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  • MIL-OSI: Silvercrest Asset Management Group Appoints J. Allen Gray to Board of Directors

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, April 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Silvercrest Asset Management Group Inc. (NASDAQ:SAMG), a leading registered investment advisory firm specializing in institutional and wealth asset management services, is pleased to announce the appointment of J. Allen Gray to its Board of Directors, effective immediately.

    Mr. Gray brings extensive experience in financial services and strategic leadership to Silvercrest. As head of Silvercrest’s institutional business, Mr. Gray has played a pivotal role in the success of the firm’s institutional equity business over his tenure. The institutional asset management business has grown to approximately 30% of its discretionary assets under management under Mr. Gray’s nearly 17-year tenure. He is a Silvercrest Partner and Managing Director, and has been a member of the company’s Executive Committee since 2019.

    “We are thrilled to welcome Allen Gray to our Board of Directors,” said Richard Hough, Chairman and CEO of Silvercrest Asset Management Group Inc. “Allen will provide the Board with important strategic insights with regards to our ongoing growth in the institutional asset management business as well our global initiatives. Our ambitious growth plans will greatly benefit from Allen’s careful advice and counsel. His deep industry knowledge, proven leadership, and commitment to excellence align perfectly with Silvercrest’s mission to deliver exceptional value to our clients.”

    About J. Allen Gray

    J. Allen Gray is a Managing Director and Head of Institutional business. Prior to Silvercrest, Mr. Gray served as a Managing Partner and a Member of the Management Committee of Osprey Partners Investment Management, LLC and as President of the Osprey Concentrated Large Cap Value Equity Fund. Prior to Osprey Partners, Mr. Gray served as a Managing Director with Radnor Capital Management, a start-up investment firm, where he was responsible for the firm’s sales, marketing and client relations activities. Mr. Gray began his career with Kidder, Peabody & Co. as a financial advisor before accepting a position with Wheat, First Securities, Inc. as Vice President for institutional equity sales as well as continuing to work as a financial advisor to families and individuals. Mr. Gray remained with Wheat, First Securities until the founding of Radnor Capital Management. Mr. Gray received his B.A. in Political Science from Randolph-Macon College.

    About Silvercrest

    Silvercrest was founded in April 2002 as an independent, employee-owned registered investment adviser. With offices in New York, Boston, Virginia, New Jersey, California and Wisconsin, Silvercrest provides traditional and alternative investment advisory and family office services to wealthy families and select institutional investors. As of December 31, 2024, the firm reported assets under management of $36.5 billion.

    Contact: Richard R. Hough III
    Chairman & CEO
    212-649-0601
    rhough@silvercrestgroup.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: AvePoint to Announce First Quarter 2025 Financial Results on May 8

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    JERSEY CITY, N.J., April 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — AvePoint (NASDAQ: AVPT), the global leader in data security, governance, and resilience, will report its first quarter 2025 financial results after the US financial markets close on Thursday, May 8, 2025.

    The Company will host a conference call at 4:30pm ET on Thursday, May 8, 2025. CEO and Co-Founder Dr. Tianyi Jiang (TJ) and CFO Jim Caci will provide an overview of Q1 2025 results, discuss current business trends, and conduct a question-and-answer session. You may access the call and register with a live operator by dialing 1 (833) 816-1428 for US participants and 1 (412) 317-0520 for outside the US. The passcode for the call is 1630173.

    A live webcast will be available on AvePoint’s Investor Relations website. A replay of the webcast will be available for approximately 90 calendar days.

    About AvePoint

    Beyond Secure. AvePoint is the global leader in data security, governance, and resilience, going beyond traditional solutions to ensure a robust data foundation and enable organizations everywhere to collaborate with confidence. Over 25,000 customers worldwide rely on the AvePoint Confidence Platform to prepare, secure, and optimize their critical data across Microsoft, Google, Salesforce, and other collaboration environments. AvePoint’s global channel partner program includes approximately 5,000 managed service providers, value-added resellers, and systems integrators, with our solutions available in more than 100 cloud marketplaces. To learn more, visit www.avepoint.com.

    Forward-Looking Statements:

    This press release contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the “safe harbor” provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and other federal securities laws including statements regarding the future performance of and market opportunities for AvePoint. These forward-looking statements generally are identified by the words “believe,” “project,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “intend,” “strategy,” “future,” “opportunity,” “plan,” “may,” “should,” “will,” “would,” “will be,” “will continue,” “will likely result,” and similar expressions. Forward-looking statements are predictions, projections and other statements about future events that are based on current expectations and assumptions and, as a result, are subject to risks and uncertainties. Many factors could cause actual future events to differ materially from the forward-looking statements in this press release, including but not limited to: changes in the competitive and regulated industries in which AvePoint operates, variations in operating performance across competitors, changes in laws and regulations affecting AvePoint’s business and changes in AvePoint’s ability to implement business plans, forecasts, and ability to identify and realize additional opportunities, and the risk of downturns in the market and the technology industry. You should carefully consider the foregoing factors and the other risks and uncertainties described in the “Risk Factors” section of AvePoint’s most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K. Copies of this and other documents filed by AvePoint from time to time are available on the SEC’s website, www.sec.gov. This filing identifies and addresses other important risks and uncertainties that could cause actual events and results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made. Readers are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking statements, and AvePoint does not assume any obligation and does not intend to update or revise these forward-looking statements after the date of this release, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, except as required by law. AvePoint does not give any assurance that it will achieve its expectations. Unless the context otherwise indicates, references in this press release to the terms “AvePoint,” “the Company,” “we,” “our” and “us” refer to AvePoint, Inc. and its subsidiaries.

    Disclosure Information

    AvePoint uses the https://www.avepoint.com/ir website as a means of disclosing material non-public information and for complying with its disclosure obligations under Regulation FD.

    Investor Contact
    AvePoint
    Jamie Arestia
    ir@avepoint.com
    (551) 220-5654

    Media Contact
    AvePoint
    Nicole Caci
    pr@avepoint.com
    (201) 201-8143

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Attorney General Bonta Alerts Californians to Job Recruitment Scams

    Source: US State of California

    Thursday, April 10, 2025

    Contact: (916) 210-6000, agpressoffice@doj.ca.gov

    OAKLAND — California Attorney General Rob Bonta today issued a consumer alert asking Californians to be aware of job recruitment scams. Job recruitment scams occur when bad actors trick job seekers into providing money or personal information by posing as employers, recruiters, or job placement agencies. These scams often promise high-paying jobs with urgent hiring, little qualifications, or the opportunity to work from home — and can sometimes be a front to recruit job seekers to assist with criminal activity. Scams can occur through various forms of communication including text messages, phone calls, and postings on online job sites. According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), job and fake employment agency scams are one of the top forms of fraud. Losses from these scams have nearly tripled from 2020 to 2024, with consumers losing $501 million in 2024. 

    “As job recruiting scams become more popular, I urge Californians to exercise caution and be wary of offers that sound too good to be true,” said Attorney General Bonta. “Remember if a stranger offers you a job you didn’t apply for, it’s most likely a scam.”

    Learn the Warning Signs

    There are many potential signs of a job scam. Be wary if the job posting or email exhibits any of these signs:

    • Asks for money.
    • Asks for you to make purchases on their behalf — such as gift cards.
    • Asks you to share your credit card number or bank details.
    • Asks you to receive or send money or packages for people you don’t know or haven’t met in person.
    • Promises easy money – especially if it involves sending or receiving money or packages.
    • Asks you to open a bank account or cryptocurrency account at someone else’s direction.
    • Claims to offer a “secret” list of government jobs or a chance to get on an inside track for government employment for a fee. Government job listings are always free —find them at jobs.ca.gov, usajobs.gov, or about.usps.com/careers.
    • Lists a company without an established physical office. 
    • Gives a short timeline or puts pressure on you to urgently respond.  

    Spot the Scam: What are Money Mules?

    Job recruitment scams can also be used to recruit unsuspecting job-seekers, sometimes called money mules, to assist with criminal activity. If someone you don’t know sends you money and asks you to forward or transfer the money, you could be fueling fraud. Transferring money on behalf of others not only furthers criminal activity, but it could also lead to consequences for consumers, like losing money or serving jail time. 

    Protect Yourself from Job Scams

    If you receive a possible scam message: 

    • DO NOT CLICK ON THE LINK. If you think a text or message could be legitimate, contact the company using a website or phone number you know is real — not the information in the text.
    • Do some research. Search online for the name of the company and words like “review,” “scam,” or “complaint.” If you can’t find the company online, steer clear.
    • File a complaint. File a complaint with the FBI, the Federal Trade Commission, and our office. Be sure to include the phone number from where the text originated, and the website listed within the text.
    • Delete any scam texts or messages received. 

    # # #

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Stockton Man Pleads Guilty to Threatening to Blow up Power Plants

    Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime Alerts (c)

    BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Justin Horton, 40, of Stockton, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo to conveying false information and hoaxes, which carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison, and a fine of $250,000.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney David J. Rudroff, who is handling the case, stated that on the evening of May 13, 2024, Horton called National Grid and stated “I’m calling to call a bomb threat into you. I’m going to blow up both of your nuclear power plants by the end of next week.” Horton specified that he was referring to nuclear power plants located in New York and Pennsylvania. The defendant did not have the means or intent to carry out the threat to bomb two nuclear facilities.

    The plea is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia, and the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Amie Feroleto.

    Sentencing is scheduled for August 15, 2025, before Judge Vilardo.

    # # # #

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Guatemalan National Arrested For Illegally Possessing Firearm After Shots Fired From Vehicle

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces the arrest of Elmer Gustabo Vasquez-Lopez (19, Guatemala) on a criminal complaint charging him with possession of a firearm by an illegal alien. If convicted, Vasquez-Lopez faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in federal prison.

    According to the complaint, on March 30, 2025, the Palmetto Police Department responded to a call for service regarding shots fired on 14th Street in Palmetto. An officer from the Palmetto Police witnessed gunshots from a vehicle, and officers arrested the vehicle’s occupants, including Vasquez-Lopez. The occupants were arrested on state charges and two firearms were seized from the vehicle. The next day, Vasquez-Lopez admitted to agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives that he had shot one of the firearms recovered from the vehicle and that he was a Guatemalan national. A review of Vasquez-Lopez’s immigration history showed that the U.S. Border Patrol previously arrested Vasquez-Lopez as an inadmissible alien and that he is in removal proceedings.

    A complaint is merely a formal allegation 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, the Palmetto Police Department, the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office, and Homeland Security Investigations. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Adam W. McCall.

