Category: Taxation

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Haley Stevens (D-MI) Introduced Bill to Stop Government from Penalizing Fraud Victims 

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Haley Stevens (MI-11)

    Washington, D.C. – Last Friday, U.S. Representative Haley Stevens (D-MI) introduced the No Penalties for Victims of Fraud Act to make sure that victims of retirement account fraud are not charged an early withdrawal tax penalty. 

    “We’ve seen a significant uptick in scams targeting Americans’ hard-saved retirement funds,” said Rep. Haley Stevens (D-MI). “And for victims of fraud not yet at retirement age, it’s a double whammy of lost savings and then being hit with an early withdrawal penalty. No fraud victim should be punished for being targeted, and this critical legislation will make the burden just a little bit lighter for those who have already lost so much.”

    “Fraud victims are harmed enough when criminals steal their life savings,” said the National Consumers League Vice President of Public Policy, Telecommunications, and Fraud John Breyault. “The last thing victims should worry about after being scammed is a bill from the IRS. NCL is thankful for Representative Stevens’ efforts to reduce the burdens fraud victims face after a crime has occurred.”

    “Saving for retirement takes hard work and sacrifice by our residents and they should be protected from the rising instances of fraud,” said Oakland County Executive David Coulter. “We already worry about the security and solvency of our retirement system. We shouldn’t also have to agonize about federal penalties levied after fraudulent withdrawals from our financial safety net. I appreciate U.S. Rep. Haley Stevens’ interest in solving this problem and providing some peace of mind for people as they prepare to retire.”

    “We support this commonsense bill that will protect victims of fraud,” said Adam Rust, director of financial services for the Consumer Federation of America. “In 2023 alone, consumers reported losing almost $5 billion of their investments to scammers. The No Penalties for Victims of Fraud Act will shield innocent people from further harm by exempting them from having to pay taxes for losing their life savings. The scale of fraud is growing, making it all the more urgent that lawmakers act now to address this oversight in our tax laws. “

    The No Penalties for Victims of Fraud Act is designed to ease the financial impact on fraud victims by waiving early withdrawal penalties for those affected. Key provisions include:

    • Allowing fraud victims to avoid withdrawal penalties from eligible retirement accounts if they can document fraud losses through law enforcement or court verification.
    • Letting victims choose to repay the withdrawn amount without penalties, following guidelines similar to existing retirement account repayment options.
    • Addressing a crucial gap, providing essential financial protections for fraud victims and promoting awareness to help prevent further exploitation.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI Security: California Man Sentenced to 12 Years for Drug Conspiracy

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Eric C. Jackson, age 33, of San Diego, California, was sentenced yesterday to 144 months in prison for his role in a drug-trafficking organization that distributed methamphetamine in Onondaga County and elsewhere in Central New York.

    The announcement was made by United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Frank A. Tarentino III, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), New York Division.

    As part of his prior guilty plea, Jackson admitted that from approximately June 2020 through April 2021, he conspired with others to distribute methamphetamine in Central New York, which had been transported from California. Jackson admitted that he participated in the conspiracy by making travel arrangements for coconspirators to travel between New York and California, and by personally transporting narcotics proceeds in furtherance of the conspiracy. More specifically, Jackson admitted that he transported tens of thousands of dollars in narcotics proceeds, which he carried with him on flights from Syracuse to San Diego.

    United States Senior District Judge David N. Hurd also ordered Jackson to serve a 5-year term of supervised release to follow his release from prison.

    This case was investigated by DEA, U.S. Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), New York State Police-Violent Gang and Narcotics Enforcement Team (NYSP-VGNET), Onondaga County Sheriff’s Office, Onondaga County District Attorney’s Office, Syracuse Police Department, Oklahoma City Police Department, San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Office, and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew J. McCrobie.

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Scott Perry Introduces the 45Q Repeal Act

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Scott Perry (PA-10)

    Washington D.C. – Congressman Scott Perry (PA-10) introduced the 45Q Repeal Act to repeal the 45Q tax credit for carbon capture and sequestration.

    The bill will reduce overregulation and fraud, and has the added benefit of terminating a wasteful tax credit that we can now negotiate for real tax breaks in the pending reconciliation package.

    We’ve got to get the federal government out of every facet of our lives,” said Congressman Perry. “The American People demand that we cut waste, fraud, and abuse, and don’t want their tax dollars being used to prop up inefficient and market-distorting technology.

    The 45Q tax credit subsidizes technologies that serve no purpose beyond distorting energy markets.

    There are serious concerns about the integrity of the tax credit; for example, the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration found nearly $1 billion in claims for unverified activities.

    The 45Q Repeal Act is a first step in restoring sanity to our energy sector and allowing markets to work by demand, not disrupted by subsidies from the federal government.

    This bill protects the Taxpayer and restores market discipline by removing insidious and wasteful tax incentives for market-distorting and inefficient technology.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Scott Perry Introduces the No Propaganda Act

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Scott Perry (PA-10)

    Washington, D.C. – U.S. Representative Scott Perry (PA-10) re-introduced the No Propaganda Act today, co-sponsored U.S. Representative Andy Ogles (TN-5), to defund the biased Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB). The organization and its subsidiaries are staffed by extreme liberals, including the newly appointed, divisive CEO of National Public Radio (NPR) who openly campaigned for Joe Biden while claiming to be unbiased and serving the best interest of the public.

    The American Taxpayer continues to provide handouts through the Corporation for Public Broadcasting to media outlets that have actively pushed Chinese propaganda and have prioritized disinformation over free speech,” said Rep. Perry.CPB must be defunded to end the stream of Taxpayer funds to biased, anti-American public radio and television stations.

    The CPB funds content that incorporates woke and divisive messaging. A whistleblower, and 25-year veteran of NPR, recently called out NPR for allowing its “pro-Democrat political leanings to seep into editorial judgments, including its decision to turn a blind eye to the Hunter Biden laptop story.” In addition to influencing public opinion about U.S. politics, CPB has worked with a Chinese Communist Party-controlled media outlet, registered as a foreign agent, to air a documentary promoting Chinese propaganda. These efforts are funded in part by CPB grants paid for by American Citizens.

    The Corporation for Public Broadcasting should not be funneling Louisianians’ hard-earned tax dollars to outlets with one-sided coverage that clearly aims to promote a leftist political agenda. The No Propaganda Act would make sure that Americans aren’t footing the bill for biased, government media,” said Sen. Kennedy.

    Founded in 1967, the CPB is a publicly funded, non-profit corporation that promotes and advances public broadcasting. Throughout the years, Congress has appropriated nearly $15 billion to the CPB, which distributes the funds to publicly-owned television and radio stations like PBS.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Gomez Pushes to Block Illegal Use of IRS Data to Target Immigrant Families

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jimmy Gomez (CA-34)

    WASHINGTON, DC – Representative Jimmy Gomez (CA-34), a member of the House Ways and Means Committee, joined Reps. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25), Linda Sánchez (CA-38), and Dan Goldman (NY-10) in calling on the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to immediately halt any efforts to misuse confidential taxpayer data for immigration enforcement.

    In a letter to Acting IRS Commissioner Melanie Krause and DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, Gomez and 61 House Democrats raised alarms over reports that DHS has requested Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers (ITINs), address data, and other sensitive tax information to facilitate large-scale immigration operations—even when individuals are not suspected of any crimes. These revelations come amid concerning reports that Treasury officials, including the IRS’s acting Chief Counsel, were removed for resisting such efforts.

    “We write to express our grave concern regarding reports that the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is considering disclosing taxpayer information… to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for immigration enforcement purposes,” the Members wrote. “Such actions would undermine taxpayer confidentiality, erode trust in our nation’s tax system, and have a chilling effect on compliance, particularly among immigrant communities who contribute billions in tax revenue annually.”

    The Members pointed to long-standing legal and policy protections that strictly limit how taxpayer data can be used and shared. Under Section 6103 of the Internal Revenue Code, tax return information may only be disclosed in narrow, well-defined circumstances—none of which include civil immigration enforcement.

    “The IRS has long maintained that tax compliance must be encouraged through confidentiality protections. Any deviation from this guiding principle risks eroding public trust and discouraging taxpayers from fulfilling their obligations,” the letter continues. “If immigrants fear that filing taxes could expose them to deportation, many will choose not to file, reducing Federal revenues… while shifting resources to the informal economy.”

    The letter also cites previous legal guidance from the IRS’s Office of Chief Counsel, as well as warnings from the National Taxpayer Advocate that such actions would undermine voluntary compliance and the integrity of the tax system.

    Gomez and his colleagues are demanding a formal clarification of the agencies’ current policies and any communications between the IRS and DHS regarding the use of tax information for immigration enforcement. They also urge the IRS to publicly reaffirm its commitment to taxpayer privacy.

    Read the full letter here.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Crow Introduces Bill to Fight Corruption, End Dark Money in Elections

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jason Crow (CO-06)

    WASHINGTON — Congressman Jason Crow (D-CO-06) has introduced new legislation to fight corruption and crack down on dark money influencing U.S. elections.

    “Dark money” campaign spending—undisclosed spending meant to influence political elections—has dramatically increased in recent elections. Roughly $1 billion in television, online advertisements, and mailers have been spent since 2010, when the U.S. Supreme Court’s Citizens United decision gave rise to dark money groups.

    Congressman Crow’s End Dark Money Act would fight corruption and close loopholes that allow mega-donors to hide their political contributions through so-called “social welfare” organizations. Congresswoman Nikema Williams (D-GA-05) joined Congressman Crow in introducing this legislation.

    “Corruption is harming the American people and making it harder for working families to achieve the American Dream. That’s why in Congress, I’m focused on fighting corruption, lowering costs, and taking on the power of special interests on our government,” said Congressman Crow. “Americans are sick and tired of special interests and billionaires like Elon Musk using campaign finance loopholes to influence our elections. My legislation would increase transparency and accountability in our elections to return power back to the voters and begin to restore the American people’s faith in our democracy.”

    “The whole world is witnessing an unelected billionaire, Elon Musk, buy his way into the Oval Office and receive unprecedented power. For every Elon in plain sight, we have millions of mega-donors who remain hidden. Under current policies, the faces behind massive political spending like this are usually kept in the dark. The End Dark Money Act stops this shady abuse of the system and, in the process, empowers voters and strengthens our democracy,” said Congresswoman Williams.

    The End Dark Money Act would repeal current prohibitions and allow the Internal Revenue Service to issue new guidelines to ensure non-profits adhere to their social welfare mission or be required to register as a PAC, disclose their donors, and risk losing their tax-exempt status.

    The End Dark Money Act is supported by the End Citizens United Action Fund and Public Citizen.

    “Dark money is one of the most corrosive and corrupting forces in our elections and government. It allows billionaires and special interests to operate in the shadows, manipulating our democracy without accountability,” said End Citizens United Action Fund President Tiffany Muller. “Congressman Crow’s End Dark Money Act is a commonsense solution that will shine a light on undisclosed money, giving the American people the ability to see who’s trying to influence election and policy outcomes. We’re incredibly grateful for Congressman Crow’s continued leadership and dedication to addressing this growing threat.

    “Many of those who fund campaigns want to remain in the shadows,” said Craig Holman, Ph.D. of Public Citizen. “These financers hiding in the shadows have been able to thwart disclosure of their political spending by exploiting inside connections in Congress, attaching riders to legislation that prohibit the IRS from even considering rules to disclose dark money donors. Congressman Crow’s End Dark Money Act is necessary legislation to remove these secretive legislative riders and open the books on wealthy influence peddlers.”

    Congressman Crow has long championed the End Dark Money Act. After he was first elected in 2018, it was his first bill he introduced as a Member of Congress. Crow has been a leader in the fight against corruption in Congress, having served as the co-chair of the End Corruption Caucus. He has also introduced other legislation, including the SHINE ActDISCLOSE Act, and TRUST in Congress, to end the influence of special interests in our elections.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Pappas, LaMalfa Reintroduce Bipartisan Legislation to Repeal Federal Excise Tax on Heavy Trucks

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Chris Pappas (D-NH)

    Congressmen Chris Pappas (NH-01) and Doug LaMalfa (CA-01) reintroduced the Modern, Clean, and Safe Trucks Act which would repeal the 12% federal excise tax on heavy trucks. Representatives Darin LaHood (IL-16), Salud Carbajal (CA-24), and Max Miller (OH-07) joined in introducing this bipartisan legislation.

    The 12% excise tax on heavy trucks is the highest excise tax levied on any product in the country and could add $15,000 to $30,000 to the cost of new heavy trucks, trailers, semitrailer chassis, and tractors for highway use. Off-highway equipment such as agriculture, earthmoving, forestry, and mining machinery is exempt from the tax. This tax is paid at the time of sale and is not levied on used truck sales, consequentially encouraging the purchase of older, less safe, and less fuel efficient vehicles.

    “Every potential saving we can deliver to businesses makes a difference to help them operate and lower costs for families,” said Congressman Pappas. “Cutting the federal excise tax on heavy-duty trucks and trailers will help America’s Main Street economy grow and strengthen our supply chains, while also supporting the adoption of newer, safer, and cleaner trucks. This legislation is bipartisan and commonsense, and I’ll keep fighting for Congress to take it up to provide immediate relief to small businesses and consumers alike.”

    “For over a century, the federal excise tax on heavy-duty trucks has gone from a temporary wartime measure to fund World War I, to an outdated tax that punishes truck buyers,” said Congressman LaMalfa. “This is the highest percentage-based tax Congress imposes on any product, yet it fails to be a reliable source of funding for the Highway Trust Fund. This tax forces buyers to stick with older, less efficient models and makes it harder for truckers to modernize their rigs, holding back the trucking industry from updating. Let’s repeal this outdated tax and support the men and women who keep America moving.”

    This bipartisan legislation has the support of leaders across the industry. 

    “First implemented over a century ago to help finance America’s effort in World War I, the FET has become the largest excise tax on any product, adding $24,000 to the cost of each new clean-diesel tractor-trailer,” said American Trucking Associations President & CEO Chris Spear.  “Keeping this antiquated tax on the books imposes an enormous hardship, particularly for the small fleets, family businesses, and independent truckers who make up the overwhelming majority of trucking.  Removing this burden will allow motor carriers to replace their trucks with modern, safer, and cleaner equipment, which will in turn provide a boost to manufacturing jobs.  Our industry is grateful to Reps. LaMalfa, Pappas, LaHood, Carbajal, and Miller for their leadership on this issue to improve highway safety, reduce emissions, and strengthen our economy.”

    “The Clean Freight Coalition (CFC) is grateful to Reps. LaMalfa, Pappas, LaHood, Carbajal, and Miller for their leadership on repealing the FET, which will incentivize motor carriers to refresh their fleets with cleaner and safer trucks,” said CFC’s Executive Director Jim Mullen. “There are many pathways to reducing truck emissions, and replacing old equipment with trucks equipped with the most advanced technology provides immediate benefits for the environment, and at the same time protects the resiliency of the supply chain and guards against rising freight costs which are ultimately paid by consumers. The stakeholders represented by the CFC applaud the Sponsors of this bill for their efforts to improve the environment and support the trucking industry.”

    “The burdensome 12 percent Federal Excise Tax on the sale of new heavy-duty trucks and trailers is an outdated levy which drives up costs and slows the adoption of safer, more fuel-efficient vehicles,” said Scott Pearson, ATD Chairman and President of Peterbilt of Atlanta. “This onerous tax adds approximately $20,000 to the price of a new diesel truck, and $50,000 to the cost of a new electric truck. America’s truck dealers commend Reps. LaMalfa and Pappas for their leadership on this important issue, which will help motor carriers modernize their fleets and improve road safety.”

    “The U.S. tank truck industry needs relief from the outdated Federal Excise Tax—originally imposed more than a century ago to fund World War I,” said Ryan Streblow, President and CEO of National Tank Truck Carriers. “Repealing this 12% tax would empower our industry to reinvest in the specialized equipment we need—equipment that features critical safety enhancements and cleaner-emission power units to serve the U.S. bulk segment. As costs continue to rise, this tax remains a significant barrier to upgrading our fleets and supporting a safer, more sustainable supply chain.”

    Background: 

    For more than a century, the Federal government has levied excise taxes on heavy duty trucks to raise money for wartime mobilization in WW1 and WW2, fund Great Depression-era programs, and for the Highway Trust Fund. The Senate previously attempted to repeal the tax in 1975, but the House failed to include it in their version of a broad tax bill. It was last increased in 1982 to twelve percent, and although it was set to expire in 1987 it was extended in 1987, 1991, 1998, 2005, 2012, and 2015.

    Representatives Pappas and LaMalfa introduced similar legislation in the 117th Congress and the 118th Congress following a renewed appeal from the National Automobile Dealers Association. This legislation has received praise from New Hampshire small business leaders.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: What They’re Saying: LaMalfa Reintroduces Bill to Repeal Federal Excise Tax on Heavy Trucks

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Doug LaMalfa 1st District of California

    Washington, D.C.—Yesterday, Congressman Doug LaMalfa (R-Richvale) reintroduced bipartisan legislation to repeal the 12% federal excise tax on heavy trucks, the highest excise tax on any product in the country. This outdated tax drives up the cost of new trucks by as much as $30,000, forcing businesses to keep older, less efficient vehicles on the road. The bill, introduced alongside Reps. Pappas (D-NH), LaHood (R-IL), Carbajal (D-CA), and Miller (R-OH), has already earned strong support from industry leaders who recognize the need to modernize America’s trucking fleet. Here’s what they’re saying:

    “First implemented over a century ago to help finance America’s effort in World War I, the FET has become the largest excise tax on any product, adding $24,000 to the cost of each new clean-diesel tractor-trailer,” said American Trucking Associations President & CEO Chris Spear.  “Keeping this antiquated tax on the books imposes an enormous hardship, particularly for the small fleets, family businesses, and independent truckers who make up the overwhelming majority of trucking. Removing this burden will allow motor carriers to replace their trucks with modern, safer, and cleaner equipment, which will in turn provide a boost to manufacturing jobs.  Our industry is grateful to Reps. LaMalfa, Pappas, LaHood, Carbajal, and Miller for their leadership on this issue to improve highway safety, reduce emissions, and strengthen our economy.”

    “The California Trucking Association is grateful to Reps. LaMalfa, Pappas, LaHood, Carbajal, and Miller for recognizing the importance of removing significant financial barriers to fleet modernization,” said Eric Sauer, CEO, California Trucking Association. “By repealing the Federal Excise Tax, Congress is paving the way for the broader adoption of cleaner, more fuel-efficient trucks. This effort will encourage trucking companies across California to invest in state-of-the-art equipment, including zero-emission technologies, supporting both our environmental goals and the continued development of innovative solutions. It’s a win for the environment, the economy, and our industry.”

    “The Clean Freight Coalition (CFC) is grateful to Reps. LaMalfa, Pappas, LaHood, Carbajal, and Miller for their leadership on repealing the FET, which will incentivize motor carriers to refresh their fleets with cleaner and safer trucks,” said CFC’s Executive Director Jim Mullen. “There are many pathways to reducing truck emissions, and replacing old equipment with trucks equipped with the most advanced technology provides immediate benefits for the environment, and at the same time protects the resiliency of the supply chain and guards against rising freight costs which are ultimately paid by consumers. The stakeholders represented by the CFC applaud the Sponsors of this bill for their efforts to improve the environment and support the trucking industry.”

    “The burdensome 12 percent Federal Excise Tax on the sale of new heavy-duty trucks and trailers is an outdated levy which drives up costs and slows the adoption of safer, more fuel-efficient vehicles,” said Scott Pearson, ATD Chairman and President of Peterbilt of Atlanta. “This onerous tax adds approximately $20,000 to the price of a new diesel truck, and $50,000 to the cost of a new electric truck. America’s truck dealers commend Reps. LaMalfa and Pappas for their leadership on this important issue, which will help motor carriers modernize their fleets and improve road safety.”

    “The U.S. tank truck industry needs relief from the outdated Federal Excise Tax—originally imposed more than a century ago to fund World War I,” said Ryan Streblow, President and CEO of National Tank Truck Carriers. “Repealing this 12% tax would empower our industry to reinvest in the specialized equipment we need—equipment that features critical safety enhancements and cleaner-emission power units to serve the U.S. bulk segment. As costs continue to rise, this tax remains a significant barrier to upgrading our fleets and supporting a safer, more sustainable supply chain.”

    Congressman Doug LaMalfa is Chairman of the Congressional Western Caucus and a lifelong farmer representing California’s First Congressional District, including Butte, Colusa, Glenn, Lassen, Modoc, Shasta, Siskiyou, Sutter, Tehama and Yuba Counties.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Speech to Project Auckland

    Source: New Zealand Government

    Check against delivery.Kia ora and thank you so much for inviting me here today. It’s great to be with you all.Can I start by thanking Fran O’Sullivan for her hard work in organising and supporting this annual event and the also NZME for sponsoring the event as always. I’d also like to acknowledge our Deputy Mayor Desley Simpson, Councillor Richard Hills, and my colleague the Honourable Chris Bishop, the Minister of many things relevant to Auckland’s future and success – Transport, Housing, RMA Reform, Infrastructure – the list goes on. He is also, importantly, Leader of the House because you can’t change the law if he doesn’t let you change the law, so it’s very important to have the Leader of the House on site – great to see you here. Also, the opposition spokesperson for Auckland, Carmel Sepuloni, and Shanan Halbert – lovely to see you here today as well.It’s always good to be with you all as leaders of our city – people who believe in Auckland’s future and are committed to its success.This shared commitment mirrors our Government’s focus on Going for Growth – driving positive change for this city, and delivering real results. 
    Context 
    As a Government, we have set a clear, decisive plan to get New Zealand back on track.There is no doubt that our country – and this city – faces significant challenges.At the heart of those challenges are the economy, inflation, and interest rates, which have been tightening household budgets and stifled economic growth. The Government has spent the last 18 months focused on the basics – rebuilding our economy, restoring law and order, and delivering better public services, particularly in health and education.By reducing wasteful spending, reining in inflation, and lowering interest rates, we are easing the pressure on families and mortgages and giving businesses the certainty they need to grow and invest.We campaigned on this, and we are starting to see the green shoots of economic recovery.Inflation is back within the one to three per cent band, and interest rates are falling. This is good news for Kiwi households and businesses and is critical to easing the cost-of-living pressures for New Zealanders.  Just last week, it was confirmed that our economy has also started to turn the corner, with GDP growing by 0.7 percent in the three months to December – ahead of what the economists were projecting – welcome news after a long period of economic decline, which we inherited, leaving Kiwis feeling poorer. Under Christopher Luxon’s leadership, our Government is Going for Growth, and working tirelessly to sustain this momentum, because a stronger economy means more jobs, better incomes, and more opportunities for Kiwis to get ahead. Rebuilding our economy also requires discipline across every part of government, local and central – delivering the services and infrastructure that Kiwis need, while ensuring every dollar is spent wisely to produce tangible results. This disciplined approach is especially crucial for Auckland – home to 34 per cent of our population and generating 38 per cent of New Zealand’s GDP.Rebuilding our economy means the Government can continue to invest in the priorities facing our city, whether that is better schools, more doctors and nurses in our hospitals, or the infrastructure needed for our fast-growing city.As Minister for Auckland, my role is to champion this city’s interests and ensure it receives the attention and investment it rightfully deserves from central Government, and I am proud of what we have already achieved as a Government. 
     
