NewzIntel.com

Category: Transport

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Appeal close to home for Werribee Fire Brigade

    Source:

    Werribee Fire Brigade members are gearing up for the Good Friday Appeal

    Werribee Fire Brigade members will be hitting the streets once again this Good Friday, hoping to raise as much as possible for The Royal Children’s Hospital’s Good Friday Appeal.

    Fundraising as a brigade since 1977, the brigade begins planning months before the day itself, taking into account where members will be stationed, transport for the day and most importantly who will be cooking the fish on the BBQ to keep them fueled.  

    Having raised well over $1 million for the cause over the years, the Appeal is a key event in the brigade’s annual calendar. 

    Werribee Fire Brigade Captain Michael Wells has been a CFA member for 36 years and has fond memories of fundraising with the brigade in the late 1980s right through to today. He said fundraising is a joint effort between the brigade itself and the wider community.  

    “We rely on our members to get involved, both in the lead-up to and on the day itself, and we rely on our community to be generous enough to allow us to do that,” Michael said. 

    “Everyone gets behind the cause and it really inspires us to keep doing this.” 

    For the brigade members, fundraising for the Appeal is a proud extension to their volunteerism with CFA. 

    “As firefighters, we often see devastation that can occur and incidents where children might end up needing the services of The Royal Children’s Hospital, whether it’s a burn or an injury sustained in a motor vehicle accident,” Michael said. 

    “We volunteer with CFA because we are community-minded and like giving back, so this is just another way we can contribute. We understand the importance of having the best facilities available, and if we can contribute to this in some way, it is worthwhile.” 

    The cause hits close to home for the team, with many brigade members using the services of The Royal Children’s Hospital over many years.  

    Werribee Fire Brigade firefighter Mick Davie is one of those members. Mick has done everything and more over his last 20 years of fundraising, from door-knocking, tin-rattling, to sitting on the organising committee.  

    “My family has a long history with both CFA and the Good Friday Appeal. Both my kids and my wife get there early in the morning with me, and we spend the day helping to raise as much money as we can for the cause,” Mick said.  

    “We’ve seen the impacts the Appeal can have firsthand, with both of our kids needing treatment. 

    “Our son, Jake, has needed two head reconstructions and our daughter, Charlotte, is currently going through cancer treatment, so we are at the hospital weekly. We can’t speak highly enough about them and what they have done for our family. 

    “We are so lucky to have the Royal Children’s Hospital so close and accessible to us. The staff there are the best in the world at what they do, they are so good at finding the best treatment for each individual and what will work best for each child. 

    “There is a reason that people come from around the world to see specialists there.  

    “We need the hospital to have the best gear possible so our kids can be looked after. 

    “You can see the impact that the Good Friday Appeal can have as soon as you visit The Royal Children’s Hospital. It is really important to keep the support going.” 

    This year, CFA volunteers are aiming to surpass $40 million in total funds collected for the Good Friday Appeal across 74 years.   

    On Good Friday, call 1300 APPEAL between 9am and 11pm.

    • Jake, Mick and Charlotte Davie
    • The Good Friday Appeal is a community event for Werribee crews
    • Werribee Fire Brigade have been heavily involved with the Appeal for many years
    • The Appeal is a great opportunity to get as many brigade members involved as possible
    Submitted by CFA Media

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Reed Seeks to Unfreeze $80 Million to Help RIers Lower Their Home Energy Bills

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Rhode Island Jack Reed

    PROVIDENCE, RI – The Trump Administration is withholding tens of millions of dollars for clean energy and energy efficiency upgrades across Rhode Island that Congress approved under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (P.L. 117-58) and the Inflation Reduction Act (P.L. 117-169).

    U.S. Senator Jack Reed supported the creation of a number of clean energy grant programs in the two laws to help Rhode Islanders lower their energy bills, make energy efficiency upgrades more affordable and accessible for Americans, and boost renewable energy production.  Now, Senator Reed is urging the Trump Administration to release around $80 million in previously awarded federal funds to help Rhode Island accelerate its clean energy transition, lower prices, and drive economic growth.

    Today, Senator Reed, a member of the Appropriations Committee, sent a pair of letters to two key members of President Trump’s cabinet.  Reed urged U.S. Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy to “release the nearly $36 million in electric vehicle charging infrastructure funding for Rhode Island that is being held by the Department of Transportation.”  He also urged U.S. Secretary of Energy  Christopher Wright to “immediately release nearly $43 million in clean energy and energy efficiency funding for Rhode Island.”

    “Rhode Islanders deserve affordable, reliable electricity.  America needs an energy policy that embraces technology and innovation and includes renewables like solar, wind, geothermal, and emerging battery storage technologies.  Investing in things like heat pumps is a win-win that lowers energy costs, increases energy independence, and supports good-paying jobs here in Rhode Island.  We’ve made some real progress, but President Trump’s partisan hold on clean energy funds puts those gains at risk and contributes to higher home energy costs,” said Senator Reed.

    Federal clean energy funds being halted or withheld by the Trump Administration includes:

    Home Efficiency Rebate (HER) Program: $31.9 million halted indefinitely, awaiting final approval.   The funding is in Rhode Island Office of Energy Resources’ (OER) U.S. Treasury account, but OER is unable to launch the program until it receives final approval of its implementation blueprint plan from DOE. 

    This funding would allow Rhode Islanders to get rebates for up to 100 percent of the costs (up to $16,000 per multifamily unit) to purchase and install heat pumps.  According to Rewiring America, the average homeowner will save between $370 to $1,000 per year by upgrading to a heat pump.

    National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI): Over $20.8 million frozen and guidance rescinded.  NEVI funds are designed to ensure a convenient, reliable network of charging stations for electric vehicles (EVs) nationwide.  The program was allocated $22.8 million, $2 million has already been spent by the state.

    Charging and Fueling Infrastructure Grant Program (CFI): $15 million on hold – with grant agreement signed, but funds not obligated.

    This funding would help build out RI’s EV charging infrastructure and would finance additional chargers in strategic public locations such as public road parking lots, municipal office buildings, public schools, and public parks. 

    Building Code Adoption: $9.4 million awarded but never obligated.

    This program would help local governments adopt updated building energy conservation codes and standards.  The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that by 2040, modernized energy codes will save homes and businesses $138 billion on their utility bills— equivalent to $162 annually per household.

    Resilient and Efficient Codes Implementation (RECI): $1.6 million on hold. The money is in OER’s U.S. Treasury account, but any drawdown of funds is subject to agency approval.

    This program is designed for training and implementation of updated energy codes for residential buildings.

    Many of these large grants are structured as passthrough grants, meaning federal agencies grant a large sum to a state agency, which then coordinates its own in-state application and disbursement process with local communities and non-profit partners.  Many were scheduled to begin this year before being halted by the Trump Administration.

    The Inflation Reduction Act has been instrumental in attracting more than $129 billion in announced clean energy factory investments nationwide since it was enacted in 2022.  Rolling back investments would harm all 50 states and create an economic drag on the U.S. economy.

    These federal funds were authorized and appropriated by Congress, signed into law by the previous administration, and awarded to Rhode Island.  Federal law allows for a pause or delay in releasing funds by a new Administration, but a rescission of Congressionally appropriated funds, without Congressional approval, is tantamount to impoundment, which is illegal.  However, the Trump Administration believes impoundment is permissible and that the President has the authority to ignore funding laws that have been passed by Congress. The Trump Administration now wants to litigate this matter before what it believes is a friendly U.S. Supreme Court with six of nine justices appointed by Republican presidents. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: To Help More American Households Save Energy, U.S. Senators Renew Bipartisan Effort to Boost Weatherization Aid

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Rhode Island Jack Reed
    WASHINGTON, DC – In an effort to make more homes energy efficient and help residents save on their utility bills, U.S. Senators Jack Reed (D-RI), Susan Collins (R-ME), Chris Coons (D-DE) and Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) teamed up to re-introduce the Weatherization Assistance Program Improvements Act (S.1342).  This bipartisan bill seeks to improve public health and lower household energy costs by bolstering the federal Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP), which covers home weatherization, window replacement, sealing air leaks, ventilation improvements, and other key energy-saving measures.
    The bill will authorize a Weatherization Readiness Fund to help those in need repair structural issues and prepare homes for weatherization assistance, increasing the number of homes the program is able to serve.  It also seeks to raise the amount of funding allowed to be spent on each home to keep up with current labor and material costs, and will raise the cap on the amount of funding allowed to be spent on renewable energy upgrades in each home.  These provisions are essential updates to a program that has helped so many families over the past few decades.
    Since 1976, the Weatherization Assistance Program has helped more than 7.4 million low-income families reduce their energy bills by making their homes more energy efficient.  The U.S Department of Energy estimates that these upgrades help each household save $372 in energy bills annually.
    In addition to saving families money, energy efficient homes also help cut down on our carbon footprint, reducing the greenhouse gas emissions that cause climate change.
    “This bipartisan, cost-effective bill is about saving families and taxpayers money, cutting air pollution, and generating good-paying clean-energy jobs.  Passing the Weatherization Assistance Program Improvements Act will help save families in need real money on their energy bills while also benefitting the U.S. economy, environment, and public health.  It would help reduce demand on energy grids nationwide which helps keep utility rates lower and frees up financial resources for family essentials, like groceries and medicine.  By expanding the program to include critical home repairs, we can alleviate economic hardship, address healthy housing disparities, and improve energy efficiency for those households who need it most,” said Senator Reed.
    “The Weatherization Assistance Program is a proven, cost-effective way to permanently decrease energy usage while reducing low-income Americans’ energy bills,” said Senator Collins.  “This bipartisan bill would help build on the significant investments we have secured for the Weatherization Assistance Program so that more Americans are able to make improvements that will allow them to affordably heat their homes.”
    “During the baking heat of summer and the freezing winds of winter, too many families across this country struggle to pay their heating and cooling bills,” said Senator Coons. “The Weatherization Assistance Program has already helped thousands of Delawareans trying to make ends meet, and this legislation lowers rising energy bills for thousands more by giving low-income families support to make their homes more energy efficient while creating new clean energy jobs and reducing the impact of climate change. 
    “Weatherizing homes is one of the most effective tools we have to help Granite State families save money on their monthly utility bills while also reducing emissions,” said Senator Shaheen. “By expanding access to the Weatherization Assistance Program, this commonsense bipartisan legislation would allow more households to implement cost-saving energy efficiency measures that create new jobs and boost New Hampshire’s economy.” 
    David Terry, the President of the National Association of State Energy Officials, stated: “We applaud Senators Reed, Collins, Coons and Shaheen for introducing this important bipartisan piece of legislation, which will help low-income and elderly Americans.  The sponsoring senators are continuing their long-time support of energy efficiency programs that reduce costs for the public.”
    David Bradley, CEO of the National Community Action Foundation which represents local weatherizers said: “The Weatherization Assistance Program Improvements Act keeps hundreds of community teams  hard at work with streamlined processes and up to date  technology. It will help make older homes safer and sturdier, so retirees and working  families can stay in their communities; energy bills will be lower; residents will be healthier and even make fewer emergency hospital visits.  Thousands of contractors and crew members will be trained in valuable specialty skills of measuring and improving building performance.  The unwavering leadership of Senators Jack Reed, Susan Collins, Chris Coons and Jeanne Shaheen keeps the Weatherization Assistance Program robust and relevant through changing times.”
    Cheryl Williams, Executive Director of the National Association for State Community Services Programs said: “NASCSP is thrilled to support the Weatherization Assistance Program Improvements Act, introduced by Senators Reed, Collins, Coons, and Shaheen, long time champions of weatherization. This legislation paves the way toward decreasing energy burdens and improving the health and safety of low-income households, while supporting more than 8,500 highly skilled jobs across the country.”
    Weatherization is key to lowering the energy burden among low-income households, a quarter of whom spend more than 15% of annual income on energy bills.?This?burden often?compels families with limited financial resources to?cut back?on essentials like medicine, groceries, and child care.
    An independent study of the Weatherization Assistance Program by Oak Ridge National Laboratory found that children in weatherized households miss less school, improving educational outcomes.  Adults miss less work, increasing both their own incomes and their contributions to the economy.  Families also reported experiencing fewer flu and cold symptoms and emergency room visits, decreasing costly medical expenses.
    The Weatherization Assistance Program also helps boost our economy.  DOE has reported that the program supports over 8,500 jobs for energy experts and contractors, while increasing our national economic output by $1.2 billion.
    Senators Reed and Collins spearheaded the bipartisan effort to include $3.5 billion in WAP funding in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
    Click here to read the full bill text.
    -end-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: ACT Disability Strategy builds a more inclusive Canberra

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services



    As part of ACT Government’s ‘One Government, One Voice’ program, we are transitioning this website across to our . You can access everything you need through this website while it’s happening.

    Released 11/04/2025

    On the one-year anniversary of the ACT Disability Strategy, the ACT Government is reinforcing our commitment to fostering a more inclusive city for people with disability.

    The development of the 10-year Strategy and associated action plans set a high bar as an example of extensive community-led co-design approaches with people with disability, advocates, carers and service providers.

    The Government has committed more than $5.5 million to support delivering on the Strategy’s priorities to continue removing barriers and enhancing accessibility for people with disability in the ACT.

    Key achievements in the first year of the Strategy and First Action Plan include:

    • Increasing funding for Disability Inclusion Grants and launching the new Supporting and Strengthening LGBTIQA+ Communities grant program to support community-led peer support initiatives for LGBTQI+ people with disabilities.
    • The transition of International Day for people with Disability (I-Day) to community control to ensure celebrations of this important day are led by the disability community.
    • The Our Canberra newsletter is now available in Easy English.
    • Supporting all Canberrans to enjoy major festivals and events with more accessible change facilities at these events.
    • Providing access to new sexual violence prevention training programs for ACT disability sector workers and Domestic, Family, and Sexual Violence sector workers to support individuals with intellectual and learning disabilities.

    The Government acknowledges there is still more to do to ensure Canberrans living with a disability have full and equal participation in all aspects of community life.

    Key focus of the work ahead includes:

    • Hosting a Disability Inclusive Emergency Planning Forum for people with disability to enhance safety during disasters.
    • Investigating options to deliver a self-advocacy program to help people with disabilities understand and assert their human rights.
    • Progressing a supported work experience pilot program for ACT students with disabilities to receive customised student-centred work experience.
    • Providing ongoing opportunities for community participation through the YourSay Panel platform and increased funding for I-Day Grants.

    The progression of this important work will continue to be guided and informed by the experiences of people with disability and the broader ACT Disability Community.

    Quote attributable to Minister for Disability, Carers and Community Services Suzanne Orr:

    “Today marks an important milestone in our journey to ensuring Canberra is as inclusive as it can be and a place where people with disability can fully and easily participate in all aspects of our community.

    “I would like to thank everyone who has shared their time, expertise and experience in the last year to ensure the needs of people with disability are heard and we are making the change that is needed.

    “Making our city truly inclusive won’t happen straight away and I look forward to working with the community as we continue to build on our work to date.”

    Quote attributable to Renée Heaton, Chair of Disability Reference Group:

    “It has been 12 months since the ACT Disability Strategy was launched and with so much reform yet to come the DRG are pleased that the Strategy and first action plan is delivering for Canberrans with disability now.

    “The actions delivered to date cross directorates and interlink to make sure that however a person with disability wants to live their life, they can.

    “For example, if they want to go out to the multicultural festival, they can knowing there’s an accessible changing places bathroom available.

    “People with disability deserve to have great lives so we look forward to the ACT Government continuing to deliver on the First Action Plan and showing the rest of Australia how it’s done.”

    – Statement ends –

    Suzanne Orr, MLA | Media Releases

    «ACT Government Media Releases | «Minister Media Releases

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Reflections on 2024: FECM’s Year in Review

    Source: US Department of Energy

    By any measure, 2024 was one of the most successful in the Office of Fossil Energy and Carbon Management’s (FECM’s) history. 

    We made enormous progress toward addressing and reducing methane emissions in the oil and gas industry to meet our environmental responsibilities and ensure that U.S. natural gas can compete in a rapidly changing global marketplace.

    We accelerated carbon capture, removal, utilization, and storage technologies, and laid the groundwork for a strengthened and expanded carbon dioxide (CO2) transport and storage infrastructure.

    We made real and impressive strides toward establishing a secure domestic supply chain for the critical minerals and materials that will be required in a 21st Century economy.

    We advanced pathways to clean hydrogen deployment through fuel cell technology, as well as electrolysis and biomass, waste, and fossil resources coupled to carbon capture, utilization, and storage. 

    And we expanded meaningful engagement and strengthened relationships with communities, Tribes, industry, and other stakeholders to not only ensure the success of our projects but also to help drive economic development, technological innovation, and the growth of high-wage jobs across America.

    Our 2024 successes would not have been possible without the hard work and dedication of the people who make up FECM. We are thankful for our leadership and our team at Headquarters and at the National Energy Technology Laboratory for their continued amazing work—and for their professionalism and commitment. 

    As we look toward 2025, we remain committed to carrying out our work for the American people. 

    Year in Review Highlights

    Here are a few prominent examples of FECM investing in technologies to minimize the environmental and climate impacts of fossil fuel and industrial processes:

    • DOE collaborated with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to award $850 million to 43 projects that will help small oil and gas operators, Tribes, and other entities across the country to reduce, monitor, measure, and quantify methane emissions from the oil and gas sector as part of President Biden’s Investing in America agenda. 
    • With funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, FECM awarded $518 million to strengthen the nation’s infrastructure for permanent, safe storage of CO2. The 23 selected projects across 19 states support the Carbon Storage Assurance Facility Enterprise (CarbonSAFE) Initiative.
    • FECM announced $75 million to establish a Critical Materials Supply Chain Research Facility to support on-going government initiatives, such as the Critical Materials Collaborative and Critical Materials Innovation Hub, along with the overall DOE-wide critical mineral and material goals of diversifying and expanding supply, developing alternatives, improving efficiencies across the supply chain, and enabling a circular economy.
    • FECM invested $45 million into six projects to create regional consortia focused on securing domestic critical minerals and materials. The selected projects will build on DOE’s Carbon Ore, Rare Earth and Critical Minerals (CORE-CM) Initiative, expanding the focus from the basin scale to cover eight regions across the nation. 
    • FECM along with DOE’s Hydrogen Fuel Cell Technologies Office invested more than $58.5 million into 11 projects that aim to support Carbon Negative Shot’s objectives through integrated pilot-scale testing of advanced technologies and detailed monitoring, reporting, and verification protocols. Carbon Negative Shot is the U.S. government’s first major carbon dioxide removal effort and part of DOE’s larger Energy Earthshots Initiative.
    • FECM invested $44.5 million into nine university and industry-led project teams that will serve as regional partners to advance commercial-scale carbon capture, transport, and storage across the United States. The Regional Initiative for Technical Assistance Partnerships will accelerate the understanding of specific geologic basins to enable the permanent storage of CO2 emissions from industrial operations and power plants, as well as legacy emissions in the atmosphere. 
    • FECM announced four research and development projects that will receive nearly $32 million to advance technologies to help reduce natural gas flaring at oil production sites, a significant source of greenhouse gas emissions, by transforming gas into valuable products that would otherwise be wasted by those operations. These projects support the U.S. Methane Emissions Reduction Action Plan, which launched a whole-of-government initiative to redouble efforts to significantly reduce methane emissions while protecting workers and communities, growing jobs, and promoting U.S. technology innovation.

    FECM also formed new working groups and initiatives to strengthen stakeholder engagement:

    • After requesting, receiving, and incorporating feedback from climate, environmental justice, community, labor organizations, and carbon management sector leaders, along with guidance from other DOE offices, FECM released principles to help developers deploy successful carbon management projects that reduce pollution, create high-quality jobs, and improve transparency and accountability under the Responsible Carbon Management Initiative.
    • The International Measurement, Monitoring, Reporting, and Verification Working Group released a framework for the measurement, monitoring, reporting, and verification of methane, carbon dioxide, and other greenhouse gas emissions to drive continuous reductions in emissions across the global natural gas market.
    • The Tribal Fossil Energy and Carbon Management Working Group was formed to provide ongoing advice and expertise to DOE on the best ways to assist Tribal decarbonization efforts and utilization of their natural resources.
    • DOE and the White House Council on Environmental Quality held the first meeting of two federal Permitting Task Forces to help address the efficient, orderly, and responsible development of CO2 pipelines and related carbon capture and storage projects. This includes projects on both private and federal lands and of those that cross federal, state and tribal boundaries.
    • And with support from various DOE offices, we released the Carbon Management Strategy for public comment to provide a comprehensive roadmap for the remainder of the decade.

    We hope you enjoyed reading this highlight of FECM’s accomplishments over the past year. To keep up to date with future announcements, blogs, and more, sign up for news alerts and follow us on X, LinkedIn, and Facebook.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: FECM Leadership Advances New Strategic Priorities at Industry Events and National Laboratory Site Visits

    Source: US Department of Energy

    Blog

    FECM leadership has been engaging with stakeholders and staff across North America, introducing the Trump Administration’s priorities and their role in promoting energy abundance and security.

    Office of Fossil Energy and Carbon Management

    March 20, 2025

    PDAS Tala Goudarzi and Deputy Assistant Secretary of Operations Vicki Michetti take a closer look at the groundbreaking projects underway at the NETL Albany campus.

    In recent weeks, U.S. Department of Energy Office of Fossil Energy and Carbon Management (FECM) leadership has been engaging with stakeholders and staff across North America, introducing the Trump Administration’s priorities and their role in promoting energy abundance and security.

    On February 11, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary (PDAS) Tala Goudarzi, joined by Deputy Assistant Secretary of Operations Vicki Michetti, visited the National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL) campus in Albany, Oregon to tour the facility and discuss the Administration’s energy agenda. The NETL-Albany campus is internationally recognized for its work in metallurgy and materials research, with a particular emphasis on processing critical minerals and alloys. Additionally, the campus explores and characterizes natural systems including natural gas hydrates and geothermal systems. 

    From left to right: Senior Advisor Derek Cohen, PDAS Tala Goudarzi, and Deputy Assistant Secretary of Operations Vicki Michetti learn about the innovative work being done at the NETL Morgantown campus.

    On February 27 and February 28, PDAS Goudarzi and Deputy Assistant Secretary of Operations Michetti visited NETL campuses in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and Morgantown, West Virginia to discuss the role the laboratory will play in unleashing American energy innovation. From left to right: Senior Advisor Derek Cohen, PDAS Tala Goudarzi, and Deputy Assistant Secretary of Operations Vicki Michetti learn about the innovative work being done at the NETL Morgantown campus.

    PDAS Tala Goudarzi and Senior Advisor Derek Cohen engages with technical staff at the NETL Pittsburgh campus.

    The Pittsburgh campus focuses on process systems engineering, decision science, functional materials, and environmental sciences, with an emphasis on rare earth elements used in defense technology and staples of modern living. The Morgantown campus focuses on domestic coal, natural gas, and oil energy conversion and is also home to Joule 2.0—one of the fastest, largest and most energy-efficient supercomputers in the world. Pictured: PDAS Tala Goudarzi and Senior Advisor Derek Cohen engages with technical staff at the NETL Pittsburgh campus.

    FECM and International Affairs (IA) leadership stand in front of the FECM booth at the 2025 Prospectors & Developers Association of Canada

    The following week, on March 7, FECM’s Deputy Assistant Secretary for the Office of Resource Sustainability Ryan Peay and Senior Science Advisor Grant Bromhal attended the 2025 Prospectors & Developers Association of Canada (PDAC) Conference in Toronto, Canada. Peay and Bromhal met with the mining industry’s most influential experts and stakeholders to further explore the role of a secure, domestic critical minerals supply to strengthen energy security.

    On March 10, Secretary of Energy Chris Wright delivered keynote remarks at the 43rd annual CERAWeek by S&P Global, emphasizing the need to bolster American energy, with a particular focus on liquefied natural gas exports. The conference, which took place in Houston, Texas between March 10 and March 14, centered around the theme of “Moving Ahead: Energy strategies for a complex world.” Throughout the week, PDAS Goudarzi engaged on the ground with industry leaders, policymakers, and other experts about the role of FECM in ensuring national security.

    To keep up to date with future announcements and events, sign up for FECM news alerts and visit FECM’s website.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Beijing projects fully large-scale 5G applications by 2027

    Source: China State Council Information Office 2

    Beijing will achieve large-scale 5G application and comprehensive 5G integration across industries by the end of 2027, positioning itself as a leading national benchmark for 5G adoption, according to a three-year action plan unveiled by municipal authorities.
    The plan, jointly released by the Beijing Municipal Bureau of Economy and Information Technology and the Beijing Communications Administration, sets targets including 100 percent 5G penetration among individual users, over 75 percent of total traffic carried by 5G networks, and 45 percent adoption by industrial enterprises above the designated size by 2027.
    Infrastructure upgrades will deploy 70 5G and 5G-Advanced (5G-A) base stations per 10,000 residents, with over 35,000 new or upgraded 5G-A base stations to ensure seamless 5G coverage within the Fifth Ring Road and 5G-A service in key areas, according to the bureau.
    The city will foster an ecosystem and expand new scenarios for 5G-powered smart robots, mobile terminals and cloud-based equipment, while cultivating 5G-integrated innovations including extended reality architectures, glasses-free 3D technology, smart wearables and home solutions.
    The large-scale application of 5G is expected to empower Beijing across industrial internet, humanoid robotics, smart power grids and low-altitude systems, healthcare and digital education. It will also enhance autonomous driving capabilities and support the building of 400 “5G smart hospitals.”