    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-OSI Security: Convicted Felon Faces Federal Gun Charge After Allegedly Possessing ‘Giggle Switch’ Modified Glock

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

                WASHINGTON – Robert Calvin Corbin III, 45, a four-time previously convicted felon from Washington D.C., has been indicted on a federal firearm charge as part of the “Make D.C. Safe Again” initiative. The indictment was announced by U.S. Attorney Edward R. Martin Jr., Special Agent in Charge Anthony Spotswood of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and Chief Pamela Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).

                Make D.C. Safe Again is a public safety initiative led by U.S. Attorney Martin that is surging resources to reduce violent crime in the District of Columbia. This initiative was created to address gun violence in the District, prioritize federal firearms violations, pursue tougher penalties for offenders, and seek detention for federal firearms violators.

                Corbin was indicted for unlawful possession of a firearm as a felon. On April 4, U.S. Magistrate Judge Matthew Sharbaugh ordered Corbin to be held pre-trial.

                According to court documents, police officers were called to investigate a report of a large group of individuals gambling with guns present near the 100 block of Q Street, NW. As the officers arrived at the scene, Corbin allegedly was smoking marijuana and drinking tequila from a plastic cup. An officer stopped Corbin for public consumption of marijuana and possession of an open container of alcohol. As the officer conducted a pat down, the officer felt a hard object in Corbin’s waistband and asked what the object was. Corbin responded, “nothing,” then allegedly attempted to shove the officer’s hands away and grabbed toward the officer. The officer and Corbin struggled. Police eventually cuffed Corbin.

                It is alleged that officers recovered a Glock 19 equipped with a laser sight and loaded with one bullet in the chamber and an additional 19 rounds in a large-capacity magazine. The firearm also had been modified with a “giggle switch,” a small device that converts a traditional handgun into a fully automatic machine gun. It is further alleged that during a search incident to arrest, police discovered a second large-capacity magazine with an additional 17 rounds of ammunition in Corbin’s bag.

                Corbin was placed under arrest for possession of a machine gun, carrying a pistol without a license, possession of unregistered ammunition, possession of an unregistered firearm, possession of a large capacity feeding device, felon in possession, and possession of an open container of alcohol. He is now charged in federal court with violation of 18 U.S.C. 922(g)(1) (Unlawful Possession of Firearm or Ammunition By a Person Convicted of a Crime Punishable by Imprisonment for a Term Exceeding One Year).

                The ATF and MPD are investigating this case. It is being prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Emily Reeder-Ricchetti.

               An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

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    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICE Houston removes foreign fugitive wanted for aggravated homicide

    Source: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement

    HOUSTON — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement removed Hedilberto Nunez Garay, a 41-year-old illegal alien, to his home country of Mexico, April 9. Nunez is wanted in Durango, Mexico, for aggravated homicide for allegedly murdering Eladio Carrasco Corral, a 63-year-old Mexican national, Sept. 3, 2020.

    ICE transported Nunez from the Montgomery Processing Center in Conroe, Texas, to the Juarez-Lincoln Bridge Port of Entry in Laredo, Texas, where he was turned over to Mexican authorities.

    “For far too long, dangerous foreign fugitives like this alleged murderer have been able to illegally enter the U.S. and hide out in our local communities to evade prosecution abroad for violent crime,” said ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Houston Field Office Director Bret Bradford. “Those days are over as the law enforcement community in Texas has banded together to aggressively track down foreign fugitives, transnational gang members and other criminal aliens illegally residing in the country and remove them to their country of origin to face justice for their alleged crimes.”

    Nunez illegally entered the U.S. on an unknown date and at an unknown location. The Kendall County Sheriff’s Office arrested Nunez Nov. 12, 2007, in Yorkville, Illinois, for driving without a license. Following his arrest, Nunez departed the U.S. on an unknown date. He illegally reentered the U.S. April 29, 2022, and was apprehended by the U.S. Border Patrol near Eagle Pass, Texas, and expelled to Mexico under Title 42. Nunez illegally entered the U.S. for a third time on an unknown date and at an unknown location. After receiving a tip from the National Criminal Analysis and Targeting Center, ICE fugitive operations officers quickly located Nunez, with assistance from the Waco Police Department and the Texas Department of Public Safety, and he was safely taken into custody June 4, 2024. An immigration judge with the Justice Department’s Executive Office for Immigration Review ordered Nunez removed to Mexico Oct. 30, 2024. The Board of Immigration Appeals dismissed a subsequent appeal of that decision March 20.

    Members of the public who have information about foreign fugitives are urged to contact ICE by calling the ICE Tip Line at 1 (866) 347-2423 or internationally at 001-1802-872-6199. They can also file a tip online by completing ICE’s online tip form.

    For more news and information on ICE’s efforts to enforce our nation’s immigration laws in Texas follow us on X at @EROHouston.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Chairman Aguilar: Trump’s extreme agenda is hurting veterans

    Source: US House of Representatives – Democratic Caucus

    The following text contains opinion that is not, or not necessarily, that of MIL-OSI –

    April 10, 2025

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, House Democratic Caucus Chair Pete Aguilar joined Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, Democratic Whip Katherine Clark, the House Democratic Steering and Policy Committee and Members of the House Democratic Caucus for a hearing on the Trump Administration’s attacks on veterans, their health care and their earned benefits.

    CHAIRMAN AGUILAR: Thank you so much. I want to thank our witnesses, our guests. Thank you for your service and your commitment to our country. To my colleagues who have served in uniform and served to protect our country, thank you so much for your continued service to Congress and for your service to our country.

    America’s veterans have taken an oath to defend our country and put their lives on the line. The very least we can do is look out for our nation’s veterans when they finish their service. But right now, Donald Trump is crashing our economy. Out of thin air, he’s created an economic disaster. And while reckless tariffs could drive us toward another Republican recession, his plan to take benefits away from hardworking Americans will add to the pain and create more hardship.  

    In fewer than 100 days of Donald Trump’s presidency, we have seen drastic cuts to the VA and veterans’ benefits. Democrats worked hard to pass the PACT Act and to provide the largest expansion of veterans’ benefits in generations. But there is a concerted effort by Donald Trump to roll back the progress we have made to honor our commitment to veterans. And that is why today’s hearing was so important — shedding a light on the President’s extreme agenda to hurt veterans and their families. It’s an agenda that has laid off more than 6,000 veterans, is making it harder for them to access benefits and care and is undermining the health care system that they rely on. It’s an agenda that is un-American and just plain wrong.

    But make no mistake: We are not going to sit by and let Donald Trump get away with these reckless attacks on the VA and the Americans that they serve. We are demanding better. And we are prepared to use every tool at our disposal to fight for veterans who we have earned these benefits today and the millions more veterans across this country who rely on this care. Thank you so much for being here and for your service to our country. 

    Video of the full hearing can be viewed here.

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    Previous Article

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: 4 Arrested in Latest L.A. County-Based “JCODE” Operation for Allegedly Operating a Drug Distribution Network on the Darknet

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    LOS ANGELES – Three Glendale men and one San Fernando Valley man have been arrested on federal charges of conspiring to distribute various drugs including cocaine, methamphetamine, methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), and ketamine on darknet marketplaces, the Justice Department announced today.

    The Wednesday arrests are the latest in the Justice Department’s ongoing JCODE efforts (Joint Criminal Opioid Darknet Enforcement) to address the growing number of illicit vendors operating on the darknet providing large quantities of harmful substances to thousands of people across the United States.

    On April 1, a federal grand jury returned a 12-count indictment which outlines 116 overt acts that were done in furtherance of the alleged conspiracy, and which charges the following defendants for their alleged roles in operating the drug distribution network which operated approximately 10 darknet vendors on 17 different markets:

    • Davit Avalyan, 35, of Glendale;
    • Hrant Gevorgyan, 35, of Glendale;
    • Hayk Grigoryan, 35, a.k.a. “Hayk Greg,” of Glendale; and
    • Gurgen Nersesyan, 43, a.k.a. “Guro Tiko,” of Sherman Oaks.

    All four defendants are charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine, methamphetamine, ketamine, and MDMA (Ecstasy).

    Avalyan is charged with one count of distribution of cocaine, one count of distribution of MDMA, and one count of distribution of distribution of methamphetamine. Gevorgyan is charged with one count of possession with intent to distribute MDMA and one count of possession with intent to distribute ketamine. Grigoryan is charged with one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Nersesyan is charged with three counts of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine, and one count of possession with intent to distribute MDMA.

    The defendants were arraigned Wednesday in United States District Court in downtown Los Angeles. They pleaded not guilty to the charges against them and a June 3 trial date was scheduled in this matter.

    According to the indictment, from September 2018 to February 2025, various vendors operating under the names JoyInc, LaFarmacia, WhiteDoc, JanesAddiction, DaShop, WhiteRepublic, Tomorowland, PlanetHollywood, DopeValley, and Major2Minor sold cocaine, methamphetamine, MDMA, and ketamine to drug customers on darknet markets in exchange for cryptocurrency. The defendants then allegedly shipped the drugs throughout the United States via the United States Postal Service.

    The defendants fulfilled drug orders through the various vendor accounts by packaging the drugs into parcels and by delivering those parcels to post offices and mailboxes in Los Angeles County and elsewhere.

    JoyInc is believed to have been operating since at least 2018 and is one of the most prolific methamphetamine and cocaine distributors to ever operate on the darknet.

    An example of vendor JoyInc on the Drughub marketplace selling ketamine, MDMA, and bulk options of cocaine on September 4, 2024, is depicted below.

    In addition to Wednesday’s arrests, agents served multiple federal search warrants and found evidence to include large amounts of cash, distribution amounts of suspected drugs.

    An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

    If convicted of all charges, each defendant would face a statutory maximum sentence of life in federal prison.

    The Justice Department established the FBI-led JCODE team to lead and coordinate government efforts to detect, disrupt, and dismantle major criminal enterprises reliant on the darknet for trafficking opioids and other illicit narcotics, along with identifying and dismantling their supply chains.

    This case was worked jointly with the United States Postal Inspection Service, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Hawthorne Police Department, the Costa Mesa Police Department, and IRS Criminal Investigation. During yesterday’s arrests and searches, assistance was provided by the Los Angeles Police Department.

    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).

    This case also is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF. 