    Delivering for Auckland
    Since entering government, we have moved quickly deliver on our promises and get Auckland back on track. We axed the Auckland Regional Fuel Tax, removing 11.5 cents per litre from the cost of fuel.We delivered tax relief for hardworking Aucklanders, with average-income households receiving up to $102 a fortnight.We have also prevented a 25.8 per cent increase in water rates through our Local Water Done Well plan, ensuring Aucklanders have access to affordable and sustainable water services.This will save Aucklanders around $899 million in water and wastewater charges over four years through the Watercare Charter. I want to acknowledge the team from Watercare for the excellent work they’ve done, as well as Auckland Council who have partnered with the Government to enable this deal. The deal with Auckland Council to financially separate Watercare has also built huge confidence in the pipeline of water infrastructure in Auckland. A major sign of this confidence was the decision by tunnelling company, Ghella, who are building the Auckland Central Interceptor, to keep their tunnel boring machine in Auckland, following the completion of the central interceptor tunnels this Friday. They see the growing pipeline of water infrastructure projects that require delivering in our city. This is what real confidence in the infrastructure pipeline looks like and it’s a privilege to play a part in delivering that. We have also opened new state-of-the-art radiology equipment at Auckland City Hospital’s Regional Cancer and Blood Service.We’ve deployed additional cops on the beat – raising beat cops to 51 in the CBD – strengthening law and order to improve safety in the inner city and across Auckland.We scrapped Auckland Light Rail, halting a project that haemorrhaged over $228 million without delivering a single metre of track.We have introduced legislation for Time of Use Schemes, which will support the Government’s and Auckland Council’s efforts to reduce congestion across the city and improve efficiency of our roading network. We set a clear direction for both roading and public transport projects across Auckland, including the Northland Corridor, Mill Road Stage 1, the North-West Alternative State Highway, the Northwestern Busway and the Airport to Botany Busway so Aucklanders can have a clear plan of future transport projects for the city – both roading and public transport connections that this city needs for the future. And we are restoring democratic accountability for transport decisions, ensuring Auckland ratepayers have a genuine say in shaping our city.Our track record as a Government demonstrates our commitment to delivering real outcomes for Auckland and getting our city back on track.
     
    What’s next for Auckland
     
    But the question is what’s next for Auckland?While we’ve achieved a lot in a short space of time, our work isn’t done. There is much more to do. Two key areas of work that will be underway over the next 12-18 months, which I think are critically to our city’s success, is capitalising on the benefits of the City Rail Link and developing an Auckland Regional Deal.The next 12-18 months see significant change in Auckland as we look forward to the completion of the City Rail Link. This project, started under the last National Government, will be truly transformational for the city and unlock huge benefits for Aucklanders, including reduced travel times and increased opportunities for development along our rail corridor. Once complete, the City Rail Link will be truly city shaping, and will have a significant impact beyond just making transport more accessible for Aucklanders. Unlocking the benefits of the CRL is key to Auckland’s success. Both the Government and Auckland Council have invested billions of dollars into this project and we must make sure that we are getting the benefits from it. Whether it is the work Transport Minister Chris Bishop is delivering with Auckland Council to remove level crossings to keep traffic moving safely in our suburbs, or it is unlocking development around train stations across Auckland, we must make sure that the city maximises the benefits. The Government has also recently welcomed proposals around regional deals, and I welcome Auckland Council’s proposal which has been put forward as part of that process. I hope that maximising the City Rail Link benefits can be part of that deal because that is something we must jointly ensure happens for the city. Regional deals are an opportunity to bring Councils, Government, Business, Iwi and community together with a longer-term view than just the three-year political cycle, about what’s need to enable the key issues to be unlock, whether that economic growth, productivity, housing, or infrastructure. I’m looking forward to the opportunity we have before us to build on the work already underway with Auckland Council, and how a regional deal could support that. As Minister of Auckland, I will be advocating for Auckland to be the first cab off the rank for a regional deal so we can build on the strong progress we have already made for Auckland in the past 18 months. A regional deal will be a long-term plan for the city, outlining how both local and central government can work together to unlock economic growth in our city, build houses, and deliver the infrastructure needed for this city. It is also an opportunity to outline how central and local governments need to work together to solve problems and deliver tangible solutions. Taxpayers and Ratepayers are ultimately the same people – and they expect central and local governments to work together to deliver on their priorities over the long term. Regional deals are an opportunity to do just that and I will be working closely with Auckland Council on their plan to deliver a Regional Deal for Auckland. But, great infrastructure and economic reforms also need high-quality public services, particularly in health, that are efficient and put patients first.
     
    Keeping Auckland healthy
     
    That’s why we’re determined to ensure Aucklanders have timely, quality access to healthcare.A lot has changed since I last spoke to you in March, when I was talking about potholes – but even Bernard Orsman managed to find a pothole at Greenlane Hospital carpark yesterday, and we got it fixed. Some might say I traded one challenge for an even bigger one. In a growing city like Auckland, we need a resilient health system, so that rising demand from a growing population doesn’t mean waitlists balloon out even more than they already have.The Government is putting more money into health than ever before and we are focussing our health system on delivering the timely and quality healthcare for all New Zealanders. To achieve this – we have restored national health targets – which are key to delivering timely and quality healthcare. Unfortunately over the last 6 years, we’ve seen the results go backwards for patients, whether its Kiwis waiting longer in emergency departments or elective surgeries, which increased from 1000 people more than four months in 2017 to over 27,000 waiting more than four months in 2023.It is unacceptable and New Zealanders deserve better. Health targets have been restored to deliver better outcomes for patients because what gets measured gets managed.But performance also depends on infrastructure. Auckland’s population is growing, so we need modern hospitals to keep up.For the expectant new mother needing maternity care.For the elderly patient needing a hip replacement.For the injured tradie needing urgent care after an accident on the job.
     
    Health Infrastructure Plan
     
    At the recent New Zealand Infrastructure Summit, I highlighted 67 health infrastructure projects – valued at $6.39 billion – which are in the pipeline across the country. $1.5 billion of that is in Auckland, including Manukau Health Park here in Auckland, large scale remediation programmes across our estate at Auckland Hospital and Greenlane Hospital.But at current estimates, we cannot build capacity fast enough to meet the demands of a growing population. Today, I am providing an update on the Health Infrastructure Plan that Cabinet is developing. This plan will set a direction for the next 10 to 20 years to ensure that as a country, we build the right things in the right places at the right size and scale.While each project will require its own business case, the plan will set a long-term view of health infrastructure needs across the country and gives Health New Zealand a clear plan to work upon. We know that hospitals across the Auckland region are experiencing pronounced bed shortages, which are expected to increase as the population grows.South Auckland in particular is one of our fastest-growing communities, with significant health challenges. This community experiences higher rates of infectious conditions and long term conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and chronic respiratory disease. The health needs of South Auckland are compounding, and this impacts the whole region, with both Middlemore and Auckland City Hospital under pressure to service the south Auckland population – and this pressure will only continue to grow.A new site in South Auckland has long been acknowledged by the region’s health planning as necessary to meet the growing demand. Today, I’m confirming that as part of the Health Infrastructure Plan, a new major hospital in South Auckland is being explored. The next steps involve detailed planning by Health New Zealand and securing land to accelerate development.This hospital would work alongside Middlemore, adding more beds, modern surgical theatres, and expanded emergency services – easing pressure on the system and improving outcomes for Aucklanders. Kiwis deserve better than long waits in overcrowded emergency departments and long waits for surgery. Patients come first, and investing in infrastructure is key to delivering that.The Health Infrastructure Plan has been considered by Cabinet and will be published in the coming weeks 
     
    Conclusion
     
    We have a clear growth agenda for Auckland. We’ve taken decisive action to ease the cost of living, restore law and order, and keep our city moving.Auckland must be a city that works for its people – where businesses thrive, families can afford to live, people can travel quickly and safely, and everyone has access to timely, quality healthcare.That’s my focus.Thanks very much for having me here.Thank you, and I look forward to continuing this work alongside you all.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News

  • MIL-OSI USA News: Report to the President on the America First Trade Policy Executive Summary

    Source: The White House

    Pursuant to the January 20, 2025 Presidential Memorandum on America First Trade Policy (AFTP), directed to the Secretary of State, Secretary of the Treasury, Secretary of Defense, Secretary of Commerce, Secretary of Homeland Security, Director of the Office of Management and Budget, U.S. Trade Representative, Assistant to the President for Economic Policy, and the Senior Counselor for Trade and Manufacturing, the President instructed the Department of the Treasury, the Department of Commerce, and the United States Trade Representative to report to the President on April 1, 2025, on the topics set forth therein, consisting of 24 individual chapters containing the reviews, investigations, findings, identifications, and recommendations enumerated in Sections 2(a) through 4(g) of the Presidential Memorandum. The Report also includes the expanded scope of work on non-reciprocal trading practices directed by the February 13, 2025 Presidential Memorandum on Reciprocal Trade and Tariffs. The findings from Sections 3(c), 3(d), and 3(f) of the February 21, 2025 Presidential Memorandum on Defending American Companies and Innovators from Overseas Extortion and Unfair Fines and Penalties are incorporated therein. This unified report is delivered to the President accordingly.

    Introduction

    An America First Trade Policy will unleash investment, jobs, and growth at home; reinforce our industrial and technological advantages; reduce our destructive trade imbalance; strengthen our economic and national security; and deliver substantial benefits for American workers, manufacturers, farmers, ranchers, entrepreneurs, and businesses. The America First Trade Policy Report (the Report) provides a foundation and resource for trade policy actions that will Make America Great Again by putting America First. It presents comprehensive recommendations covering the full scope of trade policies and challenges, from market access and the de minimis duty exemption to export controls and outbound investment restrictions. 

    The need for an America First Trade Policy is self-evident. For decades, the United States has shed jobs, innovation, wealth, and security to foreign countries who have used a myriad of unfair, non-reciprocal, and distortive practices to gain advantage over our domestic producers. There is no better expression of this dangerous state of affairs than America’s large and persistent trade deficit in goods, which soared to $1.2 trillion in 2024. Emerging from a tenuous geopolitical landscape in the previous four years, the United States cannot approach international economic and industrial policy issues with malaise. Our Nation’s future prosperity and national security requires a coordinated, strategic approach that fully utilizes the authorities and expertise of the Federal government to ensure the enduring economic, technological, and military dominance of the United States.

    It was for this reason that President Trump wasted no time in launching the America First Trade Policy mere hours after taking his oath of office. In the weeks that followed, he expanded the scope of work to include non-reciprocal trading practices—a key driver of the trade deficit—and foreign extortion of American firms, especially leading U.S. technology companies. For most administrations, success in any of the 24 separate workstreams discussed in the Report would represent some of the most significant international economic change in the history of the country. Each could easily take decades to resolve. In fact, it is precisely because decades have passed without resolution of these issues that urgent action is required today. The United States does not have decades to continue tinkering around the edges of international economics—the urgency of the situation requires bold action now.

    Today—on April 1—after a mere 71 days on the job, President Trump’s Administration delivered the results of its work. The Report provides the President with recommendations for transformative action. The Report charts a course for his Presidency to reshape U.S. trade relations by prioritizing economic and national security, and restoring the ability to make America, once again, a nation of producers and builders.

    Specifically, the Report includes a chapter for each subsection in the AFTP Memorandum, with an additional chapter for Section 3(f) of Presidential Memorandum on Defending American Companies and Innovators from Overseas Extortion and Unfair Fines and Penalties; reporting pursuant to Sections 3(c) and 3(d) of the latter are included within Chapter 3. Although the full Report delivered to the President is non-public, what follows is a brief public summary of the contents of each chapter.

    Addressing Unfair and Unbalanced Trade

    Chapter 1. Economic and National Security Implications of the Large and Persistent Trade Deficit (Section 2(a) of AFTP)

    The Report opens with a discussion of the magnitude and urgency of the economic and national security threat posed by the large and persistent trade deficit. In particular, the trade deficit demonstrates a fundamental unfairness and lack of reciprocity in how the United States is treated by its trading partners. For decades, while the United States has kept its tariffs low and its economy open, our trading partners have imposed egregious tariff and non-tariff barriers on American goods and services.  These unfair and non-reciprocal trade practices have undermined U.S. competitiveness, leading to business closures, job losses, missed market opportunities for American exporters, loss of industrial capacity, and an atrophying of our defense industrial base and national security posture. The sum total of these various non-reciprocal practices is that American exporters are less competitive abroad and foreign imports are artificially more competitive in the United States. Hence, our large and persistent trade deficit. The Report makes recommendations to the President to reduce the trade deficit, including the imposition of a tariff on certain imports in pursuit of reciprocity and balanced trade.

    Chapter 2. The External Revenue Service (Section 2(b) of AFTP)

    Through a collaboration between the Department of Commerce (DOC), the Department of the Treasury, and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the creation of an External Revenue Service (ERS) offers an opportunity to improve tariff collection. Tariffs have historically played a central role in the collection of Federal revenues. One way the United States can maximize its revenue recovery while deterring fraudulent and unfair trade practices is by establishing a centralized system to optimize revenue collection in the form of an ERS. By closing regulatory gaps and modernizing revenue collection mechanisms, the United States can reaffirm its commitment to a strong, fair, and enforceable trade system that benefits American businesses and taxpayers alike.

    Chapter 3. Review of Unfair and Non-Reciprocal Foreign Trade Practices (Section 2(c) of AFTP)

    U.S. trading partners pursue various unfair and non-reciprocal trade practices. In its review, the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) identified more than 500 of these practices, and stakeholders reported many more during a public comment process. Many countries impose higher tariffs on U.S. exports than the United States imposes on imports from those countries. The U.S. average applied tariff is 3.3%. But the average tariffs in the European Union (EU) (5%), China (7.5%), Vietnam (9.4%), India (17%), and Brazil (11.2%) are all higher. The disparity is even more evident in specific products. The U.S. most-favored nation (MFN) tariff on passenger vehicles is 2.5%, but the EU, India, and China tariff cars at much higher rates, 10%, 70%, and 15% respectively. The United States has no tariffs on apples, but India has a 50% tariff and Turkey a 60.3% tariff.

    Non-tariff barriers by our trade partners are often an even greater obstacle. The EU only allows imports of shellfish from two states—Massachusetts and Washington—but the United States gives the EU unlimited access to the U.S. shellfish market. The United Kingdom (UK) maintains non-science-based standards that adversely affect U.S. exports of safe, high-quality beef and poultry products. Non-tariff barriers also include domestic economic policies that suppress domestic consumption. While the U.S. share of consumption to gross domestic product (GDP) is 68%, it is much lower in Ireland (24%), China (38%), and Germany (49%). This is because our trading partners pursue intentional policies of consumption-reduction (e.g., wage suppression and labor, environmental, and regulatory arbitrage) to gain unfair trade advantage over the United States. This, in turn, contributes to our large and persistent trade deficit. USTR recommends a number of ways in which current legal authorities might be used to address these unfair practices and trade barriers.

    Chapter 4. Renegotiation of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (Section 2(d) of AFTP)

    In his first term, President Trump ended the job-killing North America Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) and replaced it with the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). USMCA gained new market access for American exporters and adopted rules to incentivize the reshoring of manufacturing to the United States. It also included an innovative review mechanism to ensure that the agreement is responsive to changing economic circumstances. Under the USMCA Implementation Act, USTR is statutorily required to initiate the review process ahead of the July 2026 deadline. Numerous changes are needed, such as stronger rules of origin to reduce the inflow of non-market economy content into the United States, expanded market access—especially for dairy exports to Canada, and action to address Mexico’s discriminatory practices, such as in the energy sector.

    Chapter 5. Review of Foreign Currency Manipulation (Section 2(e) of AFTP)

    The Secretary of the Treasury is required to assess the policies and practices of major U.S. trading partners with respect to the rate of exchange between their currencies and the United States dollar pursuant to section 4421 of title 19, United States Code, and section 5305 of title 22, United States Code. The Department of the Treasury will strengthen its ongoing currency analysis and address the lack of transparency by foreign governments in currency markets.

    Chapter 6. Review of Existing Trade Agreements (Section 2(f) of AFTP)

    The United States has 14 comprehensive trade agreements in force with 20 countries. There is significant scope to modernize existing U.S. trade agreements so that trade terms are aligned with American interests while addressing underlying causes of imbalances. This includes lowering foreign tariff rates for American exporters, improving transparency and predictability in foreign regulatory regimes, improving market access for U.S. agricultural products, strengthening rules of origin to ensure the benefits of the agreement appropriately flow to the parties, and improving the alignment of our trading partners with U.S. approaches to economic security and non-market policies and practices.

    Chapter 7. Identification of New Agreements to Secure Market Access (Section 2(g) of AFTP)

    The negotiation of new trade agreements with trading partners offers an opportunity for the United States to knock down non-reciprocal barriers to U.S. exports, especially for agricultural products, and reshape the global trading system in ways that promote supply chain resilience, manufacturing reshoring, and economic and national security alignment with partners. The Report identifies countries and sectors which may be ripe for the negotiation of America First Agreements.

    Chapter 8. Review of Anti-Dumping and Countervailing Duty Policies (Section 2(h) of AFTP)

    Administered by DOC, anti-dumping and countervailing duties (AD/CVD) are a critical tool to address unfair trade and support domestic manufacturing. Recommendations include considering the addition of new countries to the list of non-market economies, methodologies to better implement AD/CVD laws, and more-active self-initiation of new investigations.

    Chapter 9. Review of the De Minimis Exemption (Section 2(i) of AFTP)

    Packages containing imports valued at $800 or less imported by one person on one day currently enter the United States duty free. The United States should end this duty-free de minimis exemption.  This exception has resulted in approximately $10.8 billion in foregone tariff revenue in 2024 alone.  De minimis shipments also pose serious security risks to the United States. The de minimis exemption is a means by which fentanyl, counterfeit goods, and various deadly and high-risk products enter the United States with little scrutiny. Countless consumer products that don’t meet U.S. health and safety standards, such as flammable children’s pajamas and lead-ridden plumbing fixtures, enter the United States through under the de minimis administrative exemption every year.  This is in part because the government does not collect sufficient data on low-value shipments to allow for enforcement targeting.  The de minimis exemption also allows for importers to evade trade enforcement tariffs; for instance, goods entering through the de minimis exemption do not need to pay duties owed pursuant to Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974. With nearly four million packages arriving each day through the de minimis exemption, it is imperative that DOC and CBP recover our rightful tariff revenue and defend our national security by ending the exemption.

    Chapter 10. Investigation of Extraterritorial Taxes (Section 2(j) of AFTP)

    The United States must combat efforts by foreign governments to collect illegitimate revenue from U.S. firms by imposing various discriminatory taxes and regulatory regimes aimed to capture the success of America’s most successful companies—not the least of which are our leading technology firms. Digital Services Taxes, for example, are often devised so as to shield most non-U.S. headquartered firms from taxation and UTPRs determine tax based primarily on factors outside the taxing jurisdiction. We need to ensure we have available the tools necessary to defend U.S. interests, including by providing technical assistance in furtherance of new legislative tools and further investigating identified taxes to determine the appropriate action.

    Chapter 11. Review of the Government Procurement Agreement (Section 2(k) of AFTP)

    Buy American is the epitome of common-sense public policy. In recent decades, the United States has weakened domestic procurement preferences by opening up our procurement market pursuant to the World Trade Organization’s (WTO) Agreement on Government Procurement (GPA). Unfortunately, this market access is lopsided. A 2019 report by the Government Accountability Office (GAO) on the GPA found that in 2010, the United States reported $837 billion in GPA coverage. This was twice as much as the $381 billion reported by the next five largest GPA parties (the EU, Japan, South Korea, Norway, and Canada), despite the fact that total U.S. procurement was less than that of these five partners combined. Moreover, some GPA partners open their procurement markets to third countries who are not parties, forcing U.S. suppliers to compete for the preferential market access they are entitled to under the agreement. To address this lack of reciprocity and unfair competition, the United States should modify or renegotiate the GPA, and if unsuccessful, withdraw.

    An additional challenge is that, although defense procurement is closed to GPA partners, the Department of Defense still gives countries access to our huge defense procurement market by negotiating Reciprocal Defense Procurement (RDP) agreements. Shockingly, these RDPs not only open our market to foreign suppliers, but also require U.S. firms to move industrial capacity offshore as a condition of access to the markets of partner countries. These RDPs must be reviewed to ensure they put America First.

    Economic and Trade Relations with the People’s Republic of China

    Chapter 12. Review of the Phase One Agreement (Section 3(a) of AFTP)

    A key success of President Trump’s first term was the Phase One Agreement with China. Unfortunately, five years following the entry into force in February 2020, China’s lack of compliance with the Agreement is a serious concern. China has failed to live up to its commitments on agriculture, financial services, and protection of intellectual property (IP) rights. USTR assessed this lack of compliance and recommends potential responses.

    Chapter 13. Assessment of the Section 301 Four-Year Review (Section 3(b) of AFTP)

    The United States imposed tariffs pursuant to Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974 in 2018. The law requires that Section 301 actions be reviewed every four years by USTR. The first Four-Year Review was completed in May 2024 and resulted in increases of some of the Section 301 tariffs on China. USTR assessed the results of this review to ensure the Section 301 action remains fit for purpose.

    Chapter 14. Identification of New Section 301 Actions (Section 3(c) of AFTP)

    Given the expansiveness of China’s non-market policies and practices, there may be a need for additional Section 301 investigations. USTR looked at various elements of China’s non-market policies and practices to identify additional investigations that may be warranted.

