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Category: Transport

  • MIL-OSI USA: Ezell Applauds House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee’s Approval of the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2025

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Mike Ezell (Mississippi 4th District)

    Today, Congressman Mike Ezell (MS-04) released the following statement after the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee approved the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2025. This bipartisan legislation strengthens and supports the United States Coast Guard by authorizing funding through 2029 for its critical missions, including securing our borders, facilitating maritime commerce, ensuring maritime safety, and more.

    The bill was first introduced by Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Subcommittee Chairman Mike Ezell (R-MS), Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman Sam Graves (R-MO), Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Ranking Member Rick Larsen (D-WA), and Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Subcommittee Ranking Member Salud Carbajal (D-CA).

    “The Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2025 is a major step forward in strengthening our national security, modernizing maritime infrastructure, and supporting the dedicated men and women of the Coast Guard,” Subcommittee Chairman Mike Ezell said. “This bipartisan bill provides the tools, training, and technology our service members need to stay mission-ready — whether it’s securing our borders, responding to disasters, or ensuring safe maritime commerce. It also builds on the Force Design 2028 strategy to prepare the Coast Guard for the evolving challenges of tomorrow. I’m especially proud that language to establish a Secretary of the Coast Guard, a bill I introduced, is included in this package, helping to ensure strong, accountable leadership at the highest levels of the Service. I look forward to seeing this vital legislation come up for a vote on the House floor in the near future.”

    “This bill provides the men and women of the Coast Guard with the resources they need to carry out their missions, which are critical to ensuring maritime safety, enforcing U.S. laws at sea, and protecting our nation’s borders,” T&I Committee Chairman Graves said. “The legislation builds upon the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which provided historic investments for new air and sea assets and upgraded shoreside infrastructure, and it establishes a Coast Guard Service Secretary to provide the Coast Guard parity with other military services and a voice to advocate for its needs. Members of the Coast Guard often go above and beyond the call of duty, a fact clearly demonstrated again during the response to the recent flooding in Texas when Petty Officer Scott Ruskan and the Rescue 6553 air crew team helped save over 165 lives. This committee has a responsibility to make sure that these and all the heroic men and women who serve in the Coast Guard have the resources they need to carry out their missions, and this bill does that.”

    “Today’s advancement of the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2025 was a welcome return to this Committee’s bipartisan work,” T&I Committee Ranking Member Larsen said. “This bill ensures the Coast Guard has the resources it needs to remain mission ready—preventing and responding to oil spills in the Puget Sound, preventing sexual assault and harassment and more—and improve shoreside infrastructure while investing in the women and men who keep our seas safe. I look forward to this bill swiftly reaching the House floor.”

    “Every single day, the Coast Guard goes to work to protect seafarers and beachgoers, and reinforce our national defense,” Subcommittee Ranking Member Carbajal said. “This bipartisan bill delivers critical resources for the Coast Guard to carry out its missions, modernize infrastructure and safety systems, and enhance quality of life for our Coasties. Just as importantly, it renews our shared commitment to holding the service accountable for meaningful reforms to root out sexual assault and harassment from its ranks.”

    The Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2025 authorizes appropriations for the Service through fiscal year 2029.  These authorizations will support Coast Guard operations and the continued recapitalization of its historically underfunded cutter fleet, aviation assets, shoreside facilities, and IT capabilities. The bill modernizes the Coast Guard’s acquisition process, increases transparency and accountability in the Service’s recapitalization efforts, and opens a pathway to the adoption of next-generation autonomous technologies.  

    The bill also creates greater parity with the other armed services, including the establishment of a Secretary of the Coast Guard and stronger protections for members of the Coast Guard from sexual assault and harassment, based on legislation the T&I Committee introduced last Congress following the Service’s Operation Fouled Anchor.  

    Furthermore, the legislation strengthens U.S.-Build requirements and improves accountability to better ensure a healthy, robust U.S. shipbuilding industry, while also making changes to maritime safety laws, amending requirements for merchant mariner credentials to facilitate an increase in the pool of qualified U.S. merchant mariners, increasing vessel safety, and improving regulatory processes.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Pakistani Leader of International Alien Smuggling Organization Extradited from Mexico

    Source: US State of North Dakota

    A Pakistani man made his initial appearance in court in Tucson, Arizona, today after being extradited from Mexico to face charges relating to his role in leading an international alien smuggling organization.

    In May 2024, a federal grand jury in Tucson returned an indictment against Abbas Ali Haider, 48, of Sialkot, Pakistan, for conspiring to smuggle Pakistani nationals into the United States.

    Haider allegedly operated two sham film production companies, Diamond TV World Productions and Multimedia Advertising Ltd., which were fronts for his alien smuggling organization. According to court documents, Haider used those Pakistan-based companies to contract with film companies in Ecuador, Cuba, and Colombia. He then had those companies sponsor visas for Pakistani nationals purporting to work for Haider’s companies under the guise that they were working on a joint filming project in Latin America. Haider provided the Pakistani nationals with phony paperwork indicating that they worked for his companies, which they used at ports of entry in Panama, Brazil, and Colombia. Haider coached the aliens to say they worked in the film industry to deceive and thwart customs and border officials. Haider’s network of smugglers then assisted the Pakistani nationals in traveling to the U.S.-Mexico border, where they illegally crossed into California, Texas, and Arizona. Haider charged the aliens up to $40,000 for the trip.  

    Haider travelled from Pakistan to Mexico in late 2024 and was arrested in Mexico in January 2025 at the request of the U.S. government. Extensive coordination and cooperation between U.S. and Mexican law enforcement authorities resulted in Haider’s timely extradition.

    Haider is charged with one count of conspiracy to bring illegal aliens to the United States and four counts of bringing in illegal aliens for profit. If convicted, he faces a mandatory minimum penalty of five years in prison.

    Acting Assistant Attorney General Matthew R. Galeotti of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Timothy Courchaine for the District of Arizona, and Special Agent in Charge Shawn Gibson of Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) San Diego, made the announcement.

    HSI Calexico led U.S. investigative efforts, working in concert with HSI’s Brasilia, Quito, Tijuana, and Caribbean attaché offices and the HSI Human Smuggling Unit in Washington, D.C., U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s National Targeting Center International Interdiction Task Force, U.S. Border Patrol; the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force in Miami, and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Office of Enforcement and Removal Operations office in Detroit provided substantial assistance. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs worked with law enforcement partners in Mexico to secure the arrest and extradition of Haider. 

    Trial Attorney Chelsea Schinnour of the Criminal Division’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section (HRSP) and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jared Kreamer Hope and Evan Wesley for the District of Arizona are prosecuting the case.

    The indictment and extradition are the result of the coordinated efforts of Joint Task Force Alpha (JTFA) and the Extraterritorial Criminal Travel Strike Force (ECT) Program. JTFA, a partnership with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), has been elevated and expanded with a mandate to target cartels and transnational criminal organizations to eliminate human smuggling and trafficking operating in Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Panama, and Colombia. JTFA currently comprises detailees from U.S. Attorneys’ Offices along the border. Dedicated support is provided by numerous components of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, led by HRSP and supported by the Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section, Office of Enforcement Operations, and the Office of International Affairs, among others. JTFA also relies on substantial law enforcement investment from DHS, FBI, U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, and other partners. To date, JTFA’s work has resulted in more than 390 domestic and international arrests of leaders, organizers, and significant facilitators of alien smuggling; more than 350 U.S. convictions; more than 300 significant jail sentences imposed; and forfeitures of substantial assets.

    The ECT program is a partnership between the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and HSI and focuses on human smuggling networks that may present particular national security or public safety risks, or present grave humanitarian concerns. ECT has dedicated investigative, intelligence, and prosecutorial resources. ECT also coordinates and receives assistance from other U.S. government agencies and foreign law enforcement authorities.

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

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

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Chinese Premier Calls on China, Australia to Form Stronger Development Synergy

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    BEIJING, July 15 (Xinhua) — Chinese Premier Li Qiang on Tuesday called on China and Australia to further strengthen cooperation ties, promote trade and investment liberalization and facilitation, form stronger development synergy and effectively deal with environmental uncertainty.

    Li Qiang made the remarks at the 8th China-Australia Business Leaders Roundtable, which he co-hosted with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in Beijing.

    About 30 heads of chambers of commerce and enterprises of the two countries took part in the round table.

    Li Qiang recalled that this year marks the 10th anniversary of the China-Australia Free Trade Agreement, and noted that over the past decade, bilateral economic and trade cooperation has demonstrated remarkable resilience and vitality.

    As the Premier of the State Council pointed out, the economic structures of the two countries are highly complementary and have a solid foundation for linking industrial sectors and markets, making China and Australia natural partners for cooperation.

    Li Qiang noted that China’s vast market will continuously unleash its huge consumer potential, creating more business opportunities for enterprises in both countries. He called on the two sides to strengthen cooperation in cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence and life sciences to expand the capabilities of the Chinese and Australian industrial sectors.

    With joint efforts by enterprises from the two countries to enhance cooperation in areas such as clean energy, electric vehicles and energy storage, a world-class green industrial chain with sustainability and competitiveness can be built, the premier stressed.

    Li Qiang said governments and enterprises should move in the same direction to better promote development. He said China will continue to promote high-level opening-up, treat domestic and foreign enterprises equally, and protect the rights and interests of foreign companies and entrepreneurs in China in accordance with the law.

    The Chinese leader also expressed hope that Australia would treat Chinese enterprises doing business in the country fairly and properly address issues related to market access and investment screening.

    Li Qiang called on Chinese and Australian companies to maintain openness, seek cooperation, and further promote market convergence and industrial integration between the two countries.

    E. Albanese noted in his speech that bilateral relations are currently developing steadily and the enthusiasm of business circles of both countries for cooperation is growing sharply.

    The Australian side is ready to strengthen dialogue with the Chinese side, expand cooperation in various fields, including trade, agriculture, industry, energy resources and green development, jointly counter such a global challenge as climate change, and uphold international justice and free trade, added E. Albanese. –0–

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

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    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Ezell Applauds House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee’s Approval of the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2025

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Mike Ezell (Mississippi 4th District)

    Today, Congressman Mike Ezell (MS-04) released the following statement after the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee approved the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2025. This bipartisan legislation strengthens and supports the United States Coast Guard by authorizing funding through 2029 for its critical missions, including securing our borders, facilitating maritime commerce, ensuring maritime safety, and more.

    The bill was first introduced by Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Subcommittee Chairman Mike Ezell (R-MS), Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman Sam Graves (R-MO), Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Ranking Member Rick Larsen (D-WA), and Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Subcommittee Ranking Member Salud Carbajal (D-CA).

    “The Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2025 is a major step forward in strengthening our national security, modernizing maritime infrastructure, and supporting the dedicated men and women of the Coast Guard,” Subcommittee Chairman Mike Ezell said. “This bipartisan bill provides the tools, training, and technology our service members need to stay mission-ready — whether it’s securing our borders, responding to disasters, or ensuring safe maritime commerce. It also builds on the Force Design 2028 strategy to prepare the Coast Guard for the evolving challenges of tomorrow. I’m especially proud that language to establish a Secretary of the Coast Guard, a bill I introduced, is included in this package, helping to ensure strong, accountable leadership at the highest levels of the Service. I look forward to seeing this vital legislation come up for a vote on the House floor in the near future.”

    “This bill provides the men and women of the Coast Guard with the resources they need to carry out their missions, which are critical to ensuring maritime safety, enforcing U.S. laws at sea, and protecting our nation’s borders,” T&I Committee Chairman Graves said. “The legislation builds upon the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which provided historic investments for new air and sea assets and upgraded shoreside infrastructure, and it establishes a Coast Guard Service Secretary to provide the Coast Guard parity with other military services and a voice to advocate for its needs. Members of the Coast Guard often go above and beyond the call of duty, a fact clearly demonstrated again during the response to the recent flooding in Texas when Petty Officer Scott Ruskan and the Rescue 6553 air crew team helped save over 165 lives. This committee has a responsibility to make sure that these and all the heroic men and women who serve in the Coast Guard have the resources they need to carry out their missions, and this bill does that.”

    “Today’s advancement of the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2025 was a welcome return to this Committee’s bipartisan work,” T&I Committee Ranking Member Larsen said. “This bill ensures the Coast Guard has the resources it needs to remain mission ready—preventing and responding to oil spills in the Puget Sound, preventing sexual assault and harassment and more—and improve shoreside infrastructure while investing in the women and men who keep our seas safe. I look forward to this bill swiftly reaching the House floor.”

    “Every single day, the Coast Guard goes to work to protect seafarers and beachgoers, and reinforce our national defense,” Subcommittee Ranking Member Carbajal said. “This bipartisan bill delivers critical resources for the Coast Guard to carry out its missions, modernize infrastructure and safety systems, and enhance quality of life for our Coasties. Just as importantly, it renews our shared commitment to holding the service accountable for meaningful reforms to root out sexual assault and harassment from its ranks.”

    The Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2025 authorizes appropriations for the Service through fiscal year 2029.  These authorizations will support Coast Guard operations and the continued recapitalization of its historically underfunded cutter fleet, aviation assets, shoreside facilities, and IT capabilities. The bill modernizes the Coast Guard’s acquisition process, increases transparency and accountability in the Service’s recapitalization efforts, and opens a pathway to the adoption of next-generation autonomous technologies.  

    The bill also creates greater parity with the other armed services, including the establishment of a Secretary of the Coast Guard and stronger protections for members of the Coast Guard from sexual assault and harassment, based on legislation the T&I Committee introduced last Congress following the Service’s Operation Fouled Anchor.  

    Furthermore, the legislation strengthens U.S.-Build requirements and improves accountability to better ensure a healthy, robust U.S. shipbuilding industry, while also making changes to maritime safety laws, amending requirements for merchant mariner credentials to facilitate an increase in the pool of qualified U.S. merchant mariners, increasing vessel safety, and improving regulatory processes.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Ezell Applauds House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee’s Approval of the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2025

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Mike Ezell (Mississippi 4th District)

    Today, Congressman Mike Ezell (MS-04) released the following statement after the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee approved the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2025. This bipartisan legislation strengthens and supports the United States Coast Guard by authorizing funding through 2029 for its critical missions, including securing our borders, facilitating maritime commerce, ensuring maritime safety, and more.

    The bill was first introduced by Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Subcommittee Chairman Mike Ezell (R-MS), Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman Sam Graves (R-MO), Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Ranking Member Rick Larsen (D-WA), and Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Subcommittee Ranking Member Salud Carbajal (D-CA).

    “The Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2025 is a major step forward in strengthening our national security, modernizing maritime infrastructure, and supporting the dedicated men and women of the Coast Guard,” Subcommittee Chairman Mike Ezell said. “This bipartisan bill provides the tools, training, and technology our service members need to stay mission-ready — whether it’s securing our borders, responding to disasters, or ensuring safe maritime commerce. It also builds on the Force Design 2028 strategy to prepare the Coast Guard for the evolving challenges of tomorrow. I’m especially proud that language to establish a Secretary of the Coast Guard, a bill I introduced, is included in this package, helping to ensure strong, accountable leadership at the highest levels of the Service. I look forward to seeing this vital legislation come up for a vote on the House floor in the near future.”

    “This bill provides the men and women of the Coast Guard with the resources they need to carry out their missions, which are critical to ensuring maritime safety, enforcing U.S. laws at sea, and protecting our nation’s borders,” T&I Committee Chairman Graves said. “The legislation builds upon the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which provided historic investments for new air and sea assets and upgraded shoreside infrastructure, and it establishes a Coast Guard Service Secretary to provide the Coast Guard parity with other military services and a voice to advocate for its needs. Members of the Coast Guard often go above and beyond the call of duty, a fact clearly demonstrated again during the response to the recent flooding in Texas when Petty Officer Scott Ruskan and the Rescue 6553 air crew team helped save over 165 lives. This committee has a responsibility to make sure that these and all the heroic men and women who serve in the Coast Guard have the resources they need to carry out their missions, and this bill does that.”

    “Today’s advancement of the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2025 was a welcome return to this Committee’s bipartisan work,” T&I Committee Ranking Member Larsen said. “This bill ensures the Coast Guard has the resources it needs to remain mission ready—preventing and responding to oil spills in the Puget Sound, preventing sexual assault and harassment and more—and improve shoreside infrastructure while investing in the women and men who keep our seas safe. I look forward to this bill swiftly reaching the House floor.”

    “Every single day, the Coast Guard goes to work to protect seafarers and beachgoers, and reinforce our national defense,” Subcommittee Ranking Member Carbajal said. “This bipartisan bill delivers critical resources for the Coast Guard to carry out its missions, modernize infrastructure and safety systems, and enhance quality of life for our Coasties. Just as importantly, it renews our shared commitment to holding the service accountable for meaningful reforms to root out sexual assault and harassment from its ranks.”

