NewzIntel.com

Category: Transport

  • MIL-OSI Australia: New Inner South Health Centre set for Griffith

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    The Inner South Health Centre is one of four new health centres for the ACT.

    The ACT Government’s new Inner South Health Centre will be located in Griffith.

    Consultation is now open on what types of services the centre will provide.

    The Inner South Health Centre will be on the corner of Throsby Crescent and Throsby Lane in Griffith. The location is adjacent to the Griffith Shops.

    It is one of four new health centres for the ACT.

    Centres will also be at South Tuggeranong (Conder), North Gungahlin and West Belconnen.

    The ACT Government already opened a health centre in Molonglo in 2022. The centre provides women’s and family health care to the region.

    The Government is in the early planning and design stages. The community can now share what services they would like to see available at this new health centre.

    The Inner South Health Centre will complement existing services available in Canberra’s public health system including:

    • nurse-led walk-in centres
    • the public hospital system.

    In the 2024–25 Budget, the ACT Government committed $52.8 million over four years to:

    • construct the new health centres in North Gungahlin and the Inner South
    • undertake design work for the health centre in West Belconnen.

    The ACT Government will continue to invest in health services and infrastructure across the ACT.

    This includes more investment in Canberra’s health workforce, including recruitment, upskilling and committing to nurse and midwife-to-patient ratios.

    Share your thoughts at YourSay Conversations.

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    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Increased access to abortion services

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    Nurse Practitioners and authorised midwives will be able to prescribe abortion medication.

    ACT Nurse Practitioners and authorised midwives will be able to prescribe abortion medication.

    The Health (Improved Abortion Access) Amendment Act 2024 has been passed in the ACT Legislative Assembly.

    Up until now, only doctors have been allowed to prescribe abortion medication. The new legislation removes barriers to nurse practitioners and authorised midwives who choose to do so.

    This follows positive changes made by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) last year.

    The TGA removed restrictions on health practitioners who prescribe and dispense the abortion medication MS-2 Step (mifepristone and misoprostol).

    The Bill also requires health practitioners who decline to provide abortion services – on religious or other conscientious grounds – to refer individuals to another practitioner or facility that can provide an abortion in a timely manner. Alternatively, they can give their patients information on how to find such a provider.

    The amendments relating to conscientious objection bring the ACT into line with other states and territories. They balance the clients’ rights to access timely abortion care with health practitioners’ rights to not participate in the provision of services that conflict with their beliefs.

    Improved access to abortion services will allow Canberrans to obtain appropriate, safe care, and to avoid potentially detrimental impacts to their mental and physical health and wellbeing.

    The changes further ensure that women and people who can become pregnant can make decisions about their health care based on what is best for them and their body.

    The amendments complement the ACT Government’s accessible abortions scheme, which

    • supports the provision of no-cost abortions to ACT residents, including to those without access to Medicare.
    • offers ACT residents free long-acting reversible contraceptives at the time of abortion, if wanted.

    These no-cost services have been available through MSI Australia since April 2023.

    More recently, participating general practices, pharmacies, pathology services and medical imaging services across the Territory have been included in the scheme.

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    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Shapiro Administration Reminds Pennsylvanians of REAL ID Enforcement Beginning on May 7

    Source: US State of Pennsylvania

    April 07, 2025 – Erie, PA

    Shapiro Administration Reminds Pennsylvanians of REAL ID Enforcement Beginning on May 7

    With the start of federal REAL ID enforcement just around the corner, officials from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT), the Erie International Airport, and the American Automobile Association (AAA), are encouraging Pennsylvanians to prepare now to ensure they can fly domestically without disruptions. These efforts reflect the Shapiro Administration’s commitment to ensuring residents have the information and opportunities they need to be ready for federal REAL ID enforcement.

    Getting a REAL ID is optional in Pennsylvania, but beginning May 7, travelers will need a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or ID card, or another form of federally-acceptable identification (such as a valid passport or military ID) to board a domestic commercial flight, and enter a military base or other federal facilities that require ID at the door. More than 2.6 million Pennsylvanians have gotten a REAL ID driver’s license or ID card since they became available in the state in 2019.

    “We know that people look forward to traveling with friends and family,” said PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll. “But after May 7, if you don’t have a REAL ID or a passport, you won’t be able to board a domestic flight. We’re strongly encouraging everyone to make sure you have what you need to travel before you arrive at the airport, especially if you already have flights planned for the summer.”

    Speakers Include:
    Derek Martin, CEO, Erie International Airport
    Mike Carroll, PennDOT Secretary
    Jim Garrity, AAA Director of Public Affairs AAA East Central

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Shapiro Administration Officials Visit Blair County to Highlight Proposed Investments to Help Solve Rural Health Care Workforce Shortages

    Source: US State of Pennsylvania

    April 08, 2025 – Tyrone, PA

    Shapiro Administration Officials Visit Blair County to Highlight Proposed Investments to Help Solve Rural Health Care Workforce Shortages

    In an ongoing effort to strengthen the rural health care workforce and support rural hospitals in Pennsylvania, Secretary of Health Dr. Debra Bogen and Secretary of Human Services Dr. Val Arkoosh visited Penn Highlands Tyrone to highlight Governor Josh Shapiro’s proposed investments in Pennsylvania’s rural health care workforce as part of the 2025-26 budget to improve access to care.

    “The Shapiro Administration is taking a multi-pronged approach to address challenges facing rural hospitals across Pennsylvania,” said Secretary Bogen, who has visited nearly a dozen rural hospitals throughout the state. “Governor Shapiro’s budget proposal offers recruitment and retention incentives that would support additional health care professionals, including behavioral health providers and health professionals to work in rural hospitals and communities.”

    Pennsylvania is facing shortages of health care professionals, particularly in rural communities, where there is only one primary care physician for every 522 residents. Conversely, in urban areas, there is one primary care physician for every 222 residents. That means rural Pennsylvanians, who already must travel further distances to see their doctors, also have less access to health care.

    Speakers Include:
    Penn Highlands Healthcare Chief Medical Officer Dr. Trina Abla
    Department of Health Secretary Dr. Debra Bogen
    Department of Human Services Secretary Dr. Val Arkoosh

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: California Man Pleads Guilty to Attempted Murder of Supreme Court Justice in Maryland

    Source: United States Attorneys General 7

    Nicholas John Roske, 29, of Simi Valley, California, pleaded guilty today to attempting to kill a U.S. Supreme Court Justice.

    “This calculated attempt on the life of a sitting U.S. Supreme Court Justice was a heinous attack on the Court itself,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “Anyone who thinks they can use violence or intimidation to influence our courts will be met with the full force of the law and face up to life in prison.”

    “Nicholas Roske sought to commit a despicable, premeditated attack on a Supreme Court Justice and today is another step toward accountability,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “No violent attacks can be tolerated, whether those targeted are public officials or private citizens – and the FBI and our partners will aggressively investigate and bring to justice all those who engage in such plots.”

    “The attempted assassination of a U.S. Supreme Court Justice is an extreme, brazen act, one that we — along with our federal, local, and state law-enforcement partners — will not tolerate,” said U.S. Attorney Kelly O. Hayes for the District of Maryland. “It’s through these partnerships that we’re able to hold criminals accountable and uphold the rule of law. We are committed to relentlessly pursuing and prosecuting those who are involved in planning and executing acts of violence against others.”

    As part of his guilty plea, Roske admitted that on June 7, 2022, he flew from Los Angeles International Airport to Dulles International Airport with a firearm and ammunition in his checked baggage. He then took a taxi from the airport to Montgomery County, Maryland, with the intent to kill the Supreme Court Justice.

    According to the criminal complaint and the Government’s factual allegations, on June 8, 2022, at approximately 1:05 a.m., two Deputy U.S. Marshals, protecting the residence of a Supreme Court Justice, observed Roske arrive in and get out of a taxi in front of the residence. Roske wore black clothing and had a backpack and suitcase. Upon observing Roske, the two Deputy U.S. Marshals started to get out of their vehicles as the defendant proceeded to walk down the street.

    Shortly after, Roske told a Montgomery County Emergency Communications Center call taker that he was having homicidal and suicidal thoughts, had a gun in his suitcase, and flew from California to kill a specific Supreme Court Justice.

    Montgomery County Police Department officers responded to the location and took Roske into custody. A search of Roske’s suitcase and backpack revealed a firearm; black tactical chest rig and tactical knife; two magazines, each containing 10 rounds of ammunition; 17 additional rounds of ammunition; pepper spray; zip ties; a hammer; screwdrivers; a nail punch; a crowbar; a pistol light; duct tape; hiking boots with padding on the outside of the soles; and lock-pick tools, along with other items.

    Law enforcement transported Roske to a Montgomery County Police Department station where he was read his Miranda rights. Roske then stated that he was upset about a recently leaked Supreme Court draft decision on abortion as well as the recent school shooting in Uvalde, Texas. The defendant also admitted that he came from California with the intent to use the firearm and burglary tools and to kill the Supreme Court Justice.

    Roske faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment. U.S. District Judge Deborah L. Boardman scheduled sentencing for Oct. 3. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    U.S. Attorney Hayes commended the FBI, U.S. Marshals Service, MCPD, and Police Department for the U.S. Supreme Court for their work and cooperation in the investigation.

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys Thomas M. Sullivan and Coreen Mao for the District of Maryland are prosecuting the case, with valuable assistance from Trial Attorney John Cella of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Fact Sheet: President Donald J. Trump Protects American Energy from State Overreach

    US Senate News:

    Source: The White House
    PROTECTING AMERICAN ENERGY FROM STATE INTERFERENCE: Today, President Donald J. Trump signed an Executive Order aimed at securing America’s energy dominance by removing unlawful and burdensome state-level impediments to domestic energy production.
    The Order directs the Attorney General to identify and take action against state laws and policies that burden the use of domestic energy resources and that are unconstitutional, preempted by federal law, or otherwise unenforceable.
    The Attorney General will prioritize taking action against laws and policies purporting to address “climate change” policies, or involving “environmental, social, and governance” initiatives, “environmental justice,” carbon or “greenhouse gas” emissions, and funds to collect carbon penalties or carbon taxes.
    The Attorney General will submit a report to the President detailing actions taken and additional recommendations to protect American energy pursuant to the Order in 60 days.
    STRENGTHENING NATIONAL AND ECONOMIC SECURITY THROUGH ENERGY: President Trump believes that an affordable and reliable domestic energy supply is vital to America’s national security, economic prosperity, and foreign policy.
    When states purport to regulate energy beyond their constitutional or statutory authorities, American energy suffers.
    States like New York and Vermont have imposed retroactive “climate change” extortion laws on energy producers for those producers’ alleged past contributions to greenhouse gas emissions, while California enforces restrictive carbon caps that punish businesses.
    These state policies raise energy prices, disrupt supply reliability, and degrade quality of life for families nationwide.
    Affordable energy is essential for heating homes, fueling vehicles, and powering industries, all of which are jeopardized by ideologically-driven state laws.
    By removing unconstitutional state impediments to American energy production, the United States can secure a prosperous future for all Americans.
    STOPPING STATE OVERREACH: President Trump is committed to halting efforts by individual states to impose their regulatory preferences on the entire nation, defending federalism, and safeguarding Americans from overreaching, ideologically driven state policies. 
    He signed an Executive Order overriding disastrous California policies in order to fight and prevent massive wildfires in southern California.
    He signed an Executive Order threatening to revoke federal funding from “sanctuary” states and cities that refuse to comply with federal immigration law.
    His administration is working to block efforts by California to set its own vehicle emissions standards that would have forced automakers across the country to comply with the state’s extreme environmental rules.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Protecting American Energy From State Overreach

    US Senate News:

    Source: The White House
    By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, it is hereby ordered:
    Section 1.  Purpose.  My Administration is committed to unleashing American energy, especially through the removal of all illegitimate impediments to the identification, development, siting, production, investment in, or use of domestic energy resources — particularly oil, natural gas, coal, hydropower, geothermal, biofuel, critical mineral, and nuclear energy resources.  An affordable and reliable domestic energy supply is essential to the national and economic security of the United States, as well as our foreign policy.  Simply put, Americans are better off when the United States is energy dominant. American energy dominance is threatened when State and local governments seek to regulate energy beyond their constitutional or statutory authorities.  For example, when States target or discriminate against out-of-State energy producers by imposing significant barriers to interstate and international trade, American energy suffers, and the equality of each State enshrined by the Constitution is undermined.  Similarly, when States subject energy producers to arbitrary or excessive fines through retroactive penalties or seek to control energy development, siting, or production activities on Federal land, American energy suffers.Many States have enacted, or are in the process of enacting, burdensome and ideologically motivated “climate change” or energy policies that threaten American energy dominance and our economic and national security.  New York, for example, enacted a “climate change” extortion law that seeks to retroactively impose billions in fines (erroneously labelled “compensatory payments”) on traditional energy producers for their purported past contributions to greenhouse gas emissions not only in New York but also anywhere in the United States and the world.  Vermont similarly extorts energy producers for alleged past contributions to greenhouse gas emissions anywhere in the United States or the globe.Other States have taken different approaches in an effort to dictate national energy policy.  California, for example, punishes carbon use by adopting impossible caps on the amount of carbon businesses may use, all but forcing businesses to pay large sums to “trade” carbon credits to meet California’s radical requirements.  Some States delay review of permit applications to produce energy, creating de facto barriers to entry in the energy market.  States have also sued energy companies for supposed “climate change” harm under nuisance or other tort regimes that could result in crippling damages.These State laws and policies weaken our national security and devastate Americans by driving up energy costs for families coast-to-coast, despite some of these families not living or voting in States with these crippling policies.  These laws and policies also undermine Federalism by projecting the regulatory preferences of a few States into all States.  Americans must be permitted to heat their homes, fuel their cars, and have peace of mind — free from policies that make energy more expensive and inevitably degrade quality of life.These State laws and policies try to dictate interstate and international disputes over air, water, and natural resources; unduly discriminate against out-of-State businesses; contravene the equality of States; and retroactively impose arbitrary and excessive fines without legitimate justification.These State laws and policies are fundamentally irreconcilable with my Administration’s objective to unleash American energy.  They should not stand.
    Sec. 2.  State Laws and Causes of Action.  (a)  The Attorney General, in consultation with the heads of appropriate executive departments and agencies, shall identify all State and local laws, regulations, causes of action, policies, and practices (collectively, State laws) burdening the identification, development, siting, production, or use of domestic energy resources that are or may be unconstitutional, preempted by Federal law, or otherwise unenforceable.  The Attorney General shall prioritize the identification of any such State laws purporting to address “climate change” or involving “environmental, social, and governance” initiatives, “environmental justice,” carbon or “greenhouse gas” emissions, and funds to collect carbon penalties or carbon taxes.(b)  The Attorney General shall expeditiously take all appropriate action to stop the enforcement of State laws and continuation of civil actions identified in subsection (a) of this section that the Attorney General determines to be illegal.(c)  Within 60 days of the date of this order, the Attorney General shall submit a report to the President, through the Counsel to the President, regarding actions taken under subsection (b) of this section.  The Attorney General shall also recommend any additional Presidential or legislative action necessary to stop the enforcement of State laws identified in subsection (a) of this section that the Attorney General determines to be illegal or otherwise fulfill the purpose of this order.
    Sec. 3.  General Provisions.  (a)  Nothing in this order shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect: (i)   the authority granted by law to an executive department, agency, or the head thereof; or (ii)  the functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget relating to budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals. (b)  This order shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations. (c)  This order is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person. 
                                   DONALD J. TRUMP
    THE WHITE HOUSE,    April 8, 2025.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Reinvigorating America’s Beautiful Clean Coal Industry and Amending Executive Order 14241

    US Senate News:

    Source: The White House
    By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, it is hereby ordered:
    Section 1. Purpose. In order to secure America’s economic prosperity and national security, lower the cost of living, and provide for increases in electrical demand from emerging technologies, we must increase domestic energy production, including coal. Coal is abundant and cost effective, and can be used in any weather condition. Moreover, the industry has historically employed hundreds of thousands of Americans. America’s coal resources are vast, with a current estimated value in the trillions of dollars, and are more than capable of substantially contributing to American energy independence with excess to export to support allies and our economic competitiveness. Our Nation’s beautiful clean coal resources will be critical to meeting the rise in electricity demand due to the resurgence of domestic manufacturing and the construction of artificial intelligence data processing centers. We must encourage and support our Nation’s coal industry to increase our energy supply, lower electricity costs, stabilize our grid, create high-paying jobs, support burgeoning industries, and assist our allies.
    Sec. 2. Policy. It is the policy of the United States that coal is essential to our national and economic security. It is a national priority to support the domestic coal industry by removing Federal regulatory barriers that undermine coal production, encouraging the utilization of coal to meet growing domestic energy demands, increasing American coal exports, and ensuring that Federal policy does not discriminate against coal production or coal-fired electricity generation.
    Sec. 3. Strengthening Our National Energy Security. The Chair of the National Energy Dominance Council (NEDC) shall designate coal as a “mineral” as defined in section 2 of Executive Order 14241 of March 20, 2025 (Immediate Measures to Increase American Mineral Production), thereby entitling coal to all the benefits of a “mineral” under that order. Further, Executive Order 14241 is hereby amended by deleting the reference to “4332(d)(1)(B)” in section 6(d) of that order and replacing it with a reference to “4532(d)(1)(B)”.
    Sec. 4. Assessing Coal Resources and Accessibility on Federal Lands. (a) Within 60 days of the date of this order, the Secretary of the Interior, the Secretary of Agriculture, and the Secretary of Energy shall submit a consolidated report to the President through the Assistant to the President for Economic Policy that identifies coal resources and reserves on Federal lands, assesses impediments to mining such coal resources, and proposes policies to address such impediments and ultimately enable the mining of such coal resources by either private or public actors.
    (b) The Secretary of Energy shall include in the report described in subsection (a) of this section an analysis of the impact that the availability of the coal resources identified could have on electricity costs and grid reliability.
    Sec. 5. Lifting Barriers to Coal Mining on Federal Lands. (a) The Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Agriculture shall prioritize coal leasing and related activities, consistent with applicable law, as the primary land use for the public lands with coal resources identified in the report described in section 4(a) of this order and expedite coal leasing in these areas, including by utilizing such emergency authorities as are available to them and identifying opportunities to provide for expedited environmental reviews, consistent with applicable law.
    (b) The Secretary of the Interior, pursuant to the authorities in the Mineral Leasing Act of 1920, as amended and supplemented (30 U.S.C. 181 et seq.), the Mineral Leasing Act for Acquired Lands of 1947, as amended (30 U.S.C. 351-359), and the Multiple Mineral Development Act of 1954 (30 U.S.C. 521-531 et seq.), shall acknowledge the end of the Jewell Moratorium by ordering the publication of a notice in the Federal Register terminating the “Environmental Impact Statement Analyzing the Potential Environmental Effects from Maintaining Secretary Jewell’s Coal Leasing Moratorium”, and process royalty rate reduction applications from Federal coal lessees in as expeditious a manner as permitted by applicable law.
    Sec. 6. Supporting American Coal as an Energy Source. (a) Within 30 days of the date of this order, the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, the Secretary of Transportation, the Secretary of the Interior, the Secretary of Energy, the Secretary of Labor, and the Secretary of the Treasury shall identify any guidance, regulations, programs, and policies within their respective executive department or agency that seek to transition the Nation away from coal production and electricity generation.
    (b) Within 60 days of the date of this order, the heads of all relevant executive departments and agencies (agencies) shall consider revising or rescinding Federal actions identified in subsection (a) of this section consistent with applicable law.
    (c) Agencies that are empowered to make loans, loan guarantees, grants, equity investments, or to conclude offtake agreements, both domestically and abroad, shall, to the extent permitted by law, take steps to rescind any policies or regulations seeking to or that actually discourage investment in coal production and coal-fired electricity generation, such as the 2021 U.S. Treasury Fossil Fuel Energy Guidance for Multilateral Development Banks rescinded by the Department of the Treasury and similar policies or regulations.
    (d) Within 30 days of the date of this order, the Secretary of State, the Secretary of Agriculture, the Secretary of Commerce, the Secretary of Energy, the Chief Executive Officer of the International Development Finance Corporation, the President of the Export-Import Bank of the United States, and the heads of all other agencies that have discretionary programs that provide, facilitate, or advocate for financing of energy projects shall review their charters, regulations, guidance, policies, international agreements, analytical models and internal bureaucratic processes to ensure that such materials do not discourage the agency from financing coal mining projects and electricity generation projects. Consistent with law, and subject to the applicable agency head’s discretion, where appropriate, any identified preferences against coal use shall immediately be eliminated except as explicitly provided for in statute.
    Sec. 7. Supporting American Coal Exports. The Secretary of Commerce, in consultation with the Secretary of State, the Secretary of Energy, the United States Trade Representative, the Assistant to the President for National Security, and the heads of other relevant agencies, shall take all necessary and appropriate actions to promote and identify export opportunities for coal and coal technologies and facilitate international offtake agreements for United States coal.
    Sec. 8. Expanding Use of Categorical Exclusions for Coal Under the National Environmental Policy Act. Within 30 days of the date of this order, each agency shall identify to the Council on Environmental Quality any existing and potential categorical exclusions pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act, increased reliance on and adoption of which by other agencies pursuant to 42 U.S.C. 4336c could further the production and export of coal.
    Sec. 9. Steel Dominance. (a) The Secretary of Energy, pursuant to the authority under the Energy Act of 2020 (the “Act”), shall determine whether coal used in the production of steel meets the definition of a “critical material” under the Act and, if so, shall take steps to place it on the Department of Energy Critical Materials List.
    (b) The Secretary of the Interior, pursuant to the authority under the Act, shall determine whether metallurgical coal used in the production of steel meets the criteria to be designated as a “critical mineral” under the Act and, if so, shall take steps to place coal on the Department of the Interior Critical Minerals List.
    Sec. 10. Powering Artificial Intelligence Data Centers. (a) For the purposes of this order, “artificial intelligence” or “AI” has the meaning set forth in 15 U.S.C. 9401(3).
    (b) Within 60 days of the date of this order, the Secretary of the Interior, Secretary of Commerce, and the Secretary of Energy shall identify regions where coal-powered infrastructure is available and suitable for supporting AI data centers; assess the market, legal, and technological potential for expanding coal-based infrastructure to power data centers to meet the electricity needs of AI and high-performance computing operations; and submit a consolidated summary report with their findings and proposals to the Chair of the NEDC, the Assistant to the President for Science and Technology and the Special Advisor for AI and Crypto.
    Sec. 11. Acceleration of Coal Technology. (a) The Secretary of Energy shall take all necessary actions, consistent with applicable law, to accelerate the development, deployment, and commercialization of coal technologies including, but not limited to, utilizing all available funding mechanisms to support the expansion of coal technology, including technologies that utilize coal and coal byproducts such as building materials, battery materials, carbon fiber, synthetic graphite, and printing materials, as well as updating coal feedstock for power generation and steelmaking.
    (b) Within 90 days of the date of this order, the Secretary of Energy shall submit a detailed action plan to the President through the Chair of the NEDC outlining the funding mechanisms, programs, and policy actions taken to accelerate coal technology deployment.
    Sec. 12. General Provisions. (a) Nothing in this order shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect:
    (i) the authority granted by law to an executive department or agency, or the head thereof; or
    (ii) the functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget relating to budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals.
    (b) This order shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations.
    (c) This order is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person.
    DONALD J. TRUMP

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Fact Sheet: President Donald J. Trump Strengthens the Reliability and Security of the United States Electric Grid

    US Senate News:

    Source: The White House
    ENHANCING GRID RELIABILITY AND SECURITY: Today, President Donald J. Trump signed an Executive Order to strengthen the reliability and security of the United States electric grid. The Executive Order:
    Directs the Secretary of Energy to streamline, systemize, and expedite processes for issuing emergency orders under the Federal Power Act during forecasted grid interruptions.
    Requires the Secretary of Energy to develop a uniform methodology to analyze reserve margins across all regions of the bulk power system.
    The methodology will assess varied grid conditions and accredit generation resources based on historical performance.

    Requires the Secretary of Energy to incorporate such methodology into a process that assesses reserve margins on a regular basis and identifies which generation resources in a region are critical to system reliability.
    The Secretary of Energy will then utilize that process to prevent significant generation resources from leaving the grid or converting fuel sources if it would result in a net reduction in accredited generating capacity.
    POWERING AMERICA FOR GENERATIONS TO COME: This Executive Order is critical to meeting the Nation’s growing energy needs and protecting national security.
    Rapid technological advancements, an expansion of AI data centers, and increased domestic manufacturing are driving an unprecedented surge in electricity demand, placing a significant strain on our Nation’s electric grid.
    The Nation’s electricity is expected to rise 16% in the next 5 years—triple the growth forecasted just a year ago.
    The Nation’s 2,700 data centers, mostly operated by tech giants like Google, Amazon, Microsoft, Meta, and Apple, consumed over 4% of U.S. electricity in 2022 and are expected to reach 9% by 2030.
    An estimated 80 million transformers, averaging over 40 years old, are vital to keeping the grid running nationwide.
    Grid reliability is essential to maintaining our national and economic security.
    The United States’ ability to remain at the forefront of technological innovation depends on a reliable supply of energy from all available sources.
    MAKING AMERICA ENERGY DOMINANT: President Trump believes it is vital for America to be energy dominant and energy secure.
    On the campaign trail, President Trump warned, “you have a grid system in this country that’s obsolete and a disaster,” underscoring his urgency to act.
    On Day One, President Trump declared a National Energy Emergency to ensure the integrity of our Nation’s electrical grid. 
    He is revitalizing America’s big beautiful coal industry to support grid stability and American jobs.
    President Trump is cutting red tape and rolling back regulations that hinder coal, oil, and natural gas production.
    He is pushing to expand domestic energy production by investing in next-generation energy technologies and accelerating energy projects by streamlining the permitting process.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: World News in Brief: Nobody wins trade wars Guterres warns, WFP alert over US funding cuts, ‘modern slavery’ must be eradicated says Yang

    Source: United Nations 2

    Economic Development

    The UN Secretary-General on Tuesday warned that when it comes to trade wars, “nobody wins” and “everybody tends to lose.”

    António Guterres was responding to a journalist at the stakeout in UN Headquarters in New York, who asked him for reaction to the recent decision by United States President Donald Trump to impose a minimum ten per cent tariff on nearly every country in the world.

    Tariffs are a tax on imports coming into a country which are usually charged to the exporting nation as a percentage of value.

    Concern for vulnerable developing economies

    “Trade wars are extremely negative,” the UN chief said, adding that he was “particularly worried” at the impact rising tariffs could have on vulnerable developing countries, warning that it could be “devastating”.

    “I sincerely hope that we will have no recession, because a recession will have dramatic consequences, especially for the poorest people in the world,” the UN chief added.

    Soundcloud

    US funding cuts spell ‘death sentence’ for millions, food agency warns

    The World Food Programme (WFP) has voiced deep concern over news that the United States has ended funding for life-saving emergency food assistance in 14 countries.

    “If implemented, this could amount to a death sentence for millions of people facing extreme hunger and starvation,” the UN agency said in a post on the social media platform X on Monday.

    WFP Executive Director Cindy McCain warned in a separate post that continued cuts to its programmes “will deepen hunger, fuel instability, and make the world far less safe.”

    She urged world leaders “to weigh the consequences,” noting that “with conflicts and extreme hunger surging, pulling support doesn’t just cost lives – it undermines global stability.”

    WFP are in contact with Washington to seek clarification and to urge continued support for the programmes.

    Refugees at risk

    Among the millions who will be affected are refugees living in Uganda, who total some 1.8 million.

     On average, between 10,000 to 12,000 refugees have entered the country every month over the past three years, according to the UN refugee agency, UNHCR.

    The situation is putting a strain on resources amid shortfalls in funding, which have forced the agency to make cuts in areas such as health, childcare and shelter services.

    “The budget that has been set aside to spend for the entire year is being used up now because of the influx,” Matthew Crentsil, UNHCR Representative in Uganda, told journalists in Geneva on Tuesday.

    “I don’t want to even mention the shortage that WFP is experiencing in providing food,” he said, speaking from the capital, Kampala.

    “There is no assurance of funding for WFP to provide food for refugees in Uganda beyond June of this year, so this is all exacerbating the already precarious situation that we have here in Uganda.”

    ‘Urgent need to eradicate modern slavery and human trafficking’: Assembly President

    An estimated 50 million people currently live in modern slavery, while a third of human trafficking victims are now children, said President of the UN General Assembly Philemon Yang on Tuesday.

    Welcoming the publication of the latest Global Commission on Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking report, Mr. Yang urged Member States to “strengthen measures that combat modern slavery and trafficking in persons.”

    “Modern slavery and human trafficking are violations of fundamental human rights,” Mr. Yang said, adding that the “Universal Declaration of Human Rights was clear in prohibiting slavery and the slave trade in all their forms.”

    Plan of action

    In order to put an end to these violations he said it was important to tackle the root causes the make people vulnerable to being trafficked or enslaved in the first place.

    The implementation of a UN Global Plan of Action, adopted by the General Assembly in 2010 to complement the UN Trafficking Protocol, is set to be reviewed by Member States later this year. New goals to combat trafficking in persons will be set during the review.

    Mr. Yang encouraged Member States to enact “policies that are trauma-informed and survivor centred,” and added that such policies should “promote inclusive growth and provide [survivors with] equal access to healthcare, education, skills training and job.”

    There is an urgent need to eradicate modern slavery and human trafficking, he warned.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Stansbury Joins All House Democrats Defending Federal Workers’ Collective Bargaining Rights

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Melanie Stansbury (N.M.-01)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. Melanie Stansbury (NM-01) joined Labor Caucus Co-Chairs Reps. Mark Pocan (WI-02), Donald Norcross (NJ-01), Steven Horsford (NV-04) and Debbie Dingell (MI-06), alongside Vice-Chairs Reps. Glenn Ivey (MD-04) and Stephen Lynch (MA-08) to call on President Trump to rescind his executive order stripping collective bargaining rights from over 1 million federal employees.  

    The lawmakers highlighted the illegality of the order and called on the President to restore the collective bargaining rights that federal employees are statutorily entitled to. 

    A full copy of the letter can be found here. The letter was signed by every single House Democrat. 

    “Collective bargaining is the strongest tool that workers have available to create a fair workplace,” wrote the lawmakers. “This action strips away those hard-earned rights – which have been upheld by presidents from both parties for decades – from federal workers who keep our country running, including nurses who care for veterans, inspectors who keep our food safe to eat, teachers who educate our children, and so many more.” 

    “Furthermore, this EO not only undermines the principles of fair labor practices but also threatens the efficiency and effectiveness of the federal government, jeopardizing the delivery of critical services to the American people,” continued the lawmakers. “The freedom to join a union and collectively bargain is central to achieving the American dream for millions of American workers. This action is the single most anti-worker and anti-union presidential action since Ronald Reagan fired striking air traffic controllers in 1981, and it must be reversed immediately.”  

    “We urge you to immediately rescind this harmful, unlawful EO and to reaffirm the rights of federal workers to unionize and collectively bargain. The American people deserve a federal workforce that is protected, respected, and empowered to carry out its duties effectively,” concluded the lawmakers. 

    While Congress granted the President narrow authorities to exclude some agencies from collective bargaining, those exclusions can only be made if that agency has a primary function in intelligence, counterintelligence, investigative, or national security work, and only if the statute cannot be applied “in a manner consistent with national security requirements and considerations.” However, this Administration has made clear that the EO’s exclusions are not based on national security concerns, but instead as retaliation for labor unions defending their members’ rights and making it easier to fire federal employees. 

    The Congressional Labor Caucus is composed of more than 120 Members of Congress working to protect and advance workers’ rights. 

    ### 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: New Mexico Delegation Continues Fight to Protect Federal Workers

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Melanie Stansbury (N.M.-01)

    WASHINGTON D.C. — The New Mexico Congressional Delegation continues its fight to protect federal workers in the state by demanding transparency from the Trump Administration regarding the illegal purging of federal workers. 

    Read the full letter here. 

    Rep. Melanie Stansbury (NM-01) led a letter to Charles Ezell, the Acting Director of the Office of Personnel Management that was signed by Senators Martin Heinrich (D-NM) and Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), and Reps. Teresa Leger Fernandez(NM-03) and Gabe Vasquez (NM-02).  

    “We write in strong opposition to the Trump Administration’s ongoing efforts to purge nonpartisan civil servants from the federal workforce. Our state is home to around 30,000 federal employees who are critical to managing and protecting the health, safety, and economic prosperity of New Mexico. These indiscriminate cuts threaten the effective functioning of critical federal services and will harm our states’ residents,” the members wrote. “The Administration’s executive overreach could cripple federal agencies, including in critical areas of disaster preparedness, public health, public safety, and national security.” 

    The delegation requests the administration provide detailed and complete information regarding federal employees in New Mexico that have been terminated, placed on leave, transferred, or been subject to a reduction in force (RIF). An answer from the administration is requested by April 14th, 2025.  

    The text of the letter is below:  

    Dear Acting Director Ezell, 

    We write in strong opposition to the Trump Administration’s ongoing efforts to purgenonpartisan civil servants from the federal workforce. Our state is home to around 30,000 federal employees who are critical to managing and protecting the health, safety, and economic prosperity of New Mexico. These indiscriminate cuts threaten the effective functioning of critical federal services and will harm our states’ residents. We request that you provide detailed and complete information regarding federal employees in New Mexico that have been terminated, placed on leave, transferred, or been subject to a reduction in force (RIF). 

    On January 28, 2025, the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) sent an email to more than 2 million federal employees with the subject line “The Fork in the Road.” The email outlined a “deferred resignation” offer for federal employees with a deadline for response of February 6, 2025. However, this deadline was eventually extended by court order.  

    The Administration then attempted to expand its purge by terminating en masseprobationary status employees, because these employees have fewer legal protections. On January 20, 2025, OPM issued a memorandum titled, “Guidance on Probationary Periods, Administrative Leave and Details,” which required agencies to identify and submit to OPM a list of employees within their probationary periods. According to public reporting, your agency directed federal agencies to prioritize terminations of individuals in their probationary period. 

    On February 11, 2025, President Trump, joined by unelected billionaire Elon Musk, 

    issued a sweeping Executive Order titled “Implementing the President’s “Department of Government Efficiency” Workforce Optimization Initiative,” which directed all agency heads to “initiate large-scale reductions in force.” Shortly thereafter, federal agencies across the government began imposing “widespread layoffs” of thousands of probationary employees. Another Executive Order sent out on March 14th, further reiterates the Administration’s desire to unlawfully withdraw congressionally mandated funding in an attempt to eliminate federal jobs. Agencies were required to submit the 2nd phase of their RIF plans to OPM signaling that more job cuts are being planned for the future. This comes as U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California granted a Preliminary Injunction broadening a temporary restraining order against the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) and its Acting Director, Charles Ezell, finding the termination of probationary federal employees illegal because OPM had no authority to order it. The Administration’s executive overreach could cripple federal agencies, including in critical areas of disaster preparedness, public health, public safety, and national security. 

    Given the significant impacts of the Administration’s purge on our state, we request that you provide the following information by April 14, 2025: 

    1. The number of federal employees in New Mexico since January 20, 2025, that have been terminated, placed on administrated leave, taken early retirement, or been subject to a RIF broken down by agency, county, congressional district, GS level, and average length of federal service; 

    2. The number of veterans who held positions with the federal government in New Mexico since January 20, 2025, that have been terminated, placed on administrated leave, taken early retirement, or been subject to a RIF broken down by agency, county, congressional district, GS level, and average length of federal service; 

    3. The number of federal employees in New Mexico that have accepted the Administration’s “deferred resignation” offer broken down by agency, county, congressional district, GS level, and average length of federal service; 

    4. A detailed plan explaining how OPM will work with agencies and our state government to ensure that RIFs do not result in delays or disruptions to programs and benefits, including but not limited to Medicare, Social Security, and Medicaid, on which our constituents rely; and 

    5. Can you commit to providing a recurring update every week that highlights the impacts of federal personnel cuts to New Mexico? 

    6. How will New Mexico continue to access crucial services that our state relies on if they are impacted due to the personnel cuts in the federal government? 

    If you have any questions regarding this request, please contact any of our officesdirectly. Thank you for your prompt response to this matter. 

    ### 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Welch, Colleagues Release 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,joined 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 releasing a bipartisan resolution 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 is driving our economy into a recession, killing jobs and wiping out seniors’ retirement funds as we speak,” said Senator Wyden. “Enough is enough. No president should have the power to tax everything Americans buy without being accountable to Congress. Unless Republicans join with Democrats and take back Congress’s power over trade policy, the damage could take years to reverse.” 
    “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.” 
    The resolution will be formally filed at a later point, when it will be treated as a privileged resolution that must receive a vote on the Senate floor. Read and download the full text of the resolution. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Welch Demands Answers from Trade Representative on Trump’s Trade War: “This is utter chaos, arbitrary and willful on the part of the President.” 

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Peter Welch (D-Vermont)
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – In a contentious Finance Committee hearing today, U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) demanded answers from U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) Jamieson Greer on how President Trump’s destructive trade war has created global economic chaos and harmed Vermont businesses, farms, and families. Senator Welch pressed Ambassador Greer on how the Trump Administration’s reckless across-the-board tariffs are undercutting fair competition and creating an ‘access economy’ in which success is determined based on personal relationships with officials in President Trump’s inner circle. 
    “What is being rolled out and the way this is being done is so destructive, and so reckless, and so irresponsible, that it’s creating nothing but economic chaos, uncertainty, and suffering for a lot of people. These are really disastrous for Vermont…” said Senator Welch. “Let me tell you the frustration I have. There is a place for targeted tariffs to help us and also to push back on unfair trade practices. I support that. That’s not what this is. This is utter chaos, arbitrary and willful on the part of the President that is setting up a dynamic where he picks winners and losers rather than companies compete to do the best they can and have the benefit of good work and a good product.” 
    Watch the exchange between Senator Welch and Ambassador Greer: 
    Read excerpts of their exchange below: 
    Welch: The issue of these tariffs—now the phone is ringing off the hook at the White House from countries wanting to get a break, right? 
    Greer: They want to talk about how to have reciprocal trade with us and how to get that deficit down. 
    Welch: That’s right. So, here’s the structural issue that is really alarming to me, and I hope to all of us. We are using these tariffs—or the President is using these tariffs—from going from an economy that’s based on competition to one that’s based on access. You know, in a competitive economy, your product, your service, determines the outcome and how well you do. In an access economy, it’s who’s got Donald Trump’s number, who’s got your number, who’s got [Commerce Secretary] Lutnick’s number. You call up and you get a break. That’s an access economy. Is this going to be the arbitrary authority of the President to decide: ‘Yes, we’ll cut the Vietnam tariff,’ and ‘No, we’ll sustain the tariff on Lesotho’? 
    Greer: The way this works, Senator, is we have long-standing relationships with trade officials in these foreign countries and they work with our staff, our career staff, and they develop—if someone comes to us with an offer, we review it, we analyze it, and we present it to the President… 
    Welch: They’re calling the President. I mean, you’ve got Donald Trump, as President, basically picking and choosing winners and losers—and who knows on what basis. That’s not a trade regime that anybody can count on. That’s something they can gain if they know you, they know Lutnick, they know Donald Trump…We’ve got farmers on the border with Canada, they get their grain—it’s going to be 25% hit. We’ve got consumers whose electricity bills are going up because of retaliation from Canada. Can they make a call to you, to Howard Lutnick, to the President, and ask for relief? 
    Greer: Well, we certainly talk to all kinds of constituents—we talk to labor unions, we talk to civil society, we talk to business. I would say with Canada and Mexico, they receive duty-free treatment for things that follow the rules of USMCA. If they bring in Chinese content and send it down, they won’t get a break. 
    Welch: Well, let me tell you the frustration I have. There is a place for targeted tariffs to help us and also to push back on unfair trade practices. I support that. That’s not what this is. This is utter chaos, arbitrary and willful on the part of the President that is setting up a dynamic where he picks winners and losers rather than companies compete to do the best they can and have the benefit of good work and a good product.
    During Greer’s nomination hearing before the Senate Finance Committee, Senator Welch demanded answers on the impact of the trade war on American businesses and consumers and outlined the cost of Trump’s new tariffs for Vermont industries.  
    Senator Welch has been outspoken in opposing President Trump’s destructive trade war. On Tuesday, Senator Welch joined bipartisan colleagues in releasing a resolution to repeal Donald Trump’s chaotic global tariffs. The Senators’ resolution would terminate the emergency that Trump declared in order to slap tariffs of up to 49% on products Americans buy from other countries. Senator Welch has also supported legislation pushing back against Trump’s tariffs, including: 
    The Trade Review Act, bipartisan legislation to reaffirm Congress’ key role in setting and approving U.S. trade policy and reestablish limits on the President’s ability to impose unilateral tariffs without the approval of Congress. 
    The Tariff Transparency Act of 2025, legislation to require the United States International Trade Commission to conduct an investigation and submit a report on the impact on businesses in the United States of duties, and the threat of duties, on imports from Mexico and Canada. 
    A Joint Resolution of Disapproval terminating national emergency related to Canadian energy tariffs, passed by the Senate last week on a bipartisan basis. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Padilla, Schiff, Whitesides, Levin Lead Bipartisan, Bicameral CA Delegation Push to Preserve ARCHES Hydrogen Hub Funding

    US Senate News:

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

    Padilla, Schiff, Whitesides, Levin Lead Bipartisan, Bicameral CA Delegation Push to Preserve ARCHES Hydrogen Hub Funding

    The network of hydrogen hubs promotes American energy independence, lowers costs for consumers, and creates hundreds of thousands of jobs across California
    WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators Alex Padilla and Adam Schiff (both D-Calif.), along with Representatives George Whitesides (D-Calif.-27) and Mike Levin (D-Calif.-49), led a bipartisan, bicameral delegation of 45 lawmakers in urging the Department of Energy (DOE) to preserve funding for hydrogen production hubs, specifically California’s Alliance for Renewable Clean Hydrogen Energy Systems (ARCHES). The letter follows reports that DOE is considering eliminating funding for the development of four hydrogen hubs, including ARCHES.
    These cuts would break existing agreements while leading to significant job losses and a reduction in growth of new energy resources. With federal, private, and state matching funds, ARCHES is projected to create over 200,000 jobs in California and generate more than $2.95 billion annually in economic value by 2030.
    “As bipartisan members of the California delegation, we write with concern about reports that the U.S. Department of Energy is planning to cancel the hydrogen hub award commitment made to California’s Alliance for Renewable Clean Hydrogen Energy Systems (ARCHES),” wrote the lawmakers. “As the administration evaluates existing energy investments and pathways to make energy affordable, we respectfully urge you to continue supporting the Alliance for Renewable Clean Hydrogen Energy Systems Hub in California. ARCHES plays a critical role in securing American energy dominance, advancing world-leading energy technology, creating new manufacturing jobs, and lowering energy costs for American families.”
    “The investment is already being used to bring together private industry, local governments, and community organizations to collaborate and build a secure, American-made energy future,” continued the lawmakers. “We view ARCHES as a strategic investment in American energy innovation, an all-of-the-above energy strategy, and energy independence and competitiveness.”
    In addition to Padilla, Schiff, Whitesides, and Levin, the letter was also signed by Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.-11) and Representatives Pete Aguilar (D-Calif.-33), Nanette Barragán (D-Calif.-44), Ami Bera (D-Calif.-06), Julia Brownley (D-Calif.-26), Salud Carbajal (D-Calif.-24), Judy Chu (D-Calif.-28), Gilbert R. Cisneros, Jr. (D-Calif.-31), Lou Correa (D-Calif.-46), Jim Costa (D-Calif.-21), Mark DeSaulnier (D-Calif.-10), Vince Fong (R-Calif.-20), Laura Friedman (D-Calif.-30), John Garamendi (D-Calif.-08), Robert Garcia (D-Calif.-42), Jimmy Gomez (D-Calif.-34), Adam Gray (D-Calif.-13), Josh Harder (D-Calif.-09), Jared Huffman (D-Calif.-02), Sara Jacobs (D-Calif.-51), Sydney Kamlager-Dove (D-Calif.-37), Ro Khanna (D-Calif.-17), Young Kim (R-Calif.-40), Sam Liccardo (D-Calif.-16), Ted Lieu (D-Calif.-36), Zoe Lofgren (D-Calif.-18), Doris Matsui (D-Calif.-07), Dave Min (D-Calif.-47), Kevin Mullin (D-Calif.-15), Jay Obernolte (R-Calif.-23), Jimmy Panetta (D-Calif.-19), Scott Peters (D-Calif.-50), Luz Rivas (D-Calif.-29), Raul Ruiz (D-Calif.-25), Linda Sánchez (D-Calif.-38), Brad Sherman (D-Calif.-32), Lateefah Simon (D-Calif.-12), Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.-14), Mark Takano (D-Calif.-39), Mike Thompson (D-Calif.-04), Norma Torres (D-Calif.-35), Derek Tran (D-Calif.-45), David Valadao (R-Calif.-22), Juan Vargas (D-Calif.-52), and Maxine Waters (D-Calif.-43).
    Senator Padilla has been a strong supporter of the development of clean hydrogen power in California. Padilla secured up to $1.2 billion for the ARCHES hydrogen hub from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and sent a letter to former Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm urging the Department of Energy to support ARCHES’ proposal as part of its Regional Clean Hydrogen Hubs program. Last week, Padilla, Senator Schiff, and 25 other Democratic Senators sounded the alarm on DOE’s “hit list” of key energy projects, demanding Secretary of Energy Chris Wright follow the law and preserve the hydrogen hub program. Padilla also questioned President Trump’s nominee for Deputy Secretary of Energy on the hit list, highlighting the importance of the Regional Clean Hydrogen Hubs program to “jumpstart” the national hydrogen economy and urging him to protect vital funding for ARCHES.
    Full text of the letter is available here and below:
    Dear Secretary Wright:
    As bipartisan members of the California delegation, we write with concern about reports that the U.S. Department of Energy is planning to cancel the hydrogen hub award commitment made to California’s Alliance for Renewable Clean Hydrogen Energy Systems (ARCHES). As the administration evaluates existing energy investments and pathways to make energy affordable, we respectfully urge you to continue supporting the Alliance for Renewable Clean Hydrogen Energy Systems Hub in California. ARCHES plays a critical role in securing American energy dominance, advancing world-leading energy technology, creating new manufacturing jobs, and lowering energy costs for American families.
    In July 2024, the Office of Clean Energy Demonstrations (OCED) awarded $30 million to the California Hydrogen Hub through the Alliance for Renewable Clean Hydrogen Energy Systems to initiate hydrogen hub projects, following its selection as one of seven regional hubs in October 2023. These projects – and the economic growth and American jobs they support – are dispersed across the State of California from the Ports of Los Angeles, Long Beach, and Oakland to the reservation of the Rincon Band of Luiseño Indians to Lancaster, California. The investment is already being used to bring together private industry, local governments, and community organizations to collaborate and build a secure, American-made energy future. As California’s Hydrogen Hub, ARCHES anticipates the creation of 220,000 good paying jobs, from research and development (R&D) to manufacturing and maintenance of renewable hydrogen systems. This, in turn, promotes public-private partnerships to expand our STEM workforce.
    We view ARCHES as a strategic investment in American energy innovation, an all-of-the-above energy strategy, and energy independence and competitiveness. With that, we respectfully request that you continue supporting ARCHES and provide time for the California hub and its member organizations to further justify their vital role in meeting the energy goals of the administration.
    Thank you, and we look forward to your response.
    Sincerely,

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Padilla, Bipartisan National Security Commission on Emerging Biotechnology Urge Swift Action to Boost Economy, Protect U.S. National Security

    US Senate News:

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

    Padilla, Bipartisan National Security Commission on Emerging Biotechnology Urge Swift Action to Boost Economy, Protect U.S. National Security

    Biotech Commission report emphasizes: Emerging biotechnology is key to continued U.S. dominance and securing future economic growth in a new era of global competition
    WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) and the other Commissioners of the bipartisan National Security Commission on Emerging Biotechnology (NSCEB) delivered their major report and action plan, urging Congressional action to bring the full weight of American innovation to improve and maintain U.S. global leadership in biotechnology. Padilla was appointed to serve as a Congressional Commissioner after Congress formed the Commission in the Fiscal Year 2022 National Defense Authorization Act.
    For decades, the United States has been the global leader in biotechnology innovation. Today’s Commission report found that the United States is dangerously close to falling behind China. The Commission reports that the United States’ growing dependence on China for numerous critical supply chain elements is a national security vulnerability. Biotechnology is key to increasing supply chain security, resilience, and scalability by allowing the United States to control its own access to critical components.
    “Biotechnology holds immense potential to transform numerous key sectors of our economy and will create good-paying jobs at all skill levels in agriculture, health care, defense, industrial manufacturing, and more. I am proud to be part of this commission that is ensuring the United States maintains our national security and economic competitive advantages as biotechnology grows across industries,” said Senator Padilla.
    “The United States is locked in a competition with China that will define the coming century. Biotechnology is the next phase in that competition. It is no longer constrained to the realm of scientific achievement. It is now an imperative for national security, economic power, and global influence. Biotechnology can ensure our warfighters continue to be the strongest fighting force on tomorrow’s battlefields, and reshore supply chains while revitalizing our manufacturing sector, creating jobs here at home,” said Senator Todd Young (R-Ind.).
    The Commission found that emerging biotechnology is rapidly advancing, and the impact of biotechnology innovation already extends far beyond health, touching industries from agriculture and infrastructure to manufacturing and defense. The intersection of artificial intelligence (AI) and biotechnology is accelerating this impact.
    The Commission also reported that biotechnology will drive the next wave of battlefield innovation and will be used to secure supply chains, enhance readiness, streamline logistics, improve resilience, and counter biological threats before they emerge.
    Furthermore, the Commission assessed that the future of American biotechnology leadership requires strategic federal action that encourages innovation by spurring private investment. This includes targeted investments and strategic government reforms to reduce regulatory bottlenecks.
    In addition to Senators Padilla and Young, the bipartisan Commission includes Representatives Stephanie Bice (R-Okla.-05) and Ro Khanna (D-Calif.-17), as well as outside experts.
    “As emerging technologies transform the national security landscape, both the United States and our adversaries are gaining new capabilities. The United States must take the lead in biotechnology and propel us ahead of China in the 21st century,” said Representative Bice.
    “We must embolden the best and brightest in biotechnology to innovate boldly. American ingenuity is stifled by outdated regulations in this sector. Only Congress can open the door to the American-led biotechnological future,” said Representative Khanna.
    “Technology is not inherently good or bad, but who uses it matters. Biotechnology can have tremendous potential for good or tremendous potential for harm. The Chinese government has made biotechnology a strategic national priority for 20 years. The U.S. must reassert our global leadership to remedy this strategic weakness. We must be the ones driving the standards for how biotechnology is developed and used,” said NSCEB Vice Chair Dr. Michelle Rozo.
    The Commission’s report laid out six pillars for action and makes 49 recommendations. Full details can be found here.
    Pillar 1: Prioritize biotechnology at the national level
    Pillar 2: Mobilize the private sector to get U.S. products to scale
    Pillar 3: Maximize the benefits of biotechnology for defense
    Pillar 4: Out-innovate our strategic competitors
    Pillar 5: Build the biotechnology workforce of the future
    Pillar 6: Mobilize the collective strengths of our allies and partners
    Last year, Senators Padilla and Young introduced a bipartisan package of bills focused on protecting America’s food security and agricultural supply chains, which are critical to U.S. national security. Padilla also announced the Commission’s first round of findings and recommendations for policymakers in an interim report outlining the promise of biotechnology for U.S. national security and economic competitiveness and growth.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Padilla Leads Push to Stop Sharing of Sensitive Data on Unaccompanied Children for Immigration Enforcement

    US Senate News:

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

    Padilla Leads Push to Stop Sharing of Sensitive Data on Unaccompanied Children for Immigration Enforcement

    Senators: “We also ask that you immediately suspend any access to ORR’s database and children’s case files that runs counter to existing law, policy, and regulations.”
    WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Immigration Subcommittee, led seven Senators in sounding the alarm on troubling reports that the Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) has unlawfully granted expanded access to sensitive data on unaccompanied children and their sponsors to the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The Senators raised serious concerns that ICE could misuse this confidential information to enact mass deportations and detain immigrant families and demanded DHS Secretary Kristi Noem and HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. immediately cease this misguided practice.
    Under the Homeland Security Act of 2002 and the Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act of 2008 (TVPRA), ORR maintains sensitive information about unaccompanied children and their sponsors, including the immigration status of household members, but this information is not meant to be shared for immigration enforcement purposes.
    “Sharing of this information is subject to strict limits under several federal and state laws, regulations, and ORR policies in recognition of the severe harms to children and families that may follow from unauthorized use and disclosure,” wrote the Senators. “Reports that additional ICE personnel may now access ORR’s database raise serious questions about the authority and purpose for such use.”
    “We are deeply concerned that broad and unlawful information sharing practices may be renewed, with dire consequences for children’s safety, rights, and the fair administration of justice,” continued the Senators. “Therefore, we request that you provide detailed information regarding the purpose, nature, and authority for any expanded information sharing between ORR and ICE. We also ask that you immediately suspend any access to ORR’s database and children’s case files that runs counter to existing law, policy, and regulations.”
    Specifically, ORR’s confidential database contains information such as counseling notes, mental health information, and medical records, as well as private records of children’s trauma, physical and sexual abuse, and other harms they have experienced. The files also have detailed data about sponsors and other household members, which can include information about immigration status.
    Under the previous Trump Administration, ORR and ICE entered into a Memorandum of Agreement giving ICE similar data access, which ICE used to conduct immigration enforcement against sponsors. This harmful ICE arrangement resulted in many children being forced into prolonged stays in ORR custody due to fear among sponsors to come forward.
    In addition to Senator Padilla, the letter was also signed by Senators Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), and Adam Schiff (D-Calif.).
    Senator Padilla is a leading voice in Congress opposing President Trump’s anti-immigrant actions and rhetoric. Padilla blasted the Trump Administration’s stop work order to organizations that provide legal services for unaccompanied children and demanded they protect Congressionally mandated legal representation for these children in the immigration system. He also recently cosponsored Senator Hirono’s Fair Day in Court for Kids Act of 2025, which would provide unaccompanied children with legal representation when they appear in proceedings before an immigration judge.
    Full text of the letter is available here and below:
    Dear Secretary Kennedy and Secretary Noem:
    We write in response to alarming reports that the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) has authorized expanded access by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) personnel to an ORR database containing information about unaccompanied children and their sponsors.
    In the exercise of its responsibilities under the Homeland Security Act of 2002 and the Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act of 2008 (TVPRA) to provide for unaccompanied children’s care and placement, ORR maintains significant and often deeply sensitive information about children and their sponsors. Sharing of this information is subject to strict limits under several federal and state laws, regulations, and ORR policies in recognition of the severe harms to children and families that may follow from unauthorized use and disclosure. Reports that additional ICE personnel may now access ORR’s database raise serious questions about the authority and purpose for such use.
    ORR’s confidential case files include information ranging from counseling notes, mental health information, medical records, to information about incidents that may occur in care. Children’s files may include sensitive details about trauma, physical and sexual abuse, and other harm that a child has experienced in their country of origin, during their journey, or even while in government custody. ORR also maintains information and documentation about sponsors and other household members as part of the Family Reunification Application completed by potential sponsors. This may include information about immigration status.
    With limited exceptions, this information must be kept confidential and released by ORR only to individuals or entities providing appropriate authorization and documentation. Although ORR shares information with relevant ICE personnel in limited circumstances, like in the case of a child who is absent from or has been transferred out of a facility and in certain other instances relating to child safety, it generally requires the Department of Homeland Security, like other investigative agencies, to make a formal case file request detailing the scope of any relevant investigation and/or providing a warrant, court order, or subpoena to seek case file information. Further, consistent with prior congressional directives and outlined in ORR’s Policy Guide and the ORR Unaccompanied Children Program Foundational Rule, ORR “shall not share any immigration status information relating to potential sponsors with any law enforcement or immigration enforcement related entity at any time.”
    It is unclear what information ICE personnel will now be able to view and how broadly such information may be being shared. The potential for ICE personnel to maintain access to the full database at any time is particularly troubling, and it is especially disconcerting in light of recent reports that ICE will be implementing a multi-phased enforcement initiative against unaccompanied children and their families in the coming weeks that could potentially result in the placement of hundreds of thousands of children into removal proceedings and/or in family detention. Past information sharing during the prior Trump Administration resulted in harmful impacts for children and their families. With the recent issuance of an Interim Final Rule aimed at revoking the Foundational Rule’s provisions limiting information sharing, we are especially concerned about a repeat of harmful impacts for children and their families.
    In April 2018, ORR and DHS signed a Memorandum of Agreement providing for continuous information sharing about unaccompanied children from the time they arrived through release. Based on this information, ICE undertook enforcement actions against sponsors of unaccompanied children, which resulted in many children being left without potential sponsors, who had either been apprehended by ICE or declined to come forward to sponsor children in ORR custody out of fear of interacting with the federal government. Children spent longer periods in ORR custody, leading many to experience distress, compounding their previous trauma. Information sharing also resulted in new government inefficiencies and costs, as the number of children in care steadily increased and releases were stymied.
    The use of ORR’s child welfare functions to promote immigration enforcement were not only unlawful, but put children at greater risk of trafficking and exploitation. In response, Congress enacted critical directives to prevent ORR’s sharing of non-essential case information and children’s mental health records for immigration enforcement, and the 2018 Memorandum of Agreement was ultimately terminated.
    We are deeply concerned that broad and unlawful information sharing practices may be renewed, with dire consequences for children’s safety, rights, and the fair administration of justice. Therefore, we request that you provide detailed information regarding the purpose, nature, and authority for any expanded information sharing between ORR and ICE. We also ask that you immediately suspend any access to ORR’s database and children’s case files that runs counter to existing law, policy, and regulations.
    We look forward to your immediate response.
    Sincerely,

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Tuberville, Rogers Lead Effort to Expand the Talladega National Forest

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Tommy Tuberville (Alabama)

    Legislation would strengthen conservation efforts and boost tourism in the area.

    WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) joined U.S. Representative Mike Rogers (R-AL-03) in introducing the Talladega National Forest Expansion Act. The Talladega National Forest Expansion Act would expand the proclamation boundary of the Talladega National Forest by approximately 50,000 acres in three counties in East Alabama. This bill gives the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) the authority to purchase land from willing sellers—stimulating the local economies and promoting conservation in the surrounding areas.

    Alabama’s premiere hiking trail, the Pinhoti Trail System, would be greatly enhanced upon the USFS acquirement of these acres.

    “The Talladega National Forest is one of many reasons to visit Alabama,” said Sen. Tuberville. “From beaches to mountains to forests to lakes, we truly have it all in our state. But we have to make sure we take the right steps to conserve our resources. By expanding the proclamation boundary, we will boost tourism in surrounding towns and keep the forest beautiful for years to come. I’m thankful to be working with Rep. Rogers to expand the Forest’s boundaries and ensure continued economic and agricultural prosperity in our great state.”

    “I was glad to join Coach Tuberville in this effort to allow the expansion of the boundary of the Talladega National Forest by 50,000 acres,” said Rep. Rogers. “The proposed expansion to complete the southern portion of the Pinhoti Trail will provide a large boost to our local outdoor tourism industry. I was glad to work closely with our local leaders on this legislation and am hopeful to see an undivided Pinhoti Trail in the near future.”

    “The Alabama Trails Foundation applauds the leadership of Senator Tuberville and Congressman Rogers in introducing this important legislation,” said Paul DeMarco, President, Alabama Trails Foundation. “The expansion of the Talladega National Forest represents a legacy of commitment to outdoor recreation and conservation. It lays the foundation for making the Pinhoti Trail an even more popular destination and positions east Alabama to continue growing an outdoor recreation economy into a powerhouse that spotlights the importance of Alabama’s natural resources.”

    Talladega County Commission, Coosa County Commission, Clay County Commission, and Alabama Trails Foundation have endorsed this legislation.

    Read full text of the legislation here. 

    BACKGROUND:

    The Talladega National Forest was established in 1936 with two distinct proclamation boundaries: the Oakmulgee Division and the Talladega Division. Currently, the Talladega Division has a proclamation covering 400,000 acres with roughly 200,000 acres under ownership by the U.S. government. Since its establishment, the proclaimed boundary of the Talladega National Forest has been adjusted nine times, most recently in the 1990 Farm Bill.

    The Pinhoti Trail, part of the Talladega National Forest, is Alabama’s longest-distance hiking trail. Currently, the trail is interrupted by 15 miles of road walks between its southernmost portions. This legislation would allow those lands to be acquired by the USFS, improve trail maintenance efforts, and improve hiker safety by transforming the 15-miles of road walks into off-road trails.

    Senator Tommy Tuberville represents Alabama in the United States Senate and is a member of the Senate Armed Services, Agriculture, Veterans’ Affairs, HELP and Aging Committees.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Man arrested after fleeing crash

    Source: New South Wales – News

    A man has been arrested after crashing a stolen car and injuring two people in the northern suburbs yesterday afternoon.

    About 4.45pm on Tuesday 8 April, police were called to Spruance Road at Elizabeth East after reports of a man in possession of a machete.

    The man was seen to get into a silver VW Gold bearing stolen registration plates.  Northern District patrols spotted the car travelling on Chillingworth Road at Elizabeth East and attempted to stop it however it took off at speed.  The car was followed onto Midway Road and police lost sight of the car on Fletcher Road.

    Just before 5.10pm police received reports of a car crash on Halsey Road.  The grey VW Golf allegedly collided into another car and the driver was seen running from the scene.

    Patrols were quickly in the area and saw a man jumping a fence on Spruance Road.  The suspect was arrested shortly after without incident.

    A 20-year-old man from Elizabeth East was arrested and taken to hospital where he was treated for minor injuries caused by the crash.

    The Golf collided with a Nissan Dualis, both the driver, a 64-year-old woman from Salisbury North, and passenger, a 91-year-old man from Hillbank, were taken to hospital where they are being treated for non-life threatening injuries.

    Major Crash officers attended the scene to consult with Northern District patrol members who are investigating the crash.

    Checks on the VW Golf revealed it had been stolen from an Elizabeth South address earlier in the week.

    The Elizabeth East man has been charged with illegal use of a motor vehicle, driving dangerously to avoid a police pursuit, two counts of driving dangerously causing harm, driving at a speed dangerous and leaving the scene of a crash after causing harm.  He has been refused bail and will appear in Elizabeth Magistrates Court today (Wednesday 9 April).

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Three Snohomish County men indicted for drug trafficking conspiracy involving cocaine, fentanyl, and firearms

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Two of the three defendants received commutations of long sentences in state court for serious violent crimes

    Seattle – Three Snohomish County men remain in federal detention tonight following their indictment last week for conspiracy, drug trafficking, and gun crimes, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Teal Luthy Miller. Percy Levy, 54, Eugene Smith, 69, and Robert O. Baggett, 60, remain at the Federal Detention Center at SeaTac. At a hearing today Magistrate Judge Michelle Peterson ordered Baggett held pending trial. The other two defendants have detention hearings later this week and next week.  Jury trial is scheduled in front of Judge John H. Chun on June 9, 2025.

    According to records filed in the case, as early as 2023, Levy and Baggett were on the radar of the Snohomish Regional Drug Task Force for dealing cocaine. Baggett repeatedly sold cocaine, fentanyl, and methamphetamine to an undercover officer and identified his boss as Percy Levy. Later, surveillance by law enforcement identified Smith as another conspirator. On March 13, 2025, Smith was arrested after he delivered cocaine and fentanyl powder to an undercover officer at a drug deal at a local casino.

    Shortly after Smith’s arrest, officers served a search warrant on Levy’s residence where they found bricks of cocaine,

     fentanyl powder, digital scales, and packaging materials. They also seized a loaded firearm from under the pillow on the bed in the room where they discovered the drugs.

    Baggett allegedly repeatedly sold not only drugs but firearms in his dealing with undercover officers.

    All three defendants have significant criminal history and are prohibited from possessing firearms. Levy has a criminal history dating back to 1988 with convictions for burglary, assault with a deadly weapon, and robbery. Levy was sentenced to more than 19 years in prison in 2003 but was granted conditional clemency in 2019.

    Baggett’s criminal history dates to 1983 and includes 14 felonies including theft and assault.

    Smith has criminal history dating back to 1976. He has convictions for robbery, drug trafficking and assault. In 1996 he was sentenced to life in prison under the state’s Third Strike law.  His sentence was conditionally commuted in 2020.

    All three men are charged with conspiracy to distribute controlled substances. Levy is also charged with possession of controlled substances with intent to distribute for the cocaine and fentanyl found in his home and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Both Levy and Baggett are charged with unlawful possession of a firearm.

    The charges against Levy are punishable by a mandatory minimum 15 years to life in prison.  The charges against Baggett and Smith are punishable by a mandatory minimum ten years in prison to life in prison. 

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

    The case is being investigated by the Snohomish Regional Drug Task Force (SRDTF) and the FBI.

    The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Brian Wynne and Cindy Chang.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Myrtle Beach Man Pleads Guilty to Gun Charge

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    FLORENCE, S.C. —Michael David Brown, 44, of Myrtle Beach, has pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm.

    Evidence obtained in the investigation revealed that on Jan. 10, 2024, officers with the Myrtle Beach Police Department spotted a vehicle in a motel parking lot with a man slumped over behind the wheel. Officers stopped to check on the man and determined he was intoxicated. During a search of the vehicle, officers found a loaded handgun on the passenger seat.

    Brown is a felon and is prohibited from possessing firearms. He has previous convictions for domestic violence, assault and battery.

    Brown faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in federal prison. He also faces a fine, restitution, and supervision to follow the term of imprisonment. United States District Judge Joseph Dawson, III accepted the guilty plea and will sentence Brown after receiving and reviewing a sentencing report from the U.S. Probation Office.

    This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

    This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Fifteenth Circuit Solicitor’s Office and the Myrtle Beach Police Department. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott Hixson is prosecuting the case.

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Vernon Man Admits Receiving Sexually Explicit Images from Minors on Snapchat

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Marc H. Silverman, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that DARYL TODD, 44, of Vernon, pleaded guilty today in Hartford federal court to a child exploitation offense.

    According to court documents and statements made in court, an investigation by the FBI’s Child Exploitation Task Force revealed that Todd used Snapchat to communicate with minor girls and entice them to send him sexually explicit images and videos of themselves, sometimes in return for money that Todd sent the victims using the mobile payment service Cash App.  Todd also sent sexually explicit images of himself to the minor victims.

    After Todd was arrested on March 7, 2024, analysis of his cellphone revealed sexually explicit images of minor females.

    Todd pleaded guilty to receipt of child pornography, an offense that carries a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of five years and a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.  He is scheduled to be sentenced on July 1.

    Todd is released on a $100,000 bond pending sentencing.

    This matter has been investigated by the FBI’s Child Exploitation Task Force, which includes federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Nancy V. Gifford through the U.S. Department of Justice’s Project Safe Childhood Initiative, which is aimed at protecting children from sexual abuse and exploitation.

    For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

    To report cases of child exploitation, please visit www.cybertipline.com.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Groton Man Admits Producing and Possessing Child Sex Abuse Videos

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Mark H. Silverman, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that MICHAEL W. LANDON, 38, of Groton, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Kari A. Dooley in Bridgeport to child exploitation offenses.

    According to court documents and statements made in court, on April 4, 2023, law enforcement seized Landon’s iPhone.  Forensic analysis of the phone revealed a video of Landon engaging in sexually explicit conduct with a minor under the age of 12, and other videos depicting child sexual abuse.

    Landon pleaded guilty to production of child pornography, an offense that carries a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 15 years and a maximum term of imprisonment of 30 years, and possessing and accessing with intent to view child pornography, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.  Judge Dooley scheduled sentencing for July 2.

    Landon has been detained since his arrest on related state charges on June 28, 2023.

    This matter has been investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Town of Groton Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sean P. Mahard and Nancy V. Gifford through the U.S. Department of Justice’s Project Safe Childhood Initiative, which is aimed at protecting children from sexual abuse and exploitation. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

    Acting U.S. Attorney Silverman thanked the New London State Attorney’s Office for its cooperation in the investigation and prosecution of this case.

    To report cases of child exploitation, please visit www.cybertipline.com.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Brazilian Man Who Entered U.S. Illegally Charged With Forcibly Assaulting, Resisting, Opposing, Impeding, Intimidating, and Interfering with Federal Officer Who Had Taken Him Into Custody

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Defendant Previously Had Been Arrested and Jailed in Philadelphia, Including for Separate Allegations of Strangulation and Assaulting a Law Enforcement Officer, and Was Released From Local Custody Despite ICE Detainer

    PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney David Metcalf announced that Enmanuel Fernandes-Calixto, aka “Emanuel Fernandes” and “Emanuel Bartholomew,” 20, a citizen of Brazil with no legal status in the United States, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with forcibly assaulting, resisting, opposing, impeding, intimidating, and interfering with an officer of the United States while engaged in the performance of his official duties. The defendant has been ordered detained in federal custody pending indictment and trial.

    The criminal complaint alleges that on or about April 2, 2025, an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Enforcement and Removal Officer arrested Fernandes-Calixto for immigration violations. During transport, the defendant attempted to escape. The defendant, while still handcuffed, attempted to strike the officer in the face and pushed the officer. The defendant ultimately escaped during the struggle and hid in a house in Northeast Philadelphia. He was apprehended later that evening, with the assistance of the Philadelphia Police Department SWAT team.

    The complaint further alleges that Fernandes-Calixto, after entering the United States illegally and on release from immigration detention, violated his conditions of release when he was arrested for other offenses in Philadelphia, including separate cases charging strangulation and related offenses; and aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer and related offenses, from alleged incidents in August of 2024. Those local charges are still pending.

    As detailed in court filings, despite the existence of an ICE detainer, the defendant was released from Philadelphia custody in March of 2025.

    The case is being investigated by Immigration and Customs Enforcement – Enforcement and Removal Operations.

    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.

    An indictment, information, or criminal complaint is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cantwell Questions Trump Trade Head on Tariffs That Have ‘Wreaked Havoc on the Economy’

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Washington Maria Cantwell

    04.08.25

    Cantwell Questions Trump Trade Head on Tariffs That Have ‘Wreaked Havoc on the Economy’

    In committee hearing, USTR Jamieson Greer said Trump not backing off tariffs that caused global markets to plummet; Last Thursday, Cantwell introduced a bipartisan bill that would reassert Congress’ role in setting & overseeing U.S. trade policy; In less than a week, her legislation has picked up 12 new cosponsors, half Ds and half Rs, & received endorsement from world’s largest retail trade org

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), senior member of the Senate Finance Committee and ranking member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, pressed United States Trade Representative Jamieson Greer on the administration’s slapdash implementation of sweeping tariffs without sufficient input or accountability to Congress.

    Prior to President Trump’s implementation of the tariffs, there was no formal bipartisan briefing of Congress detailing how the tariff rates were set, analyzing on how they might impact the American economy, or even communicating what the White House was aiming to accomplish.

    “What did the Trump administration do to prepare [Congress], to communicate with us, to tell us about findings as it relates to these emergency orders by the President?” Sen. Cantwell asked during a hearing today in the Senate Finance Committee.

    “Our staff, the USTR staff, in the in the past two months that we’ve been in office, have had over 200 formal engagements with staff on the Hill,” Greer responded. “We also had the President issue very publicly his America First trade policy memorandum, which specifically said that he was going to look into the trade deficit and the possibilities of tariffs.”

    Cantwell responded: “So, we’ve wreaked havoc on the economy by having one of the largest drops of the market. We have people’s 401(k)s, in panic. We have retail organizations, like the retail industry, National Retail Federation, American Apparel Industry, Outdoor Association, Consumer Technology, Computer and Communications Industry, Main Street Alliance, Small Business Majority, all anxious, asking us to do something. And you’re saying, ‘Well, some people have passed some notes to staff.’”

    She continued: “We should be building alliances as a way to counter China, but the alliance building process now will become harder, and people are going to wonder, well, is the United States going to pull another fast one again and just wreak havoc?”

    Greer said the United States has seen “many times in past decades when we have had real robust trade disputes with our partners.”

    Sen. Cantwell responded: “I’m for trade. I represent trade. I represent a trade economy. I represent the success of what innovation and trade gets you. But you’re coming here this morning with this, not only tanking of the market and 401(k)s, now you’re coming here telling me that tariff is the tool. And I’m telling you — innovation is the tool!”

    The bill has since picked up 12 additional cosponsors – an equal mix of Republicans and Democrats – and been endorsed by multiple major U.S. business organizations, including the National Retail Federation, which is the largest retail trade association in the world.

    In addition, a bipartisan group has introduced a companion version of Sen. Cantwell’s legislation in the House of Representatives, also cosponsored by equal numbers of Republicans and Democrats.

    The bill restores Congress’ authority and responsibility over tariffs as outlined in Article I, Section 8 of the Constitution by placing the following limits on the president’s power to impose tariffs:

    • To enact a new tariff, the president must notify Congress of the imposition of (or increase in) the tariff within 48 hours.
      • The Congressional notification must include an explanation of the president’s reasoning for imposing or raising the tariff, and
      • Provide analysis of potential impact on American businesses and consumers.
    • Within 60 days, Congress must pass a joint resolution of approval on the new tariff, otherwise all new tariffs on imports expire after that deadline.
    • Under the bill, Congress has the ability to end tariffs at any time by passing a resolution of disapproval.
    • Anti-dumping and countervailing duties are excluded.

    The full bill text is available HERE.

    For the past three months, President Trump has been sowing economic chaos across the country with unpredictable and ever-changing tariff announcements. His back-and-forth announcements and actions, which have whipsawed American businesses and consumers, as well as close neighbors and allies, include:

    • On January 31 –  citing punishment for failing to crack down on fentanyl trafficking — the Trump administration announced plans to impose a 25% tax on many goods imported into the U.S. from Canada and Mexico and a 10% tax on goods imported from China, then abruptly postponed those tariffs.
    • In February, he doubled down, announcing an additional 25% tax on all steel and aluminum imports.
    • At 12:01 a.m. ET on March 4, President Trump’s long-promised 25% tariffs on goods from Mexico and Canada and 10% tariff increase on goods from China took effect, causing stock prices in the United States to plummet.
    • Then, on March 5, he announced that automobiles from Canada and Mexico would be exempt from his tariffs for one month.
    • The morning of March 6, he announced that he would suspend the tariffs for some products from Mexico. Then, later that same afternoon, he announced he was suspending most new tariffs on products from both Mexico and Canada until April 2.
    • On March 11, Trump threatened to double tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum – increasing them to 50% –  before reversing himself later the same day.
    • On March 13, he threatened 200% tariffs on alcoholic products from the European Union, including all wine and Champagne.
    • On March 27, he announced plans to impose a 25% tax on all imported sedans, SUVs, crossovers, minivans, cargo vans, and light trucks, as well as some auto parts, beginning on April 2.
    • On March 29, President Trump said, “I couldn’t care less,” if automakers raise the price of cars in response to his tariffs.
    • On April 2, he announced a “National Economic Emergency,” and signed an executive order declaring a 10% minimum baseline tariff on all countries as well as additional tariffs on nearly 60 countries.
    • On April 7, he threatened to impose an additional 50% tariff on China.

    Video of Sen. Cantwell’s Q&A with Greer today is available HERE; audio is HERE; and a transcript is HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Murphy, Blumenthal, 22 Colleagues Demand Answers On Abrupt Firing Of NSA Leaders

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Connecticut – Chris Murphy

    April 08, 2025

    WASHINGTON—U.S. Senators Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, joined 22 of their Senate colleagues in a letter to President Donald Trump regarding the firing of the Director of the National Security Agency (NSA) and Commander of U.S. Cyber Command (CYBERCOM), General Timothy Haugh, as well as the reassignment of the Deputy Director of the NSA, Wendy Noble.

    “These actions severely compromise our ability to keep Americans safe. As you are well aware, our nation currently faces serious cyber threats from foreign adversaries, such as from China’s Salt Typhoon, with near-daily attacks against our critical infrastructure,” the senators wrote. “In addition, our nation’s military is engaged in ongoing operations against multiple threats, from the Houthis in Yemen to Russian aggression in Eastern Europe. Given the dangers facing the United States, it is inexplicable that the Administration would remove the senior leaders of NSA/CYBERCOM without cause or warning, and risk disrupting critical ongoing intelligence operations.”

    The senators warned that ending the dual-hat arrangement—where one officer leads both NSA and CYBERCOM—could seriously undermine U.S. national security: “Premature termination of the dual-hat arrangement would severely degrade the speed and effectiveness of NSA’s and CYBERCOM’s abilities to execute their missions and could have dire consequence for our national security. As Congress on an overwhelmingly bipartisan basis has repeatedly made clear in the National Defense Authorization Acts for Fiscal Years 2017, 2018, and 2020, clear criteria must be met before any termination can be considered and both the Secretary of Defense and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs must together certify that separation will not “pose risks to the military effectiveness of the United States Cyber Command that are unacceptable to the national security interests of the United States.”

    The senators requested written justification for why Director Timothy Haugh and Ms. Wendy Noble were removed from their posts and asked for a Congressional briefing regarding any additional actions the administration plans to take with respect to NSA and CYBERCOM, including but not limited to the separation of the dual-hat.

    U.S. Senators Mark Warner (D-Va.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Gary Peters (D-Mich.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Angus King (I-Maine), Jon Ossoff (D-Ga.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.), Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.) and Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.) also signed the letter.

    Full text of the letter is available HERE and below.

    Dear President Trump,

    We write with alarm at the sudden and inexplicable firing of the Director of the National Security Agency (NSA) and Commander, U.S. Cyber Command, General Timothy Haugh, as well as the reassignment of the Deputy Director of the NSA, Wendy Noble. Not only have both dutifully served this nation for decades under both Democratic and Republican administrations, but their removals were conducted in the middle of the night with no consultation with Congress and, according to reports, at the behest of a private citizen who has a record of promoting conspiracy theories.

    These actions severely compromise our ability to keep Americans safe. As you are well aware, our nation currently faces serious cyber threats from foreign adversaries, such as from China’s Salt Typhoon, with near-daily attacks against our critical infrastructure. In addition, our nation’s military is engaged in ongoing operations against multiple threats, from the Houthis in Yemen to Russian aggression in Eastern Europe. Given the dangers facing the United States, it is inexplicable that the Administration would remove the senior leaders of NSA/CYBERCOM without cause or warning, and risk disrupting critical ongoing intelligence operations.

    Furthermore, we urge you to exercise careful consideration and consultation with Congress on any further actions that may impact NSA’s or CYBERCOM’s abilities to provide the critical intelligence and operational support to policymakers and warfighters. This includes, but is not limited to, any considerations to terminate the dual-hat arrangement. Premature termination of the dual-hat arrangement would severely degrade the speed and effectiveness of NSA’s and CYBERCOM’s abilities to execute their missions and could have dire consequence for our national security. As Congress on an overwhelmingly bipartisan basis has repeatedly made clear in the National Defense Authorization Acts for Fiscal Years 2017, 2018, and 2020, clear criteria must be met before any termination can be considered and both the Secretary of Defense and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs must together certify that separation will not “pose risks to the military effectiveness of the United States Cyber Command that are unacceptable to the national security interests of the United States.”

    As Members of the respective committees of oversight, we request that you formally provide in writing a justification for why Director Timothy Haugh and Ms. Wendy Noble were removed from their posts and provide a briefing to Congress on any additional actions you plan to take with respect to NSA and CYBERCOM, including but not limited to the separation of the dual-hat.

    Sincerely,

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: New Jersey Man Sentenced for Prescription Opioid Conspiracy

    Source: US State of California

    A New Jersey man was sentenced today to 16 months in prison for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute oxycodone, a highly addictive controlled substance.  

    According to court documents, between November 2022 and March 2023, Chris Ruediger, 61, of Pennsauken, purchased prescription oxycodone pills from a relative and sold them to another relative involved in unlawfully distributing oxycodone. Ruediger admitted to distributing between 100 and 400 kilograms of opioids by converted drug weight. Ruediger also admitted that he attempted to obstruct the investigation by attempting to persuade one of his co-conspirators not to talk with law enforcement.

    In November 2024, Ruediger pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances.  

    Matthew R. Galeotti, Head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and Special Agent in Charge Wayne A. Jacobs of the FBI Philadelphia Field Office made the announcement.

    The FBI’s South Jersey Resident Agency investigated the case with assistance from the Drug Enforcement Administration, New Jersey Division.

    Trial Attorneys Paul J. Koob and Nicholas K. Peone of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section are prosecuting the case.

    The Fraud Section leads the Criminal Division’s efforts to combat health care fraud through the Health Care Fraud Strike Force Program. Since March 2007, this program, currently comprised of nine strike forces operating in 27 federal districts, has charged more than 5,800 defendants who collectively have billed federal health care programs and private insurers more than $30 billion. In addition, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, working in conjunction with HHS-OIG, are taking steps to hold providers accountable for their involvement in health care fraud schemes. More information can be found at www.justice.gov/criminal-fraud/health-care-fraud-unit.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: District Man Indicted for Possession of a Firearm as a Felon Following Arrest Near Recreation Center

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

             WASHINGTON – Ricky Corey Watkins, Jr., 33, of Washington, D.C., has been indicted with unlawful possession of a firearm by a prohibited person and unlawful possession of a firearm in a school zone. 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).

             According to court documents, MPD Officers responded to the Harrison Recreation Center, located at 1330 V. Street, Northwest, on March 19, 2025, for a call that someone was riding a dirt bike on the baseball field. Hawkins, who was driving the dirt bike, was handcuffed and detained. It is alleged that while detained, Hawkins complained of an injury, and D.C. Fire and Emergency Services responded.  When Hawkins was told that he would need to be searched before he was transported by ambulance, Watkins stood up and allegedly attempted to flee.  While he was running with his hands cuffed behind his back, Watkins allegedly removed a firearm from his person and dropped it on the ground.  Both the firearm and Watkins were recovered by MPD officers shortly thereafter.

             The firearm was identified as a 9mm Glock, Model 19X, which was loaded with one round in the chamber and fourteen additional rounds in the magazine.  The firearm was also fitted with a laser sight attachment.

             A criminal history check revealed that Watkins had prior felony convictions, which prohibited him from possessing firearms or ammunition.

             This case is being investigated by the ATF Washington Field Office and the Metropolitan Police Department. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney James B. Nelson.

    View Watkins Indictment: 

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

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Read More (Steube and Hill Introduce Catch-Up Act)

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Greg Steube (FL-17)

    April 08, 2025 | Press ReleasesWASHINGTON — U.S. Representatives Greg Steube (R-Fla.) and French Hill (R-Ark.) today introduced the Catch-Up Act to expand eligibility for individuals to make catch-up contributions to the Health Savings Accounts of their spouse.
    Under current law, Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) are limited to the individual, their spouse, and their immediate family. While individuals are permitted to make catch-up contributions to their own respective HSA, married individuals younger than 55 years old are barred from making catch-up contributions to the HSA of their spouse. As a result, millions of Americans are denied the full benefits of investing in an HSA.
    The Catch-Up Act will relax this rule to permit families to invest more of their savings into HSAs through catch-up contributions. By allowing all married individuals to make catch-up contributions to their spouse’s HSA, families will have more financial security and freedom to respond to medical costs.
    “Health Savings Accounts have expanded access for millions of Americans to the quality healthcare their families deserve. However, existing laws have hamstrung the ability of families to respond to healthcare emergencies with pointless regulations blocking individuals from utilizing their HSA to cover a loved one’s medical expenses. It only makes sense for us to build upon the success of HSAs with a focus on family economics and freedom,” said Rep. Steube. “My bill with Congressman Hill will allow Americans to make catch-up contributions to their spouse’s HSA, ensuring financial security and better healthcare outcomes by expanding freedom.”
    “Health savings accounts are a smart way for families to plan for medical expenses, but the current rules do not reflect how real families make decisions and manage daily life. Right now, spouses can use their HSA to pay for each other’s medical care, but they cannot make catch-up contributions to each other’s accounts. It is a ridiculous rule that needs to be changed,” said Rep. Hill. “We need to give Americans the flexibility to plan, save, and make health care decisions that work for their families. That is why I am glad to partner with Representative Steube on this commonsense fix that will make it easier for families to support each other and take control of both their health and their finances.”
    Read the bill text here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: New Jersey Man Sentenced for Prescription Opioid Conspiracy

    Source: United States Attorneys General 1

    A New Jersey man was sentenced today to 16 months in prison for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute oxycodone, a highly addictive controlled substance.  

    According to court documents, between November 2022 and March 2023, Chris Ruediger, 61, of Pennsauken, purchased prescription oxycodone pills from a relative and sold them to another relative involved in unlawfully distributing oxycodone. Ruediger admitted to distributing between 100 and 400 kilograms of opioids by converted drug weight. Ruediger also admitted that he attempted to obstruct the investigation by attempting to persuade one of his co-conspirators not to talk with law enforcement.

    In November 2024, Ruediger pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances.  

    Matthew R. Galeotti, Head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and Special Agent in Charge Wayne A. Jacobs of the FBI Philadelphia Field Office made the announcement.

    The FBI’s South Jersey Resident Agency investigated the case with assistance from the Drug Enforcement Administration, New Jersey Division.

    Trial Attorneys Paul J. Koob and Nicholas K. Peone of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section are prosecuting the case.

    The Fraud Section leads the Criminal Division’s efforts to combat health care fraud through the Health Care Fraud Strike Force Program. Since March 2007, this program, currently comprised of nine strike forces operating in 27 federal districts, has charged more than 5,800 defendants who collectively have billed federal health care programs and private insurers more than $30 billion. In addition, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, working in conjunction with HHS-OIG, are taking steps to hold providers accountable for their involvement in health care fraud schemes. More information can be found at www.justice.gov/criminal-fraud/health-care-fraud-unit.

    MIL Security OSI –