    Chapter 15. Assessment of Permanent Normal Trade Relations (Section 3(d) of AFTP)

    After China was granted Permanent Normal Trade Relations (PNTR) with the United States in 2000, China took full advantage of the openness of the U.S. economy by leveraging its state-directed capital investments and subsidies, industrial overcapacity, lax labor and environmental standards, forced technology transfer policies, and countless protectionist measures. U.S. goods imports from China increased from $100 billion in 2000 to $463.9 billion in 2024, while the U.S. trade deficit in goods with China ballooned from $83.8 billion in 2000 to $295.4 billion in 2024. More than two decades after being granted PNTR, China still embraces a non-market economic system. USTR carefully reviewed legislative proposals related to PNTR and advised the President accordingly.

    Chapter 16. Assessment of Reciprocity for Intellectual Property (Section 3(e) of AFTP)

    The full extent of China’s abusive tactics and practices with respect to U.S. intellectual property is staggering. The Report catalogues China’s abuses of this system and recommends appropriate responsive actions to address China’s massive imbalance on treatment of intellectual property.

    Additional Economic Security Matters

    Chapter 17. Identification of New Section 232 Actions (Section 4(a) of AFTP)

    In his first term, President Trump used Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962 to save America’s steel and aluminum industries. Last week, President Trump invoked Section 232 to impose a 25% tariff on foreign automobiles and certain automobile parts to protect our automotive industrial base. Reshoring industrial production in key sectors is critical to national security, and DOC identified additional products and sectors that merit consideration for initiation of new Section 232 investigations, including pharmaceuticals, semiconductors, and certain critical minerals. 

    Chapter 18. Review of Section 232 Action on Steel and Aluminum (Section 4(b) of AFTP)

    On February 11, President Trump ended all product exclusions and country exemptions for the Section 232 tariffs on steel and aluminum. DOC further explains the basis for this needed action and recommends additional measures for steel and aluminum for that could be taken.

    Chapter 19. Review of U.S. Export Controls (Section 4(c) of AFTP)

    The United States must ensure that its advanced technology does not flow to our adversaries. Export controls should be simpler, stricter, and more effective, while promoting U.S. dominance in AI and asserting global technological leadership.

    Chapter 20. Review of the Office of Information and Communication Technology and Services (Section 4(d) of AFTP)

    Using his authority under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), President Trump created a new Office of Information and Communication Technology and Services (ICTS) at DOC in his first term. In the last administration, however, ICTS was underutilized. DOC reviewed ongoing ICTS work and identified key areas to strengthen and improve in line with ITCS’s original intent, including expanding its scope and remit to encompass advanced technologies controlled by our adversaries.

    Chapter 21. Review of Outbound Investment Restrictions (Section 4(e) of AFTP)

    President Trump’s America First Investment Policy serves as a basis for how the Administration will approach investment policy, including on outbound investment restrictions. Pursuant to the America First Investment Policy, the National Security Council and the Department of the Treasury will evaluate options that allow American business to thrive while ensuring that they, too, put America First and do not undermine U.S. national security interests. Among the things the Administration plans to evaluate is whether the scope of outbound investment restrictions should be expanded to be responsive to developments in technology and the strategies of countries of concern.

    Chapter 22. Assessment of Foreign Subsidies on Federal Procurement (Section 4(f) of AFTP)

    Foreign subsidies can disadvantage domestic products in a country’s government procurement market. The EU has recognized this problem and introduced the Foreign Subsidies Regulation (FSR) to address distortions caused by foreign subsidies for public procurement. OMB assessed the value of the FSR and other policies to tilt the playing field in favor U.S. producers by strengthening domestic procurement preferences and closing loopholes.

    Chapter 23. Assessment of Unlawful Migration and Fentanyl Flows from Canada, Mexico, and China (Section 4(g) of AFTP)

    On February 1, President Trump invoked IEEPA to impose tariffs on Canada, Mexico, and China to stop the threat posed by the flow of illegal migrants and drugs into the United States. DOC and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) elaborated on the necessity for the strong action already taken by President Trump and identified measures to further stem the flow of illegal migrants and drugs into the United States.

    Chapter 24. E-Commerce Moratorium (Section 3(f) of Presidential Memorandum on Defending American Companies and Innovators from Overseas Extortion and Unfair Fines and Penalties)

    At present, WTO Members have committed to a temporary moratorium on customs duties on electronic transmissions, known popularly as the e-commerce moratorium. In other words, no tariffs on data flows. However, some countries—such as India, Indonesia, and South Africa—seek to tariff the flow of data, thereby destroying the internet and harming the competitiveness for U.S. companies that are global leaders. USTR assessed the risks posed by data tariffs and made recommendations to ensure that the e-commerce moratorium is made permanent.

    Conclusion

    The Report offers a broad, yet substantive, view of U.S. trade policy as it currently stands, and articulates a roadmap for where it should go. The U.S. trade policy of today does not address long-standing and destructive global imbalances, nor does it reflect the reality that the United States is the most open, innovative, and dynamic economy in the world, which is why we must work to unlock its full potential.  Now is the time to pursue trade and economic policies that put the American economy, the American worker, and our national security first. This Report provides a foundation to do exactly that.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Threat actors leverage tax season to deploy tax-themed phishing campaigns

    Source: Microsoft

    Headline: Threat actors leverage tax season to deploy tax-themed phishing campaigns

    As Tax Day approaches in the United States on April 15, Microsoft has observed several phishing campaigns using tax-related themes for social engineering to steal credentials and deploy malware. These campaigns notably use redirection methods such as URL shorteners and QR codes contained in malicious attachments and abuse legitimate services like file-hosting services and business profile pages to avoid detection. These campaigns lead to phishing pages delivered via the RaccoonO365 phishing-as-a-service (PhaaS) platform, remote access trojans (RATs) like Remcos, and other malware like Latrodectus, BruteRatel C4 (BRc4), AHKBot, and GuLoader.

    Every year, threat actors use various social engineering techniques during tax season to steal personal and financial information, which can result in identity theft and monetary loss. These threat actors craft campaigns that mislead taxpayers into revealing sensitive information, making payments to fake services, or installing malicious payloads. Although these are well-known, longstanding techniques, they could still be highly effective if users and organizations don’t use advanced anti-phishing solutions and conduct user awareness and training. 

    In this blog, we share details on the different campaigns observed by Microsoft in the past several months leveraging the tax season for social engineering. This also includes additional recommendations to help users and organizations defend against tax-centric threats. Microsoft Defender for Office 365 blocks and identifies the malicious emails and attachments used in the observed campaigns. Microsoft Defender for Endpoint also detects and blocks a variety of threats and malicious activities related but not limited to the tax threat landscape. Additionally, the United States Internal Revenue Service (IRS) does not initiate contact with taxpayers by email, text messages or social media to request personal or financial information.

    BruteRatel C4 and Latrodectus delivered in tax and IRS-themed phishing emails

    On February 6, 2025, Microsoft observed a phishing campaign that involved several thousand emails targeting the United States. The campaign used tax-themed emails that attempted to deliver the red-teaming tool BRc4 and Latrodectus malware. Microsoft attributes this campaign to Storm-0249, an access broker active since 2021 and known for distributing, at minimum, BazaLoader, IcedID, Bumblebee, and Emotet malware. The following lists the details of the phishing emails used in the campaign:

    Example email subjects:

    • Notice: IRS Has Flagged Issues with Your Tax Filing
    • Unusual Activity Detected in Your IRS Filing
    • Important Action Required: IRS Audit

    Example PDF attachment names:

    • lrs_Verification_Form_1773.pdf
    • lrs_Verification_Form_2182.pdf
    • lrs_Verification_Form_222.pdf

    The emails contained a PDF attachment with an embedded DoubleClick URL that redirected users to a Rebrandly URL shortening link. That link in turn redirected the browser to a landing site that displayed a fake DocuSign page hosted on a domain masquerading as DocuSign. When users clicked the Download button on the landing page, the outcome depended on whether their system and IP address were allowed to access the next stage based on filtering rules set up by the threat actor:

    • If access was permitted, the user received a JavaScript file from Firebase, a platform sometimes misused by cybercriminals to host malware. If executed, this JavaScript file downloaded a Microsoft Software Installer (MSI) containing BRc4 malware, which then installed Latrodectus, a malicious tool used for further attacks.
    • If access was restricted, the user received a benign PDF file from royalegroupnyc[.]com. This served as a decoy to evade detection by security systems.
    Figure 1. Sample phishing email that claims to be from the IRS
    Figure 2. PDF attachment masquerading as a DocuSign document

    Latrodectus is a loader primarily used for initial access and payload delivery. It features dynamic command-and-control (C2) configurations, anti-analysis features such as minimum process count and network adapter check, C2 check-in behavior that splits POST data between the Cookie header and POST data. Latrodectus 1.9, the malware’s latest evolution first observed in February 2025, reintroduced scheduled tasks for persistence and added the ability to run Windows commands via the command prompt.

    BRc4 is an advanced adversary simulation and red-teaming framework designed to bypass modern security defenses, but it has also been exploited by threat actors for post-exploitation activities and C2 operations.

    Between February 12 and 28, 2025, tax-themed phishing emails were sent to over 2,300 organizations, mostly in the United States in the engineering, IT, and consulting sectors. The emails had an empty body but contained a PDF attachment with a QR code and subjects indicating that the documents needed to be signed by the recipient. The QR code pointed to a hyperlink associated with a RaccoonO365 domain: shareddocumentso365cloudauthstorage[.]com. The URL included the recipient email as a query string parameter, so the PDF attachments were all unique. RaccoonO365 is a PhaaS platform that provides phishing kits that mimic Microsoft 365 sign-in pages to steal credentials. The URL was likely a phishing page used to collect the targeted user’s credentials.

    The emails were sent with a variety of display names, which are the names that recipients see in their inboxes, to make the emails appear as if they came from an official source. The following display names were observed in these campaigns:

    • EMPLOYEE TAX REFUND REPORT
    • Project Funding Request Budget Allocation
    • Insurance Payment Schedule Invoice Processing
    • Client Contract Negotiation Service Agreement
    • Adjustment Review Employee Compensation
    • Tax Strategy Update Campaign Goals
    • Team Bonus Distribution Performance Review
    • proposal request
    • HR|Employee Handbooks
    Figure 3. Screenshot of the opened PDF with the QR code

    AHKBot delivered in IRS-themed phishing emails

    On February 13, 2025, Microsoft observed a campaign using an IRS-themed email that targeted users in the United States. The email’s subject was IRS Refund Eligibility Notification and the sender was jessicalee@eboxsystems[.]com.

    The email contained a hyperlink that directed users to download a malicious Excel file. The link (hxxps://business.google[.]com/website_shared/launch_bw[.]html?f=hxxps://historyofpia[.]com/Tax_Refund_Eligibility_Document[.]xlsm) abused an open redirector on what appeared to be a legitimate Google Business page. It redirected users to historyofpia[.]com, which was likely compromised to host the malicious Excel file. If the user opened the Excel file, they were prompted to enable macros, and if the user enabled macros, a malicious MSI file was downloaded and run.

    The MSI file contained two files. The first file, AutoNotify.exe, is a legitimate copy of the executable used to run AutoHotKey script files. The second file, AutoNotify.ahk, is an AHKBot Looper script which is a simple infinite loop that receives and runs additional AutoHotKey scripts. The AHKBot Looper was in turn observed downloading the Screenshotter module, which includes code to capture screenshots from the compromised device. Both Looper and Screenshotter used the C2 IP address 181.49.105[.]59 to receive commands and upload screenshots.

    Figure 4. Screenshot of the email showing the link to download a malicious Excel file
    Figure 5. Macro code to install the malicious MSI file from hxxps://acusense[.]ae/umbrella/

    GuLoader and Remcos delivered in tax-themed phishing emails

    On March 3, 2025, Microsoft observed a tax-themed phishing campaign targeting CPAs and accountants in the United States, attempting to deliver GuLoader and Remcos malware. The campaign, which consisted of less than 100 emails, began with a benign rapport-building email from a fake persona asking for tax filing services due to negligence by a previous CPA. If the recipient replied, they would then receive a second email with the malicious PDF. This technique increases the click rates on the malicious payloads due to the established rapport between attacker and recipient.

    The malicious PDF attachment contained an embedded URL. If the attachment was opened and the URL clicked, a ZIP file was downloaded from Dropbox. The ZIP file contained various .lnk files set up to mimic tax documents. If launched by the user, the .lnk file uses PowerShell to download a PDF and a .bat file. The .bat file in turn downloaded the GuLoader executable, which then installed Remcos.

    Figure 6. Sample phishing email shows the original benign request for tax filing services, followed by another email containing a malicious PDF attachment if the target replies.
    Figure 7. The PDF attachment contains a prominent blue “Download” button that links to download of the malicious payload. The button is overlaid over a blurred background mimicking a “W-2” tax form, which further contributes to the illusion of the attachment being a legitimate tax file.

    GuLoader is a highly evasive malware downloader that leverages encrypted shellcode, process injection, and cloud-based hosting services to deliver various payloads, including RATs and infostealers. It employs multiple anti-analysis techniques, such as sandbox detection and API obfuscation, to bypass security defenses and ensure successful payload execution.

    Remcos is a RAT that provides attackers with full control over compromised systems through keylogging, screen capturing, and process manipulation while employing stealth techniques to evade detection.

    Mitigation and protection guidance

    Microsoft recommends the following mitigations to reduce the impact of this threat.

    • Educate users about protecting personal and business information in social media, filtering unsolicited communication, identifying lure links in phishing emails, and reporting reconnaissance attempts and other suspicious activity.
    • Turn on Zero-hour auto purge (ZAP) in Defender for Office 365 to quarantine sent mail in response to newly-acquired threat intelligence and retroactively neutralize malicious phishing, spam, or malware messages that have already been delivered to mailboxes.
    • Pilot and deploy phishing-resistant authentication methods for users.
    • Enforce multifactor authentication (MFA) on all accounts, remove users excluded from MFA, and strictly require MFA from all devices in all locations at all times.
    • Implement Entra ID Conditional Access authentication strength to require phishing-resistant authentication for employees and external users for critical apps.
    • Encourage users to use Microsoft Edge and other web browsers that support Microsoft Defender SmartScreen, which identifies and blocks malicious websites including phishing sites, scam sites, and sites that contain exploits and host malware.
    • Educate users about using the browser URL navigator to validate that upon clicking a link in search results they have arrived at an expected legitimate domain.
    • Enable network protection to prevent applications or users from accessing malicious domains and other malicious content on the internet.
    • Configure Microsoft Defender for Office 365 to recheck links on click. Safe Links provides URL scanning and rewriting of inbound email messages in mail flow and time-of-click verification of URLs and links in email messages, other Microsoft Office applications such as Teams, and other locations such as SharePoint Online. Safe Links scanning occurs in addition to the regular anti-spam and anti-malware protection in inbound email messages in Microsoft Exchange Online Protection (EOP). Safe Links scanning can help protect your organization from malicious links that are used in phishing and other attacks.
    • Turn on cloud-delivered protection in Microsoft Defender Antivirus or the equivalent for your antivirus product to cover rapidly evolving attacker tools and techniques. Cloud-based machine learning protections block a huge majority of new and unknown variants.
    • Enable investigation and remediation in full automated mode to allow Defender for Endpoint to take immediate action on alerts to resolve breaches, significantly reducing alert volume.
    • Run endpoint detection and response (EDR) in block mode, so that Defender for Endpoint can block malicious artifacts, even when your non-Microsoft antivirus doesn’t detect the threat or when Microsoft Defender Antivirus is running in passive mode. EDR in block mode works behind the scenes to remediate malicious artifacts detected post-breach.

    Microsoft Defender XDR detections

    Microsoft Defender XDR customers can refer to the list of applicable detections below. Microsoft Defender XDR coordinates detection, prevention, investigation, and response across endpoints, identities, email, apps to provide integrated protection against attacks like the threat discussed in this blog.

    Customers with provisioned access can also use Microsoft Security Copilot in Microsoft Defender to investigate and respond to incidents, hunt for threats, and protect their organization with relevant threat intelligence.

    Microsoft Defender Antivirus

    Microsoft Defender Antivirus detects threat components used in the campaigns shared in this blog as the following:

    Microsoft Defender for Endpoint

    The following alerts might indicate threat activity associated with this threat. These alerts, however, can be triggered by unrelated threat activity and are not monitored in the status cards provided with this report.

    • Possible Latrodectus activity
    • Brute Ratel toolkit related behavior
    • A file or network connection related to ransomware-linked actor Storm-0249 detected
    • Suspicious phishing activity detected

    Microsoft Defender for Office 365

    Microsoft Defender for Office 365 offers enhanced solutions for blocking and identifying malicious emails. These alerts, however, can be triggered by unrelated threat activity.

    • A potentially malicious URL click was detected 
    • Email messages containing malicious URL removed after delivery
    • Email messages removed after delivery
    • A user clicked through to a potentially malicious URL
    • Suspicious email sending patterns detected
    • Email reported by user as malware or phish

    Defender for Office 365 also detects the malicious PDF attachments used in the phishing campaign launched by Storm-0249.

    Microsoft Security Copilot

    Security Copilot customers can use the standalone experience to create their own prompts or run the following pre-built promptbooks to automate incident response or investigation tasks related to this threat:

    • Incident investigation
    • Microsoft User analysis
    • Threat actor profile
    • Threat Intelligence 360 report based on MDTI article
    • Vulnerability impact assessment

    Note that some promptbooks require access to plugins for Microsoft products such as Microsoft Defender XDR or Microsoft Sentinel.

    Threat intelligence reports

    Microsoft customers can use the following reports in Microsoft products to get the most up-to-date information about the threat actor, malicious activity, and techniques discussed in this blog. These reports provide the intelligence, protection information, and recommended actions to prevent, mitigate, or respond to associated threats found in customer environments.

    Microsoft Defender Threat Intelligence

    Microsoft Security Copilot customers can also use the Microsoft Security Copilot integration in Microsoft Defender Threat Intelligence, either in the Security Copilot standalone portal or in the embedded experience in the Microsoft Defender portal to get more information about this threat actor.

    Hunting queries

    Microsoft Sentinel

    Microsoft Sentinel customers can use the TI Mapping analytics (a series of analytics all prefixed with ‘TI map’) to automatically match the malicious domain indicators mentioned in this blog post with data in their workspace. If the TI Map analytics are not currently deployed, customers can install the Threat Intelligence solution from the Microsoft Sentinel Content Hub to have the analytics rule deployed in their Sentinel workspace.

    Furthermore, listed below are some sample queries utilizing Sentinel ASIM Functions for threat hunting across both Microsoft first-party and third-party data sources.

    Hunt normalized Network Session events using the ASIM unifying parser _Im_NetworkSession for IOCs:

    let lookback = 7d;
    let ioc_ip_addr = dynamic(["181.49.105.59 "]); 
    _Im_NetworkSession(starttime=todatetime(ago(lookback)), endtime=now())
    | where DstIpAddr in (ioc_ip_addr) 
    | summarize imNWS_mintime=min(TimeGenerated), imNWS_maxtime=max(TimeGenerated), EventCount=count() by SrcIpAddr, DstIpAddr, DstDomain, Dvc, EventProduct, EventVendor
    

    Hunt normalized File events using the ASIM unifying parser imFileEvent for IOCs:

    let ioc_sha_hashes=dynamic(["fe0b2e0fe7ce26ae398fe6c36dae551cb635696c927761738f040b581e4ed422","bb3b6262a288610df46f785c57d7f1fa0ebc75178c625eaabf087c7ec3fccb6a","9728b7c73ef25566cba2599cb86d87c360db7cafec003616f09ef70962f0f6fc",
    "3c482415979debc041d7e4c41a8f1a35ca0850b9e392fecbdef3d3bc0ac69960","165896fb5761596c6f6d80323e4b5804e4ad448370ceaf9b525db30b2452f7f5","a31ea11c98a398f4709d52e202f3f2d1698569b7b6878572fc891b8de56e1ff7",
    "a1b4db93eb72a520878ad338d66313fbaeab3634000fb7c69b1c34c9f3e17727","0b22a0d84afb8bc4426ac3882a5ecd2e93818a2ea62d4d5cbae36d942552a36a","4d5839d70f16e8f4f7980d0ae1758bb5a88b061fd723ea4bf32b4b474c222bec","9bffe9add38808b3f6021e6d07084a06300347dd5d4b7e159d97e949735cff1e"]);  
    imFileEvent
      | where SrcFileSHA256 in (ioc_sha_hashes) or TargetFileSHA256 in (ioc_sha_hashes)
      | extend AccountName = tostring(split(User, @'')[1]), AccountNTDomain = tostring(split(User, @'')[0])
      | extend AlgorithmType = "SHA256"
    

     Hunt normalized Web Session events using the ASIM unifying parser _Im_WebSession for IOCs:

    let lookback = 7d;
    let ioc_domains = dynamic(["slgndocline.onlxtg.com ", "cronoze.com ", "muuxxu.com ", "proliforetka.com ", "porelinofigoventa.com ", "shareddocumentso365cloudauthstorage.com", "newsbloger1.duckdns.org"]);
      _Im_WebSession (starttime=ago(lookback), eventresult='Success', url_has_any=ioc_domains)
     | summarize imWS_mintime=min(TimeGenerated), imWS_maxtime=max(TimeGenerated), EventCount=count() by SrcIpAddr, DstIpAddr, Url, Dvc, EventProduct, EventVendor  
    

    In addition to the above, Sentinel users can also leverage the following queries, which may be relevant to the content of this blog.

