NewzIntel.com

Category: Transport

  • MIL-OSI Canada: The consumer carbon tax is gone: Minister Nally

    Source: Government of Canada regional news (2)

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Police comment on preliminary findings of internal district review

    Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

    Attributable to Assistant Commissioner Sandra Venables:

    Police have released the preliminary findings of an internal district review into the events surrounding the misidentification of a young person in Waikato, who was then placed in Waikato Hospital care, on 9 March 2025.

    Waikato Police staff had sought to confirm the person’s identity with the assistance of a mental health service provider, who was only able to compare a photograph of Patient A (misidentified child) with a photograph held of Patient B (person known to mental health service providers).

    Based on the photo comparison and information available to Police at the time, Police shared their assessment with Waikato Hospital staff, including their rationale for the nominated identity. The mistaken identity was only discovered when Patient A was reported missing later that day, and subsequently reunited with their family.

    Waikato Police have completed their internal assessment, which will inform a broader review of events, and the actions of our staff. Details of that report will be subject to peer and assurance review before final conclusions are released.

    The preliminary findings of the district review are:

    • One
    The operational response to the initial call about a female in the middle of the road and later observed on the railings of Fairfield Bridge was prompt, with appropriate urgency for securing her safety.

    • Two
    The decision by responding Police officers to detain Patient A under section 109 of the Mental Health (Compulsory Assessment and Treatment) Act was appropriate, given their genuine concerns for Patient A’s safety and wellbeing.

    • Three
    It was reasonable for officers to place handcuffs on Patient A on arrival at Waikato Hospital to protect her own safety and the safety of staff.

    • Four
    Police misidentified Patient A as Patient B despite genuine attempts to confirm her identity.

    • Five
    Police promptly informed Waikato Hospital of the misidentification of Patient A as Patient B when this became apparent.

    The broader review is still in the information-gathering phase, with the final report to be peer reviewed before consideration for release. The matter has also been self-referred by Police to the IPCA.

    We acknowledge that the events have been distressing for Patient A and their family. Waikato Police have met with the family and apologised for the misidentification.

    What we know at this stage is that the misidentification occurred despite the genuine efforts of our staff to identify the female. However, we also know that our processes can be improved to further reduce the risk of an incident like this recurring.

    The district review also noted that while Person A had not been reported missing until approximately 12 hours after Police picked her up, Police contacted the family as soon as correct identification was made.

    ENDS

    Issued by the Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: A novel method for estimating pathogen presence, prevalence, load, and dynamics at multiple scales

    Source: US Geological Survey

    A novel method for estimating pathogen presence, prevalence, load, and dynamics at multiple scales

    FORT staff with the North American Bat Monitoring Program (NABat) co-authored a publication in Scientific Reports on a new modeling framework for pathogen monitoring that can help practitioners identify and manage wildlife populations during the early infectious stages of disease spread.

    The fungus responsible for white-nose syndrome in bats often spreads when bats are hibernating in large groups inside caves and other hibernacula like this one. The ability to detect fungal load and prevalence early within hibernacula may allow for earlier conservation interventions.

    When pathogens invade a new wildlife population, measures of pathogen abundance may be so low that monitoring methods inconsistently detect pathogen presence. Scientists often exclude such detections from predictions of disease prevalence and spread. However, monitoring frameworks that can include and account for inconsistent detections could be more accurate in predicting pathogen arrival, early pathogen load, and early pathogen prevalence, allowing conservation practitioners to better manage pathogen spread.

    In this study, researchers developed a probabilistic modeling framework for analyzing environmental DNA (eDNA) surveys of Pd (Pseudogymnoascus destructans; the fungal vector of white nose-syndrome) and used it to understand the spread of this pathogen among bat hibernacula — caves, mines, tunnels or other places where bats overwinter — from 2012–2017. 

    The modeling framework accommodates early and imperfect detections to provide invasion histories for each monitored hibernacula with uncertainty. It is applicable to other monitoring programs focused on the spread of disease or invasive species. 

    Related

    North American Bat Monitoring Program (NABat)

    North American bats face unprecedented threats including habitat loss and fragmentation, white-nose syndrome, wind energy development, and climate change. However, it is difficult to evaluate the impacts of these threats due to a lack of basic information about the distribution and abundance of bats across the continent. Although bat monitoring has long been conducted in individual areas and for…

    link

    North American Bat Monitoring Program (NABat)

    North American bats face unprecedented threats including habitat loss and fragmentation, white-nose syndrome, wind energy development, and climate change. However, it is difficult to evaluate the impacts of these threats due to a lack of basic information about the distribution and abundance of bats across the continent. Although bat monitoring has long been conducted in individual areas and for…

    Learn More

    What is White-nose Syndrome?

    White-nose syndrome is an emergent disease of hibernating bats that has spread from the northeastern to the central United States at an alarming rate. Since the winter of 2007-2008, millions of insect-eating bats in at least 40 states and eight Canadian provinces have died from this devastating disease. The disease is named for the white fungus, Pseudogymnoascus destructans, that infects skin of…

    link

    What is White-nose Syndrome?

    White-nose syndrome is an emergent disease of hibernating bats that has spread from the northeastern to the central United States at an alarming rate. Since the winter of 2007-2008, millions of insect-eating bats in at least 40 states and eight Canadian provinces have died from this devastating disease. The disease is named for the white fungus, Pseudogymnoascus destructans, that infects skin of…

    Learn More

    What species of bats are affected by White-nose Syndrome?

    White-nose Syndrome mostly affects hibernating bats. More than half of the 47 bat species living in the United States and Canada hibernate to survive the winter. Twelve bat species, including two endangered species and one threatened species, have been confirmed with white-nose syndrome in North America. The causative fungus, Pseudogymnoascus destructans ( Pd), has been found on an additional six…

    link

    What species of bats are affected by White-nose Syndrome?

    White-nose Syndrome mostly affects hibernating bats. More than half of the 47 bat species living in the United States and Canada hibernate to survive the winter. Twelve bat species, including two endangered species and one threatened species, have been confirmed with white-nose syndrome in North America. The causative fungus, Pseudogymnoascus destructans ( Pd), has been found on an additional six…

    Learn More

    Why are bats important?

    By eating insects, bats save U.S. agriculture billions of dollars per year in pest control. Some studies have estimated that service to be worth over 3.7 billion dollars per year, and possibly as much as 53 billion dollars per year. This value does not, however, take into account the volume of insects eaten by bats in forest ecosystems and the degree to which that benefits industries like lumber…

    link

    Why are bats important?

    By eating insects, bats save U.S. agriculture billions of dollars per year in pest control. Some studies have estimated that service to be worth over 3.7 billion dollars per year, and possibly as much as 53 billion dollars per year. This value does not, however, take into account the volume of insects eaten by bats in forest ecosystems and the degree to which that benefits industries like lumber…

    Learn More

    Where do bats live?

    Bats can be found in almost all parts of the world and in most regions of the United States. In general, bats seek out a variety of daytime retreats such as caves, rock crevices, old buildings, bridges, mines, and trees. Different species require different roost sites. Some species, such as the Mexican free-tailed and gray bats live in large colonies in caves. A few solitary species, such as the…

    link

    Where do bats live?

    Bats can be found in almost all parts of the world and in most regions of the United States. In general, bats seek out a variety of daytime retreats such as caves, rock crevices, old buildings, bridges, mines, and trees. Different species require different roost sites. Some species, such as the Mexican free-tailed and gray bats live in large colonies in caves. A few solitary species, such as the…

    Learn More

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Three arrested after 182-kilogram cocaine seizure

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    BROWNSVILLE, Texas – Three people have been charged after authorities seized a large amount of cocaine over the weekend destined for the Houston area and northern states, announced U.S. Attorney Nicolas J. Ganjei.

    Pablo Luis Fuentes-Rivas, 40, Baytown, Efren Pinales-Hernandez, 51, Weslaco, and Daniel Teniente-Marfileno, 39, an illegal alien residing in Houston, made their appearances in Houston and will be transferred to Brownsville for further criminal proceedings.

    The charges allege that on the early morning hours of March 29, law enforcement observed the three men at a truck lot in Baytown offloading a large amount of narcotics from a semi-tractor trailer onto a vehicle.

    As Teniente-Marfileno drove off with the cocaine bundles, law enforcement conducted a traffic stop and seized the cocaine, according to the charges. Authorities then immediately arrested Fuentes-Rivas and Pinales-Hernandez as they attempted to leave the truck lot.

    The seized narcotics had total weight of 182.25 kilograms and an estimated street value of nearly $2.3 million.  

    All are charged in a criminal complaint with possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance and conspiracy to do so. If convicted, each face up to life in prison as well as a possible $10 million fine.

    The case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts and dismantles drug trafficking organizations and other criminal networks that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state and local enforcement agencies. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found on the Department of Justice’s OCDETF webpage.

    The Drug Enforcement Administration, Immigration and Customs Enforcement – Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation with the assistance of Texas Department of Public Safety, Houston Police Department, Cameron County Sheriff’s Office, and the Baytown Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Oscar Ponce is prosecuting the case.

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

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: 04.01.2025 Sen. Cruz Files Amicus Brief in Support of Overturning Obama-Era DHS Program

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Texas Ted Cruz

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), member of the Senate Judiciary Committee and Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Federal Courts, Oversight, Agency Action and Federal Rights, filed an amicus brief in the case Save Jobs USA v. Department of Homeland Security.
    Sen. Cruz filed the amicus brief in support of a Petition for a Writ of Certiorari, seeking Supreme Court review of an Obama-era program that granted work permits to the spouses of certain foreign nationals. The programs were implemented by the Obama and Biden administrations, and allowed career bureaucrats to circumvent Congress’s authority to define who can enter the United States on nonimmigrant visas, how long they can stay, and whether they can lawfully work while here.
    About the amicus brief, Sen. Cruz said, “For far too long, career agency bureaucrats have sought to bypass Congress’s authority to prescribe laws regarding visas. We hope the Supreme Court will grant review in this case, end immigration visa abuse, and clarify the legal process to obtain lawful immigration status in the United States.”
    Joining Sen. Cruz in filing this amicus brief were Sens. Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.), Jim Banks (R-Ind.), Ted Budd (R-N.C.), and Mike Lee (R-Utah).
    Read the text for the amicus brief here.
    BACKGROUND
    In 2023, Sen. Cruz filed an amicus brief requesting the Supreme Court to review a similar case, Washington Alliance of Technology Workers v Department of Homeland Security.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Chairman Wicker Leads SASC Hearing on Chairman of the Joint Chiefs Nomination

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Mississippi Roger Wicker

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., the Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, today chaired a hearing examining the nomination of Lieutenant General (ret.) John D. Caine to be the next Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

    In his opening statement, Chairman Wicker underscored the tremendous responsibility that Lt. Gen. Caine would have if confirmed as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs. As the Chinese Communist Party continues an expansive military buildup and the other three members of the Axis of Aggressors – Russia, Iran, and North Korea – continue to band together in opposition to the United States, Chairman Wicker noted that Lt. Gen. Caine will work to give strong and decisive military advice to President Trump.

    Chairman Wicker also praised Caine’s diverse background as a former intelligence community liaison, defense technology innovator, as well as his experience both in the active-duty and national guard components of the Air Force. This track record would serve him exceptionally well as the President’s principal military advisor in a complex threat environment, Chairman Wicker argued.

    As for the proper role of the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs within the national defense decision-making complex ecosystem, Chairman Wicker noted that he had utmost confidence in Caine’s ability to remain nonpartisan and retain the trust of President Trump.

    Read Senator Wicker’s hearing opening statement as delivered below.

    This morning, the committee meets to consider the nomination of retired Lieutenant General Dan Caine for the position of Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

     

    General Caine has a tremendous responsibility before him. I believe President Trump has made an excellent choice in selecting him to meet the challenges, so I thank General Caine for his willingness to serve our country, especially in this hour of need.

     

    We live in the most dangerous national security moment since World War II. An Axis of Aggressors, led by the Chinese Communist Party and Vladimir Putin’s Russia, means us harm. This axis does not want this century to be an American-led century or a freedom-led century. Our adversaries have started two wars against Ukraine and Israel. They threaten to open a third front against Taiwan.

     

    We must restore peace, and we can do that only through strength. Since his nomination was announced, some people have written that General Caine is unqualified. They point out that he has not served as a combatant commander, as a service chief, or as a vice chairman – roles which are contemplated in 10 USC 152.

     

    I would suggest these same people read or reread the Goldwater-Nichols Act of 1986. Those who read that law and then read General Caine’s resume will see that the architects of that legislation would conclude that their reforms were successful.