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rosen Helps Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Ban Bump Stocks, Protect Nevada Communities from Gun Violence

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV)
    WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV) helped introduce common-sense, bipartisan legislation to ban bump stocks and protect Nevada communities from gun violence. The Banning Unlawful Machinegun Parts (BUMP) Act would prohibit the sale of bump stocks and other devices or modifications that allow semi-automatic firearms to increase their rate of fire and effectively operate as fully automatic weapons. Bump stocks were used in the 1 October shooting in Las Vegas. After the Supreme Court reversed President Trump’s federal ban on bump stocks, Senator Rosen issued a statement calling for passage of federal legislation to ban these deadly modifications. 
    “Las Vegas was devastated on 1 October when a shooter used bump stocks to carry out the deadliest mass shooting in American history,” said Senator Rosen. “The Supreme Court’s decision to overturn the Trump-era bump stock ban was a brazen reversal of a common-sense measure to help prevent another similar tragedy. I’m helping to introduce this bipartisan bill to reinstate this ban and help keep communities safe.” 
    Senator Rosen has been a leader in the fight against gun violence. Last Congress, she helped introduce the Resources for Victims of Gun Violence Act to provide all victims of gun violence and their loved ones with the resources to help meet medical, legal, financial, and other needs. Senator Rosen also helped introduce the Background Check Expansion Act to expand federal background checks to all commercial gun sales, including those made online and at gun shows. She helped pass the historic Bipartisan Safer Communities Act to enhance background checks on firearm purchases for individuals under 21, fund the implementation of red flag laws, combat firearms trafficking, and invest in school safety and mental health programs.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Booker Reintroduces Legislation to Expand Child Care in Community Colleges and Minority-Serving Institutions

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Jersey Cory Booker
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) reintroduced the Preparing and Resourcing Our Student Parents and Early Childhood Teachers (PROSPECT) Act to expand access to high-quality early childhood care at community colleges and Minority-Serving Institutions (MSIs). U.S. Representatives Jahana Hayes (D-CT-05) and Donald Norcross (D-NJ-01) reintroduced companion legislation in the House.
    Student parents face significant hurdles in pursuing higher education, and the lack of accessible child care is a major contributor to their struggle. This challenge disproportionately affects students of color, particularly Black, Native American, and Latina women, who make up a significant portion of student parents. The declining availability of on-campus child care exacerbates these difficulties, especially at community colleges. The consequences are stark: student parents often face financial hardship, higher student loan debt, and a greater likelihood of leaving college without a degree.
    “Parents across our country who are attending college or dream of enrolling often struggle to find affordable, consistent child care while trying to pursue their education,” said Senator Booker. “The PROSPECT Act is critical legislation that invests in child care preparation programs at community colleges and MSIs while also expanding child care at college campuses so students and their kids have the resources they need to succeed.”
    As a former student parent juggling coursework, multiple jobs, and the demands of raising a child, I know firsthand the struggles many working parents face today,” said Congresswoman Hayes. The PROSPECT Act addresses this reality by making infant and toddler childcare more affordable and accessible on college campuses. This not only removes barriers to higher education but also invests in the well-being of families and the future of our workforce. By funding high-quality childcare programs and supporting early childhood educators, this bill empowers student parents to achieve their educational goals, secure better opportunities, and build a brighter future for themselves and their families.”
    “As someone who worked in construction as a single dad, I know access to childcare is critical to expanding opportunities, growing the middle class, and strengthening our economy,” said Congressman Norcross. “Childcare affordability for students who have children is good for the parent, their family, and our community. I’m honored to join Congresswoman Hayes and Senator Booker in introducing the PROSPECT Act to give working families a fair shot.”
    “Generation Hope proudly supports the PROSPECT Act, a critical step toward ensuring student parents have access to the affordable, high-quality child care they need to succeed in higher education. By investing in both early childhood educators and the families they serve, this bill strengthens our communities and creates a brighter future for generations to come,” said Nicole Lynn Lewis, Founder & CEO, Generation Hope.  
    The PROSPECT Act would establish competitive Federal grants that will empower community colleges and Minority Serving Institutions to become incubators for infant and toddler child care talent, training, and access on their campuses and in their communities. Specifically the legislation would:
    Invest in planning and implementation grants, including:
    Impact grants, which would expand the supply and quality of infant and toddler child care in the community by providing training, mentorship, technical support, and expansion funding to new and existing area infant and toddler child care providers.
    Access grants, which would provide free high-quality child care for up to 500,000 children under age three who have a parent attending a community college or Minority Serving Institution, thereby minimizing barriers to higher education completion, and reducing their post-graduation debt.
    Pipeline grants, which would fund community colleges and Minority Serving Institutions to launch and expand academic programs in early childhood education, and to form strategic partnerships with regional institutions to expand, diversify, and strengthen the workforce pipeline for infant and toddler child care providers.
    This bill would also amend the Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG) Act of 1990 by:
    Providing increased federal matching payments for child care to 90% for infant and toddler care, to incentivize states to raise their own investments in this area.
    The PROSPECT Act is endorsed by Generation Hope, Public Advocacy for Kids, UnidosUS, ZERO TO THREE, First Five Years Fund, Early Edge California, First Focus Campaign for Children, Connecticut Association for the Education of Young Children, National Association for the Education of Young Children, American Federation of Teachers, and Institute for Child Success. 
    To read the full text of the bill, click here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Warner & Kaine Statement on Latest Safety Incident at DCA

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Virginia Tim Kaine
    Published: April 10 2025

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA) issued the following statement regarding an incident at Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA) where two airplanes bumped into each other on the tarmac:
    “Thank God no one was hurt this time. We need a full investigation into this incident as soon as possible. We have said this over and over and hate having to say it again: when planes are taking off and landing every minute of the day, FAA funding is cut, air traffic controllers are fired, and current staff is spread thinner to cover more—that is when mistakes happen. The traveling public deserves action.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Military Leaders Agree with Warren: Effectively Delivering Child Care, Education Benefits to Service Members Is Vital for National Security

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts – Elizabeth Warren
    April 09, 2025
    Round 1 Exchanges (YouTube) | Round 2 Exchanges (YouTube)
    Washington, D.C. – At a hearing of the Senate Armed Services Subcommittee, U.S. Senator Warren, Ranking Member of the Subcommittee, asked military leaders about their work to improve wages for staff at military child care centers and protect education programs for servicemembers. 
    A 2023 DoD task force found that the best way to improve the shortage of child care workers at military Child Development Centers (CDCs) was to raise the workers’ wages. As a result, Congress tasked DoD with redesigning the compensation model. Senator Warren pressed personnel leaders of the branches about when they plan to release and implement the reworked model. All leaders said they would follow up later. 
    “We don’t say to our military families, ‘Here’s this really hard job,’ and then not give them the support that they need to be able to carry it out…My job is to keep turning up the heat until we actually get this done and pay them better,” said Senator Warren. 
    Senator Warren also highlighted how recent cuts to the civilian workforce at DoD make life harder for military families and pointed to the recent closure of a CDC in Utah due to workforce reductions. All of the leaders agreed that cuts that affect child care affect military readiness. 
    In her second round of questioning, Senator Warren brought up the government’s shortcomings on delivering education benefits to servicemembers, specifically its failure to deliver on statutorily-promised student debt relief and leaving servicemembers vulnerable to predatory actors.
    All of the witnesses agreed that leaving servicemembers vulnerable to predatory schools and lenders hurts the military’s recruitment and retention efforts. All of the military leaders also agreed that DOD must do everything possible to deliver debt cancellation under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program, as is statutorily required by Congress. 
    Senator Warren has submitted proposals for the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act to address these issues. Her proposals require DOD to provide quarterly updates on its work to implement a statutorily required data match to make it easier for servicemembers to get access to the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program; require the Government Accountability Office to analyze the challenges servicemembers face with student loan debt repayment; and to require the Pentagon to use the same procedures as the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs to more diligently monitor fraud, waste, and abuse at schools that receive more than $600 million in servicemember tuition assistance each year. 
    Transcript: Opening Statement at Hearing to receive testimony on Department of Defense personnel policies and programs in review of the Defense Authorization Request for Fiscal Year 2026 and the Future Years Defense ProgramSenate Armed Services CommitteeApril 9, 2025 
    Round 1: Child Care
    Senator Warren: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. So, every parent in this country understands how hard it is to find high quality, affordable, available child care. And for our military families, the task can be just whole orders of magnitude harder. Often they have to navigate finding child care while they’re on long deployments, abrupt relocations, and nonstandard work hours. And if military families can’t find child care, they just may not be able to serve. 
    I appreciate that at least two of you specifically mention child care when we talk about our servicemembers and our force readiness. DOD knows how important child care is—and that is why it runs the nation’s largest employer-based child care system. It’s high quality and affordable, but right now, it is facing a huge shortage of child care workers, which means fewer child care slots and literally thousands of families on waitlists.
    In 2023, a DOD task force investigated the staffing shortages and confirmed that, in order to fix this problem, we need to increase child care workers’ wages. So in last year’s NDAA, we tasked DOD with redesigning the compensation model, and starting to implement it by April 1st. But here we are a year later, and you haven’t even finalized the redesign—much less begun implementation that was supposed to have started – what was it, 8 days ago? 
    So for each witness, I want to ask: When can we expect to see the updated compensation model and when can we expect to see implementation begin? 
    Lieutenant General Eifler, let’s start with you. And I’ll be writing these down. So what’s the date? 
    Lieutenant General Brian S. Eifler, U.S. Army Deputy Chief of Staff for Personnel: Thanks, Ranking Member. Yeah, so I am not clear on that date because I know – I believe all the services are working with the Department of Defense on finalizing that. I do believe the CR has some impacts because of funding for it – 
    Senator Warren: No, I’m sorry. The CR has impacts on your implementation. It does not have an impact on your obligation to update your compensation model. You’re supposed to do the modeling with the money you got. So when can I expect to see your updated model? 
    Lieutenant General Eifler: I would have to follow up with you, Senator, because I am not clear on when that’s going to be in place. 
    Senator Warren: Okay, well I hope you’re clear that you’re already way past due. 
    Lieutenant General Eifler: Yes, yes, Senator. 
    Senator Warren: Alright. Vice Admiral Cheeseman, what about you? What’s the date? 
    Vice Admiral Richard J. Cheeseman, Jr., U.S. Navy Chief of Naval Personnel: Senator, similar answer. We’re working with our OSD partners on when that date would be. And when I have a more informed answer, I’ll get back with you, ma’am. 
    Senator Warren: Yeah, well, I’d like to have an answer that suggests that you guys are paying attention to this. We didn’t put this in the law just for the fun of it. It wasn’t advisory. It was for you to actually perform by a date certain. 
    Lieutenant General Borgschulte? 
    Lieutenant General Michael J. Borgschulte, U.S. Marine Corps Deputy Commandant for Manpower and Reserve Affairs: Senator Warren, thank you very much for bringing this up. This is personal to me. I’ve got kids. I’ve got a spouse that has a career, and we have used our world class child care at every duty station. 
    Senator Warren: Good for you. So when? 
    Lieutenant General Borgschulte: And so, I’ll get back – we have increased the wages. I’ll get back to you with a specific date, but we have over 40,000 kids in our child and youth programs. I mean think about that. That’s a retention effort and that allows them to be free to go fight. I just appreciate you bringing that up. 
    Senator Warren: Okay, so you said many nice things and the fact that you’ve actually moved toward increasing wages puts you a step ahead of the other two people to your right. 
    Lieutenant General Borgschulte: We’ll take that, Senator. I’ll get you back an exact answer on that.
    Senator Warren: I’ve got to have this done. Okay? Gotta have this done. 
    Lieutenant General Miller? 
    Lieutenant General Caroline M. Miller, U.S. Air Force Deputy Chief of Staff for Manpower: Yes, ma’am. We’ve actually increased our wages 18 – 
    Senator Warren: Also good. How about your plan? 
    Lieutenant General Miller: We have a plan. I can get it over to you, ma’am. 
    Senator Warren: Oh great. You actually have it? We weren’t able to find it, so I am delighted. 
    Lieutenant General Miller: I will send over what we have done over the last year, which has been quite significant – 
    Senator Warren: Okay, it’s an updated compensation model, is what you’re required to do under the law. Okay? And then start implementing that model. So thank you, I hope that’s right, Lieutenant General Miller. 
    Ms. Kelley? 
    Ms. Katharine Kelley, U.S. Space Force Deputy Chief of Space Operations for Human Capital: Senator, we leverage the Air Force for our CDCs so the model that General Miller is referencing would be applicable for Guardians as well. 
    Senator Warren: So you’re sending it back in the other direction. Yours will be ready when his is ready? 
    Ms. Kelley: No, ma’am. General Miller. 
    Senator Warren: Oh, I’m sorry. I was taking you to the other end, I apologize.   
    Ms. Kelley: The Air Force runs the Child Development Centers that the Space Force Guardians leverage, so the adjusted salaries that the Air Force has to include the fee assistance programs that are unbelievably helpful for our CDC workers. We’ve seen significant improvement. 
    Senator Warren: You know, I just want to say on this: I understand that I am unpleasant about this and then tend to be even more unpleasant if this doesn’t get done. You all fully understand why this is so important. And so important anytime. We don’t say to our military families, “Here’s this really hard job,” and then not give them the support that they need to be able to carry it out.    
    So I appreciate that you all seem to understand that. My job is to keep turning up the heat until we actually get this done and pay them better. 
    Let me bring out just one more, of course. This is all about making sure we have the staff needed to bring down military child care waitlists. But of course, that’s not going to happen if we’re slashing the civilian workforce. Two weeks ago, a Child Development Center in Utah closed because of cuts to its civilian staff.  
    So let me just ask: do you agree that cutting child care by laying off civilian child care workers makes life harder for military families? 
    Ms. Kelley, we’ll start at your end this time. 
    Ms. Kelley: Senator, I absolutely agree that lack of child care is a readiness issue for all the services and certainly for the Space Force.
    Senator Warren: Good. General Miller? 
    Lieutenant General Miller: Yes, ma’am. It is a readiness issue. 
    Senator Warren: Thank you. General Borgschulte? 
    Lieutenant General Borgschulte: Senator Warren, I agree 100%. We have not shut any down and don’t plan to. 
    Senator Warren: I hope that’s right, but it really is the reminder that these civilian cuts can have profound effects for our active duty servicemembers. 
    Vice Admiral Cheeseman? 
    Vice Admiral Cheeseman: Senator, thanks for the question. For our child care employees, they are funded out of non-appropriated funds. We have not let anybody go. In fact, our staffing levels have increased by 10% over the last year and we’ve decreased the waitlist by about 1,000 spots. 
    Senator Warren: That is really terrific to hear. Thank you very much and I appreciate your getting that on the record. 
    General Eifler? 
    Lieutenant General Eifler: Yes, Ranking Member, totally concur. We have not shut down any and we do believe it’s a readiness issue because of that. 
    Senator Warren: Good. I appreciate that. And now, in the name of the Chair, I call on Ms. Hirono. 
    Round 2: Education
    Senator Warren: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. So, when Congress passed the G.I. Bill in 1944, a grateful nation promised to help servicemembers with the cost of their education. This was a thank you for the sacrifices to our country. The promise is not charity; it is an ironclad commitment and it is key to how we recruit and maintain a fighting force. Survey after survey has demonstrated how important this promise is, both for recruitment and to retention. And I see you are nodding along with this. 
    Too often, the federal government has failed to live up to our promise. Not delivering on the student debt relief that servicemembers were entitled to, or leaving them vulnerable to predatory lenders. For example, after student loan repayments restarted after the pandemic, the CFPB found servicemember complaints about student loan servicers went up, thanks to hours-long hold times and other customer service failures with the companies that were managing their loans. Meanwhile, the V.A. has warned about the rise of scams where predatory schools will promise “immediate student debt cancellation” that doesn’t really exist in order to lure veterans into enrolling. 
    Again, I would like to go down the line, if we can, with our witnesses for this question. Just yes or no. Does it undermine our ability to recruit and retain personnel when we let bad actors scam our servicemembers out of the educational benefits that they have earned and been promised by the United States government? 
    Lieutenant General Eifler, if I can start with you. 
    Lieutenant General Eifler: Yes, Ranking Member. 
    Senator Warren: Vice Admiral Cheeseman? 
    Vice Admiral Cheeseman: Senator, yes ma’am. Absolutely. 
    Senator Warren: Lieutenant General Borgschulte? 
    Lieutenant General Borgschulte: Yes ma’am, absolutely. Our Marines should not be scammed. 
    Senator Warren: Lieutenant General Miller? 
    Lieutenant General Miller: Yes ma’am. 
    Senator Warren: And Ms. Kelley? 
    Ms. Kelley: Yes ma’am, absolutely. 
    Senator Warren: That is the reason that I have proposed language in this year’s NDAA to protect servicemembers from predatory actors. This committee has worked in a bipartisan fashion before to ensure that servicemembers get the educational benefits that they have earned under a bipartisan law signed by President George W. Bush back in 2007. The federal government will cancel the student loans of people who work in the public service and faithfully pay their loans for at least a decade as a way to honor their public service. Last year, Senator Cortez Masto and Senator Moran led a successful effort to require DOD and the Education Department to perform a data match so all eligible servicemembers automatically receive the public service loan forgiveness that the law says that they have earned. 
    So, once again, I want to go down the line with our witnesses. Is it important that DOD do everything it can to deliver debt cancellation under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program to all eligible servicemembers as statutorily required by Congress? 
    Lieutenant General Eifler? 
    Lieutenant General Eifler: Yes, Ranking Member. 
    Senator Warren: Vice Admiral Cheeseman? 
    Vice Admiral Cheeseman: Yes ma’am.
    Senator Warren: Lieutenant General Borgschulte? 
    Lieutenant General Borgschulte: Yes ma’am. 
    Senator Warren: Lieutenant General Miller? 
    Lieutenant General Miller: Yes, Senator Warren. 
    Senator Warren: And Ms. Kelley? 
    Ms. Kelley: Yes ma’am, absolutely. 
    Senator Warren: Okay, good, we are in a good place. Once again, though, this is work that remains unfinished. I have submitted an NDAA proposal requiring DOD to provide quarterly updates until the Public Service Loan Forgiveness data match is implemented, and also requiring the GAO to analyze the challenges servicemembers face with student loan debt repayment. I have also submitted a proposal to require DOD implement the same risk-based surveys the VA is already statutorily required to use to monitor fraud, and waste, and abuse at schools that receive more than $600 million in servicemember tuition assistance each year. 
    These are programs that matter to our servicemembers. And I appreciate having all of you as allies to make sure our servicemembers get what the American people promised them. So thank you very much and thank you very much, Mr. Chairman, for letting me do this. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cortez Masto, Cornyn Introduce Bill to Aid Law Enforcement Who Have Suffered from Brain Injuries