    Indicators of compromise

    BruteRatel C4 and Lactrodectus infection chain

    Indicator Type Description
    9bffe9add38808b3f6021e6d07084a06300347dd5d4b7e159d97e949735cff1e SHA-256 lrs_Verification_Form_1730.pdf
    0b22a0d84afb8bc4426ac3882a5ecd2e93818a2ea62d4d5cbae36d942552a36a SHA-256 Irs_verif_form_2025_214859.js
    4d5839d70f16e8f4f7980d0ae1758bb5a88b061fd723ea4bf32b4b474c222bec SHA-256 bars.msi
    a1b4db93eb72a520878ad338d66313fbaeab3634000fb7c69b1c34c9f3e17727 SHA-256 BRc4, filename: nvidiamast.dll
    hxxp://rebrand[.]ly/243eaa Domain name URL shortener to load fake DocuSign page
    slgndocline.onlxtg[.]com Domain name Domain used to host fake DocuSign page
    cronoze[.]com Domain name BRc4 C2
    muuxxu[.]com Domain name BRc4 C2
    proliforetka[.]com Domain name Latrodectus C2
    porelinofigoventa[.]com Domain name Latrodectus C2
    hxxp://slgndocline.onlxtg[.]com/87300038978/ URL Fake DocuSign URL
    hxxps://rosenbaum[.]live/bars.php URL JavaScript downloading MSI

    RaccoonO365

    Indicator Type Description
    shareddocumentso365cloudauthstorage[.]com Domain name RaccoonO365 domain

    AHKBot

    Indicator Type Description
    a31ea11c98a398f4709d52e202f3f2d1698569b7b6878572fc891b8de56e1ff7 SHA-256 Tax_Refund_Eligibility_Document.xlsm
    165896fb5761596c6f6d80323e4b5804e4ad448370ceaf9b525db30b2452f7f5 SHA-256 umbrella.msi
    3c482415979debc041d7e4c41a8f1a35ca0850b9e392fecbdef3d3bc0ac69960 SHA-256 AutoNotify.ahk
    9728b7c73ef25566cba2599cb86d87c360db7cafec003616f09ef70962f0f6fc SHA-256 AHKBot Screenshotter module
    hxxps://business.google[.]com/website_shared/launch_bw.html?f=hxxps://historyofpia[.]com/Tax_Refund_Eligibility_Document.xlsm URL URL redirecting to URL hosting malicious Excel file
    hxxps://historyofpia[.]com/Tax_Refund_Eligibility_Document.xlsm URL URL hosting malicious Excel file
    hxxps://acusense[.]ae/umbrella/ URL URL in macro that hosted the malicious MSI file
    181.49.105[.]59 IP address AHKBot C2

    Remcos

    Indicator Type Description
    bb3b6262a288610df46f785c57d7f1fa0ebc75178c625eaabf087c7ec3fccb6a SHA-256 2024 Tax Document_Copy (1).pdf
    fe0b2e0fe7ce26ae398fe6c36dae551cb635696c927761738f040b581e4ed422 SHA-256 2024 Tax Document.zip
    hxxps://www.dropbox[.]com/scl/fi/ox2fv884k4mhzv05lf4g1/2024-Tax-Document.zip?rlkey=fjtynsx5c5ow59l4zc1nsslfi&st=gvfamzw3&dl=1 URL URL in PDF
    newsbloger1.duckdns[.]org Domain name Remcos C2

    References

    Learn more

    For the latest security research from the Microsoft Threat Intelligence community, check out the Microsoft Threat Intelligence Blog: https://aka.ms/threatintelblog.

    To get notified about new publications and to join discussions on social media, follow us on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/microsoft-threat-intelligence, and on X (formerly Twitter) at https://x.com/MsftSecIntel.

    To hear stories and insights from the Microsoft Threat Intelligence community about the ever-evolving threat landscape, listen to the Microsoft Threat Intelligence podcast: https://thecyberwire.com/podcasts/microsoft-threat-intelligence.

    MIL OSI Economics

  • MIL-OSI USA: Padilla, Tillis Introduce Legislation to Restore FEMA’s Status as an Independent, Cabinet-Level Agency

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.)

    Padilla, Tillis Introduce Legislation to Restore FEMA’s Status as an Independent, Cabinet-Level Agency

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) and Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) introduced the FEMA Independence Act, bipartisan legislation to restore the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) as an independent, cabinet-level agency and improve efficiency in federal emergency response efforts.

    The bill would remove FEMA from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and instead have the agency report directly to the president. It would also stipulate that FEMA’s Senate-confirmed leader must have “a demonstrated ability in and knowledge of emergency management and homeland security” across the public and private sectors.

    “Americans depend on FEMA for support when disaster strikes. As states like California and North Carolina continue to recover from devastating natural disasters, it’s more important than ever that we strengthen and protect FEMA’s lifesaving work,” said Senator Padilla. “That starts with restoring to FEMA the independence it needs by making it a cabinet-level agency, separate from the Department of Homeland Security’s competing priorities and bureaucracy. It certainly does not mean shutting it down and turning our backs on our neighbors facing unimaginable loss.”

    “This commonsense, bipartisan bill will help cut red tape and save lives by separating FEMA from the Department of Homeland Security and restoring its status as an independent, cabinet-level agency,” said Senator Tillis. “With the recent devastation caused by Helene in Western North Carolina, the need for this legislation is more urgent than ever. We must pass this bipartisan legislation to help those who are suffering and get FEMA working again for those in need.”

    From its activation in 1979 until the Homeland Security Act of 2002, FEMA lived within the federal government as an independent agency under the White House. The Department of Homeland Security absorbed it in 2003, even as then-Director Michael Brown warned that doing so would “sever FEMA from its core functions.”

    FEMA currently sits within DHS along with almost 20 other incorporated agencies, including U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the Transportation Security Administration, the U.S. Coast Guard, and more. Under the Post-Katrina Emergency Management Reform Act of 2006, its Administrator was named the principal advisor to the President of the United States for all matters related to emergency management.

    In the aftermath of the devastating Los Angeles fires, Senator Padilla has introduced 10 bills to help prevent and respond to future disasters. In February, Padilla introduced bipartisan legislation to create a national Wildfire Intelligence Center to streamline federal response and create a whole-of-government approach to combat wildfires. He also announced a package of three bipartisan bills to bolster fire resilience and proactive mitigation efforts, including the Wildfire Emergency Act, the Fire-Safe Electrical Corridors Act, and the Disaster Mitigation and Tax Parity Act. In January, Padilla introduced another suite of bipartisan bills to strengthen wildfire recovery and resilience, including the Wildland Firefighter Paycheck Protection Act, the Fire Suppression and Response Funding Assurance Act, and the Disaster Housing Reform for American Families Act.

    Full text of the bill is available here.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rosen Helps Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Eliminate Taxes on Military Retirement Pay

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV)

    WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV) helped introduce a bipartisan bill to provide financial relief for veterans and their families. The bipartisan Tax Cuts for Veterans Act would eliminate federal taxes on military retirement pay.
    “Veterans in Nevada and across our nation have made huge sacrifices to keep our nation safe, and the least we can do is ensure they can keep all of their retirement pay,” said Senator Rosen. “I’m proud to have helped introduce this bipartisan bill to make military retirement tax-free, giving the courageous men and women who served in uniform greater financial relief and stability.”
    Senator Rosen has been fighting for Nevada’s veterans. She has sent letters demanding that the VA reverse harmful plans to reduce their workforce, calling on the VA to permanently reverse layoffs, and pushing for answers regarding mass employee terminations. Last month, she helped introduce legislation to reinstate veterans wrongfully fired by President Trump and Elon Musk. She also took to the Senate floor to oppose the actions of the Trump Administration and Musk to mass fire employees working at the VA. Senator Rosen also demanded the VA provide answers regarding mass employee terminations.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Warren Demands Secretary Bessent Recuse Himself from IRS Firing Decisions Given His Personal History of Tax Avoidance

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts – Elizabeth Warren

    April 03, 2025

    Text of Letter (PDF)

    Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) wrote to Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent demanding that he recuse himself from any Internal Revenue Service (IRS) decisions relating to the agency’s hiring freeze and further IRS employee firings given his troubling history of tax avoidance.

    During Secretary Bessent’s Senate confirmation, reports revealed that he had engaged in extraordinary—and potentially illegal—efforts to abuse loopholes and avoid paying millions of dollars in taxes. Now, as head of the agency overseeing the IRS, he is responsible for implementing President Trump’s hiring freeze and layoffs at the IRS, which includes overseeing actions that recover unpaid taxes from tax cheats. 

    “Given your own history of skirting tax rules, I ask that you take steps to pay back the taxes that you owe to the American public and recuse yourself from any decisions regarding the hiring freeze and layoffs at the IRS,” wrote Senator Warren.

    This follows a letter that Senator Warren and her colleagues sent in January requesting that Secretary Bessent take additional steps to address his reported use of tax avoidance techniques. In response, Bessent said that he “faithfully endeavored” to follow the law but did not substantively answer any of Senator Warren’s questions about the allegations against him.

    The actions of the Treasury Secretary with respect to the IRS are even more important now, given President Trump and Congressional Republicans’ efforts to attack the IRS, including imposing a hiring freeze, firing thousands of employees, and rolling back progress that the IRS has made in auditing wealthy tax cheats. 

    “Slashing the agency in half would decimate collection efforts, including by emboldening tax evaders, the vast majority of which are ultra-wealthy individuals like yourself,” wrote the senator.

    Already, the wealthiest five percent of Americans evade an estimated $591 billion in taxes annually. It is estimated that cutting the IRS in half would lead to an additional $2.4 trillion in lost revenue over the next decade.

    “I am concerned that your own history of using abusive and potentially illegal tax avoidance techniques may impact your ability to objectively determine whether to fire additional IRS employees and when to lift President Trump’s hiring freeze,” concluded the senator.

    Senator Warren is requesting Secretary Bessent (1) recuse himself from any further Treasury Department discussion(s) or decision(s) related to further IRS firings and the lifting of the hiring freeze and (2) end the questions about his own adherence to tax law by paying back to the IRS the full amount of taxes that the Senate Finance Committee staff found that he did not pay because of questionable tax avoidance tactics.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI Security: Jury Finds Snow Removal Business Owner Guilty of Fraud and Money Laundering

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    PITTSBURGH, Pa. – After deliberating for one day, a federal jury found Charles W. Lantzman guilty of 5 counts of wire fraud and 3 counts of money laundering, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.

    Lantzman, 51, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, was tried before United States District Judge William S. Stickman in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

    The evidence presented at trial established that Lantzman defrauded customers of his snow removal business by billing them for services that were never performed. Lantzman made three mortgage payments in excess of $10,000 using the proceeds from the fraud.

    Judge Stickman scheduled sentencing for August 11, 2025. The law provides for a maximum sentence of up to 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000 or twice the gross gain from the offense, or both for each of the wire fraud counts, and a sentence of up to ten years in prison and a fine on the money laundering counts. Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based on the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

    Assistant United States Attorneys William B. Guappone and Kelly M. Locher prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

    The Internal Revenue Service, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and United States Postal Inspection Service conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Lantzman.

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: PARLIAMENT QUESTION: THIRD GENERATION METEOROLOGICAL SATELLITE

    Source: Government of India

    Ministry of Earth Sciences

    PARLIAMENT QUESTION: THIRD GENERATION METEOROLOGICAL SATELLITE

    Posted On: 03 APR 2025 6:40PM by PIB Delhi

    The Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) has allocated Rs. 480/- crore and billed for the launch of the Indian National Satellite (INSAT-3DS).

    Currently, INSAT-3DS, along with INSAT-3DR, are in use for operational weather services, and some of the important applications of its products are:

    • Round-the-clock monitoring of severe weather conditions with rapid scan capability. Satellite images are generated every 5 minutes for the area of interest (where the severe weather is prevailing).
    • A satellite visualization tool known as Real-time Analysis of Products and Information Dissemination (RAPID) to visualize and analyze satellite images and derived products as per the user’s choice (https://rapid.imd.gov.in/r2v/).
    • Numerous satellite-derived products and imageries are generated at each 30-minute gap, which is very useful in real-time monitoring the cyclone activity and determination of cyclone track and intensity.
    • During pre-monsoon season thunderstorms and lightning season of March to May, various products like Outgoing Longwave Radiation, Quantitative Precipitation Estimate, Sea Surface Temperature, Insolation, winds, winds derived products, etc. and Temperature, Humidity profiles/Thermodynamic indices etc.) are used for monitoring the movement of convective weather systems.
    • Satellite-derived products are also helpful in monitoring the onset, active, and withdrawal phases of southwest and northeast monsoons. It is also used to monitor and analyse the origin, movement, and possible impact of Western disturbance moving across North India.
    • Data Collection and Dissemination: The satellite’s data relay transponder facilitates efficient collection and distribution of meteorological, hydrological, and oceanographic data from various ground stations, supporting The India Meteorological Department (IMD).
    • Search and Rescue Operations: The satellite has a dedicated search and rescue payload that assists in locating and saving lives during maritime and aviation emergencies. These advancements in INSAT-3DS have strengthened India’s capacity to monitor and predict weather patterns, enabling better preparedness for extreme weather events and contributing to improving agricultural and water management decisions.
    • Meteorological data and products from both the INSATs are also useful in various sectors in real-time:

     

    • Aviation Meteorological services (root forecast, convection cloud development, movement, etc.)
    • Marine weather forecast (convection movements, high /low-pressure zones, winds convergence, divergence, etc.)
    • Power Sector (clouds, convection, etc.)
    • Tourism sector (root, temperature, clouds, dry or moist areas, winds, circulation, etc.)
    • Monitoring severe weather phenomena like intense rainfall episodes, heatwave conditions, cold wave day and night fog, etc.) are easily monitored over the Indian region/neighbouring countries by day and night (24-hour) coverage of satellite data.
    • Special sector images are generated for pilgrimage (Like Amarnathji yatra, Kumbh Mela, Kedarnath Jee yatra, etc.)
    • The accumulated snow-bound area images during winter time are generated for specially monitoring the fresh and old snow and its coverage.
    • Agriculture sector services. Satellite provides better guidance for agro meteorology with the help of many satellite-derived products (like Insolation, Land Surface Temperature, Evapotranspiration, etc.).
    • Renewable energy sector: Satellite-based Winds, clouds, Outgoing longwave radiation, etc., provide an important input to this sector for managing the resources efficiently.
    • Research and development activities. New algorithms and approaches (like AI/ML, deep learning, etc.) are also under development to further streamline the process.
    • Therefore, with the support of INSAT-3DS (which provides advanced imaging and sounding capabilities), weather monitoring service capabilities are enhanced. It offered detailed observations of land and ocean surfaces, real-time data on cloud cover, moisture content, temperature profiles, and other atmospheric parameter which are crucial for weather monitoring.

     

    The INSAT-3D has reached its end of life and has been replaced by the INSAT-3DS, whereas INSAT-3DR is operational in sensing and transmitting meteorological data.

    This information was given by Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, Earth Sciences, MoS PMO, Department of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Department of Space and Department of Atomic Energy, in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today.   

    ***

    NKR/PSM

    (Release ID: 2118387)

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News

  • MIL-OSI USA: DURBIN, DUCKWORTH, KELLY INTRODUCE LEGISLATION TO INCREASE YOUTH EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Robin Kelly IL

    WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), and U.S. Representative Robin Kelly (D-IL-02) reintroduced two bills to expand and increase access to employment opportunities for underserved youth. The Helping to Encourage Real Opportunity (HERO) for Youth Act and the Assisting in Developing (AID) Youth Employment Act will increase federal resources for communities seeking to create or grow employment programs and provide tax incentives to businesses and employers to hire and retain youth from economically distressed areas.

    “Our youth is our future,” said Kelly. “I’m proud to partner with Senators Durbin and Duckworth once again to introduce two pieces of legislation that will invest in economic opportunities for our youth. Better job options can help break a cycle of poverty and address roadblocks that prevent young people from reaching their full potential.”

    “To invest in our future, we must invest in the next generation. Increasing youth employment opportunities can address poverty and crime across Illinois while setting up our state’s youngest residents for a brighter future,” said Durbin. “Congresswoman Kelly, Senator Duckworth, and I are reintroducing the HERO for Youth Act and the AID Youth Employment Act to boost federal resources for youth employment programs and incentivize businesses to hire, retain, and mentor youth.”

    “Far too many young Americans live in neighborhoods that lack good job opportunities and struggle with all-too-commonplace violence and danger,” said Duckworth. “It doesn’t have to be that way, but it’s not going to get better unless we work together to do something about it. I’m so proud to join Senator Durbin and Congresswoman Kelly to reintroduce these bills that would help open up new economic opportunities for every American, no matter where they live or what community they grew up in.”

    For many young people, lack of job experience is a prohibitive disadvantage for potential employers, which perpetuates vicious cycles of unemployment and poverty in their communities, further limiting potential for further economic growth. In 2022, 13 percent of youth between the ages of 18-24 were neither employed nor in school, and Native American, Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander, and Black youth, as well as youth with disabilities, were disproportionately impacted. Barriers to employment at a young age have devastating consequences on the long-term employment prospects of opportunity youth, including lower lifetime earnings, higher rates of incarceration, and opioid addiction. 

    There is clear evidence of a correlation in communities where high rates of poverty, gun violence, and chronic unemployment among youth are prevalent. A 2017 study found that among youth participating in Chicago’s youth summer employment program, violent crime arrests decreased by nearly 33 percent. Providing employment opportunity to youth can have a considerable impact in lowering recidivism and violent crime among youth while improving their long-term health, and economic and educational outcomes. 

    When youth are provided a pathway to employment and the workforce, employers benefit too because they are able to train and hire skilled workers. It is estimated that between 2022 and 2032, there will be an average of 20 skilled roles with job openings for every one new worker. 

    The HERO for Youth Act would encourage the business community to become a partner in addressing youth unemployment by hiring underserved youth who reside in communities with high rates of poverty. Specifically, the bill would provide a Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) of up to $2,400 for businesses that hire and train youth ages 16 to 24 who are out of school and out of work and youth ages 16 to 21 that are currently in foster care or have aged out of the system. The legislation would expand the summer youth program under WOTC, which provides a tax credit to businesses that hire for summer employment youth ages 16 to 17 who are enrolled in school and live in highly distressed rural and urban communities known as Empowerment Zones, by doubling the amount of the credit to $2,400 and expanding the program to include year-round employment.

    The AID Youth Employment Act will make it easier for local governments and community organizations to apply directly for federal funding to create and expand summer and year-round employment programs for young people. The legislation would establish a five-year competitive grant program for youth summer employment that also incorporate access to trauma-informed mentorship as well as job coaches. The program would provide planning grants of up to $250,000 for 12 months or implementation grants of up to $6 million over three years.

    The HERO for Youth Act has been endorsed by National Grocers Association, National Small Business Association, National Recreation and Park Association, National Association of Convenience Stores, National Youth Employment Coalition, Young Invincibles, Food Industry Association, and Youth Guidance.

    The AID Youth Employment Act has been endorsed by Young Invincibles, Youth Guidance, and Chicago Urban League.

    A one-pager for the HERO for Youth Act can be found here.

    A one-pager for the AID Youth Employment Act can be found here.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Polis Administration Awards $14.4 Million to Support Nation-Leading Efforts in Geothermal Heating

    Source: US State of Colorado

    Awards from two programs will support 16 geothermal heating studies and projects to bring affordable geothermal heat to Colorado homes and buildings

    STATEWIDE – The Colorado Energy Office (CEO) announced a total of $14.4 million in funding awards Thursday to support geothermal heating projects across Colorado. This funding from the Geothermal Energy Grant Program (GEGP) and Geothermal Energy Tax Credit Offering (GETCO) will enable awardees to plan and install geothermal heat pumps and thermal energy networks that deliver low-cost, energy efficient heating and cooling to homes and buildings around the state. Awardees include local governments, school districts, residential communities, a medical campus, and a wastewater treatment facility.

    “Geothermal energy – the heat beneath our feet – is a clean energy option that will help save Coloradans money and protect our state for future generations. I am thrilled to announce this $14.4 million investment in  advancing geothermal energy across our state and empower companies to harness the heat beneath our feet,” said Governor Polis.

    CEO made a total of 11 awards through the GEGP program and five through GETCO. Some projects qualified for both incentives based on project eligibility. This round of GEGP provided grants for single-structure geothermal, thermal energy network studies, and thermal energy network construction projects. GETCO recipients receive a refundable tax credit reservation that can be deducted from their income tax liability. Cycle two of GETCO provided tax credit reservations for geothermal electricity or thermal energy network studies and project installations.

    “Geothermal energy is such an important part of our overall effort to transform our energy system because it provides a clean, firm energy source for both buildings and electricity generation,” said CEO Executive Director Will Toor. “Geothermal heat pumps and thermal energy networks reduce greenhouse gas pollution while improving indoor air quality and saving Coloradans energy and money on heating and cooling costs. We are pleased to support such a diverse array of geothermal projects around the state through these two key incentive programs.”

    The awarded projects include a broad range of ways to utilize geothermal energy. For example, the City and County of Denver will use its GETCO award to study the creation of a cutting-edge, multisource district thermal system that provides heating and cooling through a shared water loop for 5.5 million square feet of municipal buildings.

    “The downtown thermal network pilot project is a key step toward a carbon-free downtown Denver,” said Liz Babcock, Executive Director of Denver’s Office of Climate Action, Sustainability and Resiliency. “With support from the state, Denver can meet our community’s needs while demonstrating how this affordable, reliable, and sustainable energy option can meet the needs of cold weather climate cities around the world.”

    Liberty School District J-4 will apply its funding to install a geothermal energy network for two buildings at Liberty School. This will replace a 60-year-old hydronic heating system with three cost-efficient heat pumps that will add cooling, improve ventilation, and enhance indoor air quality for better occupant health and comfort.

    “Liberty School District J-4 extends its heartfelt gratitude to the Colorado Energy Office for their invaluable support in funding a new geothermal heating and air conditioning system for our K-12 facility,” said Liberty School District J4 superintendent Rhonda Puckett. “Their guidance throughout the GETCO application process was instrumental in developing a compelling application narrative that demonstrated the significant needs of our building (IAQ, temperature control, reliability, etc.). With CEO’s support, our project is now financially viable and is planned to be completed in the summer/fall of 2025 and will significantly improve the learning environment for our students and serve the broader community as a whole.”

    GEGP recipients are:

    • Town of Bayfield: $51,000
    • Town of Mountain Village: $64,269.50
    • Town of Winter Park: $64,269.50
    • Karval School District: $225,000
    • Liberty School District: $246,000
    • Golden Hills: $60,000
    • Mount Zion Church: $240,000
    • Mountain View Church: $75,000
    • Memorial Hospital: $57,626.80
    • Metro Water Recovery: $250,000
    • Clayworks Parcel B3: $200,000

    GETCO awardees are:

    • Pitkin County: $131,700
    • Liberty School District: $1.109 million
    • City and County of Denver: $4.999 million
    • Eagle County: $3.484 million
    • Metro Water Recovery: $3.095 million

    This announcement marks the second round of funding for GEGP and GETCO. For the first cycle of GETCO, SIMCOE LLC received a tax credit reservation of $1 million for the Florida Mesa Geothermal Project to support the development of up to 20 MW of geothermal electricity in Southwestern Colorado. This funding will help SIMCOE LLC determine the heat source in the project location. The current application cycle for GETCO opened April 1 and will close June 30. GETCO applications will open twice annually through 2032 or until all $35 million in available tax credit reservations have been allocated.

    Last May, the Polis administration also announced $7.7 million in awards for the GEGP. Applications for the third GEGP funding round, which is the last planned round of funding for the program, closed March 31. CEO expects to announce awardees in early summer.

    In addition to these funding opportunities, the Colorado Heat Pump Tax Credit can help reduce the cost to install eligible heat pump technology, including geothermal heat pumps and thermal energy networks, through 2032.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Even as April 15 Tax Day approaches – if you don’t owe, you have more time to file to get your refund

    Source: US State of Oregon

    ere comes the April 15, 2025 deadline to file your taxes — but wait, there’s good news. If you don’t owe any taxes, you have three years to file your tax return without any penalty and still get your refund. Plus, thanks to the Oregon Department of Human Services Tax Infrastructure Grant Program, there are many places to get free help in filing your taxes.

    For many people, particularly those with lower incomes or who work part-time or seasonally, a refund is due thanks to withholding and refundable tax credits.

    But why wait three years if you are due a tax refund? Don’t let the April 15 deadline stop you from getting your tax return this year. It may be too late to find an appointment before April 15, but many free tax filing places take some time off after April 15 and then start up again in May and work through October 15.

    Also, it is fairly common to get a letter two or three months after filing your taxes from the Oregon Department of Revenue or the Internal Revenue Service asking for more information. The free tax filing services can help you respond to the letter including translating into other languages if needed.

    Learn more about credits, deadlines and where to find free help: https://www.oregon.gov/odhs/Pages/tax-help.aspx

    The Tax Infrastructure Grant Program funds culturally relevant or culturally specific organizations, Tribal governments and rural community organizations to help educate and provide free tax filing help for people with low incomes. Help is available in multiple languages. The grant money is also used to increase the number of certified tax preparers in Oregon.

    Where to get free help filing taxes

    • 211Info: Call 2-1-1 or email help@211info.org for a list of all the free tax filing help.
    • Immigrant and Refugee Community Organization (IRCO); TAX@irco.org; 971-427-3993; Portland, Ontario

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: University Student Research Challenge (USRC) Awards

    Source: NASA

    University Student Research Challenge (USRC) seeks to challenge students to propose new ideas/concepts that are relevant to NASA Aeronautics. USRC will provide students, from accredited U.S. colleges or universities, with grants for their projects and with the challenge of raising cost share funds through a crowdfunding campaign. The process of creating and implementing a crowdfunding campaign acts as a teaching accelerator – requiring students to act like entrepreneurs and raise awareness about their research among the public.
    The solicitation goal can be accomplished through project ideas such as advancing the design, developing technology or capabilities in support of aviation, by demonstrating a novel concept, or enabling advancement of aeronautics-related technologies.
    Eligibility: NASA funding is available to all accredited U.S. institutions of higher education (e.g. universities, four-year colleges, community colleges, or other two-year institutions). Students must be currently enrolled (part-time or full-time) at the institution. NASA has no set expectations as to the team size. The number of students participating in the investigation is to be determined by the scope of the project and the student Team Leader.
    The USRC solicitation is currently Closed with Proposals next due June 26, 2025. Please visit NSPIRES to receive alerts when more information is available.
    A USRC Q&A/Info Session and Proposal Workshop will be held May 12, 2025, at 2pm ET ahead of the USRC Submission deadline in June 2025. Join the Q&A
    Please email us at HQ-USRC@mail.nasa.gov if you have any questions or to schedule a 1 on 1.

    Context-Aware Cybersecurity for UAS Traffic Management (Texas A&M University)Developing, testing, and pursuing transition of an aviation-context-aware network authentication and segmentation function, which holistically manages cyber threats in future UAS traffic control systems.Student Team: Vishwam Raval (Team Lead), Michael Ades, Garett Haynes, Sarah Lee, Kevin Lei, Oscar Leon, McKenna Smith, Nhan Nick TruongFaculty Mentors: Jaewon Kim and Sandip RoySelected: 2025

    Reconnaissance and Emergency Aircraft for Critical Hurricane Relief (North Carolina State University)Developing and deploying advanced unmanned aerial systems designed to locate, communicate with, and deliver critical supplies to stranded individuals in the wake of natural disasters.Student Team: Tobias Hullette (Team Lead), Jose Vizcarrondo, Rishi Ghosh, Caleb Gobel, Lucas Nicol, Ajay Pandya, Paul Randolph, Hadie SabbahFaculty Mentor: Felix EwereSelected: 2025

    Design and Prototyping of a 9-phase Dual-Rotor Motor for Supersonic Electric Turbofan (Colorado School of Mines)Designing and prototyping a scaled-down 9-phase dual-rotor motor (DRM) for a supersonic electric turbofan.Student Team: Mahzad Gholamian (Team Lead), Garret Reader, Mykola Mazur, Mirali SeyedrezaeiFaculty Mentor: Omid BeikSelected: 2024

    Project F.I.R.E (Fire Intervention Retardant Expeller) (Cerritos Community College)Mitigating wildfires with drone released fire retardant pellets.Student Team: Angel Ortega Barrera (Team Lead), Larisa Mayoral, Paola Mayoral Jimenez, Jenny Rodriguez, Logan Stahl, Juan VillaFaculty Mentor: Janet McLarty-SchroederSelected: 2024

    Learning cooperative policies for adaptive human-drone teaming in shared airspace (Cornell University)Enabling new coordination and communication models for smoother, more efficient, and robust air traffic flow.Student Team: Mehrnaz Sabet (Team Lead), Aaron Babu, Marcus Lee, Joshua Park, Francis Pham, Owen Sorber, Roopak Srinivasan, Austin ZhaoFaculty Mentor: Sanjiban Choudhury, Susan FussellSelected: 2024Crowdfunding Website

    Investigation on Cryogenic Fluid Chill-Down Time for Supersonic Transport Usage (University of Washington, Seattle)Investigating reducing the boil-off of cryogenic fluids in pipes using vortex generators.Student Team: Ryan Fidelis (Team Lead), Alexander Ala, Kaleb ShawFaculty Mentor: Fiona Spencer, Robert BreidenthalSelected: 2024Crowdfunding Website
    Web Article: “Students win NASA grant to develop AI for safer aerial traffic“

    Clean Forever-Flying Drones: Utilizing Ocean Water for Hydrogen Extraction in Climate Monitoring (Purdue University)An ocean-based fueling station and a survey drone that can refuel in remote areas.Student Team: Holman Lau (Team Lead), Nikolai Baranov, Andrej Damjanov, Chloe Hardesty, Smit KapadiaFaculty Mentor: Li QiaoSelected: 2023Crowdfunding Website

    Intelligent drone for detection of people during emergency response operation (Louisiana State University and A&M College)Using machine learning algorithms for images and audio data, integrated with gas sensing for real-time detection of people on UAS.Student Team: Jones Essuman (Team Lead), Tonmoy Sarker, Samer TahboubFaculty Mentor: Xiangyu MengSelected: 2023Crowdfunding Website

    Advancing Aerospace Materials Design through High-Fidelity Computational Peridynamic Modeling and Modified SVET Validation of Corrosion Damage (California State University, Channel Islands)Modeling electrochemical corrosion nonlocally and combining efforts from bond-based and state-based theory.Student Team: Trent Ruiz (Team Lead), Isaac Cisneros, Curtis HauckFaculty Mentor: Cynthia FloresSelected: 2023Crowdfunding Website

    Swarm Micro UAVs for Area Mapping in GPS-denied Areas (Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University)Using swarm robotics to map complex environments and harsh terrain with Micro Aerial Vehicles (MAVs)Student Team: Daniel Golan (Team Lead), Stanlie Cerda-Cruz, Kyle Fox, Bryan Gonzalez, Ethan ThomasFaculty Mentor: Sergey V. DrakunovSelected: 2023Crowdfunding Website
    Web Article: “Student Research on Drone Swarm Mapping Selected to Compete at NASA Challenge“

    AeroFeathers—Feathered Airfoils Inspired by the Quiet Flight of Owls (Michigan Tech University)Creating new propeller blades and fixed wing design concepts that mimic the features of anowl feather and provide substantial noise reduction benefits.Student Team: William Johnston (Team Lead), Pulitha Godakawela Kankanamalage, Amulya Lomte, Maria Jose Carrillo Munoz, Brittany Wojciechowski, Laura Paige Nobles, Gabrielle MathewsFaculty Mentor: Bhisham SharmaSelected: 2023Crowdfunding Website

    Laser Energized Aerial Drone System (LEADS) for Sustained Sensing Applications (Michigan State University)Laser based, high-efficiency optical power transfer for UAV charging for sustained flight and monitoring.Student Team: Gavin Gardner (Team Lead), Ryan Atkinson, Brady Berg, Ross Davis, Gryson Gardner, Malachi Keener, Nicholas MichaelsFaculty Mentor: Woongkul LeeSelected: 2023Crowdfunding Website
    LEADS team Website

    UAM Contingency Diagnosis Toolkit (Ohio State University)A UAM contingency diagnosis toolkit which that includes cognitive work requirements (CWRs) for human operators, information sharing requirements, and representational designs.Student Team: Connor Kannally (Team Lead), Izzy Furl, Luke McSherry, Abhinay PaladuguFaculty Mentor: Martijn IJtsmaSelected: 2023Crowdfunding Website
    Project Website
    Web Article: “NASA Awards $80K to Ohio State students through University Research Challenge“

    Hybrid Quadplane Search and Rescue Missions (NC A&T University)An autonomous search and rescue quadplane UAS supported by an unmanned mobile landing platform/recharge station ground vehicle.Student Team: Luis Landivar Olmos (Team Lead), Dakota Price, Amilia Schimmel, Sean TisdaleFaculty Mentor: A. HomaifarSelected: 2023Crowdfunding Website

    Drone Based Water Sampling and Quality Testing – Special Application in the Raritan River (Rutgers University, New Brunswick)An autonomous water sampling drone system.Student Team: Michael Leitner (Team Lead), Xavier Garay, Mohamed Haroun, Ruchit Jathania, Caleb Lippe, Zachary Smolder, Chi Hin TamFaculty Mentor: Onur BilgenSelected: 2023Crowdfunding Website
    Project Website

    Development of a Low-Cost Open-Source Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing Machine – Arc One (Case Western Reserve University)A small-scale, modular, low-cost, and open-source Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing (WAAM) platform.Student Team: Vishnushankar Viraliyur Ramasamy (Team Lead), Robert Carlstrom, Bathlomew Ebika, Jonathan Fu, Anthony Lino, Garrett TiengFaculty Mentor: John LewandowskiSelected: 2023Crowdfunding Website
    Web Article: “PhD student wins funding from NASA and develops multidisciplinary team of undergraduate students to build novel machine“

    Low Cost and Efficient eVTOL Platform Leveraging Opensource for Accessibility (University of Nevada, Las Vegas)Lowering the barrier of entry into eVTOL deployment and development with a low cost, efficient, and open source eVTOL platformStudent Team: Martin Arguelles-Perez (Team Lead), Benjamin Bishop, Isabella Laurito, Genaro Marcial Lorza, Eman YonisFaculty Mentor: Venkatesan MuthukumarSelected: 2022

    Applying Space-Based Estimation Techniques to Drones in GPS-Denied Environments (University Of Texas, Austin)Taking real-time inputs from flying drones and outputting an accurate state estimation with 3-D error ellipsoid visualizationStudent Team: James Mitchell Roberts (Team Lead), Lauren Byram, Melissa PiresFaculty Mentor: Adam NokesSelected: 2022Crowdfunding Website
    Project Website
    Web Article: “GPS-free Drone Tech Proposal Lands Undergrads Spot in NASA Challenge“

    Underwing Distributed Ducted Fan ‘FanFoil’ Concept for Transformational Aerodynamic and Aeroacoustic Performance (Texas Tech University, Lubbock)Novel highly under-cambered airfoils with electric ducted fans featuring ’samara’ maple seed inspired blades for eVTOL applicationStudent Team: Jack Hicks (Team Lead), Harrison Childre, Guilherme Fernandes, David Gould, Lorne Greene, Muhammad Waleed Saleem, Nathan ShapiroFaculty Mentor: Victor Maldonado Selected: 2022Crowdfunding Website
    Web Articles: “Improving Ducted-Fan eVTOL Efficiency” (AvWeek), “Sky Taxies“

    Urban Cargo Delivery Using eVTOL Aircrafts (University Of Illinois, Chicago)A bi-objective optimization formulation minimizing total run costs of a two-leg cargo delivery system and community noise exposure to eVTOL operationsStudent Team: Nahid Parvez Farazi (Team Lead), Amy Hofstra, Son NguyenFaculty Mentor: Bo ZouSelected: 2022Crowdfunding Website
    Web Article: “PhD student awarded NASA grant to investigate urban cargo delivery systems“

    Congestion Aware Path Planning for Optimal UAS Traffic Management (University Of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign)A feasible, provably safe, and quantifiably optimal path planning framework considering fully autonomous UAVs in urban environmentsStudent Team: Minjun Sung (Team Lead), Christoph Aoun, Ivy Fei, Christophe Hiltebrandt-McIntosh, Sambhu Harimanas Karumanchi, Ran TaoFaculty Mentor: Naira HovakimyanSelected: 2022Crowdfunding Website
    Web Article: “NASA funds UAV traffic management research“

    AeroZepp: Aerostat Enabled Drone Glider Delivery System / Whisper Ascent: Quiet Drone Delivery (University of Delaware)An aerostat enabled low-energy UAV payload delivery systemStudent Team: Wesley Connor (Team Lead), Abubakarr Bah, Karlens SenatusFaculty Mentor: Suresh AdvaniSelected: 2022Crowdfunding Website

    Sustainable Transport Research Aircraft for Test Operation (STRATO) (Rutgers University, New Brunswick)An open source, efficiently driven, optimized Active Flow Control (AFC) enhanced control surface for UAV research platformsStudent Team: Daulton James (Team Lead), Jean Alvarez, Frederick Diaz, Michael Ferrell, Shriya Khera, Connor Magee, Roy Monge Hidalgo, Bertrand SmithFaculty Mentor: Edward DeMauroSelected: 2022Crowdfunding Website
    Web Articles: “SoE Students Eligible for NASA University Student Research Challenge Award“, “Senior Design Team Captures NASA Research Challenge“
    A recorded STRATO USRC Tech Talk

    Dronehook: A Novel Fixed-Wing Package Retrieval System (University Of Notre Dame)Envisioning a world where items can be retrieved from remote locations in a simple fashion from efficient fixed-wing UAVsStudent Team: Konrad Rozanski (Team Lead), Dillon Coffey, Bruce Smith, Nicholas OrrFaculty Mentor: Jane Cleland-HuangSelected: 2021Crowdfunding Website
    Web Article: “Notre Dame student team wins NASA research award for drone scoop and grab technology“

    Aerial Intra-city Delivery Electric Drones (AIDED) with High Payload Capacity (Michigan State University)A high-payload capacity delivery drone capable of safely latching and charging on electrified public transportation systemsStudent Team: Yuchen Wang (Team Lead), Hunter Carmack, Kindred Griffis, Luke Lewallen, Scott Newhard, Caroline Nicholas, Shukai Wang, Kyle WhiteFaculty Mentor: Woongkul LeeSelected: 2021AIDED Crowdfunding Website
    AIDED Project Website or Team Website
    Web Articles: “Spartan Engineers win NASA research award” and “NASA Aeronautics amplification“; “Ross Davis & Gavin Gardner on The Guy Gordon Show“; “MSU Students Create Delivery Drone for NASA“; “Student drone project flying high with help from NASA“
    A recorded USRC Tech Talk

    Robotic Fabrication Work Cell for Customizable Unmanned Aerial Systems (Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University)A robotic, multi-process work cell to autonomously fabricate topologically optimized UASs tailored for immediate application needsStudent Team: Tadeusz Kosmal (Team Lead), Kieran Beaumont, Om Bhavsar, Eric Link, James LoweFaculty Mentor: Christopher WilliamsSelected: 2021Crowdfunding Website
    RAV-FAB Project Website
    Web Articles: “Drones that fly away from a 3D printer: Undergraduates create science nonfiction” and “3D printing breaks out of the box / VTx / Virginia Tech“
    NASA VT USRC Web Article: “USRC Students Sees Success with Crowdfunding, NASA Grants“
    Publication: Hybrid additive robotic workcell for autonomous fabrication of mechatronic systems – A case study of drone fabrication – ScienceDirect
    Team Social Media: Instagram: @ravfab_vt; LinkedIn: @rav-fab; YouTube
    View RAV-FAB USRC Tech Talk #1 or USRC Tech Talk #2

    Real Time Quality Control in Additive Manufacturing Using In-Process Sensing and Machine Learning (Cornell University)A high-precision and low-cost intelligent sensor-based quality control technology for Additive ManufacturingStudent Team: Adrita Dass (Team Lead), Talia Turnham, Benjamin Steeper, Chenxi Tian, Siddharth Patel, Akula Sai Pratyush, Selina KirubakarFaculty Mentor: Atieh MoridiSelected: 2021Crowdfunding Website
    AMAS Project Website
    Web Article: “Students win NASA challenge with 3D-printer smart sensor“
    A recorded USRC Tech Talk on this topic

    AVIATA: Autonomous Vehicle Infinite Time Apparatus (University of California, Los Angeles)A drone swarm system capable of carrying a payload in the air indefinitelyStudent Team: Chirag Singh (Team Lead), Ziyi Peng, Bhrugu Mallajosyula, Willy Teav, David Thorne, James Tseng, Eric Wong, Axel Malahieude, Ryan Nemiroff, Yuchen Yao, Lisa FooFaculty Mentor: Jeff EldredgeSelected: 2020Crowdfunding Website
    AVIATA Project Website
    A recorded USRC Tech Talk on AVIATA
    The recorded poster session at the TACP Showcase 2021

    Redundant Flight Control System for BVLOS UAV Operations (Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University)A redundant flight control system as a “back-up” to the primary flight computer to enhance safety of sUASStudent Team: Robert Moore (Team Lead), Joseph Ayd, and Todd MartinFaculty Mentor: John RobbinsSelected: 2020Crowdfunding Website
    Web Articles: “NASA Web Article“; “Drone Innovation Top Embry-Riddle Entrepreneurship Competition“
    Follow the team’s progress at: https://www.facebook.com/Assured Autonomy
    A recorded USRC Tech Talk on this topic
    The recorded poster session at the TACP Showcase 2021

    Multi-Mode Hybrid Unmanned Delivery System: Combining Fixed-Wing and Multi-Rotor Aircraft with Ground Vehicles (Rutgers University)Extending drone delivery distance with a multi-mode hybrid delivery systemStudent Team: Paul Wang (Team Lead), Nolan Angelia, Muhammet Ali GungorFaculty Mentor: Onur BilgenSelected: 2020Crowdfunding Website
    A recorded USRC Tech Talk on this topic
    The recorded poster session at the TACP Showcase 2021

    AVIS: Active Vortex Inducing System for Flow Separation Control to Improve Airframe Efficiency (Georgia Institute of Technology)Use an array of vortex generators that can be adjusted throughout flight to increase wing efficiencyStudent Team: Michael Gamarnik (Team Lead), Shiva Khanna Yamamoto, Noah Mammen, Tommy Schrager, Bethe NewgentFaculty Mentor: Kelly GriendlingSelected: 2020Go to AVIS team site
    A recorded USRC Tech Talk on AVIS
    The recorded poster session at the TACP Showcase 2021
    NASA Web Article

    Hybrid Airplanes – An Optimum and Modular Approach (California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo)Model and test powertrain to maximize the efficiency of hybrid airplanesStudent Team: Nicholas Ogden (Team Lead), Joseph Shy, Brandon Bartlett, Ryker Bullis, Chino Cruz, Sara Entezar, Aaron Li, Zach YamauchiFaculty Mentor: Paulo IscoldSelected: 2019A recorded USRC Tech Talk on this topic
    The recorded poster session at the TACP Showcase 2021

    ATLAS Air Transportation (South Dakota State University)A multipurpose, automated drone capable of comfortably lifting the weight of an average personStudent Team: Isaac Smithee (Team Lead), Wade Olson, Nicolas Runge, Ryan Twedt, Anthony Bachmeier, Matthew Berg, Sterling BergFaculty Mentors: Marco Ciarcia, Todd LetcherSelected: 2019A recorded USRC Tech Talk #1 and USRC Tech Talk #2 on ATLAS
    The recorded poster session at the TACP Showcase 2021

    Software-Defined GPS Augmentation Network for UAS Navigation (University Of Oklahoma, Norman)A novel solution of enhanced GPS navigation for unmanned aerial vehiclesStudent Team: Robert Rucker (Team Lead), Alex Zhang, Jakob Fusselman, Matthew GilliamMentors: Dr. Yan (Rockee) Zhang (Faculty Mentor), Dr Hernan Suarez (Team Technical Mentor)Faculty Mentors: Marco Ciarcia, Todd LetcherSelected: 2019Crowdfunding Website
    A recorded USRC Tech Talk on this topic
    The recorded poster session at the TACP Showcase 2021

    UAV Traffic Information Exchange Network (Purdue University)A blockchain-inspired secure, scalable, distributed, and efficient communication framework to support large scale UAV operationsStudent Team: Hsun Chao (Team Lead) and Apoorv MaheshwariFaculty Mentors: Daniel DeLaurentis (Faculty Mentor), Shashank TamaskarSelected: 2018Web Article: “Student-developed communication network for UAVs interests NASA“The recorded poster session at the TACP Showcase 2021

    University Student Research Challenge
    University Leadership Initiative
    University Innovation Project
    Transformative Aeronautics Concepts Program

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI Security: New Britain Woman Admits Fraudulently Obtaining COVID-19 Relief Funds

    Source: United States Department of Justice (National Center for Disaster Fraud)

    Marc H. Silverman, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that VICTORIA KATES, 34, of New Britain, waived her right to be indicted and pleaded guilty yesterday before U.S. District Judge Sarala V. Nagala in Hartford to offenses related to her fraudulent receipt of COVID-19 relief funds.

    According to court documents and statements made in court, on March 2020, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act provided emergency financial assistance to Americans suffering the economic effects caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.  One program created by the CARES Act was a temporary federal unemployment insurance program for pandemic unemployment assistance (“Pandemic Unemployment Assistance”).  Pandemic Unemployment Assistance provided unemployment insurance (“UI”) benefits for employed individuals who were not eligible for other types of UI due to their employment status.  The CARES Act also created a new temporary federal program called Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (“FPUC”) that provided additional weekly benefits to those eligible for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance or regular UI.  The Connecticut Department of Labor (CT-DOL) administers UI benefits for residents of Connecticut.

    From March 2020 through May 2021, Kates defrauded the CT-DOL of $217,056 by filing fraudulent unemployment applications with the CT-DOL on behalf of her family, acquaintances, and others.  Kates prepared and submitted the original applications and, in certain instances, submitted required weekly recertifications of the applicant’s purported continued unemployment status.  Kates took a portion of the payouts as a fee.