     

    The driving force behind Goldwater-Nichols was to inspire and, in some cases, require jointness. So, let’s talk about jointness with regard to Lieutenant General Caine. They believe that when our military services work together, those services are greater than the sum of their parts. General Caine agrees, and his record reflects that.

     

    He began his career as an Air Force fighter pilot in 1992. By the time he was done, General Caine had operated in every domain, and he had developed relationships with every service. That would not have been true 40 years ago. General Caine flew and commanded aircraft, but he’s also worked for the U.S. Department of Agriculture, having helped in the wake of Hurricane Katrina in the midst of a bird flu outbreak. At the White House, General Caine wrote early homeland security strategies. He deployed and commanded repeatedly to Iraq and Syria, serving within various special operations forces units. He ran our most secretive programs for all military services. General Caine worked extensively as the CIA’s senior military officer, again collaborating with every military service and combatant command.

     

    It’s difficult to imagine a better joint and interagency background for a nominee of this position. Our threat environment is complex, and General Caine understands how the services can work together to meet today’s dangers. We have much work to do, as this committee knows. We need to grow our defense budget. We need to reform the Pentagon’s processes drastically.

     

    If confirmed, General Kaine would play a significant role in providing military advice to the Secretary of Defense and the President of the United States on both of those topics. In particular, the Chairman plays a significant role in the requirements process. I hope he will make a priority to modernize this critical aspect.

     

    The statutory role of the chairman may be limited, but the position is explicitly the voice of the combatant commanders. That voice matters because the commanders are largely absent from our requirements and budgeting processes.

     

    The Chairman can and should also be an advocate for a more agile planning process – one that considers the problems. And I’m going to use two big words here: the problems of simultaneity and protracted warfare – I guess that’s three big words and two big terms. These are technical terms for fairly straightforward facts. First, that our adversaries are likely to act against us in a coordinated fashion – simultaneity.  And secondly, that once that war breaks out it tends to take on a life of its own – protracted warfare.

     

    Lastly, a Chairman is responsible to deliver a serious, honest Chairman’s risk assessment to this committee as soon as possible. I look forward to General Caine’s thoughts on each of these points.

     

    Based on my conversations with the nominee, and based on his actions in uniform, I’m confident that General Caine will give President Trump his best military advice. He will do so without bias, as he’s required to do. He would not consider whether the president may like or dislike that advice that’s exactly what a United States president deserves.

     

    I’m convinced that General Caine sees this role as absolutely nonpartisan. We can argue politics up here on this dais, but I expect General Caine to stay out of it, no matter the subject.

     

    I thank the nominee for his service and for appearing today, and I turn now to my friend and colleague Ranking Member Reed for his opening remarks.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Ahead of Dr. Oz’s Confirmation, Senators Urge Crackdown on Private Medicare Insurers that Scam Patients, Price Gouge Taxpayers

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts – Elizabeth Warren

    April 01, 2025

    Senators call for ending contracts, limiting enrollment for Medicare Advantage insurers that defraud seniors and taxpayers

    “The most effective step the Administration can take in cutting waste, fraud, and abuse in federal health care programs is by reining in the wasteful practices of corporate health insurers in the MA program.” 

    Text of Letter (PDF)

    Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) led a group of Senate Democrats in writing to Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Secretary of Health and Human Services, and Stephanie Carlton, Acting Administrator for the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), urging them to crackdown on abuses by private insurers in Medicare Advantage (MA) that overcharge taxpayers, raise costs for patients, and create barriers to access care. 

    Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Richard Durbin (D-Ill.), Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), and Tina Smith (D-Minn.) joined in signing the letter. 

    While the MA program was founded on the premise that private insurers could administer Medicare more cost-efficiently than the federal government, the program has failed to deliver savings in any year since its inception. In fact, in 2024 alone, private insurers in the program overcharged taxpayers by $83 billion relative to Traditional Medicare, while overpayments to private insurers in MA are expected to total $1.2 trillion dollars over the next decade.

    Despite these massive taxpayer overpayments, private insurers in MA routinely slow down and deny medically necessary care for patients that otherwise would be approved under Traditional Medicare. MA patients are also more likely to be given inadequate care due to profit-padding insurance tactics, including early hospital discharges and shorter lengths of stay in care settings like nursing homes. 

    “At a time when Americans are paying nearly $26,000 per family in premiums per year, while the largest US insurer made $23 billion in annual profits, reining in profiteering could not be more important,” wrote the senators. 

    Ahead of CMS finalizing the 2026 Medicare Advantage Rate Notice (2026 Rate Notice), which sets payment rates for insurers in the program, the senators asked CMS to make four key reforms to the Medicare Advantage rules:  

    1. Eliminate waste and abuse from overpayments: CMS should finalize and adopt new rules for how risk adjustment is calculated, which will limit insurers’ misuse of diagnosis codes and save taxpayers $3.4 billion. Additionally, CMS should take the necessary enforcement actions, including restricting future enrollment in plans that engage in fraud and terminating MA plan contracts, to ensure MA organizations report and return overpayments in a timely manner.
    2. Strengthen enforcement against MA insurers that illegally deny care: CMS should conduct strong oversight and enforcement when reviewing and approving MA benefits to ensure they adequately cover patients and do not subject enrollees to inappropriate and unnecessary barriers to care, like incorrect prior authorization determinations. About 50 million prior authorization requests were required by MA insurers in 2023, most commonly for higher cost, urgent services such as chemotherapy, inpatient hospital stays, and skilled nursing facility stays. 
    3. Address additional barriers to care: CMS should develop new regulations to crack down on MA insurer’s use of artificial intelligence programs, which have been used to incorrectly deny life-saving care and dangerously discharge patients early. The senators also pressed CMS to hold MA insurers accountable for using “ghost” networks to restrict care for seniors and people with disabilities. 
    4. Enact reforms to reduce disparities in care: The lawmakers urged lawmakers to take steps to improve disparities in care across race, ethnicity, and ability.

    “These actions are crucial to improve health outcomes and ensure Medicare’s sustainability for future generations,” concluded the senators.

    Senator Warren is a leading voice on reining in abuses in Medicare Advantage and protecting patients:

    • In March 2025, at a hearing of the Senate Finance Committee, Senator Elizabeth Warren pressed Dr. Oz on taxpayer fraud committed by private, for-profit insurers in the Medicare Advantage program. Dr. Oz agreed with Senator Warren that cracking down on private health insurers in Medicare Advantage will “improve the health care of the American people.”
    • In March 2025, Senator Elizabeth Warren wrote to Dr. Mehmet Oz, Trump’s nominee for Administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), pressing him on his serious conflicts of interest. Dr. Oz has long been tied to Medicare Advantage insurers, which would benefit if he successfully privatizes Medicare, and which have paid him to encourage his show’s viewers to enroll in private Medicare plans. 
    • In January 2025, in a Fox News Digital op-ed, Senator Elizabeth Warren outlined her recommendations for cutting government waste to make government more efficient and save taxpayers money, including by rooting out corruption by Medicare Advantage insurers. 
    • In January 2025, Senator Elizabeth Warren sent Elon Musk, Chair of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), a letter detailing over 30 proposals that would cut at least $2 trillion of wasteful government spending over the next decade, including by curbing abuse by Medicare Advantage insurers that overcharge taxpayers.
    • In December, 2024, Senator Elizabeth Warren and Representative Lloyd Doggett (D-Texas) urged the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to finalize rules to curb overpayments to private insurers in Medicare Advantage.
    • In December 2024, Senators Elizabeth Warren led a group of Congressional Democrats in a letter to Dr. Mehmet Oz, President-elect Donald Trump’s pick to lead the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, raising stark concerns about his advocacy to eliminate Traditional Medicare and his deep financial ties to the private health insurers that would benefit from that move.
    • In June 2024, Senator Elizabeth Warren wrote to the Department of Justice, the Department of Health and Human Services, and the Federal Trade Commission, calling out high health care costs due to vertically-integrated insurers, private equity companies, and pharmaceutical companies that are driving health care consolidation. The letter came in response to the three agencies’ March 2024 cross-government inquiry into the impacts of corporate greed in health care, and highlights examples of abusive and anticompetitive behavior by companies in the health care industry.
    • In May 2024, at a hearing of the U.S. Senate Committee on Finance, Senator Warren called out private insurers in Medicare Advantage for accelerating the rural hospital crisis.
    • In March 2024, Senators Warren and Brown led their colleagues in a letter to HHS and CMS that urged the agencies to protect seniors by holding insurance companies accountable for abuses in Medicare Advantage.
    • In January 2024, Senator Warren and Representative Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.) sent a letter to CMS, urging the agency to take administrative action to curb billions in overpayments to MA insurers.
    • In December 2023, Senators Warren, Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), Bill Cassidy (R-La.), and Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) sent a letter to the CMS Administrator Chiquita Brooks-LaSure, raising concerns about shortfalls in CMS’s data collection and reporting practices for MA plans, and urging CMS to close data gaps to strengthen oversight of MA plans and improve care for Medicare beneficiaries. 
    • In November 2023, Senators Warren, Cortez Masto, Cassidy, and Blackburn introduced bipartisan legislation to improve transparency of MA plans and ensure these plans are best serving the health care needs of America’s seniors. The Encounter Data Enhancement Act would require Medicare Advantage plans to report important information about how much they are actually paying for patient services and how much patients are responsible for paying out-of-pocket. 
    • In November 2023, at a Senate Finance Committee markup of the Better Mental Health Care, Lower-Cost Drugs, and Extenders Act, Senator Warren highlighted the need to do more to prioritize hearing health for seniors and strengthen transparency in Medicare Advantage, and secured commitments from Senate Finance Committee leadership to prioritize these proposals in future packages. 
    • In October 2023, at a hearing of the Senate Finance Committee, Senator Warren called out giant MA insurers for using deceptive marketing tactics to lure seniors into the wrong plans and drown out competition from smaller insurers that may offer better coverage. Senator Warren called on CMS to act within the fullest extent of its authority to crack down on MA insurers that game the system to overcharge the government and to ensure insurers publish accurate data on patient care and out-of-pocket costs. 
    • In May 2023, at a hearing of the Senate Finance Committee, Senator Warren highlighted the prevalence of ghost networks in Medicare Advantage plans and called for stronger oversight of the program.
    • In March 2023, Senator Warren sounded the alarm on a new analysis by policy experts showing that all Medicare beneficiaries – including those enrolled in Traditional Medicare – are paying higher premiums due to overpayments in MA. She sent a letter to CMS and called on the agency to finalize its proposed rule to ensure payments to MA plans accurately reflect the cost of care. 
    • In March 2023, U.S. Senators Warren and Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) sent letters to the top seven MA insurers – Humana, Centene, UnitedHealthcare, CVS/Aetna, Molina, Elevance Health, and Cigna – regarding their questionable claims that CMS’s 2024 proposed Medicare Advantage payment rules would hurt beneficiaries.
    • In March 2023, at a hearing of the Senate Finance Committee, Senator Warren defended CMS’s proposed adjustments to the Calendar Year 2024 MA payment rates, pushing back against giant insurance companies and their lobbyists who are peddling misinformation to protect their billions in profits and scare beneficiaries into opposing the rule. 
    • In April 2022, Senator Warren and Representatives Katie Porter (D-Calif.), Rosa DeLauro (D-Conn.), and Jan Schakowsky (D-Ill.) led their colleagues in sending a letter to CMS Administrator Chiquita Brooks-LaSure highlighting concerns about overpayments to Medicare Advantage plans that line the pockets of big insurance companies.
    • In February 2022, chairing a hearing of the Senate Finance Subcommittee on Fiscal Responsibility and Economic Growth, Senator Warren delivered remarks about strengthening Medicare and cracking down on pharmaceutical and insurance companies’ corporate greed to pay for expanded coverage.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: At Hearing, Warren Secures Ethics Commitment from Joint Chiefs of Staff Nominee

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts – Elizabeth Warren

    April 01, 2025

    Lieutenant General Caine tells Senator Warren he has “no intent” to work for major defense contractors or companies impacted by his official actions. 

    Video of Exchange (YouTube)

    Washington, D.C. – At a hearing of the Senate Armed Services Committee, U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) secured an ethics commitment from Lieutenant General John D. Caine, President Trump’s nominee to be the next Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. 

    On February 21, President Trump fired General Charles “C.Q.” Brown, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and named Lieutenant General as his choice to be the new chairman. When asked if he would work for any major defense contractors or companies that are affected by his official actions after he resigns, Lieutenant General Caine stated, “I’ve got no intent to do so.”

    Senator Warren previously secured a commitment from General Charles Q. Brown, Jr., President Biden’s nominee to be the next Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, that he would agree not to become a defense industry lobbyist or receive compensation from a defense contractor for four years.

    In February, Defense Secretary Hegseth fired the top legal advisors for the military services and indicated their replacements would be of a lower rank. Lieutenant General Caine said that he agreed that military commanders need legal advisors with both enough expertise and a high enough rank that they will be listened to during this process. 

    Transcript: Hearing to examine the nomination of Lieutenant General John D. Caine (Retired), to be general and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Department of Defense
    Senate Armed Services Committee
    April 1, 2025

    Senator Elizabeth Warren: Thank you, Mr. Chairman, and congratulations. 

    So, if confirmed, you would serve as the principal military advisor to the President and swear an oath to defend the Constitution of the United States. President Trump once described your predecessor, General C.Q. Brown, as “an outstanding leader,” and it’s true. C.Q. Brown served for 40 years in seven assignments across four combatant commands. The president’s removal of the only Black officer and removal of the only female officer from the Joint Chiefs of Staff has sent a chilling message about who is and who is not welcome in our military. 

    This worries me deeply about the future of our military and the defense of our nation. I am also concerned that President Trump wants to turn the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs into just another political position. Last year, President Trump claimed that you once said you would kill for him, and then you slapped a MAGA hat on. I know that others have disputed that story, but it raises questions about whether you were selected because Donald Trump thinks that you would be loyal to him rather than to the Constitution of the United States. Secretary Hegseth has now removed the top legal advisors for military services and recommended replacements at a lower rank. 

    So, Lieutenant General Caine, if confirmed, your job will be to present your best military advice. Do you agree that in order to be able to comply with the law and make sure that your advice complies with the law, military commanders need legal advisors with both enough expertise and a high enough rank that they will be listened to during this process?

    Lieutenant General John D. Caine: I do, Senator. I know I’ve always had great legal advice regardless of what rank they were, but I do agree.

    Senator Warren: So, you think that they need—you need—people who have good advice. But do you think it helps in making sure that others—I’m glad that you listen to good advice no matter where it comes from—but that others are more willing to listen if the people offering legal advice have high enough rank to carry some weight in the room when those decisions are taking place?

    Lieutenant General Caine: I do, senator, although I’ve, as I mentioned, I’ve sincerely had great legal advice from 05 to 07, and I think it’s the human, the officer, and their professionalism and intellect versus what rank they have. I do appreciate the efforts to ask the question about what rank they should be but would defer to the Secretary on what rank he would want them to be.

    Senator Warren: I have to say that that gives me some real concern, because the whole point of elevating the rank was the concern that not enough people were listening to good legal advice. And while I appreciate that you say you listen, we need people to listen who are making decisions up and down the line. 

    I understand, Lieutenant General Caine, that the circumstances of your nomination are beyond your control, but they also place a significant burden on you to show leadership, to restore public confidence in the military and to show that you work for the American people. 

    I’ve long been concerned by senior Pentagon leaders who trade on their time in public service to cash out afterwards to work for defense contractors. And that is why, during his confirmation hearing, General Brown agreed that he would not become a lobbyist or join the board of a defense contractor after he resigned. 

    Lieutenant General Caine, are you willing to demonstrate that you’re taking this job to serve the American people and commit that after you leave this job, you will not work for any major defense contractors or companies that are affected by your official actions?

    Lieutenant General Caine: Senator for myself, I’ve got no intent to do so. 

    Senator Warren: Okay, so you can commit to that? 

    Lieutenant General Caine: Yes, Senator, it’s not my intent. 

    Senator Warren: President Trump’s removal of highly qualified and talented military leaders is a permanent stain on this nation’s history, as well as a blow to our ability to recruit the force that we need to compete with China. If confirmed, you will have an important responsibility to show the American people that you will defend our nation with integrity, that you will follow the law, and that you will lead our men and women in uniform with integrity. Thank you.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Padilla, Democratic Senators to Bondi: Appoint Special Counsel to Investigate Signal Chat National Security Breach

    US Senate News:

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

    Padilla, Democratic Senators to Bondi: Appoint Special Counsel to Investigate Signal Chat National Security Breach

    Senators to Attorney General: “These shockingly reckless breaches of security protocols for safeguarding sensitive and classified information clearly warrant an investigation into whether any of the government officials involved violated federal laws”

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, joined 30 Senate Democrats in urging U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi to appoint a Special Counsel to investigate whether government officials violated federal criminal laws in connection with a reported security breach involving the commercial messaging app Signal. On March 24, The Atlantic’s editor-in-chief reported that President Trump’s National Security Advisor Michael Waltz had inadvertently included him in a group Signal chat with several high-ranking national security officials. The group reportedly shared and discussed highly sensitive, classified, or controlled information via the unsecure Signal group chat.

    “In addition to the reckless inclusion of a journalist in the chat, we are deeply concerned about this serious breach in the proper handling of such information and deliberations,” wrote the Senators. “Appointment of a Special Counsel is appropriate where the Department may have a conflict of interest or extraordinary circumstances are present, a criminal investigation is warranted, and it is in the public interest to appoint an outside Special Counsel to investigate the matter. Such circumstances are clearly present here.”

    The Signal group chat, started by Mr. Waltz, included Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, Central Intelligence Agency Director John Ratcliffe, and at least 18 other government officials. The group reportedly discussed not only the foreign policy implications of military strikes against Houthi targets in Yemen, but also real-time operational details, including the timing of planned attacks, types of military aircraft and munitions to be used, and strike outcomes. An unprecedented security breach of this magnitude, involving some of the highest-ranking officials in the federal government, constitutes the type of extraordinary circumstance the Special Counsel regulations were designed to address.

    “These officials conducted a highly sensitive discussion, including of clearly classified or controlled information, over the commercial messaging app Signal, including in some instances on personal devices and while traveling in foreign countries, rather than using the secure U.S. government channels and facilities that are designed and required for the sharing of such information. Despite subsequent claims to the contrary by you, President Trump, and several of the officials involved, including in testimony before Congress, some of the information they shared and discussed over Signal would almost certainly be considered classified or, at a minimum, controlled, prior to and in the immediate aftermath of an impending strike,” continued the Senators.

    The Senators warned that the use of Signal for such communications may violate federal law. For example, grossly negligent handling national of national defense information can violate the Espionage Act. Additionally, the Federal Records Act requires preservation of certain government communications, and the destruction of such records may constitute a separate criminal offense. Statements made by the officials involved — in testimony before the House and Senate Intelligence Committees — raise further concerns about possible violations of laws prohibiting false statements, perjury, inducement to perjury, and conspiracy to commit these offenses.

    “During your confirmation hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee, you assured the American people that everyone will be held to ‘an equal, fair system of justice’ if you were confirmed as Attorney General, and that ‘no one is above the law.’ As the individuals most seriously implicated in this incident include senior officials at the highest levels, including several of your fellow cabinet members, appointment of a Special Counsel is necessary to ensure that the investigation and any ensuing prosecutions are fair, impartial, and independent and that no official, regardless of seniority or political affiliation, is above the law. The people of this country deserve the assurance that this matter will be taken seriously and addressed swiftly. To do so, we urge you to appoint a Special Counsel immediately,” concluded the Senators.

    The letter was led by U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, along with Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.). In addition to Senator Padilla, Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), John Fetterman (D-Pa.), Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Andy Kim (D-N.J.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Gary Peters (D-Mich.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.) also signed the letter.

    Senator Padilla has been outspoken about the Trump Administration’s dangerous mishandling of sensitive and classified information. Last week, he called on Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth to resign, citing his staggering incompetence and lack of judgment, carelessly exposing troops to greater danger.

    Full text of the letter is available here and below:

    Dear Attorney General Bondi:

    On March 24, The Atlantic’s editor in chief reported that President Trump’s National Security Advisor Michael Waltz had included him in a group message chain with several high-ranking national security officials where highly sensitive, classified, or controlled information was shared and discussed over Signal—an unsecure commercial messaging app. In addition to the reckless inclusion of a journalist in the chat, we are deeply concerned about this serious breach in the proper handling of such information and deliberations. Given the extraordinary circumstances of this shocking incident and the significant public interests at stake, it is imperative that you immediately appoint a Special Counsel to thoroughly and impartially investigate whether any of the government officials involved violated federal criminal law.

    Appointment of a Special Counsel is appropriate where the Department may have a conflict of interest or extraordinary circumstances are present, a criminal investigation is warranted, and it is in the public interest to appoint an outside Special Counsel to investigate the matter. Such circumstances are clearly present here.

    The Signal chat group started by Mr. Waltz included Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, and Central Intelligence Agency Director John Ratcliffe, among at least 18 other high-ranking government officials. In addition to discussing the sensitive foreign policy implications of military strikes against Houthi targets in Yemen, these officials proceeded to discuss key operational information regarding the precise timing of the planned attacks, the types of military aircraft and munitions to be used, and the targets and results of the strikes as they occurred. An unprecedented security breach of this magnitude involving top senior government officials presents the kind of extraordinary circumstances clearly contemplated by the Special Counsel regulations.

    These officials conducted a highly sensitive discussion, including of clearly classified or controlled information, over the commercial messaging app Signal, including in some instances on personal devices and while traveling in foreign countries, rather than using the secure U.S. government channels and facilities that are designed and required for the sharing of such information. Despite subsequent claims to the contrary by you, President Trump, and several of the officials involved, including in testimony before Congress, some of the information they shared and discussed over Signal would almost certainly be considered classified or, at a minimum, controlled, prior to and in the immediate aftermath of an impending strike.

    These shockingly reckless breaches of security protocols for safeguarding sensitive and classified information clearly warrant an investigation into whether any of the government officials involved violated federal laws pertaining to the proper safeguarding and preservation of such information. For example, gross negligence in handling national defense information may violate the Espionage Act. Importantly, other laws, including the Federal Records Act, require the preservation of certain government records. Signal allows users to schedule messages for deletion after certain time periods and Mr. Waltz appears to have set the chat messages to delete initially after one week and then later in the chat changed the setting to delete messages after four weeks. Destruction of government records or property may constitute a violation of various criminal statutes. Subsequent statements to Congress and testimony before the House and Senate Intelligence Committees by several of the officials involved raise additional concerns about potential violations of federal criminal laws that prohibit making false statements to Congress, committing perjury in testimony to Congress, inducing another person to commit perjury, or conspiring to commit any of the foregoing actions.

    Even prior to his first Administration, President Trump campaigned for the need to prosecute and “lock up” individuals who allegedly “bypass government security” or “sent and received classified information on an insecure server.” Further, as an avowedly loyal and zealous advocate for the President, you echoed these same sentiments prior to your confirmation. Given the extraordinary nature of this security breach by senior Trump Administration officials, the likelihood that these actions needlessly endangered American lives and our nation’s security, the importance of putting our nation’s security before partisan political interests, and the range of federal criminal laws that may have been violated, it is imperative that the Department of Justice conduct a thorough investigation to assess the extent of the damage and determine whether any criminal charges are warranted against any of the government officials involved.

    During your confirmation hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee, you assured the American people that everyone will be held to “an equal, fair system of justice” if you were confirmed as Attorney General, and that “no one is above the law.” As the individuals most seriously implicated in this incident include senior officials at the highest levels, including several of your fellow cabinet members, appointment of a Special Counsel is necessary to ensure that the investigation and any ensuing prosecutions are fair, impartial, and independent and that no official, regardless of seniority or political affiliation, is above the law. The people of this country deserve the assurance that this matter will be taken seriously and addressed swiftly. To do so, we urge you to appoint a Special Counsel immediately.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Middle East and North Africa Subcommittee Chairman Lawler Delivers Opening Remarks at Hearing on Iran

    Source: US House Committee on Foreign Affairs

    Media Contact 202-321-9747

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, House Foreign Affairs Middle East and North Africa Subcommittee Chairman Michael Lawler delivered opening remarks at a full committee hearing titled, “A Return to Maximum Pressure: Comprehensively Countering the Iranian Regime’s Malign Activities.”

    Watch Here

    -Remarks- 

    Good afternoon, and again, thank you, Chairman Mass, for putting on this hearing and to Ranking Member Meeks for presiding today. I also want to thank our witnesses for their expertise and their attention to this pressing matter. When President Trump left office over 4 years ago, the Iranian regime and its terror proxies were on their heels. The Trump administration’s maximum pressure policy had devastated Iran’s economy and denied the regime access to critical resources. Mathematically, Iran was cornered and isolated like never before. The Abraham Accord saw Israel normalize relations with three Arab nations. It was a direct blow to Iran’s influence and put the Middle East on a path towards unity against Tehran’s aggression. Militarily, the message was unmistakable. The United States would not flinch. The decisive strike that took out Soleimani, Iran’s mastermind of its terror proxies, crushed Iran’s confidence and deterred provocations. By 2021, the Middle East stood on the brink of a new era of peace and stability. Iran was contained, its proxies weakened, and the region almost freed from the looming threat of Iranian terror.

    Enter Joe Biden. President Biden desperately tried to revive a dead nuclear deal with Iran, even as the regime continued to expand its nuclear program in violation of its Nonproliferation Treaty-related obligations. The Biden administration pursued deals that would have provided the regime with sanctions relief while also allowing it to continue to expand its enrichment capabilities, including with support from Russia. And when the Biden administration came up short on a nuclear deal, it pursued a misguided $6 billion giveaway to Iran, and less than 2 months later, Hamas, with support from Iran, launched the heinous October 7th terrorist attack on Israel. Under the last administration, we occasionally heard tough language, but that was rarely backed up with concrete action. This lack of resolve emboldened Iran and its proxies, offering them a free hand to escalate attacks against the US and its partners and allies with few, if any, consequences. Under the Biden administration, Iran, China, and Russia joined forces to form an unholy alliance aimed at destabilizing the free world. Yet even as Iranian missiles and drones targeted Israel, fueled Putin’s illegal war of aggression against Ukraine, and were used to threaten US service members, the Biden administration did little to prevent the lapse of the UN’s missile embargo on Iran in October 2023. As a result, Iran now has a free hand to proliferate its missiles and long-range drones unchecked. Joe Biden’s foreign policy decisions in the Middle East were ill conceived, disorganized, and at times fatal, including for US service members as we tragically saw at Tower 22 in Jordan. And in the end, he left the world more volatile and less safe than he found it.

    It’s clear that the Biden administration’s blatant refusal to enforce sanctions against Iran contributed to instability across the region and the globe. Under his administration, we witnessed an unprecedented trade in illicit oil between Iran and China, opening a lifeline for the IRGC to fund its malign activities, and it didn’t work. Appeasing terrorists does not work. And that is why I’m pleased that President Trump has since put US policy towards Iran back on track, restoring the much-needed and most effective maximum pressure campaign. Since taking office just over 2 months ago, the Trump administration has made great strides to implement an aggressive and comprehensive Iran policy that restores much-needed deterrents. This is a welcome change from the days of hand-wringing we saw under President Biden, whose policy towards Iran was all carrots and no sticks. The strategy now is to execute the maximum pressure campaign and deny the regime every ounce of grace given to them by the Biden administration.

    As part of this strategy, we must clamp down on the Iranian oil trade. Last year, Iran made over $50 billion from its illicit oil trade, much of which is controlled by its Revolutionary Guard Corps. As part of the maximum pressure, we must fully enforce existing sanctions to stop this illicit oil trade, specifically cutting off Iran’s oil trade with China, which accounts for roughly 90% of oil exports. We must also take all available steps to stop Iran ever obtaining a nuclear weapon. A nuclear Iran is not an option, and the safety of the American people and everything we love is dependent on our success here. One way or another, Iran’s nuclear ambitions are finished. And once Iran loses hope for nuclear capacity and we’ve decimated their bank accounts with the halt to the oil trade, they won’t be able to fund terror proxies any longer. President Trump’s support for Israel in the war against Iran-backed terror is absolute, and I hope to see other partners in the region step up their commitment to working with the US and Israel to address this shared threat to ensure Iran no longer threatens our security or that of the free world. As this hearing will demonstrate, there are a number of measures that can and should be taken, and I look forward to exploring that with our witnesses today and seeing the path forward.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: KANGAROO ROAD, LANGHORNE CREEK (Grass Fire)

    Source: South Australia County Fire Service

    LANGHORNE CREEK

    Langhorne Creek Rubbish Fire

    In the early hours of this morning CFS attended a green waste fire in Langhorne Creek, south east of Adelaide.

    3 CFS trucks with approximately 15 firefighters, supported by industry brigades from the waste facility, have contained the fire which will continue to burn for the coming days. The site has now been handed back to the land owner.

    Smoke is likely to continue drifting in the area and can be seen from surrounding communities.

    Message ID 0008471

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Houchin Introduces Four Bills to Protect Students, Support Families, and Uphold American Values

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Erin Houchin (Indiana 09)

    Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Erin Houchin (IN-09) introduced four major legislative proposals aimed at strengthening education, defending American institutions from foreign influence, supporting families in crisis, and improving outcomes for children in foster care. Each bill reflects Houchin’s commitment to promoting transparency, protecting vulnerable populations, and putting American families first.

    “These bills are focused on doing what’s right for the American people—protecting students, supporting families, and strengthening systems we rely on,” said Rep. Houchin. “Whether it’s ensuring taxpayer dollars aren’t funding institutions that break immigration laws or expanding access to end-of-life care for families, these bills are about accountability and common sense.”

    The four bills introduced include:

    • College Employment Accountability Act: Prohibits colleges and universities that hire illegal immigrants from receiving federal student aid or institutional funding. The bill also mandates participation in the E-Verify program and strengthens coordination between federal departments to enforce immigration laws.
    • Safeguarding American Education From Foreign Control Act: Protects American educational institutions by increasing transparency and restrictions on foreign funding. The bill prevents adversarial nations from using financial influence to shape curriculum or policy at U.S. schools and universities.
    • End-of-life Access to Supportive and Essential Care (E.A.S.E.) Act: Improves access to care for patients with terminal illnesses, ensuring families have options and support during end-of-life care.
    • Foster Care Tax Credit: Provides a federal tax credit to families who open their homes to foster children, helping reduce the financial burden and encouraging more Americans to consider becoming foster parents. 

    “These are practical, targeted bills that can make a meaningful difference in people’s lives,” Houchin added. “I’m proud to lead on these issues and will keep fighting to make Washington work for families in Indiana and across the country.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez Appointed to U.S. Air Force Academy Board of Visitors

    Source: US Representative Gabe Vasquez’s (NM-02)

    Vasquez to help shape the next generation of Air Force leaders, strengthening national security and New Mexico’s military communities

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) has been appointed to the U.S. Air Force Academy Board of Visitors, where he will play a key role in advising and overseeing the Academy’s operations, curriculum, and policies. Vasquez was recommended for the position by House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries and House Armed Services Committee Ranking Member Adam Smith.

    “I am honored to serve on the U.S. Air Force Academy Board of Visitors,” said Vasquez. “New Mexico is home to critical Air Force installations like Holloman Air Force Base, where we train the next generation of pilots and military leaders. I look forward to ensuring that the Academy provides the best education and training to our future Air Force officers so they are ready to meet the challenges of tomorrow.”

    In his role on the Board, Vasquez will provide oversight on matters related to morale, discipline, curriculum, instruction, facilities, and financial affairs at the Academy. His appointment comes at a critical time as the U.S. Air Force continues to adapt to evolving security challenges and new technological advancements in defense.

    New Mexico’s Holloman Air Force Base, Kirtland Air Force Base, and Cannon Air Force Base play vital roles in national security and the state’s economy. Vasquez’s appointment to the Board reinforces his commitment to supporting military families, expanding career opportunities for service members, and ensuring that bases like Holloman continue to thrive.

    “Our military installations are home to thousands of service members and their families,” said Vasquez. “I will make sure that their needs are prioritized and that we continue to invest in the infrastructure, education, and training that make our Air Force the best in the world.”

    The U.S. Air Force Academy Board of Visitors is composed of bipartisan members from Congress, presidential appointees, and military leaders who oversee and advise the Academy’s leadership on key institutional matters.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Read More (Steube Reintroduces Iranian Terror Prevention Act to Designate IRGC-Linked Militias as Foreign Terrorist Organizations)

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

    April 01, 2025 | Press ReleasesWASHINGTON — U.S. Representative Greg Steube (R-Fla.) today reintroduced the Iranian Terror Prevention Act, legislation that requires the Secretary of State to designate and codify 29 Iranian-backed militias and terror groups as Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTOs) under section 219(a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, as well as any foreign entity or organization controlled by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). The bill is part of the Republican Study Committee’s broader initiative to counter Iran’s global terror network and hold its proxies accountable. Among the designated groups are the Badr Organization, Kata’ib al-Imam Ali, Sarayya al-Jihad, Ansarallah (also known as the Houthis), and other militias linked to the IRGC.
    “For far too long, Iran has employed proxy militias to carry out its terrorist agenda across the Middle East. These groups are responsible for attacking American forces, threatening our allies, and destabilizing the region,” said Rep. Steube. “My bill directs the State Department to formally recognize the threat these groups pose and treat them as the terrorists they are.”
    The bill directs the Secretary of State to designate each listed group as an FTO within 90 days of enactment. It also requires the President to determine, within 60 days, whether sanctions under Executive Order 13224 should be imposed on any of these entities or their affiliates, agents, or proxies.
    Additionally, the legislation requires ongoing reporting to Congress. The Secretary of State must submit a report every 180 days identifying any new entities that meet the criteria for FTO designation or sanctions under Executive Order 13224. The President must also report to Congress with a detailed explanation of any listed organizations not sanctioned.
    The Iranian Terror Prevention Act holds Iran’s terror network accountable and directs U.S. policy to confront the growing threat of IRGC-linked militias operating in Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, and beyond.This legislation is cosponsored by Rep. Ben Cline (R-Va.), Rep. Eli Crane (R-Ariz.), Rep. Gabe Evans (R-Colo.), Rep. Brad Finstad (R-Minn.), Rep. Craig Goldman (R-Texas), Rep. Abe Hamadeh (R-Ariz.), Rep. Mike Haridopolos (R-Fla.), Rep. Pat Harrigan (R-N.C.), Rep. Ashley Hinson (R-Iowa.), Rep. Nicole Malliotakis (R-N.Y.), Rep. Mark Messmer (R-Ind.), Rep. Gary Palmer (R-Ala.), Rep. Derek Schmidt (R-Kan.), Rep. Claudia Tenney (R-N.Y.), Rep. Mike Turner (R-Ohio), Rep. Joe Wilson (R-S.C.), and Rep. Rudy Yakym (R-Ind.).Read the bill text here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Seven Sentenced for Fentanyl Drug Trafficking Operation

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

    MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Seven people have been sentenced for their roles in a drug trafficking organization that spanned from Baltimore to the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia.

    The indictment, returned in January 2024 against Gary Brown, Jr., and eighty-one others, charged the defendants with distributing substantial amounts of fentanyl, methamphetamine, and cocaine in Berkeley and Jefferson Counties.

    Those sentenced this week include:

    • James Beau Baker, age 29, of Charles Town, West Virginia, sentenced to 97 months;
    • Amanda Nicole Albert, 32, of Knoxville, Maryland, sentenced to 46 months in prison;
    • Kendall Axavier Baker, age 32, of Winchester, Virginia, sentenced to time served;
    • Kaitlyn Ashley Knight, age 32, of Falling Waters, West Virginia, sentenced to three years’ probation;
    • Ryan Brennan, age 33, of Strasburg, Virginia, sentenced to five years’ probation;
    • April Dawn Wentzell, age 37, of Ranson, West Virginia,  sentenced to time served;
    • Aaron Joshua James, age 31, of Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, sentenced to 70 months in prison;

    Of the 82 defendants, 80 have been convicted. Including today’s seven, 44 defendants have been sentenced. One defendant, Charles Delroy Singletary, age 44, of Baltimore, Maryland, remains a fugitive.

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lara Omps-Botteicher and Kyle Kane prosecuted the cases on behalf of the government.

    U.S. District Judge Gina M. Groh presided.

    Investigative agencies include the Federal Bureau of Investigation (Pittsburgh Field Division and Baltimore Field Division); the Drug Enforcement Administration; the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Investigations; the United States Postal Inspection Service; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; the United States Marshals Service;  the Eastern Panhandle Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative; the West Virginia State Police; the West Virginia Air National Guard; the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office; the Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office; Ranson Police Department; Martinsburg Police Department; Charles Town Police Department; the Berkeley County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office; Stafford County Sheriff’s Office (Virginia); Frederick County Sheriff’s Office (Maryland); Frederick County Sheriff’s Office (Virginia); Winchester Police Department; and the Clarke County Sheriff’s Office (Virginia).

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

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: New Hampshire Congressional Delegation Slams Trump Administration Funding Freeze on Life-Saving Reproductive Health Care Services

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Hampshire Maggie Hassan
    (Washington, DC) – U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and Maggie Hassan (D-NH), alongside U.S. Representatives Chris Pappas (NH-01) and Maggie Goodlander (NH-02), released the following statement in response to the Trump administration’s freeze on federal funding for life-saving reproductive health care services provided by Planned Parenthood of Northern New England (PPNNE):
    “The Trump administration’s move to freeze federal funding that helps Planned Parenthood of Northern New England deliver basic and often life-saving reproductive health care will be nothing short of disastrous for the communities we represent. Every day, PPNNE provides thousands of Granite Staters with affordable preventative reproductive health care services. By targeting essential care like cancer screenings and family planning services, the administration is sending a clear message: women’s health doesn’t matter to them.”
    Senator Shaheen and the New Hampshire delegation have been unrelenting advocates for women’s reproductive rights. Just last year, the delegation joined PPNNE in Concord to highlight the impact abortion bans and efforts to limit access to medication abortion have had in New Hampshire since Roe v. Wade was overturned. Senators Shaheen and Hassan have also been leaders in the fight to protect Title X family planning centers in New Hampshire. The delegation has pushed for Title X funding, and following obstruction from Republicans on New Hampshire’s Executive Council, the delegation helped secure critical Title X funding for PPNNE.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cassidy Introduces Fellow Louisianan, Trump VA General Counsel Nominee

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Louisiana Bill Cassidy

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) today introduced President Trump’s nominee for General Counsel of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Lieutenant Colonel James Baehr of New Orleans, Louisiana, during his confirmation hearing before the U.S. Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee.
    “In Louisiana, James is known for his passion for service,” said Dr. Cassidy. “Currently, he serves as a military judge in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve and on the Louisiana Veterans Affairs Commission, where he has been a tireless advocate for Louisiana’s veterans. But this just scratches the surface of his impressive career.”
    “I am confident that James will bring legal excellence, integrity, and a mission-first mindset to the role of General Counsel. And most of all, I know he will put our veterans at the forefront of every decision he makes,” concluded Dr. Cassidy. “He has my full support.”
    Cassidy’s remarks as prepared for delivery are below:
    Thank you, Chairman Moran and Ranking Member Blumenthal.
    Today I have the privilege to introduce Lieutenant Colonel James Baehr for his nomination as General Counsel of the Department of Veterans Affairs.
    I also want to welcome his wife, Jasmine, and their newborn son, James, Jr.
    Secretary Collins will try to say he’s hiring a fellow Georgian, but Louisiana is going to claim James.
    In Louisiana, James is known for his passion for service. And I know he will bring this passion to the VA.
    Currently, he serves as a military judge in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve and on the Louisiana Veterans Affairs Commission, where he has been a tireless advocate for Louisiana’s veterans.  
    But this just scratches the surface of his impressive career.
    James has served in the Marine Corps for nearly 20 years as a defense counsel, a Civil Affairs officer, and was deployed during Operation Inherent Resolve in Iraq as a staff officer for Lt. General Paul Funk. 
    It was during his time under General Funk, that James earned the Defense Meritorious Service Medal and Joint Service Achievement Medal.
    These accolades can speak for themselves, but having a statement of support from a General doesn’t hurt either.
    In a statement submitted to this committee, General Funk states that James’ “personal leadership contributed to the superb success of our mission. This great Marine officer did what Marines do, he added clarity to chaos, and competence where calamity once prevailed. In a complex operational environment, Lieutenant Colonel Baehr played a key role in shaping how our mission was seen by the outside world. His work reflected not just logistical excellence, but sound judgment and strategic insight.”
    Off the battlefield, James prosecuted violent crime and civil corruption as a federal prosecutor in the Eastern District of Louisiana. He also clerked on the Fifth Circuit and advised President Trump on veterans’ issues as a Special Assistant to the President during his first term.
    While advising the White House, he worked to expand access to health care, improve suicide prevention measures, and better the lives of our veterans.
    These are issues James knows first-hand as a veteran.
    He has received care at the New Orleans VA Medical Center. He’s a husband who used a VA home loan to buy his house. And he’s a father who transferred his GI Bill benefits to his son. 
    We all know that our VA can do more for our veterans. That starts with having strong leadership.
    I am confident that James will bring legal excellence, integrity, and a mission-first mindset to the role of General Counsel.
    And most of all, I know he will put our veterans at the forefront of every decision he makes.
    He has my full support.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Dr. Rand Paul Introduces Bill to End Costly Taxpayer Subsidies for Electric Vehicles

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Kentucky Rand Paul
    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
    April 1st, 2025
     Contact: Press_Paul@paul.senate.gov, 202-224-4343
     
     
    Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) introduced the End Taxpayer Subsidies for Electric Vehicles Act. The End Taxpayer Subsidies for Electric Vehicles Act would eliminate costly government subsidies, allowing the electric vehicle (EV) market to compete on a level playing field while saving taxpayers billions of dollars. A companion bill is being led by Rep. Tom McClintock (R-CA 05.) in the U.S. House of Representatives.
    “For too long, the federal government has picked winners and losers in the auto industry, forcing hardworking Americans to subsidize expensive electric vehicles that many cannot afford,” said Dr. Paul. “The End Taxpayer Subsidies for Electric Vehicles Act restores competition in the EV market by ending taxpayer-funded handouts.”
    Key Provisions of the End Taxpayer Subsidies for Electric Vehicles Act:
    Cuts Federal Spending – Eliminates the Clean Vehicle Credit, saving billions and reducing the national debt.
    Boosts Market Competition – Encourages automakers to innovate and cut EV costs without taxpayer-funded incentives.
    Ensures Tax Fairness – Prevents subsidies that mainly benefit the wealthy, protecting lower and middle-income taxpayers.
    Supports Auto & Energy Jobs – Levels the playing field for gas, hybrid, and EV markets while preserving industry jobs.
    You can read it HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Trips to the playground and jigsaw puzzles: five surprising ways to help children learn to write

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Sinéad McCauley Lambe, Assistant Professor, School of Inclusive and Special Education, Dublin City University

    Rachaphak/Shutterstock

    It’s a milestone that leaves parents beaming with pride: the first time their child shakily writes out their own name. And it’s the start of many more key childhood moments, from Christmas lists to writing their own stories.

    If you’re keen to help your child learn to write, you might think about asking them to try to copy shapes, or trace over the dotted outline of a letter. But there’s a lot more that goes into writing. It requires fine motor skills using the hands – and this can be practised through threading beads, rolling playdough and stacking blocks.

    However, while fine motor skills play a central role in getting children ready to write, it doesn’t end there. Handwriting is a complex developmental process, and preparation for handwriting also involves the development of key gross motor skills, as well as visual-perceptual skills.

    I’m a researcher who works on how children learn to write. Below are five ways to help your child to prepare for handwriting that you might not have considered.

    Take them to the playground

    It might not seem that obvious, but a trip to the playground is perfect preparation for handwriting. All that open space and climbing equipment provide ample opportunities for young children to develop their gross motor skills.

    Gross motor skills involve the body’s large muscles and are needed for balance and stability as well as posture and coordination. Think monkey bars – a fantastic and fun way to develop shoulder stability which allows for greater control of the small motor movements of the hands and fingers.

    Another important element of gross motor skills is what’s known as crossing the midline. The midline is an imaginary line that runs down the centre of a child’s body. It plays a central role when developing hand dominance as children learn to reach across their bodies to write. Can your child hang from the monkey bars with their hands crossed? That’s great practice in crossing the midline.

    And all that open space, interspersed with bulky and busy playground equipment, provides the ideal opportunity for children to develop spatial awareness as they duck and dive, swerving to avoid oncoming obstacles. Spatial awareness plays a key role in letter formation, placement and size, as well as spacing and page alignment.

    Lots of blank space

    Through early mark making and scribbling, children explore a range of movements and shapes. This early stage of mark making is essential in laying the foundations for handwriting development as the child develops a growing awareness of space and their place within it.

    Give children space for mark making.
    AnikaNes/Shutterstock

    Look for large blank spaces in and outside of your home that children can use for mark making and drawing. Forget colouring books, and instead think large sticks of chalk on big open pavements, rolls of paper across open floor space, or large sheets of blank paper on an easel.

    Teach them how to look carefully

    Think about asking a young child to copy a shape, or a letter using their pencil. “Just copy the shape” – it’s simple, isn’t it?

    The problem is, it’s not simple. At all.

    It begins with visual perception – the process whereby the brain extracts and organises information, giving meaning to what we see. This makes a collection of lines into a square, for instance. Visual-motor integration is the ability to be able to coordinate fine motor skills and visual-perceptual skills to produce that letter, shape or number in a legible manner.

    The visual component enables children to discriminate between letter shapes to recognise each letter’s specific characteristics, and to identify their orientation. The motor element allows the child to carry out the necessary sequence of movements to form the letter.

    By exposing young children to lots of opportunities to develop their visual-perceptual skills, you can help to prepare them for handwriting. Think richly illustrated picture books, jigsaw puzzles and Where’s Wally books – these help children sort out the meaning in marks and shapes. Picking out shapes, numbers and letters on the street as you walk to the shop together is a good opportunity, too.

    Shapes before letters

    It might be tempting to pick up a colourful ABC practice book with a neat “wipe clean” whiteboard feature to help your child learn to write. But hold off putting it in your shopping basket for now. Before children are ready to write letters formally, they should first be able to copy nine geometric shapes.

    Pre-writing shapes.
    The Conversation

    The ability to copy geometric forms is recognised in research as an indication of writing readiness in a young child. Formal handwriting training should be delayed until a child can successfully copy a vertical line, a horizontal line, a cross, a circle, a right oblique line, a square, a left oblique line, an oblique cross and a triangle.

    Ditch the broken crayons

    There are few things more frustrating for a young child than fading markers, blunt colouring pencils or a box of broken and bruised crayons. My research has found that the quality of writing materials matters when it comes to motivating the reluctant writer to give it a go.

    Providing children with a variety of novel and fun writing materials leads to increased motivation and enjoyment of writing. These could be brightly coloured felt pens, gel pens, highlighters, magic markers and even scented markers and pencils, and don’t forget the finger paints. The messier the better.

    Sinéad McCauley Lambe is the author of Move Write – A Whole-body Sensorimotor Approach to Handwriting programme.

    Move Write is published by Just Rewards Publications.

    – ref. Trips to the playground and jigsaw puzzles: five surprising ways to help children learn to write – https://theconversation.com/trips-to-the-playground-and-jigsaw-puzzles-five-surprising-ways-to-help-children-learn-to-write-250225

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Barry Lyndon at 50: why Kubrick’s most overlooked masterpiece deserves another viewing

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Nathan Abrams, Professor of Film Studies, Bangor University

    Stanley Kubrick’s Barry Lyndon, which marks its 50th anniversary this year, struggled at the box office when it was released. It remains one of the director’s most under-appreciated films. Unlike 2001: A Space Odyssey or The Shining, which have been endlessly dissected in books and essays, Barry Lyndon has received relatively little scholarly attention – just a single book.

    Perhaps its cool reception can be traced to its slow, contemplative pacing, its meticulously crafted but emotionally restrained storytelling, or its three-hour runtime. It also arrived at an inopportune moment, in the same year as Jaws, a film that would reshape Hollywood forever.

    Yet, Barry Lyndon deserves a second look, not only as one of Kubrick’s most visually striking films but also as an intensely personal project that offers rare insight into the director himself.

    The film follows the rise and fall of Redmond Barry, an ambitious Irishman who reinvents himself as Barry Lyndon in his pursuit of wealth and status. After fleeing his homeland following a duel, Barry navigates the treacherous world of 18th-century Europe.

    He serves as a soldier, a gambler and ultimately marries into aristocracy. However, his social ascent is marred by personal missteps, betrayals and the cold realities of high society.

    The project was born out of failure. Kubrick had spent years preparing for a grand epic about Napoleon, amassing an enormous archive of research and developing meticulous pre-production plans.

    But no studio was willing to finance the project. Unwilling to abandon his obsession with the late 18th century, he turned instead to The Luck of Barry Lyndon, a lesser-known 1844 novel by William Makepeace Thackeray.

    The Barry Lyndon trailer.

    The choice of Thackeray was in keeping with his taste for English writers like Arthur C. Clarke (2001) and Anthony Burgess (A Clockwork Orange). But this was a leap.

    Those previous writers were contemporaries and, Paths of Glory and Spartacus apart, nearly all of Kubrick’s previous films took place in the recent past, near present, or the future. Now he would try his hand at what would essentially be a costume drama. He would be recreating the past rather than creating the future.

    Some saw Barry Lyndon as a mere consolation prize. The film critic Alexander Walker called it a project “born on the rebound,” while production designer Ken Adam described it as a “dress rehearsal” for Napoleon. But Kubrick’s fascination with the Napoleonic era was evident in the film’s DNA.

    Thackeray himself had been fascinated by the French emperor, incorporating him into his novel, Vanity Fair, and writing The Second Funeral of Napoleon in 1841. Barry Lyndon draws heavily from the same historical themes, exploring the illusions and brutal realities of social ambition.

    What captivated Kubrick about Thackeray was his ability to expose the cruelty beneath the polished facade of aristocratic life. The rigid etiquette of the 18th century – a period described variously as an age of gentility, sensibility and enlightenment – demanded an emotional detachment that fascinated the director.

    Thackeray was, in many ways, a 19th-century sociologist, dissecting the class system, conspicuous consumption and the mercenary nature of marriage. These themes resonated deeply with Kubrick, whose films often explored power structures, status and manipulation.

    An outsider’s perspective

    Some critics have noticed a similarity between Kubrick and his lead character. As an American Jew living in north London, married to a German woman, Kubrick felt one step removed from the society around him, perhaps even somewhat of a social pariah. Ryan O’Neal’s casting as Barry was largely a commercial necessity – Kubrick needed a bankable star – but it also added a personal layer.

    Like Kubrick, O’Neal’s Barry is an outsider, the lone American in a European cast, a social climber forever out of place. The novel’s narrator observes that “those who’ve never been out of their country…” lack a certain perspective. It was something that Kubrick, a Bronx-born autodidact who had taught himself everything from chess to classical music, could surely relate to.

    The battle scene from Barry Lyndon.

    This theme of the outsider striving for greatness runs through much of Kubrick’s work. In 1960, he spoke admiringly of “the outsider who is passionately committed to action against the social order,” whether criminals, maniacs, revolutionaries, or dreamers.

    From Johnny Clay in The Killing, to Colonel Dax in Paths of Glory, and from Spartacus to Alex DeLarge in A Clockwork Orange, Kubrick’s protagonists are often men on the fringes of society. Barry Lyndon fits this mould perfectly, though his ambitions ultimately lead to his downfall.



    Read more:
    Stanley Kubrick redefined: recent research challenges myths to reveal the man behind the legend

    But Barry Lyndon is also, unexpectedly, one of Kubrick’s most emotional films. For all its detachment, it contains what might be his most heartbreaking scene, namely Barry’s devastation at the death of his son. In this moment, the film’s rigid, painterly compositions soften, revealing a rare vulnerability in Kubrick’s work.

    Ultimately, Barry Lyndon was more than a historical exercise. It was a deeply personal film, pursued at great financial and artistic risk. Kubrick created a film that is as much about social mobility and exile as it is about 18th-century Europe. If 2001 is a space odyssey, Barry Lyndon is a spatial odyssey, a film that turns the past into something mesmerising yet achingly real.

    Nathan Abrams receives and has previously received external funding, including government funding, foundation, charity and research council grants for this and similar work.

    – ref. Barry Lyndon at 50: why Kubrick’s most overlooked masterpiece deserves another viewing – https://theconversation.com/barry-lyndon-at-50-why-kubricks-most-overlooked-masterpiece-deserves-another-viewing-248484

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Kean Introduces Legislation to Secure America’s Leadership in Undersea Cable Infrastructure

    Source: US Representative Tom Kean, Jr. (NJ-07)

    (April 1, 2025) WASHINGTON, D.C. – Yesterday, Congressman Tom Kean, Jr. (NJ-07) introduced the Undersea Cable Control Act, a bill designed to secure America’s leadership in undersea cable infrastructure. This legislation aims to prevent China and other foreign adversaries from acquiring goods and technologies that support the construction, maintenance, and operation of undersea cables. 

    “Undersea cables are critical infrastructure for the fast and secure transmission of global data and communications,” said Congressman Kean. “We cannot stand by as China seeks to expand its influence over one of the world’s most powerful communications networks. It is essential that we take steps to protect undersea cables from foreign interference, sabotage, or control.”

    Background: 

    Undersea cables are a vital part of global communication infrastructures, with 99 percent of all transoceanic digital communications transporting data like the internet through these fiber optics cables. This technology has added $649 billion to the U.S. economy in 2019 alone and enables transactions worth more than $10 trillion every day within the American financial sector.

    In the past few years, as China continues to finance its state-run companies and their infrastructure projects globally as a part of the Belt and Road Initiatives, Chinese companies like Huawei and China Telecom have built undersea cables on every continent except for Antarctica. While the United States still has fiber optic technology that’s more advanced than China does, the prolific installments of undersea cables by the Chinese companies have raised economic and security concerns globally. 

    During the 118th Congress, the Undersea Cable Control Act, originally led by Rep. Brian Mast (FL-21), successfully passed the House of Representatives. 

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SCHUMER REVEALS: WITH TRUMP’S DESTRUCTIVE TARIFFS SET TO START TOMORROW, THE COST TO UPSTATE NY IS A $7 BILLION GUT PUNCH, WITH $6,000+ IN HIGHER PRICES FOR FAMILIES PER YEAR; SENATOR SAYS WE MUST…

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New York Charles E Schumer
    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
    Tuesday, April 1, 2025
    Contact: Ryan Martin, 202-680-0427
    SCHUMER REVEALS: WITH TRUMP’S DESTRUCTIVE TARIFFS SET TO START TOMORROW, REVEALS THE COST TO UPSTATE NY IS A $7 BILLION GUT PUNCH , WITH $6,000+ IN HIGHER PRICES FOR FAMILIES PER YEAR; SENATOR SAYS WE MUST STOP DAMAGING TRADE WAR WITH ALLIES LIKE CANADA AND PROTECT NY FAMILIES, BUSINESSES & JOBS
    Trump’s Tariffs – Set To Start Tomorrow – Could Raise Prices On New Yorkers As Much As $6,500 For Gas, Groceries, Cars And Everyday Goods – All While Decimating Small Businesses, Killing Good-Paying Jobs, Shrinking 401K’s And Damaging Upstate NY’s Vital Tourism Industry
    Schumer Says Stock Market Is Already Hitting Lowest Point In Years Due To Trump Tariff Chaos, Hurting Upstate Seniors’ Retirements – And Leading To Fears Of A Recession
    Schumer: Trump’s Tariffs Mean Higher Prices, Lower Life Savings And Lost Jobs For Upstate Families
    With President Trump’s “Liberation Day” for his destructive tariffs set to start tomorrow, U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer today revealed data on the devastating impacts of this unstrategic and damaging tariff war on Upstate New York’s families, small businesses, and jobs – increasing costs for families by up to $6,500 for gas, groceries, cars, and common goods and potentially impacting 150,000+ jobs in directly targeted industries across Upstate New York. The senator said he has gotten calls from farmers, worried workers, and factory owners scrambling in the face of coming tariffs, and said it will be NY businesses, seniors and working- and middle-class class families who will be footing the bill for this tariff war  – in the form of higher prices, a slower economy and shrinking life savings.
    “Tomorrow Trump says he will begin imposing his destructive sweeping tariffs, and if that happens it will be a gut punch to Upstate NY’s economy. Plain and simple, Trump’s tariffs are a tax increase on Upstate New York, a massive new destructive national sales tax for all of America,” said Senator Schumer. “Trump’s tariff war has already created chaos, and the economic uncertainty is causing the stock market to fall, hurting seniors’ retirements, cratering consumer confidence, and jeopardizing the jobs of thousands of New Yorkers. If this tariff war continues, it could devastate Upstate NY’s economy in ways we haven’t seen since the height of the pandemic. President Trump has said straight up that he doesn’t care if prices go up – Well, I do. I am all for addressing trade imbalances. In fact, Trump should be spending far more time going after China’s long-standing trade cheating that has robbed upstate NY of jobs for far too long, rather than picking a trade war with Canada that will only cost more NY jobs and drive up prices for everyone.”
    Schumer explained that consumers bear the cost of tariffs, and Trump’s tariff war is expected to increase costs for American families by up to $6,500 according to the latest analysis of his sweeping plans. According to the Yale Budget Lab, this would increase costs for the average American family by up to:
    Schumer added, “Trump’s tariffs are already slowing sales, and tourism from Canada is down, hurting Upstate’s restaurants and Main Streets. No matter which way you slice it, costs are going to sky rocket for consumers. If you’re in Upstate New York, you’ll feel it first, and worse than just about anywhere in the country. We need everyone, especially NY Republicans, to stand up against Trump’s senseless, job-killing, cost-increasing tax on Upstate New Yorkers.”
    Rising costs will force families to reconsider how they spend their money, which is already causing consumer confidence to plummet said Schumer, and NY families and businesses are expected to pay approximately $7.17 billion total due to Trump’s tariffs, including and $568 million on steel and aluminum.
    According to the New York Times, nearly 8 million Americans work in industries targeted by Trump’s tariffs, including approximately 159,400 in Upstate New York. A regional breakdown of jobs in industries directly impacted by tariffs based on the New York Times analysis can be found below, which does not even account for all the related jobs such as the tourism industry that are also being impacted by the damage of this trade war:

    NY Region

    Jobs In Industries Directly Targeted by Tariffs Most At Risk

    Capital Region

    14,400

    Western New York

    30,100

    Rochester-Finger Lakes

    33,200

    Central New York

    16,100

    Hudson Valley

    27,800

    Southern Tier

    17,300

    Mohawk Valley

    10,000

    North Country

    6,100

    UPSTATE NY TOTAL

    155,000

    Canada is New York State’s top importer and exporter, last year importing $20.5 billion of goods from Canada and exporting $17.4 billion. 70% of Canadian imports are used to manufacture American-made products. Every day, $2.5 billion worth of goods cross the United States-Canada border. People across Upstate New York will especially feel the impact of Trump’s tariffs on Canada given the interconnection of Upstate NY’s economy and trade with Canada.

    What Upstate NY Will See

    Impacts

    Increasing costs for businesses in every industry

    $6 billion in lumber and wood products for the U.S. homebuilding industry came from Canada in 2024, exacerbating costs for affordable housing.

    Canadian tourism slowing down, hurting local businesses

    The Canadian government is encouraging Canadians to boycott travel to the United States, according to the New York Times. Maine has been seeing significant cancellations and Upstate New York could be next on the chopping block, which would have devastating impacts especially with the summer tourist season rapidly approaching.
    45% of Quebecois who had planned vacations in the U.S. this year were now canceling those plans, leading to $3 billion in lost revenue for U.S. businesses, according to the Quebec Tourism Industry Alliance.
    Car crossings from Canada through Plattsburgh in the North Country were down 16% from February 2024, according to the Albany Times Union. There is a projected overall 21% reduction in American travel from Canada.

    Higher costs at the grocery store for families and local restaurants

    Canada leads in exports of grain, livestock and meats, poultry, and more, according to CNN. In 2023, the United States imported about $40 billion in agricultural food products from Canada, ranging from baked goods to canola oil, according to Eater.
    70% of maple syrup globally comes from Canada, and more than 60% of maple exports went to the United States which would get more expensive, according to the New York Times.
    The price of beef could rise because Canadian ranchers are afraid of Trump’s tariffs and shrinking cattle herds, according to Reuters. Beef and pork account for nearly $4 billion in Canadian imports, according to Eater.
    The price of groceries could increase by $185 – or approximately 3% – every year, according to Eater.

    Nearly 160,000 Upstate New York jobs in industries targeted by tariffs at risk, plus many more in related industries like tourism

    Over 680,000 New York jobs depend on trade with Canada. Nearly 160,000 jobs in Upstate New York are in industries directly targeted by Trump’s tariffs and at risk, according to the New York Times.
    The U.S. Travel Association warned that even a 10% reduction in Canadian travelers would translate to $2.1 billion in lost spending and jeopardize 140,000 hospitality jobs nationwide, according to Forbes, many of which would be in Upstate NY as one of the most popular close by destinations.

    Higher electricity, heating, and gas bills for our families, small businesses, and manufacturers

    Electricity is a $7 billion commodity market in New York, and the state imports hundreds of millions of dollars of Canadian electricity annually.
    While the amount varies by month and year, the reliable clean power imported from Canadian dams is critical, and a tariff on Canadian electricity imports would likely raise rates for New Yorkers.
    In response to the Schumer-Hochul letter to New York energy regulators on the tariffs, agency staff assert that electricity costs could increase by $42 to $105 million per year, and that:
    Gasoline prices could increase by $26 million per year
    Heating oil costs could increase by $57 million per year
    Diesel costs could increase by $48 million per year
    Propane costs could increase by $16 million per year; and
    Natural gas costs could increase by $4.4 million per year

    Trump has already delayed the start of his tariffs twice, creating uncertainty for families and small businesses and triggering volatility for the American economy. Trump’s tariff uncertainty is causing the stock market to fall, hurting Upstate New York seniors’ retirements. According to Bloomberg, the stock market rout has intensified in anticipation of Trump’s next tariff rollout, with concerns about recessions leaving the S&P 500 Index on track for its worst quarter compared to the rest of the world since the 1980s.
    Trump in February declared an emergency on fentanyl, which is how he is justifying tariffs on goods from Canada. Schumer explained that less than 0.2% of fentanyl entering the United States comes from Canada, and instead of helping combat the fentanyl crisis, these tariffs will only harm American families, small businesses, and jobs. Schumer said the Senate will vote on a resolution later today terminating Trump’s national emergency that is justifying his destructive tariffs that would require Republican support.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Crapo Announces New Hires, Staff Changes

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Idaho Mike Crapo
    Washington, D.C.–U.S. Senator Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) announced new hires and staff changes in his Washington, D.C., and Idaho Falls offices.
    David Pace joined Crapo’s Idaho Falls office as Press Secretary.  David was a reporter with East Idaho News and has previously worked at the Standard Journal and Post Register.  He is a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves.  David graduated from Brigham Young University with a degree in communications and public relations and minors in Middle Eastern studies and business management.
    Casey Jones, a native of Boise, joined Crapo’s Washington, D.C., office as Staff Assistant and IT Assistant.  She graduated from Brigham Young University with a degree in elementary education.
    Jameson Parker joined the Washington, D.C., office as Legislative Correspondent.  Jameson holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Arizona.  He previously worked for Representative Michael Burgess (R-Texas).  He will cover education, pro-life, veterans, small business and health care issues.
    Kennedy Cummins, a Murtaugh native, has been promoted to Staff Assistant and D.C. Office Manager.  Kennedy first joined Crapo’s Boise office as an intern last fall and was serving a second internship in the D.C. office.  She is a senior at Boise State University studying political science.
    Matthew Mondello has been promoted to Legislative Assistant.  Matthew previously served the Crapo office as a Legislative Aide.  He graduated from Wake Forest University with a degree in politics.  As a Legislative Assistant, Matthew is responsible for health care, labor, veterans, small business and education issues.
    Matthew Favero has been promoted to Legislative Correspondent.  He previously served as Staff Assistant and intern.  Matthew holds a degree in American studies from Brigham Young University.  As Legislative Correspondent, Matthew is responsible for semiconductor, energy, public lands and agriculture issues.
    Grant Auman has been promoted to Legislative Correspondent.  He previously served as Staff Assistant and intern.  Grant holds degrees in political science, economics and Spanish from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.  As Legislative Correspondent, he is responsible for banking, tax, budget, telecommunications and judiciary issues.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: CFA launches 80 stories in 80 days

    Source:

    CFA is marking its 80th anniversary with a unique initiative that honours its history and the dedication of its volunteers.

    As part of the anniversary, from today (2 April), we will share 80 stories over 80 days, showcasing the pivotal moments, challenges and triumphs that have shaped CFA in the past 80 years.

    Join us as we unveil these stories, information and facts one by one, each highlighting a different aspect of our journey.

    From our history to the courageous actions of our dedicated volunteers to community education programs to the evolution of firefighting vehicles, training and equipment, each day will build upon a story of the unwavering commitment and resilience that defines CFA and our members.

    Our first story is now ready – visit our 80 in 80 site to find out more

    Each weekday a new story will be ready for you to reveal on the website. The stories will also be shared across CFA’s social media platforms.

    Check back each day to read a new story – we look forward to sharing them with you.

    Submitted by CFA News

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Bilirakis and Veasey Introduce Legislation to Identify and Address Kids’ Vision Impairments

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Gus Bilirakis (FL-12)

    Washington, DC: Earlier today, Congressional Vision Caucus Co-Chairs, U.S. Representatives Gus Bilirakis (FL-12) and Marc Veasey (TX-33), reintroduced the Bipartisan Early Detection of Vision Impairments for Children (EDVI) Act. The EDVI Act will establish grants for states and communities to improve children’s vision and eye health through screenings, early interventions, and coordinated systems of care. Despite the presence of numerous public health programs that support early childhood development, including children’s hearing and oral health, there is currently no federally funded program in the United States that specifically addresses children’s vision or that fosters a cohesive and integrated system of eye health for children.

    “As an American who has suffered from poor vision since childhood, I have a first-hand understanding of how critical early detection and treatment is when it comes to ensuring that all children have the best possible start in life,” said Rep. Bilirakis. “Our landmark bill will ensure all children get the screening and care they need at the right age by creating the first-ever federally funded program to address children’s vision and eye health. This legislation will empower states and communities, like mine, to improve systems of care for our youngest citizens and their families.”

    “When I was in elementary school, I struggled to see the board, and it made learning incredibly difficult. It wasn’t until I had a vision screening and got the right pair of glasses that everything changed for me,” said Rep. Veasey. “I know from personal experience that vision issues can hold a child back, and how something as simple as a pair of glasses can unlock their potential. No child should fall behind simply because they can’t see. The Early Detection of Vision Impairments for Children Act will ensure all children, in Texas and across the country, have access to the screenings they need to see clearly and reach their full potential.” 

    “More than one in every four children in America, or roughly 19.6 million, have a vision problem requiring treatment,” said Jeff Todd, president and CEO of Prevent Blindness. “We know access to education, screenings, examinations, diagnosis, and treatment are critical to preventing vision loss, and this legislation is an important step in providing children and their families with those services and the healthcare they need and deserve.”

    “The EDVI Act promotes a strong system of care for children’s vision and eye health that fosters early detection and treatment, thus ensuring that children can access vision and eye care services that can set the foundation for a lifetime of good vision,” Dr. Stacey Coulter, OD Vice Chair, National Center for Children’s Vision and Eye Health.

    “Early detection of eye problems in children can improve treatment effectiveness, enable better outcomes and ensure children have their best chance of academic success and lifelong good vision. We applaud Rep. Bilirakis and Rep. Veasey for working to provide states and communities with resources to expand and improve vision screening programs,” said Michael Repka, MD, pediatric ophthalmologist, and President, American Academy of Ophthalmology.

    “Pediatricians recognize the vital importance of early detection and treatment when it comes to supporting children’s overall health and development. The EDVI Act will help promote positive eye health in young people by catching vision concerns early so they can get the care they need to succeed, while supporting their lifelong vision health. We applaud Representatives Bilirakis and Veasey for introducing this important bipartisan legislation and urge Congress to pass it into law,”said Susan Kressly, MD, FAAP, president of the American Academy of Pediatrics.

    Increasing awareness and identifying vision concerns early will save money in the long run and improve outcomes for patients throughout their lives. If left untreated, common vision disorders in childhood, such as amblyopia (lazy eye), strabismus (crossed eyes), myopia (nearsightedness), or hyperopia (farsightedness), may continue to affect health and well-being throughout the child’s life. State laws to address children’s vision vary widely in approaches and often lack the necessary resources to adequately capture data on rates of received eye care, leading to challenges in addressing and treating ocular disease and eye conditions in children.  

    Under the EDVI Act, the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, will award grants and cooperative agreements for states and communities to implement approaches (such as vision screenings) for the early detection of vision concerns in children, referrals for eye exams, and follow-up mechanisms, establish a coordinated public health system for vision health and eye care diagnosis and treatment, and develop state-based data collection and performance improvement systems. Resources will also be made available through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to provide technical assistance and guidance to states and communities to implement children’s vision screening and early intervention programs. Over 100 organizations nationally have endorsed the EDVI Act.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Sioux City Man Sentenced to More Than 12 Years in Federal Prison for Meth Convictions

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    A man who conspired to distribute methamphetamine was sentenced on March 28, 2025, in federal court in Sioux City.

    Blake Putnam, 39, from Sioux City, Iowa, pled guilty on December 3, 2024, to one count of conspiring to distribute methamphetamine and two counts of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.

    Evidence at the plea and sentencing hearings showed that from January 2021 through March 2024, Putnam and others conspired to distribute 4500 grams (nearly 10 pounds) of methamphetamine in the Sioux City area.  On February 5, 2024, law enforcement attempted to conduct a traffic stop on the vehicle Putnam was driving.  Putnam attempted to elude law enforcement at high speeds and was apprehended when his vehicle blew a tire and stopped after hitting a curb.  During the eluding attempt, Putnam was observed by a concerned citizen throwing packages out of his vehicle attempting to discard drug evidence.  In the area identified, agents located and seized nearly one pound of methamphetamine in two packages.  Agents also seized an eight-ball of methamphetamine, and 50 Adderall pills from defendant’s person.  On March 5, 2024, after obtaining a search warrant, law enforcement seized approximately one pound of meth in one bag and about one ounce of meth in another bag from a backpack in a rental storage unit leased by Putnam in Sioux City, Iowa.  Putnam brought this backpack to the storage unit on or about March 5, 2024, as evidenced by video recordings at the storage unit business. 

    Sentencing was held before United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand.  Putnam was sentenced to 151 months’ imprisonment and must serve a five-year term of supervised release following the imprisonment.  There is no parole in the federal system.  Putnam remains in custody of the United States Marshal until he can be transported to a federal prison.  

    The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Shawn S. Wehde and was investigated by the Tri-State Drug Task Force based in Sioux City, Iowa, that consists of law enforcement personnel from the Drug Enforcement Administration; Sioux City, Iowa, Police Department; Homeland Security Investigations; Woodbury County Sheriff’s Office; South Sioux City, Nebraska, Police Department; Nebraska State Patrol; Iowa National Guard; Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement; United States Marshals Service; South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation; and Woodbury County Attorney’s Office, with assistance of Iowa State Patrol.    

    Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.

    The case file number is 24-4009.  

    Follow us on X @USAO_NDIA.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Members of Hampton Roads drug trafficking organization sentenced to prison

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    NORFOLK, Va. – The final member of a Hampton Roads drug trafficking conspiracy was sentenced today to 35 years in prison.

    According to court documents, Donte Demille Hampton, aka Messiah, 38, of Suffolk, is a member of the violent Gangster Disciples gang and was the leader of a large-scale drug trafficking organization (DTO) responsible for selling large-scale amounts of methamphetamine and marijuana in the Hampton Roads area. Hampton, Mandi Marie Green, 42, of Norfolk, and Antonio Romya Beale, 49, of Norfolk, received, stored, packaged, and distributed meth and marijuana as well as firearms at a residence in Norfolk. On June 10, 2021, investigators searched the residence and recovered 514 grams of meth, 16.7 pounds of marijuana, THC edibles, four firearms, $5,553 in drug trafficking proceeds, a digital scale, and packaging materials to prepare the drugs for distribution.

    Other members of the DTO include Joseph Grullon, 34, of Norfolk; Benjamin Adam Hogan, 42, of Norfolk; Kenneth Eric Mack, 47, of Chesapeake; William Blake Stennett, 38, of Virginia Beach; Robert Donald Tippit II, 29, of Chesapeake; and Dashawn Fonail Walker, 34, of Norfolk.

    Hampton enforced his territory by ordering organization members to ruthlessly assault his enemies as well as his own employees who stole narcotics from him. Hampton’s employees video recorded themselves violently pistol whipping and beating an employee because he failed to pay for two ounces of meth.

    On Oct. 27, 2021, Beale pled guilty to conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and was sentenced on March 31, 2022, to 30 years in prison.

    On Nov. 16, 2021, Green pled guilty to conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and was sentenced on May 26, 2022, to 25 years in prison.

    On April 22, 2022, Walker pled guilty to conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and was sentenced on Sept. 1, 2022, to 24 years and seven months in prison.

    On June 28, 2022, Mack pled guilty to interference with commerce by means of robbery and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence and was sentenced on Oct. 27, 2022, to eight years and five months in prison.

    On Aug. 17, 2022, Stennett pled guilty to interference with commerce by means of robbery and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence and was sentenced on Dec. 13, 2022, to nine years and seven months in prison.

    On Aug. 12, 2022, Tippit pled guilty to interference with commerce by means of robbery and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence and was sentenced on Dec. 6, 2022, to eight years and 10 months in prison.

    On Nov. 9, 2022, Grullon pled guilty to interference with commerce by means of robbery and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence and was sentenced on April 26, 2023, to 11 years and nine months in prison.

    On June 15, 2022, Hogan pled guilty to interference with commerce by means of robbery and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence and was sentenced on July 20, 2023, to 12 years and six months in prison.

    On Oct. 17, 2024, Hampton pled guilty to conspiracy to distribute 500 grams of more of methamphetamine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and was sentenced today to 35 years in prison.

    Erik S. Siebert, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Michael Feinberg, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Norfolk Field Office; Christopher Heck, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations (ICE HSI) Washington, D.C.; and Ramin Fatehi, Norfolk Commonwealth’s Attorney, made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Elizabeth W. Hanes.

    Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Graham M. Stolle, an Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney with the Norfolk Commonwealth’s Attorney Office, Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joseph E. DePadilla and Luke Bresnahan, and former Assistant U.S. Attorney William B. Jackson prosecuted the case.

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

    A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:21-cr-115.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Tuberville Continues to Champion Cryptocurrency, Calls President Trump the “Crypto President”

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Alabama Tommy Tuberville
    WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) reintroduced two pieces of legislation related to protecting American cryptocurrency.
    Senator Tuberville’s first bill, the Financial Freedom Act, would reverse a Biden-era memo from the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) that limits options for where Americans can invest their retirement earnings. The Financial Freedom Act would allow Americans to choose how they want to invest their money, including in crypto.
    “The Biden administration was hellbent on controlling every aspect of Americans’ lives,” said Senator Tuberville. “Meddling in 401(k) investments through overregulation restrains financial growth and restricts personal liberty. The federal government, which is $36 trillion debt, shouldn’t be telling anyone how to invest their money. My bill ensures that hardworking Americans have the financial freedom to make decisions about how to invest their retirement savings.”
    Senator Cynthia Lummis (R-WY) is a cosponsor of this legislation.
    Senator Tuberville’s second bill, the Prohibiting Foreign Adversary Interference in Cryptocurrency Markets Act, would prohibit the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) from registering a digital commodity platform that is owned in whole or in part by an entity organized or established in China. It also requires the CFTC to revoke the registration of any digital commodity platform in the event an entity with ties to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) acquires all or any part of the ownership of the entity.
    Digital commodity platforms collect and store personally identifiable information — including Social Security numbers, mailing addresses, and sensitive financial account data — of their users. Allowing entities based in the PRC to access this information raises serious concerns related to investor protection, data privacy, national security, sanctions compliance, and anti-money laundering efforts. Companies based in the PRC all ultimately answer to the CCP.
    “For four years, the Biden administration put America last – bowing to China at every turn and allowing our adversaries to get ahead,” said Senator Tuberville. “Thanks to President Trump, those days are over. Crypto is the future and we have to make sure our markets are protected from bad actors like China who want to destroy us. This critical bill will protect our markets and make Americans safer.”
    Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS) is a cosponsor of this legislation.
    Senator Tuberville discussed his legislation on Fox Business with Larry Kudlow.
    BACKGROUND:
    FINANCIAL FREEDOM ACT
    The Financial Freedom Act would reverse regulatory guidance released by the Employee Benefits Security Administration, an agency inside of U.S. Department of Labor (DOL). The guidance attempts to bar 401(k) investors from investing in cryptocurrency and undermines the ability of 401(k) plans to offer brokerage windows, which give retirement plan participants the ability to personally control how their assets are invested.
    The DOL guidance threatens that employers and investment firms could be subject to investigation and enforcement actions should they allow individuals using brokerage windows to invest in cryptocurrency. Senator Tuberville’s bill would bar such investigations and enforcement actions, opening the door for Americans to invest their savings in investments of their choice. 
    Senator Tuberville has consistently been an outspoken advocate in Congress for personal financial freedom. 
    Senator Tuberville previously introduced the Financial Freedom Act in the 117th Congress and penned an op-ed warning against government infringement on personal investment decisions.
    Senator Tuberville spoke on the Senate floor in support of the Financial Freedom Act.
    Senator Tuberville joined 36 of his U.S. Senate colleagues in introducing the Fair Access to Banking Act, a bill to protect fair access to financial services by preventing banks and financial institutions from discriminating against law-abiding businesses.
    Senator Tuberville added his support to a resolution that would challenge the Biden administration’s rule to allow retirement fund managers to consider and prioritize Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) factors while making retirement investment decisions.
    Senator Tuberville introduced legislation to protect Americans’ financial privacy against government surveillance.
    Prohibiting Foreign Adversary Interference in Cryptocurrency Markets Act
    The CCP’s efforts to mine data and surveil the public are well known, and decisive action is needed to safeguard the American people. Under current law, U.S. regulators have limited tools to block the purchase of a U.S. digital commodity platform by a CCP-tied entity. The Prohibiting Foreign Adversary Interference in Cryptocurrency Markets Act will help to wall off the burgeoning U.S. digital asset industry from Chinese interference and help to ensure continued American leadership in financial innovation. 
    Senator Tuberville believes the CCP seeks to overtake the United States as the top global superpower and that America must face China’s growing military and non-military threats with clear-eyed resolve.
    Since assuming office in the U.S. Senate in 2021, Senator Tuberville has led and supported numerous efforts to protect American investments, intellectual property, and national security from China.
    Senator Tuberville led the call for an investigation into Webull Financial, LLC and Moomoo, Inc. – two Chinese-owned stock trading apps operating in the United States that are registered with the SEC and FINRA.
    Both apps are widely used by American investors and freely collect and store sensitive information about users, including Social Security numbers, mailing addresses, and financial account data.
    In May 2023, Senator Tuberville sent a letter to SEC Chair Gary Gensler and FINRA President and CEO Robert Cook calling for oversight of the trading platforms due to the potential CCP access of American user data. In the letter, Senator Tuberville asked for answers to critical questions about the ability of the SEC and FINRA to examine the Chinese companies’ compliance with U.S. law.
    In March 2023, Senator Tuberville led a congressional delegation to Panama to discuss countering China’s growing influence in the region.
    On the trip, Senator Tuberville met with American and Panamanian officials to strategize ways to combat Chinese attempts to control the Panama Canal, which would give China enormous influence over global supply chains.
    To curb Chinese influence in the economy, Senator Tuberville introduced legislation to ban members of the CCP from receiving B-1 and B-2 visas to the United States for vacation and non-official government business.
    The CCP is responsible for trillions of dollars of intellectual property theft each year. To curb growing foreign influence and crime and discourage other Chinese nationals from joining the CCP, the bill cosponsored by Senator Tuberville would bar all 93 million CCP members from entering the United States using nonimmigrant B-1 and B-2 visas.
    Senator Tuberville believes the retirement savings of our military and federal government employees, known as the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP), should not be invested in the economies of our adversaries, such as China.
    Senator Tuberville wrote about this issue in the Wall Street Journal in a column entitled, “I’ll Keep Veterans’ Pensions Safe From Communism” and discussed the issue on Fox Business.
    Senator Tuberville continued the push for accountability from the Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board (FRTIB) surrounding the board’s policy on foreign investments. 
    Senator Tuberville placed a hold on nominees to the FRTIB until the nominees provided clarification regarding foreign investment policies, which forced the nominees to commit to opposing TSP investment in China.
    MORE:
    Tuberville Questions CFTC Chairman on Taxation of Cryptocurrency and the Need for a Regulatory Framework for Cryptocurrency
    Tuberville Leads Letter Calling for DOJ, SEC Investigation into China-Tied Crypto Firm Prometheum, Inc.
    Tuberville Leads Bipartisan Bill to Block CCP Ownership of American Crypto Companies
    Tuberville, Lummis Work to Establish Strategic Bitcoin Reserve
    Tuberville Takes Action to Protect Conservatives, Taxpayers from Political Discrimination by Banks
    ICYMI: Tuberville in Daily Caller: A Fed-Controlled Digital Dollar Could Mean The End Of Freedom In America
    Tuberville Reintroduces Bill to Keep the Government Out of Americans’ Investment Decisions 
    WHAT THEY ARE SAYING: Support Grows for Tuberville’s Legislation to Protect 401(k) Investment Freedom
    Tuberville Continues Push to Protect Retirement Savers’ Financial Freedom
    New Tuberville Legislation Promotes Financial Freedom for 401(k) Investors
    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 USA: Cantwell to Vote NO on Advancing Social Security Commissioner Nominee

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Washington Maria Cantwell
    04.01.25
    Cantwell to Vote NO on Advancing Social Security Commissioner Nominee
    Cantwell: “Social Security is no place to slash and burn. It’s a contract with the American people. It should be kept.”
    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, spoke against advancing Frank Bisignano – President Donald Trump’s pick to serve as Commissioner of the Social Security Administration – at a Senate Finance Committee Executive Session. The committee will hold their vote to advance Bisignano’s nomination soon.  
    “We have an administration represented with DOGE, who think that they’re going to come in here and find billions of dollars that they can take out of Social Security and give to tax breaks to billionaires and corporations,” said Sen. Cantwell. “He’s not being hired because he’s an expert on Social Security. He’s being hired because somebody thinks he’s going to come in here and basically get billions of dollars out of Social Security to give to a tax bill.”
    At today’s Senate Finance Committee Executive Session, Sen. Cantwell explained that her constituent, who was incorrectly presumed dead shortly after Elon Musk installed his DOGE team at the Social Security Administration, has been forced to “wage war” against the SSA to correct this mistake:
    “Social Security wrongfully declared one of my constituents, Ned Johnson, dead. His monthly benefit was withheld. Thousands of dollars in previously paid benefits were clawed back out of his joint account he shares with his wife. The erroneous determination set off a bureaucratic nightmare, and ultimately, he had to wait in line at the Federal Building.”
    Sen. Cantwell continued, “Why does he have to wage a war just to get his Social Security benefits? We cannot afford more of this thinking in this position. We need to make sure that we know the answers, and I do not believe that we have them today.”
    Video of Sen. Cantwell’s remarks today with Bisignano are available HERE, audio HERE, and a full transcript is HERE.

    “The taxpayers that pay into the program do so throughout their lives, and they want the government to live up to that obligation and take care of them,” said Sen. Cantwell. “Overwhelmingly, Americans support Social Security. A recent AARP poll found that 85% of Americans want Social Security benefits maintained or increased. And that shows that that’s everybody, that’s not just Democrats or people who remember how Social Security got created. This is everybody. This is Democrats, Republicans, independents.”
    In the State of Washington, 1.4 million people receive Social Security. Below is a breakdown of Social Security recipients by county:

    County

    Number of Social Security Recipients

    King Co.

    312,000+

    Spokane Co.

    115,000+

    Clark Co.

    98,000+

    Yakima Co.

    46,000+

    *County data sourced from SSA.gov*
    Sen. Cantwell has been a long-standing champion for Social Security and protecting Washingtonian’s benefits. In December 2024, Sen. Cantwell co-sponsored and voted to pass the bipartisan Social Security Fairness Act, which repealed two Social Security policies that unfairly limited payments for people who also receive a pension from a job that is not covered by Social Security, as well as their surviving spouses and widow(ers). In 2018, Sen. Cantwell introduced and voted to pass the Tribal Social Security Fairness Act to correct a long-standing inequity in the Social Security Act that prevents elected tribal leaders from contributing to and accessing Social Security benefits.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Business First Bancshares, Inc. Announces First Quarter 2025 Earnings Release Date and Conference Call

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    BATON ROUGE, La., April 01, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Business First Bancshares, Inc. (Nasdaq: BFST), the parent company of b1BANK, is scheduled to release first quarter 2025 earnings after market close on Thursday, April 24, 2025. Executive management will host a conference call and webcast to discuss results on the same day (Thursday, April 24, 2025) at 4:00 p.m. CST.

    Interested parties may attend the call by dialing toll-free 1-800-715-9871 (North America only), conference ID 8825623, or asking for the Business First Bancshares conference call.

    The live webcast can be found at https://edge.media-server.com/mmc/p/ziae6qsd. On the day of the presentation, the corresponding slide presentation will be available to view on the b1BANK website at https://www.b1bank.com/shareholder-info.

    About Business First Bancshares, Inc.

    Business First Bancshares, Inc., (Nasdaq: BFST) through its banking subsidiary b1BANK, has $7.9 billion in assets, $6.9 billion in assets under management through b1BANK’s affiliate Smith Shellnut Wilson, LLC (SSW) (excludes $0.9 billion of b1BANK assets managed by SSW) and operates Banking Centers and Loan Production Offices in markets across Louisiana and Texas providing commercial and personal banking products and services. b1BANK is a 2024 Mastercard “Innovation Award” winner and multiyear winner of American Banker Magazine’s “Best Banks to Work For.” Visit b1BANK.com for more information.

    Media Contact: Misty Albrecht  
    b1BANK  
    225.286.7879  
    Misty.Albrecht@b1BANK.com  
       
    Investor Relations Contact:  
    Gregory Robertson Matt Sealy
    337.721.2701 225.388.6116
    Gregory.Robertson@b1BANK.com Matt.Sealy@b1BANK.com

    The MIL Network –