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Nevada Cortez Masto
    Washington, DC – Today, U.S. Senators Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) and John Cornyn (R-Texas) introduced their Public Safety Officer Concussion and Traumatic Brain Injury Health Act, which would increase awareness of concussions and brain injuries among public safety officers. This legislation is being led in the House of Representatives by Congressmembers Dan Crenshaw (R-Texas), Angie Craig (D-Minn.), Don Bacon (R-Neb.), and Kim Schrier (D-Wash.).
    Traumatic brain injuries can lead to serious issues, including difficulties with memory, concentration, and communication. Concussions are considered a mild traumatic brain injury, which is usually temporary but can take months to heal.
    “When law enforcement officers get a concussion or traumatic brain injury on the job, it is our responsibility to come together and care for them,” said Senator Cortez Masto. “These public servants put themselves in harm’s way every single day. I’m working to ensure the men and women who keep our communities safe get the treatment and support they deserve.”
    “Law enforcement officers do not shy away from danger and risk their own health and safety to protect our communities,” said Senator Cornyn. “We need to do everything we can to support these heroes when they sustain a traumatic brain injury in the line of duty, and this legislation would help them identify signs of a concussion and seek swift treatment before it leads to more serious complications.”
    The Public Safety Officer Concussion and Traumatic Brain Injury Health Act would require the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) to collect and make publicly available information on traumatic brain injuries specifically for public safety officers and provide recommendations and protocols for identifying, diagnosing, and treating concussions. It would also have the CDC share information with mental health professionals on the connection between concussions and traumatic brain injuries with acute stress disorders and suicidal inclinations.   
    As the former top law enforcement official in Nevada, Senator Cortez Masto has been a leading advocate in the Senate for our police officers and is part of the Senate Law Enforcement Caucus. The Senator recently reintroduced the Invest to Protect Act to set aside $250 million to help local police invest in training, mental health support, and recruitment and retention, as well as the Chief Herbert D. Proffitt Act to ensure the families of retired law enforcement officers who were killed as a result of their service are not unjustly denied benefits. She has repeatedly secured historic funding for the Byrne JAG grant program, the leading source of criminal justice funding in the country. Her bipartisan bills to combat the crisis of law enforcement suicide and provide mental health resources to police officers have been signed into law by presidents of both parties.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Shaheen Joins Bipartisan Effort to Help More American Households Save Energy and Money Through Weatherization

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Hampshire Jeanne Shaheen
    (Washington, DC) – U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) joined Senators Jack Reed (D-RI), Susan Collins (R-ME) and Chris Coons (D-DE) in introducing the Weatherization Assistance Program Improvements Act. The bipartisan legislation seeks to improve public health and lower household energy costs by bolstering the federal Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP), which covers home weatherization, window replacement, sealing air leaks, ventilation improvements and other key energy-saving measures.
    “Weatherizing homes is one of the most effective tools we have to help Granite State families save money on their monthly utility bills while also reducing emissions,” said Senator Shaheen. “By expanding access to the Weatherization Assistance Program, this commonsense bipartisan legislation would allow more households to implement cost-saving energy efficiency measures that create new jobs and boost New Hampshire’s economy.”
    “This bipartisan, cost-effective bill is about saving families and taxpayers money, cutting air pollution, and generating good-paying clean-energy jobs.  Passing the Weatherization Assistance Program Improvements Act will help save families in need real money on their energy bills while also benefitting the U.S. economy, environment, and public health.  It would help reduce demand on energy grids nationwide which helps keep utility rates lower and frees up financial resources for family essentials, like groceries and medicine.  By expanding the program to include critical home repairs, we can alleviate economic hardship, address healthy housing disparities, and improve energy efficiency for those households who need it most,” said Senator Reed.
    “The Weatherization Assistance Program is a proven, cost-effective way to permanently decrease energy usage while reducing low-income Americans’ energy bills,” said Senator Collins.  “This bipartisan bill would help build on the significant investments we have secured for the Weatherization Assistance Program so that more Americans are able to make improvements that will allow them to affordably heat their homes.”
    “During the baking heat of summer and the freezing winds of winter, too many families across this country struggle to pay their heating and cooling bills,” said Senator Coons. “The Weatherization Assistance Program has already helped thousands of Delawareans trying to make ends meet, and this legislation lowers rising energy bills for thousands more by giving low-income families support to make their homes more energy efficient while creating new clean energy jobs and reducing the impact of climate change. 
    Specifically, the bill would serve more low-income households that are currently unable to receive weatherization services because their homes are in need of significant repairs. The bill would authorize a Weatherization Readiness Fund, providing $30 million a year for five years to help those in need repair structural issues and prepare homes for weatherization assistance, increasing the number of homes the program is able to serve. It also seeks to raise the amount of funding allowed to be spent on each home to keep up with current labor and material costs and would raise the cap on the amount of funding allowed to be spent on renewable energy upgrades in each home. These provisions are essential updates to a program that has helped so many families over the past few decades.
    The Weatherization Assistance Program helps homes become more energy efficient through measures like installing insulation, updating heating and cooling systems and updating electrical appliances. For every dollar invested by WAP, $4.50 is generated in combined energy savings and non-energy benefits such as improved health and job creation, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. Since 1976, the Weatherization Assistance Program has helped more than seven million low-income families reduce their energy bills by making their homes more energy efficient. The U.S Department of Energy estimates that these upgrades help each household save $283 in energy bills annually. In addition to saving families money, energy efficient homes also help cut down on our carbon footprint, reducing the greenhouse gas emissions that cause climate change.
    As a lead negotiator of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, Shaheen helped secure $3.5 billion in additional funding for the Weatherization Assistance Program, including $18 million for New Hampshire. Shaheen has long-championed the Weatherization Assistance Program to lower energy costs for low-income families in New Hampshire, as well as the State Energy Program, which assists states with the development of energy efficiency renewable projects. In the Fiscal Year 2024 government funding bills, Shaheen helped defend key efficiency programs at the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) from cuts, including securing $366 million for weatherization efforts and $66 million for the State Energy Program, which work to bring down energy bills for families and communities.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Ranking Member Hassan Highlights Bipartisan Ways to Cut Waste, Fraud, and Abuse at First Joint Economic Committee Hearing

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Hampshire Maggie Hassan
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Ranking Member of the Joint Economic Committee, helped lead a hearing yesterday focused on ways to use artificial intelligence and data to improve government efficiency and reduce waste, fraud, and abuse. In her first remarks as Ranking Member of the Joint Economic Committee, Senator Hassan emphasized the importance of bipartisan collaboration and highlighted the potential of new technologies to save taxpayer dollars.
    “We need to keep working together across the aisle to save taxpayer dollars by reducing waste, fraud, and abuse. As we will discuss in today’s hearing, there are many ways to do so by embracing new technologies and better data analytics. These types of tools can help an investigator identify potential fraud, or a caseworker streamline an application process,” Senator Hassan began. 
    She also said that actions from the Trump Administration and Elon Musk are not improving government efficiency: “Whether the government is providing health care for veterans, Social Security checks for seniors, or loans for small businesses, we should continually strive to improve the taxpayer experience – but Mr. Musk’s slash-and-burn tactics are doing the opposite,” Senator Hassan emphasized. “In addition, I want to bring the Committee’s attention to the fact that the Administration’s decision to fire 17 Inspectors General who investigate fraud – that’s what they do – is completely counterproductive to the goal of improving government efficiency.”
    You can watch Senator Hassan’s opening statement here or see below, and you can watch the full hearing here:
    I just really want to thank you for calling today’s hearing on a really important topic and, to your point, a topic that has a lot of bipartisan interest and a lot of bipartisan potential. As this is the first JEC hearing this Congress, I also want to say how much I look forward to working with you, Mr. Chairman, in your new role as Chair of the Committee and my new role as Ranking Member. I really look forward to working together and I’ve appreciated our conversations so far. And I’m glad we’re starting out with a topic that we can find some real common ground on – cutting waste, fraud, and abuse through the use of innovation. I also want to thank the four witnesses for testifying before the Committee and sharing your expertise on this topic. We need to keep working together across the aisle to save taxpayer dollars by reducing waste, fraud, and abuse.
    As we will discuss in today’s hearing, there are many ways to do so by embracing new technologies and better data analytics. These types of tools can help an investigator identify potential fraud or a caseworker streamline an application process. I know that all four of our witnesses today will outline ways that the government can better deploy technology. I really look forward to building off these ideas moving forward.
    Before we get to the introduction of our witness, though, I do want to just note my serious concerns with the reckless actions so far of Elon Musk and DOGE. Whether the government is providing health care for veterans, Social Security checks for seniors, or loans for small businesses, we should continually strive to improve the taxpayer experience – but Mr. Musk’s slash-and-burn tactics are doing the opposite. In addition, I want to bring the Committee’s attention to the fact that the Administration’s decision to fire 17 Inspectors General who investigate fraud – that’s what they do – is completely counterproductive to the goal of improving government efficiency.
    I firmly believe that we should be cutting waste, fraud, and abuse and that we can do so without making life harder for children, families, and seniors all across our country. I hope the conversations, including the one that we will have this afternoon, can help us chart a better path forward. So again, I thank you Mr. Chair and to our witnesses for agreeing to testify today. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senators Hassan, Paul, Hickenlooper, Lee Reintroduce Bill to Lower Prescription Drug Prices by Streamlining Generic Drug Approval Process

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Hampshire Maggie Hassan
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Rand Paul (R-KY), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), and Mike Lee (R-UT) reintroduced bipartisan legislation to streamline the approval process for generic drugs, which will help generics enter the market more quickly and lower prescription drug prices for patients. Last Congress, this legislation advanced from Committee with a bipartisan 19-2 vote.
    “Skyrocketing prescription drug prices are forcing too many Granite Staters to choose between their health and their financial security,” said Senator Hassan. “This commonsense, bipartisan legislation will help address a critical obstacle in the generic drug approval process that keeps affordable alternatives off of pharmacy shelves. By requiring more transparency from the FDA and streamlining the drug approval process, this bill will help deliver lower-cost medications to Americans faster.” 
    “No one should have to play a complicated guessing game with the FDA simply to bring a safe, effective, and affordable drug to market. The Increasing Transparency in Generic Drug Applications Act will help low-cost generics get to American consumers faster,” said Dr. Paul.
    “More generic drugs means lower health care costs for Americans. Unnecessary and unclear FDA approval processes delay them from reaching the shelves,” said Senator Hickenlooper. “Our bill speeds up the process to help Americans save more.”
    “Generic drugs have made the prescription drug market much more competitive, offering cheaper alternatives to their brand name counterparts. Streamlining the generic drug approval process by eliminating the pointless guessing game manufacturers are forced to play would eliminate red tape and bring down costs for American families,” said Senator Lee.
    “S. 1302 expedites generic submission by creating process efficiencies for FDA and Industry. These efficiencies will enhance patient access to lower-cost medicine. When generic medicines become available, they bring immediately lower prices for lifesaving and lifechanging medications. We are thankful for the work done thus far by Senators Hassan, Paul, Hickenlooper, and Lee,” said John Murphy, III, President & CEO for the Association for Accessible Medicines.
    Currently, the FDA requires certain generic drug manufacturers to demonstrate that they have the same active and inactive ingredients in the same concentration as the reference brand name drug. However, when a generic drug contains the wrong amount of inactive ingredients, the FDA cannot disclose the exact error, forcing manufacturers to engage in an often lengthy guessing game to reach the right balance. This legislation would require the FDA to more clearly identify the specific differences between the generic and brand name drug, thereby streamlining the approval process, helping more generics reach the market more quickly, and lowering prescription drug prices overall. 
    This measure is part of Senator Hassan’s ongoing efforts to lower health care costs for Americans. Senator Hassan previously led successful bipartisan efforts to help eliminate surprise medical billing, which has prevented millions of surprise bills. Senator Hassan also helped pass into law three bipartisan measures to increase access to generic and biosimilar medications. Additionally, Senator Hassan successfully pushed to cap insulin costs for those on Medicare as part of the Inflation Reduction Act, which became law in 2022. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Auckland overnight motorway closures 13 – 17 April 2025

    Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

    NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi advises of the following closures for motorway improvements. Work delayed by bad weather will be completed at the next available date, prior to Thursday, 17 April 2025.

    Please note this traffic bulletin is updated every Friday.

    Daily updated closure information(external link)

    Unless otherwise stated, closures start at 9pm and finish at 5am. Traffic management may be in place before the advertised closure times for the mainline.

    NORTHERN MOTORWAY (SH1)

    • Millwater northbound off-ramp, 14 April
    • Southbound lanes between Northcote Road off-ramp and Onewa Road on-ramp, 16 April (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)
      • Northcote Road southbound on-ramp, 16 April
      • Esmonde Road southbound on-ramp, 16 April

    CENTRAL MOTORWAY JUNCTION (CMJ)

    • None planned

    SOUTHERN MOTORWAY (SH1)

    • Khyber Pass Road southbound on-ramp, 15 April
    • Southbound lanes between Greenlane off-ramp and Mt Wellington Highway on-ramp, 13-14 April (approx. 10:30pm to 5:00am)
      • Greenlane southbound on-ramp, 13-14 April (approx. 10:30pm to 5:00am)
      • Tecoma Street southbound on-ramp, 13-14 April
      • Ellerslie-Panmure Highway southbound on-ramp, 13-14 April
    • Northbound lanes between Mt Wellington Highway off-ramp and Mt Wellington Highway on-ramp, 13-16 April (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)
    • Mt Wellington Highway southbound on-ramp, 16 April
    • Southbound lanes between Mt Wellington Highway off-ramp and East Tamaki Road on-ramp, 15 April (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)
      • Mt Wellington Highway southbound on-ramp, 15 April
      • Princes Street southbound on-ramp, 15 April
      • Highbrook Drive southbound on-ramp, 15 April
    • Highbrook Drive southbound on-ramp, 14 April
    • Southbound lanes between East Tamaki Road off-ramp and East Tamaki Road on-ramp, 16 April (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)
    • East Tamaki Road northbound on-ramp, 13-14 April
    • Northbound lanes between Ramarama off-ramp and Papakura on-ramp, 14-16 April
      • Drury/SH22 northbound on-ramp, 14-16 April
      • Ramarama northbound on-ramp, 14-16 April
    • Southbound lanes between Ramarama off-ramp and Bombay on-ramp, 13-14 April
      • Ramarama southbound on-ramp, 13-14 April
    • Northbound lanes between Bombay off-ramp and Ramarama on-ramp, 13 April (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)
      • Bombay northbound on-ramp, 13 April (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)
    • Northbound lanes between Bombay off-ramp and Ramarama on-ramp, 14 April
      • Bombay northbound on-ramp, 14 April

    NORTHWESTERN MOTORWAY (SH16)

    • Southbound lanes between Waimauku roundabout and Trigg Rd, 14 April (approx. 8:00pm to 5:00am)
    • Northbound lanes between Trigg Rd and Waimauku roundabout, 14 April (approx. 8:00pm to 5:00am)
    • SH16 eastbound to SH20 southbound link (Waterview southbound tunnel closed), 14 April
      • Great North Road eastbound off-ramp (Waterview southbound tunnel closed), 14 April
    • SH16 westbound to SH20 southbound link (Waterview southbound tunnel closed), 14 April

    UPPER HARBOUR MOTORWAY (SH18)

    • Hobsonville Road westbound off-ramp, 13-14 April

    SOUTHWESTERN MOTORWAY (SH20)

    • Northbound lanes between Massey Road off-ramp and Kirkbride Road (SH20A) on-ramp, 13-14 & 16 April (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)
      • SH20 northbound to SH20A southbound link, 13-14 & 16 April (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)
      • Massey Road northbound on-ramp, 13-14 & 16 April
    • Northbound lanes between Cavendish Drive off-ramp and Kirkbride Road (SH20A) on-ramp, 15 April (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)
      • SH20 northbound to SH20A southbound link, 15 April (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)
      • Massey Road northbound on-ramp, 15 April
      • Puhinui Road northbound on-ramp, 15 April
      • Cavendish Drive northbound on-ramp, 15 April

    GEORGE BOLT MEMORIAL DRIVE (SH20A)

    • None planned

    PUHINUI ROAD (SH20B)

    • None planned

    STATE HIGHWAY 22 (SH22)

    • None planned

    STATE HIGHWAY 2 (SH2)

    • None planned

    Please follow the signposted detours. NZ Transport Agency thanks you for your co-operation during these essential improvements and maintenance.

    Current overnight closure information(external link) 

    Auckland roads and public transport(external link)

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Member of Lummi Nation sentenced to prison for strangulation attack on intimate partner

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Seattle – A member of Lummi Nation was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Seattle to 51 months in prison for Assault by Strangulation, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Teal Luthy Miller. Joseph Michael Quincy Jefferson, 36, was found guilty in January 2025, following a seven-day jury trial. At the sentencing hearing U.S. District Judge Lauren King noted that Jefferson had multiple domestic violence related convictions in tribal court, saying “your abuse of others has become a pattern… You return to strangulation again and again.”

    “This case is testament to the importance of our work in tribal communities,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Miller. “Studies reveal that being a victim of strangulation significantly increases the risk the victim will be killed at the hands of their abuser. Holding Mr. Jefferson accountable now is the best way to protect future victims.”

    According to records filed in the case and testimony at trial, on the night of April 8, 2023, Jefferson punched, pushed, and strangled his live-in partner. Sitting on her back he used the crook of his elbow to apply pressure to her neck, strangling her and causing her to black out twice. When the victim regained consciousness, she ran from the home barefoot and in her underwear, calling a friend and a neighbor requesting help. The victim went to the Lummi Nation Police Department and to the hospital where she made consistent statements to police and medical care providers. She was found to have a broken nose and other injuries consistent with strangulation. 

    At trial, Jefferson claimed he acted in self-defense. During her testimony, the victim minimized Jefferson’s conduct.

    In asking for a high-end 57-month sentence, Assistant United States Attorney Celia Lee recounted Jefferson’s history of domestic violence with his two romantic partners and noted that shorter sentences handed down by the Lummi Tribal Court have not changed his behavior. “Given Jefferson’s history, his conduct, and his behavior while under supervision, the Court is frankly left with no viable alternatives to a lengthy term of imprisonment. Thus, a significant custodial sentence at this juncture is appropriate, just, and would promote respect for the law. The government certainly hopes that such a sentence would also provide specific deterrence to Jefferson who has thus far not been dissuaded from violence by his prior terms of incarceration for domestic violence.”

    Jefferson has been in custody since his bond was revoked in late October 2024 due to his ongoing contact with the victim in violation of his conditions of pretrial release. He remains in custody pending sentencing.

    The case was investigated by the Lummi Nation Police Department and the FBI.

    The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Celia Lee. Ms. Lee serves as a Tribal Liaison for the U.S. Attorney’s Office. Ensuring public safety on tribal lands is a critical responsibility of the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Western District of Washington.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Man caught three times with dealer quantities of fentanyl indicted federally

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    In one encounter police and medics saved the life of an infant suffering from opioid overdose

    Seattle – A 37-year-old man who was living in a Des Moines, Washington, hotel, is charged federally with four counts of possession of controlled substances with intent to distribute, one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense, and one count of money laundering announced Acting U.S. Attorney Teal Luthy Miller. Dennis Aguilar Huisa was placed under arrest twice last fall when he was found to have possession of fentanyl pills and/or powder, methamphetamine, cocaine and a firearm. Huisa has been in state custody since his final encounter with law enforcement on November 1, 2024.

    According to the criminal complaint, Puyallup Police first contacted Huisa on the side of the road in the early hours of August 15, 2023. Huisa said his car had overheated and he and a passenger were waiting for the engine to cool down. The police officer noticed that the license plate on the car did not match the type of vehicle listed in the registration. Huisa was removed from the car while law enforcement determined whether the car or the license plates were stolen. A second officer noticed blue pills in the car. Ultimately the car was impounded. A search revealed about 1,000 fentanyl pills as well as some suspected fentanyl powder. There was also a scale with drug residue in the car.

    On September 7, 2024, Puyallup Police responded to a report of a nine-month-old infant who had stopped breathing. Huisa and a woman met the officers outside a box truck the infant in their arms. Law enforcement worked to get the child to respond and breath, medics responded and continued to work on reviving the child.

    The law enforcement investigation found evidence that Huisa and the child’s mother has given the infant two doses of Narcan suspecting that the child had been exposed to fentanyl or other drugs. Huisa gave permission to search the box truck. Law enforcement located approximately 115 blue fentanyl pills. On Huisa they found fentanyl powder and over $16,000 in cash.