    As an example, in August 2020, Kates submitted an online unemployment application to the CT-DOL for a friend that made several false representations, including that the applicant was a self-employed driver who worked 40 hours per week, when, in fact, the applicant was neither self-employed nor worked the hours represented.  Kates also used her home address as the applicant’s address.  Based on the original application and weekly certifications, the CT-DOL made $27,993 in payments, with Kates taking at least $1,000 to $1,500 as a fee.  When the CT-DOL demanded proof of legal wages and proof of address, Kates created and provided to the CT-DOL a fraudulent IRS form showing the applicant’s purported gross wages for 2019, and a cropped photograph of a business envelope to make it appear that the applicant had lived at the represented address.

    Another source of relief provided by the CARES Act was the authorization of forgivable loans to small businesses for job retention and certain other expenses through the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP).  In April 2020, Congress authorized more than $300 billion in additional PPP funding.  The PPP allowed qualifying small businesses and other organizations to receive unsecured loans at an interest rate of 1%.  PPP loan proceeds were to be used by businesses on payroll costs, interest on mortgages, rent and utilities. The PPP allowed the interest and principal to be forgiven if businesses spent the proceeds on these expenses within a certain period of time of receipt and used at least a certain percentage of the amount to be forgiven for payroll.

    The PPP was overseen by the Small Business Administration, which has authority over all PPP loans.  Individual PPP loans, however, were issued by private approved lenders, which received and processed PPP applications and supporting documentation, and then made loans using the lenders’ own funds, which were guaranteed by the SBA.

    In 2021, Kates applied for and received $16,250 through the PPP loan program by making false representations, including overstating her yearly gross income.  Kates also provided a false IRS filing to support the income figure on the application.  She subsequently provided additional fraudulent information to obtain forgiveness of the loan.

    Kates pleaded guilty to two counts of wire fraud, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years on each count.  Judge Nagala scheduled sentencing for September 2.  Kates is released on a $40,000 bond pending sentencing.

    This matter is being investigated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security – Office of Inspector General and the U.S. Department of Labor – Office of the Inspector General.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher W. Schmeisser.

    Individuals with information about allegations of fraud involving COVID-19 are encouraged to report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud Hotline at 866-720-5721, or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI Security: Three sentenced to federal prison for roles in tax refund fraud scheme

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    TEXARKANA, Texas – Three men have been sentenced to federal prison for their roles in a tax refund fraud scheme, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Abe McGlothin, Jr.

    Imafedia Adevokhai, 47, of Alpharetta, Georgia, pleaded guilty to money laundering on February 15, 2023, and was sentenced to 46 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Robert W. Schroeder, III on April 2, 2025. Adevokhai was ordered to pay $90,380.60 in restitution and $3500 in forfeiture.

    Michael Martin, 52, of Texarkana, Texas, pleaded guilty to conspiracy on February 14, 2023, and was sentenced to 18 months in federal prison by Judge Schroeder on November 21, 2023. Martin was ordered to pay $90,380.60 in restitution and $121,623.41 in forfeiture.

    Osazuwa Peter Okunoghae, 46, of Houston, pleaded guilty to money laundering conspiracy on November 12, 2019, and was sentenced to 78 months in federal prison by Judge Schroeder on January 13, 2022. Okunoghae was ordered to pay $451,117.63 in restitution and $451,117.63 in forfeiture.

    “The Eastern District of Texas is committed to prosecuting individuals who participate in schemes to steal personal information, prepare and file fraudulent tax returns, and launder the proceeds,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Abe McGlothin, Jr. “Crimes like these affect all of us, the individual victims whose identities are stolen and used to file fraudulent tax returns, the taxpayers, who are left with the bill, and our financial institutions, which are manipulated and misused to launder the proceeds.”

    “Adevokhai, Martin, and Okunoghae, along with others, created a complex scheme to steal the tax refunds of law-abiding U.S. taxpayers through stolen identity refund fraud,” said Christopher J. Altemus Jr., special agent in charge of the IRS Criminal Investigation’s Dallas Field Office. “The women and men of IRS-CI did an outstanding job of uncovering this fraudulent activity and bringing the individuals to justice. Their sentences should be a warning to anyone who would try to defraud the U.S. Government or prey on law-abiding taxpayers.”

    According to information presented in court, Adevokhai, Martin, Okunoghae, and others were involved in a multi-year stolen identity refund fraud (SIRF) conspiracy involving the theft of victims’ personal identifying information and the use of the stolen information to file fraudulent tax returns. The total tax refunds claimed by the fraudulent returns was $4,945,886, and the U.S. Department of Treasury, Internal Revenue Service, suffered at least a $390,220.40 loss.  Adevokhai was involved in the preparation and filing of many of the fraudulent tax returns. Okunoghae and Martin were involved in the laundering of the stolen funds. To that end, they worked together and with others who would transfer fraud proceeds through United States financial accounts and ultimately to foreign financial accounts. The investigation connected Adevokhai, Martin, and Okunoghae to dozens of victims whose taxpayer identities were stolen.

    In January 2019, individuals from three states and other individuals from Nigeria were charged for their roles in the conspiracy.

    One of the Department of Justice Tax Division’s top priorities is prosecuting individuals who use stolen identities to steal money from the United States Treasury by filing fraudulent tax returns. SIRF schemes threaten to disrupt the orderly administration of the income tax system for law-abiding taxpayers and have cost the United States Treasury billions of dollars.

    This case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Nathaniel C. Kummerfeld and Sean Taylor.

    ###

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI USA News: Support Grows for President Trump’s America First Reciprocal Trade Plan

    Source: The White House

    One day after President Donald J. Trump announced a new chapter in American prosperity, support continues to roll in for his bold vision to reverse the decades of globalization that has decimated our industrial base.

    The support is bipartisan, with Democrat Rep. Jared Golden lauding President Trump’s plan: “I’m pleased the president is building his tariff agenda on the foundation of a universal 10 percent tariff like the one I proposed in the BUILT USA Act. This ring fence around the American economy is a good start to erasing our unsustainable trade deficits. I’m eager to work with the president to fix the broken ‘free trade’ system that made multinational corporations rich but ruined manufacturing communities across the country.”

    Here’s what else they’re saying:

    Coalition for a Prosperous America Chairman Zach Mottl: “A permanent, universal baseline tariff resets the global trade environment and finally addresses the destructive legacy of decades of misguided free-trade policies. President Trump’s decision to implement a baseline tariff is a game-changing shift that prioritizes American manufacturing, protects working-class jobs, and safeguards our economic security from adversaries like China. This is exactly the type of bold action America needs to restore its industrial leadership. Today’s action will deliver lasting benefits to the U.S. economy and working-class Americans, cementing President Trump’s legacy as one that ushered in a new Golden Age of American industrialization and prosperity.”

    National Cattlemen’s Beef Association SVP of Government Affairs Ethan Lane: “For too long, America’s family farmers and ranchers have been mistreated by certain trading partners around the world. President Trump is taking action to address numerous trade barriers that prevent consumers overseas from enjoying high-quality, wholesome American beef. NCBA will continue engaging with the White House to ensure fair treatment for America’s cattle producers around the world and optimize opportunities for exports abroad.”

    Steel Manufacturers Association President Philip K. Bell: “President Trump is a champion of the domestic steel industry, and his America First Trade Policy is designed to fight the unfair trade that has harmed American workers and weakened manufacturing in the United States. The recently reinvigorated 232 steel tariffs have already started creating American jobs and bolstering the domestic steel industry. President Trump is working to turn America into a manufacturing powerhouse and the steel tariffs are driving that movement. President Trump’s initial 232 steel tariffs and the historic tax cuts led to investments of nearly $20 billion by steel manufacturers in the United States. Since the revised tariffs took effect, Hyundai Steel announced a $5.8 billion steel mill in Louisiana, demonstrating that the tariffs are working to bring more steel investments and production to the United States. The domestic steel market is stronger when other nations are forced to compete on a level playing field. On a level playing field, American workers can outcompete anyone. We look forward to continuing working with President Trump and his administration to ensure a level playing field for Americans and a robust domestic steel industry that strengthens our national, economic and energy security.”

    Alliance for American Manufacturing President Scott Paul: “Today’s trade action prioritizes domestic manufacturers and America’s workers. These hardworking men and women have seen unfair trade cut the ground from beneath their feet for decades. They deserve a fighting chance. Our workers can out-compete anyone in the world, but they need a level playing field to do it. This trade reset is a necessary step in the right direction.”

    National Electrical Contractors Association CEO David Long: “President Trump has consistently prioritized policies that put the electrical industry as a priority, and we recognize his commitment to strengthening our nation’s economy. As these new tariffs take effect, we look forward to working with the Administration to ensure that electrical contractors and the entire electrical industry can continue powering America efficiently while navigating potential cost and supply chain challenges.”

    American Compass Chief Economist Oren Cass: “The new policies announced by President Trump today confirm the end of the disastrous WTO era and lay the groundwork for a new set of arrangements in the international economy that prioritize the national interest and the flourishing of the nation’s working families.”

    National Council of Textile Organizations CEO Kim Glas: “We strongly commend President Trump and his administration on their tariff reciprocity plan to finally begin rebalancing America’s trade positioning in markets at home and abroad. We want to thank President Trump on behalf of the U.S. textile industry and the 471,000 workers we employ.”

    Southern Shrimp Alliance Executive Director John Williams: “We’ve watched as multigenerational family businesses tie up their boats, unable to compete with foreign producers who play by a completely different set of rules. We are grateful for the Trump Administration’s actions today, which will preserve American jobs, food security, and our commitment to ethical production.”

    American Iron and Steel Institute President Kevin Dempsey: “AISI thanks President Trump for standing up for American workers by restoring fairness in international trade and addressing non-reciprocal trade relationships. American steel producers are all too familiar with the detrimental effects of unfair foreign trade practices on domestic industries and their workers. Driven by subsidies and other foreign government trade-distorting practices, global overcapacity in the steel industry reached 573 million metric tons in 2024 and has spurred high levels of exports of steel from countries like China, Japan, Korea, Vietnam and Indonesia that continue to produce steel in volumes that significantly exceed their domestic demand. These exports directly and indirectly injure steel producers in the U.S. and government action to address this unloading of steel overproduction on world markets is overdue.”

    Americans for Limited Government Executive Director Robert Romano: “Thank you, President Trump, for putting America first and finally once and for all levying the same tariffs on trade partners that they have levied mercilessly on the United States for decades. This was not an easy decision to make, but one that is long overdue with a record $1.2 trillion trade in goods deficit in 2024 after the failed rule of former President Joe Biden. … Under President Trump’s leadership, America will be the industrial and technology leader of the world, with commitments for hundreds of billions of investments in the United States. For countries that want to avoid the tariffs, it’s simple: Build in America. … Thank you again, President Trump, for your leadership in restoring reciprocity in trade and for having the courage that all of our other leaders have lacked.”

    American Petroleum Institute: “We welcome President Trump’s decision to exclude oil and natural gas from new tariffs, underscoring the complexity of integrated global energy markets and the importance of America’s role as a net energy exporter. We will continue working with the Trump administration on trade policies that support American energy dominance.”

    National Association of Home Builders Chairman Buddy Hughes: “NAHB is pleased President Trump recognized the importance of critical construction inputs for housing and chose to continue current exemptions for Canadian and Mexican products, with a specific exemption for lumber from any new tariffs at this time. NAHB will continue to work with the administration to find ways to increase domestic lumber production, reduce regulatory burdens, and create an environment that allows builders to increase our nation’s housing supply.”

    International Dairy Foods Association SVP of Trade and Workforce Policy Becky Rasdall Vargas: “The U.S. dairy industry exports more than $8 billion of high-quality dairy products every year to approximately 145 countries around the world. To meet growing global demand, dairy businesses have invested $8 billion in new processing capacity here in the United States—creating jobs, strengthening rural economies, and positioning America as the world’s leading dairy supplier. This growth depends on strong trade relationships and access to essential ingredients, finished goods, packaging, and equipment to provide Americans with safe, affordable, and nutritious dairy foods and beverages. IDFA supports the Trump Administration’s efforts to hold trading partners accountable and expand market access for U.S. dairy.”

    Bienvenido Empresarios: “As an organization committed to empowering Hispanic Americans and strengthening our nation’s future, Bienvenido supports policies that build a more resilient American economy, safeguard our communities, and reassert U.S. leadership on the global stage. President Trump’s emphasis on using economic leverage — including tariffs — reflects a broader strategy to counter China, confront the deadly fentanyl crisis, and bring critical industries back home. Now is a time for tough, decisive action when national security and American livelihoods are at stake. Our hope is that these measures lead to stronger enforcement, fairer trade, and long-term prosperity for all Americans.”

    America First Policy Institute: “Tariffs worked then—and they’ll work again. Under President Trump, tariffs brought back jobs, lowered inflation, and strengthened national security. It’s not just economic policy—it’s America First in action.”

    Author Batya Ungar-Sargon: “[President Trump] is saying we’re going to invest heavily in our middle class. We are no longer going to be a country in which our economy is an upward funnel of wealth from the hardest-working Americans into the pockets of the international global elites.”

    Fox Business Network’s Charles Payne: “President Trump ran on tariffs. What we just saw was a president who did what he said he was going to do … This system is unsustainable … Is our patriotism tied to Wall Street? Or should it be tied to our own personal ability to achieve the American Dream?”

    Republic Financial Chairman Nate Morris: “As someone who was raised by a proud autoworker – thank you President Trump for putting AMERICAN workers first again!”

    Commentator Geraldo Rivera: “The family did visit Japan… we did not see a single American car on the road in Tokyo — not a Caddy, not a Buick, not a Ford, not a Chevy… I have an innate sense that there’s something unfair going on… if they are screwing us, we got to tax them.”

    Commentator Bill O’Reilly: “We’ve been getting hosed since World War II by the trade imbalance … You can do what Biden and Obama did, which is just ignore it completely … The numbers are staggering, and the best part of Trump’s speech today was that he said that if you go to Japan or South Korea or China or Germany, you’re not going to see any American cars because they won’t let them in … Trump is right.”

    CPAC Chairman Matt Schlapp: “America cannot afford to be taken advantage of any longer.  Even our friends and strategic allies have for too long assumed that the United States could absorb unfair treatment, including high tariffs on American goods.  We applaud the steps taken by President Trump today to defend American manufacturers not because we like higher taxes, but because we know that trade is only free when both sides follow similar rules.  What President Trump understands is that America needs to get back on track by improving our domestic competitiveness by cutting taxes and regulations AND we need to take on the globalists who believe Americans should not always have to take it in the chops.  Real respect begins with economic reciprocity.”

    Speaker Mike Johnson: “President Trump is sending a clear message with Liberation Day: America will not be exploited by unfair trade practices anymore. These tariffs restore fair and reciprocal trade and level the playing field for American workers and innovators. The President understands that FREE trade ONLY works when it’s FAIR!”

    Gov. Jeff Landry: “Pro Jobs. Pro Business. Pro America.”

    Senate Majority Whip John Barrasso: “President Trump is acting boldly to put America first. America needs fair and free trade. We can’t allow other countries to keep abusing our workers and job creators. It’s time we had a level playing field. I applaud President Trump’s 100% commitment to Made in America.”

    Sen. Jim Banks: “The decision by President Trump today to impose reciprocal tariffs will be so good for Indiana. … Those are the manufacturing jobs that President Trump is bringing back from overseas.”

    Sen. Bill Cassidy: “The president’s trade agenda can pave the way for stronger trade deals, fairer rules, and real results. I am excited to work with President Trump to make it happen. Louisiana’s workers and families deserve nothing less.”

    Sen. John Kennedy: “America is rich. We buy a lot of stuff. President Trump is saying that if you foreign businesses want to sell in America, then move your business here and hire American workers.”

    Sen. Roger Marshall: “President Donald Trump is fighting for long-term solutions to put America’s farmers and ranchers first.”

    Sen. Ashley Moody: “It’s liberation day in America! Today, @POTUS sent a message to the world that the era of America being taken advantage of is over.”

    Sen. Bernie Moreno: “President Trump is finally reversing their failed policies and fighting back for American workers.”

    Sen. Markwayne Mullin: “President Trump is going to charge foreign countries roughly half of what they *already* charge us to do business. Literally who can argue with this?”

    Sen. Pete Ricketts: “President Trump is delivering on his campaign promises to level the playing field and stand up for the American people. Reciprocal tariffs will ensure equal treatment for American businesses. @POTUS is working to reshore jobs lost overseas and secure our supply chains. He is working to open new markets for our nation’s agriculture products. He is demonstrating to foreign adversaries like China that we will no longer be taken advantage of.”

    Sen. Rick Scott: “The days of the U.S. being taken advantage of by other countries are OVER! Pres. Trump is making it clear that he will ALWAYS put American jobs, manufacturing and our economy first. As Americans, let’s stand with him and support one another by buying products MADE IN AMERICA.”

    Sen. Eric Schmitt: “President Trump is bringing America back. We won’t be ripped off by other countries anymore. We’re bringing back manufacturing, unleashing energy production, and paving the way for prosperity.”

    Sen. Tim Sheehy: “They tariff us at up to 50% of our exported ag products and then dump mass produced ag products into our market severely hurting our farmers and ranchers. It’s about time we have a level playing field for businesses.”

    Sen. Tommy Tuberville: “For too long, other countries have ripped us off with bad trade deals – resulting in American jobs and manufacturing moving overseas. But change is coming. The Golden Age of America’s economy is here. Happy Liberation Day.”

    House Majority Leader Steve Scalise: “The United States and American workers will no longer be ripped off by other countries with unfair trade practices. Thank you President Trump for putting America’s workers and innovators first with reciprocal tariffs that level the playing field and make trade FAIR.”

    House Majority Whip Tom Emmer: “For too long, foreign countries have taken advantage of us at the expense of American workers. President @realDonaldTrump says NO MORE.”

    House Republican Conference Chairwoman Lisa McClain: “Tariffs work! @POTUS has proven tariffs are an effective tool in achieving economic and strategic objectives. The President’s long-term strategy will pay off.”

    Rep. Elise Stefanik: “I strongly support President Trump’s America First economic policies to strengthen American manufacturing and create millions of American jobs. For too long, Americans have suffered under unfair trade practices putting America Last. We will not allow other countries to take advantage of us and we must put America and the American worker first.”

    Rep. Jason Smith: “America shouldn’t reward countries that discriminate against American workers and manufacturers. On Liberation Day, President Trump is correcting this and demanding fair treatment for American producers.”

    Rep. Mark Alford: “The days of the United States being taken advantage of are OVER. Republicans are putting American workers FIRST.”

    Rep. Rick Allen: “@POTUS is undoing decades of unfair trade practices and putting American workers, businesses, and manufacturers FIRST. These reciprocal tariffs are simply leveling the playing field and will help ensure the U.S. is no longer on the losing end of global trade.”

    Rep. Jodey Arrington: “For too long, our leaders have allowed other nations to rip us off through numerous unfair trade practices resulting in suppressed wages, lost opportunities, and unrealized economic growth. Just as he did in his first term, President Trump is fighting to ensure an even playing field for our manufacturers, farmers, and workers so we can unleash American prosperity and Make America Great Again.”

    Rep. Brian Babin: “Trump’s tariffs aren’t starting a trade war—they’re ending one. For decades, other countries ripped off American workers with unfair tariffs and barriers. Now, we’re finally fighting back.”

    Rep. Andy Biggs: “Past administrations have allowed the United States to be ripped off by allies and adversaries alike. President Trump said “NO MORE!” The Art of the Deal.”

    Rep. Vern Buchanan: “For too long, unfair trade practices devastated America’s manufacturing base and stole millions of blue-collar jobs. It’s time to level the playing field and bring those jobs back. @POTUS is fighting for American workers.”

    Rep. Eli Crane: “America First policies are what the American people voted for.”

    Rep. Michael Cloud: “America-First means putting the American people first. We will no longer be taken advantage of as a nation and people.”

    Rep. Andrew Clyde: “For far too long, the U.S. has been ripped off by countries across the globe with unfair trade practices. Now, we’re finally leveling the playing field. THANK YOU, President Trump, for putting American workers and manufacturing FIRST.”

    Rep. Mike Collins: “This is fair. Whether it’s our military or economy, other countries have taken advantage of the U.S. for far too long. That time is over.”

    Rep. Byron Donalds: “For decades, a lot of these countries have built their economies on the back of the American economy … These nations have become, not just developing nations, they are now strong economies. And so, we have to have fair trade if we’re going to have free trade.”

    Rep. Chuck Edwards: “Many countries are taking advantage of the United States by imposing tariffs against us while we don’t have reciprocal tariffs against them. @POTUS has used tariffs to produce successful trade deals for us in his first term, and I support his plan to use them again to create a more level playing field and secure fairer trade deals for America. The quicker other countries agree to fairer trade deals, the quicker the tariffs can end.”

    Rep. Gabe Evans: “This admin puts America first from strengthening our economy & national security to prioritizing hard working Americans. Farmers in #CO08 have been disadvantaged in foreign trade deals & will benefit from reciprocal tariffs that promote FAIR & free trade.”

    Rep. Scott Franklin: “For years the US handcuffed itself and played nice while other countries imposed massive tariffs and took advantage of us. We’re done putting America last. @POTUS is leveling the playing field, ending trade imbalances and prioritizing American workers and manufacturing again!”

    Rep. Mike Flood: “Biden did nothing for four years on trade. Five years after Brexit, America doesn’t have a free trade deal with the UK. President @realDonaldTrump is rightsizing our trade relationships.”

    Rep. Russell Fry: “HAPPY LIBERATION DAY. Thanks to @POTUS, America is DONE being taken advantage of. A new era has begun.”

    Rep. Lance Gooden: “For decades, Washington allowed Texans to be ripped off by foreign countries. Those days are now over. @POTUS is committed to making America wealthy again!”

    Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene: “If you want to do business in America, you need to play by our rules. For too long, American businesses, big and small, have been ripped off by bad trade deals and unfair competition. President Trump is putting a stop to it. He’s standing up for our workers, our companies, and our consumers.”

    Rep. Abe Hamadeh: “The America First Republican party is the party of the working class, the forgotten men and women. On this Liberation Day, we further our commitment to them, that we will reshore our manufacturing, restore fair trade, and rebuild the greatest economy in the world.”

    Rep. Pat Harrigan: “If you want access to the most powerful economy in the world, treat us fairly. If not, don’t expect a free ride. That’s real leadership and @POTUS is delivering it!”

    Rep. Andy Harris: “President Trump’s reciprocal tariffs will put the American worker first and bring fairness back to international trade. America is being respected again.”

    Rep. Diana Harshbarger: “President Trump is bringing back the American Dream. Our taxpayers have been ripped off by foreign countries for far too long, but those days are over. President Trump is right to impose these reciprocal tariffs.”

    Rep. Clay Higgins: “.@POTUS’ trade agenda puts American industry and America first. I support the President’s action to protect our domestic producers.”

    Rep. Wesley Hunt: “Today, President Trump empowered the American middle class.  His policies on tariffs will bring automotive manufacturing back to America.”

    Rep. Morgan Luttrell: “President Trump is putting America First on trade—standing up to foreign adversaries, protecting American workers, and rebuilding our manufacturing base. The days of unfair trade deals and economic surrender are OVER.”

    Rep. Nicole Malliotakis: “Since President Trump has been elected, we’ve attracted $5 trillion in private investment, foreign & domestic companies have announced Made in USA manufacturing, countries have reduced tariffs or changed foreign policies. President Trump is sticking up for American workers & farmers, repatriating our supply chain and protecting our national security.”

    Rep. Addison McDowell: “My district was hit hard over the years by unfair trade deals. Finally, we have a President who wants to put the American worker FIRST.”

    Rep. Dan Meuser: “We have been treated unfairly. Free trade has become synonymous with unfair trade, and @POTUS is recognizing that… We needed a reckoning; we needed a correction. President Trump is bringing it.”

    Rep. Mary Miller: “America will no longer be taken advantage of! This is how you put America First.”

    Rep. John Moolenaar: “For far too long, the Chinese Communist Party has exploited America’s generosity, stolen our intellectual property, and undermined our workers. President Trump’s recent tariffs and the Restoring Trade Fairness Act, which I introduced earlier this year to revoke China’s permanent normal trade relations status, will finally put an end to this abuse—holding China accountable and protecting American jobs. For decades, we’ve accepted one-sided trade deals that hurt our industries while benefiting our adversaries. Trade deficits reflect that imbalance, but they also reveal something deeper: the strength of the American consumer. It’s time we stopped allowing that strength to be used against us and started putting American workers first.”

    Rep. Riley Moore: “For decades, foreign countries have enjoyed free access to the greatest consumer marketplace on the face of the planet, all while still charging our domestic producers hefty duties or imposing significant barriers to access their markets. Today that ends. President Trump is the only president in my lifetime to acknowledge how unfair trade has gutted the heartland and shipped countless jobs overseas. By finally reciprocating in-kind, we’ll force foreign competitors to the negotiating table, lower trade barriers, and ultimately create real free and fair trade across the board. I’m confident this move will boost our domestic manufacturing industry and fuel demand for American products across the globe.”

    Rep. Tim Moore: “President Trump is leveling the playing field for American workers and bringing back MADE IN AMERICA!”

    Rep. Troy Nehls: “President Trump’s reciprocal tariffs make it clear that our country will not be ripped off anymore. We are bringing back American manufacturing and putting America First.”

    Rep. Ralph Norman: “Happy LIBERATION Day … ✅Protect the American worker ✅Strengthen manufacturing ✅Reduce unfair trade practices … Our economy will be competitive again!!”

    Rep. Andy Ogles: “He’s resetting the negotiating table. He’s resetting the deck here to say, ‘You know what? For too long, you’ve taken advantage of our free market and you’ve literally leached jobs away from the American people … Let’s have a serious conversation and let’s do something that’s fair and mutually beneficial for both sides.’”

    Rep. Guy Reschenthaler: “I fully support President Trump’s critical efforts to right this generational wrong, bring manufacturing jobs home, and rejuvenate American working families. Made in America is back.”

    Rep. John Rutherford: “Tariffs help bring American jobs back home, incentivize buying American, AND put pressure on Canada and Mexico to stop the flow of fentanyl and illegal immigrants from their countries into ours. Even the Biden Admin kept or increased tariffs that President Trump imposed during his first presidency. Under Trump, inflation stayed around 2% and our GDP grew to 3%. Smart tariffs are a long-term investment in the American economy that are worth the short-term cost.”

    Rep. Adrian Smith: “Reducing trade barriers is necessary to ensuring American farmers, ranchers, manufacturers, small businesses, and innovators can sell their products in other markets. President Trump has made it clear other countries can avoid tariffs by reducing or eliminating their existing barriers to U.S. products. Engagement on trade is vital to our economy and opportunity for U.S. workers. In his first term, President Trump proved robust engagement can be productive as he moved the ball down the field on several agreements with our top trade partners. To achieve economic stability, we must continue to fight to give our producers the chance to compete in a global marketplace.”

    Rep. Greg Steube: “What many fail to realize: Trump’s reciprocal tariffs are a long-overdue response to years of unfair trade policies against America. For decades, America has been ripped off by other countries who have repeatedly slapped tariffs on our goods, blocked our products, and flooded our markets with theirs. The numbers don’t lie–the rest of the world has profited at the expense of American workers and businesses. President Trump is finally putting America First by taking bold, necessary actions that past leaders wouldn’t take.”

    Rep. Marlin Stutzman: “If Australia doesn’t want our beef – WE DON’T WANT THEIRS! Thank you @POTUS for opening the door of fair treatment for America’s Cattlemen‼️”

    Rep. Tom Tiffany: “Gone are the days of America being taken advantage of by foreign countries. The American worker comes FIRST.”

    Rep. William Timmons: “President Trump’s tariffs are a necessary move to protect American workers and rebuild our economy. We are finally breaking free from decades of unfair trade deals that gutted our industries. These tariffs will bring jobs back to our districts, strengthen manufacturing, and ensure our children inherit a country that is not just a consumer, but a producer. Thank you, @POTUS.”

    Rep. Beth Van Duyne: “For far too long, the United States has been taken advantage of by our foreign trade partners. The American people re-elected President Trump to bring back truly fair trade with other countries. Reciprocal tariffs are a first step to have a level playing field for American products and to start bringing back manufacturing to our country!”

    Rep. Daniel Webster: “President @realDonaldTrump is delivering on his mandate to restore America’s economic strength. For too long, unfair trade deals have hollowed out our factories and shipped American jobs overseas. By standing up to bad actors like China and Venezuela and enforcing fair trade, President Trump is defending American industries and putting American workers first.”

    Rep. Tony Wied: “President Trump has made it clear with these reciprocal tariffs that we will no longer allow other countries to take advantage of us. His goal is simple: to bring jobs and manufacturing back to our country and open up foreign markets to American products. If companies want to avoid these tariffs, they will do business in the United States. I applaud the President for taking a stand against years of unfair trade practices and making sure we put American workers and consumers first. It’s time our foreign trading partners finally live up to their end of the bargain.”

    Rep. Roger Williams: “For too long, America Last policies have put the U.S. auto industry at a disadvantage. As a car dealer and small business owner, I support @POTUS’ Executive Order to increase competition, boost revenue, and bring back American jobs.”

    Mississippi Commissioner of Agriculture and Commerce Andy Gipson: “I applaud President Trump’s actions today to reset global trade relations through the President’s ‘Liberation Day’ tariff plan. America is not only in a trade war, we’ve been in a trade war for years now. This trade war has resulted in historic trade deficits that continue to hurt our farmers. … I believe President Trump’s actions today will set the stage for the renegotiation of better trade deals that will benefit American farmers and all our domestic industries going forward and will also serve to spur more local production.”

    U.S. Trade Representative Ambassador Jamieson Greer: “Today, President Trump is taking urgent action to protect the national security and economy of the United States. The current lack of trade reciprocity, demonstrated by our chronic trade deficit, has weakened our economic and national security. After only 72 days in office, President Trump has prioritized swift action to bring reciprocity to our trade relations and reduce the trade deficit by leveling the playing field for American workers and manufacturers, reshoring American jobs, expanding our domestic manufacturing base, and ensuring our defense-industrial base is not dependent on foreign adversaries—all leading to stronger economic and national security.”

    Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick: “Today, the world starts taking us seriously. Our workforce will finally be treated fairly.”

    Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent: “President Trump signed the Declaration of Economic Independence for the American people. For decades, the trade status quo has allowed countries to leverage tariffs and unfair trade practices to get ahead at the expense of hardworking Americans. The President’s historic actions will level the playing field for American workers and usher in a new age of economic strength.”

    Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins: “FARMERS COME FIRST — @POTUS is leveling the playing field, ensuring American farmers and ranchers can compete globally again!”

    Secretary of State Marco Rubio: “Thank you, @POTUS! ‘Made in America’ is not just a tagline — it’s an economic and national security priority.”

    Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem: “For too long, America has been targeted by unfair trade practices that made our supply chain dependent on foreign adversaries, eroded our industrial base, and hurt American workers. This has gravely impacted our national security. President Trump’s strong action will help make America safe again. @DHS, primarily through @CBP, is ready to collect these new tariffs and put an end to unfair trade practices. Thank you President @realDonaldTrump for putting America FIRST.”

    Secretary of Labor Lori Chavez-DeRemer: “Promises made, promises kept”

    Secretary of Energy Chris Wright: “President Trump is a businessman; he’s a negotiator. The result of that has been and will continue to be improvements for the American people. We are in the midst of a negotiation, and he is fighting every day to make the cost-of-living conditions better for Americans.”

    Secretary of Education Linda McMahon: “At the White House this afternoon, we celebrated Liberation Day — setting our economy on the path of future prosperity for our children. Business owners, workers, and taxpayers have been waiting for strong economic leadership.

    @POTUS’ actions today prove we are done being taken advantage of in international trade.”

    Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum: “President Trump’s Liberation Day reciprocity plan is commonsense. If you tariff us, we’ll tariff you. This will strengthen our economy and make America wealthy again!”

    Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy: “Today is the day we will liberate ourselves from unfair trade practices and outdated ways of thinking. Tariffs are an important tool in the President’s toolbox to stop foreign countries from ripping us off, protect America’s workers, and restore U.S. manufacturing. I stand with @POTUS as he finally levels the playing field. Happy Liberation Day!”

    Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Scott Turner: “For four years, Americans couldn’t afford groceries, let alone a house. This Liberation Day, @POTUS is bringing manufacturing and jobs back. President Trump is making the American Dream achievable again!”

    Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee Zeldin: “Massive announcement by @POTUS today restoring U.S. dominance, cementing his America First vision, and Powering the Great American Comeback.”

    Small Business Administration Administrator Kelly Loeffler: “Small businesses will no longer be crushed by foreign governments and unfair trade deals. Instead, we will put American industry, workers, and strength FIRST. Thank you @POTUS for bringing back Made in America!”

    National Security Advisor Mike Waltz: “Economic security is national security. Thank you President Trump for putting America first.”

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Kaine, Gillibrand, and Courtney Lead Colleagues in Condemning Education Department Changes to Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Virginia Tim Kaine
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Tim Kaine (D-VA) and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) and U.S. Representative Joe Courtney (D-CT-02) led a bicameral group of their colleagues in sending a letter to U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon expressing their strong opposition to President Trump’s directive for changes that would limit eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program. They also called on Secretary McMahon to ensure all eligibility criteria for the program are strictly followed under the law passed by Congress and adhere to congressional intent. The PSLF program was created by Congress and signed into law by President George W. Bush to encourage more people to enter public service by providing loan forgiveness after 10 years of working full-time for a federal, state, local, or Tribal government organization or certain nonprofit organizations. Since the program was created, it has provided teachers, nurses, veterans, first responders, and other public servants with needed student loan relief.
    “We write to express our strong opposition to the Department of Education’s (Department) order to initiate the formal rulemaking process to limit eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program,” wrote the members. “Since March 7, 2025, our dedicated public service workers have faced immense uncertainty and anxiety due to President Trump’s Executive Order #14235 which directed the Secretary of Education and the Secretary of Treasury to redefine ’public service’ to align with the administration’s political agenda. This move contradicts the core tenets of public service and the original intent and purpose of the PSLF program.”
    “This order’s vague and arbitrary restrictions on which organizations qualify for PSLF are deeply troubling. Under the guise of national security, it unfairly targets organizations that serve marginalized communities, such as those advocating for immigrants or protecting vulnerable children, with no evidence of illegal activity,” the members wrote. “Furthermore, the broad language of the order could lead to political repression and the chilling of free speech, where organizations or individuals deemed ’non-conforming’ to the administration’s views could be stripped of the very support they rely on to carry out their public service missions.”
    The members concluded, “We request your immediate action and assurance on the following: Ensure that all eligibility criteria are strictly followed under the law passed by Congress. There should be no exceptions or compromises regarding compliance with the established statute. And prioritize processing PSLF applications that are eligible for forgiveness immediately. The severe reduction of employees at the Federal Student Aid office gives us grave concerns that these eligible borrowers will not be processed in a timely manner.”
    Kaine, a member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, and Gillibrand have long pushed for changes to improve the PSLF program. In May 2021, Kaine and Gillibrand successfully called for strengthening the PSLF program and fixing eligibility barriers and program restrictions that excluded certain first responders, teachers, public health workers, and other public servants from relief. They have previously introduced legislation to overhaul the PSLF program, including by expanding eligibility and simplifying the application and approval process.
    The letter was cosigned by U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Jack Reed (D-RI), Angus S. King (I-ME), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Ed Markey (D-MA), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Tina Smith (D-MN), and Chris Van Hollen (D-MD). It was also cosigned by U.S. Representatives Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC-At-Large), Frederica S. Wilson (D-FL-24), Robin L. Kelly (D-IL-02), Danny K. Davis (D-NC-01), Rashida Tlaib (D-MI-12), Mark Pocan (D-WI-02), Shri Thanedar (D-MI-13), Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY-07), Adriano Espaillat (D-NY-13), Delia C. Ramirez (D-IL-03), Jamie Raskin (D-MD-08), Juan Vargas (D-CA-52), Alma S. Adams (D-NC-12), Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR-01), Dwight Evans (D-PA-03), Johnny Olszewski (D-MD-02), Kathy Castor (D-FL-14), Nikema Williams (D-GA-05), Herbert C. Conaway (D-NJ-03), LaMonica McIver (D-NJ-10), Hank Johnson (D-GA-04), Betty McCollum (D-MN-04), Pramila Jayapal (D-WA-07), Brittany Pettersen (D-CO-07), Mark DeSaulnier (D-CA-10), Mary Gay Scanlon (D-PA-05), Sarah Elfreth (D-MD-03), Jesús G. “Chuy” García (D-IL-04), Ritchie Torres (D-NY-15), Jill Tokuda (D-HI-02), Scott Peters (D-CA-50), Judy Chu (D-CA-28), Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS-02), Lucy McBath (D-GA-06), Paul D. Tonko (D-NY-20), Chris Deluzio (D-PA-17), Linda T. Sánchez (D-CA-38), Diana DeGette (D-CO-01), Shelia Cherfilus-McCormick (D-FL-20), Ayanna Pressley (D-MA-07), Marilyn Strickland (D-WA-10), Jan Schakowsky (D-IL-09), Summer L. Lee (D-PA-12), Kweisi Mfume (D-MD-07), Jerrold Nadler (D-NY-12), Mikie Sherrill (D-NJ-10), James P. McGovern (D-MA-02), William R. Keating (D-MA-09), Gabe Amo (D-RI-01), Mark Takano (D-CA-39), and Chellie Pingree (D-ME-01).
    Full text of the letter is available here and below:
    Dear Secretary McMahon:
    We write to express our strong opposition to the Department of Education’s (Department) order to initiate the formal rulemaking process to limit eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program. Since March 7, 2025, our dedicated public service workers have faced immense uncertainty and anxiety due to President Trump’s Executive Order #14235  which directed the Secretary of Education and the Secretary of Treasury to redefine “public service” to align with the administration’s political agenda. This move contradicts the core tenets of public service and the original intent and purpose of the PSLF program.
    PSLF was established under the College Cost Reduction and Access Act of 2007 under President George W. Bush with bipartisan support and provides student loan forgiveness to individuals who work in qualifying public service jobs. The program aims to support those in roles such as government employees, teachers, nurses, active-duty service members, veterans, and non-profit workers by offering them loan forgiveness after they make 120 qualifying monthly payments under an eligible repayment plan. PSLF was established to encourage professionals to dedicate their careers to public service, easing their financial burden while contributing to the well-being of our communities. However, navigating the program’s requirements has proven complex, and many borrowers have encountered challenges in applying for or receiving the forgiveness they are due.
    The program has long been plagued with challenges. In 2017, less than one percent of the first cohort was eligible for forgiveness.  Under President Trump’s first term, fewer than 7,000 applicants were approved for forgiveness, less than three percent of total applicants. President Biden took steps to streamline the process, and under his administration, over one million applicants have been approved for forgiveness.  The program has over 2.4 million cumulative PSLF borrowers with eligible employment and open loans.  Under Executive Order #14235, this framework reverses the previous administration’s efforts to administer the PSLF program more effectively after years of unnecessary roadblocks.
    The PSLF program supports local, state, and federal government employees and those at tax-exempt nonprofits under 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. However, certain nonprofits, like labor unions and partisan political groups, do not qualify. This order’s vague and arbitrary restrictions on which organizations qualify for PSLF are deeply troubling. Under the guise of national security, it unfairly targets organizations that serve marginalized communities, such as those advocating for immigrants or protecting vulnerable children, with no evidence of illegal activity. Furthermore, the broad language of the order could lead to political repression and the chilling of free speech, where organizations or individuals deemed “non-conforming” to the administration’s views could be stripped of the very support they rely on to carry out their public service missions. We have already seen what can happen when the President targets organizations for doing the right thing for the country. We are fearful this is yet another tool for President Trump to go after any group or organization that does not show loyalty to his political, partisan agenda.
    At your nomination hearing on February 13, 2025, you testified in front of the Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee that you would fully implement existing public service loan forgiveness programs because they “have been passed by Congress …  That is the law.”  Your statement reinforced a commitment to upholding the law and supporting individuals who dedicate their careers to public service. It’s time to back up your words, follow the law, and step up as a true champion of the PSLF program.
    We request your immediate action and assurance on the following: Ensure that all eligibility criteria are strictly followed under the law passed by Congress. There should be no exceptions or compromises regarding compliance with the established statute. And prioritize processing PSLF applications that are eligible for forgiveness immediately. The severe reduction of employees at the Federal Student Aid office gives us grave concerns that these eligible borrowers will not be processed in a timely manner.  Regardless of the Trump and Elon Musk administration, these borrowers have met the criteria, done the work, and are entitled to the relief they were promised.
    Revoking PSLF eligibility for public service workers who serve across communities nationwide is both reckless and harmful. We urge you to uphold the law, adhere to congressional intent, and protect PSLF from future attacks. We look forward to your response on this critical matter.
    Sincerely,

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI Security: Leader of International Ponzi Scheme Targeting Indonesian-American Community Sentenced to 18 Years in Prison

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Defendant Defrauded Hundreds of Victims in Three Countries and More than 30 States Who Invested More than $24.5 Million in Sham Loan Programs

    Earlier today, at a federal courthouse in Brooklyn, Francius Marganda was sentenced by United States District Judge Dora L. Irizarry to 18 years’ imprisonment for running a $24.5 million Ponzi scheme that defrauded hundreds of predominantly Indonesian and Indo-American victim investors. Marganda, an Indonesian national, led the scheme until it unraveled in 2021 and he fled the United States.  Marganda was extradited to the United States from Singapore in November 2023 and pleaded guilty to securities fraud in July 2024. As part of his sentence, Marganda was ordered to pay $8.5 million in restitution and $7.5 million in forfeiture.

    John J. Durham, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York; Christopher G. Raia, Assistant Director in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI); and Michael Alfonso, Acting Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, New York (HSI New York), announced the sentence.

    “Marganda’s attempt to evade justice by fleeing halfway across the world to hide in fancy hotels was futile, as he found out today in a federal courtroom in Brooklyn,” stated United States Attorney Durham.  “No matter how far defendants may flee, this Office and our law enforcement partners will work tirelessly to make sure they are brought to justice.  It is my hope that this prosecution will bring some measure of relief to the victims of Marganda’s fraud, who trusted him with their life savings because of their shared nationality and were cruelly exploited by him.”

    Mr. Durham expressed his appreciation to the Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs, particularly the DOJ Attachés based in Manila and Bangkok; law enforcement partners at the U.S. Embassy in Singapore, including the FBI’s Legal Attaché, the HSI Attaché, and the U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service Overseas Criminal Investigations Office; and Singaporean authorities, particularly the Singapore Police Force and Attorney-General’s Chambers, for their assistance with Marganda’s arrest and extradition to the United States.  Mr. Durham also thanked the Securities and Exchange Commission, Fort Worth Regional Office; the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York; the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation, New York; the Federal Trade Commission; the New York State Attorney General’s Office; the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office; the New York County District Attorney’s Office; the Queens County District Attorney’s Office; the New York City Police Department; the Westford Police Department, Westford, Massachusetts; the Richfield Police Department, Richfield, Minnesota; and the Lexington Police Department, Lexington, South Carolina, for their assistance in this matter.

    Francius Marganda financially crippled hundreds of victims after collectively stealing millions of dollars to fund his personal lifestyle,” stated FBI Assistant Director in Charge Raia.  “The defendant enticed prospective investors across the globe with empty promises of guaranteed returns from his illegitimate companies, and subsequently created an alias to flee the country when his web of lies unraveled. The FBI will continue to pursue any individual who exploits others through fraudulent means, regardless of where they may hide.”

    HSI New York Acting Special Agent in Charge Alfonso stated: “Francius Marganda’s heartless scheme caused irreparable emotional, psychological, and in some cases even physical damage to many of his more than 200 victims. Marganda swindled the innocent, well-meaning public out of over $23 million, and then fled the country as his shameless conspiracy crumbled. Marganda left hardworking families without money they desperately needed for crucial, life-altering expenses — among them, cancer treatments, medical procedures, and college tuition — and with no opportunities to recoup their lost savings. While no amount of prison time can make up for the irreversible pain Marganda and his co-conspirators have caused, we are thankful to the special agents and officers from HSI’s El Dorado Task Force, together with the FBI and the Eastern District of New York, for securing whatever justice possible on behalf of his victims.”   

    From May 2019 to May 2021, while residing in New York after overstaying his visa, Marganda orchestrated a scheme to defraud investors by soliciting investments in two sham programs called Easy Transfer and Global Transfer, which Marganda and his co-conspirators falsely represented were short-term, high-interest loan programs in which investors would earn passive income.  Marganda and his co-conspirators promised rates of return as high as 200% or more.  On a near-daily basis, multiple investors were deceived into signing investment contracts.   