    Assistant United States Attorney James Santiago of the Transnational Organized Crime Section is prosecuting this case.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: 4 Men Charged with Offenses Related to the Sex Trafficking of Minors in Danbury

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Marc H. Silverman, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, Anish Shukla, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Danbury Police Chief Patrick Ridenhour today announced that the following four individuals have been charged by federal criminal complaint with offenses related to the sex trafficking of minors:

    • OSWALDO ORDONEZ-ORTEGA, 39, of Danbury
    • MARCO ROBLES, 40, a citizen of Ecuador residing in Brookfield
    • EDWIN QUILLI-TACURI, 40, a citizen of Ecuador residing in Danbury
    • BRYAN ISMAEL VASQUEZ-SALINAS, 23, a citizen of Ecuador residing in Danbury

    As alleged in court documents and statements made in court, in February 2025, the FBI Child Exploitation Task Force and Danbury Police began investigating a Danbury-based organization believed to be involved in the sex trafficking of minors.  On March 11, 2025, after seeing a communication on a WhatsApp messaging account advertising the sale of two 15-year-old females for sexual encounters, investigators executed a state warrant at a residence in Danbury, found a 15-year-old female victim and a 16-year-old female victim, and arrested Ordonez-Ortega, Robles, Quilli-Tacuri, Vasquez-Salinas, and a fifth individual.  Quilli-Tacuri was located in a locked bedroom with the 15-year-old victim, and the fifth individual was found in a locked bedroom with the 16-year-old victim.  Ordonez-Ortega and Vasquez-Salinas were found together in the kitchen, and Robles was stopped after attempting to leave the area in his vehicle.

    It is alleged that the minor victims were briefly interviewed by law enforcement and Connecticut Department of Children and Families investigators before being transported to a local hospital for medical care and evaluation.  The investigation, which has also included analysis of cell phones seized at the time of the defendants’ arrests, revealed that Ordonez-Ortega coordinated the transportation of the minor victims to Danbury, made appointments with Robles, Quilli-Tacuri, Vasquez-Salinas, and others to engage in sexual activity with the minors, and received payment from the men, a portion of which he returned to the minors.  Ordonez-Ortega scheduled 13 men to engage in sexual activity with the 15-year-old victim, and 11 men to engage in sexual activity with the 16-year-old victim, on March 10 and 11, 2025, in Danbury.

    It is further alleged that Robles caused physical injury to the 15-year-old victim during his sexual encounter on March 11.

    Each of the four defendants is charged with sex trafficking of children, an offense that carries a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a maximum term of imprisonment of life.

    In addition, Ordonez-Ortega and Vasquez-Salinas are charged with attempted sex trafficking of children and conspiracy to commit sex trafficking of children.  Ordonez-Ortega is also charged with coercion and enticement of minors to engage in sexual activity, and with transportation of minors with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity.

    Robles and Quilli-Tacuri were arrested on the federal charges yesterday.  They appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge S. Dave Vatti in Bridgeport and currently are detained.  Ordonez-Ortega, who is in state custody, and Vasquez-Salinas, who is in U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody, will be presented in federal court at a later date.

    Acting U.S. Attorney Silverman stressed that a complaint is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt.  Charges are only allegations and each defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

    This matter is being investigated by the FBI’s Child Exploitation Task Force and the Danbury Police Department, with the assistance of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the Brookfield Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Daniel E. Cummings and Mary G. Vitale.

    Acting U.S. Attorney Silverman thanked the State’s Attorney’s Office for the Judicial District of Danbury for its close cooperation in investigating and prosecuting this matter.

    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 (OCDETF) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: South Carolina Man Pleads Guilty for Illegally Importing and Selling Sperm Whale Teeth and Bones

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    CHARLESTON, S.C. —Lauren H. Deloach, 69, of Saint Helena Island, has pleaded guilty to Lacey Act and Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) charges for importing and selling sperm whale teeth and bones.

    According to court documents and statements made in court, DeLoach admitted to, from September 2021 through September 2024, importing sperm whale parts to South Carolina, including at least 30 shipments from Australia, Latvia, Norway, and Ukraine. Records showed that DeLoach instructed suppliers to label the items as “plastic” so they would not be seized by U.S. customs authorities. From July 2022 through September 2024, DeLoach acknowledged selling the teeth and bones in violation of the Lacey Act. He sold at least 85 items on eBay worth over $18,000, and agents seized approximately $20,000 worth of sperm whale parts from DeLoach’s residence during a search warrant.

    The MMPA prohibits importing any marine mammal, which includes whales, except for limited public display, scientific research, or enhancement of a species survival. The Lacey Act is the nation’s oldest wildlife protection law and makes it unlawful to sell any wildlife that was illegally imported.

    The sperm whale is the largest species of toothed whale, reaching up to 78 feet and 45 tons. Individuals prize their teeth and bones as decorations or as a scrimshaw or painting medium. Sperm whale have been listed under the Endangered Species Act as endangered since 1970 and are protected by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). The United States and the countries from which imported DeLoach are signatories to CITES, an international agreement to protect fish, wildlife, and plants that are or may become threatened with extinction.

    “Illegal wildlife trafficking is a multi-billion-dollar global business that endangers protected animals and fuels organized crime,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Brook B. Andrews for the District of South Carolina. “We will continue to enforce the Lacey Act and the Marine Mammal Protection Act so vulnerable species like the sperm whale are not killed and sold for parts.”

    “Whales are among the world’s most iconic species, and they’re also among the most vulnerable to illegal harvest driven by commercialization. The illicit trade in sperm whale teeth and ear bones contributes to the monetization of at-risk marine mammal populations that America protects through federal laws and international treaties,” said U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Office of Law Enforcement Assistant Director Doug Ault. “As part of ‘Operation Raw Deal’ — a nationwide crackdown on the illegal trade in whale parts — this investigation demonstrates our commitment to bringing justice to those who exploit protected wildlife for profit.”

    DeLoach faces a maximum sentence of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine on the felony Lacey Act charge and a maximum sentence of one year in prison for the misdemeanor MMPA violation. United States District Judge David C. Norton accepted the guilty plea and will sentence DeLoach after receiving and reviewing a sentencing report prepared by the U.S. Probation Office.

    Acting Assistant Attorney General Adam Gustafson of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division (ENRD), Acting U.S. Attorney Brook B. Andrews for the District of South Carolina, and Assistant Director Douglas Ault of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) made the announcement.

    This case was investigated by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Office of Law Enforcement. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Elle Klein and Winston Holliday are prosecuting the case with Senior Trial Attorney Ryan Connors of ENRD’s Environmental Crimes Section.

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Georgia Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Illegally Possessing a Destructive Device

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

                Montgomery, Ala. – On April 9, 2025, a federal judge sentenced 43-year-old Waylon Blake Gilreath, Sr., from Williamson, Georgia, to 41 months in prison for possession of an unregistered destructive device, announced Acting United States Attorney Kevin Davidson. Following his prison sentence, Gilreath will serve three years of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.

                According to court records and evidence presented during Gilreath’s trial last fall, on March 20, 2024, deputies from the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office responded to reports of a domestic disturbance at a Hope Hull, Alabama residence. Deputies arrived and found Gilreath sitting on the front porch of the residence. Responding officers were advised of a protection from abuse order prohibiting Gilreath from being on the property. Deputies placed Gilreath into custody based on that information. While making the arrest, deputies found that Gilreath had a handgun and knife on his person.

                During a search of Gilreath’s vehicle, which was parked on the property, deputies found nine firearms — including handguns and AR-style firearms — numerous rounds of ammunition, several ammunition magazines, and two sets of body armor. Several of the magazines were high-capacity drum style magazines. In addition, deputies located four prescription medication bottles that contained two common substances that, when mixed, create an explosive material subject to federal regulation. Three of the containers were also found to contain metal shrapnel, which would enhance the destructive power of the mixture. On March 21, 2024, agents executed a search warrant at Gilreath’s residence and found additional quantities of explosive mixture and shrapnel material, including assorted glass shards.

                The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, and Montgomery Police Department investigated this case, which Assistant United States Attorneys Brandon W. Bates and Christopher P. Moore prosecuted. 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: Abaxx Announces Closing of C$10,065,000 Second Tranche of C$32,915,000 Convertible Debenture Offering

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES

    TORONTO, April 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Abaxx Technologies Inc. (CBOE:ABXX)(OTCQX:ABXXF) (“Abaxx” or the “Company”), a financial software and market infrastructure company, indirect majority shareholder of Abaxx Singapore Pte Ltd. , the owner of Abaxx Commodity Exchange and Clearinghouse (individually, “Abaxx Exchange” and “Abaxx Clearing”), and producer of the SmarterMarkets™ Podcast, today announces that it has closed the second and final tranche (the “Second Tranche”) of its previously announced non-brokered private placement (the “Offering”) of secured convertible debentures (the “Debentures”) for aggregate gross proceeds of C$10,065,000.

    The outstanding principal amount of the Debentures, together with any accrued and unpaid interest, will become due and payable in full on March 26, 2028 (the “Maturity Date”) and will be payable in cash. Each Debenture consists of C$1,000 principal amount of secured convertible debentures of the Company and is convertible into common shares of the Company (each, a “Debenture Share”) at the option of the holder thereof prior to the Maturity Date at a conversion price equal to $13.00 per Debenture Share (the “Conversion Price”).

    The Company has the right to redeem the Debentures at redemption price equal to 105% of the principal amount of the outstanding Debentures plus any accrued and unpaid interest to the date prior to the date of redemption: (a) at any time, should the VWAP of the Company’s common shares exceed 130% of the Conversion Price for no fewer than 20 out of 30 consecutive trading days, or (b) after March 26, 2027.

    The Debentures were issued at an original issue discount equal to 2.5% of the aggregate principal amount of the Debentures and bear interest at a rate of 7.0% per annum from the date of issue, payable semi-annually in arrears in cash on June 30 and December 31 of each year following the first interest payment date of September 30, 2026. The Debentures are secured against certain publicly-traded securities owned by the Company.

    The Offering is subject to the receipt of all necessary regulatory approvals, including the final approval of Cboe Canada. The net proceeds of the Second Tranche are expected to be used for general corporate and working capital purposes. The Debentures and Debenture Shares issuable pursuant to the Second Tranche are subject to statutory hold periods of four months and one day from the date of issuance. No finder fees were issued in connection with the Second Tranche.

    In connection with the Offering, so long as the Debentures remain outstanding, the Company has agreed to not assume any additional indebtedness without the consent of a majority of the holders of Debentures as may be outstanding from time to time, other than: (a) certain permitted debt arrangements of up to C$10,000,000 for working capital or regulatory capital requirements in the normal course of business, and (b) trade indebtedness in the normal course of its business.

    The securities offered in the Offering have not been, and will not be, registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “U.S. Securities Act”) or any U.S. state securities laws, and may not be offered or sold in the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, United States persons, absent registration or any applicable exemption from the registration requirements of the U.S. Securities Act and applicable U.S. state securities laws. This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of any offer to buy securities in the United States, nor in any other jurisdiction.

    About Abaxx Technologies
    Abaxx is building Smarter Markets — markets empowered by better financial technology and market infrastructure to address our biggest challenges, including the energy transition. In addition to developing and deploying financial technologies that make communication, trade, and transactions easier and more secure, Abaxx is an indirect majority-owner of subsidiaries Abaxx Exchange and Abaxx Clearing, recognized by MAS as a “recognised market operator” (RMO) and “approved clearing house” (ACH), respectively.

    Abaxx Exchange and Abaxx Clearing are a Singapore-based commodity futures exchange and clearinghouse, introducing centrally cleared, physically deliverable commodities futures and derivatives to provide better price discovery and risk management tools for the commodities critical to our transition to a lower-carbon economy.

    For more information please visit abaxx.tech, abaxx.exchange and smartermarkets.media.

    For more information about this press release, please contact:

    Steve Fray, CFO
    Tel: +1 647-490-1590

    Media and investor inquiries:

    Abaxx Technologies Inc.
    Investor Relations Team
    Tel: +1 246 271 0082
    E-mail: ir@abaxx.tech

    Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information

    This press release includes certain “forward-looking statements” which do not consist of historical facts. Forward-looking statements include estimates and statements that describe Abaxx’s future plans, objectives, or goals, including words to the effect that Abaxx expects a stated condition or result to occur. Forward-looking statements may be identified by such terms as “seeking”, “should”, “intend”, “predict”, “potential”, “believes”, “anticipates”, “expects”, “estimates”, “may”, “could”, “would”, “will”, “continue”, “plan” or the negative of these terms and similar expressions. Since forward-looking statements are based on current expectations and assumptions and address future events and conditions, by their very nature they involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Although these statements are based on information currently available to Abaxx, Abaxx does not provide any assurance that actual results will meet respective management expectations. Risks, uncertainties, assumptions, and other factors involved with forward-looking information could cause actual events, results, performance, prospects, and opportunities to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Forward-looking information related to Abaxx in this press release includes, but is not limited to: matters related to the Offering and the conversion of the Debentures,regulatory approvals, the agreement to not assume additional indebtedness except certain permitted indebtedness, and the inability of Abaxx to apply the use of proceeds from the Offering as anticipated. Such factors impacting forward-looking information include, among others: the inability to obtain required approvals for the Offering, risks relating to the global economic climate; dilution; Abaxx’s limited operating history; future capital needs and uncertainty of additional financing; the competitive nature of the industry; currency exchange risks; the need for Abaxx to manage its planned growth and expansion; the effects of product development and need for continued technology change; protection of proprietary rights; the effect of government regulation and compliance on Abaxx and the industry; acquiring and maintaining regulatory approvals for Abaxx’s products and operations; the ability to list Abaxx’s securities on stock exchanges in a timely fashion or at all; network security risks; the ability of Abaxx to maintain properly working systems; reliance on key personnel; global economic and financial market deterioration impeding access to capital or increasing the cost of capital; and volatile securities markets impacting security pricing unrelated to operating performance. In addition, particular factors which could impact future results of the business of Abaxx include but are not limited to: operations in foreign jurisdictions, protection of intellectual property rights, contractual risk, third-party risk; clearinghouse risk, malicious actor risks, third-party software license risk, system failure risk, risk of technological change; dependence of technical infrastructure; and changes in the price of commodities, capital market conditions, restriction on labor and international travel and supply chains, and the risk factors identified in the Company’s most recent management’s discussion & analysis filed on SEDAR+. Abaxx has also assumed that no significant events occur outside of Abaxx’s normal course of business.

    Abaxx cautions that the foregoing list of material factors is not exhaustive. In addition, although Abaxx has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated, or intended. When relying on forward-looking statements and information to make decisions, investors and others should carefully consider the foregoing factors and other uncertainties and potential events. Abaxx has assumed that the material factors referred to in the previous paragraphs will not cause such forward-looking statements and information to differ materially from actual results or events. However, the list of these factors is not exhaustive and is subject to change and there can be no assurance that such assumptions will reflect the actual outcome of such items or factors. The forward-looking statements and information contained in this press release represents the expectations of Abaxx as of the date of this press release and, accordingly, is subject to change after such date. Abaxx undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements and information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. Accordingly, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements and information. Cboe Canada does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Secretary Rubio meets with Finnish Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen

    Source: United States of America – Department of State (video statements)

    Secretary of State Marco A. Rubio meets with Finnish Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen at the Department of State, on April 10, 2025.

    ———-
    Under the leadership of the President and Secretary of State, the U.S. Department of State leads America’s foreign policy through diplomacy, advocacy, and assistance by advancing the interests of the American people, their safety and economic prosperity. On behalf of the American people we promote and demonstrate democratic values and advance a free, peaceful, and prosperous world.

    The Secretary of State, appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate, is the President’s chief foreign affairs adviser. The Secretary carries out the President’s foreign policies through the State Department, which includes the Foreign Service, Civil Service and U.S. Agency for International Development.

    Get updates from the U.S. Department of State at www.state.gov and on social media!
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/statedept
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    Subscribe to the State Department Blog: https://www.state.gov/blogs
    Watch on-demand State Department videos: https://video.state.gov/
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    State Department website: https://www.state.gov/
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    #StateDepartment #DepartmentofState #Diplomacy

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W4c3pTEXaUE

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Scholten Fights Back Against DOGE and Wins Big for West Michigan

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Hillary Scholten – Michigan

    WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Congresswoman Hillary Scholten (MI03) announced a major win for West Michigan, successfully securing the release of more than $16 million in federal infrastructure funding from the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) for the Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GRR) after it was frozen by a Trump Administration executive order. This victory not only greenlights a critical security upgrade project, but it also protects over 50 construction jobs that were at risk of being cut.

    “This was a clear case of Trump and Musk putting political ideology over common sense. TSA’s own infrastructure funds, already appropriated by Congress, were held hostage. That’s not efficiency—it’s dysfunction, and I wasn’t going to let our community pay the price,” said Rep. Scholten. “At a time when DOGE is pulling funding, delaying critical projects, and hurting American workers, we fought back and won. We got this money moving to protect jobs and security at GRR and to prove that West Michigan won’t be sidelined by Musk’s chaos. This is exactly what I am fighting for every day in Congress.”

    GRR’s terminal enhancement project, designed to expand the airport’s capacity for checked baggage screening at the request of the TSA, was nearly derailed by DOGE and Trump’s executive order, which placed an indefinite hold on key infrastructure agreements under the guise of “cost efficiency.” In reality, the delay threatened to cost the airport an additional $125,000 every month, plus up to $500,000 in added mobilization and logistical expenses.

    In March, GRR reached out for help and the office sprang into action, pressing TSA and the Trump Administration to exempt this vital project from the funding freeze. Thanks to those efforts, an exemption was approved, and the project is back on track. Without action, more than 50 construction workers in West Michigan would have lost their jobs, and a major airport security project would have stalled. But with the funding now released, the airport can proceed with its plans—avoiding costly delays and keeping local workers on the job.

    The funds come through an agreement between TSA and the airport—a funding mechanism that is already included in the TSA’s congressional budget. Scholten’s advocacy ensured that DOGE’s erratic cuts did not get in the way of common-sense investments in local infrastructure and national security.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Deluzio Votes No on Extreme Anti-Voter Republican Bill to Strip Voter Registration Rights from Millions of Americans

    Source: US Congressman Chris Deluzio (PA)

    If passed into law, this bill would especially impact the tens of millions of married women, seniors, and U.S. Military servicemembers

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — Former voting rights attorney Congressman Chris Deluzio (PA-17) voted no on the Republican anti-voter bill up for a vote in the House of Representatives today. If passed into law, the Republican SAVE Act could disenfranchise millions of eligible American citizens and create unnecessary administrative burdens at the state and local levels. The measure’s restrictions threaten to strip away the right to vote from tens of millions of eligible American voters, including nearly 70 million married women who changed their last name from their birth certificate and our troops who rely on their military ID or are deployed far from home. 

    “This dangerous bill could block millions of American citizens—especially military servicemembers and married women—from voting in our country’s elections. Patriotic Americans should be outraged,” said Congressman Deluzio. “If House Republicans were serious about securing our elections, they could have accepted my amendment that would have provided free photo identification to all eligible American voters—but House Republicans didn’t even consider it. The Senate should reject this bill, and Congress should focus on the urgent work of fighting corruption and strengthening our democracy.” 

    Congressman Deluzio’s amendment was rejected without a vote by the Republican-controlled House Rules Committee. The text of the amendment is here.  

    Pennsylvania’s Republican Secretary of the Commonwealth Al Schmidt, who is the chief elections official for Pennsylvania, wrote a letter to Congressman Deluzio opposing the SAVE Act. In it, he writes that, “The right to vote is sacred, and making that right contingent on having access to paperwork a voter does not have in their possession, or which may include a name that the voter has long since changed, overly burdens this important right of citizenship, and will disenfranchise Americans seeking to make their voices heard at the ballot box.” 

    Under the Republican SAVE Act, millions of American citizens could be blocked from voting. This bill requires that voters provide a passport, birth certificate with their current legal name, or military service papers in order to register, change their political party, or update their current address. It is unclear if these requirements would also apply to existing registered voters. Here are just some of the real-life impacts of this proposal: 

    • More than 146 million Americans do not have a passport and would need to obtain one. U.S. passports typically cost around $130, require substantial time and effort to obtain, and take weeks to process and arrive. 
    • Nearly 70 million women do not have a birth certificate that matches their current legal name. This means that married women without a U.S. passport would be unable to cast their ballot.
    • In order to vote in the country they serve, servicemembers would be required to provide military service papers, often with sensitive information, alongside their military ID card, which is insufficient under the Republican bill
    • This bill would remove the ability for Americans to register to vote by mail or online, even if the only reason is to update one’s party registration or address. This would require American citizens who want to register to vote to present their documents in person to an elections official. 
    • This legislation would also subject state and local election officials to hefty criminal fines and up to five years in federal prison. These criminal penalties would apply even if the election official registers an eligible American citizen. 

    More details on the bill’s impact on people in Pennsylvania is available from the House Committee on Administration. 

    The bill passed the House of Representatives this morning on a vote of 220-208 and now advances for consideration in the Senate. 

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Ciscomani Applauds Bipartisan Passage of his Bill to Ensure Families of Fallen Veterans Receive Promised Benefits 

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Juan Ciscomani (Arizona)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Congressman Juan Ciscomani, a member of the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee, celebrated the bipartisan House passage of his bill, the Prioritizing Veterans’ Survivors Act (H.R. 1288), to ensure that spouses and families of veterans receive the benefits they deserve, even after their loved one has passed away.  