    The infant was taken to Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital. The child was given additional dose of Narcan, and the child’s blood tested positive for fentanyl, amphetamine, and oxycodone. The child survived and was temporarily released to Child Protective Services.

    Finally, on November 1, 2024, Auburn Police Department’s Special Investigations Unit served a search warrant on the Des Moines motel where Huisa had been living. In the hotel room they found small packages of fentanyl powder packaged for sale in the toilet. They found additional fentanyl powder, methamphetamine, and cocaine in other places around the room. Officers once again searched the box truck Huisa had been driving and found two kilograms of fentanyl powder and a Polymer 80 ‘ghost gun’ – a gun made without a serial number.

    Huisa was charged by criminal complaint on March 12, 2025, and was brought into federal custody today. He was indicted by the grand jury on March 26, 2025, for four counts of possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and money laundering. Huisa is making his initial appearance at 2:00 today.

    Possession of controlled substances with intent to distribute is punishable by a mandatory minimum ten years in prison and up to life in prison. Possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime is punishable by a mandatory minimum five years in prison and up to life in prison to run consecutive to the other sentence imposed in the case. Money laundering is punishable by up to twenty years in prison.

    The charges contained in the criminal complaint and the indictment are only allegations.  A person is presumed innocent unless and until he or she is proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

    The case is being investigated by the Puyallup Police Department, the Auburn Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).

    The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Casey Conzatti.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: News 04/10/2025 Blackburn, Cantwell, Heinrich Reintroduce Bipartisan Bill to Increase Transparency, Combat AI Deepfakes & Put Journalists, Artists & Songwriters Back in Control of Their Content

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), and Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) reintroduced the Content Origin Protection and Integrity from Edited and Deepfaked Media Act (COPIED ACT) to combat harmful deepfakes. The bill would set new federal transparency guidelines for marking, authenticating and detecting AI-generated content, protect journalists, actors and artists against AI-driven theft, and hold violators accountable for abuses.  

    “Artificial intelligence has given bad actors the ability to create deepfakes of every individual, including those in the creative community, to imitate their likeness without their consent and profit off of counterfeit content,” said Senator Blackburn. “The COPIED Act takes an important step to better defend common targets like artists and performers against deepfakes and other inauthentic content.” 

    “The bipartisan COPIED Act I introduced with Senator Blackburn will provide much-needed transparency around AI-generated content,” said Senator Cantwell. “The COPIED Act will also put creators, including local journalists, artists and musicians, back in control of their content with a provenance and watermark process that is very much needed.”

    “Deepfakes are a real threat to our democracy and to Americans’ safety and well-being,” said Senator Heinrich. “I’m proud to support Senator Cantwell’s COPIED Act that will provide the technical tools needed to help crack down on harmful and deceptive AI-generated content and better protect professional journalists and artists from having their content used by AI systems without their consent. Congress needs to step up and pass this legislation to protect the American people.”

    The COPIED Act (S. 1396):

    Bill Text and Summary

    • Creates Transparency Standards: Requires the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to develop guidelines and standards for content provenance information, watermarking and synthetic content detection. These standards will promote transparency to identify if content has been generated or manipulated by AI, as well as where AI content originated. The bill also directs NIST to develop cybersecurity measures to prevent tampering with provenance and watermarking on AI content.
    • Puts Journalists, Artists and Musicians in Control of Their Content: Requires providers of AI tools used to generate creative or journalistic content to allow owners of that content to attach provenance information to it and prohibits its removal. The bill prohibits the unauthorized use of content with provenance information to train AI models or generate AI content. These measures give content owners—journalists, newspapers, artists, songwriters, and others—the ability to protect their work and set the terms of use for their content, including compensation.
    • Gives Individuals a Right to Sue Violators: Authorizes the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and state attorneys general to enforce the bill’s requirements.  It also gives newspapers, broadcasters, artists, and other content owners the right to bring suit in court against platforms or others who use their content without permission.
    • Prohibits Tampering with or Disabling AI Provenance Information: Currently, there is no law that prohibits removing, disabling, or tampering with content provenance information. The bill prohibits anyone, including internet platforms, search engines and social media companies, from interfering with content provenance information in these ways.  

    Major Endorsements

    SAG-AFTRA

    “For SAG-AFTRA, protecting the ability of our members to control their images, likenesses, and voices is paramount. The capacity of AI to produce stunningly accurate digital representations of performers poses a real and present threat to the economic and reputational well-being and self-determination of our members.  Senator Cantwell’s legislation would ensure that the tools necessary to make the use of AI technology transparent and traceable to the point of origin will make it possible for victims of the misuse of the technology to identify malicious parties and go after them. We need a fully transparent and accountable supply chain for generative Artificial Intelligence and the content it creates in order to protect everyone’s basic right to control the use of their face, voice, and persona. We applaud Senator Cantwell for her leadership on the issue and support this legislation as part of a comprehensive approach to preventing unauthorized abuse of this transformative technology.” – Duncan Crabtree-Ireland, National Executive Director and Chief Negotiator

    Nashville Songwriters Association International

    “The Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI), the world’s largest songwriter advocacy trade association, applauds Senators Maria Cantwell, Blackburn and Heinrich for introducing legislation to help put transparency guardrails around Generative Artificial Intelligence for human creators. Specifically, we note her including artists in the Content Origin Protection and Integrity from Edited and Deepfaked Media Act and recognizing it is more financially feasible for songwriters and other human creators to adjudicate these matters in a local civil court when possible. NSAI will work with her office toward adoption of this important legislation.” – Barton Herbison, Executive Director NSAI

    Recording Academy

    “The Recording Academy applauds Chair Cantwell and Senators Blackburn and Heinrich for their commitment to the ethical use of AI and their recognition of the need for guardrails that provide transparency and protection for creators. We look forward to continuing to work with them as this process moves forward.”  – Todd Dupler, Chief Advocacy and Public Policy Officer

    National Music Publishers’ Association

    “We greatly appreciate Senator Cantwell’s leadership on preventing the unauthorized use and dissemination of deepfakes. The Content Origin Protection and Integrity from Edited and Deepfaked Media Act of 2025 ensures that AI-generated content is clearly identified and that there is recourse when those labels are tampered with. As AI-generated music continues to disrupt the legitimate market, it is essential that listeners know where their music is coming from. Artists and songwriters deserve protection against unauthorized imitations and this legislation is an important step towards that goal.” – David Israelite, President and CEO

    Recording Industry Association of America

    “Protecting the life’s work and legacy of artists has never been more important as AI platforms copy and use recordings scraped off the internet at industrial scale and AI-generated deepfakes keep multiplying at rapid pace. RIAA strongly supports provenance requirements as a fundamental building block for accountability and enforcement of creators’ rights. Leading tech companies refuse to share basic data about the creation and training of their models as they profit from copying and using unlicensed copyrighted material to generate synthetic recordings that unfairly compete with original works. We appreciate Senators Cantwell, Blackburn and Heinrich’s leadership with the Content Origin Protection and Integrity from Edited and Deepfaked Media Act of 2025 that would grant much needed visibility into AI development and pave the way for more ethical innovation and fair and transparent competition in the digital marketplace.” – Mitch Glazier, Chairman and CEO

    The Television Academy

    “The Television Academy, representing nearly 30,000 members across all disciplines of the television industry, applauds Senator Cantwell for reintroducing the COPIED Act. As artificial intelligence and digital replication technologies evolve, the need for transparency is tantamount. This bill will set necessary federal transparency guidelines for marking, authenticating, and detecting AI-generated content. Further, it gives the broad membership of the Television Academy the ability to control their voice, likeness, and creative expressions, and give content owners the ability to pursue recourse if their content is used without permission. The Television Academy looks forward to helping get the COPIED Act adopted.” – Maury McIntyre, President and CEO

    NewsGuild-CWA

    “Journalists are essential to a free and fair democracy. Too many media companies are attempting to replace journalists with AI, resulting in false, misleading clickbait and the decimation of our news ecosystems. It is essential that journalists are not replaced by misguided media companies looking to maximize profits at the expense of human-driven journalism that informs the public and holds our institutions accountable. We thank Senator Cantwell for her leadership on ensuring fair and equitable use of Artificial Intelligence that puts the worker and their rights at the center of the deployment of this new technology.” – Jon Schleuss, President  

    News/Media Alliance

    “The News/Media Alliance, representing over 2200 news, magazine, and digital media publishers worldwide, applauds the leadership of Senators Cantwell, Blackburn and Heinrich to address the need for AI regulation. We look forward to working with them to refine and advance this critical legislation to ensure news publishers and creators of quality content are adequately protected. Legislation should balance the innovation around these emerging technologies with preserving quality, accuracy, and a thriving free press, and Senators Cantwell, Blackburn and Heinrich have taken a major step forward to accomplish that by introducing this bill.” – Danielle Coffey, President and CEO

    National Newspaper Association
    “We appreciate Senator Cantwell for taking on this difficult and disturbing issue. Deepfakes fly in the face of the true intent of the First Amendment. It’s important that citizens continue to trust local news sources to bring them quality journalism that has been vetted and verified.” – John Galer, Chair, National Newspaper Association Board of Directors; Publisher of The Journal-News in Hillsboro, IL

    America’s Newspapers

    “America’s Newspapers, the trade association representing more than 1,500 local community newspapers, commends Senator Maria Cantwell for introducing legislation that addresses the emerging problem of deepfakes. It is critical to our democracy that news organizations provide their communities with trusted information and news. The issue of deepfakes must be addressed to maintain consumer confidence in news providers. We look forward to working with Sen. Cantwell on this important legislation.” – Dean Ridings, CEO

    Rebuild Local News
    “The proliferation of deepfakes is an enormous problem that’s going to get much worse if lawmakers and regulators don’t act. This will be particularly dangerous when it comes to residents getting information about their local communities because the collapse of local news has left us with fewer journalistic watchdogs. We commend Senator Cantwell for shining a spotlight on this issue and we look forward to working with her to devise appropriate policies in this complex area.” – Steven Waldman, President

    National Association of Broadcasters

    “Deepfakes pose a significant threat to the integrity of broadcasters’ trusted journalism,” said NAB President and CEO Curtis LeGeyt. “We are grateful to Ranking Member Cantwell and Sens. Blackburn and Heinrich for reintroducing this bill to protect the authenticity of the vital local and national news that radio and television stations provide our communities. We also applaud efforts to prohibit the use of broadcasters’ news content to train generative AI systems without express consent and compensation to the news creator. We look forward to working with the committee to help advance this bill and these fundamental principles critical to our ability to continue serving communities with trusted news.” – Curtis LeGeyt, President and CEO

    Artist Rights Alliance

    “The Artist Rights Alliance (ARA) applauds Senator Cantwell for introducing legislation to combat deception and confusion in the AI marketplace and protect artists from the unauthorized and unethical use of AI. As AI technology continues to evolve at breakneck speed, we must ensure that creators do not fall victim to deepfakes and other abuses of their very personhood. ARA is grateful for Senator Cantwell’s commitment to building a framework for responsible AI that is grounded in the fundamental principles of transparency and choice.” – Jen Jacobsen, Executive Director

    Human Artistry Campaign
    “Deepfakes pose an existential threat to our culture and society, making it hard to believe what we see and hear and leaving individual creators vulnerable as tech companies use our art without consent while AI-generated content leads to confusion about what is real. Requiring transparency is a meaningful step that will help protect us all – ensuring that nonconsensual, harmful content can be removed quickly and providing a clear origin when our life’s work has been used.” – Dr. Moiya McTier, Senior Advisor

    Public Citizen

    “Public Citizen strongly believes that every person has a right to know when they are seeing, hearing or engaging with AI-generated content.  This is critical for the purposes of maintaining social trust in our society. A poll found that 79 percent of people polled worry the information they are seeing online is fake or meant to confuse. Senator Cantwell’s Content Origin Protection and Integrity from Edited and Deepfaked Media Act of 2025 is an important step towards safeguarding truth and trust in the AI age. This legislation addresses key issues surrounding deepfakes and AI-generated media by directing NIST to develop robust standards for detecting and labeling synthetic content and promotes provenance protections for AI generated content. If passed, this bill would promote online transparency and ethical AI use, which is desperately needed in today’s online ecosystem.” – Richard Anthony, Emerging Technologies Policy Advocate

    The Society of Composers & Lyricists (SCL), the Songwriters Guild of America (SGA), and Music Creators North America (MCNA)

    “The Society of Composers & Lyricists (SCL), the Songwriters Guild of America (SGA), and Music Creators North America (MCNA) applaud Senator Cantwell for initiating a crucial, beginning step towards addressing the myriad of existential threats to the American songwriter and composer community posed by unregulated generative artificial intelligence.  As the leading organizational representatives for America’s music creators, our independent groups represent many thousands of composers and songwriters, solely. We formulate our policy positions without undue outside influence from third parties, and we extend our enthusiastic support for introduction of the proposed bill.  The urgent need to require all generative AI users to deal transparently and fairly with the creative community cannot be overstated, and we look forward to working with Senator Cantwell’s office in addressing these and the many other challenges and opportunities provided by GenAI technologies in the immediate future.” – Ashley Irwin, SCL President & MCNA co-chair

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: News 04/10/2025 Blackburn, Klobuchar Introduce Bill to Help Rescue More Victims of Human Trafficking

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) and Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) introduced the Combating Trafficking in Transportation Act, which would give states flexibility with federal funding to post human trafficking awareness signage at rest stops and welcome centers along the Interstate System, helping to educate the public and better support survivors of human trafficking:

    “As human traffickers move their victims across the country, they travel on the same highways and visit the same rest stops and gas stations as everyone else, which creates multiple opportunities to identify these victims,” said Senator Blackburn. “This bipartisan legislation would give all states the flexibility to take advantage of signage campaigns that have been proven effective to rescue more men, women, and children from this heinous crime.”

    “We must do everything in our power to stop human trafficking, and public awareness campaigns are a proven, effective tool to combat this issue,” said Senator Klobuchar. “That is why we are introducing bipartisan legislation to provide more information about signs of trafficking and how to help victims. This bill will give law enforcement crucial information to take on criminals and get more victims to safety.”

    BACKGROUND

    • Human trafficking is a multibillion-dollar industry, generating over $250 billion in profits each year. Individuals trafficked in the United States, whether through labor or sex trafficking, are transported on our nation’s interstate system. 
    • Victim identification is essential to disrupting transnational trafficking rings, and public awareness is key to these efforts. Signage campaigns detailing ways to recognize and report human trafficking have been extremely successful. 
    • One public awareness signage campaign in Texas led to a 30 percent increase in calls to the National Human Trafficking Hotline, ultimately resulting in over 1,000 survivors being identified.

    COMBATING TRAFFICKING IN TRANSPORTATION ACT

    Specifically, the Combating Trafficking in Transportation Act would: 

    • Amend the list of eligible projects under the Surface Transportation Block Grant Program and the RAISE Discretionary Grant Program to include the procurement and installation of human trafficking awareness signage at rest stops and welcome centers along the Interstate System; and
    • Add a 16th seat to the Department of Transportation Advisory Committee on Human Trafficking specifically for a representative from state departments of transportation.

    Click here to read the bill text.

    ENDORSEMENTS

    This legislation is supported by Truckers Against Trafficking, Engage Together, Street Grace, A21, 3Strands Global Foundation, Raven, Polaris Project, Pearl at the Mailbox, Lynn’s Warriors, Empowered Network, Love Never Fails, Compassion First, Survivor Led Solutions, SK Sultana, Bridge 2 Future, There is Hope for Me, Mentari, Resiliency Foundation, World Without Exploitation, Yellowstone Human Trafficking Task Force, Wealth Management Ministries-Prevention Works Joint Task Force and Coalition, Chains Interrupted, One More Child, Campaign Against Human Trafficking, and Hope for Justice.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Polis Signs Laws to Improve Public Safety

    Source: US State of Colorado

    DENVER – Today, Governor Polis signed new laws to improve public safety in Colorado and strengthen the state’s workforce. The Governor signed SB25-003 – Semiautomatic Firearms & Rapid-Fire Devices, sponsored by Senators Tom Sullivan and Julie Gonzales, and Representatives Andrew Boesnecker and Meg Froelich, to improve public safety by enhancing gun safety education. The Governor also wrote a signing statement. 

    “I am focused on improving public safety and making Colorado one of the top ten safest states in the country. This bill ensures that our Second Amendment rights are protected and that Coloradans can continue to purchase the gun of their choice for sport, hunting, self-defense, or home defense. I am confident that this bill contributes to improving public safety in our state by helping to ensure an educated and trained gun owner community, including gun safety and safe storage,” said Governor Jared Polis. “This law is not a ban, and I have been clear that I oppose banning types of firearms. Proper gun safety education and training, however, are key components of public safety and responsible gun ownership.” 

    The Governor and his office worked with the sponsors, advocates, and Coloradans to improve the bill throughout the legislative session. As passed, this bill provides for lawful purchasers to undertake a gun safety education course prior to continuing to be able to purchase the gun of their choice starting in August 2026. 

    Governor Polis signed bills into law to strengthen the state’s resources for public safety, support Colorado youth, and enhance workforce development opportunities. 

    • SB25-059 – Supports for State Response to Mass Shootings, sponsored by Senators Tom Sullivan and Steven Woodrow, and Representative Michael Carter
    • SB25-151 – Measures to Prevent Youth from Running Away, sponsored by Senators Dafna Michaelson Jenet and Meg Froelich, and Representative Lindsay Gilchrist

     “These laws will ensure the state is prepared to support victims of crimes, and help Colorado youth in care sites get needed services to stay safe and healthy. Each of these new laws will improve public safety for communities across the state,” said Governor Polis. 

    These new laws add to a long line of laws signed by Governor Polis to improve public safety. This includes cracking down on auto theft and illegal guns, increasing funding for local law enforcement, community-led crime prevention efforts, safe storage, emergency risk protection order and more. 

    The Governor also signed HB25-1221 – Emily Griffith Associate of Applied Science Degree, sponsored by Representatives Eliza Hamrick and Lori Garcia Sander, and Senators Jeff Bridges and Paul Lundeen. 

    “This new credential can help connect more Coloradans to needed skills that lead to good-paying jobs. I appreciate the work of the sponsors on this legislation and look forward to seeing Coloradans take advantage of it,” said Governor Jared Polis. 

    Governor Polis also signed the following bipartisan bills administratively: 

    • SB25-015 – Wildfire Information & Resource Center Website, sponsored by Senators Lisa Cutter and Janice Marchman, and Representatives Elizabeth Velasco and Tisha Mauro. This bill is bipartisan.
    • SB25-033 – Prohibit New Liquor-Licensed Drug Stores, sponsored by Senators Judy Amabile and Dylan Roberts, and Representatives Naquetta Ricks and Ron Weinberg. This bill is bipartisan. SIGNING STATEMENT
    • HB25-1027 – Update Disease Control Statutes, sponsored by Representatives Lindsay Gilchrist and Kyle Brown, and Senators Lindsey Daugherty and Kyle Mullica. This bill is bipartisan.
    • HB25-1173 – Advisory Board Serving Office of School Safety, sponsored by Representatives Meghan Lukens and Dusty Johnson, and Senator Chris Kolker. This bill is bipartisan.
    • HB25-1110 – Railroad Crossing Maintenance Costs, sponsored by Representatives Ty Winter and Monica Duran, and Senators Byron Pelton and Robert Rodriguez. This bill is bipartisan. 

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Baker to Vegas 2025: Running to Compete, Running to Honor.

    Source: US Marshals Service

    The United State Marshals Service (USMS) is proud to announce the successful completion of the 2025 Baker to Vegas (B2V) Challenge Cup Relay by three agency teams: USMS Elite Running Team, USMS Women’s Running Team Silver, and USMS Women’s Running Team Blue. Each team represented the best of who the agency is: committed, resilient, and united in purpose.

    B2V is no ordinary relay race. It’s a 120-mile, 20-stage relay through the Mojave Desert, finishing in Las Vegas. The course pushes runners to their limits with punishing terrain, extreme temperature swings, long, steep mountain climbs, and miles of isolation. This year, runners battled sustained 25-mph headwinds – a brutal new layer of difficulty. Each team met it head-on with grit, heart, and determination.

    But this race wasn’t just about time – it was about tribute. This year our teams ran in honor of Deputy Tommy Weeks, TFO William Alden Elliott, TFO Sam Poloche, and Honorary Special Deputy Joshua Eyer – four fallen officers whose memory continues to guide and inspire us. The teams were incredibly honored to be joined on the racecourse by Kelly Weeks, whose presence brought powerful meaning to the journey and reminded everyone of the deep personal connections behind every name.

    Our tribute was woven into every step:

    • We wore red bandannas (Tommy’s favorite color) and wristbands with Tommy’s name and badge number.
    • Each runner had the names of all four of our fallen, and their end of watch dates on memorial shoe tags to ensure every footfall had meaning.  
    • Each runner carried photos of the fallen on their race bibs.
    • A memorial candle was lit for each fallen officer at the start of the race and burned until the final USMS runner crossed the finish line.
    • Tommy’s favorite songs were incorporated into our playlists, and we ran our hardest miles dedicated to our four fallen.
    • At the finish line, we handed the team batons to Kelly Weeks, a symbolic gesture that carried the memory of our heroes across 120-miles of grueling desert.

    For all three teams, this achievement did not come without personal sacrifice. Each runner, alternate, and support team member gave generously of their personal time, energy, and financial resources to represent the USMS and carry the memory of our heroes. Travel, lodging, training, gear, equipment, annual leave, and rental vehicles came out of their own pockets – which was done in service of something bigger than themselves. They did it to stand for the USMS, and to honor our fallen.

    We could not be prouder of these teams. B2V is a powerful reflection of who we are as an agency – strong, unified, selfless, and driven by purpose. It showcases our people at their best – working together to support one another and doing whatever it takes to rise to the challenge. Together we ran to compete. Together we ran to remember.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Larsen, Senator Murray, Senator Cantwell and Rep. Randall Reintroduce Legislation to Permanently Reauthorize Northwest Straits Commission

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Rick Larsen (2nd Congressional District Washington)

    Washington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Representative Rick Larsen (D, WA-02), along with Senators Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee and Maria Cantwell (D-WA), ranking member of the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee and senior member of the Senate Finance Committee, introduced the Northwest Straits Marine Conservation Initiative Reauthorization Act of 2025, legislation to permanently reauthorize the Northwest Straits Commission in the Puget Sound, and fund it at $10 million each fiscal year for the next six years, through Fiscal Year 2031. Joining Senator Murray, Senator Cantwell, and Rep. Larsen in introducing the legislation today was U.S. Representative Emily Randall (D, WA-06).

    The Northwest Straits Commission is a community-led effort to restore marine habitats in the Northwest Straits region and address local threats to marine environments with projects such as restoring shellfish populations, protecting vulnerable ecosystems, and promoting growth for native water and shore-based plants. The Northwest Straits Commission provides funding, training, and support to seven county-based Marine Resources Committees (MRCs) and 15 Tribes. The Commission advises local officials on how to best carry out environmental projects and provides expertise to community organizations to help them be partners in their work by, for example, training volunteers to identify forage fish spawning sites.

    “The Northwest Straits Commission has an impressive track record of community-led, well-executed projects that protect Washington state’s environment,” said Rep. Larsen, the lead Democrat on the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee. “I am proud to support the Commission as it brings together a diverse group of local, state, tribal and federal stakeholders to restore marine habitats and create good jobs in Northwest Washington. I look forward to working with Senator Murray, Senator Cantwell and Rep. Randall to pass this bill to reauthorize the Commission so it can continue its important work for decades to come.”

    “Ensuring our rich marine resources in the Northwest Straits stay healthy is critical not only for local communities and Tribes, but also for our economy in Washington state. That’s why I first established the Northwest Straits Commission in a bipartisan way back in 1998, and fight to secure funding for it every single year,” said Senator Murray. “The Commission remains a model for how successful investments in community-led restoration projects can be, and how vital they are for restoration work that help our marine habitats recover and thrive. I am excited to continue leading the charge to permanently authorize the Northwest Straits Commission with this legislation, which would also provide a strong and consistent funding stream for the Commission over the next decade—making sure partners on the ground can expand their efforts to protect our marine species and habitats and support our outdoor recreation economy. I’ll continue fighting every way I can to secure the federal funding necessary to protect our natural resources for generations to come.”

    “The Northwest Straits bill is critical to supporting our robust coastal economy and fishing jobs, while preserving Washington’s coastal environment for generations to come,” Senator Cantwell said. “This legislation ensures we continue to support the health and sustainability of our diverse marine resources.”

    “From abalone beds and oysters, to the rugged coastline that stretches for hundreds of miles, folks from Washington’s 6th District know there’s no place quite like home. The Northwest Straits Commission has been a lifeline for our communities, providing critical resources like the Marine Resources Committees in Jefferson and Clallam counties, and working alongside Tribes all across the state,” said Rep. Randall. “Their collaborative efforts to restore and protect our marine habitats are a testament to what makes this place so special. I’m proud to co-lead this legislation to reauthorize and continue the Commission’s important work so we can continue working together to safeguard the precious marine resources that make our community and our state one-of-a-kind.”

    The Northwest Straits Commission is supported by a wide range of stakeholders, including state and federal agencies, elected leaders, and Tribal partners throughout the Puget Sound Region. More information about this bill is available here. The text of the Northwest Straits Marine Conservation Initiative Reauthorization Act of 2025 is available here.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Health – Nelson’s hands-on message to Te Whatu Ora over patient safety – NZNO

    Source: New Zealand Nurses Organisation

    More than 200 people are expected to make a chain around Nelson Hospital on Saturday, to demand a new hospital immediately and enough staff to care for the community.
    Nelson residents will go hand-in-hand with unions New Zealand Nurses Organisation Tōpūtanga Tapuhi Kaitiaki o Aotearoa (NZNO), Public Service Association (PSA) and Association of Salaried Medical Specialists (ASMS) to further highlight the hospital’s troubles including understaffing, structural deficiencies and even pest-related woes.
    NZNO delegate Amanda Field says the Government’s failure to adequately fund healthcare means management of Nelson Hospital is being forced to make difficult decisions that hurt both patients and staff.
    “Cutting back on workers and prioritising the budget and targets not only raises health and safety risks for the treatment of vulnerable patients and exhausted staff but also leaves the building maintenance underfunded. Every staff member who works in healthcare has the patient at the centre of their work. As soon as the focus is on targets and budgets the patient journey becomes secondary.
    “We are appealing to the Government for more funding, employing appropriate staffing numbers and a specific commitment to building the new hospital.”
    Field says local communities are feeling frustrated and worried that 23 years after a new hospital was promised there’s still no sign of one.
    “People of Nelson are really motivated. Hands around the hospital is an opportunity for the community to come together and show their concern and support.
    They are speaking out about their experiences. They are frustrated they have been made to wait since 2002, and waitlists are impacting on the health of patients and healthcare workers’ wellbeing.
    “Health and safety of patients and staff is paramount. Doctors and nurses are speaking out because they are primarily concerned about the health of this community, which are all a part of.”
    Hands around the Nelson Hospital starts at 12 noon outside Hospital Main Entrance on Tipahi Street.
    “The chain will be on the footpath on the roadside around the hospital and not on the hospital grounds, so there’s no risk of impacting services,” Field says.
    “We urge anyone who can make it to join us.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Health AWARDS – ProCare and Unitec recognise Top Pacific Nurses

    Source: ProCare

    ProCare in partnership with Unitec, is pleased to announce the winners of the Top Pacific Nurse award for the 2024 academic year – Katerina Alapae and Seluvaia Havea.

    The winners were presented their awards at the Pacific Graduation Dinner on Thursday 3 April, where graduates who had completed the Pacific Nursing programme were recognised.

    This is the third year the ProCare Top Pacific Nurse Award has been presented. It recognises high-achieving Pacific nursing students and aims to encourage interest in primary care nursing and support for the wider community.

    Viv Pole, Head of Pacific Health at ProCare says: “This is a fantastic award and a testament of ProCare’s support for our Pacific nurses, with one of our strategic goals being to improve the Pacific health workforce. We are excited to once again support this partnership with Unitec to recognise their talented Pacific students.

    “Our ProCare GP network supports a Pacific population of around 90,000 people. As they step into their careers, these graduates join a growing workforce of skilled Pacific healthcare professionals, ensuring culturally responsive care for their communities,” concludes Pole.

    Bindi Norwell, ProCare Group CEO says: “We’re delighted to recognise the achievements of these Pacific Nurse graduates. Their hard work, dedication, and talent has not gone unnoticed, and we are thrilled to celebrate with them. No doubt this award will be the first of many, and we look forward to following their careers and future endeavours to benefit our Pacific communities and Aotearoa.”

    To read more about each of the winners, check out their profiles on the ProCare website: https://www.procare.co.nz/news/2025/unitec-top-pacific-nurse-graduate-profiles/

    About ProCare

    ProCare is a leading healthcare provider that aims to deliver the most progressive, pro-active and equitable health and wellbeing services in Aotearoa. We do this through our clinical support services, mental health and wellness services, virtual/tele health, mobile health, smoking cessation and by taking a population health and equity approach to our mahi. As New Zealand’s largest Primary Health Organisation, we represent a network of general practice teams and healthcare professionals who provide care to nearly 700,000 patients across Auckland. These practices serve the largest Pacific and South Asian populations enrolled in general practice and the largest Māori population in Tāmaki Makaurau. For more information go to www.procare.co.nz

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: 116-2025: Biosecurity Portal – indicate when the goods will be ready for inspection

    Source: New South Wales Government 2

    10 April 2025

    Who does this notice affect?

    Approved arrangements operators, customs brokers, importers, manned depots, and freight forwarders who are required to book and manage requests for inspections via the Biosecurity Portal.

    Information

    The Biosecurity Portal allows a requester to provide the exact time that goods are available. Providing this information will assist the department in allocating resources effectively. Biosecurity Portal users are encouraged…

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Federal Employee Charged With Possession Of A Firearm By An Unlawful Drug User

    Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)

    Jacksonville, Florida – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces the return of an indictment charging Bryan Roger Byers (57, Jacksonville), a United States Postal Service employee, with possessing a firearm as an unlawful drug user. If convicted, Byers faces up to 15 years in federal prison.

    According to court documents and proceedings, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) began investigating Byers after a firearm he had purchased was recovered during a drug trafficking investigation. During that investigation, a felon was found to be in possession of a firearm and admitted purchasing the firearm from Byers in exchange for crack cocaine.

    Investigators located text messages, which reflected that Byers used sex workers to find buyers for his firearms and those buyers then exchanged drugs for the firearms. Records reflect Byers purchased at least 10 firearms over the last four years.

    On April 2, 2025, a search warrant was executed at Byers’s home. Law enforcement officers located seven firearms, multiple rounds of ammunition, and two suspected crack pipes, all of which were seized by ATF. The next day, Byers attempted to purchase another firearm and was arrested by ATF agents.

    An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.

    This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Brenna Falzetta.

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

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Labor gains 5-point lead in a YouGov poll, taken during Trump tariff chaos

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Adrian Beaumont, Election Analyst (Psephologist) at The Conversation; and Honorary Associate, School of Mathematics and Statistics, The University of Melbourne

    A national YouGov poll, conducted April 4–10 from a sample of 1,505, gave Labor a 52.5–47.5 lead, a 1.5-point gain for Labor since the March 28 to April 3 YouGov poll. This is Labor’s best result in YouGov for 18 months, and slightly better for Labor than the 2022 election result (52.1–47.9 to Labor).

    Primary votes were 33.5% Coalition (down 1.5), 32% Labor (up two), 13% Greens (steady), 8.5% One Nation (up 1.5), 1% Trumpet of Patriots (down one), 9% independents (down one) and 3% others (steady). By 2022 election preference flows, Labor would lead by over 53.5–46.5.

    Anthony Albanese’s net approval improved four points to -2, with 47% dissatisfied and 45% satisfied. In the last two weeks, Albanese has gained seven points on net approval. Peter Dutton’s net approval was steady at -15. Albanese led Dutton as better PM by 48–37 (45–38 previously).

    The only other national poll since last Sunday’s article was a Morgan poll that also had Labor extending its lead. The poll graph below shows Labor has kept improving in the polls since early March. With three weeks to go until the May 3 election, Labor is the likely winner.

    The YouGov poll was taken during the period after Donald Trump announced his “Liberation Day” tariffs on April 2, leading to a week of chaos on the stock markets. While US markets had their biggest one-day gain since 2008 on Wednesday after Trump suspended some of his tariffs for 90 days, they slumped again Thursday owing to the very high tariffs on China.

    I believe the more Trump is in the news for doing things that potentially damage the US and world economies, the more Labor will be assisted in the polls by not being the more pro-Trump major party.

    Candidate nominations for the federal election will be declared today after they closed Thursday. If candidates now embarrass their party, they can’t be replaced but only disendorsed; their names will still appear on the ballot paper.

    Morgan poll: Labor increases solid lead

    A national Morgan poll, conducted March 31 to April 4 from a sample of 1,481, gave Labor a 53.5–46.5 lead by headline respondent preferences, a 0.5-point gain for Labor since the March 24–30 Morgan poll.

    Primary votes were 33% Coalition (down two), 32.5% Labor (up 0.5), 13.5% Greens (up 0.5), 6% One Nation (up 0.5), 1.5% Trumpet of Patriots (new for this pollster), 9% independents (down 1.5) and 4.5% others. By 2022 election flows, Labor led by 54.5–45.5, a one-point gain for Labor.

    By 52–33, voters said the country was going in the wrong direction (51.5–32 previously). Morgan’s consumer confidence index increased 1.5 points to 86.8; this poll was taken before the stock market falls.

    Politicians’ net favourable ratings and seat polls

    I previously covered a national Redbridge poll for the News Corp tabloids that gave Labor a 52–48 lead. This poll asked about net favourable ratings for various politicians. Jacqui Lambie was at net -1 favourable, Albanese at -4, Dutton at -15, Greens leader Adam Bandt at -17, Pauline Hanson at -23 and Clive Palmer at -49.

    The Poll Bludger reported on Thursday a seat poll of McMahon by right-wing pollster Compass had Labor incumbent Chris Bowen on just 19% of the primary vote (48.0% in 2022). Bowen trailed the Liberals on 20% and right-wing independent Matt Camenzuli on 41%. The Poll Bludger was very sceptical of this poll.

    A uComms seat poll of Teal-held Wentworth for Climate 200 had teal Allegra Spender leading the Liberals by 58–42 (55.9–44.1 at the 2022 election adjusted for a redistribution). Neither of the polls above gave fieldwork dates, with both having a sample over 1,000. Seat polls are unreliable.

    Canadian and South Korean elections

    The Canadian election is on April 28, and it’s increasingly likely the governing centre-left Liberals will win a seat majority after they were 24 points behind the Conservatives in early January. There hasn’t been much movement from the Trump tariff chaos in the last week, but Trump’s US ratings are down.

    On April 4, South Korea’s Constitutional Court upheld the right-wing president’s impeachment by parliament in December after he declared martial law. A new presidential election was required and will be held on June 3. The centre-left Democrats are very likely to win, and they already have a big parliamentary majority. I covered these elections for The Poll Bludger on Thursday.

    Victorian state Redbridge poll: Coalition narrowly ahead

    A Victorian state Redbridge poll, reported in The Herald Sun, was conducted March 24 to April 2 from a sample of 2,013. It gave the Coalition a 51–49 lead, unchanged since November. Primary votes were 41% Coalition (down two), 29% Labor (down one), 13% Greens (down one) and 17% for all Others (up four). This poll is not as bad for Labor as other recent Victorian polls.

    Liberal leader Brad Battin was at +2 net favourable while Labor Premier Jacinta Allan was at a dismal -35. By 52–27, voters did not think the Labor government had the right priorities. By 46–29, voters supported the Suburban Rail Loop. Over 50% thought the government’s changes to machete and bail laws too lenient.

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

    – ref. Labor gains 5-point lead in a YouGov poll, taken during Trump tariff chaos – https://theconversation.com/labor-gains-5-point-lead-in-a-yougov-poll-taken-during-trump-tariff-chaos-253738

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. LaMalfa Statement on House Passage of Senate Budget Resolution

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

    Washington, D.C.—Today, Congressman Doug LaMalfa (R-Richvale) released the following statement after the House passed the Senate Amendment to the budget resolution. Passage of this amendment is a critical step in the reconciliation process and moves us one step closer to a balanced budget.

    “Runaway spending has driven inflation and pushed costs higher across the board. This budget resolution takes an important step toward reversing that damage, bringing down energy costs, stopping a devastating tax increase, and putting us back on the path to a balanced budget without cuts to Medicare or Social Security,” said Rep. LaMalfa. “Hardworking Americans deserve policies that lower prices and strengthen our economy, not more reckless government spending. I look forward to the next steps in this process to build on this progress and deliver real relief.”

    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.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Convicted Felon Sentenced to 60 Months in Prison for Possession of a Firearm

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    TUCSON, Ariz. – Arturo Contreras Soto, 37, of Tucson, was sentenced on Tuesday by Chief United States District Judge Jennifer G. Zipps to 60 months in prison. Soto was convicted of Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon following a bench trial on January 28, 2025.

    On April 3, 2024, Tucson Police Department officers arrested Soto while he was riding an electric bicycle and carrying an open container of alcohol near downtown Tucson. The officers searched the satchel that Soto was wearing across his chest and found a 9mm handgun with a loaded magazine. Soto also had approximately 500 fentanyl pills and approximately $250 in cash in his pockets. Further investigation revealed that Soto had numerous prior felony convictions, including a conviction for motor vehicle theft, two separate convictions for drug-related felonies, and two separate convictions for aggravated robbery. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) then assumed responsibility for the case in collaboration with the Tucson Police Department as part of the National Public Safety Partnership (PSP).

    The National PSP was established by the U.S. Department of Justice to provide an innovative framework to enhance federal support of state, local, and tribal law enforcement and prosecution authorities in enhancing public safety. PSP began as a pilot program, the Violence Reduction Network, in 2014 and is designed to promote interagency coordination by leveraging specialized law enforcement expertise with dedicated prosecutorial resources to promote public and community safety. PSP serves as a DOJ-wide program that enables participating sites to consult with and receive expedited, coordinated training and technical assistance, and an array of resources from DOJ to enhance local public safety strategies. This model enables DOJ to provide jurisdictions of different sizes and diverse needs with data-driven, evidence-based strategies tailored to the unique local needs of participating cities to build their capacities to address violent crime challenges. PSP has engaged with more than 60 sites since the program’s inception.

    The ATF and Tucson Police Department conducted the investigation in this case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jennifer H. Berman and Alessandra Bermudez, District of Arizona, Tucson, handled the prosecution.

    CASE NUMBER:           CR-24-02929-TUC-JGZ
    RELEASE NUMBER:    2025-054_Soto

    # # #

    For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
    Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news.

    MIL Security OSI –