    Marganda and his co-conspirators misappropriated the invested funds for their own benefit, including by buying real estate and luxury goods, and paying off credit card bills.  They also laundered proceeds into their bank accounts.  As an example, more than $3.8 million in scheme proceeds was transferred into just one of Marganda’s personal accounts over the course of 11 months, and more than $264,000 in proceeds in the account was used to pay off his credit card bills.

    The Ponzi scheme ultimately collapsed in May 2021, when Marganda and his co-conspirators stopped making payments to investors.  Marganda fled the United States, obtained an Indonesian passport under a fake name, and used the scheme funds to pay for lavish stays in luxury hotels around the world, including in France, the Maldives, Nepal, and Thailand, until he was apprehended abroad and extradited to the Eastern District of New York.

    To date, 237 victims, ranging in age from 24 to 84, have identified losses of more than $24.5 million because of the defendant’s scheme.  The victims reside in the District of Columbia and at least 31 states, including New York, as well as in Indonesia and Malaysia.  Many of the victims had limited means and had pooled their resources with relatives and friends to make investments in U.S. dollars and Indonesian rupiah.

    Judge Irizarry considered statements prepared by dozens of victims in connection with the sentencing hearing held earlier today.  Many reported that, as a result of the defendant’s conduct, they declared bankruptcy or lost nearly all of their savings.  Because of the financial loss, one victim struggled to pay for a family member’s chemotherapy, while another struggled to pay for medical expenses associated with a family member’s Stage 4 lung cancer diagnosis.  One victim lacked the funds to travel and pay respects after both of the victim’s parents died.    Multiple victims suffered other serious losses and hardships.

    The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s Public Integrity Section. Assistant United States Attorneys Victor Zapana and Laura Zuckerwise are in charge of the prosecution, with assistance from Paralegal Specialist Kavya Kannan.

    The Defendant:

    FRANCIUS MARGANDA
    Age:  42
    Jakarta, Indonesia and formerly of Queens, New York

    E.D.N.Y. Docket No. 22-CR-481 (DLI)

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI Security: Indictment Unsealed Charging Multi-Million Dollar Fraud Scheme at Prichard Water Board

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    According to the indictment unsealed today, Nia Bradley, 50, of Mobile, Alabama; Randy Burden, 47, of Prichard, Alabama; Steve Jones, 61, of Mobile, Alabama; Larry Knight, 35, of Mobile, Alabama; Dejuan Lamar, 47, of Mobile, Alabama; Ayanna Payton, 47, of Eight Mile, Alabama; and Stephanie Hunn, 49, of Mobile, Alabama, were charged with various federal crimes listed below.  Payton and Hunn previously pleaded guilty to all charges against them and are awaiting sentencing.  Their proceedings were sealed in light of the ongoing investigation which led to charges recently filed against Bradley, Burden, Jones, Knight, and Lamar.   Each of the defendants face potential sentences of decades in prison.

    The Grand Jury returned an indictment alleging the following scheme: starting as early as 2018 through 2022, the defendants bilked the Prichard Water Board of at least approximately $2.4 million dollars through a false and fraudulent contractor scheme involving outside contractors and employees and board members of the Prichard Water Board.  Approximately $960,000 of the money was illegally laundered, including through a business owned and operated by Bradley and Burden.  

    The Prichard Water Board provides water and sewer services to approximately 8,000 residential and 2,000 commercial clients and is funded by customer payments and also through a $55 million bond it secured in 2019.  The indictment alleges that the criminal scheme involved the creation of a fictitious business by Hunn and the creation of false invoices to justify unlawful payments to Hunn, Jones, Knight, and Lamar.  Bradley and Burden, who were employees of the Prichard Water Board, allegedly falsified payment authorizations and received kick-back payments and other benefits.

    Payton and another uncharged co-conspirator served on the board of the Prichard Water Board where they are alleged to have falsified payment authorizations and received kick-back payments and other benefits for their roles.  Several of the conspirators communicated through coded messages and destroyed evidence to attempt to avoid detection of the crimes, according to the indictment.   Bradley, Payton, Hunn, and Jones committed tax fraud to avoid revealing the criminal scheme and to avoid paying taxes to the United States.  Through its criminal cases, the United States is seeking money judgments in the amounts of approximately $2,459,279.39, $960,851.41, and $302,134.90, as well as the forfeiture of three real properties which were purchased using fraud proceeds and involved in the money laundering scheme.

    Nia Bradley is charged with Conspiracy to Commit Mail, Bank, and Wire Fraud; Conspiracy to Defraud the United States (Taxes); Money Laundering Conspiracy; Wire Fraud; Bank Fraud; and related tax charges.

    Randy Burden is charged with Conspiracy to Commit Mail, Bank, and Wire Fraud; Money Laundering Conspiracy; and Bank Fraud.

    Steve Jones is charged with Conspiracy to Commit Mail, Bank, and Wire Fraud; Money Laundering Conspiracy; Bank Fraud; and filing false tax returns.

    Larry Knight and Dejuan Lamar are charged with Conspiracy to Commit Mail, Bank, and Wire Fraud and Bank Fraud.

    Ayanna Payton and Stephanie Hunn have pleaded guilty to Conspiracy to Commit Mail, Bank, and Wire Fraud; Conspiracy to Defraud the United States (Taxes); Wire Fraud; Bank Fraud; and False Tax Filings and both women are awaiting sentencing.

    “The taxpayers of the Southern District of Alabama deserve to be able to rely on competent, honest public servants,” said United States Attorney Sean P. Costello. “This indictment is the result of careful, thorough, and meticulous investigation. Together with our partners in law enforcement, we will continue our efforts to protect the taxpayers and hold accountable thieves who seek to enrich themselves at the expense of our community.”

    “Fraud and theft by government employees from the very people they are put in place to serve will not be tolerated,” said FBI Mobile Division Supervisory Special Agent Parker Still.  “This investigation is another example of law enforcement cooperation between federal, state and local entities to ensure people have trust in their public works.”

    “Corrupt public officials waste government resources and diminish the trust citizens place in their government to provide the essential services they expect,” said Special Agent in Charge Demetrius Hardeman, IRS Criminal Investigation, Atlanta Field Office. “IRS Criminal Investigation special agents will continue investigating and forwarding for prosecution those who disregard the public trust by misusing taxpayers’ funds to enrich themselves and their coconspirators.”

    “The U.S. Postal Inspection Service remains steadfast in our commitment to protect the nation’s mail system from illegal use,” said Shameka Jackson, Acting Postal Inspector in Charge of the Houston Division. “With the collaborative investigative efforts of local, state and federal law enforcement agencies, we will continue to work together to bring to justice those who abuse the trust given to them by the American people.”

    The Federal Bureau of Investigation, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, and United States Postal Inspection Service, investigated the case with assistance from the Mobile County District Attorney’s Office and the Mobile County Sheriff’s Office.

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys J. Bishop Ravenel and Kasee S. Heisterhagen are prosecuting the case on behalf of the United States.

    An indictment or information is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence.  A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.
     

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI USA: Grothman, Beyer Introduce Bipartisan, Bicameral Bill to End Taxpayer Subsidies for Professional Sports Stadiums

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Don Beyer (D-VA)

    Today, Congressmen Glenn Grothman (R-WI) and Don Beyer (D-VA) introduced the No Tax Subsidies for Stadiums Act, a bill that will end taxpayer subsidies for the construction of professional sports stadiums. A companion bill has been introduced in the Senate by Senators James Lankford (R-OK) and Cory Booker (D-NJ).

    Congress is sometimes criticized for providing special tax breaks for wealthy individuals and when it comes to sports stadiums, it is true. We should no longer allow provisions that were intended to help local communities build infrastructure, like roads, be abused to help subsidize multi-billion dollar sports franchises and owners. Hardworking Americans should not be forced to finance billion-dollar sports stadiums,” said Grothman. “Sports infrastructure brings value to communities. But, just like most government programs, we must be intellectually honest and question the need for tax dollars to subsidize projects. If a billion-dollar stadium is worth the investment, the builder should seek those investments in the free market instead of demanding discounted rates courtesy of taxpayers.

    “American taxpayers should not be forced to fund the building of sports stadiums for super-rich sports team owners,” said Beyer. “Billionaire owners who need cash can borrow from the market like any other business. Arguments that stadiums boost job creation have been repeatedly discredited. In a time when there is a debate over whether the country can ‘afford’ investments in health care, childcare, education, or fighting climate change, it is ridiculous to even contemplate such a radical misuse of publicly subsidized bonds.”

    Background

    Under current law, professional sports teams are allowed to finance stadium construction using tax-exempt municipal bonds, a provision originally intended to help local governments fund essential public infrastructure projects such as schools, hospitals, and roads. This loophole has enabled wealthy sports franchises to benefit from taxpayer dollars, often with little measurable economic return to the surrounding communities.

    Since 2000, 43 professional sports stadiums have been financed with tax-exempt municipal bonds, costing American taxpayers an estimated $4.3 billion in lost federal revenue.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Modernizing Public Housing in Syracuse’s East Adams

    Source: US State of New York

    overnor Kathy Hochul today announced the start of construction on the rehabilitation of Almus Olver Towers, a $107 million project with 191 public housing units that is part of the city of Syracuse’s East Adams Neighborhood Transformation Plan, which complements the demolition of the Interstate 81 viaduct by revitalizing a 27-block area and reconnecting neighborhoods on each side of the overpass. In the past five years, New York State Homes and Community Renewal has created or preserved more than 3,000 affordable homes in Onondaga County. Almus Olver Towers continues this effort and complements Governor Hochul’s $25 billion five-year Housing Plan which is on track to create or preserve 100,000 affordable homes statewide.

    “As we move forward with the long-awaited I-81 viaduct demolition in Syracuse, the rehabilitation of Almus Olver Towers fits our broader vision to reconnect communities segregated for decades by highway concrete,” Governor Hochul said. “This transformative $107 million investment will revitalize a cornerstone of the East Adams neighborhood, modernize the city’s public housing stock, and create new affordable housing opportunities for current and future New Yorkers.”

    Constructed in 1963, the 12-story building is being rehabilitated by McCormack Baron Salazar, Inc. in partnership with the Syracuse Housing Authority. All apartments at Almus Olver Towers will be set aside for households earning up to 60 percent of the Area Median Income and will continue to primarily house seniors aged 55 and older, and individuals living with disabilities.

    Renovations at Almus Olver Towers will include increasing the total number of units from 184 to 191, upgrading common areas, kitchens, bathrooms, and the facade, replacing the building’s roof, and constructing an outdoor pavilion with a seating area for residents.

    The highly-energy efficient, all-electric development is designed to meet Enterprise Green Communities standards, with efficiency measures including all-electric heating, cooling and domestic hot water systems that feature installation of a geothermal system.

    State financing for the Almus Olver Towers rehabilitation includes State and Federal Low Income Housing Tax Credits that will generate $53 million in equity and $33 million in subsidy from New York State Homes and Community Renewal. The development also benefits from over $3.2 million in Clean Energy Initiative, a partnership between HCR and NYSERDA that aligns the development and preservation of affordable housing with New York’s affordable and just transition to a clean energy economy.

    New York State Homes and Community Renewal Commissioner RuthAnne Visnauskas said, “Our partnership with the Syracuse Housing Authority on the $107 million rehabilitation of Almus Olver Towers not only preserves 191 apartments for vulnerable New Yorkers, but it also contributes to the reversal of decades of segregation and under-investment in our public housing stock. Thanks to Governor Hochul’s leadership, we are delivering affordable, modern, energy-efficient, and equitable housing options to communities across New York.”

    New York State Department of Transportation Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez said, “As we move closer to removing the elevated highway that has divided the City of Syracuse for far too long, we are not only restoring light to this community in the literal sense, but brightening the future for those living in the shadow of the viaduct. As we work to reconnect communities cut off by the aging infrastructure, we are improving access and unlocking new opportunities for growth. Governor Hochul’s investment into the rehabilitation of Alma Olver Towers builds upon these efforts and ensures everyone has an opportunity to thrive.”

    New York State Energy Research and Development Authority President and CEO Doreen M. Harris said, “Today, we take another step toward transforming New York’s affordable housing stock into clean, modern living with construction starting on the rehabilitation of Almus Olvers Towers. This development will feature highly efficient upgrades, such as electric heating and cooling, and creates the opportunity for more families in Syracuse’s East Adams neighborhood to benefit from healthier, more comfortable living spaces.”

    Assemblymember Pam Hunter said, “The renovation of Almus Olver Towers represents a critical investment in the future of Syracuse, ensuring that families have access to safe, modern, and energy-efficient affordable housing. By incorporating sustainable features like geothermal heating and accessibility improvements, this project not only revitalizes existing homes but also reduces our carbon footprint, promoting a healthier and more sustainable community for years to come. I am proud to support this transformative effort as part of the broader commitment to revitalizing the East Adams neighborhood and expanding quality housing options for Central New Yorkers.”

    Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh said, “Today, we are celebrating progress toward improving housing and quality of life in the East Adams neighborhood. The Almus Olver Towers project will provide safe, accessible, and affordable housing for some of our most vulnerable city residents without having to relocate occupants outside the building. It will also create housing we can all be proud of by incorporating energy-efficient and sustainable features that will improve living conditions and save occupants money. I am thankful to New York State Homes and Community Renewal for preserving affordable housing in Syracuse, and to the Syracuse Housing Authority and McCormack Baron Salazar for their work on a project that will pave the way for our larger redevelopment efforts in East Adams.”

    Syracuse Housing Authority Executive Director William J. Simmons said,“This renovation is about much more than bricks and mortar. It’s about honoring our residents and ensuring they have a safe, modern, and dignified place to call home. We’re proud to work alongside our partners to preserve deeply affordable housing and move one step closer to a stronger, more connected, and revitalized East Adams community.”

    McCormack Baron Salazar Co-Founder and Chairman Richard Baron said,“We’re proud to kickstart our partnership with the Syracuse Housing Authority and the City of Syracuse with the renovation of Almus Olver Towers. We’re also grateful to New York State Homes and Community Renewal for their impressive commitment to this project and to the broader East Adams transformation.”

    Governor Hochul’s Housing Agenda
    Governor Hochul is committed to addressing New York’s housing crisis and making the State more affordable and more livable for all New Yorkers. As part of the FY25 Enacted Budget, the Governor secured a landmark agreement to increase New York’s housing supply through new tax incentives for Upstate communities, new incentives and relief from certain state-imposed restrictions to create more housing in New York City, a $500 million capital fund to build up to 15,000 new homes on state-owned property, an additional $600 million in funding to support a variety of housing developments statewide and new protections for renters and homeowners.

    The FY25 Enacted Budget also strengthened the Pro-Housing Community Program which the Governor launched in 2023. Pro Housing Certification is now a requirement for localities to access up to $650 million in discretionary funding. To date, nearly 300 communities have been certified, including the city of Syracuse.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI: Topline Financial Credit Union Promotes Alan Sonnenburg to Exectuive Vice President and Chief Revenue Officer

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    MAPLE GROVE, Minn., April 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — TopLine Financial Credit Union, a Twin Cities-based member-owned financial services cooperative, has promoted Alan Sonnenburg to Executive Vice President and Chief Revenue Officer effective March 31, 2025.

    Sonnenburg joined TopLine in 2018 as the credit union’s Senior Vice President of Lending and Chief lending Officer, with more than 34 years of experience in the financial services industry. During his tenure at TopLine, Alan has been responsible for overseeing consumer lending, loan servicing and underwriting, indirect lending, mortgage services, business services, collections and training teams, and in his expanded role he will add retail branching and operation teams.

    “Alan is a highly talented financial services executive, and this is a well-deserved promotion,” said Mick Olson, President and CEO, TopLine Financial Credit Union. “He played a pivotal role in our 2019 technology conversions, improving and managing our lending operations, strategic planning, and currently assisting with merger activities with Anoka Hennepin Credit Union. His extensive industry experience, knowledge and collaborative approach will allow him to successfully take on this expanded role.”
    Alan is an active participant with the Credit Union Lending Council. He has served in various council roles within his local church; served as treasurer for a student group at Eastview High School, and had various leadership positions within youth sports for Eastview Athletic Association. Alan earned his Bachelor of Science degree from Minnesota State University, Mankato.

    TopLine Financial Credit Union, a Twin Cities-based credit union, is Minnesota’s 9th largest credit union, with assets of over $1.1 billion and serves over 70,000 members. Established in 1935, the not-for-profit financial cooperative offers a complete line of financial services from its ten branch locations — in Bloomington, Brooklyn Park, Champlin, Circle Pines, Coon Rapids, Forest Lake, Maple Grove, Plymouth, St. Francis and in St. Paul’s Como Park — as well as by phone and online at www.TopLinecu.com. Membership is available to anyone who lives, works, worships, attends school or volunteers in Anoka, Benton, Carver, Chisago, Dakota, Hennepin, Isanti, Kanabec, Mille Lacs, Pine, Ramsey, Scott, Sherburne, Washington and Wright counties in Minnesota and their immediate family members, as well as employees and retirees of Anoka Hennepin School District #11, Anoka Technical College, Federal Premium Ammunition, Hoffman Enclosures, Inc., GRACO, Inc., and their subsidiaries. Visit us on our Facebook or Instagram. To learn more about the credit union’s foundation, visit www.TopLinecu.com/Foundation.

    CONTACT:
    Vicki Roscoe Erickson
    Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer
    TopLine Financial Credit Union
    verickson@toplinecu.com
    763.391.0872

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at: https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/c11b6164-a5c8-433a-b220-cb00707b606e

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI Security: Former Cleveland City Council Member Sentenced to Prison

    Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime News

    CLEVELAND – Basheer Jones, 40, of Cleveland, Ohio, has been sentenced to 28 months in prison by U.S. District Judge J. Philip Calabrese, after pleading guilty to conspiring to commit wire fraud and honest services fraud by using his role as a public official for personal financial gain by seeking to defraud multiple community stakeholders out of more than $200,000. He was also ordered to serve three years of supervised release after imprisonment and pay $143,598.47 in restitution to local nonprofits.

    According to court documents, from about December 2018 to June 2021, the former Cleveland city councilman for Ward 7 persuaded several local nonprofits to enter into arrangements that benefitted Jones and his romantic partner and co-conspirator. Jones sought and obtained funds from the nonprofits under the guise of working on projects to redevelop Ward 7. Throughout the scheme, he took steps to ensure that his personal connection to his romantic partner, through whom he benefited from these arrangements, was not discovered.

    “Mr. Jones used his position to dishonestly line his pockets with tens of thousands of dollars,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Carol M. Skutnik for the Northern District of Ohio. “He betrayed the city of Cleveland and its citizens, who elected him to serve as a leader in our community. With his deceptive actions, he also violated federal laws. Anyone who thinks they can use a public office to defraud nonprofits and obtain bribes will face consequences and pay the price for those decisions, and my office will prosecute you to the fullest extent of the law.”

    The defendant’s schemes worked by convincing nonprofits to make payments toward projects they believed were for Ward 7 revitalization projects, including to buy real estate from purported third parties. Instead, the money went into bank accounts that his romantic partner controlled. Jones then instructed her to divert those funds to herself, to himself, and to others he chose.

    Jones also convinced a nonprofit to make payments to an entity controlled by his co-conspiring partner, all while knowing that the funds would flow back to himself. Jones recommended that the nonprofit should hire a consultant for community outreach. Unbeknownst to the nonprofit, the consultant was actually Jones’s romantic partner. She submitted invoices to the unsuspecting nonprofit and was subsequently paid through her consulting business.

    Jones later defrauded the same nonprofit out of an additional $50,000, again through his partner’s consulting business. Jones claimed that he needed $50,000 to plan a community event, which included buying backpacks for schoolchildren, and falsely promised that the city would reimburse the organization. Instead, after the funds were paid, no event was held, and Jones again directed his romantic partner to divide the money amongst herself, Jones, and others Jones chose.

    “Public corruption at any level of government will not be tolerated. Jones abused his position of trust for personal gain while scheming against the people he was elected to serve, including non-profit entities and well-meaning leaders,” said FBI Cleveland Acting Special Agent in Charge Charles Johnston. “Elected officials who demonstrate a reckless disregard for violating the oath they swore to uphold is detestable. Today’s sentence underscores the FBIs commitment to ensuring that those who engage in fraud and corruption will be investigated and held accountable. We will continue working with our law enforcement partners to root out corruption and ensure elected officials are serving with honesty, fairness, and integrity.”

    Some of the projects Jones pushed included seeking community funding to rehabilitate certain distressed properties while concealing his financial interest in them. In one instance, Jones devised a bribery scheme under which he arranged for co-conspirators, including his romantic partner, to acquire a dilapidated property on Superior Road, and used his position as councilperson to pass ordinances allocating city funds to buy that property from them. Jones arranged for a co-conspirator to buy the property a minimal cost. After asking a nonprofit to purchase and rehabilitate the property, and promising city funding, Jones sponsored an emergency ordinance to fund the nonprofit’s purchase and renovation of the property. When Jones was unable to convince the nonprofit to proceed, he arranged to transfer the property to his romantic partner’s consulting business, with the understanding that she would share the proceeds of the sale with him. After sponsoring another ordinance to reauthorize city funding for the same project, Jones sought to finalize the nonprofit’s purchase of the property from his partner’s entity for $80,000. Ultimately that scheme failed when the nonprofit decided not to proceed with the purchase.

    However, Jones and his romantic partner did succeed in obtaining funds for the sale of a different property to another nonprofit. He misled them to believe that he was assisting with the acquisition of the property from the original owner. Instead, he was simultaneously arranging for his partner to acquire the property from the original owner in the name of another business entity, and then immediately to resell it to the nonprofit. Jones and his romantic partner arranged to purchase the property for only $1, promising to pay a $40,500 city demolition bill. But without paying that bill or disclosing it, Jones’s romantic partner immediately re-sold the property to the nonprofit for $45,000.

    “Basheer Jones abused his position of trust by deliberately engaging in fraudulent schemes to divert HUD money – funds meant to improve the community— for his own personal gain,” said Special Agent in Charge Shawn Rice with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), Office of Inspector General (OIG). “HUD OIG will continue to work with the U.S. Attorney’s Office and law enforcement to investigate and hold accountable bad actors who exploit HUD-funded programs for their own benefit.”

    This case was investigated by the FBI Cleveland Division, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Office of the Inspector General, and the IRS – Criminal Investigation.

    The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Erica Barnhill and Elliot Morrison for the Northern District of Ohio.

    To report fraud, visit justice.gov/action-center/report-crime-or-submit-complaint.

    MIL Security OSI