    “Behind every brave man and woman in uniform are spouses, children, and families who face their own set of challenges during their loved one’s time in service,” said Ciscomani. “In the case one of our servicemembers or veterans passes away, their surviving family members deserve to have their needs prioritized, especially when it comes to accessing the benefits and support they need. My bill makes great strides to deliver on our promise to take care of our veterans and their families, and I am glad to see it pass out of the House once again with unanimous support.” 

    In 2021, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) moved the Office of Survivors Assistance (OSA) from the Office of the VA Secretary into the middle of the sprawling bureaucracy of the Veterans Benefit Administration (VBA). As a result, OSA has operated under layers of red tape and no longer has direct access to the VA secretary to fix policy issues or address problems that arise with this program.  

    Ciscomani’s legislation will move the OSA back within the Office of the VA Secretary to ensure that surviving families of veterans receive the benefits and support they were promised and provide a direct line to the Secretary so their needs and concerns are prioritized program wide at the very top of the VA. 

    “I want to thank my friend and colleague, Rep. Ciscomani, for his leadership over the last year on working to get the Prioritizing Veterans’ Survivors Act passed out of the House,” said House Veterans’ Affairs Committee Chairman Mike Bost. “This is a commonsense bill to ensure that the surviving families of our service men and women always have a seat at the VA table by reversing actions taken by the Biden administration that wrongfully moved the VA Office of Survivor Assistance out of the Office of the Secretary. In 2024, over 600,000 veterans’ survivors received benefits from VA. Rep. Ciscomani’s bill will ensure that the VA Secretary receives the advice they need to improve VA’s delivery of benefits for all survivors, including those who are not currently in receipt of such care, services, and benefits.” 

    This legislation passed the House of Representatives on April 9, 2025 with unanimous support by a vote of 424-0. The full text of the bill can be found here. 

    ### 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: WHO warns of severe disruptions to health services amid funding cuts

    Source: United Nations 2

    Health

    Recent funding cuts have caused “severe disruptions” to health services in almost three-quarters of all countries, according to the head of the UN World Health Organization (WHO), Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

    Speaking on Thursday at a press conference in Geneva, Tedros said that in around 25 per cent of countries, some health facilities have had to close completely due to cuts, according to figures from more than 100 countries compiled by WHO.

    Severe disruptions

    Out-of-pocket payments for health services have led to disruptions to the supply of medicines and other health products, as well as rising job losses in the healthcare sector.

    As a result, “countries are revising budgets, cutting costs and strengthening fundraising and partnerships,” said the UN health agency chief.

    From aid dependency to self-reliance

    Having to revise budgets, cut costs and strengthen partnerships and fundraising, some countries are relying on WHO’s support to transition away from aid dependency towards sustainable self-reliance.

    “We are now supporting countries to accelerate that transition,” said Tedros, citing examples of countries such as South Africa and Kenya, who are successfully working towards averting the health impacts of sudden and unplanned cuts.

    WHO recommendations

    Tedros provided countries with several recommendations on ways to mitigate funding cuts:

    • The world’s poorest populations need prioritising by limiting their exposure to out-of-pocket spending
    • Resist reductions in public health spending and protect health budgets
    • Channel donor funds through national budgets, rather than parallel donation systems
    • Avoid cutting services or closing facilities, and absorb as much of the impact as possible through efficiency gains in health system

    New revenue sources

    Through short and long-term tools, WHO also encourages countries to generate new sources of revenues.

    Immediate measures such as introducing or increasing taxes on products that harm public health is another effective tool to maintain spending on health, he added.

    Countries such Colombia and the Gambia, who in recent years have introduced such taxes, have seen revenues increase and consumption fall, said Tedros.

    In the longer term, WHO is advocating for social and community-based health insurance policies, where individuals or families can contribute a small amount to a fund which boosts health service financing.

    Although not all measures will be right for every country, WHO is “working with affected countries to identify which measures are best for them, and to tailor those measures accordingly.”

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Sudan faces unprecedented hunger and displacement as war enters third year

    Source: United Nations 2

    By Vibhu Mishra

    Peace and Security

    The conflict in Sudan has become one of the worst humanitarian crises of the 21st century, leaving millions of women, children and displaced families suffering from violence, food insecurity and the collapse of essential services.

    As the war enters its third year, UN humanitarians warn that immediate action is essential.

    “This is a manmade crisis, driven by conflict – not by drought or floods or earthquakes and because of the obstruction of access to humanitarian assistance by parties to the conflict,” Shaun Hugues, Regional Emergency Coordinator at the UN World Food Programme (WFP), told journalists in New York, via video link from Nairobi.

    The brutal war between rival militaries – the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) – has already claimed tens of thousands of lives and displaced over 12.4 million people, including more than 3.3 million as refugees in neighbouring countries.

    “Tens of thousands more will die in Sudan during a third year of war unless we have the access and resources to reach those in need,” Mr. Hugues warned.

    Half the population facing hunger

    According to WFP, approximately half of Sudan’s population – 25 million people – is facing extreme levels of hunger, including about five million children and mothers suffering acute malnutrition.

    The war, which started on 15 April 2023, has decimated critical infrastructure and led to widespread food shortages, making it the only place in the world currently classified as experiencing famine.

    Famine has been confirmed in at least 10 locations in Sudan, including the Zamzam camp, home to 400,000 displaced persons (IDPs). Another 17 areas are at risk in the coming months.

    “The scale of what is unfolding in Sudan threatens to dwarf much of what we have seen over previous decades,” Mr. Hugues said.

    Women, girls at extreme risk

    Women and girls face unprecedented vulnerability, with a sharp increase in maternal deaths and over 80 per cent of hospitals in conflict zones non-operational, leaving many without critical medical care.

    Furthermore, cases of conflict-related sexual violence remain hugely underreported, UN Women said, warning that “evidence points to its systematic use as a weapon of war”.

    “Women in Sudan are enduring the gravest forms of violence – particularly sexual violence,” said Anna Mutavati, UN Women Regional Director for East and Southern Africa.

    “Their strength is extraordinary, but they cannot and should not be left to navigate this crisis alone.”

    Fragile gains

    Despite challenges, humanitarians are making progress. WFP assistance has tripled since mid-2024, as teams access new areas.

    For its part, UN Women has assisted over 15,000 women in some of the worst affected areas, providing critical services and skills trainings. It has also helped set up safe spaces where women and girls can access shelter and protection.

    “But these gains are fragile, and they are still just a fraction of the needs,” Mr. Hugues said.

    © WFP/Abubakar Garelnabei

    A UN convoy carrying food aid travels west from Port Sudan.

    Race against time

    Along with fighting, physical access is a major challenge.

    With rains approaching, many routes will become impassable, complicating aid delivery, he said.

    “We need access. We need to be able to quickly move humanitarian assistance to where it is needed, including through front lines, across borders, within contested areas, and without lengthy bureaucratic processes.”

    Mr. Hugues also highlighted the urgent need of funding, noting that WFP is already forced to reduce rations by up to half of what is needed in some places.

    “Without funding, we are faced with the choice to either cut the number of people receiving assistance or to cut the amount of assistance they receive,” he said, noting that the agency needs an additional $650 million to continue its operations over the next six months.

    It also needs $150 million for programmes assisting Sudanese refugees in neighbouring countries.

    Sudan needs peace

    Mr. Hugues stressed that above all, the Sudanese people need peace.

    “We need a ceasefire and an end to hostilities so that they can begin to rebuild their lives,” he said.

    Alongside, UN Women underscored the need to ensure women’s voices “are amplified at every peace negotiation table.”

    “We urge all stakeholders – governments, donors, the international community – to act decisively. Sudanese women deserve not merely survival, but the dignity to rebuild and thrive,” Ms. Mutavati said.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Kaptur and Mann Lead Bipartisan, Bicameral Legislation Fighting for Farmers with Biofuel Tax Credit

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09)

    Washington, DC – Today, Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09), and Tracey Mann (KS-01) reintroduced the bipartisan and bicameral Farmer First Fuel Incentives Act, which would protect American farmers by restricting the eligibility of the 45Z Tax Credit to renewable fuels made only from domestically sourced feedstocks. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Roger Marshall, MD (R-KS) have introduced an identical companion bill in the United States Senate.

    “Today, I joined my colleagues in this important bicameral and bipartisan effort because helping American farmers, producers, and growers goes beyond state and party lines, and is more important now than ever,” said Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09).“We must ensure the Clean Fuel Production tax credit is structured in a way that benefits domestic producers, and not one that advantages foreign-produced feedstocks from China or Brazil. Our legislation extends this credit through 2034 and will bolster American energy independence by prioritizing American producers and the production of domestic biofuels.”

    “American tax incentives should benefit American-grown products and American farmers, not foreign producers,” said Congressman Tracey Mann (KS-01). “Foreign feedstocks can play a significant role in producing domestically manufactured ethanol, biodiesel, renewable diesel, and sustainable aviation fuel, but we cannot allow them to displace harvest grown right in our backyard. Our tax code should reward their grit and tenacity, not prop up feedstocks grown overseas.”

    This legislation would extend the 45Z tax credit and give the ethanol industry the time and financial incentive to build up the infrastructure needed for the US to be less reliant on foreign fuel, open new markets for farmers, and increase ethanol production across the Midwest. Additionally, this bill fixes the glaring flaw in 45Z that negatively impacts farmers wanting to sell feedstocks to the biodiesel and renewable diesel industry. If 45Z continues as-is, taxpayers are at risk of further subsidizing Chinese-used cooking oil and undermining the use of soy, canola, sorghum, and corn oil in renewable fuels.

    “Domestically produced biofuel strengthens our energy independence, supports our farmers, and boosts rural economies,” said Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN). “The introduction of the Farmers First Fuel Incentives Act is an important step as we work to maximize the potential of the 45Z Clean Fuel Production Credit and clean fuel investments across rural America. By extending the credit for another ten years, this legislation gives farmers and biofuel producers the certainty they need to provide consumers with affordable, lower-carbon fuel options.”

    “The Farmer First Fuel Incentives Act is commonsense legislation that stops sending American taxpayer dollars to China, expands robust domestic markets for agriculture producers, and increases certainty for the biofuels industry,” said Senator Roger Marshall (R-KS). “With President Trump in the White House and Republicans leading both the Senate and House, we are finally putting American farmers first and supporting biofuels made in the USA It’s time our energy and agricultural policies reflect that.”

    The Senate companion legislation is cosponsored by US Senators Joni Ernst (R-IA), Deb Fischer (R-NE), Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), and Pete Ricketts (R-NE). 

    The legislation is supported by Growth Energy, American Soybean Association, National Oilseed Processors Association (NOPA), National Corn Growers Association, National Sorghum Producers, US Canola Association, and Renewable Fuels Association.

    “Farmers and businesses need to know this tax credit is here to stay before they can invest in dozens of new energy projects across rural America. With this bill they’ll have the certainty they need to accelerate innovation, create thousands of new jobs, and secure new markets for farmers and biofuel producers,” said Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor. “We applaud this leadership and thank all our rural champions for working to put American renewable fuel producers and farmers in the best possible position to succeed in next generation fuel markets.”

    “ASA thanks Senators Marshall and Klobuchar for their leadership to ensure the 45Z tax credit supports domestic biofuel producers and domestic biofuel feedstock suppliers like soybean farmers,” said American Soybean Association President Caleb Ragland. “The updated Farmers First Fuel Incentives Act includes one of our top priorities: removing arbitrary indirect land use change calculations, which put soy and all of US agriculture at a disadvantage to imported waste feedstocks of dubious origin. This legislation provides a roadmap for how the 45Z tax credit can be improved to support farmers, and we are glad to support its introduction.”

    “American tax incentives should support American farmers — not put them at a disadvantage. Ensuring that only domestic feedstocks such as U.S.-grown soybeans qualify for U.S. tax credits is a straightforward way to strengthen our domestic supply chain and rural economy,” said National Oilseed Processors Association (NOPA) President and CEO Devin Mogler. “At the same time, eliminating the outdated and flawed Indirect Land Use Change (ILUC) penalty removes an arbitrary barrier that unfairly punishes US producers while benefiting foreign competitors. We appreciate Congresswoman Kaptur, Congressman Mann, and Senators Marshall and Klobuchar for their leadership to ensure the Clean Fuel Production Credit works as intended — to support American agriculture and American energy.”

    “We are deeply appreciative of these leaders for introducing legislation that establishes requirements for a tax credit that will level the playing field for America’s corn growers,” said National Corn Growers Association President Kenneth Hartman Jr. “This bill brings American farmers a step closer to unlocking an exciting new market with global reach.”

    “We appreciate the focus on “farmers first” legislation and the support of 45Z and domestic feedstocks like sorghum,” said Amy France, Chair of the National Sorghum Producers. “Domestic biofuel production remains critical to our farm and our country’s success.”

    “The US Canola Association strongly supports the removal of arbitrary and uncertain indirect land use change (ILUC) assumptions from the calculation of federal clean fuel production tax credits,” said Tim Mickelson, President of the US Canola Association. “We applaud the sponsors and co-sponsors for their efforts to improve and extend the tax credit for biofuels. The flawed assumptions used to calculate indirect emissions have resulted in canola being excluded despite being a proven feedstock that the US EPA’s analysis conservatively shows reduces emissions up to 78%.  We urge Congress to enact these important changes to provide certainty, stability, and market opportunity for canola growers and our biofuels industry partners.” 

    You can find the full House bill text by clicking here.

    Background:

    • In 2024, Congresswoman Kaptur also led multiple bipartisan letters calling for the US Department of the Treasury to restrict the eligibility of the 45Z Tax Credit to renewable fuels made only from domestically sourced feedstocks, like Kansas soybean oil and corn oil.

    # # #

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: LEADER JEFFRIES: “THE BUDGET RESOLUTION WILL SET IN MOTION SOME OF THE MOST EXTREME CUTS TO HEALTHCARE AND NUTRITIONAL ASSISTANCE”

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Hakeem Jeffries (8th District of New York)

    Washington, DC – Today, Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries held a press conference where he emphasized that while Donald Trump and Republicans are crashing the economy and passing their reckless budget scheme meant to destroy the American way of life, House Democrats will continue to work to lower the cost of living and build an economy that works for everyday Americans.

    LEADER JEFFRIES: Good morning. Here in the Capitol, the battle lines with respect to Democratic values and Republican values have once again been clearly drawn. House and Senate Democrats are standing on the side of the American people, and we continue to be committed to building an economy that’s affordable and that works for everyday Americans and drives down the high cost of living while protecting healthcare, nutritional assistance and the Social Security of the American people. 

    Donald Trump and extreme MAGA Republicans are doing everything they can to tank our economy, drive us toward a recession and gut the healthcare of the American people by visiting upon them the largest Medicaid cut in history, along with the largest cut to nutritional assistance in American history, all in service of enacting massive tax breaks for their billionaire donors like Elon Musk. It’s a toxic scheme that they cannot hide from because it continues to be on full display on the House Floor and on the Senate Floor for the American people.

    The budget resolution that passed the House today will set in motion some of the most extreme cuts to healthcare, nutritional assistance and the things that matter to everyday Americans in our nation’s nearly 250-year history. It’s a disgrace. This is just the beginning. And House Democrats are going to aggressively push back every day, every week, every month until we bury this reckless Republican budget resolution in the ground, never to rise again.

    Full press conference can be watched here. 

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: DelBene, DeLauro, Torres Introduce Legislation to Bring Back Monthly Child Tax Credit Payments

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (1st District of Washington)

    Today, U.S. Representatives Suzan DelBene (WA-01), Rosa DeLauro (CT-03), and Ritchie Torres (NY-15) reintroduced the American Family Act, legislation that would make permanent the expanded Child Tax Credit (CTC), which provided families with monthly payments of up to $300 per child.

    The expanded, monthly Child Tax Credit is proven to help rebuild the middle class and lift millions of children out of poverty. The 2021 expansion of the credit in the American Rescue Plan Act was based on the American Family Act. It led to a historic reduction in poverty in the United States, particularly for children. Research showed that child poverty fell by nearly half to 5.2%, its lowest level on record.

    President Trump campaigned on lowering costs for American families and Vice President JD Vance voiced support for bolstering the Child Tax Credit on the campaign trail. As Republicans work on a forthcoming tax package, they must include the fully expanded Child Tax Credit – a commonsense, tested policy that delivers for American workers and families.

     “I consistently hear from families in my district and across the country about the challenges they face getting by. The costs of housing, food, and child care can be overwhelming. Democrats have a proven solution to help families in the expanded Child Tax Credit. We know that it works because we have seen it before, and it is supported by considerable data and countless stories from families,” said DelBene. “Republicans let the expanded Child Tax Credit expire at the end of 2021 and since then child poverty has more than doubled. Lifting kids out of poverty should not be a partisan issue. Yet, Republicans continue to prioritize the wealthy and well-connected and refuse to work to create bipartisan tax policy that supports working families. If we truly want to make America a place where families and the middle class can thrive, we need to pass the American Family Act.”

    “Families are living paycheck to paycheck,” said DeLauro. “They need help dealing with high costs and the Child Tax Credit is one of our most powerful and proven solutions – an antidote to inflation. It provides middle and working-class families with unprecedented economic security and lifts millions of children out of poverty. I am proud to join my colleagues in reintroducing this legislation. We need the Child Tax Credit now.”

    “The American Family Act would be a lifeline for millions of families who have been left behind for far too long. By expanding and fully refunding the Child Tax Credit, we would make a crucial investment in the future of our children — lifting millions out of poverty, putting money directly into the pockets of working families, and ensuring that every child, no matter their background, has a fair shot at success,” said Torres. “The evidence is clear: the expanded CTC worked at exponentially reducing childhood poverty, and it is time to make it permanent. This is not just economic policy: it is a moral imperative.”

    Senators Michael Bennet (CO), Cory Booker (NJ), and Raphael Warnock (GA) introduced identical legislation in the Senate.

    The American Family Act would:

    • Increase the value of the CTC from the current level of $2,000 per child to $6,360 for newborns, $4,320 for children ages one through six, and $3,600 for children age six through 17.
    • Make the credit fully refundable, ensuring that the families of 17 million low-income children left out of the CTC under current law will receive the full credit.
    • Provide for monthly delivery of the credit so families have access to the credit as bills arrive.
    • Index the CTC for inflation to preserve the value of the credit moving forward.

    A copy of the bill text can be found here. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICYMI: Rep. Jimmy Gomez Grills Trump Trade Chief Over $4,600 “Tariff Tax” on Families as Trump Caves on $6 Trillion Trade Agenda

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

    Gomez: “You imposed tariffs on an island inhabited by penguins. Consumer confidence is plummeting—and you’re saying, ‘Trust us?’”

    **VIDEO AVAILABLE**

    Watch his full remarks HERE.

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — At a House Ways and Means Committee hearing on the Trump Administration’s 2025 Trade Policy Agenda with U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) Ambassador Jamieson Greer, Rep. Jimmy Gomez (CA-34) delivered a powerful rebuke of the Trump administration’s reckless tariff policy, calling out its devastating impact on working families and exposing the out-of-touch economic priorities driving it. In a pointed exchange with Trump’s top trade official, Gomez demanded answers, accountability, and clarity for everyday Americans feeling the squeeze.

    During his five-minutes of questioning, Rep. Gomez:

    • Confronted Greer on the skyrocketing costs of Trump’s tariffs and their impact on food, clothes, cars, and basic household goods
    • Blasted the administration’s misleading claims of “short-term pain,” equating it to economic gaslighting
    • Exposed Greer’s multiple overlapping roles — including USTR, acting ethics chief, and whistleblower overseer — and questioned who’s really running the trade agenda
    • Mocked the administration’s incompetence, citing reports of tariffs on an island inhabited only by penguins

    KEY MOMENTS FROM THE HEARING:

    On tariffs as a hidden tax on working people: “Do you agree that tariffs are a tax—yes or no? …Economists say that 98 to 99% of that tax is passed on to the American consumer in higher prices… and it’s going to fall disproportionately, especially on working Americans.”

    On the real cost of Trump’s trade war: “Yesterday, it was said there’d be a $3,800-a-year increase for working families. Today it’s $4,600. What’s the increase going to be tomorrow—$5,200?”

    On the disconnect between Trump’s advisors and American families: “My constituents don’t make $1.5 million a year like you did at King & Spalding. We check our budgets every month to decide what we have to cut back on. That’s the reality for working families.”

    On hypocrisy at the top: “You also have a Cabinet of billionaires. Lucknick, Bescent, Elon Musk—I mean Donald Trump himself. For them, $4,600 doesn’t mean anything. But for the average worker, it does.”

    On lack of credibility and leadership in the trade agenda: “You’re the USTR, the acting ethics chief, the chief whistleblower, and the lead trade negotiator—so who’s actually running the show? Even Donald Trump said it was the Commerce Secretary.”

    On the administration’s failure to level with the American people: “You’re saying, ‘Trust us, trust us—there’ll be short-term pain.’ But we see a plan that doesn’t make sense, a flawed formula, the stock market crashing, and red lights blinking on a recession.”

    On calling out absurdity and demanding accountability: “You imposed tariffs on an island inhabited by penguins. Consumer confidence is plummeting—and you’re saying, ‘Trust us’? That doesn’t pass the smell test.”

    Rep. Gomez concluded: “We’ve worked on other issues before, and I hope we can work on others moving forward—but you need to be straight about who’s running the show, because this is going to fall and hurt the American worker.”

    You can read the full transcript HERE.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: H.R. 1716, Taiwan Conflict Deterrence Act of 2025

    Source: US Congressional Budget Office

    H.R. 1716 would require the Department of the Treasury to publish a report listing estimated total funds held by certain Chinese leaders and the financial institutions where significant portions of the funds are held. The report would be due within 90 days of the Congress receiving a notice from the President concerning a threat to Taiwan by China. That list would be updated every three years unless the threat is deemed no longer present. The bill also would direct the department to prohibit the listed Chinese leaders or their families from using any U.S. financial services. That requirement would terminate either 30 days after the President deems that Taiwan is no longer under threat or 25 years after the department submits a final report.

    The 1979 Taiwan Relations Act directs the President to promptly inform the Congress of any threat to the security or the social or economic systems of the people of Taiwan and of any danger to the interests of the United States that arises from that threat. CBO cannot determine when actions by China could result in the President providing such notice and thus invoking the bill’s reporting requirements. In the event of such a notice, CBO estimates that the required report and other actions would cost less than $500,000 over the 2025-2030 period; any related spending would be subject to the availability of appropriated funds.

    The Department of the Treasury would need information from the federal financial regulatory agencies, including the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation and the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, among others, to carry out the bill’s requirements. H.R. 1716 could affect direct spending by those agencies, some of which are allowed to use fees to cover their operating costs. CBO estimates that the net change in direct spending by federal financial regulatory agencies would be less than $500,000 over the 2025-2035 period.

    Administrative costs incurred by the Federal Reserve, another federal financial regulatory agency, would reduce remittances to the Treasury; such remittances are recorded in the budget as revenues. CBO estimates that the cost to the Federal Reserve would be insignificant.

    The bill also would establish civil and criminal penalties for failure to comply with the new authorities. Civil fines are recorded in the budget as revenues. Criminal fines are recorded as revenues, deposited in the Crime Victims Fund, and subsequently spent without further appropriation. CBO estimates that any additional collections and associated spending would be insignificant because of the relatively small number of additional cases likely to occur over the 2025-2035 period.

    H.R. 1716 would impose a private-sector mandate as defined in the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act (UMRA) on U.S. financial institutions if the Treasury prohibits transactions between them and certain Chinese leaders or their families. The cost of the mandate would include the forgone revenue that would be attributable to those transactions. Because the restriction would apply only in a small number of cases, CBO estimates that the cost of the mandate would not exceed the private-sector threshold established in UMRA ($206 million in 2025, adjusted annually for inflation).

    The bill would not impose intergovernmental mandates.

    The CBO staff contacts for this estimate are Matthew Pickford (for federal costs), Nathaniel Frentz (for the Federal Reserve), and Andrew Laughlin (for mandates). The estimate was reviewed by H. Samuel Papenfuss, Deputy Director of Budget Analysis.

    Phillip L. Swagel

    Director, Congressional Budget Office

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Welch Leads Bipartisan Legislation to Repeal Trump’s Ruinous Global Tariffs

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Peter Welch (D-Vermont)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), a member of the Senate Finance Committee, led Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) and Senators Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Rand Paul (R-Ky.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), and Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) in introducing bipartisan legislation to repeal Donald Trump’s global tariffs and reassert Congress’s trade authorities. The Senators’ resolution would terminate the emergency that Trump declared in order to apply tariffs of up to 49% on products Americans buy from other countries. In the wake of Trump’s tariff declaration, markets have cratered, manufacturers have laid off thousands of workers and foreign countries have retaliated by imposing their own tariffs on U.S. agricultural and manufactured goods. 
    “The President’s reckless global trade war has already gone far beyond everyone’s worst predictions. In just a matter of days, President Trump has thrown the economy into chaos and wiped out Vermonters’ retirement funds–all in an apparent attempt to achieve deeply misguided foreign policy goals,” said Senator Welch. “Congress must stand up and reassert our constitutional role in setting trade policy before Trump’s tariffs ruin more lives and livelihoods.” 
    “Trump’s trade chaos has put our entire economy at the mercy of one man’s social media account – that’s not how America is supposed to work,” said Senator Wyden. “Congress can’t sit on its hands while he slaps a new 10 percent tax on everything families buy, and leaves businesses and seniors in limbo until the next tariff flip flop. Congress needs to pass our bipartisan bill, end the tariff rollercoaster, and restore Congress’ Constitutional authority over trade.” 
    “Tariffs are taxes, and the power to tax belongs to Congress—not the president. Our Founders were clear: tax policy should never rest in the hands of one person,” said Senator Paul. “Abusing emergency powers to impose blanket tariffs not only drives up costs for American families but also tramples on the Constitution. It’s time Congress reasserts its authority and restores the balance of power.” 
    “Make no mistake – the president’s ill-conceived and chaotic trade war is nothing but a tax on American families,” said Senator Schumer. “Trump is leading America headfirst into a recession, with no plans on how to right the cratering economy. The Senate has the power and authority to stop this madness and we have a duty to act in a bipartisan way to repeal these tariffs, which is why I am proud to co-sponsor this legislation. It’s time for Republicans to stand up for American families, lower costs, save seniors’ retirement funds, and prevent a global economic crisis.” 
    “No President has the authority to unilaterally impose such sweeping across-the-board tariffs without congressional approval,” said Senator Kaine. “President Trump’s tariff strategy is raising costs on American families, threatening alliances our national security depends on, and creating opportunity for China and other adversaries to take advantage of global instability. The time is now for Congress to reassert its authority in matters of international trade, and I hope my colleagues on both sides of the aisle will join us.” 
    “The administration’s ill-considered, short-sighted tariffs are a historic tax hike on American families – jacking up the price of gas, fruit, coffee and other groceries, electronics, cars and everything in between,” said Senator Shaheen. “President Trump’s chaotic trade war targets close allies like Canada and Europe even while sparing adversaries like Russia — leaving America weaker, more isolated and distrusted around the globe. I’m proud to help introduce this resolution to force the administration to end these taxes before it does irreparable harm to American families and our international leadership role.” 
    “Donald Trump’s reckless agenda will hurt American families, small businesses, and manufacturers,” said Senator Warren. “The Trump tariffs are economic sabotage, and Congress has the power to stop them. Republicans can join Democrats and end this today.” 
    Under Senate rules, the measure will receive a vote on the Senate floor shortly after the Senate returns from a state work period later this month. If enacted, the resolution would terminate the emergency that Trump declared, reverse Trump’s new taxes of 10% on all imported goods and end his threat of additional tariffs up to 49% on products Americans buy from other countries. In the wake of Trump’s tariff standoff, manufacturers have laid off thousands of workers, and foreign countries have retaliated by slapping their own tariffs on U.S. agricultural and manufactured goods.  
    Read and download the full text of the resolution. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Eurojust and Egypt step up judicial cooperation with new Working Arrangement

    Source: Eurojust

    As organised crime travels across borders, so must judicial cooperation. As a facilitator of cross-border judicial cooperation, Eurojust not only ensures that authorities from EU Member States can work together efficiently to investigate serious cross-border crimes, but also facilitates cooperation with countries outside the EU. Through various cooperation agreements, Eurojust brings partner countries and Member States closer together. The Working Arrangement signed with Egypt will strengthen cooperation with the country in the fight against serious organised crime. 

    Eurojust President Mr Michael Schmid commented on the new Working Arrangement: It is a great pleasure for Eurojust to welcome Prosecutor General Mohamed Shawky to Eurojust today and to conclude a Working Arrangement with the Public Prosecution Office of the Arab Republic of Egypt. Both our sides share many challenges in fighting organised crime, and we are keen on stepping up our joint response. While it does not allow for the exchange of personal data, the Working Arrangement we are signing today is a clear expression of our commitment to grow closer together as judicial professionals so that justice can be done across borders.

    Cooperation with Egyptian authorities is already ongoing through Eurojust’s Contact Points. Contact Points make it easier for national authorities to liaise with Member States. Egyptian authorities have already been involved in cross-border investigations at Eurojust. They are also part of the EuroMed Justice, an EU-funded project implemented by Eurojust to strengthen strategic and operational cooperation in judicial criminal matters with the EU and partners in the Southern Neighbourhood. 

    The Working Arrangement was signed during a visit by Prosecutor General Mr Mohamed Shawky to Eurojust in The Hague. The Prosecutor General said: We emphasise that cooperation with Eurojust offers distinct and promising opportunities to support criminal justice. For example by exchanging information and expertise between the Egyptian Public Prosecution and its counterparts in European countries, strengthening mechanisms for international judicial cooperation to ensure prompt and effective justice and developing the technical skills of public prosecutors.

    In the same week, EuroMed Justice organised a workshop in Cairo on the protection of cultural heritage. Over 40 judges, prosecutors and experts from 14 countries from Europe and the MENA region met to exchange best practices and explore potential avenues for international judicial cooperation in combating the illicit trafficking of cultural heritage.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: EXL Schedules First Quarter 2025 Financial Results Conference Call

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, April 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — ExlService Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: EXLS), a global data and AI company, will release financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2025, on Tuesday, April 29, 2025, after the market closes. An earnings news release, investor fact sheet and presentation will be published on the company’s investor relations website offering an overview of the financial results.

    The company will host a conference call at 10:00 a.m. EDT the following day, Wednesday, April 30, 2025, with Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Rohit Kapoor and Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Maurizio Nicolelli, who will provide insights into the company’s operational and financial results.

    To listen to video live webcast or to participate in the call, please register here. A replay of the webcast will be available for approximately one year.

    EXL (NASDAQ: EXLS) is a global data and artificial intelligence (“AI”) company that offers services and solutions to reinvent client business models, drive better outcomes and unlock growth with speed. EXL harnesses the power of data, AI, and deep industry knowledge to transform businesses, including the world’s leading corporations in industries including insurance, healthcare, banking and financial services, media and retail, among others. EXL was founded in 1999 with the core values of innovation, collaboration, excellence, integrity and respect. We are headquartered in New York and have more than 59,000 employees spanning six continents. For more information, visit www.exlservice.com.

    Contact:
    John Kristoff
    Vice President, Head of Investor Relations
    +1 212 209 4613

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: University of Boumerdes Student Chapter Organizes a Successful “IADC Energy Forum”

    Source: International Association of Drilling Contractors – IADC

    Headline: University of Boumerdes Student Chapter Organizes a Successful “IADC Energy Forum”

    From 19-24 March, the IADC University of Boumerdes Student Chapter and IADC co-hosted the first “IADC Energy Forum.” This virtual event brought together industry experts, professionals, and students to discuss the latest trends in the oil and gas sector.

    Through interactive discussions and expert sessions, attendees explored:

    • Industry Trends
    • The Future of Drilling in a Decarbonized World
    • AI Applications
    • The Energy Transition
    • Next-Generation Drilling Technologies
    • Networking Opportunities
    • Career Paths in the Energy Sector

    Thank you to everyone who attended this event and to the presenters who shared their insights with us! Well done to the IADC University of Boumerdes Student Chapter for organizing this impactful event. 

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senators Marshall and Klobuchar Lead Bipartisan, Bicameral Legislation Fighting for Farmers with Biofuel Tax Credit 

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Kansas Roger Marshall
    Washington – U.S. Senators Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kansas) and Amy Klobuchar (D-Minnesota) today reintroduced the bipartisan and bicameral Farmer First Fuel Incentives Act, which would protect American farmers by restricting the eligibility of the 45Z Tax Credit to renewable fuels made only from domestically sourced feedstocks. U.S. Representatives Tracey Mann (R-Kansas-01) and Marcy Kaptur (D-Ohio-09) have introduced an identical bill in the House of Representatives.
    This bill would extend the 45Z tax credit and give the ethanol industry the time and financial incentive to build up the infrastructure needed for the U.S. to be less reliant on foreign fuel, open new markets for farmers, and increase ethanol production across the Midwest. Additionally, this bill fixes the glaring flaw in 45Z that negatively impacts farmers wanting to sell feedstocks to the biodiesel and renewable diesel industry. If 45Z continues as-is, taxpayers are at risk of further subsidizing Chinese-used cooking oil and undermining the use of soy, canola, sorghum, and corn oil in renewable fuels.
    “The Farmer First Fuel Incentives Act is commonsense legislation that stops sending American taxpayer dollars to China, expands robust domestic markets for agriculture producers, and increases certainty for the biofuels industry,” said Senator Marshall. “With President Trump in the White House and Republicans leading both the Senate and House, we are finally putting American farmers first and supporting biofuels made in the U.S.A. It’s time our energy and agricultural policies reflect that.”
    “Domestically produced biofuel strengthens our energy independence, supports our farmers, and boosts rural economies,” said Senator Klobuchar. “The introduction of the Farmers First Fuel Incentives Act is an important step as we work to maximize the potential of the 45Z Clean Fuel Production Credit and clean fuel investments across rural America. By extending the credit for another ten years, this legislation gives farmers and biofuel producers the certainty they need to provide consumers with affordable, lower-carbon fuel options.” 
    “American tax incentives should benefit American-grown products and American farmers, not foreign producers,” said Representative Mann. “Foreign feedstocks can play a significant role in producing domestically manufactured ethanol, biodiesel, renewable diesel, and sustainable aviation fuel, but we cannot allow them to displace harvest grown right in our backyard. Our tax code should reward their grit and tenacity, not prop up feedstocks grown overseas.”
    “Today, I joined my colleagues in this important bicameral and bipartisan effort because helping American farmers, producers, and growers goes beyond state and party lines, and is more important now than ever,” said Representative Kaptur. “We must ensure the Clean Fuel Production tax credit is structured in a way that benefits domestic producers, and not one that advantages foreign-produced feedstocks from China or Brazil. Our legislation extends this credit through 2034 and will bolster American energy independence by prioritizing American producers and the production of domestic biofuels.”
    This legislation is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Deb Fischer (R-Nebraska), Elissa Slotkin (D-Michigan), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wisconsin), and Pete Ricketts (R-Nebraska).  
    “Throughout my time in Congress, I’ve led the charge to build certainty and clarity into biofuel policies and put Iowa farmers at the forefront of delivering better, more affordable options at the gas pump,” said Senator Ernst. “The Farmer First Fuel Incentives Act does just that by giving producers the long-term certainty they need to go all-in on increasing production of domestic biofuels. It’s critical that we fully leverage homegrown, American biofuels and ensure not a cent of taxpayer dollars fund fuel produced with foreign crops.”
    “America’s biofuel producers are a key piece in helping to secure U.S. energy independence,” said Senator Fischer. “That’s why Americans’ hard-earned tax dollars should support home-grown feedstocks—not incentivize foreign competitors. Our bipartisan legislation ensures that renewable fuel tax incentives support American producers—not overseas interests.” 
    “American tax credits should support American farmers. The Farmer First Fuel Incentives Act provides long-term certainty for Nebraskan producers through tax policy that makes sense,” said Senator Ricketts. “By bolstering the development of a domestic fuel supply chain, this bipartisan bill puts American farmers first.”
    The legislation is supported by Growth Energy, American Soybean Association, National Oilseed Processors Association (NOPA), National Corn Growers Association, National Sorghum Producers, U.S. Canola Association, and Renewable Fuels Association.
    “Farmers and businesses need to know this tax credit is here to stay before they can invest in dozens of new energy projects across rural America. With this bill they’ll have the certainty they need to accelerate innovation, create thousands of new jobs, and secure new markets for farmers and biofuel producers,” said Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor. “We applaud Sen. Marshall and Sen. Klobuchar for their leadership and thank all our rural champions for working to put American renewable fuel producers and farmers in the best possible position to succeed in next generation fuel markets.”
    “ASA thanks Senators Marshall and Klobuchar for their leadership to ensure the 45Z tax credit supports domestic biofuel producers and domestic biofuel feedstock suppliers like soybean farmers,” said American Soybean Association President Caleb Ragland. “The updated Farmers First Fuel Incentives Act includes one of our top priorities: removing arbitrary indirect land use change calculations, which put soy and all of U.S. agriculture at a disadvantage to imported waste feedstocks of dubious origin. This legislation provides a roadmap for how the 45Z tax credit can be improved to support farmers, and we are glad to support its introduction.”
    “American tax incentives should support American farmers — not put them at a disadvantage. Ensuring that only domestic feedstocks such as U.S.-grown soybeans qualify for U.S. tax credits is a straightforward way to strengthen our domestic supply chain and rural economy,” said National Oilseed Processors Association (NOPA) President and CEO Devin Mogler. “At the same time, eliminating the outdated and flawed Indirect Land Use Change (ILUC) penalty removes an arbitrary barrier that unfairly punishes U.S. producers while benefiting foreign competitors. We appreciate Senators Marshall and Klobuchar for their leadership to ensure the Clean Fuel Production Credit works as intended — to support American agriculture and American energy.”
    “We are deeply appreciative of these leaders for introducing legislation that establishes requirements for a tax credit that will level the playing field for America’s corn growers,” said National Corn Growers Association President Kenneth Hartman Jr. “This bill brings American farmers a step closer to unlocking an exciting new market with global reach.”
    “We appreciate the focus on “farmers first” legislation and the support of 45Z and domestic feedstocks like sorghum,” said Amy France, Chair of the National Sorghum Producers. “Domestic biofuel production remains critical to our farm and our country’s success.”
    “The U.S. Canola Association strongly supports the removal of arbitrary and uncertain indirect land use change (ILUC) assumptions from the calculation of federal clean fuel production tax credits,” said Tim Mickelson, President of the U.S. Canola Association. “We applaud Senator Marshall, Senator Klobuchar and the co-sponsors for their efforts to improve and extend the tax credit for biofuels. The flawed assumptions used to calculate indirect emissions have resulted in canola being excluded despite being a proven feedstock that the U.S. EPA’s analysis conservatively shows reduces emissions up to 78%.  We urge Congress to enact these important changes to provide certainty, stability, and market opportunity for canola growers and our biofuels industry partners.” 
    Click HERE to read the full bill text.
    Background:
    Senator Marshall initially introduced this legislation in 2024.
    In 2024, Senator Marshall also led a bipartisan letter calling for the U.S. Department of the Treasury to restrict the eligibility of the 45Z Tax Credit to renewable fuels made only from domestically sourced feedstocks, like Kansas soybean oil and corn oil.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Reps. Cherfilus-McCormick, Bell Introduce CAST Act to Curb U.S.-Caribbean Firearms Trafficking

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D-Florida 20th district))

    WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Representatives Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D-FL) and Wesley Bell (D-MO) introduced the Caribbean Anti-Smuggling of Trafficked Arms (CAST) Act , legislation that would help curb illicit arms trafficking from the United States to the Caribbean by requiring the Department of Defense (DOD) to report on expanding the mandate of Joint Interagency Taskforce South (JIATF-South) to include combatting illicit firearms trafficking. 

    “Weapons trafficking by way of the United States is a major contributor to crime in the Caribbean and Haiti’s growing gang crisis, driving the ongoing instability that plagues the country,” said Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D-FL). “All potential options must be on the table to effectively curtail the flow of arms. Our nation’s national security depends on it.” 

    “As a former prosecutor, I’ve seen how illegal guns can devastate neighborhoods and fuel violence,” said Rep. Wesley Bell (D-MO). “Too many of those weapons are being trafficked out of the U.S. and into the hands of gangs in the Caribbean. This bill strengthens our ability to stop that flow at the source—so fewer families, whether in St. Louis or Port-au-Prince, have to live in fear.”

    JIATF-South’s mandate is to conduct detection and monitoring (D&M) operations to curtail drug trafficking and dismantle Transnational Criminal Organizations (TCOs) in the Caribbean region. The CAST Act will require the Department of Defense to evaluate the potential expansion of JIATF-South’s mission to include combating the illegal trafficking of firearms from the United States to the Caribbean.

    Illicit arms trafficking from the United States to the Caribbean is a regional and national security threat. While Caribbean countries do not manufacture firearms or ammunition, nor do they import either on a large scale, they account for half of the world’s top ten highest national murder rates. 

    Last Congress, Congresswoman Cherfilus-McCormick led the release of a new report from the nonpartisan Government Accountability Office (GAO) that examines the role of U.S. firearms in Caribbean arms trafficking. The report found that nearly three-quarters of firearms recovered from the Caribbean and traced by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) could be sourced back to the United States, with many originating from U.S. retail sales. 

    The full text of the bill can be found here. 

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    MIL OSI USA News –