    The Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2025 authorizes appropriations for the Service through fiscal year 2029.  These authorizations will support Coast Guard operations and the continued recapitalization of its historically underfunded cutter fleet, aviation assets, shoreside facilities, and IT capabilities. The bill modernizes the Coast Guard’s acquisition process, increases transparency and accountability in the Service’s recapitalization efforts, and opens a pathway to the adoption of next-generation autonomous technologies.  

    The bill also creates greater parity with the other armed services, including the establishment of a Secretary of the Coast Guard and stronger protections for members of the Coast Guard from sexual assault and harassment, based on legislation the T&I Committee introduced last Congress following the Service’s Operation Fouled Anchor.  

    Furthermore, the legislation strengthens U.S.-Build requirements and improves accountability to better ensure a healthy, robust U.S. shipbuilding industry, while also making changes to maritime safety laws, amending requirements for merchant mariner credentials to facilitate an increase in the pool of qualified U.S. merchant mariners, increasing vessel safety, and improving regulatory processes.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Harshbarger Co-Leads Bipartisan PBM Reform Bill

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Diana Harshbarger (R-TN)

    WASHINGTON, DC – Last week, Representative Harshbarger (R-TN) joined her fellow pharmacist in Congress Representative Buddy Carter (R-GA) in introducing his bipartisan PBM Reform Act which would protect patients and pharmacies from the harmful and anticompetitive business practices of pharmacy benefit managers (PBM). 

    “It’s time to put an end to the shady and manipulative practices of pharmacy benefit managers. For too long, PBMs have driven up drug prices and padded their pockets while independent community pharmacies are being pushed to the financial brink. My colleagues and I are committed to changing that. This legislation delivers long-overdue accountability, increases transparency, lowers out-of-pocket costs for families, and saves taxpayer dollars. Local pharmacies and the patients they serve are at a breaking point, and they deserve relief. I’m proud to join my colleagues in introducing this bill and look forward to passing real PBM reform that will deliver for both patients and providers,” said Rep. Diana Harshbarger. 

    The PBM Reform Act would: 

    • Ban “spread pricing” in Medicaid and move to a transparent system that ensures pharmacies are fairly and adequately reimbursed for serving Medicaid beneficiaries.
    • Establish new requirements for PBMs under Medicare Part D, including a policy to delink PBM compensation from the cost of medications and increase transparency.
    • Promote transparency for both employers and patients in their prescription drug plans, with semi-annual reporting on drug spending, rebates, and formulary determinations.
    • Require Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to define and enforce “reasonable and relevant” contract terms in Medicare Part D pharmacy contracts and enforce oversight on reported violations.

    Original Co-Sponsors include: Buddy Carter (R-GA), Debbie Dingell (D-MI), Greg Murphy (R-NC), Deborah Ross (D-NC), Jodey Arrington (R-TX), Vicente Gonzalez (D-TX), Rick Allen (R-GA), Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL), John Rose (R-TN), Derek Tran (D-CA), and Nicole Malliotakis (R-NY). 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Seventeen Individuals Charged for Smuggling Kilogram Quantities of Cocaine Through the Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – A federal grand jury in the District of Puerto Rico returned three separate indictments charging 17 individuals with drug trafficking through the Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport. Two defendants are also charged with money laundering.

    First Indictment

    On June 26, 2025, a federal grand jury in the District of Puerto Rico returned an indictment charging three individuals with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine.

    As alleged in the indictment, beginning on a date unknown, but not later than in or about 2023, to the date of the indictment,

    [1] Kristian Yadiel Falcón-López

    [2] Chazz David Carter-Justiniano

    [3] Natalia Díaz-García

    knowingly and intentionally conspired and agreed with each other and with other individuals to possess with intent to distribute and distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine through the Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport.

    Falcón-López and Charter-Justiniano are also charged with conspiracy to launder monetary instruments which involved the proceeds of their drug trafficking activities.

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ryan R. McCabe and María Cristina Semanaz-Ojeda from the Transnational Organized Crime Section are in charge of the prosecution of the case.

    Second Indictment

    The second indictment charges the following individuals with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine through the Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport:

    [1] Jonathan Ramírez-Colón, a.k.a. “Momia”

    [2] Ivelisse García-Osorio

    [3] Stephanie L. Suárez-Vélez

    [4] Francheska Muriel-Quintana

    [5] Estephanie Torres-Bosa, a.k.a. “Fany”

    [6] Charitty M. Hernández-Reyes

    The alleged period of the conspiracy is from a date unknown, but no later than in or about 2018, to the date of the indictment. Documents filed in the case also allege that Defendant Ramírez-Colón recruited couriers (commonly known as “mules”) and sent them with cocaine-filled suitcases to be checked in at the airport and transported to the continental United States where the cocaine would be delivered to other persons.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Antonio J. López-Rivera from the Transnational Organized Crime Section is in charge of the prosecution of the case.

    Third Indictment

    The third indictment unsealed today charges eight individuals with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine through the Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport. Those defendants are:

    [1] Sandy L. Guardiola-Bermúdez, a.k.a. “Guny/Mario”

    [2] Carlos Alberto Cruz-Bonilla, a.k.a. “Huesito”

    [3] Onix Negrón-Guerrido

    [4] Jomar Maldonado-Ríos

    [5] Tanyshkaliz Archilla-Rivera, a.k.a. “Tany”

    [6] Yarauni Nieves-Rivera

    [7] Yairaliz Arzuaga-Díaz

    [8] Patricia Ayala-Otero

    According to the indictment, the conspiracy began on a date unknown, but not later than in or about 2023 and lasted through the date of the indictment. Documents filed in the case allege that the defendants were part of a drug trafficking organization comprised of a network of recruiters, coordinators, and transporters who traveled from Puerto Rico to the continental United States via commercial flights with cocaine for wholesale distribution, all for significant financial gain.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Antonio J. López-Rivera from the Transnational Organized Crime Section is in charge of the prosecution of the case.

    “These drug trafficking organizations were using the Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport to smuggle large quantities of cocaine from Puerto Rico to several destinations throughout the continental United States. Today, federal agencies dismantled these organizations by arresting leaders, organizers and travelers who made their distribution network possible,” said U.S. Attorney W. Stephen Muldrow. “The United States Attorney’s Office will continue to work with our law enforcement partners in Puerto Rico and the Continental United States to gather the evidence necessary to bring the leaders and other members of these criminal organizations to justice.”

    “These investigations demonstrate the DEA’s unwavering commitment to protecting our airports and the communities from the impact of drug trafficking. These criminal organizations believed they could operate with impunity out of Puerto Rico, but today, they are facing the swift hand of justice. I am deeply grateful for the tireless work of our agents, analysts, local and federal partners,” said Michael Miranda, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Agency Caribbean Division.

    If convicted on the drug conspiracy charges, the defendants face a minimum sentence of 10 years in prison, and a maximum sentence of life in prison. Those defendants charged with money laundering face a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    The Drug Enforcement Administration is in charge of the investigations with the assistance of the Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Puerto Rico Police Bureau and their respective Airport Investigations and Tactical Teams (AirTAT). The San Juan Municipal Police, the Carolina Municipal Police and the Puerto Rico Department of Treasury also collaborated during the investigations and arrests.

    AirTAT identifies, locates, disrupts, dismantles, and prosecutes transnational crime organizations using the airports in Puerto Rico to smuggle narcotics, weapons, human cargo, counterfeit documents, illegal proceeds, and other contraband.

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

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

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    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Urgent Care Operator Pays $3 Million Dollars to Resolve Alleged Violations of the False Claims Act

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Urgent Care Operator Bloom Care LLC and its owners have paid $3,000,000 to resolve allegations that they billed for unnecessary testing and inflated the extent of services performed.

    BOISE – Bloom Care LLC and its owners have paid $3,000,000 to resolve allegations that they violated the False Claims Act by submitting false claims to Federal healthcare programs for medically unnecessary testing and for inflating the extent of services performed. Bloom operated Urgent Care centers in Idaho and New Mexico throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

    The United States alleged that Bloom knowingly used the COVID-19 pandemic as an excuse for billing for medically unnecessary streptococcus and influenza tests for asymptomatic patients. Additionally, the United States contends that Bloom submitted claims for high-level evaluation and management services for COVID-19 patients when Bloom knew that the services should have been billed at a lower level of service that would have been reimbursed at a lower rate. To justify these high reimbursement claims, the United States contends that Bloom exaggerated the time spent with COVID-19 patients and/or the complexity of the evaluation required to care for these patients.

    “The Department of Justice is committed to identifying waste, fraud, and abuse in federal programs,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Justin Whatcott. “I commend the federal and state agencies that investigated this case, as their important efforts protect taxpayer dollars.”

    “Healthcare providers participating in federal health care programs must follow all relevant laws and rules when submitting claims – and certainly not order medically unnecessary services to boost their profits,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey McIntosh of the U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “This settlement shows HHS-OIG’s enduring commitment to protecting the integrity of federal health care programs and the people who rely on them. We will continue to collaborate with our law enforcement partners to investigate allegations brought under the False Claims Act.”

    “Companies that provide services to veterans will be held to the highest standards of integrity, professionalism, and accountability,” said Special Agent in Charge Dimitriana Nikolov with the Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General’s Northwest Field Office. “Submitting claims for medically unnecessary services will not be tolerated, and the VA OIG will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to hold wrongdoers accountable and ensure veterans receive the quality healthcare they deserve.”

    This matter was investigated jointly by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Idaho, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of the Inspector General, and the United States Department of Veterans Affairs Office of the Inspector General. Additional assistance was provided by the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare. Assistant United States Attorney Elliot Wertheim handled this case.

    The claims resolved by the settlement against Bloom Care LLC are allegations only and there has been no admission or determination of liability.

    On May 17, 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Justice Department in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud.  The task force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. For more information on the department’s response to the pandemic, please visit www.justice.gov/coronavirus.

    Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Justice Department’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866‑720‑5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.

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    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: Infrastructure: IMI CIB promotes dialogue in London on the UK’s €846 billion plan

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Mauro Micillo, Chief of the IMI CIB Division at Intesa Sanpaolo

    LONDON, July 15, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The IMI Corporate & Investment Banking Division of Intesa Sanpaolo hosted the conference “Infrastructure and Growth Opportunities for Europe and the UK: Focus on the UK Infrastructure Strategy” in London, bringing together institutions, companies and investors to discuss the growth prospects linked to the United Kingdom’s new ten-year infrastructure plan.

    “Intesa Sanpaolo is playing a catalytic role in supporting investments alongside institutions, corporates, funds and investors to support the key projects of the United Kingdom’s new 10-year infrastructure plan. Financing sustainable infrastructure, while supporting the so-called twin transition (green and digital), will continue to be a strategic pillar of the IMI CIB Division’s strategy.”

    Mauro Micillo, Chief of the IMI CIB Division at Intesa Sanpaolo

    The United Kingdom’s Plan outlines investments of more than €846 billion between 2025 and 2035, centred on three strategic pillars:

    • infrastructure works
    • energy transition
    • enhancement of social and environmental systems.

    The Conference stems from the belief that a constructive public-private dialogue is key to accelerating projects that strengthen the competitiveness of the United Kingdom and Europe.

    In 2024 alone, global project finance volumes surpassed €300 billion, with transactions involving Intesa Sanpaolo’s IMI CIB Division representing around €45 billion — nearly 15% of the global total.

    IMI Corporate & Investment Banking Division’s Activities in the United Kingdom

    The London branch of Intesa Sanpaolo’s IMI Corporate & Investment Banking Division serves as the main hub for the UK & MEA Region, which also includes operations in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha, and Istanbul.

    In 2024, total financing volumes for corporate and financial institution clients in the Region amounted to approximately €8.5 billion (as of 31/12/2024).

    Since 2023, the IMI CIB Division has participated in numerous international transactions originating in the United Kingdom, supporting transition and innovation, for a total value of approximately €11 billion.

    Key projects supported by the IMI CIB Division include:

    • CO₂ transport and storage – Liverpool Bay T&S.
    • Acquisition of National Grid Transmission by Macquarie AM.
    • Renewables and energy efficiency operations with TRIG and SEEIT.

    These initiatives confirm the Intesa Sanpaolo Group’s ongoing commitment to enabling sustainable and digital transformation, in line with the Group’s 2022–2025 Business Plan

    Contact: international.media@intesasanpaolo.com

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/a06e75ac-8a5b-4a97-abcc-b480cb22b9de

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Pakistani Leader of International Alien Smuggling Organization Extradited from Mexico

    Source: United States Attorneys General 11

    A Pakistani man made his initial appearance in court in Tucson, Arizona, today after being extradited from Mexico to face charges relating to his role in leading an international alien smuggling organization.

    In May 2024, a federal grand jury in Tucson returned an indictment against Abbas Ali Haider, 48, of Sialkot, Pakistan, for conspiring to smuggle Pakistani nationals into the United States.

    Haider allegedly operated two sham film production companies, Diamond TV World Productions and Multimedia Advertising Ltd., which were fronts for his alien smuggling organization. According to court documents, Haider used those Pakistan-based companies to contract with film companies in Ecuador, Cuba, and Colombia. He then had those companies sponsor visas for Pakistani nationals purporting to work for Haider’s companies under the guise that they were working on a joint filming project in Latin America. Haider provided the Pakistani nationals with phony paperwork indicating that they worked for his companies, which they used at ports of entry in Panama, Brazil, and Colombia. Haider coached the aliens to say they worked in the film industry to deceive and thwart customs and border officials. Haider’s network of smugglers then assisted the Pakistani nationals in traveling to the U.S.-Mexico border, where they illegally crossed into California, Texas, and Arizona. Haider charged the aliens up to $40,000 for the trip.  

    Haider travelled from Pakistan to Mexico in late 2024 and was arrested in Mexico in January 2025 at the request of the U.S. government. Extensive coordination and cooperation between U.S. and Mexican law enforcement authorities resulted in Haider’s timely extradition.

    Haider is charged with one count of conspiracy to bring illegal aliens to the United States and four counts of bringing in illegal aliens for profit. If convicted, he faces a mandatory minimum penalty of five years in prison.

    Acting Assistant Attorney General Matthew R. Galeotti of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Timothy Courchaine for the District of Arizona, and Special Agent in Charge Shawn Gibson of Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) San Diego, made the announcement.

    HSI Calexico led U.S. investigative efforts, working in concert with HSI’s Brasilia, Quito, Tijuana, and Caribbean attaché offices and the HSI Human Smuggling Unit in Washington, D.C., U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s National Targeting Center International Interdiction Task Force, U.S. Border Patrol; the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force in Miami, and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Office of Enforcement and Removal Operations office in Detroit provided substantial assistance. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs worked with law enforcement partners in Mexico to secure the arrest and extradition of Haider. 

    Trial Attorney Chelsea Schinnour of the Criminal Division’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section (HRSP) and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jared Kreamer Hope and Evan Wesley for the District of Arizona are prosecuting the case.

    The indictment and extradition are the result of the coordinated efforts of Joint Task Force Alpha (JTFA) and the Extraterritorial Criminal Travel Strike Force (ECT) Program. JTFA, a partnership with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), has been elevated and expanded with a mandate to target cartels and transnational criminal organizations to eliminate human smuggling and trafficking operating in Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Panama, and Colombia. JTFA currently comprises detailees from U.S. Attorneys’ Offices along the border. Dedicated support is provided by numerous components of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, led by HRSP and supported by the Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section, Office of Enforcement Operations, and the Office of International Affairs, among others. JTFA also relies on substantial law enforcement investment from DHS, FBI, U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, and other partners. To date, JTFA’s work has resulted in more than 390 domestic and international arrests of leaders, organizers, and significant facilitators of alien smuggling; more than 350 U.S. convictions; more than 300 significant jail sentences imposed; and forfeitures of substantial assets.

    The ECT program is a partnership between the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and HSI and focuses on human smuggling networks that may present particular national security or public safety risks, or present grave humanitarian concerns. ECT has dedicated investigative, intelligence, and prosecutorial resources. ECT also coordinates and receives assistance from other U.S. government agencies and foreign law enforcement authorities.

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

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

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: MOBIA named an Eaton Partner Awards Winner

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    DARTMOUTH, Nova Scotia, July 15, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — MOBIA Technology Innovations, a leading Canadian business transformation partner, proudly announced that it has been named an Eaton Partner Awards Winner for 2024. MOBIA’s commitment to delivering unequalled value to its customers with innovative technology solutions that enable successful business transformation solidified the company’s place among Eaton’s top partners in Canada.

    Supporting customers across telecommunications, financial services, retail, utilities, healthcare, and many other industries, MOBIA executes technology transformations that reimagine the way medium to large enterprises operate in today’s ever-changing markets. Over the years, the company has collaborated with Eaton on many of these initiatives, confident that Eaton’s innovative technology offers the most reliable and secure power solutions for data centers and other critical enterprise infrastructure. “Working with Eaton to tailor solutions that power infrastructure and hardware for our customers has allowed us to deliver unmatched performance and peace of mind,” said Chris Peerless, Vice President at MOBIA. “As we continue to work together on these initiatives, we look forward to growing and strengthening our partnership.”

    The Eaton Partner Awards recognizes channel partners who have shown strong growth and commitment to superior customer service over the last year. “MOBIA consistently embodied Eaton partner values throughout 2024, delivering outstanding service and solutions to customers,” said Jodi Bonham, IT Channel Manager at Eaton. “We are excited to see what the future of our growing partnership holds and look forward to continuing to do great work together in 2025 and beyond.”

    As the partnership between MOBIA and Eaton continues to evolve, MOBIA customers will benefit from more of Eaton’s innovation, including:

    • Cybersecurity – First to market with a cyber secure network card, Eaton continues to expand its cybersecurity capabilities with the new Network-M3 card.
    • Brightlayer Data Center Suite – Offering a portfolio of digital solutions that enable enterprise customers to manage an increasingly complex ecosystem of IT and operational technology assets, Brightlayer seamlessly integrates with Eaton’s secure hardware.
    • Power management for AI – As more customers embrace and adopt AI, their power requirements will change. Eaton’s scalable and secure power management and connectivity solutions are the perfect fit for new AI deployments.

    To learn more about MOBIA contact LJ Hambly at laura.hambly@mobia.io.

    ABOUT MOBIA
    MOBIA is a leading expert in business transformation and innovative enterprise technology systems. With hundreds of customers across North America, MOBIA partners with organizations of all sizes, across all verticals to transform the way they work. Focused on people, processes, technology, and culture, MOBIA helps businesses reach their full potential. MOBIA is proud to be recognized as one of Canada’s Best Managed Companies and Canada’s Top Growing Companies. To learn more, visit Mobia.io

    ABOUT EATON
    Eaton is an intelligent power management company dedicated to improving the quality of life and protecting the environment for people everywhere. We are guided by our commitment to do business right, to operate sustainably and to help our customers manage power ─ today and well into the future. By capitalizing on the global growth trends of electrification and digitalization, we’re accelerating the planet’s transition to renewable energy, helping to solve the world’s most urgent power management challenges, and doing what’s best for our stakeholders and all of society.
    Founded in 1911, Eaton is marking its 100th anniversary of being listed on the New York Stock Exchange. We reported revenues of $20.8 billion in 2022 and serve customers in more than 170 countries.

    For more information, visit www.eaton.com Follow us on https://www.linkedin.com/company/eaton

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Sen. Cantwell and Rep. Baumgartner Say SCORE Act is Big Loser for College Sports

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Washington Maria Cantwell
    07.15.25
    Sen. Cantwell and Rep. Baumgartner Say SCORE Act is Big Loser for College Sports
    Cantwell: “If you thought the dissolution of the Pac-12 was a heist, the SCORE Act is the National Championship of all heists. This legislation is a power grab by the two biggest conferences that will leave athletes, coaches, and small and mid-sized institutions behind.”
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, that oversees college sports, and Representative Michael Baumgartner (R, WA-05) called on the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing and Trade to delay its July 15 markup of the Student Compensation and Opportunity through Rights and Endorsements (SCORE) Act, citing significant changes needed to strengthen the bill and meet its goal of improving the future of college athletics—for ALL colleges and ALL athletes.
    “If you thought the dissolution of the Pac-12 was a heist, the SCORE Act is the National Championship of all heists,” said Sen. Cantwell. “This legislation is a power grab by the two biggest conferences that will leave athletes, coaches, and small and mid-sized institutions behind.” 
    “In its current form, the SCORE Act fails to protect what makes college sports special,” said Congressman Baumgartner. “It puts student-athletes at risk by empowering the wealthiest programs to poach talent and control the system. This bill accelerates the erosion of competitive balance, tradition, and opportunity—especially for smaller schools. I want to make sure that college athletics at WSU, Gonzaga, and EWU continue to have a strong future. If we truly care about student-athletes, we should be strengthening the institutions and values that support them, not stacking the deck against them.”
    In a letter to subcommittee Chairman Gus Bilirakis and Ranking Member Jan Schakowsky, Sen. Cantwell and Rep. Baumgartner wrote: “The bill appears to be a product of the richest conferences to cement into place the current power structure in college athletics that would leave only the wealthiest schools able to compete at the highest levels of college athletics. The SCORE Act will only cause more chaos and damage to the college athletics system. We urge you to pull this flawed bill from the mark up until the defects are fixed.”
    Sen. Cantwell and Rep. Baumgartner called out big flaws with the bill’s framework and identified six areas that need to be improved:  
    consider policies to increase revenue for small and mid-sized schools and for women’s and Olympic sports;
    give college athletes a voice in how policies are made and implemented, including those related to conference realignment;
    address the inequities and limitations of the House v. NCAA settlement regarding women’s athletics;
    address the budgetary concerns of small and mid-sized schools;
    ensure health and safety protections; and,
    establish a commission on the future of college athletics.
    “College sports are important to student athletes, schools, alumni, fans, and communities across the United States,” their letter concluded. “Congress needs to get this right and not miss an opportunity to fix the college sports landscape for generations to come. We urge everyone to think long-term and big picture about the future of college athletics that we want to achieve.”
    The text of the letter is below and can be found HERE.
    Dear Chairman Bilirakis and Ranking Member Schakowsky,
    We have significant concerns about H.R. 4312, the “Student Compensation and Opportunity through Rights and Endorsements” (SCORE) Act, slated to be marked up by the Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade. The bill appears to be a product of the richest conferences to cement into place the current power structure in college athletics that would leave only the wealthiest schools able to compete at the highest levels of college athletics. The SCORE Act will only cause more chaos and damage to the college athletics system. We urge you to pull this flawed bill from the mark up until the defects are fixed.
    First, the bill entrenches the NCAA’s authority at a time when the NCAA’s governance structure is becoming increasingly dominated by wealthier conferences. The SCORE Act hands the NCAA unfettered ability to set rules that would make the rich schools richer, like representation on NCAA championship selection committees—and the tournament revenue that comes with it.
    Second, while we are pleased that college athletes can earn a share of the revenue they generate for their schools, the SCORE Act’s formula for determining the size of revenue shared with players will make it difficult for small and mid-sized schools to compete with wealthy schools. The non-policy-based formula in the bill is at least 22 percent of the average sports revenue of the 70 highest-revenue schools—an amount currently estimated to be $20.5 million. Very few schools will be able to pay out this full amount and the situation will be exacerbated over time as the limits increase each year as average revenue increases. These schools will not be able to keep up with wealthy schools who plan to pay their athletes the full $20.5 million each year or more. This will accelerate the loss of talent from these smaller schools, turning them into mere “feeder” schools for the largest programs.
    Third, the SCORE Act ignores important national policies regarding college sports. It ignores the explosive growth of women’s sports and how revenue sharing under the House v. NCAA settlement may jeopardize these gains and lead to far less money flowing to women’s sports. It ignores the importance of college athletics to the Olympic pipeline. The SCORE Act will inevitably lead to the loss of men’s and women’s Olympic sports as schools are implicitly forced to devote ever more resources to the college football arms race. The SCORE Act also fails to address how conference realignment has changed the map of college sports and the absurdity of sending college athletes coast-to-coast on a weekly basis while foreclosing any opportunity for athletes to have a voice at the table to advocate for themselves as these changes continue to play out.
    The SCORE Act is a missed opportunity to deliver creative solutions that will ensure a sustainable future for college athletics beyond the wealthiest programs. Rather than rush the SCORE Act through as is, we should press pause to fix the issues facing schools of all sizes and opportunity for all athletes. The Act should: (1) consider policies to increase revenue for small and mid-sized schools and for women’s and Olympic sports; (2) give college athletes a voice in how policies are made and implemented, including those related to conference realignment; (3) address the inequities and limitations of the House v. NCAA settlement regarding women’s athletics; (4) address the budgetary concerns of small and mid-sized schools; (5) ensure health and safety protections; and (6) establish a commission on the future of college athletics.
    College sports are important to student athletes, schools, alumni, fans, and communities across the United States. Congress needs to get this right and not miss an opportunity to fix the college sports landscape for generations to come. We urge everyone to think long-term and big picture about the future of college athletics that we want to achieve.
    We look forward to working with you on these important issues.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: China plays an important role in promoting mutually beneficial cooperation in the field of rare earth metals – Chinese Ambassador to Russia Zhang Hanhui

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    Moscow, July 15 /Xinhua/ — China plays an important role in promoting mutually beneficial cooperation in the field of rare earth metals, while the negative narratives spread by the United States about the “Chinese threat” in this area sow discord and contradict the laws of economic globalization, Chinese Ambassador to Russia Zhang Hanhui said in an opinion piece published in the Russian newspaper Argumenty i Fakty on Tuesday.

    “China has always carried out international cooperation in the mineral resource sector on the basis of equality and mutual benefit, in accordance with the law, and has never resorted to putting pressure on other countries or putting forward political or security-related conditions,” the publication says.

    As Zhang Hanhui emphasized, China has an important mission in the global supply of rare earth metals, accounting for nearly 70 percent of the world’s supply. The ambassador noted that in recent years, China has given priority to the high-quality development of the rare earth metal industry through scientific and technological innovation, consistently carries out industry regulation, and successfully mastered “green” mining technologies, solving the global pollution problem. “Strengthening the management of rare earth metal exports by China contributes to further changing the extensive development model of the industry, promoting its standardization, orderliness and sustainable development,” the Chinese diplomat said.

    The author of the article recalled that in November last year, China revised its Mineral Resources Law. Article 15 of the law clearly stipulates that international cooperation in the field of mineral resources should be actively promoted, adhering to the principles of equality, mutual benefit and win-win. Zhang Hanhui cited striking examples of mutually beneficial cooperation, including the project implemented by Chinese enterprises to modernize the largest lithium deposit in Zimbabwe, as well as the construction of a modern industrial park in Indonesia that formed a complete chain of “nickel mining – material production – battery production”.

    At the same time, as Zhang Hanhui noted, the US has recently been spreading negative narratives about China “weaponizing rare earth metals” and “strangling the world with rare earth metals.” Moreover, Western countries have declared their intention to build supply chains that exclude China and create a “metal NATO.” “These words are not only imbued with Cold War thinking and openly incite division, but also contradict the laws of economic globalization, threatening peace and stability,” the ambassador warned.

    The author of the publication is confident that the only right way is to strengthen international cooperation. As an example, he cited China and Russia, which are linked by comprehensive partnership and strategic interaction in the new era and have a high degree of complementarity in the field of critical minerals. “Deepening cooperation in this area is important,” the Chinese diplomat emphasized.

    Zhang Hanhui recalled that in a joint statement issued in May this year, China and Russia emphasized the importance of mutual supply of mineral resources, intensifying industrial cooperation, expanding cooperation in technology and innovation, and strengthening industrial chains. “The parties will jointly promote equal and mutually beneficial cooperation in the field of critical minerals, firmly defend the rights and interests of China, Russia and a wide range of developing countries, jointly achieve equal and orderly multipolarity, accessible and inclusive economic globalization, making Chinese-Russian contributions to global development and prosperity,” the Chinese Ambassador to the Russian Federation concluded. –0–

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: July Federal Grand Jury 2025-A Indictments Announced

    Source: US FBI

    United States Attorney Clint Johnson today announced the results of the July Federal Grand Jury 2025-A Indictments.

    The following individuals have been charged with violations of United States law in indictments returned by the Grand Jury. The return of an indictment is a method of informing a defendant of alleged violations of federal law, which must be proven in a court of law beyond a reasonable doubt to overcome a defendant’s presumption of innocence.

    Kennedy Antonio Ramirez Acosta. Possession of Fentanyl with Intent to Distribute. Ramirez Acosta, 39, a Mexican national, is charged with knowingly possessing fentanyl with intent to distribute. The Drug Enforcement Administration Tulsa Resident Office, the ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Dallas Field Office, and the Tulsa County Sheriff’s Office are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tyson McCoy is prosecuting the case. 25-CR-239

    Ventura Rivera Arteaga; Ruben Amadow Meza Medina. Drug Conspiracy (Count 1); Possession of Fentanyl with Intent to Distribute (Counts 2 & 4); Unlawful Reentry of a Removed Alien (Count 3); Maintaining a Drug-Involved Premises (Counts 5 & 6). Rivera Arteaga, 40, a Mexican national, and Meza Medina, 20, a Mexican national, are charged with conspiring to distribute fentanyl. They are separately charged with knowingly possessing fentanyl with intent to distribute and maintaining two separate residences for fentanyl distribution. Additionally, Rivera Arteaga is charged with unlawfully reentering the United States after having been previously removed in Dec. 2024. The Drug Enforcement Administration Tulsa Resident Office, ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Dallas Field Office, and the Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mandy Mackenzie is prosecuting the case. 25-CR-229

    Elijah Lee Chandler, Jr.  Attempted Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute; Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute; Maintaining a Drug-Involved Premises. Chandler, 36, of Tulsa, is charged with attempting to possess more than 500 grams of methamphetamine and with possessing more than 50 grams of methamphetamine with intent to distribute. He is further charged with maintaining a residence to distribute methamphetamine. The Drug Enforcement Administration, the Tulsa Police Department, the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, and the Tulsa County Sheriff’s Office are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney David Nasar is prosecuting the case. 25-CR-231

    Douglas Eugene Chaney.Failure to Register as a Sex Offender. Chaney, 50, of Tulsa, is an individual who is knowingly required to register as a sex offender. He is charged with failing to register as a sex offender from April to May 2025. The U.S. Probation and Pretrial Services Office and the Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michele Hulgaard is prosecuting the case. 25-CR-230

    Daniel Contreras-Martinez.Unlawful Reentry of a Removed Alien. Contreras-Martinez, 46, a Mexican national, is charged with unlawfully reentering the United States after having been previously removed in June 2008. ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Dallas Field Office is the investigative agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam Bailey is prosecuting the case. 
    25-CR-244

    Ramey Joe-Don Dill. Failure to Register as a Sex Offender. Dill, 38, of Ochelata, is an individual who is knowingly required to register as a sex offender. He is charged with failing to register as a sex offender in May 2025. The U.S. Probation and Pretrial Services Office is the investigative agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michele Hulgaard is prosecuting the case. 25-CR-232

    Luis Flores-Rodriguez.Possession of Cocaine with Intent to Distribute. Flores-Rodriguez, 34, a Mexican national, is charged with knowingly possessing cocaine with intent to distribute. The Drug Enforcement Administration, the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, and the Rogers County Sheriff’s Office are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Shakema Onias is prosecuting the case. 25-CR-245

    Franklin Francisco Gioani-Arubio. Unlawful Reentry of a Removed Alien. Gioani-Arubio, 31, a Honduran national, is charged with unlawfully reentering the United States after having been previously removed in Nov. 2017. ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Dallas Field Office is the investigative agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mallory Richard is prosecuting the case. 
    25-CR-246

    Jarod Wade Jenkins. Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition. Jenkins, 26, of Hominy, is charged with possessing a firearm and ammunition, knowing he was previously convicted of a felony. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the FBI are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christian Harris is prosecuting the case. 25-CR-247

    Thomas William Martin.Production of Child Pornography; Possession of Child Pornography. Martin, 42, of Mannford, is charged with coercing a minor child to produce a visual depiction of sexually explicit conduct. He is additionally charged with possessing visual images and videos depicting the sexual abuse of children under 12 years old. The FBI, the Pawnee County Sheriff’s Office, and the Broken Arrow Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Tara Heign and Ashley Robert are prosecuting the case. 25-CR-233

    Felecia Martinez. Attempted Bulk Cash Smuggling Out of the United States. Martinez, 40, of Tulsa and a member of the Potawatomi Nation Tribe, is charged with concealing $32,950 in cash and attempting to transport it to Mexico. At the time of the offense, Martinez was on pre-trial release in the Northern District of Oklahoma related to a case charging her with drug conspiracy, possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, and maintaining a drug-involved premises. The Drug Enforcement Administration Tulsa Resident Office, the U.S. Probation Office for the Northern District of Oklahoma, the Department of Homeland Security Anti-Terrorism Contraband Enforcement Team, and the Laredo Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Adam McConney and Matthew Cyran are prosecuting the case. 25-CR-234

    Sebastain Quino-Velasco. Unlawful Reentry of a Removed Alien. Quino-Velasco, 51, a Mexican national, is charged with unlawfully reentering the United States after having been previously removed in June 2010. ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Dallas Field Office is the investigative agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Valeria Luster is prosecuting the case. 
    25-CR-248

    Rebecca Dawn Quintero Torres. Drug Conspiracy; Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute; Use of a Communication Facility in Committing, Causing, and Facilitating the Commission of a Drug Trafficking Felony. Quintero-Torres, 50, of Tulsa, is charged with conspiring to distribute methamphetamine in June 2025. She is further charged with using the United Parcel Service and knowingly possessing more than 500 grams of methamphetamine with intent to distribute. The Homeland Security Investigations is the investigative agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tyson McCoy is prosecuting the case. 25-CR-240

    Dominic Rocky Torres. Conspiracy to Commit Hobbs Act Robbery; Hobbs Act Robbery; Aiding and Abetting Carrying, Using, and Brandishing a Firearm During and in Relation to a Crime of Violence; Use of Minor in Crime of Violence (superseding). Torres, 22, of Tulsa and a member of the Cherokee Nation, is charged with conspiring with others and aiding and abetting others to obstruct commerce by robbery. Further, he knowingly aided and abetted in brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence. Lastly, Torres intentionally used a minor child to commit a crime of violence. The FBI and the Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Stacey Todd and Jessica Wright are prosecuting the case. 25-CR-112

    Luciano Vasquez, Jr. Conspiracy to Commit Money Laundering. Varquez, 58, of Sand Springs, is charged with conspiring with others to launder more than $16 million, including depositing two fraudulent United States Treasury tax refund checks totaling more than $727,800. The U.S. Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration is the investigative agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ammon Brisolara is prosecuting the case. 25-CR-242

    John Edgar Williams, IV; Jeremy Mindez Ruff; Savannah D’naisha May Gage; Nevaeh Charise Cox; Trinity Rinique Goudeau; Shavari Shantell Melton; Vanessa Lashay Bell; Ashley Elaine Charles. Conspiracy to Commit Sex Trafficking (Count 1); Transporting an Individual for Prostitution (Counts 2, 3, 7, 9, 10, and 13); Interstate Travel to Aid Racketeering (Count 4); Distribution of Child Pornography (Count 5); Sex Trafficking (Counts 6 & 12); Sex Trafficking a Minor (Counts 8, 11, and 14) (superseding). Williams, 38, Gage, 25, Cox, 39, Goudeau, 24, Melton, 20, Bell, 20, Charles, 37, of Tulsa, and Ruff, 39, of Dallas, Texas, are charged with conspiring with each other to recruit, entice, and harbor a person by threats of force to engage in a commercial sex act for payment. Williams, Gage, Ruff, and Goudeau are charged separately for transporting people to engage in prostitution and other sexual activities. Williams, Ruff, Gage, Cox, Goudeau, Melton, and Charles are further charged with using interstate and foreign commerce to promote and manage a business enterprise involving prostitution. Ruff, Cox, Gage, Goudeau, and Melton are charged with recruiting and enticing minor children, between 14 and 18 years old, to engage in sexually explicit acts. Additionally, Williams, Gage, and Goudeau are charged with benefiting financially from recruiting, harboring, and providing transportation to an individual to engage in commercial sex acts. Lastly, Cox is further charged with knowingly distributing visual images and videos depicting the sexual abuse of children. The Tulsa Police Department, Homeland Security Investigations, the Bureau of Indian Affairs, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Muscogee Creek Nation Lighthorse Police are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kenneth Elmore, John Brasher, and John W. Dowdell are prosecuting the case. 25-CR-197

    Allan Ray Wright; Jamie Lynn Wright. Attempted Coercion and Enticement of a Minor. Allan Wright, 30, and Jamie Wright, 32, of Tulsa are charged with attempting to coerce a minor child they believed to be under 18 years old to engage in sexually explicit activity. The Homeland Security Investigations and the Owasso Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jessica Wright and Ashley Robert are prosecuting the case. 25-CR-241

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICE New York investigation lands leader of Mexican sex trafficking organization 188 months in prison

    Source: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement

    NEW YORK — A U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement investigation resulted in the July 10 sentencing of Hugo Hernandez-Velazquez, the leader of a Mexican sex trafficking organization, to 188 months’ imprisonment for sex trafficking multiple victims by force, fraud and coercion. The defendant was extradited from Mexico to the United States in February 2021.

    ICE Homeland Security Investigations New York Special Agent in Charge Ricky J. Patel and Joseph Nocella, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, announced the sentence.

    Hernandez-Velazquez, 48 of Mexico, pleaded guilty to one count of sex trafficking in April 2023. He will be deported after completing his sentence.

    “For nearly a decade, the defendant and his family oversaw a vicious sex trafficking campaign wrought with violence, manipulation, coercion, and outright force against women whom they lured into romantic relationships through false promises of love and support,” stated Patel. “Every day, victims are targeted for human trafficking and other vile forms of exploitation and abuse, often at the hands of their own spouses or purported caretakers. Today’s sentencing is no doubt a direct result of the bravery of each survivor who courageously spoke up. Together with our partners, HSI is unflinchingly committed to investigating and vigorously pursuing anyone, anywhere, who sexually exploits the very individuals they claim to care for.”

    Patel credited HSI New York’s Human Trafficking Task Force for leading the investigation of the Hernandez-Velazquez sex trafficking organization. Additionally, he thanked the HSI Mexico City attaché office, the Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs, the U.S. Department of State, Interpol, International Affairs Department of the Attorney General’s Office in Mexico, the Law Enforcement Unit of the State of Tlaxcala Attorney General’s Office, Interpol Mexico, and the New York City Police Department for their assistance; and praised the government of Mexico for its role in advancing bilateral anti-trafficking enforcement efforts. Patel also acknowledged the non-governmental victim service providers and advocates for their dedicated efforts to restore and improve the lives of survivors of trafficking and their families.

    “For years, the defendant and his siblings operated an illegal, abusive, and exploitative sex trafficking operation that stripped victims of their dignity and subjected them to inhumane violence,” stated Nocella. “It is my hope that the prosecution of their tormentors and the punishment meted out will provide a measure of closure for the brave survivors who assisted the investigation and will help them on their path to healing.”

    Between approximately 2001 and 2009, the defendant and his siblings, Ernesto, Giovanni and Arcelia Hernandez-Velazquez, ran the Hernandez-Velazquez sex trafficking organization based in Mexico. The family organization used force, fraud and coercion to cause young women in Mexico to engage in prostitution in the United States. Members of the family organization lured victims into romantic relationships through false promises of love and support. The victims were pressured to travel to the United States with promises of a better life with their trafficker. Once smuggled into the United States, the victims were forced to engage in prostitution. The family organization maintained a base in Queens, New York, where victims would reside while they were forced to work in New York and other states, including Alabama, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Mississippi, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia. The defendant subjected his victims to physical beatings, forced abortions, and threats. The defendant also threatened violence to the victims’ families to force the victims to continue prostituting on his behalf.

    A U.S. District Court judge previously sentenced Hernandez-Velazquez’s siblings, who also pleaded guilty to sex trafficking: Ernesto Hernandez-Velazquez and Giovanni Hernandez-Velazquez were each sentenced to 210 months’ imprisonment; and Arcelia Hernandez-Velazquez, who pleaded guilty to a Mann Act violation, was sentenced to time served after approximately 60 months in U.S. custody.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICE New York investigation lands leader of Mexican sex trafficking organization 188 months in prison

    Source: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement

    NEW YORK — A U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement investigation resulted in the July 10 sentencing of Hugo Hernandez-Velazquez, the leader of a Mexican sex trafficking organization, to 188 months’ imprisonment for sex trafficking multiple victims by force, fraud and coercion. The defendant was extradited from Mexico to the United States in February 2021.

    ICE Homeland Security Investigations New York Special Agent in Charge Ricky J. Patel and Joseph Nocella, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, announced the sentence.

    Hernandez-Velazquez, 48 of Mexico, pleaded guilty to one count of sex trafficking in April 2023. He will be deported after completing his sentence.

    “For nearly a decade, the defendant and his family oversaw a vicious sex trafficking campaign wrought with violence, manipulation, coercion, and outright force against women whom they lured into romantic relationships through false promises of love and support,” stated Patel. “Every day, victims are targeted for human trafficking and other vile forms of exploitation and abuse, often at the hands of their own spouses or purported caretakers. Today’s sentencing is no doubt a direct result of the bravery of each survivor who courageously spoke up. Together with our partners, HSI is unflinchingly committed to investigating and vigorously pursuing anyone, anywhere, who sexually exploits the very individuals they claim to care for.”

    Patel credited HSI New York’s Human Trafficking Task Force for leading the investigation of the Hernandez-Velazquez sex trafficking organization. Additionally, he thanked the HSI Mexico City attaché office, the Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs, the U.S. Department of State, Interpol, International Affairs Department of the Attorney General’s Office in Mexico, the Law Enforcement Unit of the State of Tlaxcala Attorney General’s Office, Interpol Mexico, and the New York City Police Department for their assistance; and praised the government of Mexico for its role in advancing bilateral anti-trafficking enforcement efforts. Patel also acknowledged the non-governmental victim service providers and advocates for their dedicated efforts to restore and improve the lives of survivors of trafficking and their families.

    “For years, the defendant and his siblings operated an illegal, abusive, and exploitative sex trafficking operation that stripped victims of their dignity and subjected them to inhumane violence,” stated Nocella. “It is my hope that the prosecution of their tormentors and the punishment meted out will provide a measure of closure for the brave survivors who assisted the investigation and will help them on their path to healing.”

    Between approximately 2001 and 2009, the defendant and his siblings, Ernesto, Giovanni and Arcelia Hernandez-Velazquez, ran the Hernandez-Velazquez sex trafficking organization based in Mexico. The family organization used force, fraud and coercion to cause young women in Mexico to engage in prostitution in the United States. Members of the family organization lured victims into romantic relationships through false promises of love and support. The victims were pressured to travel to the United States with promises of a better life with their trafficker. Once smuggled into the United States, the victims were forced to engage in prostitution. The family organization maintained a base in Queens, New York, where victims would reside while they were forced to work in New York and other states, including Alabama, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Mississippi, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia. The defendant subjected his victims to physical beatings, forced abortions, and threats. The defendant also threatened violence to the victims’ families to force the victims to continue prostituting on his behalf.

    A U.S. District Court judge previously sentenced Hernandez-Velazquez’s siblings, who also pleaded guilty to sex trafficking: Ernesto Hernandez-Velazquez and Giovanni Hernandez-Velazquez were each sentenced to 210 months’ imprisonment; and Arcelia Hernandez-Velazquez, who pleaded guilty to a Mann Act violation, was sentenced to time served after approximately 60 months in U.S. custody.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICE New York investigation lands leader of Mexican sex trafficking organization 188 months in prison

    Source: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement

    NEW YORK — A U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement investigation resulted in the July 10 sentencing of Hugo Hernandez-Velazquez, the leader of a Mexican sex trafficking organization, to 188 months’ imprisonment for sex trafficking multiple victims by force, fraud and coercion. The defendant was extradited from Mexico to the United States in February 2021.

    ICE Homeland Security Investigations New York Special Agent in Charge Ricky J. Patel and Joseph Nocella, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, announced the sentence.

    Hernandez-Velazquez, 48 of Mexico, pleaded guilty to one count of sex trafficking in April 2023. He will be deported after completing his sentence.

    “For nearly a decade, the defendant and his family oversaw a vicious sex trafficking campaign wrought with violence, manipulation, coercion, and outright force against women whom they lured into romantic relationships through false promises of love and support,” stated Patel. “Every day, victims are targeted for human trafficking and other vile forms of exploitation and abuse, often at the hands of their own spouses or purported caretakers. Today’s sentencing is no doubt a direct result of the bravery of each survivor who courageously spoke up. Together with our partners, HSI is unflinchingly committed to investigating and vigorously pursuing anyone, anywhere, who sexually exploits the very individuals they claim to care for.”

    Patel credited HSI New York’s Human Trafficking Task Force for leading the investigation of the Hernandez-Velazquez sex trafficking organization. Additionally, he thanked the HSI Mexico City attaché office, the Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs, the U.S. Department of State, Interpol, International Affairs Department of the Attorney General’s Office in Mexico, the Law Enforcement Unit of the State of Tlaxcala Attorney General’s Office, Interpol Mexico, and the New York City Police Department for their assistance; and praised the government of Mexico for its role in advancing bilateral anti-trafficking enforcement efforts. Patel also acknowledged the non-governmental victim service providers and advocates for their dedicated efforts to restore and improve the lives of survivors of trafficking and their families.

    “For years, the defendant and his siblings operated an illegal, abusive, and exploitative sex trafficking operation that stripped victims of their dignity and subjected them to inhumane violence,” stated Nocella. “It is my hope that the prosecution of their tormentors and the punishment meted out will provide a measure of closure for the brave survivors who assisted the investigation and will help them on their path to healing.”

    Between approximately 2001 and 2009, the defendant and his siblings, Ernesto, Giovanni and Arcelia Hernandez-Velazquez, ran the Hernandez-Velazquez sex trafficking organization based in Mexico. The family organization used force, fraud and coercion to cause young women in Mexico to engage in prostitution in the United States. Members of the family organization lured victims into romantic relationships through false promises of love and support. The victims were pressured to travel to the United States with promises of a better life with their trafficker. Once smuggled into the United States, the victims were forced to engage in prostitution. The family organization maintained a base in Queens, New York, where victims would reside while they were forced to work in New York and other states, including Alabama, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Mississippi, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia. The defendant subjected his victims to physical beatings, forced abortions, and threats. The defendant also threatened violence to the victims’ families to force the victims to continue prostituting on his behalf.

    A U.S. District Court judge previously sentenced Hernandez-Velazquez’s siblings, who also pleaded guilty to sex trafficking: Ernesto Hernandez-Velazquez and Giovanni Hernandez-Velazquez were each sentenced to 210 months’ imprisonment; and Arcelia Hernandez-Velazquez, who pleaded guilty to a Mann Act violation, was sentenced to time served after approximately 60 months in U.S. custody.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senate Defense Bill Includes Dozens of Budd-Led Provisions to Boost America’s Military Readiness & End Affirmative Action at Service Academies

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Ted Budd (R-North Carolina)

    Washington, D.C.—Senator Ted Budd (R-NC), a Member of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), recently voted to advance the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) to the Senate floor after securing numerous provisions to improve readiness and quality of life for our troops, increase funding for North Carolina military installations, protect the homeland, and strengthen alliances.

    Senator Budd said in a statement:

    “I’m proud that the FY 2026 NDAA contains dozens of provisions I led that will boost America’s fighting force in North Carolina and around the world by improving our facilities and programs, bolstering America’s air superiority, reducing regulatory burdens, supporting our friend and ally Israel, combatting terrorism, and banning discriminatory affirmative action policies at the service academies. Refocusing the Department of Defense on its core mission will send a clear deterrent message to potential adversaries and make America safer.”

    Below is a summary of the provisions Senator Budd championed in the recent SASC legislative markup that the full Senate will consider in the coming weeks:

    Boosting America’s Military Readiness & Supporting Military Families

    The SASC-passed NDAA represents an investment in America’s military personnel, a refocusing of the Pentagon’s priorities to boost troop readiness, and a needed reduction of bureaucratic red tape. Senator Budd championed a number of key priorities that will improve the quality of life and the effectiveness of our troops by:

    • Providing a 3.8% raise across the board for service members.
    • Creating a pilot program to improve Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) rates for North Carolina service members and their families.
    • Prohibiting affirmative action in U.S. Service Academies admissions
    • Cutting burdensome environmental regulations that prohibit the Defense Department from procuring basic items.
    • Accelerating the development, prototyping, and deployment of mobile nuclear microreactor systems to enhance energy resilience and forward-deployed power capability for U.S. military operations.

    Delivering for North Carolina Military Installations & Manufacturers

    The FY 2026 NDAA authorizes more than $700 million for military construction projects and planning and design funding at facilities across North Carolina. Senator Budd successfully worked to include authorizing provisions to support the following facilities, programs, and units:

    Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point

    • Authorizing $40M in funding to boost the F-35 Aircraft Sustainment Center
    • Authorizing $15M in funding to design the next phase of the Flightline Utilities Modernization project

    Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune

    • Authorizing $34M in funding for the expansion of the Special Operations Forces Combat Service Support/Motor Transport
    • Authorizing $90M in funding to boost the Special Operations Forces Marine Raider Battalion Operations Facility
    • Authorizing $48.28M in funding to boost Amphibious Combat Vehicle Shelters

    Fort Bragg

    • Authorizing $19M in funding to boost the Automated Infantry Platoon Battle Course
    • Authorizing $24M in funding to complete the construction of the Aircraft Maintenance Hangar
    • Authorizing $80M in funding to improve the Fort’s power generation and microgrid
    • Authorizing $32M in funding for the Special Operations Forces Mission Command Center
    • Authorizing $80M in funding to boost the Special Operations Forces Operational Ammunition Supply Point
    • Authorizing $5M in funding for the Pathfinder Airborne Program to improve soldier readiness

    Seymour Johnson Air Force Base

    • Authorizing $54M in funding to improve the Child Development Center
    • Authorizing $41M in funding to boost the Combat Arms Training and Maintenance Complex

    North Carolina National Guard

    • Authorizing $69M in funding for the Aircraft Maintenance Hangar Addition/Alteration project at Salisbury Training Center

    North Carolina Manufacturers & Projects

    • Authorizing $34M in funding to procure Infantry Squad Vehicles manufactured in Concord, which will support the Army Transformation Initiative
    • Authorizing $4M in funding to procure rare earth magnets manufactured in Durham
    • Authorizing $8M in funding to procure Army Load-Carrying Technology Advancements built in Concord
    • Authorizing $5M in funding to expand the Defense Innovation Unit OnRamp Hub, which Senator Budd has advocated for bringing to North Carolina

    Protecting Our Homeland & Standing With Our Allies

    The core mission of America’s Armed Forces is to protect the United States and its citizens from threats and to defend our interests both at home and abroad. Sen. Budd led the inclusion of several key priorities that will help our troops and our allies carry out this vital mission by:

    Protecting Our Homeland:

    • Requiring a plan to ensure installation commanders have adequate guidance and authority to interdict hostile or suspicious drone activity with force immediately.
    • Directing the Secretary of the Army to diversify and expand the Army’s counter-drone capabilities to protect bases and installations at home and abroad.

    Deterring Threats from China:

    • Cutting bureaucratic red tape to permit fighter aircraft to use tactical datalinks needed for advanced air combat training, enhancing the preparation and readiness of 45 combat-coded fighter squadrons for high-end conflict. 
    • Directing a report on the People’s Republic of China’s (PRC) operation, ownership, or control of strategic foreign ports and Department of Defense efforts to counter or mitigate the national security threats posed by PRC control of such foreign ports.

    Supporting the U.S.-Israel Bilateral Relationship & Countering Terrorism in the Middle East:

    • Authorizing $80M in funding forU.S.-Israel Anti-Tunnel Cooperation and extending the program through December 2028.
    • Authorizing $75M in funding for U.S.-Israel counter-UAS Cooperation and extending the program through December 2028.
    • Authorizing $15M in funding for US-Israel Joint Research & Development on Emerging Technologies.
    • Extending the authorization to provide assistance to counter the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS).
    • Directing DoD to provide a briefing on the Counter-ISIS Train and Equip Fund, status of equipment delivery to Kurdish Peshmerga Forces, and plans to improve the Kurdish Peshmerga Forces’ ability to conduct counter terrorism operations.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senate Defense Bill Includes Dozens of Budd-Led Provisions to Boost America’s Military Readiness & End Affirmative Action at Service Academies

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Ted Budd (R-North Carolina)
    Washington, D.C.—Senator Ted Budd (R-NC), a Member of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), recently voted to advance the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) to the Senate floor after securing numerous provisions to improve readiness and quality of life for our troops, increase funding for North Carolina military installations, protect the homeland, and strengthen alliances.
    Senator Budd said in a statement:
    “I’m proud that the FY 2026 NDAA contains dozens of provisions I led that will boost America’s fighting force in North Carolina and around the world by improving our facilities and programs, bolstering America’s air superiority, reducing regulatory burdens, supporting our friend and ally Israel, combatting terrorism, and banning discriminatory affirmative action policies at the service academies. Refocusing the Department of Defense on its core mission will send a clear deterrent message to potential adversaries and make America safer.”
    Below is a summary of the provisions Senator Budd championed in the recent SASC legislative markup that the full Senate will consider in the coming weeks:
    Boosting America’s Military Readiness & Supporting Military Families
    The SASC-passed NDAA represents an investment in America’s military personnel, a refocusing of the Pentagon’s priorities to boost troop readiness, and a needed reduction of bureaucratic red tape. Senator Budd championed a number of key priorities that will improve the quality of life and the effectiveness of our troops by:
    Providing a 3.8% raise across the board for service members.
    Creating a pilot program to improve Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) rates for North Carolina service members and their families.
    Prohibiting affirmative action in U.S. Service Academies admissions
    Cutting burdensome environmental regulations that prohibit the Defense Department from procuring basic items.
    Accelerating the development, prototyping, and deployment of mobile nuclear microreactor systems to enhance energy resilience and forward-deployed power capability for U.S. military operations.
    Delivering for North Carolina Military Installations & Manufacturers
    The FY 2026 NDAA authorizes more than $700 million for military construction projects and planning and design funding at facilities across North Carolina. Senator Budd successfully worked to include authorizing provisions to support the following facilities, programs, and units:
    Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point
    Authorizing $40M in funding to boost the F-35 Aircraft Sustainment Center
    Authorizing $15M in funding to design the next phase of the Flightline Utilities Modernization project
    Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune
    Authorizing $34M in funding for the expansion of the Special Operations Forces Combat Service Support/Motor Transport
    Authorizing $90M in funding to boost the Special Operations Forces Marine Raider Battalion Operations Facility
    Authorizing $48.28M in funding to boost Amphibious Combat Vehicle Shelters
    Fort Bragg
    Authorizing $19M in funding to boost the Automated Infantry Platoon Battle Course
    Authorizing $24M in funding to complete the construction of the Aircraft Maintenance Hangar
    Authorizing $80M in funding to improve the Fort’s power generation and microgrid
    Authorizing $32M in funding for the Special Operations Forces Mission Command Center
    Authorizing $80M in funding to boost the Special Operations Forces Operational Ammunition Supply Point
    Authorizing $5M in funding for the Pathfinder Airborne Program to improve soldier readiness
    Seymour Johnson Air Force Base
    Authorizing $54M in funding to improve the Child Development Center
    Authorizing $41M in funding to boost the Combat Arms Training and Maintenance Complex
    North Carolina National Guard
    Authorizing $69M in funding for the Aircraft Maintenance Hangar Addition/Alteration project at Salisbury Training Center
    North Carolina Manufacturers & Projects
    Authorizing $34M in funding to procure Infantry Squad Vehicles manufactured in Concord, which will support the Army Transformation Initiative
    Authorizing $4M in funding to procure rare earth magnets manufactured in Durham
    Authorizing $8M in funding to procure Army Load-Carrying Technology Advancements built in Concord
    Authorizing $5M in funding to expand the Defense Innovation Unit OnRamp Hub, which Senator Budd has advocated for bringing to North Carolina
    Protecting Our Homeland & Standing With Our Allies
    The core mission of America’s Armed Forces is to protect the United States and its citizens from threats and to defend our interests both at home and abroad. Sen. Budd led the inclusion of several key priorities that will help our troops and our allies carry out this vital mission by:
    Protecting Our Homeland:
    Requiring a plan to ensure installation commanders have adequate guidance and authority to interdict hostile or suspicious drone activity with force immediately.
    Directing the Secretary of the Army to diversify and expand the Army’s counter-drone capabilities to protect bases and installations at home and abroad.
    Deterring Threats from China:
    Cutting bureaucratic red tape to permit fighter aircraft to use tactical datalinks needed for advanced air combat training, enhancing the preparation and readiness of 45 combat-coded fighter squadrons for high-end conflict. 
    Directing a report on the People’s Republic of China’s (PRC) operation, ownership, or control of strategic foreign ports and Department of Defense efforts to counter or mitigate the national security threats posed by PRC control of such foreign ports.
    Supporting the U.S.-Israel Bilateral Relationship & Countering Terrorism in the Middle East:
    Authorizing $80M in funding forU.S.-Israel Anti-Tunnel Cooperation and extending the program through December 2028.
    Authorizing $75M in funding for U.S.-Israel counter-UAS Cooperation and extending the program through December 2028.
    Authorizing $15M in funding for US-Israel Joint Research & Development on Emerging Technologies.
    Extending the authorization to provide assistance to counter the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS).
    Directing DoD to provide a briefing on the Counter-ISIS Train and Equip Fund, status of equipment delivery to Kurdish Peshmerga Forces, and plans to improve the Kurdish Peshmerga Forces’ ability to conduct counter terrorism operations.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Wyoming Guardsman honored in warrant officer pinning ceremony

    Source: US State of Wyoming

    Wyoming National Guard

    By Joseph Coslett Jr.

    CASPER, Wyo. — Family, friends and fellow Soldiers gathered to celebrate a defining milestone in the military career of Sgt. 1st Class Joshua Miller, Cowboy Guard, as he was officially appointed to the rank of warrant officer one during a formal pinning ceremony in Casper, Wyoming, July 10, 2025.

    Hosted by Chief Warrant Officer 4 Jared Sallee, the event recognized Miller’s 16 years of dedicated service with the Wyoming Army National Guard and his recent graduation from Warrant Officer Candidate School, Class 25-0A3, at Fort McClellan, Alabama.

    “Today, we gather to celebrate the achievement of Sergeant First Class Miller,” Sallee said. “The journey to becoming a warrant officer is not an easy one. It requires immense dedication and commitment to excellence. Warrant officers enhance the Army’s ability to defend our national interests, and to fight and win our nation’s wars.”

    Miller began his military journey in 2009, enlisting in the Wyoming Army National Guard from Cheyenne. Over the years, he served in multiple units across the state including the 2nd Battalion, 300th Field Artillery Regiment, the 920th Forward Support Company, the 960th Brigade Support Battalion, and the 133rd Engineer Company. Most recently, he deployed to the Middle East as the S4 Noncommissioned Officer in Charge for the 2-300th in support of Operations Inherent Resolve and Spartan Shield.

    After completing WOCS in March 2025, Miller postponed his appointment to fulfill his overseas duties, demonstrating the same selflessness and professionalism that earned him a place among the Army’s technical elite.

    During the ceremony, Chief Warrant Officer 5 Derek Fisbeck, Cowboy Guard command chief warrant officer, offered remarks acknowledging Miller’s commitment and the legacy of excellence he brings into the warrant officer ranks.

    Capt. Wyatt Winget, commander of the 920th Forward Support Company, administered the oath of office. With his family beside him, Miller pinned on the rank of warrant officer one, officially joining a cohort known for its deep technical knowledge, leadership and service.

    One of the most symbolic moments came when Miller received his first salute from Staff Sgt. William Vertz, a respected peer and mentor. Following tradition, Miller presented a silver dollar coin in appreciation, marking the transition from the noncommissioned officer corps into his new role as a technical leader.

    As the ceremony closed, Sallee reminded the audience that behind every successful Soldier is a strong support network. He thanked Miller’s family for their encouragement, patience and sacrifices along the way.

    “Congratulations once again to our newest member of the cohort,” Sallee said. “Warrant Officer 1 Miller, we welcome you to the Warrant Officer Cohort. Continue to seek self-improvement and exemplify the definition of a warrant officer.”

    Capt. Wyatt Winget, commander of the 920th Forward Support Company, administers the oath of office to Joshua Miller. Miller’s family joined him on stage to witness the significant moment. Family, friends, and fellow Soldiers gathered to celebrate the pinning ceremony of Warrant Officer 1 Joshua Miller, marking his official transition from the noncommissioned officer corps to the warrant officer cohort. The ceremony featured remarks from senior leaders, the administration of the oath of office, the traditional pinning of rank by his family, a first salute from Staff Sgt. William Vertz, and heartfelt recognition of Miller’s 16 years of dedicated service and the support of his loved ones. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Chief Warrant Officer 5 Derek Fisbeck)
    Family, friends, and fellow Soldiers gathered to celebrate the pinning ceremony of Warrant Officer 1 Joshua Miller, marking his official transition from the noncommissioned officer corps to the warrant officer cohort. The ceremony featured remarks from senior leaders, the administration of the oath of office, the traditional pinning of rank by his family, a first salute from Staff Sgt. William Vertz, and heartfelt recognition of Miller’s 16 years of dedicated service and the support of his loved ones. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Chief Warrant Officer 5 Derek Fisbeck)
    Family, friends, and fellow Soldiers gathered to celebrate the pinning ceremony of Warrant Officer 1 Joshua Miller, marking his official transition from the noncommissioned officer corps to the warrant officer cohort. The ceremony featured remarks from senior leaders, the administration of the oath of office, the traditional pinning of rank by his family, a first salute from Staff Sgt. William Vertz, and heartfelt recognition of Miller’s 16 years of dedicated service and the support of his loved ones. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Chief Warrant Officer 5 Derek Fisbeck)

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senate Defense Bill Includes Dozens of Budd-Led Provisions to Boost America’s Military Readiness & End Affirmative Action at Service Academies

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Ted Budd (R-North Carolina)
    Washington, D.C.—Senator Ted Budd (R-NC), a Member of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), recently voted to advance the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) to the Senate floor after securing numerous provisions to improve readiness and quality of life for our troops, increase funding for North Carolina military installations, protect the homeland, and strengthen alliances.
    Senator Budd said in a statement:
    “I’m proud that the FY 2026 NDAA contains dozens of provisions I led that will boost America’s fighting force in North Carolina and around the world by improving our facilities and programs, bolstering America’s air superiority, reducing regulatory burdens, supporting our friend and ally Israel, combatting terrorism, and banning discriminatory affirmative action policies at the service academies. Refocusing the Department of Defense on its core mission will send a clear deterrent message to potential adversaries and make America safer.”
    Below is a summary of the provisions Senator Budd championed in the recent SASC legislative markup that the full Senate will consider in the coming weeks:
    Boosting America’s Military Readiness & Supporting Military Families
    The SASC-passed NDAA represents an investment in America’s military personnel, a refocusing of the Pentagon’s priorities to boost troop readiness, and a needed reduction of bureaucratic red tape. Senator Budd championed a number of key priorities that will improve the quality of life and the effectiveness of our troops by:
    Providing a 3.8% raise across the board for service members.
    Creating a pilot program to improve Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) rates for North Carolina service members and their families.
    Prohibiting affirmative action in U.S. Service Academies admissions
    Cutting burdensome environmental regulations that prohibit the Defense Department from procuring basic items.
    Accelerating the development, prototyping, and deployment of mobile nuclear microreactor systems to enhance energy resilience and forward-deployed power capability for U.S. military operations.
    Delivering for North Carolina Military Installations & Manufacturers
    The FY 2026 NDAA authorizes more than $700 million for military construction projects and planning and design funding at facilities across North Carolina. Senator Budd successfully worked to include authorizing provisions to support the following facilities, programs, and units:
    Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point
    Authorizing $40M in funding to boost the F-35 Aircraft Sustainment Center
    Authorizing $15M in funding to design the next phase of the Flightline Utilities Modernization project
    Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune
    Authorizing $34M in funding for the expansion of the Special Operations Forces Combat Service Support/Motor Transport
    Authorizing $90M in funding to boost the Special Operations Forces Marine Raider Battalion Operations Facility
    Authorizing $48.28M in funding to boost Amphibious Combat Vehicle Shelters
    Fort Bragg
    Authorizing $19M in funding to boost the Automated Infantry Platoon Battle Course
    Authorizing $24M in funding to complete the construction of the Aircraft Maintenance Hangar
    Authorizing $80M in funding to improve the Fort’s power generation and microgrid
    Authorizing $32M in funding for the Special Operations Forces Mission Command Center
    Authorizing $80M in funding to boost the Special Operations Forces Operational Ammunition Supply Point
    Authorizing $5M in funding for the Pathfinder Airborne Program to improve soldier readiness
    Seymour Johnson Air Force Base
    Authorizing $54M in funding to improve the Child Development Center
    Authorizing $41M in funding to boost the Combat Arms Training and Maintenance Complex
    North Carolina National Guard
    Authorizing $69M in funding for the Aircraft Maintenance Hangar Addition/Alteration project at Salisbury Training Center
    North Carolina Manufacturers & Projects
    Authorizing $34M in funding to procure Infantry Squad Vehicles manufactured in Concord, which will support the Army Transformation Initiative
    Authorizing $4M in funding to procure rare earth magnets manufactured in Durham
    Authorizing $8M in funding to procure Army Load-Carrying Technology Advancements built in Concord
    Authorizing $5M in funding to expand the Defense Innovation Unit OnRamp Hub, which Senator Budd has advocated for bringing to North Carolina
    Protecting Our Homeland & Standing With Our Allies
    The core mission of America’s Armed Forces is to protect the United States and its citizens from threats and to defend our interests both at home and abroad. Sen. Budd led the inclusion of several key priorities that will help our troops and our allies carry out this vital mission by:
    Protecting Our Homeland:
    Requiring a plan to ensure installation commanders have adequate guidance and authority to interdict hostile or suspicious drone activity with force immediately.
    Directing the Secretary of the Army to diversify and expand the Army’s counter-drone capabilities to protect bases and installations at home and abroad.
    Deterring Threats from China:
    Cutting bureaucratic red tape to permit fighter aircraft to use tactical datalinks needed for advanced air combat training, enhancing the preparation and readiness of 45 combat-coded fighter squadrons for high-end conflict. 
    Directing a report on the People’s Republic of China’s (PRC) operation, ownership, or control of strategic foreign ports and Department of Defense efforts to counter or mitigate the national security threats posed by PRC control of such foreign ports.
    Supporting the U.S.-Israel Bilateral Relationship & Countering Terrorism in the Middle East:
    Authorizing $80M in funding forU.S.-Israel Anti-Tunnel Cooperation and extending the program through December 2028.
    Authorizing $75M in funding for U.S.-Israel counter-UAS Cooperation and extending the program through December 2028.
    Authorizing $15M in funding for US-Israel Joint Research & Development on Emerging Technologies.
    Extending the authorization to provide assistance to counter the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS).
    Directing DoD to provide a briefing on the Counter-ISIS Train and Equip Fund, status of equipment delivery to Kurdish Peshmerga Forces, and plans to improve the Kurdish Peshmerga Forces’ ability to conduct counter terrorism operations.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senate Defense Bill Includes Dozens of Budd-Led Provisions to Boost America’s Military Readiness & End Affirmative Action at Service Academies

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Ted Budd (R-North Carolina)
    Washington, D.C.—Senator Ted Budd (R-NC), a Member of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), recently voted to advance the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) to the Senate floor after securing numerous provisions to improve readiness and quality of life for our troops, increase funding for North Carolina military installations, protect the homeland, and strengthen alliances.
    Senator Budd said in a statement:
    “I’m proud that the FY 2026 NDAA contains dozens of provisions I led that will boost America’s fighting force in North Carolina and around the world by improving our facilities and programs, bolstering America’s air superiority, reducing regulatory burdens, supporting our friend and ally Israel, combatting terrorism, and banning discriminatory affirmative action policies at the service academies. Refocusing the Department of Defense on its core mission will send a clear deterrent message to potential adversaries and make America safer.”
    Below is a summary of the provisions Senator Budd championed in the recent SASC legislative markup that the full Senate will consider in the coming weeks:
    Boosting America’s Military Readiness & Supporting Military Families
    The SASC-passed NDAA represents an investment in America’s military personnel, a refocusing of the Pentagon’s priorities to boost troop readiness, and a needed reduction of bureaucratic red tape. Senator Budd championed a number of key priorities that will improve the quality of life and the effectiveness of our troops by:
    Providing a 3.8% raise across the board for service members.
    Creating a pilot program to improve Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) rates for North Carolina service members and their families.
    Prohibiting affirmative action in U.S. Service Academies admissions
    Cutting burdensome environmental regulations that prohibit the Defense Department from procuring basic items.
    Accelerating the development, prototyping, and deployment of mobile nuclear microreactor systems to enhance energy resilience and forward-deployed power capability for U.S. military operations.
    Delivering for North Carolina Military Installations & Manufacturers
    The FY 2026 NDAA authorizes more than $700 million for military construction projects and planning and design funding at facilities across North Carolina. Senator Budd successfully worked to include authorizing provisions to support the following facilities, programs, and units:
    Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point
    Authorizing $40M in funding to boost the F-35 Aircraft Sustainment Center
    Authorizing $15M in funding to design the next phase of the Flightline Utilities Modernization project
    Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune
    Authorizing $34M in funding for the expansion of the Special Operations Forces Combat Service Support/Motor Transport
    Authorizing $90M in funding to boost the Special Operations Forces Marine Raider Battalion Operations Facility
    Authorizing $48.28M in funding to boost Amphibious Combat Vehicle Shelters
    Fort Bragg
    Authorizing $19M in funding to boost the Automated Infantry Platoon Battle Course
    Authorizing $24M in funding to complete the construction of the Aircraft Maintenance Hangar
    Authorizing $80M in funding to improve the Fort’s power generation and microgrid
    Authorizing $32M in funding for the Special Operations Forces Mission Command Center
    Authorizing $80M in funding to boost the Special Operations Forces Operational Ammunition Supply Point
    Authorizing $5M in funding for the Pathfinder Airborne Program to improve soldier readiness
    Seymour Johnson Air Force Base
    Authorizing $54M in funding to improve the Child Development Center
    Authorizing $41M in funding to boost the Combat Arms Training and Maintenance Complex
    North Carolina National Guard
    Authorizing $69M in funding for the Aircraft Maintenance Hangar Addition/Alteration project at Salisbury Training Center
    North Carolina Manufacturers & Projects
    Authorizing $34M in funding to procure Infantry Squad Vehicles manufactured in Concord, which will support the Army Transformation Initiative
    Authorizing $4M in funding to procure rare earth magnets manufactured in Durham
    Authorizing $8M in funding to procure Army Load-Carrying Technology Advancements built in Concord
    Authorizing $5M in funding to expand the Defense Innovation Unit OnRamp Hub, which Senator Budd has advocated for bringing to North Carolina
    Protecting Our Homeland & Standing With Our Allies
    The core mission of America’s Armed Forces is to protect the United States and its citizens from threats and to defend our interests both at home and abroad. Sen. Budd led the inclusion of several key priorities that will help our troops and our allies carry out this vital mission by:
    Protecting Our Homeland:
    Requiring a plan to ensure installation commanders have adequate guidance and authority to interdict hostile or suspicious drone activity with force immediately.
    Directing the Secretary of the Army to diversify and expand the Army’s counter-drone capabilities to protect bases and installations at home and abroad.
    Deterring Threats from China:
    Cutting bureaucratic red tape to permit fighter aircraft to use tactical datalinks needed for advanced air combat training, enhancing the preparation and readiness of 45 combat-coded fighter squadrons for high-end conflict. 
    Directing a report on the People’s Republic of China’s (PRC) operation, ownership, or control of strategic foreign ports and Department of Defense efforts to counter or mitigate the national security threats posed by PRC control of such foreign ports.
    Supporting the U.S.-Israel Bilateral Relationship & Countering Terrorism in the Middle East:
    Authorizing $80M in funding forU.S.-Israel Anti-Tunnel Cooperation and extending the program through December 2028.
    Authorizing $75M in funding for U.S.-Israel counter-UAS Cooperation and extending the program through December 2028.
    Authorizing $15M in funding for US-Israel Joint Research & Development on Emerging Technologies.
    Extending the authorization to provide assistance to counter the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS).
    Directing DoD to provide a briefing on the Counter-ISIS Train and Equip Fund, status of equipment delivery to Kurdish Peshmerga Forces, and plans to improve the Kurdish Peshmerga Forces’ ability to conduct counter terrorism operations.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Building Affordable Housing in East New York, Brooklyn

    Source: US State of New York

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    The multi-phase program will ultimately include a total of nearly 2,000 affordable apartments in 10 buildings. It will also feature community space with childcare, senior services, workforce development, and a new performing arts center. New streets are being added as an extension of the existing neighborhood street grid to maximize walkability through interconnected pedestrian routes and three acres of publicly accessible open space.

    The City of New York approved the rezoning of the project site to accommodate the redevelopment.

    Innovative Urban Village is supported by HCR’s Low-Income Housing Tax Credit program which is expected to generate more than $115 million in equity and $47 million from its Housing Finance Agency. Additional support includes $47 million from the New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development’s Extremely Low- and Low-Income Affordability Program. The project is also supported by the Urban Investment Group at Goldman Sachs Alternatives.

    The site is participating in the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation’s successful Brownfield Cleanup Program and, when completed, would be eligible for $28 million in tax credits administered by the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance. Operating funding for the supportive apartments will be provided by the Empire State Supportive Housing Initiative administered by the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance.

    Today’s announcement also builds on Governor Hochul and Mayor Adams’ “City of Yes” plan to create thousands of new homes across the city and develop more family-friendly neighborhoods from Coney Island to Inwood.

    New York State Homes and Community Renewal Commissioner RuthAnne Visnauskas said, “We’re excited to be part of the holistic transformation occurring in East New York and we believe our $162 million investment in Innovative Urban Village will benefit this neighborhood and 385 households for years to come. I am grateful to Governor Hochul and the City of New York, Christian Cultural Center, Gotham Organization, Monadnock, and all our partners for their vision and dedication to making this project possible.”

    New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance Commissioner Barbara C. Guinn said, “The permanent supportive housing that will be created at Innovative Urban Village will provide individuals and families who have experienced homelessness with a place to call home along with onsite access to essential support services that will help them remain stably housed for years to come. We are grateful to all our state and local partners on this important project and to Governor Hochul for making landmark investments to expand the supply of affordable and supportive housing across New York State.”

    New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Amanda Lefton said, “Cleaning up environmental pollution in communities like Brooklyn unlocks investments in critical needs like affordable housing, transitional housing services, and community spaces. New York State’s Brownfield Cleanup Program is a vital tool that supports community revitalization across the state and the Innovative Urban Village project in East New York is a prime example of how this successful cleanup program is helping advance Governor Hochul’s continued efforts to increase affordable, sustainable housing statewide while also protecting public health and the environment.”

    “This project is helping us fight the housing affordability crisis while also prioritizing improvements that will make the neighborhood more livable for families.”

    Governor Kathy Hochul

    New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development Acting Commissioner Ahmed Tigani said, “Projects like Innovative Urban Village represent more than the construction of housing — they breathe life into a promise made to the people of Brooklyn and to our city: that development can be rooted in equity, shaped by community, and guided by care. Phase 1A is just one piece of a larger vision that spans multiple mixed-use buildings with community amenities and nearly 2,000 homes, including supportive housing for New Yorkers transitioning out of homelessness.”

    New York City Department of City Planning Director Dan Garodnick said, “Innovative Urban Village is a fantastic example of how smart planning can support families at every stage of life. Delivering income-restricted affordable housing alongside childcare, senior services, pedestrian-friendly streets, open space, and more, this future gem of East New York will serve as a model for vibrant neighborhoods across the city.”

    New York City Housing Development Corporation President Eric Enderlin said, “HDC is proud to support this dynamic, multi-phased project that will provide much-needed affordable housing for low-income and formerly homeless New Yorkers. In addition to brand-new affordable homes, Innovative Urban Village will deliver commercial and community facility space that will benefit the broader East New York neighborhood for years to come. Congratulations to all our partners on reaching this latest milestone.”

    Senator Kirsten Gillibrand said, “New Yorkers deserve access to affordable, secure, and modern housing. This development will help revitalize Christian Cultural Center’s campus, deliver critical support services for our most vulnerable, and bring another much-needed grocery store to East New York. I look forward to seeing the positive impact this project will have and will keep fighting for federal funding to expand affordable housing in our state and across the country.”

    House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries said, “Here in America, when you work hard and play by the rules, you should be able to afford the good life. At the center of that life is a safe, affordable place to live, but for far too many New Yorkers, that reality is out of reach. I’m grateful to Governor Kathy Hochul, Pastor AR Bernard and their development partners for breaking ground on the Innovative Urban Village in the Christian Cultural Center’s campus, which will provide safe, sustainable and affordable housing for hundreds of Brooklyn families that I am privileged to represent.”

    State Senator Roxanne J. Persaud said, “The second construction phase of the Innovative Urban Village is a tremendous opportunity to provide more than four hundred affordable homes in East New York. This project not only helps address the housing deficiencies but also promotes equitable and sustainable living for our community for generations to come. I am excited for the future of our community.”

    Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso said, “When we build affordable housing alongside essential resources like access to fresh food, we’re investing in health, dignity, and opportunity. I applaud Governor Hochul and NYS Homes and Community Renewal for making this vision a reality in East New York and for setting a powerful example of what affordable housing looks like when it is rooted in community and equity.”

    New York City Council Member Farah N. Louis said, “Since taking office, I fought to ensure that our city would meaningfully partner with our clergy to bring much-needed affordable housing capital to Central Brooklyn. I have worked in lockstep with Reverend A.R. Bernard to advocate for this vision, and I applaud Governor Hochul and her administration for advancing this transformative project across the finish line to uplift the East New York community. I believe this project will provide opportunities for the next generation, and I look forward to seeing this visionary leadership, community partnership, and shared values project create lasting change for Brooklyn and our city.”

    New York City Council Member Chris Banks said, “The Innovative Urban Village redevelopment project on the Christian Cultural Center campus is set to be a transformative investment in the 42nd Council District. I’m proud to partner on a project that delivers truly affordable housing. This is how we build and sustain neighborhoods for generations and how we begin to build Black and Brown generational wealth in real, tangible ways.”

    Christian Cultural Center Senior Pastor Rev A. R. Bernard said, “It’s incredible to stand alongside each of the partners, elected officials and community members that worked together to make Innovative Urban Village a reality. We are confident that the ripple effects of this dynamic mixed-income community will be felt far beyond East New York, setting an example for all of New York to follow.”

    Embedded Flickr Album

    Gotham Organization CEO David L. Picket said, “Today’s groundbreaking is a defining moment for Gotham and for the city my family has called home for over a century. Innovative Urban Village reflects our core values as a company—delivering high-quality housing that meets the needs of real New Yorkers while strengthening the fabric of our neighborhoods. IUV is the result of vision, partnership, and perseverance, and we’re proud to work with our partners in bringing it to life. It’s a powerful example of what can happen when the public and private sectors come together with purpose.”

    Gotham Organization President of Development Bryan Kelly said, “This moment is the result of years of dedicated collaboration with our partners, community leaders, and city agencies. We’re creating a neighborhood that prioritizes affordability, sustainability, and opportunity for all. At Gotham, we believe deeply in the power of thoughtfully planned development to uplift communities, and together with our partners and local stakeholders, have envisioned Innovative Urban Village to set a new standard for future housing developments. This is a meaningful step toward a more inclusive and equitable New York City.”

    Monadnock Development President Kirk Goodrich said, “Innovative Urban Village is about Pastor Bernard, Gotham and Monadnock deciding to see people in need rather than simply housing units. Our collective focus is on transforming lives and communities. I am proud of what we are doing and excited to see the impact the completed vision will have.”

    Urban Resource Institute CEO Nathaniel Fields said, “For over 40 years, Urban Resource Institute — the nation’s largest provider of shelter and support services — has been a leader in trauma-informed care for survivors of domestic violence and those facing housing insecurities. At the Innovative Urban Village, we are not just offering housing — we are delivering the full strength of our wraparound services to help residents heal and rebuild. From safety planning and legal advocacy to economic empowerment, we meet survivors where they are and walk with them toward lasting stability. This project is a bold step toward URI’s mission to end the cycles of violence, homelessness, and poverty — and creating a future where survivors don’t just survive but thrive.”

    Practice for Architecture and Urbanism Founder and Creative Director Vishaan Chakrabarti said, “More than a decade in the making, this project has been a true labor of love. It’s about taking an underutilized urban space and creating an inclusive community that offers dignity, stability, and a sense of home for New Yorkers across a broad range of incomes. Seeing it come to life is deeply meaningful.”

    Goldman Sachs Alternatives Urban Investment Group Chair Asahi Pompey said, “Goldman Sachs sees Innovative Urban Village as more than just bricks and mortar. Our investment is a down payment on East New York’s potential, creating thousands of high-quality, affordable homes and essential services that will fuel the economic vitality of the community.”

    J.P. Morgan Community Development Banking Executive Director Jane Silverman said, “We are honored to be part of the Innovative Urban Village Phase 1B project, a transformative development that embodies the spirit of community and collaboration. This project is a testament to what can be achieved when the public and private sectors unite. At J.P. Morgan, our commitment to Brooklyn and its residents runs deep, and we’re proud to support the creation of affordable housing that will serve as the foundation for a thriving community in East New York.”

    Governor Hochul’s Housing Agenda
    Governor Hochul is dedicated to addressing New York’s housing crisis and making the State more affordable and more livable for all New Yorkers. As part of the FY25 Enacted Budget, the Governor secured a landmark agreement to increase New York’s housing supply through new tax incentives, capital funding, and new protections for renters and homeowners. Building on this commitment, the FY26 Enacted Budget includes more than $1.5 billion in new State funding for housing, a Housing Access Voucher pilot program, and new policies to improve affordability for tenants and homebuyers. These measures complement the Governor’s five-year, $25 billion Housing Plan, included in the FY23 Enacted Budget, to create or preserve 100,000 affordable homes statewide, including 10,000 with support services for vulnerable populations, plus the electrification of an additional 50,000 homes. More than 60,000 homes have been created or preserved to date.

    The FY25 and FY26 Enacted Budgets also strengthened the Governor’s Pro-Housing Community Program — which allows certified localities exclusive access to up to $750 million in discretionary State funding. Currently, more than 300 communities have received Pro-Housing certification, including the city of New York.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: How to give children the freedom to play all across the city – not just in playgrounds

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Michael Martin, Lecturer in Urban Design and Planning, University of Sheffield

    Co-created play space with children and the community, Via Val Lagarina Milan. Milan municipality

    Children play everywhere. Yet their right to play – protected by a UN convention – is constantly challenged by adults.

    Play is crucial to support children’s holistic development in cognitive, emotional, physical and social skills. Likewise, we know children’s environments significantly influence their health and wellbeing, for better or worse.

    But across cities, young people are let down by a built environment that fails to appropriately consider their needs.

    Places where children commonly used to play, such as streets and local neighbourhoods, have been transformed into car-only spaces where traffic and parking take priority. Likewise, city spaces frequently “design out” children by prohibiting skateboarding, ball games and other kinds of play.

    Over time, urban planning has confined children’s opportunities for play to dedicated playground spaces only.

    Get your news from actual experts, straight to your inbox. Sign up to our daily newsletter to receive all The Conversation UK’s latest coverage of news and research, from politics and business to the arts and sciences.

    However, children don’t have equal access to these formal play spaces. In the largest study of playgrounds in England, my colleagues and I found substantial inequalities in access to play. Children in the most deprived areas needed to travel further to their nearest playground.

    In new research, I’ve explored four international examples of how children and play can be promoted in less likely urban spaces. My findings show how play can be promoted in cities to support children’s right to play anywhere – but also that there is widespread hostility to children’s right to use urban spaces for play.

    Power of play

    In Sydney, a pedal park installation with temporary jumps, ramps and a pump track was set up in different car parks for the duration of the winter. In Paris, a play street was created in central Paris by closing road traffic on Friday afternoons in autumn and spring.

    In Belfast, temporary play equipment and playful street furniture was set up in the Cathedral Gardens public space.

    Cathedral Gardens pop-up play space in Belfast meaningfully encourages children to use the city.
    Park Hood Ltd.

    In Milan, a community-led design involved children in creating a colourful grid, planters, growing beds and games in a school car park, which went on to inspire a new municipal programme of temporary school streets and piazzas.

    These play spaces allowed children to play freely, play with objects, play pretend, play games with rules, and play physically – the core pillars of play. What’s more, they enabled children to develop new connections with their community by appropriating urban spaces to promote relaxation and fun. This was vital following the trauma of the global pandemic – all the projects were active during COVID-19 outside of lockdown.

    Intergenerational encounters at the weekly play street in the 3rd District of Paris.
    Rue’golotte

    These short-term projects invited children to enjoy urban life in new ways. In fact, they bolstered civic access for people of all generations. In Sydney, the closure of the car park fostered a new sense of community. Caregivers, grandparents and residents were able to connect with each other in a whole different setting.

    Children in Sydney play freely in a ‘pop-up pedal park’ created in a public car park.
    Randwick City Council

    Politics of play

    But despite the positives, over time, the projects faced protest and tension. In Milan, fears from residents emerged on play being used as a tool to displace poorer communities. This was in response to the area having long been earmarked for regeneration. In Sydney, Paris and Belfast, people actively targeted and sabotaged the informal play spaces.

    In Sydney, to park their cars, older citizens successfully lobbied local councillors to reduce the total amount of space for play, from the entire car park to one aisle of parking. In Paris, local businesses were exasperated by the presence of children. Collectively they threatened project initiators and staged a protest, claiming that “play streets kill local shops”. In Belfast, the pop-up play space was set on fire, multiple times. By summer 2022, much of the park had been destroyed.

    Destruction and criminal damage of the Cathedral Gardens play space in Belfast.
    Author

    The outcomes demonstrate the politics that children, and their play, were exposed to. Because of a range of aggressive behaviour from adults, children’s use of streets and public spaces were consistently restricted. A common statement from dissenters was “children can go elsewhere”. The reality is they can’t.

    In tracking informal play projects through the pandemic and subsequent years, two additional factors hampered their longer-term success. For the council projects in Sydney and Belfast, council officers hoped to direct more resources to urban play, but the lack of a specific local policy to support play was a significant constraint. By comparison, the community projects in Paris and Milan placed an unsustainable pressure on volunteers to ensure prolonged success.

    Lessons from previous crises highlight how tensions and conflict can affect innovative uses of space, often diluting their progressive purpose. Ultimately, children’s play in recovery from the pandemic experienced a similar fate.

    This is worrying because Unicef research has shown children’s wellbeing has continued to suffer after COVID-19.

    Places that allow for children’s play can create dynamic neighbourhoods, intergenerational encounters, and meaningful participation in urban spaces – if only we let it happen.

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

    – ref. How to give children the freedom to play all across the city – not just in playgrounds – https://theconversation.com/how-to-give-children-the-freedom-to-play-all-across-the-city-not-just-in-playgrounds-260444

    MIL OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Analysis: How to give children the freedom to play all across the city – not just in playgrounds

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Michael Martin, Lecturer in Urban Design and Planning, University of Sheffield

    Co-created play space with children and the community, Via Val Lagarina Milan. Milan municipality

    Children play everywhere. Yet their right to play – protected by a UN convention – is constantly challenged by adults.

    Play is crucial to support children’s holistic development in cognitive, emotional, physical and social skills. Likewise, we know children’s environments significantly influence their health and wellbeing, for better or worse.

    But across cities, young people are let down by a built environment that fails to appropriately consider their needs.

    Places where children commonly used to play, such as streets and local neighbourhoods, have been transformed into car-only spaces where traffic and parking take priority. Likewise, city spaces frequently “design out” children by prohibiting skateboarding, ball games and other kinds of play.

    Over time, urban planning has confined children’s opportunities for play to dedicated playground spaces only.

    Get your news from actual experts, straight to your inbox. Sign up to our daily newsletter to receive all The Conversation UK’s latest coverage of news and research, from politics and business to the arts and sciences.

    However, children don’t have equal access to these formal play spaces. In the largest study of playgrounds in England, my colleagues and I found substantial inequalities in access to play. Children in the most deprived areas needed to travel further to their nearest playground.

    In new research, I’ve explored four international examples of how children and play can be promoted in less likely urban spaces. My findings show how play can be promoted in cities to support children’s right to play anywhere – but also that there is widespread hostility to children’s right to use urban spaces for play.

    Power of play

    In Sydney, a pedal park installation with temporary jumps, ramps and a pump track was set up in different car parks for the duration of the winter. In Paris, a play street was created in central Paris by closing road traffic on Friday afternoons in autumn and spring.

    In Belfast, temporary play equipment and playful street furniture was set up in the Cathedral Gardens public space.

    Cathedral Gardens pop-up play space in Belfast meaningfully encourages children to use the city.
    Park Hood Ltd.

    In Milan, a community-led design involved children in creating a colourful grid, planters, growing beds and games in a school car park, which went on to inspire a new municipal programme of temporary school streets and piazzas.

    These play spaces allowed children to play freely, play with objects, play pretend, play games with rules, and play physically – the core pillars of play. What’s more, they enabled children to develop new connections with their community by appropriating urban spaces to promote relaxation and fun. This was vital following the trauma of the global pandemic – all the projects were active during COVID-19 outside of lockdown.

    Intergenerational encounters at the weekly play street in the 3rd District of Paris.
    Rue’golotte

    These short-term projects invited children to enjoy urban life in new ways. In fact, they bolstered civic access for people of all generations. In Sydney, the closure of the car park fostered a new sense of community. Caregivers, grandparents and residents were able to connect with each other in a whole different setting.

    Children in Sydney play freely in a ‘pop-up pedal park’ created in a public car park.
    Randwick City Council

    Politics of play

    But despite the positives, over time, the projects faced protest and tension. In Milan, fears from residents emerged on play being used as a tool to displace poorer communities. This was in response to the area having long been earmarked for regeneration. In Sydney, Paris and Belfast, people actively targeted and sabotaged the informal play spaces.

    In Sydney, to park their cars, older citizens successfully lobbied local councillors to reduce the total amount of space for play, from the entire car park to one aisle of parking. In Paris, local businesses were exasperated by the presence of children. Collectively they threatened project initiators and staged a protest, claiming that “play streets kill local shops”. In Belfast, the pop-up play space was set on fire, multiple times. By summer 2022, much of the park had been destroyed.

    Destruction and criminal damage of the Cathedral Gardens play space in Belfast.
    Author

    The outcomes demonstrate the politics that children, and their play, were exposed to. Because of a range of aggressive behaviour from adults, children’s use of streets and public spaces were consistently restricted. A common statement from dissenters was “children can go elsewhere”. The reality is they can’t.

    In tracking informal play projects through the pandemic and subsequent years, two additional factors hampered their longer-term success. For the council projects in Sydney and Belfast, council officers hoped to direct more resources to urban play, but the lack of a specific local policy to support play was a significant constraint. By comparison, the community projects in Paris and Milan placed an unsustainable pressure on volunteers to ensure prolonged success.

    Lessons from previous crises highlight how tensions and conflict can affect innovative uses of space, often diluting their progressive purpose. Ultimately, children’s play in recovery from the pandemic experienced a similar fate.

    This is worrying because Unicef research has shown children’s wellbeing has continued to suffer after COVID-19.

    Places that allow for children’s play can create dynamic neighbourhoods, intergenerational encounters, and meaningful participation in urban spaces – if only we let it happen.

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

    – ref. How to give children the freedom to play all across the city – not just in playgrounds – https://theconversation.com/how-to-give-children-the-freedom-to-play-all-across-the-city-not-just-in-playgrounds-260444

    MIL OSI Analysis –

  • MIL-OSI Analysis: Why many Americans still think Darwin was wrong, yet the British don’t

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Edward White, PhD Candidate in Psychology, Kingston University

    One hundred years after a Tennessee teacher named John Scopes started a legal battle over what the state’s schools can teach children, Americans are still divided over evolution.

    Scopes was charged with violating Tennessee law by teaching evolution, in a highly publicised July 1925 trial that led to national debate over evolution and education. The trial tested whether a law introduced that year really could punish teachers over evolution lessons. It could and did: Scopes was fined US$100 (£74).

    But here’s the weird part: while Americans remain deeply divided about whether humans evolved from earlier species, our British predecessors largely settled this question decades before the Scopes trial.

    John Scopes one month before the Tennessee v. John T. Scopes Trial.
    Smithsonian Institution/ Watson Davis

    According to thinktank Pew Research Center data from 2020, only 64% of Americans accept that “humans and other living things have evolved over time”. Meanwhile, 73% of Brits are fine with the idea that they share a common ancestor with chimpanzees. That nine-percentage-point gap might not sound like much, but it represents millions of people who think Darwin was peddling fake news.

    From 1985 to 2010, Americans were in what researchers call a statistical dead heat between acceptance and rejection of evolution — which is academic speak for people couldn’t decide if we were descended from apes or Adam and Eve.

    Here’s where things get psychologically fascinating. Research into misinformation and cognitive biases suggests that fundamentalism operates on a principle known as motivated reasoning. This means selectively interpreting evidence to reach predetermined conclusions. And a 2018 review of social and computer science research also found that fake news seems to spread because it confirms what people already want to believe.

    Evolution denial may work the same way. Religious fundamentalism is what researchers call “the strongest predictor” for rejection of evolution. A 2019 study of 900 participants found that belief in fake news headlines was associated with delusionality, dogmatism, religious fundamentalism and reduced analytic thinking.

    Get your news from actual experts, straight to your inbox. Sign up to our daily newsletter to receive all The Conversation UK’s latest coverage of news and research, from politics and business to the arts and sciences.

    High personal religiosity, as seen in the US, reinforced by communities of like-minded believers, can create resistance to evolutionary science. This pattern is pronounced among Southern Baptists — the largest Protestant denomination in the US — where 61% believe the Bible is the literal word of God, compared to 31% of Americans overall. The persistence of this conflict is fuelled by organised creationist movements that reinforce religious scepticism.

    Brain imaging studies
    show that people with fundamentalist beliefs seem to have reduced activity in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex — the brain region responsible for cognitive flexibility and analytical thinking. When this area is damaged or less active, people become more prone to accepting claims without sufficient evidence and show increased resistance to changing their beliefs when presented with contradictory information. Studies of brain-injured patients show damage to prefrontal networks that normally help us question information may lead to increased fundamentalist beliefs and reduced scepticism.

    Fundamentalist psychology helps explain the US position in international evolution acceptance surveys. In a 2006 study, of over 33,00 people from 34 countries from 34 countries, only Turkey ranked lower than the US, with about 27% accepting evolution compared to America’s 40% at the time. Among the developed nations surveyed, the US consistently ranks near the bottom — a pattern that persists in more recent international comparisons.

    Where did humans come from? Teaching children about evolution can be controversial, depending on where they live.
    vovan/Shutterstuck

    Research shows that political polarisation on evolution has historically been much stronger in the US than in Europe or Japan, where the issue rarely becomes a campaign talking point. In the US, anti-evolution bills are still being introduced in state legislatures.

    In the UK, belief in evolution became accepted among respectable clergymen around 1896, according to church historian Owen Chadwick’s analysis of Victorian christianity. But why did British religious institutions embrace science while American ones declared war?

    The answer lies in different approaches to intellectual challenges. British Anglicanism has a centuries-old tradition of seeking a “via media” — a middle way between extremes — that allowed church leaders to accommodate new ideas without abandoning core beliefs. Historian Peter documented how British religious leaders actively worked to reconcile science and religion, developing theological frameworks that embraced scientific discoveries as revealing God’s methods rather than contradicting divine authority.

    Anglican bishops and scholars tended to treat evolution as God’s method of creation rather than a threat to faith itself. The Church of England’s hierarchical structure meant that when educated clergy accepted evolution, the institutional framework often followed suit. A 2024 paper argued that many UK church leaders still view science and religion as complementary rather than conflicting.

    A different approach

    The British experience proves it’s possible to reconcile science and faith. But changing American minds requires understanding that evolution acceptance isn’t really about biology — it’s about identity, belonging, and the fundamental question of who gets to define truth. People don’t reject evolution because they’ve carefully studied the evidence. They reject it because it threatens their identity. This creates a context where education alone can’t overcome deeply held convictions.

    Misinformation intervention research suggests that inoculation strategies, such as highlighting the scientific consensus on climate change, work better than debunking individual articles. But evolution education needs to be sensitive. Consensus messaging helps, but only when it doesn’t threaten people’s core identities. For example, framing evolution as a function of “how” life develops, rather than “why it exists, allows for people to maintain religious belief while accepting the scientific evidence for natural selection.

    People’s views can change. A review published in 2024, analysed data which followed the same Gen X people in the US over 33 years. It found that, as they grew up, people developed more acceptance of evolution, though typically because of factors such as education and obtaining university degrees. But people who were taught at a private school seem less likely to become more accepting of evolution as they aged.

    As we face new waves of scientific misinformation, the century since the Scopes trial teaches us that evidence alone won’t necessarily change people’s minds. Understanding the psychology of belief might be our best hope for evolving past our own cognitive limitations.

    Edward White is affiliated with Kingston University.

    – ref. Why many Americans still think Darwin was wrong, yet the British don’t – https://theconversation.com/why-many-americans-still-think-darwin-was-wrong-yet-the-british-dont-260709

    MIL OSI Analysis –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Why many Americans still think Darwin was wrong, yet the British don’t

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Edward White, PhD Candidate in Psychology, Kingston University

    One hundred years after a Tennessee teacher named John Scopes started a legal battle over what the state’s schools can teach children, Americans are still divided over evolution.

    Scopes was charged with violating Tennessee law by teaching evolution, in a highly publicised July 1925 trial that led to national debate over evolution and education. The trial tested whether a law introduced that year really could punish teachers over evolution lessons. It could and did: Scopes was fined US$100 (£74).

    But here’s the weird part: while Americans remain deeply divided about whether humans evolved from earlier species, our British predecessors largely settled this question decades before the Scopes trial.

    John Scopes one month before the Tennessee v. John T. Scopes Trial.
    Smithsonian Institution/ Watson Davis

    According to thinktank Pew Research Center data from 2020, only 64% of Americans accept that “humans and other living things have evolved over time”. Meanwhile, 73% of Brits are fine with the idea that they share a common ancestor with chimpanzees. That nine-percentage-point gap might not sound like much, but it represents millions of people who think Darwin was peddling fake news.

    From 1985 to 2010, Americans were in what researchers call a statistical dead heat between acceptance and rejection of evolution — which is academic speak for people couldn’t decide if we were descended from apes or Adam and Eve.

    Here’s where things get psychologically fascinating. Research into misinformation and cognitive biases suggests that fundamentalism operates on a principle known as motivated reasoning. This means selectively interpreting evidence to reach predetermined conclusions. And a 2018 review of social and computer science research also found that fake news seems to spread because it confirms what people already want to believe.

    Evolution denial may work the same way. Religious fundamentalism is what researchers call “the strongest predictor” for rejection of evolution. A 2019 study of 900 participants found that belief in fake news headlines was associated with delusionality, dogmatism, religious fundamentalism and reduced analytic thinking.

    Get your news from actual experts, straight to your inbox. Sign up to our daily newsletter to receive all The Conversation UK’s latest coverage of news and research, from politics and business to the arts and sciences.

    High personal religiosity, as seen in the US, reinforced by communities of like-minded believers, can create resistance to evolutionary science. This pattern is pronounced among Southern Baptists — the largest Protestant denomination in the US — where 61% believe the Bible is the literal word of God, compared to 31% of Americans overall. The persistence of this conflict is fuelled by organised creationist movements that reinforce religious scepticism.

    Brain imaging studies
    show that people with fundamentalist beliefs seem to have reduced activity in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex — the brain region responsible for cognitive flexibility and analytical thinking. When this area is damaged or less active, people become more prone to accepting claims without sufficient evidence and show increased resistance to changing their beliefs when presented with contradictory information. Studies of brain-injured patients show damage to prefrontal networks that normally help us question information may lead to increased fundamentalist beliefs and reduced scepticism.

    Fundamentalist psychology helps explain the US position in international evolution acceptance surveys. In a 2006 study, of over 33,00 people from 34 countries from 34 countries, only Turkey ranked lower than the US, with about 27% accepting evolution compared to America’s 40% at the time. Among the developed nations surveyed, the US consistently ranks near the bottom — a pattern that persists in more recent international comparisons.

    Where did humans come from? Teaching children about evolution can be controversial, depending on where they live.
    vovan/Shutterstuck

    Research shows that political polarisation on evolution has historically been much stronger in the US than in Europe or Japan, where the issue rarely becomes a campaign talking point. In the US, anti-evolution bills are still being introduced in state legislatures.

    In the UK, belief in evolution became accepted among respectable clergymen around 1896, according to church historian Owen Chadwick’s analysis of Victorian christianity. But why did British religious institutions embrace science while American ones declared war?

    The answer lies in different approaches to intellectual challenges. British Anglicanism has a centuries-old tradition of seeking a “via media” — a middle way between extremes — that allowed church leaders to accommodate new ideas without abandoning core beliefs. Historian Peter documented how British religious leaders actively worked to reconcile science and religion, developing theological frameworks that embraced scientific discoveries as revealing God’s methods rather than contradicting divine authority.

    Anglican bishops and scholars tended to treat evolution as God’s method of creation rather than a threat to faith itself. The Church of England’s hierarchical structure meant that when educated clergy accepted evolution, the institutional framework often followed suit. A 2024 paper argued that many UK church leaders still view science and religion as complementary rather than conflicting.

    A different approach

    The British experience proves it’s possible to reconcile science and faith. But changing American minds requires understanding that evolution acceptance isn’t really about biology — it’s about identity, belonging, and the fundamental question of who gets to define truth. People don’t reject evolution because they’ve carefully studied the evidence. They reject it because it threatens their identity. This creates a context where education alone can’t overcome deeply held convictions.

    Misinformation intervention research suggests that inoculation strategies, such as highlighting the scientific consensus on climate change, work better than debunking individual articles. But evolution education needs to be sensitive. Consensus messaging helps, but only when it doesn’t threaten people’s core identities. For example, framing evolution as a function of “how” life develops, rather than “why it exists, allows for people to maintain religious belief while accepting the scientific evidence for natural selection.

    People’s views can change. A review published in 2024, analysed data which followed the same Gen X people in the US over 33 years. It found that, as they grew up, people developed more acceptance of evolution, though typically because of factors such as education and obtaining university degrees. But people who were taught at a private school seem less likely to become more accepting of evolution as they aged.

    As we face new waves of scientific misinformation, the century since the Scopes trial teaches us that evidence alone won’t necessarily change people’s minds. Understanding the psychology of belief might be our best hope for evolving past our own cognitive limitations.

    Edward White is affiliated with Kingston University.

    – ref. Why many Americans still think Darwin was wrong, yet the British don’t – https://theconversation.com/why-many-americans-still-think-darwin-was-wrong-yet-the-british-dont-260709

    MIL OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Madagascar launches $7 million initiative to protect coasts from climate change

    Source: APO – Report:

    .

    Madagascar has officially launched a landmark initiative aimed at enhancing climate resilience by restoring critical coastal ecosystems and improving livelihoods across vulnerable regions. Nearly 100,000 people are expected to benefit directly across four key coastal regions—Boeny, Menabe, Diana, and Atsimo Atsinanana—where climate impacts are already threatening both livelihoods and biodiversity.

    The project, Scaling Up Ecosystem-Based Adaptation for Coastal Areas in Madagascar, will be executed by the Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development with a USD 7.1 million grant from the Global Environment Facility and a cofinancing of USD 27 million. The UN Environment Programme (UNEP) assisted the government with developing the project and will act as the implementing agency, as a continuation of a long-standing partnership on resilience-building and strengthened environmental stewardship

    Madagascar’s coastal ecosystems—mangroves, coral reefs, and coastal forests—serve as natural buffers against rising seas, intensifying cyclones, and coastal erosion. Yet these ecosystems are under growing pressure from deforestation, overfishing, and a changing climate. Coastal zones support more than 75% of the local population by providing, for example, marine species for fisheries or valuable non-timber forest products.

    The new project aims to enhance the resilience of both ecosystems and communities through nature-based solutions, conventionally  referred to as ecosystem-based adaptation.

    In close coordination with the Regional Directorates for Environment and Sustainable Development (DREDD), the project will support integrated coastal zone management structures, enhance national and local adaptation coordination, and provide revised tools and plans to integrate EbA at the regional and municipal levels.

    The initiative will restore 3,000 hectares of mangroves and coastal forests and rehabilitate 2,000 hectares of degraded watersheds using community-based approaches. Over the course of the project, almost 100,000 people are expected to benefit directly from ecosystem-based adaptation interventions.

    It will also support the creation of 20 ecosystem-based businesses, with a focus on empowering women and youth through access to training, technical support, and equipment. These businesses will span climate-resilient sectors such as sustainable fisheries, aquaculture, beekeeping, ecotourism, and rainfed agriculture.

    An official high-level launch ceremony was held on 15 July at Hôtel Le Louvre Antaninarenina, bringing together representatives from national ministries, UN agencies, civil society, and development partners. 

    In her opening speech at the ceremony, the Secretary General of Environment and Sustainable Development Hahitantsoa Tokinirina Razafimahefa, said: “Restoring mangroves means protecting the coastline, supporting sustainable small-scale fishing, creating natural carbon sinks, and preserving nesting sites for rare species. In other words, it means acting on adaptation, mitigation, food security, and biodiversity conservation—all at once.”

    Paz Lopez-Rey, UNEP’s Programme Management Officer for the new project, said: “The project will strengthen local governance for integrated coastal zone management, while ensuring the integration of ecosystem-based adaptation into key regional and municipal planning tools. But it will go further than that; it will lead to a national strategy to scale up ecosystem-based adaptation in other vulnerable coastal areas of the country.”

    – on behalf of United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI: The Victory Bancorp, Inc. 2025 Second Quarter Earnings

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    LIMERICK, Pa., July 15, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The Victory Bancorp, Inc. (OTCQX: VTYB), the holding company for The Victory Bank, today announced financial results for the quarter ended June 30, 2025.

    Financial Highlights for Second Quarter 2025
       
    • Net Consolidated Earnings:
    Net income for the quarter ended June 30, 2025, surged to $693 thousand — a $404 thousand increase over the $289 thousand reported in Q2 2024. This substantial growth reflects the continued strength of our financial performance. Return on average equity climbed to 9.07%, up from 7.30% in the previous quarter and more than doubling the 4.08% reported a year ago. Return on average assets also improved significantly, rising to 0.59% from 0.25% in Q2 2024.
       
    • Deposit Growth:
    The bank opened a new branch in spring 2025 in the Horsham market. This new location, along with targeted promotions tied to the opening, has contributed to the growth in deposits in Q2. Total deposits grew to $426.43 million as of June 30, 2025, an increase of $41.82 million from June 30, 2024. This deposit growth has supported strategic balance sheet expansion while enabling the Bank to fully eliminate its highest funding source, borrowings, as of Q2 2025.
       
    • Book Value:
    Book value per common share rose to $15.57 as of June 30, 2025, compared to $14.84 at year-end 2024 and $14.28 as of June 30, 2024.
       
    • Stockholders’ Equity:
    Stockholders’ equity increased to $30.99 million, up from $29.34 million at December 31, 2024, and $28.16 million a year ago. This growth continues to reinforce the company’s strong capital position.
       
    • Credit Quality and Loan Metrics:
    Credit quality remained strong, with no nonperforming assets reported for the quarter and net charge-offs at -0.01%, indicating net recoveries. The allowance for credit losses to total loans stood at 0.88%, reflecting continued sound risk management practices.
       
    • Earnings per Share:
    Basic and diluted earnings per common share were $0.35 and $0.34, respectively, for Q2 2025, compared to $0.15 basic and $0.14 diluted in Q2 2024.

    Chairman and Bank Leader Joseph W. Major commented,

    “Victory Bancorp delivered an extraordinary second quarter in 2025, with net income soaring 140% compared to Q2 of 2024 — a remarkable milestone that highlights the strength and resilience of our financial performance. This improvement was powered by disciplined cost control, strong loan portfolio health, and continued deposit growth. We remained focused on protecting our margin by carefully managing interest expense on new deposits and maintaining rigorous pricing discipline on new loans. Our book value per share climbed to a record high of $15.57, and return on equity exceeded 9%, signaling continued momentum and exceptional operational execution.”

    “We continue to see the benefits of our community-focused relationship banking model and the dedication of our exceptional team. As we enter the second half of the year, we remain focused on supporting the financial success of our clients, expanding responsibly, and delivering sustained value to shareholders. The opening of our new Horsham branch further extends our footprint into a vibrant and growing market, positioning us to serve more businesses and individuals while deepening our community impact.”

    Victory Bancorp, Inc. is traded on the OTCQX market under the symbol VTYB and is the parent company of The Victory Bank. The Bank, founded in 2008, is a Pennsylvania state-chartered commercial bank headquartered in Limerick Township, Montgomery County. It offers a full range of banking services, including checking and savings accounts, home equity lines of credit, and personal loans. In addition to traditional banking, the Bank specializes in high-quality business lending, serving small and mid-sized businesses and professionals. With four offices across Montgomery and Berks Counties, it is dedicated to meeting the financial needs of the local community. For more information, visit its website at VictoryBank.com. FDIC-Insured.

    This presentation may contain forward-looking statements (within the meaning of Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995). Actual results may differ materially from the results discussed in these forward-looking statements. Factors that might cause such a difference include, but are not limited to, general economic conditions, changes in interest rates, deposit flows, loan demand, real estate values, and competition; changes in accounting principles, policies, or guidelines; changes in legislation or regulation; and other economic; competitive, governmental, regulatory, and technological factors affecting the Company’s operations, pricing, products, and services.

    Contact:
    Joseph W. Major,
    Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

    Robert H. Schultz,
    Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer

    Owen Magers
    Investor Relations
    484-791-3435

    The Victory Bancorp, Inc.
    548 N. Lewis Rd.
    Limerick, PA 19468

             
    CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (unaudited) 
    (dollars in thousands, except per share data)
        3 Months Ended
        Jun 30,   Dec 31,   Jun 30,
    Selected Financial Data   2025   2024   2024
                 
    Investment securities $ 43,323   $ 44,642   $ 46,325  
                 
    Loans, net of allowance for credit losses   392,557     390,954     396,499  
                 
    Total assets   477,089     461,024     469,787  
                 
    Deposits   426,433     397,080     384,615  
                 
    Borrowings   0     15,440     42,617  
                 
    Subordinated debt   17,342     17,309     12,843  
                 
    Stockholders’ equity $ 30,987   $ 29,337   $ 28,155  
                 
    Book value per common share $ 15.57   $ 14.84   $ 14.28  
                 
    Allowance/loans   0.88 %   0.92 %   0.89 %
                 
    Nonperforming assets/total assets   0.00 %   0.05 %   0.01 %
                 
        3 Months Ended
        Jun 30,   Dec 31,   Jun 30,
    Selected Operations Data   2025   2024   2024
                 
    Interest income $ 7,149   $ 7,281   $ 7,200  
                 
    Interest expense   3,620     3,886     3,994  
                 
    Net interest income   3,529     3,395     3,206  
                 
    Provision for loan losses   (75 )   (32 )   110  
                 
    Other income   257     299     209  
                 
    Other expense   2,980     3,000     2,935  
                 
    Income before income taxes   881     726     370  
                 
    Income taxes   (188 )   (168 )   (81 )
    Net income $ 693   $ 558   $ 289  
                 
                 
    Earnings per common share (basic) $ 0.35   $ 0.28   $ 0.15  
                 
    Earnings per common share (diluted) $ 0.34   $ 0.28   $ 0.14  
                 
    Return on average assets (annualized)   0.59 %   0.48 %   0.25 %
                 
    Return on average equity (annualized)   9.07 %   7.58 %   4.08 %
                 
    Net charge-offs(recoveries)/average loans   (0.01 )%   0.00 %   0.01 %

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: East Asia and Pacific Subcommittee Chairwoman Kim Delivers Opening Remarks at Hearing on Critical Mineral Supply Chains

    Source: US House Committee on Foreign Affairs

    Media Contact 202-321-9747

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, House Foreign Affairs East Asia and Pacific Subcommittee Chairwoman Young Kim delivered opening remarks at a hearing titled, “Breaking China’s Chokehold on Critical Mineral Supply Chains.”

    Watch Here

    -Remarks-

    Good morning and welcome to East Asia and the Pacific Subcommittee hearing titled Breaking China’s Chokehold on Critical Mineral Supply Chains. I want to thank our witnesses for joining us this morning.
    Critical minerals — lithium, cobalt, real earth elements, and others — are the building blocks of modern technology, powering electric vehicles, microchips, and advanced defense systems. Global demand for these minerals is surging. With lithium demand alone, growing nearly 30% annually from 2021 to 2024, driven by rising electric vehicle battery production. Yet, the People’s Republic of China, or PRC, controls 92% of global rare earth element processing and dominates the manufacturing of battery and magnet components. This chokehold reinforced by China’s tens of billions in global mining investments and tactics like price manipulation and export restrictions poses a direct threat to the United States and our allies.
    While the U.S. possesses significant mineral resources, domestic production alone cannot meet the speed or scale of this demand. The U.S. manufacturing, they operate their operation costs, increased significantly in the region, increasing the regional bureau.
    It will take decades to permit natural mining in America. Moreover, the federal government lacks the financial capacity to fully subsidize the level of investment needed to drive large scale private sector investment expansion of domestic production, relying solely on domestic solutions is insufficient. Therefore, we need a bold global strategy to secure resilient, diversified supply chains free from Chinese control.
    The current geopolitical landscape offers an opportune window to act. The recent developments such as President Trump’s critical minerals agreement with Ukraine and the U.S. facilitated peace deal in the Democratic Republic of Congo, open new opportunities to access vital resources.
    We’ve also seen coordination like the recently announced quad critical minerals initiative underscore the importance of critical minerals to broader regional engagement. As the administration renegotiates trade relationships, we can strengthen partnerships with our allies to build non-Chinese supply chains, enhancing both economic and national security.
    So in today’s hearing, we will explore these challenges and opportunities. We will examine how to build a proactive global strategy to establish supply chains free from Chinese dominance. So our goal today is very clear: to ensure the United States and its allies have secure, reliable access to the critical minerals that will define the future of technology and security. I look forward to a productive discussion.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –