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Category: Transport

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Global Gateway: Partnership between EBID and EIB to promote climate action and environmental sustainability projects in the ECOWAS region

    Source: European Investment Bank

    EIB

    The ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development (EBID), the European Investment Bank (EIB), with the support of the European Union (EU), today announce a €100 million financial partnership to support climate action and environmental sustainability projects in the ECOWAS region.

    A project with a considerable impact on populations

    The EUR 100 million credit line signed under a EUR 150 million envelope is the EIB’s first operation with the EBID. It supports economic development, climate action and environmental sustainability in the ECOWAS region, which fills the financing gap in these areas and contributes to sustainable livelihoods and poverty reduction.

    This facility affirms joint EBID and EIB targeted support for sustainable investments across the ECOWAS region, with particular support for sectors contributing to climate mitigation. The projects which will be financed by this operation target particularly renewable energy including small and medium-sized photovoltaic projects, sustainable agriculture and water treatment.

    A project with a strategic vision

    This project – targeting total investments of at least EUR 300 million – is in line with the strategic priorities of the ECOWAS region and is part of the European Union strategy in Africa under the Africa-European Union Green Energy Initiative as well as the Global Gateway strategy, a model for how Europe can build more resilient connections with the world. It also responds to the ECOWAS Vision 2050 ambitions linked to the environment, economic growth, private sector development and regional integration as well as the ECOWAS Regional Climate Strategy and the Action Plan for 2022-2030.It contributes to various Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), such as sustainable agriculture, health and quality education, clean water and sanitation, affordable and clean energy.

    “We appreciate this line of credit as an initiative of the European Investment Bank to help ECOWAS countries increase their growth and sustainable development,” said EBID Vice President Risk and Control, Dr. Mory Soumahoro. “This partnership demonstrates EBID’s commitment to supporting regional member countries’ access to sustainable sources of finance.”

    “I am very delighted to sign this first operation with the EBID to support economic development, climate action and environmental sustainability in the ECOWAS region. It will help to bridge the financial gap in this region while contributing to reduce poverty and ameliorate daily lives. “ said EIB Vice-President Ambroise Fayolle. He added: “By contributing financially to this project, the EIB demonstrates its commitment to regional integration and developed infrastructure for the benefit of local populations.  Through EIB Global, our branch dedicated to development, we aim to support the EU’s Global Gateway initiative and key sectors in the region such as innovation, digital economy, renewable energy, water, agriculture and transport.”

    “More than half a billion people in Africa still lack access to electricity. Our long-standing goal is to change that. The partnership between the ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development (EBID) and the European Investment Bank (EIB) is a clear demonstration of our commitment to supporting sustainable development and climate action in Africa. By mobilising €300 million for projects that promote clean energy, we are empowering people in the ECOWAS region to build a greener and more prosperous future.” – Jozef Síkela, European Commissioner for International Partnerships

    The EIB loan will also be accompanied by technical assistance program of the EIB with climate action focused training and capacity building This is closely aligned with the EIB and EBID initiatives supporting sustainable development.

    Background information:

    EIB Global

    The European Investment Bank (EIB), whose shareholders are the Member States of the European Union (EU), is the EU’s long-term financing institution. It finances the implementation of investments which contribute to the major objectives of the EU.

    BEI Global is the specialist arm of the EIB Group dedicated to developing the impact of international partnerships and development finance, and a key partner of the Global Gateway strategy. It aims to support 100 billion euros of investment by the end of 2027 – around a third of the overall target of this EU strategy. Within Team Europe, EIB Global promotes strong and targeted partnerships, alongside other development finance institutions and civil society. BEI World brings the BEI Group closer to populations, businesses and institutions through its offices around the world.

    High-quality, up-to-date photos of our headquarters for media use are available here.

    About EBID

    ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development (EBID) is the development finance institution of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) comprising fifteen (15) Member States namely, Benin, Burkina Faso, Cape Verde, Côte d’Ivoire, The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone and Togo. Based in Lomé, Togolese Republic, the Bank is committed to financing developmental projects and programmes covering diverse initiatives from infrastructure and basic amenities, rural development and environment, industry, and social services sectors, through its private and public sector windows. EBID intervenes through long, medium, and short-term loans, equity participation, lines of credit, refinancing, financial engineering operations, and related services. www.bidc-ebid.org

    Global Gateway: Partnership between EBID and EIB to promote climate action and environmental sustainability projects in the ECOWAS region
    Global Gateway: Partnership between EBID and EIB to promote climate action and environmental sustainability projects in the ECOWAS region
    ©EIB
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    Global Gateway: Partnership between EBID and EIB to promote climate action and environmental sustainability projects in the ECOWAS region
    Global Gateway: Partnership between EBID and EIB to promote climate action and environmental sustainability projects in the ECOWAS region
    ©EIB
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    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Suspension of shipping services in Spanish and European ports – E-000221/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    European ports, as critical gateways for international trade and important hubs of activity, are essential for the success of EU industry and economy as a whole.

    This has notably been recognised in the Commission’s priorities through the planning of a new strategy that will highlight the role that European ports and maritime industry will play in the future EU economy.

    All sectors, including maritime transport, need to contribute to the EU climate neutrality objective. While there may be many different economic and operational factors influencing shipping companies’ routes decisions, the Commission takes the possible risks of evasive behaviour very seriously.

    A specific preventive measure against such risks had already been agreed during co-decision: it consists in disregarding, for the purposes of the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS), stops by containerships at certain neighbouring container transhipment ports that meet specific criteria. Tanger Med and East Port Said have been identified as such ports.

    Furthermore, the EU ETS Directive[1] includes a reporting and review clause that obliges the Commission to monitor and to report every two years on the implementation of the ETS extension to maritime transport, notably with the objective to detect evasive behaviours at an early stage and if appropriate, to propose measures to ensure the effective implementation of the directive.

    The first report is expected in the coming weeks and the Commission will continue monitoring the situation very closely.

    • [1] Directive 2003/87/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 October 2003 establishing a system for greenhouse gas emission allowance trading within the Union and amending Council Directive 96/61/EC (OJ L 275 25.10.2003, p. 32).
    Last updated: 28 February 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – The environmental hazard posed to the Baltic Sea by Russia’s shadow fleet – E-002971/2024(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The Commission highlights that the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (Unclos) sets out the legal framework within which all activities in the oceans and seas must be carried out.

    Coastal and flag States have to exercise their rights and fulfil their obligations in accordance with Unclos. The international legal regime regulating the passage of ships through straits is embodied in Unclos.

    While exercising rights of transit passage, ships must, inter alia, comply with generally accepted international regulations, procedures and practices for the prevention, reduction, and control of pollution from ships.

    Moreover, according to Articles 192 and 210 et seq., States have the obligation to protect and preserve the marine environment and cooperate on a global and regional basis for the same purpose.

    Moreover, under Unclos, flag States are responsible for ensuring that vessels, including shadow fleets, sailing under their flag comply with international insurance and certification requirements, vital for accountability and preventing environmental risks in the particularly sensitive sea are of the Baltic Sea.

    Denmark, as the coastal State responsible for the Danish Straits, has the authority under Unclos to adopt measures to prevent environmental hazards and ensure compliance with international regulations within its territorial seas.

    Member States are also required by the Marine Strategy Framework Directive[1] to include significant acute pollution events in their marine strategies.

    Where such pollution events occur, it is the prime responsibility of Member States to intervene and this includes cooperation with regional bodies such as Helcom to monitor and manage maritime activities that could pose risks to the Baltic Sea.

    • [1] 1 Directive 2008/56/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 June 2008 establishing a framework for community action in the field of marine environmental policy, OJ L 164, 25.6.2008, p. 19-40.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Supporting the EastMed pipeline to reduce energy dependence on non-EU countries – E-000560/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-000560/2025/rev.1
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Afroditi Latinopoulou (PfE)

    The EastMed pipeline aims to transport natural gas from reserves in the Eastern Mediterranean region to Europe. Of vital importance for the EU’s energy strategy and geopolitical strength, the project will provide a reliable and strategically critical source of energy. The pipeline’s construction will enhance the EU’s autonomy and reduce its dependence on non-EU countries, such as Russia, Türkiye, Azerbaijan and Qatar, which control key energy sources and routes.

    The EastMed pipeline is expected to have an initial capacity of 10 billion cubic metres per year (bcm/y), with the potential to expand to 12-20 bcm/y. It will be able to cover a significant portion of the EU’s needs and help reduce Russian energy imports by 30-40 % by 2040. In addition, it will further diversify the EU’s energy mix and contribute towards building a resilient energy system in Europe.

    In view of the above:

    • 1.What measures does the Commission intend to take to accelerate the EastMed pipeline project as a means of reducing dependence on Russian gas?
    • 2.Are there plans to support the EastMed pipeline project with European funding programmes that will speed up its construction and completion?
    • 3.What steps can the Commission take to ensure the pipeline project’s implementation in the face of emerging geopolitical threats of a hybrid nature from Türkiye, Russia and China?

    Submitted: 6.2.2025

    Last updated: 28 February 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: A Voice from the South: Dr. Anna Julia Cooper

    Source: US Global Legal Monitor

    “No profounder duty confronts a state than the necessity of constructing sane and serviceable citizens out of the material of childhood. No higher privilege awaits the individual in this land of opportunity than the privilege of contributing to such an end.”

    Dr. Anna Julia Cooper wrote these words ca. 1930 in her essay, “Educational Programs”. (Cooper, Portable, 190.)  Her life as a civil rights activist, essayist, an educator, an intellectual, and a philosopher on society and the law is an extraordinary catalog of outstanding achievements.

    Born in 1858 into slavery to Hannah Stanley Haywood in Raleigh, North Carolina, Anna Julia Haywood was freed in 1863, following the issuance of the Emancipation Proclamation. She enrolled in Saint Augustine Normal School and Collegiate Institute as a student, a school established by the Freedman’s Bureau, and began tutoring there at age 10 to help with her tuition. She married fellow student George A.C. Cooper when she graduated from high school. He died two years later, and she enrolled in Oberlin College in 1881, which she attended on scholarship. While there, she asked to attend the “gentlemen’s courses” which included higher mathematics, Latin, and Greek. (Cooper, Portable, xxiii.) She graduated from Oberlin with a B.A. in mathematics in 1884, and an M.A. in mathematics  in 1887.

    Mrs. A.J. Cooper. Photo by C.M. Bell, Washington, D.C. [between 1901 and 1903] Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division. http://hdl.loc.gov/loc.pnp/bellcm.15413/

    Cooper started teaching math and science at the M Street School, in Washington, D.C., after earning her M.A. from Oberlin. The school “provided a rigorous curriculum that surpassed the offerings of many white schools.” M Street offered a curriculum with academic, scientific, technical, and business tracks. Cooper published her book, A Voice from the South to a positive critical response. As the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy notes of the essay “Woman vs. the Indian”, “Cooper… calls for the natural inherent rights of all people, or ‘the rights of humanity’ but also specifying groups typically denied these rights such as Blacks, women, Indians (or Native Americans), and the poor.” This comment on her philosophy of inherent rights applies not only to the essay, but to much of the book. Her thoughts and essays on society’s influence on the law, racial prejudice, feminism and education were followed by her more famous peers such as W.E.B. Du Bois, whom she corresponded with often.

    She traveled to conferences and cultural exchange programs, traveled to Nassau and throughout Europe, and spoke at the Pan-African Conference in London in 1900, where she was a member of the Executive Committee (Cooper, Portable, xl.) She was promoted to principal of the M Street School in 1901. While directing the school as the principal, she made academic and vocational tracks available to all students. However, she focused on strengthening the school’s curriculum on academics, “an approach often associated with Du Bois’s educational philosophy rather than Booker T. Washington’s emphasis on vocational training.” As principal, she made successful efforts to get students admitted to Brown, Mt. Holyoke, Harvard, Yale, and other Ivy League schools when the students passed entrance examinations.  She was removed from her position as principal by the head of the school board, who disapproved of her focus of the school curriculum on academics, despite community support for her to stay. She moved to teach at the Jefferson Institute in Missouri for a brief period while pursuing legal action for a return to her position at M Street and back pay. Her commitment to equal education predated Brown v. Board of Education.

    Eventually, Cooper returned to M Street School in 1910 to teach Latin, and continued her own studies, while adopting the five grandchildren of her brother. She published her translation of Le Pèlerinage de Charlemagne in 1917. At the age of 66, she completed and defended her doctoral thesis, L’Attitude de la France à l’Egard l’Esclavage Pendant la Révolution at the Sorbonne; she was the first African-American woman to graduate from the school.

    Dr. Cooper returned to teaching at M Street School until 1930 when she retired. She became the president of Frelinghuysen University, the only other higher education facility for African Americans in D.C. at the time. When the school had insufficient funds to stay in operation, she ran it from her own home, while continuing to write and publish essays in The Crisis and the Washington Tribune.

    She worked and advocated throughout her career for equal rights in education and society for women and African Americans until her death at 105. Like some other civil rights activists we have featured in the blog in the past, she was not a lawyer, but her philosophical writing and educational work created changes in civil rights; the Library’s unique collections of her work allow readers to discover more. Her writing is printed in the U.S. passport, “The cause of freedom is not the cause of a race or a sect, a party or a class – it is the cause of humankind, the very birthright of humanity.”

    Sources

    Subscribe to In Custodia Legis – it’s free! – to receive interesting posts drawn from the Law Library of Congress’s vast collections and our staff’s expertise in U.S., foreign, and international law.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: President Pro Tempore John F. Kennedy Applauds Senate Passage of Legislation to Protect Consumers and Strengthen Legal Transparency

    Source: US State of Georgia

    ATLANTA (February 27, 2025)—Today, the Georgia Senate passed Senate Bill (SB) 69. Sponsored by Senate President Pro Tempore John F. Kennedy (R–Macon), SB 69 introduces much-needed regulations on Third-Party Litigation Financing (TPLF) to protect consumers and ensure greater transparency in Georgia’s civil justice system.

    “Our civil justice system should not be treated as a lottery where litigation financiers can bet on the outcome of a case to get a piece of a plaintiff’s award. SB 69 establishes critical safeguards for an industry that continues to expand each year,” said Sen. Kennedy. “In 2023, the U.S. commercial litigation industry controlled an estimated $15.2 billion in assets, yet there are no consumer protections in place for plaintiffs involved in these financing arrangements. This has allowed everyday Georgians to be exploited by predatory financiers, who profit at their expense.”

    Sen. Kennedy continued, “Through unregulated third-party financing, foreign-affiliated financiers are manipulating our legal system and influencing court outcomes. SB 69 will require litigation financiers to register with the state before operating in Georgia and will ban foreign adversaries from engaging in litigation financing here. Right now, these firms operate with virtually no oversight. It’s time we level the playing field and ensure that our legal system serves the people—not powerful financial interests. This bill is a vital step in tort reform and a victory for consumer protection.”

    Sen. Kennedy carried SB 69 on behalf of Governor Brian P. Kemp, who reaffirmed in his State of the State address last month that tort reform remains a top priority for the 2025 Legislative Session.

    For more information about the legislation, read it here.

    # # # #

    Sen. John F. Kennedy serves as the President Pro Tempore of the Georgia State Senate. He represents the 18th Senate District, which includes Crawford, Monroe, Peach and Upson counties, as well as portions of Bibb and Houston counties. He may be reached at (404) 656-6578 or by email at John.Kennedy@senate.ga.gov.

    For all media inquiries, please reach out to SenatePressInquiries@senate.ga.gov.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Upstate Men Sentenced to Federal Prison for Drug Trafficking, Money Laundering, and Firearms Offenses

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    SPARTANBURG, S.C. — Rashaad Green, 31, of Union, and Shaquille Barber, 30, of Moore, have been sentenced to 15 years and seven years in federal prison for trafficking in marijuana, money laundering, and possession of firearms in connection with drug trafficking.

    Evidence obtained in the investigation revealed that from approximately 2020 to 2024 Green and Barber regularly flew to California and other western states obtaining pounds of marijuana for distribution in South Carolina. Green and Barber engaged in money exchanges at their respective financial institutions using cash from drug proceeds. Green and Barber’s financial records showed hundreds of thousands of dollars flowing through the associated accounts. During this time, Green and Barber were also found to have possessed firearms in connection with the marijuana trafficking.

    United States District Judge Donald C. Coggins sentenced Green to 180 months imprisonment, to be followed by a five-year term of court-ordered supervision. There is no parole in the federal system. The court further ordered the forfeiture of jewelry, firearms, and cash and imposed a forfeiture judgment of $500,000 against Green.

    United States District Judge Donald C. Coggins sentenced Barber to 84 months imprisonment, to be followed by a five-year term of court-ordered supervision. There is no parole in the federal system. The court further ordered the forfeiture of jewelry, a Rolex watch, a 2019 Audi Q8, a firearm, and cash and imposed a forfeiture judgment of $250,000 against Barber.

    This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Spartanburg County Sheriff’s Office, and Union County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Carrie Fisher Sherard is prosecuting the case.

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Rafael Caro Quintero “Narco of Narcos” and Murderer of DEA Agent Enrique “Kiki” Camarena, and Vicente Carrillo Fuentes, Former Leader of the Juarez Cartel, Expelled to the United States

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Both Defendants Face Mandatory Life Imprisonment, and Could Face the Death Penalty, if Convicted

    Rafael Caro Quintero (Caro Quintero) and Vicente Carrillo Fuentes (Carrillo Fuentes), both citizens of Mexico, were arraigned in federal court in Brooklyn today for crimes committed as leaders of Mexican drug cartels, which were responsible for significant drug trafficking into the United States and acts of extreme violence—including, with respect to Caro Quintero, the 1985 kidnapping, torture, and murder of Drug Enforcement Administration Special Agent Enrique “Kiki” Camarena—over a period of decades.  Caro Quintero was arraigned on a third superseding indictment charging him with four counts: one count of leading a Continuing Criminal Enterprise, which includes ten violations, including a murder conspiracy; two counts of international narcotics distribution conspiracy; and one count of unlawful use of firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking.  Carrillo Fuentes was arraigned on a superseding indictment charging him with seven counts: one count of leading a Continuing Criminal Enterprise, which includes six violations, including a murder conspiracy; four counts of cocaine distribution conspiracy; one count of unlawful use of firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking; and one count of money laundering conspiracy. Both Caro Quintero and Carrillo Fuentes were arraigned before United States Magistrate Judge Robert M. Levy after being expelled from Mexico to the Eastern District of New York.  

    John J. Durham, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, Frank A Tarentino III, Special Agent in Charge, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), New York Division, and Michael Alfonso, Acting Special Agent in Charge, Homeland Security Investigations New York (HSI) announced the arraignments.

    “For decades, Rafael Caro Quintero and Vicente Carrillo Fuentes have flooded the United States and other countries with drugs, violence, and mayhem, killing so many in their quest for power and control, including in RCQ’s case the brutal torture and murder of DEA Special Agent Camarena,” stated United States Attorney Durham.  “Today the next step in the American legal proceedings against these two cartel leaders—Caro Quintero, the “Narco of Narcos,” and Carrillo Fuentes, the head of the Juarez Cartel—are finally underway, and we are one step closer to justice being served.  My Office continues to be steadfastly focused on the vital work of protecting people of this district, and of all of those in the United States, from the destruction that cartels wreak on our communities.”

    “Today marks a day which will be remembered in the history of the DEA. For nearly four decades, the men and women of the DEA have pursued Rafael Caro Quintero, the man responsible for the kidnapping, torture, and death of fallen DEA Special Agent Kiki Camarena, and the leader of one the most notorious and violent drug cartels. Today, Rafael Caro Quintero will finally face the consequences for the crimes he committed” stated DEA New York Special Agent in Charge Frank Tarentino. “No matter how long it takes, or where you hide, the DEA remains patient and committed in our global pursuit to targeting those individuals who have brought violence and destruction to our communities. The DEA will make sure justice is delivered.”

    “Make no mistake: the world is undoubtedly a safer place with these men in custody in the United States. Carrillo-Fuentes and Rafael Caro Quintero are merciless terrorists who used fear as a tactic to intimidate their rivals and the public. ICE Homeland Security Investigations special agents and personnel with our El Dorado Task Force have dedicated years to investigating the alleged crimes and bloodshed at the hands of these defendants,” said ICE Homeland Security Investigations Special Agent in Charge Michael Alfonso.

    Rafael Caro Quintero

    Caro Quintero was first indicted in the Eastern District of New York in 2015, and a third superseding indictment was returned against him in 2018. As alleged in the indictment and other public filings, Caro Quintero’s involvement in drug trafficking and violence is extensive, ruthless, and notorious.  Known as the “Narco of Narcos,” Caro Quintero started cultivating marijuana as a teenager in Mexico in the 1960s and developed transportation and distribution networks and routes that enabled him to move that marijuana into the United States.  Caro Quintero also manufactured and trafficked heroin and methamphetamine from Mexico into the United States.  Caro Quintero then joined with Colombian cocaine manufacturers to use his networks and routes to traffic cocaine from South America, through Central America and Mexico, into the United States.  By the 1970s, Caro Quintero’s organization became known as the Guadalajara Cartel, which ultimately joined the syndicate known as the “Sinaloa Cartel” (or Mexican “Federation”), the largest drug trafficking organization in the world.

    In 1985, Caro Quintero ordered the kidnapping, torture, and murder of DEA Special Agent Camarena.  Caro Quintero believed Camarena was responsible for leading the Mexican government to seize Caro Quintero’s largest ranch in Chihuahua, Rancho Buffalo.  Caro Quintero’s men abducted Camarena and took him to a location where he was tortured and interrogated for approximately two days, after which Caro Quintero and his men killed Camarena.

    Later in 1985, Caro Quintero went to prison in Mexico. Nevertheless, from 1985 to 2013, while in prison, Caro Quintero continued operating his drug trafficking organization (the “Caro Quintero DTO”), using family members and associates on the outside to assist him.  The Caro Quintero DTO trafficked large quantities of marijuana, cocaine, methamphetamine, and heroin into the United States.  After his release from prison in 2013, Caro Quintero went into hiding and continued running the Caro Quintero DTO from various locations in the mountains of Sinaloa.  The Sinaloa Cartel provided Caro Quintero with protection during this time.   

    Caro Quintero and the members and associates of his organization carried firearms in furtherance of their drug trafficking activities, including pistols and AK-47s.  Caro Quintero himself carried a Colt .38 Super pistol with a diamond encrusted handle and “R-1” written in gold.

    Vincente Carrillo Fuentes

    Carrillo Fuentes was first indicted in the Eastern District of New York in 2009, with superseding charges filed in 2019.  As alleged in the indictment and other public filings, Carrillo Fuentes and his brother, Amado Carrillo Fuentes, led the infamous Juarez Cartel for more than two decades.  Under the leadership of Carrillo Fuentes, the Juarez Cartel dominated and controlled drug trafficking through the El Paso-Ciudad Juarez corridor and used its control of the Texas-Mexico border to deliver multi-ton shipments of cocaine throughout the United States, including to locations in New York, Texas, California, and Illinois.

    Until approximately 2004, Carrillo Fuentes and the Juarez Cartel were aligned with the Sinaloa Cartel, one of the largest transnational criminal organizations in the world.  The two organizations worked collectively, partnering in drug shipments and sharing infrastructure as they trafficked tons of cocaine into the United States.  Throughout this partnership, Carrillo Fuentes and his associates corrupted public officials and taxed other drug-trafficking organizations as they asserted their control over the all-important El Paso-Ciudad Juarez corridor.  When this partnership finally splintered—and Carrillo Fuentes and the Juarez Cartel split from the Sinaloa Cartel and realigned with the rival drug traffickers such as the Zetas—Mexico was plunged into a decade of war and bloodshed.  Carrillo Fuentes was at the center of this chaos, initially as the commander of the Juarez Cartel’s sicarios (the Spanish term for contract killers) and soldiers, and then later as the leader of the entire Juarez Cartel.

    * * * * *

    The government’s cases against Caro Quintero and Carrillo Fuentes are part of the operations of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF).  OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach.  Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.

    The charges in the indictments are merely allegations and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.  Both defendants face mandatory life sentences and, if convicted, could face the death penalty.

    The government’s cases against Caro Quintero and Carrillo Fuentes are being handled by the Office’s International Narcotics and Money Laundering Section.  Assistant United States Attorneys Saritha Komatireddy, Francisco J. Navarro, Erin Reid, and Andrew Wang are in charge of the prosecution of Caro Quintero, and Assistant United States Attorneys Erik D. Paulsen and Miranda Gonzalez are in charge of the prosecution of Carrillo Fuentes.  Asset forfeiture matters for both cases are being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Brendan King.  Paralegal Specialists Melissa Bennett and Huda Abouchaer provided assistance on both cases.  

    The Defendants:

    RAFAEL CARO QUINTERO
    Age: 72
    Sonora, Mexico

    E.D.N.Y. Docket No. 15-CR-208 (FB)

    VICENTE CARRILLO FUENTES
    Age:  62
    Sinaloa, Mexico

    E.D.N.Y. Docket No. 09-CR-522 (JMA)

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Cayce Woman Sentenced to Federal Prison on Drug Trafficking Charge

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    COLUMBIA, S.C. — Kayla Martin, 34, of Cayce, was sentenced to more than 10 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to drug trafficking.

    Evidence presented to the court showed that Martin and Michael Tart were arrested in April 2022 after Richland County Sheriff’s Department and Lexington County Sheriff’s Department investigators seized over a kilogram of methamphetamine and a firearm from a vehicle Tart was driving on I-77 North in Richland County. Martin had previously arranged for Tart to pick up the methamphetamine from her home. A subsequent search of Martin’s home uncovered a .380 pistol along with drug residue and other drug paraphernalia. At the time, Martin was a convicted felon and on supervised release from a 2020 federal conviction for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Martin’s conviction for the April 2022 incident was a violation of her supervised release. Martin also faces charges with the South Carolina Attorney General’s Office in another drug-related incident in 2020. Tart has pleaded guilty for his part in this incident and is awaiting sentencing.

    United States District Judge Mary Geiger Lewis sentenced Martin to 123 months in prison for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribution of 500 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine, to be followed by a five-year term of court-ordered supervision. There is no parole in the federal system.

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

    This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Department of Homeland Security, the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department, the Richland County Sheriff’s Department, the Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office, and the Rock Hill Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christopher D. Taylor and William K. Witherspoon are prosecuting the case.

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    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Former Social Security Administration Employee Pleads Guilty to Attempting to Induce a Social Security Beneficiary for Prostitution

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    BOSTON – A former Social Security Administration (SSA) employee pleaded guilty yesterday to attempting to persuade a Social Security beneficiary to cross state lines to engage in prostitution.

    Dae Sung Kim, 36, of Auburn, Mass., pleaded guilty to one count of attempting to induce a person to travel in interstate commerce to engage in prostitution. U.S. District Court Judge Margaret R. Guzman scheduled sentencing for June 10, 2025. Kim was arrested and charged by criminal complaint in October 2024 and subsequently charged by Information in December 2024.

    In March 2024, Kim handled an in-person visit at the Gardner SSA field office from an individual seeking Social Security benefits after losing her job. After redirecting the individual to another SSA field office near her residence in another state, Kim called the individual, using the phone number he obtained from SSA’s computer system. Kim indicated that he understood she was in a difficult situation and stated that maybe they could “work something out” that would benefit them both.  

    During a call monitored by law enforcement later that month, Kim again stated to the individual that they could “help each other out” and proposed giving the individual money in exchange for sex. In several subsequent text messages, Kim suggested that the individual travel to Massachusetts to meet him, offering to pay $100 to have sex in a car at a hotel parking lot. When Kim traveled to the hotel parking lot to meet the individual in October 2024, he was confronted by law enforcement.

    The charge of attempting to induce a person to travel in interstate commerce to engage in prostitution provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Amy Connelly, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Social Security Administration, Office of the Inspector General, Office of Investigations, Boston Field Division made the announcement. Valuable assistance was provided by Homeland Security Investigations and the Fitchburg and Gardner Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brendan D. O’Shea of the Worcester Branch Office and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney James J. Nagelberg of the Major Crimes Unit are prosecuting the case.
     

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: “Now is the time to make clear we, as a country, stand with Zelensky in working for a lasting just peace.”

    Source: Green Party of England and Wales

    by Green Party

    Responding to the “bullying” and “shameful” behaviour of President Trump towards President Zelensky, Green Party MP, Ellie Chowns, said:

    “What we witnessed today was bullying from one of the most powerful men in the world. It was the antithesis of the diplomacy needed in such a delicate moment. While many Brits watched on in horror with real fear, we call on the Prime Minister to make abundantly clear that he stands with Zelensky in working for a just peace and opposed to the strongman brinkmanship tactics of President Trump. Today’s shameful behaviour by the American administration- of inviting a leader to their country with the intention to bully and humiliate – must be clearly condemned. Now is the time to make clear we, as a country, stand with Zelensky in working for a lasting just peace.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Deregulating for economic growth remains focus after year one

    Source: New Zealand Government

    Minister for Regulation David Seymour says that one year in, the Ministry for Regulation is paving the way for better law-making, higher productivity, and higher wages. 
    “One year ago, the Ministry for Regulation was set up. It was given the task of cutting red tape and lifting the quality of all regulatory systems in New Zealand. Those systems are stunting economic growth and costing people money and sanity,” Mr Seymour says.    
    “After one year, the Ministry can point to a growing list of deregulation measures that are helping businesses, workers, and consumers.  
    Some examples of the Ministry’s work include: 

    Delivering the first regulatory sector review into Early Childhood Education (ECE). These recommendations will reduce compliance costs, encourage more providers into the market, and give parents more choice. Cabinet will consider its fifteen recommendations later this month.

    Delivering the second regulatory sector review into Agricultural and Horticultural Products. Cabinet accepted all of its sixteen recommendations this week. Now, implementing them will save up to $272 million by making approval processes easier and faster for farmers and growers.

    ⁠Starting a third sector review into hairdressing and barbering industry by listening to those in the industry affected by out-of-date rules. The recommendations will be delivered shortly.

    Driving regulators to change the rules for Buy Now, Pay Later customers, to keep the model viable and cost of services for consumers down. 

    Working with other agencies to make quick changes to regulations hindering Kiwis in areas such as Anti Money Laundering (AML), gift card regulation, emergency responders accessing medicines, bakers who were being regulated on the concentration of flour particles, and supporting people administering property on behalf of someone lacking decision-making capacity. 

    Working alongside MedSafe and the Ministry of Health to review the outdated and burdensome regulations which are holding back economic growth in the industrial hemp sector by 2030. 

    Triaging complaints from the ‘Red-Tape Tipline.’ Over 600 frustrated New Zealanders and businesses have reported cumbersome, costly and complex red tape that’s affecting their day-to-day lives and livelihoods. In each case that goes forward, the Ministry is doing further work, making recommendations to the relevant regulatory agency.

    Alerting relevant agencies of 122 regulatory issues that came through the tipline so that they can be resolved. The Ministry is actively working to resolve a further 150 tips. 

    Putting in place best practice guides and training modules for the entire Government regulatory workforce that will improve New Zealanders interactions with regulators at the coal face.

    Reforming the Cabinet Circular guiding Regulatory Impact Analysis, increasing the Ministry’s role in policy making. The Ministry will now be involved from the beginning of the policy making process, leading to fewer, higher quality Regulatory Impact Statements.

    Preparing and consulting publicly on the Regulatory Standards Bill, that will be a game changer for the entire economy.

    “This occurs alongside the Ministry’s work as a central agency to be the central steward of regulation across the public sector. The fourth sector review is also set to be announced shortly,” says Mr Seymour. 
    “The Ministry will also be busy in its second year supporting the Regulatory Standards Bill through the House, conducting more sector reviews, responding to red tape tips, and supporting the public sector to use more effective and efficient regulations that work for New Zealand. 
    “Bad regulation is killing our prosperity in three ways. It adds costs to the things we do; it prevents productive people from achieving innovative things that grow the economy, and it chips away at the heart of our identity and culture. It’s the fear that comes from worrying WorkSafe or some other regulator will come and shut you down. You can’t measure it, but we all know it’s there. 
    “It’s clear that now is the time for a significant reset. Many governments over the years have paid lip-service to cutting red tape. This Government is committed to doing something about it.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Fatal crash, Mangere

    Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

    One person has died after a two-vehicle crash on Island Road, Mangere, last night.

    Police were called to the scene about 11pm.

    One person died at the scene, and another was seriously injured.

    The Serious Crash Unit has examined the scene, and enquiries into the circumstances of the crash are ongoing.

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: South Texan sent to prison for meth distribution

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    LAREDO, Texas – A 41-year-old Donna resident has been ordered to federal prison for conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute more than 500 grams of meth, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.

    Rafael Leal pleaded guilty April 11, 2023.

    U.S. District Judge Diana Saldana has now ordered Leal to serve 135 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by five years of supervised release.

    In October 2020, law enforcement conducted an investigation into a drug trafficking organization that was attempting to distribute a significant amount of liquid meth from the Rio Grande Valley area to Dallas. During that time, authorities conducted a traffic stop and apprehended Leal as he attempted to transport the narcotics.

    Leal will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.

    The Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation with the assistance of Customs Border and Protection and Texas Department of Public Saftery. OCDETF identifies, disrupts and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found on the Department of Justice’s OCDETF webpage.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney James Sturgis prosecuted the case.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Commander, Naval Air Forces Concludes Visit to Japan and Guam, Reinforcing Warfighting Readiness and Sailor Quality of Service

    Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

    During the visit, Cheever, the U.S. Navy’s “Air Boss,” engaged leadership and Sailors at Kadena Air Base, Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Naval Air Facility Atsugi, Fleet Activities Yokosuka and Andersen Air Force Base, Guam. He also visited the forward-deployed Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73), Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5 and multiple forward-deployed squadrons, emphasizing the integral role of Naval Aviation in the Indo-Pacific.

    “Our forward-deployed aviation forces are the tip of the spear, and their ability to operate at the highest levels helps maintain a secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific,” said Cheever. “It is critical that we provide them with the training, resources and support they need to maintain readiness and execute the mission.”

    Throughout the visit, the Air Boss and Force Master Chief met with command leadership to discuss key priorities, including sustaining warfighting excellence, improving the quality of life for Sailors and their families overseas and fostering a culture of trust and respect. They also took time to recognize outstanding Sailors for their hard work and contributions.

    “People are our most valuable asset,” said Kuers. “We must ensure every Sailor – whether on the flight line, in maintenance shops, onboard the ship or supporting operations – has what they need to succeed and thrive.”

    Air Boss also had the opportunity to see the U.S. Navy’s latest aviation capabilities in action, including the F-35C Lightning II, the CMV-22B Osprey and the MQ-4C Triton. These platforms enhance the U.S. Navy’s ability to strengthen deterrence to advance a shared vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific region.

    During engagements with squadron personnel, Air Boss flew with Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 195, reinforcing his commitment to safe, effective operations and firsthand understanding of the challenges they face.

    “Our aviators and maintainers work around the clock to ensure our air wing is combat-ready, strong and lethal,” said Capt. Brian Kesselring, commander of CVW-5. “Having the Air Boss fly with our squadrons and engage with our teams underscores the importance of our mission and the trust he has in our warfighters.”

    While in Guam, Air Boss visited Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 25, the U.S. Navy’s only forward-deployed MH-60S expeditionary squadron, which plays a critical role in search and rescue, logistics and fleet support operations across the Indo-Pacific.

    The visit marked the first time Cheever visited Japan and Guam as Air Boss, and reinforced morale, strengthened trust and underscored Naval Aviation as indispensable to operations around the world.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Central Coast Woman Arrested on Complaint Alleging She Created Hundreds of Bogus Medical Documents for Immigration Applicants

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    LOS ANGELES – A San Luis Obispo County woman has been arrested on a federal criminal complaint alleging she created hundreds of fraudulent immigration documents by misusing physicians’ credentials to show compliance with medical examination requirements for immigrants to register for green cards or otherwise adjust their immigration status, the Justice Department announced today.

    Chantelle Lavergne Woods, 54, of Nipomo, is charged with fraud and misuse of visas, permits, and other documents, a felony that carries a statutory maximum sentence of 10 years in federal prison.

    Woods was arrested on Wednesday made her initial appearance Thursday in United States District Court and a federal magistrate judge ordered her released on $10,000 bond. Her arraignment is scheduled for March 25.

    “The fraudulent conduct described in the criminal complaint undermined the integrity of our nation’s immigration system,” said Acting United States Attorney Joseph T. McNally. “We commend our law enforcement partners for putting a stop to it.”

    United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) requires the submission of a medical examination and vaccination record that assess several physical and mental health factors to determine an applicant’s legal status. Federal law requires licensed physicians – or “civil surgeons” – to perform these examinations. 

    According to an affidavit filed on February 18 with the complaint, from February 2021 to April 2024, Woods, while operating an Arroyo Grande medical clinic, created hundreds of fraudulent documents pertaining to medical examination and vaccination requirements for individuals seeking to register for a lawful permanent resident (LPR) card – commonly known as a “green card” – or otherwise adjust their immigration status.

    Woods allegedly maintained a website that advertised itself as a “Medical Weight Loss and Immigration Services” clinic that, in part, purported to help applicants with immigration physicals. One of the doctors listed on that website as an “M.D. Board Certified Neurologist and Designated Civil Surgeon for USCIS” was in fact, according to the California Medical Board website, a pediatrician, not a neurologist.

    She allegedly forged several doctors’ signatures – including one doctor who died before Woods prepared the fraudulent immigration forms. 

    A complaint contains allegations that a defendant has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in court.

    The Drug Enforcement Administration’s Ventura Resident Office Tactical Diversion Squad and USCIS Fraud Detection and National Security are investigating this matter.

    Assistant United States Attorneys Elia Herrera of the International Narcotics, Money Laundering, and Racketeering Section and Mark Aveis of the Major Frauds Section are prosecuting this case.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Suburban Chicago Tax Professional Sentenced to More Than Ten Years in Prison for Stealing Client and Investor Funds

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    CHICAGO — A suburban Chicago tax professional who fraudulently obtained more than $2.5 million from clients and investors under false pretenses has been sentenced to more than ten years in federal prison.

    ADAM R. OLIVA, 43, of Rolling Meadows, Ill., pleaded guilty last year in two federal fraud cases.  Oliva was sentenced in December to six years in federal prison for one of the cases, and on Wednesday he received an additional four-and-a-half-year sentence for the other case.  The prison terms must be served consecutively, for a total period of incarceration of ten and a half years.

    In one case, Oliva held himself out as a tax professional who did business under various names, including Oliva and Associates LLC and The Oliva Group LLC.  From 2015 to 2020, Oliva fraudulently induced clients to provide him with money for the purported purpose of paying their income taxes.  Oliva instead kept the money for himself.  Oliva also admitted that he filed false tax returns on behalf of some of those clients, reflecting no or lower tax liabilities in order to make it less likely that the IRS would contact the clients about their unpaid tax liabilities.

    In the other case, Oliva duped investors who had provided him with money to fund purported short-term loans to clients.  Oliva promised those investors that they would receive returns of 10-20% on their investments.  In reality, he never intended to make any short-term loans.  Instead, he pocketed the investors’ money and used it for personal expenses, including gambling, meals at restaurants, and retail purchases.

    The sentences were announced by Morris Pasqual, Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, Ramsey E. Covington, Acting Special Agent-in-Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation Chicago Field Office, and Vincent R. Zehme, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Region of the FDIC’s Office of Inspector General.  The government was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Rick D. Young.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Hickenlooper, Bennet, Neguse, Colleagues Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Honor Edward J. Dwight, Jr. with Congressional Gold Medal

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Colorado John Hickenlooper
    WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senators John Hickenlooper and Michael Bennet and U.S. Representative Joe Neguse reintroduced their bipartisan Edward J. Dwight, Jr. Congressional Gold Medal Act of 2025 to honor the life and legacy of author, sculptor, and astronaut Ed Dwight, Jr., who made history at 90-years-old as the oldest person on Earth to travel to space.
    “Ed Dwight is an inspiration to every American seeking to push the limits of what’s possible,” said Hickenlooper. “It’s high time we recognize his many contributions to our nation and to Colorado.”
    “Ed Dwight is one of our country’s greatest living legends,” said Bennet. “Despite racism and prejudice, Ed never stopped reaching higher and became a trailblazer in the worlds of art, science, aviation, and most recently, space travel. His successes are Colorado’s successes. It is a privilege to highlight Ed’s accomplishments and advocate for him to receive the highest honor bestowed by the United States Congress.”
    “Ed Dwight was a barrier breaker, overcoming obstacles to become the first African American candidate selected for the U.S. Air Force’s astronaut training program. Since then, he has continued to uplift and celebrate
    the contributions of Black Americans—both across the country and in Colorado—through his art,” said Neguse. “We are incredibly proud of his contributions to our nation, and I am honored to join Senator Bennet in the effort to award Ed with a Congressional Gold Medal.”
    Dwight became our country’s first African American astronaut candidate when President John F. Kennedy invited him to join the U.S. Air Force’s astronaut training program in 1961. However, he was never granted the opportunity to fly to space due to racism within the program.
    After completing his military service, Dwight moved to Denver, where he became an IBM engineer. He later opened a restaurant and worked as a real estate developer before pursuing his passion for sculpting full-time. Today, Dwight’s sculptures are collected by museums, institutions, and art enthusiasts around the world, including the Smithsonian.
    In 2020, U.S. Space Force Chief of Space Operations General Jay Raymond presented Dwight with the Commander’s Public Service Award and inducted him as an honorary member of the Space Force, for his contributions to the United States, space, and history.
    Then, in 2024, aboard Blue Origin’s New Shepard spacecraft, 90-year-old Dwight made history as the oldest person to travel to space.
    “The Congressional Gold Medal would bestow recognition to a man who has fulfilled his lifelong dream of going to space,” said Patricia Duncan, Colorado activist and author. “Senator Bennet’s bill honors Ed Dwight, the first Black astronaut candidate, a humble man receiving all the recognition he has earned and deserves.”
    “As of May 2024, Ed Dwight, using the moniker of ‘Justice’, was able to fulfill a 60 year dream of flying into space and earning the official title of Astronaut. I would like to sincerely thank Senator Bennet for recognizing and acknowledging my father, Ed Dwight’s contributions to Colorado, our culture, and the country as a whole,” said Tamara Rhone, Ed Dwight’s daughter. “It means so much to me and my family as I know he appreciates that he is not forgotten in this journey to reach and attain his dreams and be a positive example for others to follow.”
    The Congressional Gold Medal would recognize Dwight’s historic service, example of excellence despite adversity, and contributions to art and Black history.
    Representative Neguse introduced companion legislation in the House.
    The text of the bill is available HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Surrey Langley SkyTrain station, guideway construction reaches milestone

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Sukh Dhaliwal, MP for Surrey-Newton –

    “Expanding transportation south of the Fraser River with the Surrey Langley SkyTrain will offer faster and more reliable transit services, strengthening connections throughout Metro Vancouver for decades to come. Once complete, this project will reduce congestion, drive economic growth and support sustainable transit, while paving the way for a healthier, more connected and vibrant future.”

    Kevin Quinn, CEO of TransLink –

    “Once complete, the Surrey Langley SkyTrain extension will provide a fast, reliable and sustainable travel option for daily commuters. As our region prepares to welcome thousands of new residents in the coming decades, investments like this are critical to keeping our transportation network viable.”

    Brenda Locke, mayor of Surrey –

    “As construction of the Surrey Langley SkyTrain progresses, we are taking a crucial step toward addressing the long-standing transit challenges our city has faced. This project will help reduce the service gaps in Surrey, providing our residents with safer, more reliable and efficient transportation options they deserve. Together, we are building a more connected and vibrant future for our community.”

    Eric Woodward, mayor of Township of Langley –

    The Surrey Langley SkyTrain extension is a crucial and long-awaited step toward improving transportation in the region. For far too long, residents of the Township of Langley have endured limited commuting options. We are eager to see continued progress on the SkyTrain, and we welcome the recently announced Langley-Maple Ridge Bus Rapid Transit route, which will integrate seamlessly with the future Willowbrook SkyTrain station.

    Nathan Pachal, mayor of Langley –

    “We’re excited to see Langley city and the region becoming more connected as we grow. The SkyTrain expansion will make travel between communities easier, strengthen connections among residents, businesses and communities, and create new opportunities throughout the region.”

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: IMF and Ukrainian Authorities Reach Staff Level Agreement on the Seventh Review of the Extended Fund Facility (EFF) Arrangement

    Source: International Monetary Fund

    February 28, 2025

    • International Monetary Fund (IMF) staff and the Ukrainian authorities have reached staff level agreement (SLA) on the Seventh Review of the 4-year, $15.5 billion Extended Fund Facility (EFF) Arrangement. Subject to approval by the IMF Executive Board and consistent with its balance-of-payments needs, Ukraine would be expected to draw about US$0.4 billion (SDR 0.3 billion), bringing total disbursements under the program to US$10.1 billion.
    • Program performance remains strong. All end-December quantitative performance criteria (QPCs) have been met and understandings were reached on a set of policies and reforms to sustain macroeconomic stability. The structural reform agenda continues to make progress, with seven structural benchmarks met, another benchmark implemented with delay, and strong commitments to advance other key reforms.
    • The outlook remains exceptionally uncertain as the war continues to take a heavy toll on Ukraine’s people, economy, and infrastructure. Despite the challenging environment, the program remains on track on the back of critical external support.

    Warsaw, Poland: An International Monetary Fund (IMF) team led by Mr. Gavin Gray held discussions with the Ukrainian authorities in Kyiv, Ukraine and Warsaw, Poland during February 20-28 on the Seventh Review of the country’s 4-year Extended Fund Facility (EFF) Arrangement. Upon the conclusion of the discussions, Mr. Gray issued the following statement:

    “IMF staff and the Ukrainian authorities have reached staff-level agreement on the Seventh Review of the EFF, subject to approval by the IMF Executive Board, with Board consideration expected in coming weeks.

    “Ukraine’s four-year EFF Arrangement with the IMF continues to provide a strong anchor for the authorities’ economic program in times of exceptionally high uncertainty. Program performance remains strong with all quantitative performance criteria for end-December met, and important progress on the structural agenda due for this review. Reflecting a revised profile of balance of payments needs in 2025, Ukraine has requested to rephase access under its EFF program, shifting IMF financing to future reviews while the overall size of the program remains unchanged.

    “The economy has continued to show resilience despite the challenges arising from three years of war in Ukraine. Real GDP growth is estimated at 3.5 percent for 2024, but is expected to moderate to 2-3 percent in 2025, reflecting headwinds from labor constraints, damage to energy infrastructure, and the persistence of Russia’s war in Ukraine. Inflation has continued to rise, reaching 12.9 percent y/y in January, mainly due to rising food and labor costs. The National Bank of Ukraine (NBU) raised the policy rate by a cumulative 150 bps since December in response. Gross international reserves reached US$43 billion as of January 2025, reflecting continued large external official support. Risks remain exceptionally high given uncertainty on the war and the prospects for peace and recovery.

    “The 2025 budget targets a deficit (excluding grants) of 19.6 percent of GDP and remains the anchor for fiscal policy this year. It incorporates the additional revenue derived from the increase in tobacco excise taxes and enactment of this tax policy change is a requirement for completion of the review. Financing the large fiscal deficit will require significant and timely external support, notably from the G7’s ERA initiative, to support macroeconomic stability. Responding to high budget risks will require preparedness with offsetting measures; in particular broad-based, durable, and efficient revenue measures and accelerated implementation of Ukraine’s National Revenue Strategy (NRS)

    Restoring medium-term fiscal sustainability requires determined implementation of reforms to mobilize domestic revenues, tackle tax evasion and avoidance, and improve the investment climate. Tax policy reforms need also to be coupled with improvements in tax administration with continued reforms to the state customs service (SCS) and state tax service (STS). Restoring debt sustainability hinges on this revenue-based fiscal adjustment and continued implementation of the authorities’ debt restructuring strategy (where completing the treatment of the GDP warrants remains important). The upcoming 2026-2028 budget declaration that is to be submitted to Parliament in June will be an important opportunity to provide both the context and strategic objectives of the medium-term fiscal strategy.

    “Given the risks from rising inflation, the recent increases in the policy rate by the NBU are appropriate. Further action would be warranted if inflation accelerates further or inflation expectations deteriorate. The exchange rate should increasingly act as a shock absorber. Maintaining adequate reserves is a priority, particularly in view of risks to the outlook.

    “The independence, competence, and credibility of anti-corruption and judicial institutions should continue to be enhanced. Parliamentary adoption this week of the law establishing the High Administrative Court, a benchmark under the program, is a landmark step in this direction. Swift enactment of the law would pave the way for prompt establishment of the court.

    “Effective public investment management (PIM) is critical for post-war recovery, reconstruction, and growth against a backdrop of limited fiscal space and tough demographic realities. To tackle these challenges, the government of Ukraine is implementing a comprehensive PIM framework that is in line with best international practices. A strategy-driven and transparent approach is essential to overcome absorption capacity constraints and allocate scarce resources efficiently.

    “The financial sector remains stable, but continued vigilance is warranted given elevated risks. Developing financial markets infrastructure will be critical to support prompt reconstruction and recovery by facilitating much needed private investment, including attracting foreign capital. Comprehensive consultation and collaboration with financial market participants is essential to facilitate preparation of a prioritized reform agenda, which the NBU has begun in collaboration with other relevant stakeholders.

    “The mission met with Finance Minister Marchenko, National Bank of Ukraine Governor Pyshnyy, other government ministers, public officials, and civil society. The mission thanks them and their technical staff for the excellent collaboration and constructive discussions.”

    IMF Communications Department
    MEDIA RELATIONS

    PRESS OFFICER: Camila Perez

    Phone: +1 202 623-7100Email: MEDIA@IMF.org

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Luján, Graham Introduce Legislation to Ban Horse Slaughter

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-New Mexico)
    Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) and Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) announced the introduction of the Save America’s Forgotten Equines (SAFE) Act, legislation to permanently ban the slaughter of horses for human consumption. The bill would also prohibit the export of live horses to Mexican and Canadian slaughterhouses to be sold overseas. Congressman Vern Buchanan (R-FL) and Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky (D-Ill.) lead companion legislation in the House.
    “I’m proud to join my colleagues to introduce bipartisan legislation to permanently ban the slaughter of horses for human consumption. Unlike cattle, horses aren’t raised as food animals in the United States,” said Senator Luján. “I look forward to working with my colleagues to pass this bill to protect our nation’s horses while maintaining support for meat and poultry markets.”
    “The slaughter of horses for human consumption is barbaric and has no place in America,” said Representative Buchanan. “As Co-Chairman of the Animal Protection Caucus, I look forward to continuing to lead this effort with Congresswoman Schakowsky to protect these beautiful creatures.”
    “As a former horse owner, I have been a leader in efforts to ban horse slaughter in the United States for many years,” said Representative Schakowsky. “I am once again partnering with Congressman Vern Buchanan in introducing the SAFE Act to amend the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 to prohibit the slaughter of equines for human consumption, both domestically and abroad. It is beyond time to end this brutal and dangerous practice. Horses are not food. As a proud animal lover, we owe it to our horse companions to protect their welfare.”
    The SAFE Act would make it illegal to slaughter, transport, possess, purchase, sell or donate horses, donkeys and burros for human consumption. Although the practice of slaughtering horses for human consumption is currently illegal in the United States, the ban is temporary and subject to annual congressional review and no federal law exists to prohibit the transport of horses across America’s borders for slaughter in Canada or Mexico.
    The SAFE Act is cosponsored by over 100 bipartisan members of Congress. The SAFE Act has received the support of the Humane World Action Fund, the ASPCA, the Animal Welfare Institute, the U.S. Harness Racing Alumni Association, the Jockey Club and Return to Freedom Wild Horse Conservation.
    “The pipeline to slaughter is a death sentence for horses, subjecting them to unimaginable suffering. These majestic animals, who have helped build this nation, are deserving of compassion and kindness, not cruelty. It’s time to end their horrifying journey to slaughter, where many suffer brutal abuse long before they arrive. Horse slaughter for human consumption is an industry that shows a complete disregard for these loyal and noble animals. We call on lawmakers to support Senators Graham and Luján and Representatives Buchanan and Schakowsky in their efforts to pass the Save America’s Forgotten Equines (SAFE) Act and put an end to this inhumane practice once and for all,” said Sara Amundson, President, Humane World Action Fund.
    “Although the overall decline in American horses being exported for human consumption is a sign of progress, more than 19,000 horses are still being trucked across the border each year as part of the predatory horse slaughter pipeline. This industry needs to be shut down once and for all. We are immensely grateful to Congressman Buchanan, Congresswoman Schakowsky, Senator Graham, and Senator Luján for their outstanding leadership on the SAFE Act and we hope that Congress will move quickly to protect America’s horses from slaughter,” said Susan Millward, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer, Animal Welfare Institute.
    “Despite overwhelming public opposition to horse slaughter, a legal loophole still allows tens of thousands of American horses to be shipped to other countries for slaughter each year. Not only is horse slaughter cruel and unnecessary, but the existence of the slaughter pipeline itself stifles rescue and rehoming efforts, putting equine welfare at risk. Equine industry and animal welfare groups are working daily to solve equine welfare issues on the ground, but we cannot fully succeed while the slaughter pipeline remains open. We are so grateful to Senators Graham and Luján and Representatives Buchanan and Schakowsky for their dedication to starting a new chapter for America’s equines and championing the SAFE Act to secure an end to horse slaughter,” said Nancy Perry, Senior Vice President of Government Relations, ASPCA.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Shapiro Administration Kicks off Problem Gambling Awareness Month to Highlight Resources, Help is Available

    Source: US State of Pennsylvania

    February 26, 2025 – Harrisburg, PA

    Shapiro Administration Kicks off Problem Gambling Awareness Month to Highlight Resources, Help is Available

    The Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs (DDAP) Secretary Dr. Latika Davis-Jones joined the Pennsylvania Lottery, the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB), the Council on Compulsive Gambling of Pennsylvania (CCGP), and an individual in long-term recovery from problem gambling to kick off March as National Problem Gambling Awareness Month (PGAM).

    This year marks the 22nd anniversary of PGAM, with the yearly designation is designed to increase public awareness of the availability of treatment and recovery services and encourage health care providers to screen their service recipients for problem gambling.

    “I encourage all Pennsylvanians to learn about the signs of problem gambling and to use that knowledge to help spread the message that treatment and resources are available. Knowledge is power, especially in terms of prevention,” said Secretary Davis-Jones. “With the right treatment and supports for problem gambling, recovery is not only possible, but also probable. Understanding that treatment and resources are available to help is often the first step on the road to recovery.”

    LIST OF SPEAKERS
    Dr. Latika Davis-Jones, DDAP Secretary
    Josh Ercole, CCGP Executive Director
    David Yeager
    Elizabeth Lanza, Director of the Office of Compulsive and Problem Gambling for the PGCB
    Diana Dietz,Deputy Communications Director and Responsible Gambling Manager for the Pennsylvania Lottery

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Solving the Rural Health Care Worker Shortage: Governor Shapiro Visits Bradford County Hospital to Highlight Initiatives to Recruit More Health Care Providers in Rural Communities

    Source: US State of Pennsylvania

    February 27, 2025 – Sayre, PA

    Solving the Rural Health Care Worker Shortage: Governor Shapiro Visits Bradford County Hospital to Highlight Initiatives to Recruit More Health Care Providers in Rural Communities

    Governor Shapiro and Department of Drug and Alcohol Prevention (DDAP) Secretary Dr. Latika Davis-Jones visited Guthrie Robert Packer Hospital in Sayre, Bradford County to highlight the Governor’s 2025-26 proposed budget, which strengthens his commitment to addressing Pennsylvania’s rural health care workforce shortage and supporting rural hospitals.

    The Governor’s budget proposal makes targeted investments to expand the health care workforce, ensure rural communities have access to care, and help to keep hospitals open. It includes $10 million to support rural hospitals facing service cuts or closures and expands loan repayment programs for health care workers, simialr to the successful substance use disorder (SUD) loan repayment program at DDAP. Since taking office, the Shapiro Administration has successfully invested more than $40 million in helping nearly 675 professionals working in Pennsylvania’s drug and alcohol field through DDAP’s student loan repayment program.

    “Here in Pennsylvania, we are facing shortages of health care professionals – especially in our rural communities.” said Governor Shapiro. “My budget takes concrete steps to recruit more health care providers and incentivize them to work in great communities like this one in Bradford County. By strengthening our rural health care workforce pipelines, my Administration is taking action to support the dedicated professionals who care for our communities and ensure no one is left behind.”

    List of Speakers:
    Guthrie Clinic President and CEO Dr. Edmund Sabanegh
    Kevin Gibbs, a former patient at Guthrie Robert Packer Hospital
    Governor Shapiro
    Secretary Dr. Latika Davis-Jones, Department of Drug and Alcohol Prevention (DDAP)
    Barbara Vanaskie, SUD loan repayment program awardee
    Pennsylvania Treasurer Stacey Garrity,
    Deb Raupers, Chief Nurse Executive for Guthrie Robert Packer Hospital
    Senator Gene Yaw,
    Representative Tina Pickett

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: PHILADELPHIA COUNTY – Shapiro Administration and Partners Remind Pennsylvanians of May 7 REAL ID Deadline

    Source: US State of Pennsylvania

    February 28, 2025 – Philadelphia, PA

    ADVISORY – PHILADELPHIA COUNTY – Shapiro Administration and Partners Remind Pennsylvanians of May 7 REAL ID Deadline

    The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT), in partnership with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), the Philadelphia International Airport, and the American Automobile Association (AAA), will hold a press conference at the Philadelphia International Airport at 10:30 AM to urge Pennsylvanians to prepare for the upcoming federal REAL ID deadline on May 7, 2025.

    When the deadline takes effect, Pennsylvanians will need either a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or identification card or another form of federally-accepted identification such as a passport, to board domestic flights, enter certain federal facilities that require a ID, or enter military bases.

    WHO:
    Atif Saeed, Chief Executive Officer for the Philadelphia International Airport
    Gerardo “Jerry” Spero, Federal Security Director for Pennsylvania, TSA
    Mike Carroll, Secretary, PennDOT
    Jana Tidwell, Manager, Public and Government Affairs, Pennsylvania &
    Delaware, AAA

    WHEN:
    Monday, March 3 at 10:30 AM

    WHERE:
    Philadelphia International Airport, 8500 Essington Avenue, Philadelphia, at
    Terminal D/E, TSA Pre-Check Security Checkpoint, above the ticketing area for Delta, United and Spirit.

    PARKING:
    Media may park in the multipurpose (purple) parking lot and must show their credentials to the parking booth attended when they arrive.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Transient Man Sentenced to Life Plus 10 Years After Murder Conviction

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    TULSA, Okla. – A transient man was found guilty in October 2024 of First Degree Murder in Indian Country, Assault with a Dangerous Weapon, Brandishing and Discharging a Firearm During a Crime of Violence, and Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury in Indian Country.

    Today, U.S. District Judge Gregory K. Frizzell sentenced Cameron Lynn, 34, to life imprisonment for first-degree murder, plus 120 months for discharging a weapon during a crime of violence. Lynn’s remaining counts of assault were sentenced concurrently as 120 months for each count.

    “Cameron Lynn maliciously took the life of Alcides Monroig and assaulted another,” said U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson. “This life sentence, plus an additional ten years, will ensure Lynn is no longer a danger to anyone in the Northern District. This sentence would not be possible without the hard work of the detectives, agents, and prosecutors.”

    According to evidence presented at trial, on February 24, 2024, Tulsa Police officers were dispatched around midnight to a call where someone was shot. The caller was in a heavily wooded area near railroad tracks, flagged down officers and led them to the encampment. Officers found two victims in their tents that were shot. Medical personnel arrived on the scene and rendered aid to both victims. One victim was shot in the abdomen and transported to a local hospital. The other victim, Alcides Monroig, died at the scene.

    The caller and surviving victim told officers that they were asleep when Lynn approached their encampment. They explained that Lynn started going through their belongings, stating he was trying to find his stuff. They told officers they shined a flashlight, trying to see Lynn, and asked him to leave. Lynn refused and shot several times at both tents before fleeing.

    Several witnesses testified that they saw Lynn heading towards the encampment. After they heard several shots fired, Lynn ran toward the witnesses, telling them that they needed to leave the area and that he shot in self-defense.

    Lynn is a member of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma. He will remain in custody pending transfer to the U.S. Bureau of Prisons. The Tulsa Police Department and FBI investigated the case, which Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kenneth Elmore and Stephen Flynn prosecuted.

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

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Wyden, Merkley Demand HHS Secretary Kennedy Reverse Drastic Cuts to Critical Health Care Assistance Program

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Ron Wyden (D-Ore)
    February 28, 2025
    (Washington, DC) – U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley today demanded U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. reverse extreme and harmful funding cuts to the Affordable Care Act Navigator program. 
    In a letter to Secretary Kennedy, Wyden and Merkley joined Senate colleagues to point out how the drastic nearly 90 percent funding cut threatens to leave millions of Americans without vital access to the medical care they need. These cuts will disrupt Americans’ ability to access quality, affordable health insurance coverage, including for Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program.  
    The senators wrote that the Navigator program is “a critical resource for individuals and families, especially those living in rural and underserved areas, by helping them purchase health coverage that meets their needs.”
    The lawmakers continued, “In 2017 and 2018, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) slashed funding for the Navigator program by 84 percent. […] Unsurprisingly, ACA enrollment shrank by more than 2.5 million over the course of the Trump administration. Once Navigator funding was restored in 2021, enrollment rose and reached historic levels for the 2025 plan year,” 
    “We strongly urge the administration to reconsider this harmful decision and restore full funding to the Navigator program. Cutting these vital resources will only create more barriers for individuals and families seeking coverage, ultimately increasing the number of uninsured Americans,” the senators concluded. 
    Full text of the letter is here.
    In addition to Wyden and Merkley, the letter led by U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), was signed by U.S. Senators Peter Welch (D-VT), Ed Markey (D-MA), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Maggie Hassan (D-NH) and Ben Ray Lujan (D-NM). 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cortez Masto, Daines Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Protect Americans’ Access to Telehealth Services

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Nevada Cortez Masto
    Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) and Steve Daines (R-Mont.) introduced bipartisan legislation to make expanded access to telehealth services permanent.
    “Nevadans should have easy access to essential health care services regardless of where they live,” said Senator Cortez Masto. “This commonsense, bipartisan legislation will ensure families in rural communities don’t have to drive for hours to go to a routine doctor’s appointment that could be conducted virtually.”
    “Many Montanans depend on telehealth services to provide health care access across our state, especially in rural communities where patients and families would otherwise have to drive long distances and face unpredictable weather conditions to receive care,” said Senator Daines. “This bipartisan bill expands the telehealth resources folks have come to rely on, and I’ll keep working to make sure Montanans have access to the care and services they need.”
    “The Alliance to Fight for Health Care applauds Representatives Arrington and Schneider and Senators Daines and Cortez Masto for leading the charge to help keep telehealth affordable,” said Katy Johnson, President of American Benefits Council. “Access to care below the deductible provides peace of mind, knowing you can quickly get the care you need to address conditions before they worsen. This is vitally important for working families and everyday Americans — especially those in rural areas or those who are seeking tele-mental health care.”
    The Telehealth Expansion Act will permanently allow full coverage of telehealth services under high-deductible health plans (HDHPs) paired with health savings accounts (HSA) without requiring a deductible. These services were first expanded during the pandemic, and this bill would make those expansions permanent – ensuring that Nevadans and all Americans can access telehealth services without the burden of first meeting a deductible. 
    Senator Cortez Masto is a champion for Nevada’s rural communities, working across the aisle to deliver for families. She has led legislation to support key tourism and outdoor industries in every corner of Nevada through economic development, and she has introduced a bipartisan bill to cut red tape for small businesses—including those in rural areas. She also ensured rural Nevada communities have better access to federal funds and services through the Rural Partners Network. In the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, she secured funding for rural schools and over $460 million for broadband. She also made sure the law included her legislation to help rural counties with internet access at local schools and streamline federal broadband funding to improve internet access for rural areas.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cortez Masto, Kelly Push for More Federal Resources to Combat Fentanyl Crisis

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Nevada Cortez Masto
    Washington, D.C. – Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) joined Senator Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.) to reintroduce bipartisan legislation to crack down on drug trafficking and combat the fentanyl crisis. The HIDTA Enhancement Act would reauthorize the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA) program—which brings together federal and local law enforcement to stop drug trafficking—and provide them with greater resources to cover more activities to enhance fentanyl prevention and seizures. 
    “The HIDTA program has been an incredible tool to help law enforcement agencies nationwide to combat drug trafficking and the fentanyl crisis,” said Senator Cortez Masto. “I will continue working with my colleagues across the aisle to expand funding and support for HIDTA. We must ensure our communities have the resources they need to keep drugs off our streets and protect Nevada families.”  
    “Law enforcement agencies in Arizona are doing their best every single day to keep families safe from lethal drugs like fentanyl. We’re supporting them by boosting collaboration between federal and local law enforcement to crack down on drug trafficking,” said Senator Kelly. “This is an example of the long-lasting solutions that Republicans and Democrats can work on together to secure our border and prevent the flow of drugs into our communities.” 
    The bipartisan HIDTA Enhancement Act specifically reauthorizes the program at $333,000,000 annually through 2030; increases authorization for competitive grants and expands use of funds to include enhanced fentanyl seizure and interdiction activities. Additional cosponsors of the bill include Senators Shelley Moore Capito (R-W. Va.), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), and Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.).
    Senator Cortez Masto has been working to crack down on illicit drugs since she was first elected Attorney General, when she worked with Nevada’s Republican governor, law enforcement, and Mexican officials to combat the rise of methamphetamine manufacturing and cross-border drug trafficking. In the Senate, she has authored legislation to combat drug trafficking online that was signed into law, and passed critical legislation to eliminate illegal fentanyl supply chains. She also recently cosponsored the HALT Fentanyl Act which just passed the U.S. House of Representatives and will combat illegal fentanyl and keep our communities safe. She has also introduced legislation to crack down on the deadly fentanyl additive xylazine. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: February 28th, 2025 Heinrich, Luján Introduce Bill to Strengthen Safeguards That Prevent Public Officials From Using Their Power for Political Gain, Protect Integrity of Government

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Mexico Martin Heinrich

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich and Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) introduced the Hatch Act Enforcement Transparency and Accountability Act. This legislation strengthens Congressional oversight of the Hatch Act, particularly in instances when the Office of the Special Counsel decides to forgo enforcement. Congressman Robert Garcia (D-Calif.) leads companion legislation in the House of Representatives. 

    “With President Trump and Elon Musk hellbent on misusing the federal government for their own personal gains and vendettas, it’s never been more important that Congress strengthen the laws we have in place to improve transparency and accountability for the American people. I’m proud to support this bill to hold this administration and future administrations accountable to ensure government works for New Mexico families — not Republicans’ billionaire friends,” said Senator Heinrich. 

    “The Hatch Act is designed to prevent public officials from using their position for political gain. Now, at this critical moment, the actions of the Trump administration and Elon Musk have shown the American people the importance of accountability and protecting the rule of law,” said Senator Luján. “That is why I am proud to reintroduce my legislation that increases enforcement of the Hatch Act by providing clarity and Congressional oversight for any potential abuses. I look forward to working with my colleagues to pass this legislation to increase accountability of this administration and future ones, and to ensure Americans can have confidence in the public servants who work for them.”

    “Unchecked political influence from powerful individuals like President Trump and Elon Musk poses a real threat to our democracy. When these figures and their associates are allowed to operate without consequences or when they attempt to pressure nonpartisan federal workers to serve their political interests, it puts the integrity of our government on the line,” said Congressman Garcia. “We can’t just sit back and let those in power break the rules that keep our government fair and unbiased. That is why I am proud to lead this bill in the House to make sure these individuals are held accountable and to ensure the Hatch Act is enforced.”

    “We need greater transparency at the Office of Special Counsel. This bill will better ensure the OSC can hold career official and political appointees accountable when they violate the law meant to keep partisan politics out of the federal government,” said Dylan Hedtler-Gaudette, Senior Government Affairs Manager, Project On Government Oversight (POGO).

    The Hatch Act was enacted in 1939 to prohibit federal employees from participating in specific political activities. The law aims to maintain nonpartisanship in the federal government’s operations, shield federal employees from political influence, and uphold merit-based promotions over political affiliations. However, the U.S Office of Special Counsel, which investigates and prosecutes violations of the Hatch Act, has at times failed to properly enforce this critical statue. 

    This legislation is endorsed by Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW) and The Project on Government Oversight (POGO).

    Full text of the bill is available here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: February 28th, 2025 Heinrich Staff to Hold Mobile Office Hours in Las Cruces

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Mexico Martin Heinrich

    LAS CRUCES, N.M. — In an ongoing effort to provide top-notch constituent service, U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich’s (D-N.M.) staff will hold in-person Mobile Office Hours at an America’s Job Center event in Las Cruces on Friday, March 7, from 2 p.m. MT to 5 p.m. MT. 

    Staff will be on hand to assist residents who have questions regarding Social Security benefits, Medicare, Medicaid, immigration, veteran’s benefits, student loans, and other federal programs. 

    Constituents who are not able to attend Mobile Office Hours can visit the Helping You section of Senator Heinrich’s website at www.Heinrich.Senate.Gov. For additional information, please contact Senator Heinrich’s Las Cruces Office at (575) 523-6561.

    Las Cruces, Doña Ana County Mobile Office Hours – Friday, March 7

    WHO: U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich’s Staff  

    WHEN: From 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. MT  

    WHERE: 226 S. Alameda Blvd. Las Cruces, N.M. 88005

    View the English PSA for Mobile Office Hours: VIDEO

    View the Spanish PSA for Mobile Office Hours: VIDEO

    MIL OSI USA News –