy here from an administration that has repeatedly said it wants to return education to the states, including your recent statement that ‘Education is fundamentally a state responsibility. Instead of filtering resources through layers of federal red tape, we will empower states…’ Now, it appears the Department is turning its back on states by arbitrarily imposing more federal red tape.”

    The lawmakers also called out that while the Trump administration works to cut off this funding for schools, it is pushing to pass new tax cuts for billionaires: “Let’s be very clear: The abrupt change in the liquidation extension policy is yet another way this administration is seeking to strip educational opportunities for students in order to pay for tax cuts for billionaires and large corporations. President Trump and Congressional Republicans are intent in claiming any savings they can in the federal budget that they intend to use to pay for their tax cuts for billionaires and large corporations.”

    “We believe there is a better way,” they conclude.“We urge you to immediately rescind your March 28 revision to the longstanding liquidation extension policy. Further, we believe you should work with us to start properly executing our federal education laws as Congress intended.”

    In addition to Representatives Scott and DeLauro, the letter was signed by Alma Adams (D, NC-12), Donald Beyer (D, VA-08), Suzanne Bonamici (D, OR-01), Julia Brownley (D, CA-26), Shontel Brown (D, OH-11), André Carson (D, IN-07), Greg Casar (D, TX-35), Sean Casten (D, IL-06), Joaquin Castro (D, TX-20), Steve Cohen (D, TN-09), Joe Courtney (D, CT-02), Danny Davis (D, IL-07), Diana DeGette (D, CO-01), Chris Deluzio (D, PA-17), Mark DeSaulnier (D, CA-10), Sarah Elfreth (D, MD-03), Veronica Escobar (D, TX-16), Adriano Espaillat (D, NY-13), Dwight Evans (D, PA-03), Shomari Figures (D, AL-02), Jesús García (D, IL-04), Sylvia Garcia (D, TX-29), Vicente Gonzalez (D, TX-34), Jahana Hayes (D, CT-05), Chrissy Houlahan (D, PA-06), Jonathan Jackson (D, IL-01), Hank Johnson (D, GA-04), Robin Kelly (D, IL-02), Timothy Kennedy (D, NY-26), John Larson (D, CT-01), Summer Lee (D, PA-12), Lucy McBath (D, GA-06), Sarah McBride (D, DE-01), Jennifer McClellan (D, VA-04), Betty McCollum (D, MN-04), Kristen McDonald Rivet (D, MI-08), Jim McGovern (D, MA-02), LaMonica McIver (D, NJ-10), Donald Norcross (D, NJ-01), Johnny Olszewski (D, MD-02), Chellie Pingree (D, ME-01), Mark Pocan (D, MI-02), Andrea Salinas (D, OR-06), Linda Sánchez (D, CA-38), Terri Sewell (D, AL-07), Mikie Sherrill (D, NJ-11), Lateefah Simon (D, CA-12), Darren Soto (D, FL-09), Haley Stevens (D, MI-11), Mark Takano (D, CA-39), Dina Titus (D, NV-01), Rashida Tlaib (D, MI-12), Bonnie Watson Coleman (D, NY-12), Frederica Wilson (D, FL-24), and Eleanor Holmes Norton (D, DC-01) in the House.

    In addition to Senators Murray, Sanders, and Baldwin, the letter was signed by Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Angus King (I-ME), Ed Markey (D-MA), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Jack Reed (D-RI), Jeanne Shaheen (D-MO), Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Mark Warner (D-VA), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), and Ron Wyden (D-OR) in the Senate.

    To read the full text of the letter, click here. 

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Attorney General Labrador Warns Phone Providers Regarding Unlawful Robocall Traffic

    Source: US State of Idaho

    [BOISE] – Today, Attorney General Raúl Labrador and the 51 attorneys general of the Anti-Robocall Multistate Litigation Task Force notified nine voice service providers that they may be violating state and federal laws by continuing to route allegedly unlawful robocalls across their networks. These warning letters include information about the task force’s investigation and analysis of each provider’s illegal and/or suspicious robocall traffic.
    “We will go after network providers that continue to allow illegal robocalls to plague Idaho consumers,” said Attorney General Labrador. “My Consumer Protection Division regularly hears from Idahoans who receive scam jury duty, Medicare cancellation, and utility shut-off calls, just to name a few.  If bad actors continue to disregard the law, we will hold them accountable.”
    Many of the traced scams included government and financial imposters and impersonations, Social Security imposters, Amazon suspicious charges, credit card interest rate reductions, Medicare scams, Chinese package delivery scams, cable discount scams, utility disconnect scams, COVID financial relief, and student loan forgiveness.
    In addition to sending these warning notices demanding that these companies stop transmitting illegal robocalls, the task force has also shared its concerns about providers with its federal law enforcement partners, including the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).
    The task force sent warning letters to the following companies: Global Net Holdings, All Access Telecom, Lingo Telecom, NGL Communications, Range, RSCom Ltd., Telcast Network, ThinQ Technologies, and Telcentris (Voxox).
    Copies of the warning letters are available here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: NCDHHS Urges North Carolinians to “Fight the Bite” to Prevent Tick- and Mosquito-Borne Diseases

    Source: US State of North Carolina

    Headline: NCDHHS Urges North Carolinians to “Fight the Bite” to Prevent Tick- and Mosquito-Borne Diseases

    NCDHHS Urges North Carolinians to “Fight the Bite” to Prevent Tick- and Mosquito-Borne Diseases
    hejones1

    As warmer weather approaches, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is urging North Carolinians to “Fight the Bite” by taking measures to reduce their risk of tick- and mosquito-borne diseases. In 2024, more than 900 cases of tick- and mosquito-borne illnesses were reported statewide. 

    April is Tick and Mosquito Awareness Month and NCDHHS is announcing the return of the “Fight the Bite” campaign to increase awareness about the dangers of vector-borne diseases. Students in grades K-12 were invited to submit educational posters for the annual campaign contest. NCDHHS, local health departments and K-12 schools will use these illustrations to educate residents about measures they can take to protect themselves. Winners will be announced at the end of April on the NCDHHS “Fight the Bite” webpage.

    “Vector-borne diseases are on the rise in North Carolina,” said Emily Herring, Public Health Veterinarian. “We encourage all North Carolinians to protect themselves from tick and mosquito bites by wearing long sleeves and pants, using EPA-approved repellents, and checking for ticks after spending time outdoors.”

    Rocky Mountain spotted fever, Lyme disease and other tick-borne diseases can cause fever, headache, rashes, flu-like illness and other symptoms that can be severe. Lyme disease accounted for 33% of all tick-borne diseases reported last year. Ehrlichiosis, which can cause symptoms similar to Lyme disease, accounted for 38% of all tick-borne diseases in 2024. These diseases are treatable with antibiotics, and early treatment can prevent severe illness from developing. If you feel ill after you have been bitten by a tick, it is important to see your health care provider as soon as possible.

    Ticks live in wooded, grassy and brushy areas, and frequenting these areas can put you in contact with ticks and increase your potential exposure to vector-borne diseases. To reduce exposure to ticks: 

    • Use an EPA-approved repellent, such as those containing DEET or picaridin, on exposed skin and treat clothing with a pesticide called permethrin (0.5%). Use caution when applying insect repellent to children.
    • Check yourself and your children for ticks if you have been in a tick habitat and remove them promptly.
    • Reduce tick habitats around your house with selective landscaping techniques such as pruning shrubs and bushes, removing leaf litter and keeping grass cut short.

    The mosquito-borne diseases most often acquired in North Carolina are West Nile virus, eastern equine encephalitis and La Crosse encephalitis. Nationally, North Carolina was second to only Ohio in reported cases of infections from La Crosse virus between 2003 and 2023. Most reported mosquito-borne diseases — including cases of malaria, dengue, chikungunya and Zika — are acquired while traveling outside the continental United States. To reduce exposure to mosquitoes: 

    • Use an EPA-approved mosquito repellent, such as those containing DEET or picaridin, when outside. Use caution when applying to children.
    • Consider treating clothing and gear (such as boots, pants, socks and tents) with 0.5% permethrin.
    • Install or repair screens on windows and doors and use air conditioning if possible.
    • “Tip and Toss” to reduce mosquito breeding: empty standing water from flowerpots, gutters, buckets, pool covers, pet water dishes, discarded tires and birdbaths at least once a week.
    • Talk with your primary care provider or local health department if you plan to travel to an area where exotic mosquito-borne diseases occur and always check your destination to identify appropriate prevention methods, including vaccines.

    For more information on tick- and mosquito-borne diseases in North Carolina, please visit the NCDHHS Vector-Borne Diseases webpage.

    A medida que se acerca el clima más cálido, el Departamento de Salud y Servicios Humanos de Carolina del Norte urge a los habitantes de Carolina del Norte a “combatir la picadura” y tomar medidas para reducir el riesgo de enfermedades transmitidas por garrapatas y mosquitos. En 2024, se informaron más de 900 casos de enfermedades transmitidas por garrapatas y mosquitos en todo el estado.

    Abril es el Mes de Concientización sobre las Garrapatas y los Mosquitos y el Departamento de Salud y Servicios Humanos de Carolina del Norte (NCDHHS, por sus siglas en inglés) anuncia el regreso de la campaña “Combate la picadura” para aumentar la conciencia sobre los peligros de las enfermedades transmitidas por vectores. Se invita a los estudiantes de grados kínder a 12 a enviar pósters educativos para el concurso anual de la campaña. NCDHHS, los departamentos de salud locales y las escuelas de grado K a 12 utilizarán estas ilustraciones para educar a los residentes sobre las medidas que pueden tomar para protegerse. Los ganadores se anunciarán a finales de abril en la página web de NCDHHS “Combate la picadura” (NCDHHS “Fight the Bite”).

    “Las enfermedades transmitidas por vectores están en aumento en Carolina del Norte”, dijo Emily Herring, veterinaria de Salud Pública. “Alentamos a todos los habitantes de Carolina del Norte a protegerse de las picaduras de garrapatas y mosquitos usando mangas largas y pantalones, repelentes aprobados por la EPA y verificando si tiene garrapatas después de pasar tiempo al aire libre”.

    La fiebre manchada de las Montañas Rocosas, la enfermedad de Lyme y otras enfermedades transmitidas por garrapatas pueden causar fiebre, dolor de cabeza, erupciones cutáneas, enfermedades similares a la influenza (gripe) y otros síntomas que pueden ser graves. La enfermedad de Lyme representó el 33% de todas las enfermedades transmitidas por garrapatas informadas el año pasado. La erliquiosis, que puede causar síntomas similares a la enfermedad de Lyme, representó el 38% de todas las enfermedades transmitidas por garrapatas en 2024. Estas enfermedades se pueden tratar con antibióticos, y el tratamiento temprano puede prevenir el desarrollo de enfermedades graves. Si se siente enfermo después de haber sido picado por una garrapata, es importante que consulte a su proveedor de atención médica lo antes posible.

    Las garrapatas viven en áreas boscosas, cubiertas de hierba y arbustos, y frecuentar estas áreas puede ponerlo en contacto con garrapatas y aumentar su posible exposición a enfermedades transmitidas por vectores. Para reducir la exposición a las garrapatas: 

    • Use un repelente aprobado por la EPA, como los que contienen DEET o picaridina, en la piel expuesta y aplicar un plaguicida a la ropa con un pesticida llamado permetrina (0.5%). Tenga cuidado al aplicar repelente de insectos a los niños.
    • Revisese a sí mismo y a sus hijos en busca de garrapatas si ha estado en un entorno de garrapatas y retírelas de inmediato.
    • Reduzca los entornos de garrapatas alrededor de su casa con ciertas técnicas de jardinería, como podar arbustos y arbustos, eliminar los residuos de hojas y mantener el césped corto.

    Las enfermedades transmitidas por mosquitos que se contraen con mayor frecuencia en Carolina del Norte son el virus del Nilo Occidental, la encefalitis equina oriental y la encefalitis de La Crosse. A nivel nacional, Carolina del Norte ocupó el segundo lugar después de Ohio en casos reportados de infecciones por el virus La Crosse entre 2003 y 2023.  La mayoria de las enfermedades transmitidas por mosquitos reportadas, incluidos los casos de malaria, dengue, chikungunya y Zika, se adquieren mientras las personas viajan fuera de los Estados Unidos continentales. Para reducir la exposición a los mosquitos: 

    • Use un repelente de mosquitos aprobado por la EPA, como los que contienen DEET o picaridina, cuando esté afuera. Tenga cuidado cuando aplique el repelente a los niños.
    • Considere tratar la ropa y el equipo (como botas, pantalones, calcetines y carpas) con permetrina al 0.5%.
    • Instale o repare mosquiteras en ventanas y puertas y use aire acondicionado si es posible.
    • “Verter y hechar” para reducir la reproducción de mosquitos: vacíe el agua estancada de las macetas, canaletas, cubos, cubiertas de piscinas, platos de agua para mascotas, neumáticos desechados y baños para pájaros al menos una vez a la semana.
    • Hable con su proveedor de atención primaria o departamento de salud local si planea viajar a una zona donde se encuentra enfermedades exóticas transmitidas por mosquitos y siempre consulte con personas a donde va a llegar para identificar los métodos de prevención apropiados, incluso las vacunas.

    Para obtener más información sobre las enfermedades transmitidas por garrapatas y mosquitos en Carolina del Norte, visite la página web NCDHHS Vector-Borne Diseases. 

    Apr 10, 2025

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: European Committee of the Regions Open Day

    Source: European Union 2

    EU Open Day

    On Saturday 10 May 2025, the EU institutions in Brussels will open their doors to the public. Come learn more about the institution that represents regions and cities in the EU and what regional and local elected politicians do for you!

    Come and find out more about the role and activities of the European Committee of the Regions and its political groups.

    Experience the diversity of cultures and traditions at the Festival of regions and cities. Regions and cities will showcase projects, skills and offer tastings of their regional products. 

    We look forward to meeting you and welcoming you surrounded by the regions and cities of Europe!

    ​ Please read the data protection notice about the processing of personal data by the European Committee of the Regions on EU Open Day.​

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI: Fresche Solutions Recognized as One of Canada’s Top Small & Medium Employers for 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    MONTREAL, April 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Fresche Solutions, a global leader in AI-powered IT modernization, is proud to announce its selection as one of Canada’s Top Small & Medium Employers for the 11th consecutive year. This esteemed recognition highlights Fresche’s unwavering commitment to fostering an innovative, supportive, and people-centered workplace.

    “Being named one of Canada’s top employers for the 11th year in a row is a testament to our team’s passion, dedication, and commitment to excellence,” said Joe Zarrehparvar, President & CEO of Fresche Solutions. “This achievement reflects our core values of innovation, delivering exceptional customer experiences, and fostering the growth and well-being of our diverse employees. At Fresche, we are dedicated to building an empowering and inspiring workplace where everyone can thrive. This recognition reinforces our mission to set the benchmark for workplace excellence and continue being the employer of choice for top IT talent.”

    Canada’s Top 100 SME is an esteemed annual competition that recognizes organizations setting benchmarks for workplace excellence. Now in its 12th year, the editorial competition celebrates best practices, promotes transparency, and drives innovation across industries. Fresche is honored to stand among the renowned companies shaping meaningful and impactful workplaces.

    Fresche Solutions is distinguished by its people-first initiatives and a culture rooted in collaboration, innovation, and inclusivity. Some of the programs and policies that set Fresche apart include:

    • Paid Volunteer Days & Charitable Donation Matching: Fresche empowers employees to give back to their communities by offering paid time off for volunteering and matching charitable donations, up to $5,000 annually, doubling the impact of their generosity.
    • $1,000 Referral Bonuses: Employees are encouraged to help grow the team through referrals, with a generous $1,000 bonus for successful new hires. This initiative fosters collaboration and helps attract top talent while promoting an ownership culture across the organization.
    • Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI): Fresche is deeply committed to creating an inclusive and equitable environment where every voice is valued. A culture fit interview is included in the hiring process to ensure alignment with company values, with a strong emphasis on diversity, equity, and inclusion.
    • Regular All-Hands Meetings: These company-wide meetings promote transparency, alignment, and open communication. They provide a forum to discuss strategy and the go-to-market approach, share updates, celebrate achievements, and review quarterly results, ensuring all employees stay connected and engaged.
    • Employee Recognition Programs: Fresche celebrates successes and acknowledges employee contributions through a recognition system that reinforces company values and strengthens morale across the organization.

    “This recognition is a reflection of the incredible culture we’ve built at Fresche,” said Mathieu Alarie, Chief Human Resources Officer. “I’m immensely proud of our team’s dedication, collaboration, and commitment to our shared vision. This award motivates us to continue fostering a workplace that supports growth, innovation, and success for everyone.”

    Fresche Solutions remains dedicated to empowering its team, driving innovation, and setting a gold standard for workplace excellence in the IT industry.

    ABOUT FRESCHE SOLUTIONS
    Innovators in AI-powered IT modernization, Fresche manages and maximizes the value of IBM i and Microsoft Azure business-critical systems to reduce technical debt. Our market-leading IP and proven solutions in Modernization, AI and Data Analytics, KTLO and Cloud Managed Services have earned the trust of global leaders from 2500+ companies. Reimagine your IT challenges into future growth and innovation with Fresche Solutions. Learn more at www.freschesolutions.com.

    Media Contact: 
    Kimberley Hernandez
    Corporate Marketing Manager
    Fresche Solutions Inc.
    kimberley.hernandez@freschesolutions.com
    +1 800 361 6782

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/19bfa8c8-e9d6-4b7b-bd80-e9b72899d583

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: 10 April 2025 Donors making a difference in support of WHO’s global work for better nutrition for all

    Source: World Health Organisation

    Nutrition is a critical part of health and development at every stage of life. Better nutrition is related to improved infant, child and maternal health, stronger immune systems, safer pregnancy and childbirth, lower risk of diabetes and cardiovascular diseases, and longevity. Healthy children learn better. People with adequate nutrition are more productive and can create opportunities to gradually break the cycles of poverty and hunger.

    Today, the world faces a double burden of malnutrition that includes both undernutrition and overweight. Undernutrition as well as obesity result in diet-related noncommunicable diseases.

    WHO’s support to initiatives to tackle malnutrition is not possible without funding. For core work like this, WHO needs sustainable financing that is predictable, flexible and resilient, enabling the Organization to have the greatest impact where it is needed most.

    In parallel to providing fully flexible funding, donors also invest in specific WHO activities across the globe to address malnutrition. The examples reveal a wide range of donor support, not only in emergency contexts with vulnerable or displaced populations but also as a long-term and deeply embedded concern for many countries. This support is even more vital in the face of rising conflict, poverty, food insecurity and rising food prices coupled with easy access to cheap and highly processed foods across all income levels.

    Bridging gaps in health and nutrition services for internally displaced people (IDPs) and crisis-affected communities in Amhara, Ethiopia

    Bridging gaps in health and nutrition services for IDPs and crisis-affected communities in Amhara, Ethiopia. Photo by: WHO/Nitsebiho Asrat

    The Amhara region of Ethiopia has faced a severe humanitarian crisis since November 2021. Nearly a million IDPs are scattered across 38 collective sites and host communities, alongside hundreds of thousands of refugees and returnees.

    Ongoing public health emergencies have exacerbated the already critical demand for basic essential health and nutrition services. Availability and access to services are severely limited. WHO, in collaboration with regional government authorities, deployed Mobile Health and Nutrition Teams (MHNTs) to bring essential services to the most vulnerable populations.

    As needs increased, the number of MHNTs expanded to 19, comprising 132 health workers, in April 2024. This was made possible through funding from the European Commission Humanitarian Aid, the United States Agency for International Development, the United Nations Central Emergency Response Fund (UN CERF), and the People and Government of Japan.

    Read the full story.

    Stabilisation centres are a lifeline for Sudan’s malnourished children

    WHO Regional Director Dr Hanan Balkhy at the WHO-supported nutrition stabilisation centre in Port Sudan which is providing life-saving care for many infants suffering from acute malnutrition. Photo by: WHO/Inas Hamam

    In 2024, almost a year after conflict erupted in Sudan, nearly 25 million people needed humanitarian assistance. Of these, 18 million people faced acute hunger, 5 million of them at emergency levels.

    In 2024, WHO provided medical supplies and technical support to 121 state-run stabilisation centres in Sudan and supported 11 with operating costs. About 3.5 million children under 5 years – every 7th child in Sudan – experience acute malnutrition. Stabilisation centres are a lifeline to more than 100 000 children who are severely acutely malnourished and suffer from medical complications.

    Since the conflict erupted in April 2023, WHO has trained 1 942 nutrition cadres and distributed over 2 300 severe acute malnutrition kits to help treat more than 28 000 children. WHO was able to do this thanks to the generous financial assistance of the Italian Development Cooperation, Japan and the United States Agency for International Development’s Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance. This ensured life-saving support, much more of which is needed to address the staggering numbers of Sudanese children in need.

    Read the full story.

    Nutrition services included in the emergency health response in Syria

    WHO team visits a health centre in Maskaneh village in rural Aleppo, meeting with health and community workers and beneficiaries, 2024. Photo by: WHO/Farah Ramada

    WHO welcomes US$ 5.5 million funding received from UN CERF to enhance its integrated multisectoral emergency response in Syria. The funding will enable WHO to continue delivering life-saving healthcare services to the most vulnerable populations in conflict-affected regions of the country.

    The support aims to reduce morbidity and mortality by ensuring access to essential health care, including advanced nutrition services, and by delivering health services to people in need in north-west and north-east Syria, including sub-districts in Aleppo, Al-Hasakeh, Dar’a, Deir-ez-Zor, Idleb and Lattakia.

    The funding supports around 1.8 million people in prioritized areas, aiming to improve access to primary and secondary health care and to bolster emergency referral systems. The focus is on children experiencing malnutrition, providing essential supplies to nutrition stabilisation centres and hospitals, and on strengthening the capacity of local health care workers for mental health, gender-based violence, and communicable diseases.

    Read the full story.

    Life-saving health supplies and services to over 5 million people across drought-affected states in Somalia

    EU ECHO-funded project helped equip 11 nutrition stabilisation centres, 2024. Photo by: WHO/Somalia I.Taxta

    WHO and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), with funding from the European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (EU ECHO) supported Somalia’s Federal and State Ministries of Health to provide life-saving health supplies and services to over 5 million people across drought-affected areas of Banadir, South West, Jubbaland and Galmudug states. WHO supported 63 stabilisation centres for treatment of severe acute malnutrition with medical complications, treating over 25 000 children across the country in these centres. 84% of these children survived.

    The 24-month project increased access to health and nutrition services for IDPs in camps and host communities and addressed the needs of pregnant and lactating women, elderly individuals, and children under 5 in drought and conflict-affected areas.

    Essential medical supplies were procured and distributed for severe acute malnutrition with medical complications in children, essential health and severe malnutrition kits, and to support detection and response to outbreaks. The project helped equip 11 nutrition stabilisation centres across target districts with severe acute malnutrition kits, with an average cure rate of 94.25% in children under 5.

    Read the full story.

    Benin: nutrition and health monitoring to bolster children’s health

    WHO-supported health screenings help safeguard children’s physical and intellectual well-being in Benin’s primary schools, 2023. Photo by: WHO/D. Akomatsri

    Every day, all primary and pre-primary pupils in Benin’s state schools receive a hot meal, courtesy of the National Integrated School Feeding Programme. An associated nutritional and health monitoring campaign is carried out biannually offering a package of services, including micronutrient supplementation, deworming, and hygiene promotion in schools.

    The campaign reached 60 schools in 2023, with support from WHO, the World Food Programme and the United Nations Children’s Fund. This helped detect and treat cases of malnutrition amongst pupils, with 13 986 children screened and 1 367 cases of malnutrition detected, including 390 severe acute cases and 975 moderate acute cases.

    By linking medical care to the school feeding scheme, Benin’s Ministry of Health aims to address both the physical and intellectual health of schoolchildren. WHO, through the French Muskoka Fund, is supporting this initiative to monitor health and nutrition amongst schoolchildren in a bid to help entrench health promotion in schools.

    Read the full story.

    Protecting children from the harmful effect of food marketing in Malaysia

    Policymakers, civil society organizations, academics and industry representatives participated in the consultative seminar. Photo by: WHO

    Malaysia has the highest rate of childhood overweight or obesity in ASEAN, yet children continue to be exposed to aggressive marketing of unhealthy foods and beverages. Over 30% of children aged 5-17 years old were classified as overweight or obese in 2022.

    This trend is coupled with a significant portion of children growing up stunted, creating a double burden of malnutrition. Addressing the double burden of malnutrition demands collaboration across different sectors and levels of society.

    In Malaysia, the Pledge on Responsible Advertising to Children was launched in 2012 and it included 15 food and beverage companies which committed to not marketing unhealthy foods to children aged 12 and below.

    To identify ways to better protect children in Malaysia from the harmful effects of food marketing, WHO and the Nutrition Division, Ministry of Health convened over 60 policymakers, academics, industry and civil society representatives in September 2024. Stakeholders discussed key challenges and barriers to policy implementation, and developed strategies and recommendations while strengthening collaboration.

    This works is thanks to invaluable flexible, unearmarked funding to WHO.

    Read the full story.

    Nine Latin American and Caribbean countries intensify efforts to curb obesity

    Lady measuring her weight. Photo by: iStock/klvn

    The WHO Region for the Americas (PAHO/AMRO) has the highest prevalence of overweight and obesity in the world, with 67.5% of adults and 37.6% of children and adolescents aged 5 to 19 experiencing overweight or obesity. The WHO Acceleration Plan to Stop Obesity and forthcoming Technical Package to stop obesity aims to halt rising obesity rates through a comprehensive approach combining regulatory, fiscal, and multisectoral strategies.

    In the Americas, 9 countries are pioneering this initiative: Argentina, Barbados, Brazil, Chile, Mexico, Panama, Peru, Trinidad and Tobago, and Uruguay. Lessons learned are expected to serve as a model for future expansion across the region.

    PAHO and these countries are implementing a series of measures including the application of front-of-package warning labels, regulation of marketing for unhealthy food products, promotion of breastfeeding, regulation of foods offered in schools, and adoption of fiscal policies that promote healthy diets. Along with monitoring and learning, PAHO continues to provide technical assistance, capacity-building, and intersectoral coordination.

    This work is thanks to invaluable flexible, unearmarked funding to WHO.

    Read the full story.

    Thailand fighting obesity – changing the system to save lives

    The Minister of Public Health, DOH Director-General and other officials, together with WHO Representative to Thailand showed strong commitment to fight against obesity. Photo by: Department of Health, Ministry of Public Health, Thailand

    In recent years, Thailand is facing an escalating obesity trend that threatens the health of its future generations. In the span of just two decades, the rate of obesity in school children has surged from 5.8% to 15%. The situation amongst adults is equally alarming, with 42% falling into the obese category by 2020. Noncommunicable diseases such as type 2 diabetes, coronary heart disease, hypertension, and stroke now claim 400 000 lives annually and account for 74% of all deaths in Thailand.

    Recognizing the urgent need for action, Thailand has taken bold and innovative steps to curb this epidemic. The Ministry of Public Health (MPOH) has rolled out a comprehensive policy that aims to drive changes in 4 systems.

    The priority interventions will focus on improving the quality of school lunch programme, changing food marketing to reduce sugar, fat, and salt, strengthening health services system to provide better prevention and management of obesity-related conditions, and modifying the environment to increase physical activity. Thailand has also tightened its national definition of obesity. While WHO’s definition states that “a body mass index (BMI) over 25 is considered overweight, and over 30 is obese”, in Thailand citizens with BMI greater or equal to 25 are registered as obese – which allows the health stakeholders to expand the reach and support to broader population groups.

    Show less Show more

    Promoting healthy diets and increased physical activity are key strategies which are supported by Global Regulatory and Fiscal Capacity Building Programme (RECAP), a collaborative project between the International Development Law Organization (IDLO) and WHO, supported by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) and the European Union. In addition, Resolve to Save Lives (RTSL) partners with WHO to promote healthy diets through evidence-based interventions.

    Strong leadership, multi-sectoral action and development partners’ support are crucial in bending the obesity curve in the country.

    Read the full story.

    Fast forward: Nutrition for Growth 2025 Summit

    WHO announced 13 ambitious commitments across 8 key areas at the Nutrition for Growth (N4G) Summit, hosted by the Government of France. Stakeholders pledged US$ 27,55 billion in global funding for nutrition. This moment of global solidarity showcases growing support to improve health and well-being for all through nutrition.

    127 delegations, including the governments of 106 countries, together with international and civil society organizations, development banks, philanthropic organizations, research institutions, and businesses, joined forces in Paris to help put an end to the malnutrition scourge, which hinders countries’ economic and social development and traps communities in an intergenerational cycle of poverty.

    A few amongst numerous examples of pledges are: €750 million in projects supported by France (between now and 2030), €6.5 billion to fight malnutrition mobilized by the European Union, of which €3.4 billion was allocated by the European Commission. Other countries, including Madagascar, Côte d’Ivoire, Guatemala, and Bangladesh also made noteworthy political and financial commitments to tackling the burden of malnutrition in their countries. The development banks are also on board, particularly the World Bank and the African Development Bank, which pledged US$ 5 billion and US$ 9.5 billion respectively until 2030. Philanthropic organizations, civil society organizations and the private sector account for a substantial share of financial commitments. Philanthropic organizations will raise more than US$ 2 billion in the coming years to combat malnutrition. As follow up builds, participants expect more than 500 commitments to be made overall.

    WHO’s eight commitments reflect our dedication to tackling malnutrition and promoting health and well-being worldwide. Read more on commitments.

    Acknowledgements

    WHO’s work is made possible through all contributions of our Member States and partners. WHO thanks all donor countries, governments, organizations and individuals who are contributing to the Organization’s work, with special appreciation for those who provide fully flexible contributions to maintain a strong, independent WHO.

    The donors and partners acknowledged in this story are (in alphabetical order) the African Development Bank, Bangladesh, Côte d’Ivoire, the EU ECHO, European Commission Humanitarian Aid, French Muskoka Fund, the Government of France, Guatemala, the International Development Law Organization (IDLO), Italian Development Cooperation, Japan, Madagascar, Resolve to Save Lives (RTSL), the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), UNCERF, the USA Agency for International Development, and the World Bank.

    WHO’s support to initiatives to tackle obesity and malnutrition would not have been possible without funding. To continue to support core work like this, WHO needs sustainable financing, that is, predictable, flexible, and resilient. This will allow WHO to have the greatest impact where it is needed most.

    More on nutrition and obesity

    Draft recommendations for the prevention and management of obesity over the life course, including potential targets

    Follow-up to the political declaration of the third high-level meeting of the General Assembly on the prevention and control of noncommunicable diseases – Annex 12

    Obesity and Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists | Obesity | JAMA | JAMA Network

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Deluzio Announces $50,000 Federal Grant to Reserve Township for New Technology Equipment & Training

    Source: US Congressman Chris Deluzio (PA)

    CARNEGIE, PA — Today, Congressman Chris Deluzio (PA-17) announced that $50,000 in Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) funds will be awarded to Reserve Township. The grant will help modernize Township government by purchasing new technology supplies and equipment and providing training to Township staff. Reserve Township is providing $1,350 in local funds to supplement the $50,000 in federal funding.  

    “Our local government leaders have a lot on their plates, and outdated technology shouldn’t get in the way of serving residents,” said Congressman Deluzio. “So much of what we do in our daily lives—including the work of local government—depends on technology. This grant will help Reserve Township be more efficient and better deliver for residents with upgraded technology and equipment.”  

    “Our grant project is called ‘Building Capacity through Technology’ because it will increase our internal capacity to provide the best service to our residents with the small staff that we have here at the Township. The grant funds will go toward upgrading and centralizing our computer infrastructure and also adding much needed audio-visual equipment to our Board Meeting area,” said Jan Kowalski, CPA, Reserve Township Manager. “We are very grateful for the opportunity to use these funds to benefit our community.”  

    The funding was awarded through the Appalachian Regional Commission, an economic development agency of the federal government and 13 state governments focusing on 423 counties across the Appalachian region. Funding for this project is provided by READY Appalachia, a community capacity building initiative funded through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), more commonly known as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.  

    The Trump Administration’s efforts to freeze funding and pause federal grants has created significant uncertainty for grantees, varying by agency and program. As of now, the courts have paused many of these freezes. However, Congressman Deluzio will continue to monitor these developments and fight to make sure this congressionally-authorized funding will keep flowing to projects that make life better for Western Pennsylvanians. If you are the recipient of a federal grant and have been notified that this funding is no longer available to you or are experiencing other issues accessing your lawfully appropriated funds, please share your concerns with Congressman Deluzio’s office at PA17Grants@mail.house.gov. 

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: House Passes Issa Legislation to Stop Activist Judges and Their Rogue Rulings

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Darrell Issa (CA-50)

    WASHINGTON, D.C.: The House of Representatives today approved HR 1526, The No Rogue Rulings Act of 2025, authored by Congressman Darrell Issa (CA-48), Senior Member of the Judiciary Committee and Chairman of its Subcommittee on Intellectual Property, Artificial Intelligence, and the Courts.

    “Practically every day, activist federal judges are abusing their Article III power, contradicting the Constitution, and blocking President Donald Trump from exercising his executive authority to deport criminal illegals, reduce wasteful government spending, and strengthen our military, said Rep. Issa.” Today, a majority of the House of Representatives declared that enough is enough.”

    Majority Whip Tom Emmer (MN-06): “One unelected district judge should not have the power to halt the President of the United States from executing the policies the American people elected him to enact—that defies all common sense. I am thankful for Rep. Issa’s leadership in House Republicans efforts to rein inactivist judges and restore constitutional balance to the three branches.”

    Conference Chairwoman Lisa McClain (MI-9): “House Republicans prevented activist judges from stalling the American people’s agenda. Rep. Issa’s bill ensures rogue judges can’t block the lawful exercise of executive power. We upheld the constitutional authority of checks and balances and protected the integrity of our democracy.”

    Rep. Issa and Republican Study Committee Chairman Austin Pfluger (TX-11) co-authored an op-ed today in Fox News Digital: “Courtroom coup: Ending the district judges’ war on presidential authority.”

    About The No Rogue Rulings Act:

    • Restores principles of federalism by clarifying that judicial orders cannot bind non-parties to litigation before a court.

    • Stops single district court judges from solely determining national policy – an authority the Constitution reserves for Congress, the President, and, in limited instances, the Supreme Court.

    • Creates an exception for certified class action lawsuits and establishes a three-judge appeals process that can be appealed directly to the Supreme Court.

    “I thank my steadfast GOP colleagues in the House and Senate — as well as President Trump — for their support of our work. After today, activist judges and their increasingly rogue rulings are being put on notice. Help is on the way,” said Issa.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Jimmy Panetta Calls Out Trump Administration Trade Policy Chaos, Impact on Working Families

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jimmy Panetta (D-Calif)

    Washington, DC – United States Representative Jimmy Panetta (CA-19) recently questioned U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer at a recent House Ways and Means Committee. During his line of questioning, Rep. Panetta called out the faulty economic data behind the Trump Administration’s chaotic tariff policies. 

    During the hearing, President Trump announced on social media that the Administration would place a 90-day pause on new tariffs on most nations, while raiding tariffs on China to 125 percent.  U.S. Trade Representative Greer said he was not informed about this new trade policy.

    “It is the largest self-inflicted wound to our economy in history, a self-inflicted wound that if it stays in place, it could constitute the largest tax increase on working families in more than 40 years, costing households more than $3,800,” said Rep. Panetta.  “I know that the president is saying, ‘we’re getting screwed,’ but the fact is, Trump is screwing us with these incoherent and inchoate tariffs.  In the short term and in the long term, domestically and internationally, and for our economy and for our national security, they are making us weaker.”

    Rep. Panetta questions the Administration’s top trade representative.
    Click play on the above video or click HERE to watch his remarks.

    A transcript of Rep. Jimmy Panetta’s remarks during the Ways and Means Committee hearing is below:

    “Before this week, talked to a lot of my colleagues about you.  They actually said a lot of good things about you. You had a good reputation until this week, I have to say, because I actually wanted to work with you on solutions when it comes to free trade agreements.  I think we still can once we get past this, and I hope that’s the case, but unfortunately, you’re defending a policy here from President Trump that’s absolutely incoherent.

    “It’s a self-imposed tariff regime of ten times the amount of tariffs that were in place before this president took office.  It is the largest self-inflicted wound to our economy in history, a self-inflicted wound that if it stays in place, it could constitute the largest tax increase on working families in more than 40 years, costing households more than $3,800.

    “Per year, a self-inflicted wound that prompted one of the largest three day moves on the markets since World War II, and it’s a self-inflicted wound that’s leading investors to expect a severe economic slowdown. Eight years ago, this president talked about American carnage.  Little did we know that he would create economic carnage that is spreading something similar across the entire global economy.

    “Now the reason for these tariffs is based on a national emergency that we have trade deficits according to him and you.  Unfortunately, the president’s thinking about trade is reflected in this policy. This weekend, after the markets tanked, after a small businesses fretted and after the president played golf all weekend, the president said, I consider any trade deficit a loss.

    “That type of scorecard thinking combined with the president’s 40-year fetish for tariffs.  That has put this policy in place and put us in the global economy in this position.  Now, I know the president is painting all trade deficits as bad, but they are a product of larger macroeconomic factors relating to a number of things as you know well, savings, investments, cultural demographics, and so on.

    “But the President is acting completely irrational when it comes to trade deficits.  He believes that trade deficits are subsidies paid by Americans to other countries.  His scorecard ignores our trade surpluses and services to the tune of $250 billion annually.  He is oblivious to the relationship of trade deficits to foreign investment in America in that when we send dollars abroad for goods and services, most of those dollars ultimately come back to America, and he refuses to grasp that tariffs are taxes paid by American importers and Americans, not foreigners.

    “A perfect example of this unreasonableness is our reasonable trade deficit with Canada.  The reason we have a trade deficit with Canada is because starting with FDR, we entered into an agreement that would sell US oil at well below market prices.  We entered into and maintain that deal because we may and we maintain the trade deficit with Canada so that we can buy cheap oil, which is a huge benefit for America.

    “And if we took that oil out of our trade relationship, guess what?  We’d have a trade surplus.  Yet Trump says we’re getting ripped off even though we are actually getting the benefit of that sweetheart deal.  Now, absolutely, sometimes a trade deficit is a loss.  Foreign trade barriers are a problem that includes tariffs and non-tariff barriers, but there are ways to remedy these things.

    “Free trade agreements don’t require a tariff policy that cripples our economy.  Yet due to the President’s fetish for tariffs and superficial thinking on trade deficits, the president has imposed a trade policy that makes the global baseline of 10% with countries that have trade surpluses like Singapore, Australia, Netherlands.

    “Countries we have free trade agreements are getting tariffs at 10%.  Countries that are free trade countries are getting tariff at 10%.  It does not make sense.

    “If other countries eliminate their tariffs and we eliminate ours, that’s just deal making. And we don’t raise revenue and businesses don’t relocate to the us. If it’s a permanent revenues source and you want to relocate to the us, then going to have these tariffs permanently and there are not going to be any deals.

    “So, what is clear is that you can’t have it both ways.  Additionally, tariffs undermine our national security as we’re seeing in the Indo-Pacific region.  Look, I know the president wants to bring back the rust belt.  I get that.  But a big part of that is political.  It’s nostalgia.  And nostalgia, as they say, is the rust of memory.

    “We are not victims here.  Our economy is the envy of the world, partly because it was our choice to invest in other countries over saving.  It was our choice to have bilateral trade deficits.  This is not some unexpected crisis here.  This is no extraordinary or unusual threat.  This is because we chose to invest in other countries where labor is cheaper and therefore products are cheaper.

    “And as we know it’s okay for working families to want to pay low prices for products in this country.  I know that the president is saying, ‘we’re getting screwed,’ but the fact is, is that Trump is screwing us with these incoherent tariffs.  That in the short term and in the long term, domestically and internationally, and for our economy and for our national security, they are making us weaker.”

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Thompson Announces $2.45 Million Grant to Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality to Support Statewide Environmental Programs

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Bennie G Thompson (D-MS)

    BOLTON, MS – Congressman Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS) is pleased to announce that the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) has been awarded $2,458,383 through a Performance Partnership Grant (PPG) from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This funding, part of a larger $16,187,623 approved amount, will support the State of Mississippi’s continuing environmental programs (CEP) aimed at protecting public health, restoring ecosystems, and improving environmental quality.

    The grant, authorized under the 1996 Appropriations Act (PL 104-134) and the 1998 Appropriations Act (PL 105-65), will provide MDEQ with greater flexibility to address its highest environmental priorities, enhance performance, and strengthen its partnership with the EPA. The funds will be used for a variety of activities, including:

    • Monitoring, inspections, permitting, and enforcement to ensure compliance with federal environmental regulations.
    • Ambient air and water quality monitoring to detect and mitigate pollution.
    • Cleanup and revitalization of contaminated areas to promote safe and productive land use.
    • Technical assistance to government and the private sector to reduce pollution and protect natural resources.

    The expected outcomes of the project include improved water quality, reduced contamination risks, enhanced air quality standards, and restored land for productive use. These efforts will ultimately support a healthier environment and stronger communities for all Mississippians.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Bennie G. Thompson to Host Town Halls on Budget Cuts and Critical Benefits Updates

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Bennie G Thompson (D-MS)

    BOLTON, MS – Congressman Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS) will host a town hall to address Trump’s cuts to the Department of Education, Department of Health & Human Services, Social Security Administration, and other key government programs in Mississippi’s Second Congressional District.  The discussion will cover how these proposed cuts could impact students, seniors, and low-income families who depend on federal programs.

    • WHO: Congressman Bennie G. Thompson   
    • WHAT: Town Hall Events – Federal Budget Cuts and Other Key Programs

    • WHEN & WHERE: 

      Tuesday, April 15, 2025, 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. (CT) 

                                       New Beginnings M.B. Church

                                       35 Triumph Ln

                                       Natchez, MS 39120

                     Thursday, April 24, 2025, 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. (CT)

                                        New Hope First Baptist Church

                                        705 Nelson Street

                                        Greenville, MS 38701

    Members of the media who wish to attend are asked to RSVP by emailing Stephanie Booker at stephanie.booker@mail.house.gov .

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Jayapal, Welch Raise Alarm Over Escalating Violence in West Bank, Assault of Hamdan Ballal

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

    WASHINGTON, DC — U.S. Representative Pramila Jayapal (WA-07) and U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-VT) are raising the alarm over escalating violence in the West Bank, especially following the violent assault of Palestinian filmmaker Hamdan Ballal, an Oscar-winning co-director of the documentary, No Other Land. The letter demands President Trump reinstate sanctions against individuals who perpetrate violence that undermines regional stability and security in the West Bank.

    “The assault on Mr. Ballal occurred against the backdrop of intensified Israeli military operations across the West Bank,” wrote the Members. “Given the gravity of this attack and its implications on the ability of Palestinian civilians to advocate for self-determination peacefully, the U.S. must put pressure on the Israeli government to hold perpetrators accountable.”

    On March 24, 2025, Ballal was attacked by a group of Israeli settlers in the village of Susiya in the occupied West Bank. The account of the attack from the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) differs greatly from witness reports, which also claim that the IDF did not intervene and instead handcuffed Ballal after he sustained serious injuries.  

    “Given Mr. Ballal’s platform, we are especially concerned that this violent attack and failure to hold his

    perpetrators accountable suppresses his freedom of speech and those who tell Palestinian stories,” continued the Members. “While it is important to dismantle militant cells in the West Bank that

    threaten the security of the Israeli people, we are concerned recent Israeli operations have

    disproportionately impacted Palestinian civilians.”

    This assault occurred as tensions continue to rise in the occupied West Bank during intensified military operations by the IDF forces. Since January, operations have displaced more than 40,000 Palestinians. 

    Ballal is a director of the Oscar-winning documentary, No Other Land, which chronicles how difficult life is for Palestinians under occupation. 

    The full letter can be read here.

    The letter was also signed by Bernard Sanders (I-VT) and Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) as well as Representatives Becca Balint (VT-AL), André Carson (IN-07), Greg Casar (TX-35), Joaquin Castro (TX-20), Emanuel Cleaver (MO-05), Steve Cohen (TN-09), Lloyd Doggett (TX-37), Maxwell Frost (FL-10), Jesús G. “Chuy” García (IL-04), Jonathan L. Jackson (IL-01), Sara Jacobs (CA-51), Henry C. “Hank” Johnson Jr. (GA-04), Seth Magaziner (RI-02), Betty McCollum (MN-04), James P. McGovern (MA-02), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC-AL), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14), Ilhan Omar (MN-05), Mark Pocan (WI-02), Delia C. Ramirez (IL-03), Jamie Raskin (MD-08), Janice D. Schakowsky (IL-09), Melanie A. Stansbury (NM-01), Paul Tonko (NY-20), Nydia M. Velázquez (NY-07), Maxine Waters (CA-43), and Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12).

    It is also endorsed by Endorsing Organizations: American Friends of Combatants for Peace, CAIR Action, Center for Jewish Nonviolence, Church Women United in New York State, Christian-Jewish Allies for a Just Peace for Israel/Palestine, Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights (CHIRLA), Friends Committee on National Legislation, Friends of Sabeel North America (FOSNA), IfNotNow Movement, J Street, Jahalin Solidarity, MARUF CT, Medglobal, Minnesota Peace Project, MPower Change Action Fund, Muslim Civic Coalition, Muslims United PAC, New Jewish Narrative, Oasis Legal Services, Partners for Progressive Israel, Peace Action, Peace, Justice, Sustainability NOW!, ReThinking Foreign Policy, RootsAction, Upte Members for Palestine, Voices for Justice in Palestine, WILPF, Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom, US Section (WILPF US), and Win Without War.

    Issues: Foreign Affairs & National Security

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Neal Leads Massachusetts Delegation in Demanding Answers on the Sudden Closure of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Regional Office in Boston

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Richard Neal (D-MA)

    Letter Text PDF

    Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Richard E. Neal, Ranking Member of the House Ways and Means Committee, and the entire Massachusetts Congressional delegation – Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), and Representatives Jim McGovern (MA-02), Lori Trahan (MA-03), Jake Auchincloss (MA-04), Katherine Clark (MA-05), Seth Moulton (MA-06), Ayanna Pressley (MA-07), Stephen Lynch (MA-08), and Bill Keating (MA-09) – demanded answers from the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. after the abrupt shuttering of the entire HHS Regional Office (RO) in Boston, Massachusetts, on April 1, 2025.

    In the letter, the lawmakers write, “It is impossible to overstate the lasting consequences this reckless action will have on every single person in this region—whether the families who rely on Region 1 employees dutifully overseeing child care licensing systems to ensure they deliver quality care to our children, or the coordination these civil servants conduct with state survey agencies to make sure all our nursing homes meet federal safety standards. Through steadfast commitment to the programs they oversee, employees of ROs provide a service to all of us whether we know it or not.”

    The HHS Boston RO employs hundreds of workers who serve Americans from Maine to Connecticut. As the economic catastrophe caused by Trump’s Tariff Tax devastates communities and businesses across the country, the administration continues to make senseless layoffs, adding even more individuals to the ranks of the unemployed. These job losses will have trickle-down effects on other businesses in the area during an already challenging time.

    The Boston RO specializes in health care innovation, partnering with drug companies, biotech groups, and other innovators to ensure gaps in research are being filled and the cures of tomorrow come to fruition. Eliminating the Boston RO will both deny the people of New England access to public health officials with expertise in our local communities and halt innovation in its tracks, with ramifications felt by the whole country for generations to come.

    The ROs are also on the front lines of fighting fraud, waste, and abuse alongside local law enforcement, as well as the vanguard coordinating responses against disease and outbreaks. Its closure will leave our communities and our programs less safe.

    The lawmakers continue, “It could open our region to massive risks of fraud and abuse of our vital federal programs. And it could provide the pathway for another pernicious disease to sweep the nation, absent vital on-the-ground detection and coordination among public health experts. We do not take lightly this attack on the health of our constituents and the unceremonious termination of thousands of experts living in our communities who make us all safer.”

    The Boston Regional Office property is desirable real estate and appeared on an early list of properties Elon Musk and his Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) group wished to “auction off”, raising questions about whether this action has ulterior motives – enabling Trump acolytes to cash in on real estate deals while ordinary Americans suffer from loss of services. The Trump Administration has shown a complete disregard for Americans’ needs, closing Social Security offices and curtailing customer service. This RO closure is just another effort to make it more difficult for our constituents to access the health and safety protections they count on the federal government to provide.

    The lawmakers are demanding detailed answers as to the basis of this decision, its effect on constituent health, and how HHS will continue serving individuals in the region. They request answers to the following questions by April 18:

    ·       Please provide a list of each division within the Boston RO that was eliminated, a description of its core functions, a summary of staff expertise, program staff caseloads for each overseen program at the time of closing, and all documentation justifying the Department’s decision to close each division within the RO.

    ·       Please provide the Department’s analysis of the impact this regional closure will have on costs and health outcomes for the 15 million residents of New England, as well as the local economy.

    ·       Please provide a detailed analysis of how the remaining five ROs will take over the responsibilities of the Boston RO, including total caseloads, in beneficiaries served and dollars managed, for the staff taking over New England responsibilities, and any anticipated hirings or training to offset the caseload inundation and loss of regional expertise.

    ·       Please provide a detailed analysis of anyways responsibilities of the Boston RO which will be absorbed by HHS headquarters, including the current and new responsibilities of any headquarters staff assuming responsibilities and any anticipated hirings to offset the caseload inundation and loss of regional expertise.

    ·       Please provide a detailed analysis of the anticipated additional wait times for services previously provided by staff at the Region 1 RO, such as the approval of Medicaid State Plan Amendments, enrollments of new providers into Medicare, surveys of nursing homes, child care licensing inspections, state plan approvals, and cost allocation agreements.

    ·       Please explain the Administration’s plan for the now-vacant real estate that previously housed the Boston RO.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Norton, Van Hollen Introduce Bill to Make Union Station Eligible for Funding Under Federal Transportation Grant Programs

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (District of Columbia)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) and Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) today introduced a bill to make the Union Station Redevelopment Corporation (USRC), a nonprofit responsible for managing and operating Union Station in D.C., eligible for funding under several federal transportation grant programs.

    “Union Station is the second busiest Amtrak station in the country. It is an architectural marvel that has played a vital role in our nation’s history. Yet, it has not undergone major renovation in nearly 40 years,” Congresswoman Norton said. “The planned redevelopment and expansion of Union Station represents a historic transportation and economic development opportunity for D.C. and the National Capital Region, but billions of dollars are needed to carry it out. This bill would give USRC access to critical funding.”

    “Union Station is the gateway to our nation’s capital for visitors and regional commuters alike, including thousands of Marylanders and District residents every day, but it is long overdue for critical upgrades. This legislation will unlock major federal funding opportunities for this important regional transit hub,” said Senator Van Hollen.

    Union Station is a vital local, regional and national intermodal transportation hub that welcomes approximately 70,000 travelers and visitors each day—more than either Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport or Washington Dulles International Airport. It is owned by the federal government, and USRC manages and operates it exclusively under a lease. Due to its federal ownership and management structure, it is currently ineligible for federal grant funding. As such, the station has not undergone major renovation since the 1980s.

    Congresswoman Norton and Senator Van Hollen’s Union Station Redevelopment Corporation Funding Eligibility Act allows USRC to apply for funding under four major U.S. Department of Transportation infrastructure funding programs: the Federal-State Partnership for Intercity Passenger Rail (FSP) Program, the Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) Program, the Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) Program and the National Infrastructure Project Assistance Program, also known as the Mega Program.

    Norton’s introductory statement follows.

     

    Statement of Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton

    On the Introduction of the Union Station Redevelopment Corporation Funding Eligibility Act

    April 9, 2025

    Today, I introduce the Union Station Redevelopment Corporation Funding Eligibility Act, which would make the Union Station Redevelopment Corporation (USRC) eligible for funding under the Federal-State Partnership for Intercity Passenger Rail (FSP) Program, the Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) Program, the Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) Program and the National Infrastructure Project Assistance Program, also known as the Mega Program.  Funding under these transportation programs is essential to implement the planned expansion and modernization of Union Station in the District of Columbia, known as the Washington Union Station Expansion Project (USEP).  Senator Chris Van Hollen has introduced this bill in the Senate.

    Union Station is owned by the federal government, and USRC, a nonprofit, manages and operates the station under a lease with the federal government. The members of USRC’s board of directors are the Federal Railroad Administration, Amtrak, the Federal City Council, the District of Columbia and the USRC President and CEO.  USRC is the only entity exclusively dedicated to the management and operations of Union Station and therefore should be eligible for funding under the FSP Program, the CRISI Program, the BUILD Program and the Mega Program.

    Union Station is a vital local, regional and national intermodal transportation hub that, pre-pandemic, welcomed more than 100,000 travelers and visitors each day—more than either Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport or Washington Dulles International Airport.  Located five blocks from the U.S. Capitol, Union Station serves as a gateway to the nation’s capital, as well as the backbone that connects East Coast passenger rail lines to the north and south.  People rely on Union Station every day to get to work and to visit the nation’s capital. 

    Despite the vital role Union Station plays in the nation’s capital, it has not undergone major renovation since the 1980s.  The USEP represents a historic transportation and economic development opportunity for the nation’s capital and the national capital region, but billions of dollars are needed to carry it out.  This bill would give USRC access to critical funding.

    I urge my colleagues to support this bill.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Ogles Leads Legislation Targeting Chinese Cybersecurity Threats

    Source:

    WASHINGTON DC – Congressman Andy Ogles (TN-05) introduced the “Strengthening Cyber Resilience Against State-Sponsored Threats Act.”  This bill would establish an interagency task force, led by the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), to address the widespread cybersecurity threats posed by state-sponsored cyber actors associated with the CCP. 

     

    The legislation also requires the task force to provide a detailed report and briefing to Congress annually for five years on its findings. The legislation was advanced by the House Committee on Homeland Security and passed unanimously by the House of Representatives in the 118th Congress. 

     

    “The Chinese Communist Party is the greatest foreign adversary we face, and Beijing continues to use cyberspace as a battlefield on which to undermine American sovereignty and interests. In the wake of attacks by CCP-backed actors against our critical infrastructure and even their intrusions into the campaign communications of President Trump and Vice President Vance, we must ensure the government is coordinating effectively to make sure this never happens again,” Congressman Ogles said. “As we learned from the Biden-Harris administration, turning a blind eye to China’s intrusions only invites more attacks. I look forward to getting this legislation to President Trump’s desk so we can keep securing our nation from this deadly enemy.” 

     

    “For too long, the federal government has been asleep at the wheel when it comes to combating increasingly sophisticated cyberattacks on our networks by Chinese-backed actors. Americans depend on critical infrastructure for vital services every day, from the phones in our pockets to the water in our homes and gas in our cars,” Chairman Mark Green said. “I fear the recent ‘Typhoon’ intrusions are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the CCP’s espionage and pre-positioning in our infrastructure. With new threats mounting every day, our response must be a coordinated, whole-of-government effort. I am proud to continue fighting for this legislation alongside my friend and fellow Tennessean, Rep. Ogles. Let’s get this to the Senate and to President Trump’s desk without delay.”

     

    “The cyber campaigns waged by PRC-backed actors like the Typhoons are acts of espionage aimed at placing U.S. critical infrastructure at risk. This legislation directs a focused, interagency response to identify, assess, and disrupt these persistent threats,” Subcommittee on Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Protection Chairman Andrew Garbarino said. “As Chairman of the Subcommittee on Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Protection, I’m committed to ensuring the federal government uses every available tool to mitigate these threats and strengthen our cyber resilience where it matters most.”

     

    “The Chinese Communist Party is increasingly using cyberattacks to target our critical infrastructure, and it’s time to take action to address this growing threat to the American people,” Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party Chairman John Moolenaar said. “The Strengthening Cyber Resilience Against State-Sponsored Threats Act will ensure the federal government has the resources and authority to defend against these threats and hold the CCP accountable. With groups like Volt Typhoon and Salt Typhoon already compromising our systems, it’s critical that we strengthen our defenses to protect national security and our economy.”

     

    “The Chinese Communist Party, through cyber threat actors like Volt Typhoon, continues to infiltrate America’s critical infrastructure, posing a direct threat to our national security and economy. We cannot allow foreign adversaries to gain the upper hand through a fragmented response,” Rep. Laurel Lee said. “That is why I am proud to cosponsor the Strengthening Cyber Resilience Against State-Sponsored Threats Act to ensure a unified, whole-of-government strategy to combat the CCP’s cyber aggression and protect the essential systems Americans rely on every day.”

    Cosponsors (4): Rep. Mark Green [TN-07]-, Laurel Lee [FL-15], John Moolenaar [MI-02], and Rep. Andrew Garbarino [NY-02].

    Read The Bill Here

    # # #

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Extension of appointment to Independent Reporting Commission

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Extension of appointment to Independent Reporting Commission

    Secretary of State for Northern Ireland announces the extension of appointment to Independent Reporting Commission

    The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, The Rt. Hon. Hilary Benn MP has announced the extension of the appointment of Mitchell B. Reiss as the UK Commissioner to the Independent Reporting Commission from 1 April 2025 to 30 September 2026.

    The Northern Ireland Executive nominees, Monica McWilliams and John McBurney have also been extended and the Irish Government has extended the appointment of Tim O’Connor for the same period.

    Background

    The Independent Reporting Commission was established following the Fresh Start Agreement in 2015 by an international treaty between the UK Government and the Government of Ireland. 

    Its key functions are to report on progress towards ending paramilitary activity and on the implementation of the relevant measures of the UK Government, the Government of Ireland and the Northern Ireland Executive. 

    The IRC continues to play an important role in reporting on progress towards ending paramilitarism in Northern Ireland and the independent perspective offered by the Commission provides a significant contribution in scrutinising and shaping that effort.

    Further information on the work of the Commission can be found at:  https://www.ircommission.org/

    Terms of appointment

    The UK Commissioner position attracts a remuneration of £22,750 per annum and is not pensionable. The Northern Ireland Executive nominees receive a similar remuneration package.

    The Irish Government is responsible for setting the terms for its nominee.

    Political Activity

    All appointments are made on merit and political activity plays no part in the selection process. However, in accordance with the original Nolan recommendations, there is a requirement for appointees’ political activity in defined categories within the last five years to be made public.

    The UK Government nominee and Northern Ireland Executive nominees have declared no such political activity in the past five years.

    Regulation

    Appointments to the Independent Reporting Commission are not regulated by the Commissioner for Public Appointments.

    Updates to this page

    Published 10 April 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Rapid Flood Guidance 2025 service: get ready now

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    News story

    Rapid Flood Guidance 2025 service: get ready now

    Find out about the return of the service available from 2 June 2025.

    Credit: Environment Agency

    The Rapid Flood Guidance service returns

    Following a successful trial in 2024, the Rapid Flood Guidance (RFG) service will return for summer 2025.

    The 2025 service will run between 2 June and 17 October 2025.

    As in 2024, the 2025 service will provide:

    • an advisory badge on the front page of the Flood Guidance Statement (FGS) for days when there is a heightened risk of rapid flooding
    • RFG updates – issued on heightened risk days

    FFC Hydrometeorology Services Manager Aly Black said:

    I’m excited that the Rapid Flood Guidance service is returning in June – with improvements based on last year’s successful trial.  The FFC is committed to working with our responder community to mitigate surface water flood risk. I encourage all our users to make sure they are signed up to this summer’s service – and to start thinking how the RFG might fit into operational decision making should it become a permanent service.  

    Sign up now or amend your preferences through your Flood Guidance Statement account.

    Service improvements

    The 2025 service will include improvements based on user feedback from the trial.  These include:

    • the ability to sign up to receive the RFG for local authority areas (rather than regions) – providing a more tailored service
    • clearer mapping – so that the location of the risk area can be more easily identified
    • more consistent written content – improving clarity
    • amendments to the threshold for RFG issue – meaning that there will be fewer RFGs when there are no or minor impacts
    • faster production – so that there is more time to respond
    • a more reliable SMS service – ensuring the RFG is available on all mobile devices

    Getting prepared for the 2025 service

    If you signed up for the 2024 trial, you:

    • are already registered for the 2025 service
    • will be automatically registered for the local authority areas relating to the regions you were signed up for in 2024
    • are advised to check and revise your preferences if necessary

    Check and amend your preferences through your Flood Guidance Statement account

    If you are a new user, you can sign up now to:

    • receive the RFG by Email and text message (optional)
    • set your preferences so you get RFGs that are relevant to you

    By signing up you will join over 1,700 responders already making use of the service.

    Sign up now through your Flood Guidance Statement account.

    The RFG can also be accessed (without email or text notifications) through the Met Office’s Hazard Manager.

    Finding out more

    You can find out more about the service:

    Providing your views on future development

    The development of the RFG service has been informed by extensive user research, including the 2024 trial.

    During 2025 we will continue to work with our users by:

    Part of a wider investment in improved forecasting

    The RFG service is part of the Surface Water Flood Forecasting Improvement Project (SWFFIP) which is:

    Rapid Flood Guidance makes use of new convective weather forecasting (nowcasting) capability from the Met Office’s Expert Weather Hub  – combined with information from the FFC’s hydrometeorologists.

    Updates to this page

    Published 10 April 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –