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Category: Transport

  • MIL-OSI USA: Coinciding with Older Americans Month, Leaders of House Democratic Task Force on Aging & Families Introduce Older American Bill of Rights

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky (9th District of Illinois)

    Full Text of Resolution (PDF)

    WASHINGTON – Today, coinciding with Older Americans Month, the House Democratic Caucus Task Force on Aging & Families, chaired by U.S. Representatives Jan Schakowsky (IL-09) and Doris Matsui (CA-07), introduced the Older Americans Bill of Rights. This resolution, which identifies and establishes fundamental rights that every older American and their families deserve, is centered around four pillars including: guaranteeing access to affordable, equitable and comprehensive health care; financial and retirement security for seniors and their families; full participation and contribution to their communities; and aging with dignity and respect.

    “Right now, Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid benefits are under attack. Older Americans have spent their lives working to raise families, pay their taxes, protect our country, and build our communities, yet Trump and his fellow Republicans are working to cut your hard-earned benefits. Older Americans have earned the right to retire with dignity and respect, and deserve high quality health care and financial security,” said Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky. “As Co-Founder and Co-Chair of the House Democratic Caucus Task Force on Aging and Families, I feel that it is imperative we reintroduce the Older Americans Bill of Rights. We must protect the earned benefits of older Americans and ensure that they, their families, and their caregivers have all the resources they need to not just survive—but thrive.”

    “Older Americans have worked hard their entire lives to contribute to our economy, care for our families and enrich our communities. It is now up to us to guarantee seniors the right to affordable, high-quality health care, financial security, and livable communities that support aging at home,” said Congresswoman Doris Matsui. “Many seniors now face difficulties achieving retirement security, a challenge only exacerbated by the rising costs in health care and prescription drugs. As the Trump Administration moves to cut funding for Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security benefits, these affordability challenges will only get worse. The Older American Bill of Rights is a forceful response to these threats that reinforces how Democrats stand with our older Americans and will fight for their priorities. Our seniors have earned the right to retire and age with dignity.”

    “Older Americans have worked hard all their lives and deserve to retire with the benefits and financial security they have spent decades paying into,” said House Democratic Caucus Chairman Pete Aguilar (D-CA). “As Republicans continue their attacks on the basic needs programs that Seniors rely on to make ends meet, I am proud to join the Chairs of the House Democratic Caucus Task Force on Aging & Families in reintroducing the Older Americans Bill of Rights to help guarantee that our seniors can retire and age with the dignity, respect and peace of mind they deserve.”

    Every day in the United States, 10,000 Americans turn 65 years old, and this number is expected to significantly increase over the next few decades. The Task Force was created to listen and respond to the concerns of older Americans. Over the years, the Task Force has worked to raise awareness and prioritize aging-related issues, including by introducing the Older Americans Bill of Rights. 

    Today, when we face serious assaults on Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security, communicating House Democrats’ focus on protecting and strengthening the rights of aging Americans is more important than ever.

    Original cosponsors of the Older American Bill of Rights also include Reps. Debbie Dingell (MI-06), Lloyd Doggett (TX-37), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC), Maxwell Frost (FL-10), Betty McCollum (MN-04), Julia Brownley (CA-26), Mark Takano (CA-39), Emanuel Cleaver (MO-05), Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), Stephen F. Lynch (MA-08), Bill Keating (MA-09), Nanette Barragán (CA-44), Paul D. Tonko (NY-20), Juan Vargas (CA-52), Dwight Evans (PA-03), Sylvia Garcia (TX-29), Grace Meng (NY-06), Henry Johnson (GA-04),and Terri Sewell (AL-07)

    The Older American Bill of Rights is endorsed by Social Security Works, AFL-CIO, Long Term Care Community Coalition, The National Association of Nutrition and Aging Services Programs (NANASP), Elder Justice Coalition, the Alliance for Retired Americans, the Diverse Elders Coalition, Gerontological Society of America, and Alliance for Aging Research.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

    May 31, 2025

  • MIL-OSI: Trans Mountain Corporation Releases First Quarter 2025 Financial Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    CALGARY, Alberta, May 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Trans Mountain Corporation (“TMC” or “the Company”) has released its financial statements and associated management report for the three months ending March 31, 2025. The Company’s financial results are also included in Canada Development Investment Corporation’s (“CDEV”) consolidated quarterly financial statements.

    Adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (“EBITDA”) reflect the performance of TMC’s base business. Revenues and Adjusted EBITDA have increased significantly following the commercial commencement of the Expanded System on May 1, 2024.

    Financial Highlights:

    • EBITDA: For the three-month period ending March 31, 2025, Adjusted EBITDA increased by $532 million to $568 million, compared to $36 million in the same period of the prior year.
    • Capital Structure: In December 2024, Canada TMP Finance Ltd., the entity which holds the Government of Canada’s investment in TMC, provided funding to repay $17.9 billion of guaranteed third-party debt. The refinancing results in lower interest costs for the Company, making additional funds available to optimize the system, grow, pay down debt or increase returns to its shareholder.
    • Capital Return: During the first quarter an aggregate of $311 million was paid to Canada TMP Finance Ltd., consisting of $148 million in interest payments and $163 million in cash dividends. These distributions are expected to grow significantly in 2026 and beyond.

    Operational Highlights:

    • Throughput: During the first quarter, the Expanded System had an average daily mainline throughput of approximately 757,000 barrels per day (bpd), including 445,000 bpd to Westridge Marine Terminal, 227,000 bpd to Washington state on the Puget Sound Pipeline and 85,000 bpd to BC delivery points.
    • Vessel Traffic: For the three-month period ending March 31, 2025, 74 vessels were loaded at Westridge Marine Terminal, including 29 vessels in March marking a new monthly high for the Expanded System’s operation. Since the commercial commencement of the Expanded System on May 1, 2024, TMC has loaded 266 vessels at the terminal. Third-party information suggests vessel destinations have been broadly split between the US West Coast and Asia.
    • Loading Performance: Ship loading performance remains strong. During the quarter, approximately 90 per cent of ships were loaded on time, with delays attributable to vessel operator factors.

    Since the commercial commencement of the Expanded System, all deliveries have been subject to the Expanded System tariff and tolls. Contractually committed revenues associated with the 15-and 20-year transportation service contracts covering approximately 80 per cent of the Expanded System’s capacity have resulted in a significant increase to transportation volumes, revenues and Adjusted EBITDA.

    TMC reported net income of $148 million for the first quarter of 2025, as compared to $158 million in the same period of the prior year. While Adjusted EBITDA reflects the results from the Company’s base business, net income incorporates depreciation and amortization expense, as well as the significant financing impacts of the Trans Mountain Expansion Project (“TMEP”), specifically, the equity allowance for funds used during construction (“AFUDC”), interest expense and capitalized debt financing costs.

    While net income decreased by $10 million year-over year, the underlying factors changed significantly. Interest expense before capitalized debt financing costs was materially lower, reflecting the recapitalization of TMC’s balance sheet in December 2024. However, these savings were offset by increased depreciation and amortization expense, and the cessation of equity AFUDC and capitalized debt financing costs on TMEP following the commercial commencement of the Expanded System.

    CEO Comments

    “Trans Mountain is demonstrating its strategic value to Canada’s economy,” said Mark Maki, Chief Executive Officer, Trans Mountain Corporation. “Our team remains focused on safe, reliable operations as we complete one year of Expanded System operations. The Expanded System has driven strong value to Canada’s energy producers and Canadians overall.” Maki continued, “This critical infrastructure is opening new global markets for Canadian energy, reducing reliance on a single US market and ensuring long-term economic benefits for Canadians. These results reflect the hard work, commitment to safety and collaboration of our dedicated team.

    For the three-month period ending March 31, 2025, the West Texas Intermediate to Western Canadian Select differential averaged US$13 per barrel (bbl), which was US$4 per bbl narrower than the average of US$17 per bbl in Q1, 2024. While the differential does not directly affect TMC’s operational or financial performance, the commencement of the Expanded System has contributed to greater egress optionality and improved oil prices for Canadian producers in the Western Canada Sedimentary Basin,” concluded Maki.

    See the full financial statements and management report documents here. See CDEV’s Quarterly Report here.

    Looking Forward

    Toll Hearing: TMC continues to operate under an interim toll structure currently before the Canada Energy Regulator (CER). On November 30, 2023, the CER approved preliminary interim tolls for the Expanded System, which remain in effect today. Under the current CER hearing timeline, final arguments are scheduled for late 2025.

    Optimization Opportunities: Trans Mountain is exploring both short and long-term optimization projects aimed at increasing pipeline capacity by 200,000 bpd to 300,000 bpd. Potential solutions may include the use of drag-reducing agents to increase flow efficiency, as well as other operational enhancements to improve system capabilities.

    Forward-looking information

    This news release contains certain statements that constitute forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws (“forward-looking information”). Forward-looking information is not historical fact, but instead represents the current expectations of TMC regarding future operating results and other future events relating to TMC, many of which, by their nature, are inherently uncertain and outside of the control of TMC. Forward-looking information can be identified by words or phrases such as “will”, “may”, “expect”, “anticipate”, “believe”, “intend”, “plan”, “seek”, “aim”, “potential”, “should”, “would” and similar words or expressions. Forward-looking information in this news release includes, but is not limited to, expectations regarding future distributions, potential uses of funds resulting from lower interest costs, expected timing for final arguments for the current CER hearing, potential optimization projects and the expected increase in pipeline capacity resulting from such projects. the opening of global markets for Canadian energy and long-term economic benefits resulting from TMC’s infrastructure. Actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking information. The forward-looking information in this news release is based on certain assumptions that TMC has made regarding, among other things: market conditions, economic conditions, prevailing governmental policies, regulatory, tax, and environmental laws and regulations, inflation rates and commodity prices, future demand for space on TMC’s pipeline systems, interest, tax and foreign exchange rates and expected cash flows and availability of funds. Although TMC believes the assumptions and other factors reflected in the forward-looking information are reasonable as of the date hereof, there can be no assurance that these assumptions and factors will prove to be correct and, as such, forward-looking information is not a guarantee of future performance. Forward-looking information is subject to a number of known and unknown risks and uncertainties that could cause actual events or results to differ materially, including, but not limited to: the regulatory environment and decisions, including the outcome of regulatory hearings, the available supply and price of energy commodities, TMC’s ability to successfully implement its strategic priorities, the operating performance of TMC’s pipelines and related assets, performance and credit risk of TMC’s counterparties, the geopolitical environment, actions taken by governmental or regulatory authorities, changes in laws, the occurrence of unexpected events such as fires and severe weather conditions, cyber-attacks and other accidents or similar events and adverse general economic and market conditions or other risk factors, many of which are beyond the control of TMC. The foregoing list of assumptions and risk factors should not be construed as exhaustive. The forward-looking information contained in this news release speaks only as of the date hereof. TMC does not undertake any obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking information contained herein, except as required by applicable laws. All forward looking information contained in this news release is expressly qualified by this cautionary statement.

    GAAP and Non-GAAP measures

    We make use of certain financial measures that do not have a standardized meaning under U.S. GAAP because we believe they improve management’s ability to evaluate our operating performance and compare results between periods. These are known as non-GAAP measures and may not be similar to measures provided by other entities. The non-GAAP measures discussed above should not be considered as an alternative to or more meaningful than revenues, net income, operating income or other U.S. GAAP measures. Adjusted EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization and equity AFUDC) is a non-GAAP measure we use to evaluate our operating performance and is calculated from its most directly comparable U.S. GAAP measure, operating income but excludes the impact of financing decisions, non-cash depreciation and amortization, and non-cash equity AFUDC.

    AFUDC (Allowance for Funds Used During Construction) is an amount recognized under U.S. GAAP by rate-regulated entities to reflect a return on the equity and debt components of capital invested in construction work in progress.

    About Trans Mountain

    Trans Mountain Corporation (together with its wholly-owned subsidiaries, “Trans Mountain”) operates Canada’s only pipeline system transporting oil products to the West Coast. Trans Mountain is a wholly owned entity of Canada TMP Finance Ltd., a subsidiary of Canada Development Investment Corporation (CDEV), the entity which holds the Government of Canada’s investment in TMC. We have nominal capacity to deliver 890,000 barrels of petroleum products each day through a pipeline system of more than 1,180 kilometres of pipeline in Alberta, British Columbia and 111 kilometres of pipeline in Washington state. Trans Mountain also operates a state-of-the-art loading facility, Westridge Marine Terminal, with three berths providing tidewater access to global markets. As a federal Crown corporation, Trans Mountain continues to build on more than 70 years of experience delivering operational and safety excellence through our crude oil pipeline system. To learn more, visit us at www.transmountain.com.

    The MIL Network –

    May 31, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: May 30th, 2025 Heinrich Leads Letter to the Department of the Interior Inspector General Urging Evaluation of Threats Posed by Workforce Reductions at the Bureau of Reclamation

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Mexico Martin Heinrich
    Heinrich and Senators to the DOI Acting Inspector General: “We are concerned that the Administration’s actions to gut the agency of qualified public servants could leave critical water infrastructure and communities vulnerable to operational disruptions”
    WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Ranking Member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, led seven Democratic Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee colleagues in a letter urging the U.S. Department of the Interior Acting Inspector General (IG) Caryl Brzymialkiewicz to evaluate the extent to which  the Trump Administration’s workforce reductions at the Bureau of Reclamation (BOR) prevent the agency from fulfilling its statutory mission and implementing relevant programs and activities authorized by Congress.
    “Recent reductions in workforce significantly threaten BOR’s ability to safely and reliably deliver water to communities and farmers, keep waterways flowing for fish and wildlife across the western United States, and produce reliable electricity,” the senators began.
    The BOR is the largest wholesale water supplier in the United States – delivering trillions of gallons of water to more than 31 million people. The BOR also is the second largest producer of hydroelectric power in the country. The facilities the BOR operate generate 40 million megawatt-hours of electricity each year.
    According to reports, the BOR has lost 1,400 public servants, around 25 percent of the agency’s entire workforce, since the Administration began its assault on the federal workforce.
    The senators continued, expressing concern over the lack of strategy and harm to public safety that workforce reductions pose, “Rapid reductions to BOR’s workforce raise significant concerns about the Bureau’s ability to meet its core responsibilities, particularly inspecting dams and identifying threats to public safety.”
    “BOR needs experienced personnel with the necessary expertise to manage critical infrastructure. We are concerned that the Administration’s actions to gut the agency of qualified public servants could leave critical water infrastructure and communities vulnerable to operational disruptions,” the senators continued.
    The senators concluded their letter by requesting that the IG evaluate whether recent workforce reductions at BOR inhibit the Bureau from carrying out its obligations.
    The letter is led by Ranking Member Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.). The letter is signed by Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources Democratic members U.S. Senators Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), and Rueben Gallego (D-Ariz.), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), and Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.).
    The full text of the letter is here and below:
    Dear Acting Inspector General Brzymialkiewicz:
    We write to request that your office evaluate the extent to which workforce reductions at the Bureau of Reclamation (“Bureau” or “BOR”) prevent the agency from fulfilling its statutory mission and implementing relevant programs and activities authorized by Congress. The Bureau is the largest wholesaler of water in the United States—delivering trillions of gallons of water to more than 31 million people. The Bureau is also the second largest producer of hydroelectric power in the country. The facilities BOR operate generate 40 million megawatt-hours of electricity each year. However, recent reductions in workforce significantly threaten BOR’s ability to safely and reliably deliver water to communities and farmers, keep waterways flowing for fish and wildlife across the western United States, and produce reliable electricity.
    According to reports, BOR has lost 1,400 public servants since the administration began its assault on the federal workforce. The positions reportedly eliminated include mechanics, engineers, and fish biology specialists—personnel with considerable expertise. Through firings of probational workers, buyouts, early retirements, and other related actions, BOR has shrunk by 25 percent. This workforce reduction has lacked a coherent, mission- and safety- driven strategy and instead led to the departure of experienced personnel—some with over 20 years of experience—leaving the Bureau susceptible to operational disruptions.
    Rapid reductions to BOR’s workforce raise significant concerns about the Bureau’s ability to meet its core responsibilities, particularly inspecting dams and identifying threats to public safety. BOR manages over 450 dams throughout 17 western states. Previously, BOR’s dam safety program identified over 300 high and significant hazard dams at more than 200 facilities. The age and complex nature of dam systems necessitates having experienced staff trained in the operation of such systems. In fact, as your office identified in a September 2023 report, approximately 90 percent of BOR’s dams are more than 50 years old and “[a]ging dams increaset he risk of dam failures.” BOR needs experienced personnel with the necessary expertise to manage critical infrastructure. We are concerned that the administration’s actions to gut the agency of qualified public servants could leave critical water infrastructure and communities vulnerable to operational disruptions.
    Your office is responsible for promoting “accountability, integrity, economy, efficiency, and effectiveness within” the DOI and identifying “ways to improve the DOI’s programs and operations by offering specific, actionable recommendations that lead to positive change.” We therefore urge you to evaluate whether recent workforce reductions at BOR inhibit the Bureau from carrying out its obligations.
    Thank you for your attention to this important matter.
    Sincerely,

    MIL OSI USA News –

    May 31, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: May 30th, 2025 Heinrich Invites U.S. Forest Service Chief to Pecos Watershed

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Mexico Martin Heinrich
    WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Ranking Member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, sent a letter inviting U.S. Forest Service Chief Tom Schultz to visit the Upper Pecos Watershed in Northern New Mexico and hear from local leaders, Tribes, community members, farmers, business owners, and recreationists about the importance of protecting the Upper Pecos Watershed from new mining operations.
    “For decades, the community in the Upper Pecos Watershed of New Mexico has been united in an effort to protect the river basin from the very real threat of mine waste pollution. Everyone in the community can agree that the Pecos River is an invaluable lifeline. With headwaters in Northern New Mexico, the Pecos supports a wide range of uses from recreation and agriculture to traditional use by the Pueblos in the area. Unfortunately, this region has a history of poorly managed mining projects,”Heinrich wrote to U.S. Forest Service Chief Tom Schultz.
    “The area is still recovering from a devastating 1991 mine spill, which threatened the health and economic survival in the immediate community and for hundreds of miles throughout the state. Thanks to decades of hard work and millions of dollars, this watershed is once again one of the cleanest and most productive in the state – though the remediation is not complete,” Heinrich stated.
    In 1991, a toxic waste spill from a closed mine in the Upper Pecos Watershed caused more than 11 miles of fish kill in the river and required a clean up effort that took decades and millions of dollars to complete. For years, there has been a community-led effort to protect the area from future mining claims to avoid similar threats and pollution.
    In response to a letter sent by Heinrich and the N.M. Congressional Delegation, in December 2024, President Biden’s Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and Forest Service initiated a process to propose a 20-year withdrawal to help secure the region’s water and air quality, cultural resources, critical fish and wildlife habitat, and recreational opportunities. The withdrawal, for lands in San Miguel and Santa Fe counties, encompassed multiple Pecos River tributaries, including Dalton Canyon, Macho Canyon, Wild Horse Creek, Indian Creek, and Doctor Creek.
    On December 16, 2024, the BLM and Forest Service initiated a 90-day public comment period to gather input on the proposal. During the comment period, the two agencies were scheduled to host a public meeting for the proposed Upper Pecos River Watershed Protection Area withdrawal on February 26, 2025. This public meeting was cancelled by the Trump Administration on February 19, 2025, with no further explanation. Despite the cancellation, the Administration received hundreds of public comments in support of the mineral withdrawal.
    On April 7, 2025, reporting from Source New Mexico revealed the Trump Administration plans to reverse the BLM and the Forest Service’s decision to protect the Upper Pecos Watershed from new mining operations.
    “I am concerned by the Forest Service’s decision to reverse the temporary protection and discontinue the process for a longer-term withdrawal. This decision was made without proper community engagement or review of the hundreds of positive comments that were submitted during the public comment period,” Heinrich continued in his letter to Chief Schultz.
    In response to the Trump Administration’s reversal, Heinrich reintroduced his Pecos Watershed Protection Act to permanently withdraw all federally managed minerals in the watershed from development — preventing the leasing, patent, or sale of all publicly owned minerals.
    To continue the effort to protect the Pecos, Heinrich invited Chief Schultz at the end of his letter, writing, “I would like to extend an invitation to you to visit New Mexico and the Pecos area so you can hear firsthand from local leaders, Tribes, community members, farmers, business owners, recreationists, and others while experiencing the beauty of this watershed. While there, you can see why this river is so valuable and witness the very real threat of mining pollution that still exists.”
    At the end of his letter, Heinrich included invitations to Chief Schultz from local and Tribal leaders that show the widespread community support for permanently protecting the Pecos.
    Read the community letter from over 20 local leaders and members of the Hispanic Conservation Leadership Council here.
    Read the invitation from the Pueblo of Jemez here.
    Read the invitation from the Pueblo of Tesuque here.
    Read Heinrich’s full letter here and below:
    Dear Chief Schultz:
    For decades, the community in the Upper Pecos Watershed of New Mexico has been united in an effort to protect the river basin from the very real threat of mine waste pollution. Everyone in the community can agree that the Pecos River is an invaluable lifeline. With headwaters in Northern New Mexico, the Pecos supports a wide range of uses from recreation and agriculture to traditional use by the Pueblos in the area. Unfortunately, this region has a history of poorly managed mining projects. The area is still recovering from a devastating 1991 mine spill, which threatened the health and economic survival in the immediate community and for hundreds of miles throughout the state. Thanks to decades of hard work and millions of dollars, this watershed is once again one of the cleanest and most productive in the state – though the remediation is not complete.
    To New Mexicans who are facing a threat to their way of life and cultural heritage, there is no doubt that this area should be permanently protected. The spill in 1991 left scars on the landscape and with those who depend on the river. We celebrated when the Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management announced last year that they would be pursuing a 20-year mineral withdrawal in the basin. The long-overdue action by the last Administration was a major victory for the Pecos Valley.
    However, I am concerned by the Forest Service’s decision to reverse the temporary protection and discontinue the process for a longer-term withdrawal. This decision was made without proper community engagement or review of the hundreds of positive comments that were submitted during the public comment period. The Administration also cancelled a public forum that would have allowed for discussion of the administrative withdrawal and demonstrated to your agency that this community is united by the beauty and health of the Pecos River.
    Therefore, I would like to extend an invitation to you to visit New Mexico and the Pecos area so you can hear firsthand from local leaders, Tribes, community members, farmers, business owners, recreationists, and others while experiencing the beauty of this watershed. While there, you can see why this river is so valuable and witness the very real threat of mining pollution that still exists.
    I am including letters and invites from local and tribal leaders that show the widespread support for this effort in the area. They represent just a few of many examples of community support for protecting the Pecos. Thank you for your attention to this request and I hope I can see you in New Mexico soon.
    Sincerely,

    MIL OSI USA News –

    May 31, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Dr. Rand Paul Reintroduces Bill to Repeal Job-Killing ‘Tan Tax’

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Kentucky Rand Paul
     
     
    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
    May 30, 2025, 2025
     Contact: Press_Paul@paul.senate.gov, 202-224-4343
     
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Last week, U.S. Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) reintroduced the Tan Tax Repeal Act, legislation to eliminate the burdensome 10 percent tax on indoor tanning services—a relic of the disastrous Affordable Care Act. The tax, imposed in 2010 as a last-minute addition to fund Obamacare, has disproportionately hurt small businesses and women entrepreneurs across the country. The bill is cosponsored by Senators Ted Budd (R-NC), Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND) and Pete Ricketts (R-NE).
    “This tax was never about public health—it was about squeezing more money out of hardworking Americans to fund a broken government program,” said Dr. Paul. “The Tan Tax is a perfect example of the federal government picking winners and losers—and in this case, punishing women-owned businesses trying to stay afloat in a tough economy.”
    BACKGROUND:
    The so-called “Tan Tax” was slipped into the Affordable Care Act as a last-minute replacement for a proposed “Botox tax.” The result? Over 11,000 tanning salons—most of them women-owned—have closed their doors. 
    According to the American Suntanning Association, more than 110,000 jobs, mostly held by women, have been lost. The tax also decimated domestic tanning equipment manufacturers, shifting jobs and production to foreign countries.
    Dr. Paul has long opposed the Affordable Care Act and has consistently called for the repeal of harmful, overreaching policies like the Tan Tax. He previously included this repeal in his broader Obamacare replacement legislation.
    You can read the Tan Tax Repeal Act HERE.
     

    MIL OSI USA News –

    May 31, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Oregonians Should Plan Ahead for Evacuations During the 2025 Wildfire Awareness Month

    Source: US State of Oregon

    s Wildfire Awareness Month comes to a close the Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM) is urging residents to take action now to prepare for the upcoming wildfire season by being ready to evacuate.

    Last year’s wildfire season was the most destructive in Oregon’s recorded history. The 2025 season is shaping up to be just as formidable. Wildfires can spread rapidly, threatening lives, homes and communities, so it’s vital the Oregonians be prepared ahead of time to receive timely notices and to evacuate if asked.

    OEM has provided resources to help Oregonians take small preparedness steps today can make a life-saving difference tomorrow. For more information about preparing your household and community visit the OEM Be2WeeksReady Community Preparedness webpages. In the meantime, here are some key tips to help you be ready should evacuation be necessary.

    Stay Informed

    Sign up for emergency alerts to receive evacuation notifications. Visit ORAlert.gov to find the local alert system for your city, county, or zip code. If you’re already registered, take a moment to log in and update your contact information. Also, check your phone settings to ensure wireless emergency alerts are enabled.

    Know where to find local emergency information, such as your county’s emergency management website and TripCheck.com. Follow local emergency services on social media, including the sheriff’s office, fire agencies, and city or county pages.

    Also, make sure the Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) are enabled on your phone.

    Create a Wildfire Evacuation Plan

    Being prepared starts with a plan. Visit Ready.gov/plan to create a family emergency plan. OEM offers a wildfire evacuation checklist at wildfire.oregon.gov/prepare that can serve as a guide.

    Your plan should include:

    • A list of emergency contacts.
    • A safe meeting place in case family members get separated.
    • Multiple evacuation routes from home, work, or school. TripCheck.com can help with this.
    • Transportation arrangements, including pets and livestock.
    • A discussion with loved ones, friends, and neighbors to ensure everyone understands the plan.

    Individuals with disabilities should plan ahead for transportation, equipment, and service animal needs. Visit the Red Cross for tailored resources. If you have special medical needs, make sheltering arrangements some place that can accommodate your needs, as not all standard shelters can.

    For pet and livestock evacuation planning, visit Ready.gov/pets. Prepare a pet emergency kit with essentials like food, water, medications, identification, and medical records. Livestock owners should arrange transportation and shelter options in advance—resources are available at Oregon Department of Agriculture.

    Assemble a Wildfire Go-Kit

    A go-kit contains essential items you may need to take with you in a hurry. Each household member should have an easy-to-carry emergency bag with:

    • Food and water.
    • Medications and medical supplies.
    • Flashlights and phone chargers.
    • Extra clothing and personal items.
    • Copies of vital documents and prescriptions.

    For a comprehensive emergency kit checklist, visit Ready.gov/kit or refer to the American Red Cross recommendations.

    Know Evacuation Levels

    Oregon uses a three-level evacuation system to keep residents informed and safe. Be familiar with “Be Ready, Be Set, Go!” notifications:

    • Level One – BE READY (Green): Stay aware of the wildfire threat and get prepared. Pack your go-kit, check emergency contacts, and ensure those in vulnerable situations (older adults, children, individuals with disabilities, and livestock owners) are ready to evacuate if needed.
    • Level Two – BE SET (Yellow): Be prepared to leave at any moment. This indicates significant wildfire danger. Voluntary evacuation is encouraged—especially for those needing extra time to relocate safely.
    • Level Three – GO (Red): Evacuate immediately! This means extreme danger is present, and it is unsafe to remain in place. Emergency responders may not be able to assist further. Leave immediately without gathering belongings and check TripCheck.com or call 511 for evacuation routes.

    After evacuating, do not return until officials declare it safe. You can find additional wildfire preparedness resources at wildfire.oregon.gov.

    Additional Wildfire Preparedness Resources

    Getting an insurance check-up. Your insurance policy may not cover floods or wildfires. Talk to your agent to make sure you have the right kind and amount of insurance.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    May 31, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: Eight defendants charged with narcotics offenses

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    ROCHESTER, N.Y. – U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that eight defendants were charged by indictment or criminal complaint for their roles in a narcotics conspiracy operating in the Rochester, NY, area, and other related offenses.

    Named in two separate indictments and charged with narcotics conspiracy are:

    •      Carlos Serrano, Jr.

    •       Sam Sierra, Jr.

    •       Carlos Melendez, Jr.

    •       Eban Sterina

    If convicted, the indicted defendants face a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison, a maximum of life, and a fine of $10,000,000.

    In addition:

    • Juan Sosa is charged by criminal complaint with possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, which carry a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison, and a maximum of life.
    • Jose Laviena and Giovanni Serrano are charged by criminal complaint with possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, which carry a mandatory minimum penalty of five years in prison, and a maximum of life.
    • Dusty Phakousonh is charged by criminal complaint with possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, which carries a mandatory minimum penalty of five years in prison, and a maximum of 40 years.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas T. Cooper, who is handling the case, stated that according to the indictments and complaints against the nine defendants, who are all from Rochester, investigators executed 20 search warrants on 14 residences and six vehicles, seizing: 

    • Approximately 2,678 grams of fentanyl
    • Approximately 692 grams of cocaine
    • Approximately 22 grams of crack cocaine
    • Approximately 31 pounds of marijuana
    • Approximately 168 grams of hash
    • Approximately 441 grams of K2 (synthetic cannabinoid)
    • Approximately 108 grams of suboxone
    • Six firearms
    • Drug paraphernalia
    • Approximately $100,000 in cash
    • Approximately $100,000 in jewelry

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

    The indictments and complaints are the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Frank Tarentino, New York Field Division, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Bryan Miller, New York Field Division, the U.S. Marshals Service, under the direction of Marshal Charles Salina, Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Erin Keegan, the Rochester Police Department, under the direction of Chief David Smith. The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff Todd Baxter, the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Kevin Sucher, the Greece Police Department, under the direction of Chief Michael Wood, the Ontario County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff David Cirencione, and Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Enforcement and Removal Operations, under the direction of Acting Field Office Director Steven Kurzdorfer.

    The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.  

    # # # #

     

    MIL Security OSI –

    May 31, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Tuberville Announces 21 Alabamians Appointed to U.S. Service Academies for Class of 2029

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Tommy Tuberville (Alabama)

    WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) announced 21 Alabamians have accepted their appointment to a U.S. service academy. Senator Tuberville nominated these students to represent Alabama in the class of 2029 at one of the four service academies: the United States Air Force Academy, Military Academy, Merchant Marine Academy, and Naval Academy. This is Senator Tuberville’s fourth round of appointments since assuming office and first group of appointments since being named to serve on the Board of Visitors for the U.S. Air Force by President Trump earlier this year.  

    “America’s national security depends on brave young men and women who answer the call to serve in our armed forces,” said Senator Tuberville. “I couldn’t be more proud that Alabama will be well-represented in our military service academies for the Class of 2029. Receiving an appointment to one of these academies requires hard work, discipline, and determination, and I’m confident these students will carry these values with them to our service academies. It was an honor to nominate these Alabamians for an appointment, and I have no doubt that they’ll continue to make our state and country proud.”

    A complete list of the appointees can be found below.

    United States Naval Academy:

    • Joshua Robert DeFour: Madison, AL; Sparkman High School; son of Robert and Mary DeFour
    • Hagen Kristopher Holley: Hoover, AL; Spain Park High School; son of Steve and Ramona Holley
    • Natalie Holland McCabe: Tuscumbia, AL; Muscle Shoals High School;daughter ofTrip and Jill McCabe
    • Millicent Elizabeth McCormick: Pelham, AL; Pelham High School;daughter ofRonald and Amanda McCormick
    • Ellen Mary Vegerita: Brownsboro, AL; Huntsville High School; daughter of Frank and Christian Vegerita
    • Madison Lydia Walz: Auburn, AL; Auburn High School; daughter of Paul and Heather Walz
    • George Austin Wright: Demopolis, AL; Demopolis High School; son of Hess and Carrie Wright

    United States Military Academy:

    • Matthew James Buhl: Harvest, AL; Westminster Christian Academy; son of Joshua and Rachel Buhl
    • Jackson Best Cook: Mountain Brook, AL; Mountain Brook High School; son of Jackson and Catherine Cook
    • Cooper Daniel Gillis: Birmingham, AL; Homewood High School; son of Brent and Brooke Gillis
    • Aiden Elliot Harkey: Dothan, AL; Slocomb High School; son of Kathi Crick
    • Daniel Clark Hill II: Daphne, AL; Daphne High School; son of Daniel and Linda Kay Hill
    • Charles Hillman Jacobs III: Decatur, AL; Providence Classical School; son of Charles and Christy Jacobs
    • Aaron Jacob Lee: Orange Beach, AL; Plano West Senior High (TX); son of Larry and Heidi Lee
    • William McCarton Mitchell: Huntsville, AL; Alabama School of Cyber Technology & Engineering; son of Thomas and Irene Mitchell
    • Thomas B. Sigler: Madison, AL; Bob Jones High School; son of Jason and Brooke Sigler
    • Emily Chambers Spooner: Vestavia Hills, AL; Vestavia Hills High School; daughter of Alan and Melanie Spooner

    United States Air Force Academy:

    • John David Dallas: Auburn, AL; Auburn High School; son of Doug and Heather Dallas 
    • Kenneth Lee Jimmerson Jr.: Montgomery, AL; Brewbaker Technology Magnet High School; son of Kenneth Sr. and Michelle Jimmerson
    • Jack Messervy: Owens Cross Roads, AL; Huntsville High School;son of Chris and Kim Messervy
    • Richard Dean Rutledge III: Albertville, AL; Plainview High School; son of Richard D. Rutledge II and Susan Rutledge

    Four students also received scholarships to respective Academy Preparatory Schools:

    • Maggie Christine Mae Ingram; Marion Military Institute; McCalla, AL; Heritage Christian Academy; daughter of Jason and Cheryl Ingram
    • Judd Johnston Lunsford; Marion Military Institute; Huntsville, AL; Randolph High School; son of Bill and Ingrid Lunsford
    • Stanley Hawkins McConnell Jr.; Marion Military Institute; Mobile, AL; UMS-Wright Preparatory School; son of Stan and Anna McConnell
    • Cammi Emma Tillery; USMA Prep School; Enterprise, AL; Enterprise High School; daughter of Robert and Heidi Tillery

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

    MIL OSI USA News –

    May 31, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Update on the Canadian Food Inspection Agency’s actions at an HPAI infected premise at a British Columbia ostrich farm

    Source: Government of Canada News

    The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and Canada’s national poultry sectors have been responding to detections of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in Canada since December 2021. Industry has been highly supportive of the CFIA in its response to HPAI, working collaboratively to implement control measures and protect animal health.

    The CFIA has acted to minimize the risk of the virus spreading within Canadian flocks and to other animals. All avian influenza viruses, particularly H5 and H7 viruses, have the potential to infect mammals, including humans. Our disease response aims to protect public and animal health, minimize impacts on the domestic poultry industry, and the Canadian economy.

    The CFIA’s response to highly pathogenic avian influenza in domestic poultry is based on an approach known as “stamping-out”, as defined by the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) Terrestrial Animal Health Code. Stamping-out is the internationally recognized standard and is a primary tool to manage the spread of HPAI and mitigate risks to animal and human health as well as enable international trade. It includes steps to eliminate the virus from an infected premises, including the humane depopulation and disposal of infected animals, and disinfection of premises. 

    There are ongoing risks to animal and human health and Canada’s export market access

    Allowing a domestic poultry flock known to be exposed to HPAI to remain alive means a potential source of the virus persists. It increases the risk of reassortment or mutation of the virus, particularly with birds raised in open pasture where there is ongoing exposure to wildlife.

    CFIA’s National Centre for Foreign Animal Disease (NCFAD) identified that the current HPAI infection in these ostriches is a novel reassortment not seen elsewhere in Canada. This assortment includes the D1.3 genotype, which has been associated with a human infection in a poultry worker in Ohio.

    A human case of H5N1 in BC earlier this year required critical care, and an extended hospital stay for the patient, and there have been a number of human cases in the United States, including a fatality.

    Stamping-out and primary control zones enable international trade as it allows Canada to contain outbreaks within a specific area, meet the requirements of zoning arrangements with trading partners, and permit Canada’s poultry industry to export from disease-free regions. Continued export market access supports Canadian families and poultry farmers whose livelihoods depend on maintaining international market access for $1.75 billion in exports.

    Current status of the infected premise at Universal Ostrich Farm

    Universal Ostrich Farm has not cooperated with the requirements set out under the Health of Animals Act including failure to report the initial cases of illness and deaths to the CFIA and failure to adhere to quarantine orders. Universal Ostrich Farm was issued two notices of violations with penalty, totaling $20,000.
     
    The farm also failed to undertake appropriate biosecurity risk mitigation measures such as limiting wild bird access to the ostriches, controlling water flow from the quarantine zone to other parts of the farm, or improving fencing. These actions significantly increase the risk of disease transmission and reflect a disregard for regulatory compliance and animal health standards.

    Universal Ostrich Farm has not substantiated their claims of scientific research. CFIA has not received any evidence of scientific research being done at the infected premises.

    Research documentation was not provided during the review of their request for exemption from the disposal order based on unique genetics or during the judicial review process. Further, the current physical facilities at their location are not suitable for controlled research activities or trials.

    On May 13, 2025, the Federal court dismissed both of Universal Ostrich Farm’s applications for judicial review. The interlocutory injunction pausing the implementation of the disposal order was also vacated.

    Following the May 13 court ruling, the farm owners and supporters have been at the farm in an apparent attempt to prevent the CFIA from carrying out its operations at the infected premises. This has delayed a timely and appropriate response to the HPAI infected premises, resulting in ongoing health risks to animals and humans.

    CFIA’s next steps at the infected premises 

    Given that the flock has had multiple laboratory-confirmed cases of H5N1 and the ongoing serious risks for animal and human health, and trade, the CFIA continues planning for humane depopulation with veterinary oversight at the infected premises.

    The CFIA takes the responsibility to protect the health of animals and Canadians extremely seriously as we conduct these necessary disease control measures to protect public health and minimize the economic impact on Canada’s poultry industry.

    For more detailed information on the CFIA’s continued response to HPAI at this infected premises, please visit our website. 

    MIL OSI Canada News –

    May 31, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Celebrating 30 Years of the MLEF Program and Welcoming the Class of 2025

    Source: US Department of Energy

    What an exciting year! 2025 marks the 30th anniversary of the Mickey Leland Energy Fellowship (MLEF) Program, which was created in 1995 to strengthen a pipeline of future science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) professionals. Designed to provide hands-on research and development experience under the mentorship of leading energy experts, the MLEF program has evolved significantly over the last three decades, transforming research projects into real-world innovations and student experiences into impactful careers.

    The MLEF Program’s 2025 class and speakers at the kickoff event.

    On May 29, the Office of Fossil Energy and Carbon Management (FECM) welcomed the 2025 class of undergraduate and graduate students at a kickoff event at the U.S. Department of Energy  (DOE) in Washington, D.C. This year’s cohort includes 49 undergraduate and master’s students, representing 39 academic institutions and 19 states, and the District of Columbia.

    FECM’s Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary, Tala Goudarzi, welcomed the students by highlighting the critical role of fossil energy in ensuring national energy security and supporting economic future. She underscored the importance of the next generation of STEM leaders in driving the technological advancements that will shape the future of the energy industry.

    “The science discovered and developed at the national laboratories over the past several decades has greatly benefited both our country and the world, by reducing energy costs and improving accessibility,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary Goudarzi. “This program is significant and something you should all take pride in. It has already made a remarkable impact—and will continue to do so—by helping shape the next generation of STEM leaders, who have a critical role in driving innovation across all fields.”

    Throughout the day, students heard from a range of speakers and gained valuable insight into the history and mission of FECM and its research, development, and demonstration portfolio. Students also had the opportunity to network with DOE leadership and begin building the professional relationships that will shape their experience in the months ahead.

    The Director of the National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL), Marianne Walck, shared, “The Mickey Leland Energy Fellowship Program is a fantastic opportunity for students to explore real-world energy challenges while gaining experience in a national laboratory setting. At NETL, you’ll connect with world-class researchers, contribute to energy research projects, and build relationships with students from universities across the country.”

    This year’s participants will conduct research either in person or virtually with several DOE offices and laboratories. The program will conclude in August with a technical forum where participants will present their final research findings.

    Keep up to date with this year’s class!

    Once again, congratulations to all of the students who will be completing their research with DOE this summer, and we look forward to seeing how your research evolves. To those interested in learning more about the MLEF Program, visit the MLEF website and follow FECM on LinkedIn, Facebook, and X to keep up to date with this year’s class and the individual research projects.
     

    MIL OSI USA News –

    May 31, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Secretary Wright Announces Termination of 24 Projects, Generating Over $3 Billion in Taxpayer Savings

    Source: US Department of Energy

    WASHINGTON— U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright today announced the termination of 24 awards issued by the Office of Clean Energy Demonstrations (OCED) totaling over $3.7 billion in taxpayer-funded financial assistance. After a thorough and individualized financial review of each award, DOE found that these projects failed to advance the energy needs of the American people, were not economically viable and would not generate a positive return on investment of taxpayer dollars. 

    Of the 24 awards cancelled, nearly 70% (16 of the 24 projects) were signed between Election Day and January 20th. The projects primarily include funding for carbon capture and sequestration (CCS) and decarbonization initiatives. By terminating these awards, DOE is generating an immediate $3.6 billion in savings for the American people.

    “While the previous administration failed to conduct a thorough financial review before signing away billions of taxpayer dollars, the Trump administration is doing our due diligence to ensure we are utilizing taxpayer dollars to strengthen our national security, bolster affordable, reliable energy sources and advance projects that generate the highest possible return on investment,” said Secretary Wright. “Today, we are acting in the best interest of the American people by cancelling these 24 awards.”

    Earlier this month, DOE issued a Secretarial Memorandum entitled, “Ensuring Responsibility for Financial Assistance,” which outlined DOE’s policy for evaluating financial assistance on a case-by-case basis to identity waste of taxpayer dollars, protect America’s national security and advance President Trump’s commitment to unleash affordable, reliable and secure energy for the American people. DOE utilized this review process to evaluate each of these 24 awards and determined that they did not meet the economic, national security or energy security standards necessary to sustain DOE’s investment.

    DOE’s Secretarial Policy on Ensuring Responsibility for Financial Assistance is available here.

                                                                                          ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

    May 31, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: FOLLOWING HIS PUSH, SCHUMER ANNOUNCES FAA APPROVES SUNY SCHENECTADY AVIATION SCHOOL FOR PRESTIGIOUS FEDERAL AIR TRAFFIC-COLLEGIATE TRAINING INITIATIVE

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New York Charles E Schumer
    Earlier This Spring, Schumer Called On FAA To Invest In Fed Training For SUNY Schenectady’s Program, Amid Nationwide Air Traffic Controller Shortage, To Support Aspiring Air Traffic Controllers And Keep Our Skies Safe
    Now SUNY Schenectady’s Top-Tier Aviation Science And Air Traffic Control Degree Program Will Join Very Few Others In Becoming Training Ground For Air Traffic Controllers
    Schumer: SUNY Schenectady Is Ready To Help Address Nation’s Air Traffic Controller Shortage
    After calling on the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to include SUNY Schenectady’s Aviation Science and Air Traffic Control degree program in its air traffic controller training program in April, U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer announced the FAA has heeded his calls and approved the program for its FAA enhanced status.
    Schumer said this partnership will boost air traffic control education and expedited training pathways to support aspiring air traffic controllers in Upstate NY and make our skies safer, creating a pipeline of local students to enter this high-paying career and address the nationwide shortage. Under this new partnership, graduates of SUNY Schenectady can bypass training time at the FAA Academy in Oklahoma, provided they complete the college and FAA requirements, and be placed directly into FAA towers for expedited training. 
    “Prepare for takeoff to better address the air traffic controller shortage because the FAA just approved SUNY Schenectady to join their prestigious Enhanced Air Traffic-Collegiate Training Initiative. As airports continues to struggle with the national air traffic controller shortage, I pushed to have Schenectady join this competitive program because they have proven themselves to be a leader in aviation training uniquely capable of helping equip students with the skill they need to enter this career,” said Senator Schumer. “SUNY Schenectady’s air traffic controller training program is ready to create a local pipeline of students to enter this high-paying field tasked with protecting the safety of our skies. I’m thrilled the FAA heeded my calls and is helping the next generation of air traffic controllers reach new heights right here in the Capital Region. I commend SUNY Schenectady President Steady Moono and the school’s Aviation Program’s leadership for this new milestone and a continued high standard of training of our next generation of controllers.”
    SUNY Schenectady becomes the sixth college in the country to be included in the FAA’s Enhanced Air Traffic Collegiate Training Initiative (AT-CTI) Program, and the second in New York State in addition to the Vaughn College in Queens. Schumer pushed for this designation writing to the FAA saying that SUNY Schenectady was uniquely qualified for this prestigious training program to help address the nation’s air traffic controller shortage.
    “We’re grateful to Senator Schumer for his steadfast support of SUNY Schenectady and his efforts to address the national shortage of air traffic controllers,” said Gary Hughes, Chair of the Schenectady County Legislature. “The FAA’s designation highlights the strength of our Aviation Science and Air Traffic Control program, which equips students with hands-on, career-ready training. With the College’s new Enhanced status, students will have even more pathways to success—including the opportunity for direct placement into an air traffic control facility – and will help keep our skies safer across the country.”
    Air traffic controllers across the country have been warning about low staffing levels for years amid an increasing number of aviation incidents, including a month of delays and cancellations at Newark Liberty International Airport earlier this spring due to staffing shortages and outages. As of September 2023, according to CNN, only about 70% of FAA staffing targets were filled by fully certified controllers, with some major airports at less than 60%. Schumer said boosting SUNY Schenectady’s Aviation Science and Air Traffic Control degree program will help support aspiring air traffic controllers and keep our skies safe, and expedite the hiring of controllers through this unique pathway.
    SUNY Schenectady runs a successful curriculum for its Aviation Science and Air Traffic Control degree program to train air traffic controllers, including a state-of-the-art simulator that only exists in one other place, and hosted the FAA for a site visit earlier this month. The program, which is run at the Schenectady County airport and SUNY Schenectady’s main campus, recently completed a new Center for Aviation Sciences building and is a leader in aviation safety education. SUNY Schenectady has worked with the FAA for over a year to be admitted into the Enhanced Air Traffic-Collegiate Training Initiative Program, which provides training at eligible colleges to deliver new air traffic controllers to the workforce faster and address the national shortages.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    May 31, 2025

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Operation Purple – anti-social road user gathering in Levin

    Source: New Zealand Police

    Attributable to Inspector Ash Gurney, Manawatū  Area Prevention Manager:

    Ten people were arrested during a large anti-social road user event in the Levin and Palmerston North areas overnight, which saw five members of the public and two Police officers injured.

    Police were out on the streets overnight with plans in place to keep the gathering in check, including air support from the Police Eagle helicopter, however faced physical attacks on the ground from those present.

    A crowd of around 1000 people gathered in Levin late last night, many performing burnouts and other driving offences.

    Fireworks, physical aggression, and a vehicle were all used against Police who were attempting to break up the gathering. Two Police officers received minor injuries from the fireworks that did not require hospitalisation.

    Five people were arrested at this location and will face Levin District Court in coming days, on disorderly behaviour and driving charges.

    The large group then moved to the State Highway 57/Tavistock Road intersection, where Police were again confronted with more unruly behaviour, including a number of burnouts.

    A pedestrian bystander was hit by a car doing a burnout. People and vehicles blocking the roads delayed an ambulance getting to this person, forcing Police to employ tactical options – including deploying sponge rounds to disperse the crowd- to allow it through.

    During this period, several Police vehicle were damaged and had tyres slashed.

    Police moved this crowd on, which then moved to the intersection of State Highway 56 and Tiakitahuna Road.

    Further burnouts and unsafe driving took place, and four bystanders – aged 16-20 years old – were hit by cars. One female had both of her legs run over. The group were taken to Palmerston North Hospital for treatment for their injuries.

    The Police Eagle helicopter assisted staff on the ground in tracking one of the drivers who hit the bystanders. The 18-year-old man was taken into custody after a lengthy foot pursuit by officers, and he is due in Levin District Court on Tuesday on a range of serious charges.

    Diesel was poured on an intersection in Palmerston North city where the group set up again around 2am – numbers were estimated at around 200 by this stage. The crowd dispersed shortly after the diesel was set alight.

    Several other instances of single vehicles seen doing skids and burnouts in the Levin area were identified by officers over the next hour or so, with the Police Eagle helicopter proving invaluable in giving officers on the ground relevant information.

    “The escalation in the level of violence committed against officers at these events is incredibly reckless and will not be tolerated,” Inspector Gurney says.

    “The fact that members of the public were injured should send a strong warning to people intending to take part or observe – this is dangerous and stupid behaviour which can very easily result in multiple serious injuries or even death.

    “On this occasion, given the size and unruly nature of the crowds involved, it is fortunate no other people were seriously hurt or worse, and that no Police officers were seriously injured,” Inspector Gurney says.

    Police intend to hold everyone identified as having committed an offence to account, with the Eagle helicopter proving vital in helping gather relevant information to help us follow up.

    Officers will have staff deployed from Central District and from Wellington ready to respond to any potential further activity this weekend.

    ENDS

    Issued by the Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

    May 31, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Polis Signs Bills In Grand Junction and Western Slope to Support Outdoor Recreation and Protect the Great Outdoors

    Source: US State of Colorado

    GRAND JUNCTION – Today, Governor Polis signed bills in Grand Junction to support outdoor recreation and protect the great outdoors that Colorado is known for. Governor Polis signed the bipartisan SB25-174 – Sunset Outfitters & Guides, sponsored by Senators Dylan Roberts and Cleave Simpson and Representatives Meghan Lukens and Matt Soper and the bipartisan HB25-1215 – Redistribution of Lottery Fund, sponsored by Representatives Rick Taggart and Junie Joseph and Senators Jeff Bridges and Barbara Kirkmeyer to support local outdoor recreation businesses and workers, and increase opportunities for every Coloradan to experience the outdoors. 

    “Protecting and enjoying Colorado’s great outdoors is an important part of who we are. These new laws will protect our outdoors, support our outdoor recreation businesses and economy, and expand opportunity to ensure all Coloradans for generations can enjoy our state’s world-class great outdoors,” said Governor Polis. 

    Governor Polis also signed the bipartisan HB25-1021 – Tax Incentives for Employee-Owned Businesses, sponsored by Reps William Lindstedt and Rick Taggart and Senators Jeff Bridges and Mark Baisley. 

    “Employee-owned businesses provide good-paying jobs and support our strong economy. Ownership opportunities for employees are good for businesses and employees, driving growth, creating opportunity, and strengthening recruitment and retention. I am proud of our work to help businesses embrace the benefits of employee ownership,” said Governor Polis. 

    At Grand Junction Community Hospital, Governor Polis signed the bipartisan SB25-071 – Prohibit Restrictions on 340B Drugs, sponsored by Senators Dafna Michaelson Jenet and Janice Rich and Reps Matthew Martinez and Rick Taggart. 

    “We are focused on saving people money on health care, and costly prescription drugs can force Coloradans to decide between paying for prescriptions over food, housing, and other necessities. I am proud to sign a major new law to expand drug discounts and enable hospital providers to expand access to affordable care, including by lowering prescription medication costs. I continue to call on the federal government to grant Colorado’s waiver to import lower-cost prescription drugs from Canada,” said Governor Polis. 

    This afternoon, Governor Polis visited Glenwood Springs to sign the bipartisan SB25-272 – Regional Transportation Authority Sales and Use Tax Exemption, sponsored by Senators Faith Winter and Marc Catlin and Representatives Elizabeth Velasco and Meg Froelich. 

    “Building more housing near transit and expanding transit options is important for our goals to reduce pollution and make our high quality of life more affordable and liveable. This bill will help local governments and regional and local transit agencies build more workforce housing and provide more transportation options that save Coloradans time and money in all four corners of the state,” said Governor Polis. 

    Governor Polis then traveled to Colorado Mountain College to sign the bipartisan HB25-1186 – Work-Based Learning Experiences in Higher Education, sponsored by Representatives Matthew Martinez and Meghan Lukens, and Senators Janice Rich and Dafna Michaelson Jenet. 

    “Expanding opportunities for work-based learning for all students, whether they’re in K-12 or higher education, is important for our workforce, economy, and each student’s future. This bill will expand access to work-based learning in the classroom and in the workforce, helping students gain the skills to get good-paying jobs,” said Governor Polis. 

    Governor Polis also signed the following bipartisan bills into law: 

    • HB25-1080 – Wireless Telephone Infrastructure Deployment Incentives, sponsored by Representatives Meghan Lukens and Matt Soper, and Senator Nick Hinrichsen
    • HB25-1006 – School District Solar Garden Lease Term, sponsored by Representatives Meghan Lukens and Anthony Hartsook and Senators Jeff Bridges and Chris Kolker
    • HB25-1153 – Statewide Government Language Access Assessment, sponsored by Representatives Elizabeth Velasco and Junie Joseph and Senator Iman Jodeh 

    The Governor signed the following bills administratively: 

    • SB25-144 – Change Paid Family Medical Leave Insurance Program, sponsored by Senators Winter and Bridges, and Representatives Willford and Zokaie.
      • “This new law will lower the payroll tax rate and provide a stable, workable pathway for setting premiums and safeguarding the solvency of this fund going forward. It will also provide support to families with children in the NICU, ensuring parents and loved ones can take the time away from work needed to be with their families,” said Governor Polis. Read the Governor’s signing statement.
    • HB25-1094 – Pharmacy Benefit Manager Practices, sponsored by Representatives Brown and Johnson, and Senators Pelton and Roberts. Read the Governor’s signing statement.
    • HB25-1259 – In Vitro Fertilization Protection & Gamete Donation Requirements, sponsored by Representatives Froelich and Brown, and Senators Cutter and Daugherty
    • HB25-1285 – Veterinary Workforce Requirements, sponsored by Representatives McCormick and Johnson, and Senators Kipp and Pelton
    • HB25-1301 – Authorizing Voice Court Reporter to Give Oath, sponsored by Representatives Carter and Espenoza, and Senators Roberts and Gonzales
    • HB25-1304 – Extension of Restitution Deadlines, sponsored by Representatives Froelich and Soper, and Senators Snyder and Bright
    • HB25-1318 – Species Conservation Trust Fund Projects, sponsored by Representatives McCormick and Soper, and Senators Roberts and Catlin
    • HB25-1326 – Updating Safety Net Provider Terminology, sponsored by Representatives Espenoza and Bradley, and Senator Ball
    • SB25-158 – State Agency Procurement & Disposal Certain Items, sponsored by Senators Sullivan and Gonzales, and Representatives Froelich and Brown
    • SB25-278 – Epinephrine Administration in Schools, sponsored by Senator Mullica, and Representatives Stewart and Bradley
    • SB25-285 – Updating Food Establishment Inspection Fees, sponsored by Senator Roberts, and Representatives Lukens and Soper
    • SB25-292 – Workforce Capacity Center, sponsored by Senators Amabile and Bridges, and Representatives Sirota and Taggart
    • SB25-308 – Medicaid Services Related to Federal Authorizations, sponsored by Senators Amabile and Kirkmeyer, and Representatives Taggart and Sirota
    • SB25-309 – Authorize Legislative Fellows, sponsored by Senator Simpson, and Representatives Brown and Bradfield
    • SB25-298 – Remove Term Homosexuality from Criminal Code, sponsored by Senators Daugherty and Lundeen, and Representatives Lindsay and Lukens
    • SB25-312 – American Rescue Plan Act Funds, sponsored by Senators Amabile and Kirkmeyer, and Representatives Bird and Sirota
    • SB25-313 – Proposition 123 Revenue Uses, sponsored by Senators Amabile and Bridges, and Representatives Bird and Sirota 

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

    May 31, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: Former CEO Of Silver State Health Services And Real Estate Investor Indicted For Embezzling Over $2 Million Dollars In Federal Grant Money

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    LAS VEGAS – The former Chief Executive Officer of Silver State Health Services, LLC, a not-for-profit federally qualified health center, made his court appearance today for allegedly embezzling over $2 million of federal grant money intended for the health care center to provide health care items, benefits, and services to indigent persons in Las Vegas.

    According to allegations contained in the superseding indictment, from June 2019 and continuing through April 2022, David Ryan Linden, 36, who served as the Chief Executive Officer of Silver State Health Services (SSHS), and Rich Kiran Saga, 53, a real estate investor who affiliated himself with SSHS, conspired to engage in a scheme to steal money belonging to SSHS, including federal grant money earmarked for employee salaries, by funneling grant money belonging to SSHS into bank accounts controlled by the defendants. They then used the stolen grant money to purchase commercial real estate properties.

    SSHS was a Nevada corporation operating as a Federally Qualified Community Health Center; and SSHS received federal grant money from the Health Resources and Services Administration, an agency of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

    A federal grand jury returned the 13-count superseding indictment on May 13, 2025, charging Linden and Saga each with one count of conspiracy to commit offense against the United States; six counts of federal program theft; one count of conspiracy to violate Sections 1956 and 1957; two counts of money laundering; two counts of money transactions in criminally derived property; and one count of false document.

    Saga was arrested on May 14, 2025, and arraigned on the charges on May 15, 2025.

    A jury trial is set to begin on December 2, 2025, before United States District Judge Jennifer Dorsey.

    If convicted, Linden and Saga each face the maximum statutory penalty of 121 months in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    United States Attorney Sigal Chattah for the District of Nevada made the announcement.

    This case was a joint investigation by the FBI and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General. Assistant United States Attorneys Steven Myhre and Justin Washburne are prosecuting the case.

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

    ###

     

     

    MIL Security OSI –

    May 31, 2025

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Single-use vapes banned from 1 June 2025

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Press release

    Single-use vapes banned from 1 June 2025

    Under the Government’s Plan for Change, move will stop the flood of litter on to nation’s streets and protect young people from getting hooked on nicotine

    Discarded single-use vape in a field

    Single-use vapes will be banned from the shelves of all shops from tomorrow (Sunday 1 June) thanks to a government blitz on sale and supply.

    The new crackdown makes it illegal to sell single-use vapes at corner shops and supermarkets, putting an end to their alarming rise in school playgrounds and the avalanche of rubbish flooding the nation’s streets.

    The government’s announcement of its intention to ban the use of disposable vapes has already had real effects – with retailers and consumers shifting away from environmentally destructive single-use options.

    New data from charity Action on Smoking and Health shows the number of vapers in Great Britain who mainly use single-use devices fell from 30% in 2024 to 24% in 2025, while the use of disposables by 18-24-year-old vapers fell from 52% in 2024 to 40% in 2025. However, usage among young vapers remains too high and with the coming ban into force tomorrow it will continue to drive these figures down further.

    As part of tough enforcement measures, any rogue traders breaking the rules will be hit with a fine of £200 in the first instance, and all products will be seized. Those who show a blatant disregard for the rules and reoffend face being slapped with an unlimited fine or jail time.

    Circular Economy Minister Mary Creagh said:

    For too long, single-use vapes have blighted our streets as litter and hooked our children on nicotine. That ends today.

    The Government calls time on these nasty devices.

    Caroline Cerny, Deputy Chief Executive, Action on Smoking and Health said:

    It’s promising to see that many people switched away from disposable vapes to re-usable products well ahead of the ban. This is particularly marked among young people, who were more likely to use disposable products due to their attractiveness, affordability, and heavy marketing.

    This new law is a step towards reducing vaping among children, while ensuring products are available to support people to quit smoking. It will be up to manufacturers and retailers to ensure customers are informed and able to reuse and recycle their products securing a real change in consumer behaviour and a reduction in environmental waste. If behaviour does not change then further regulations will be possible following the passage of the Tobacco and Vapes Bill.

    The Government has worked closely with retailers to ensure they are ready for the ban coming into force. This includes producing clear guidance on the devices they cannot sell or supply, as well as how to deplete their stock before 1 June.

    Association of Convenience Stores Chief Executive James Lowman said:

    Convenience retailers have been preparing for the disposables ban for several months, adapting their ranges and training colleagues on the products that they can sell.

    We have been working with Trading Standards officers across the country to ensure they know what to look for once the ban comes into force, and support robust enforcement activity to take illegal vapes off the streets.

    Libby Peake, senior fellow and head of resources at Green Alliance, said:

    Single use vapes should never have been allowed on the market. They’ve been a blight on our countryside, wasted resources needed for important uses like EV batteries and caused scores of fires at waste sites. And they’ve done all this while having a lasting impact on the health of young people, creating a new generation of nicotine addicts.

    The government should rightly be proud of taking this vital step to get rid of these polluting products and encourage people who want to quit smoking to opt for reusable and refillable options instead.

    Justin Greenaway, Commercial Manager at SWEEEP Kuusakoski, said:

    We hope this ban will succeed in reducing the amount of vapes being discarded. Every vape has potential to start a fire if incorrectly disposed of. Logically vape unit waste will reduce as single use stops and multi-use must start but it does rely on consumers changing from a disposable mindset to refilling.

    Unrefillable and unable to be recharged, single-use vapes have been typically thrown away with general waste in black bins or littered rather than recycled, contributing to the flood of litter blighting the country.

    Even when they are recycled, the process is notoriously arduous, slow and costly, with waste industry workers required to take them apart by hand. Their batteries also present a fire risk to recycling facilities and can leak harmful chemicals into the environment.

    With the looming ban already encouraging users to seek alternatives, making the sale of single-use vapes illegal will now prevent these toxic products from littering the country’s streets.

    The ban complements the Government’s world-leading Tobacco and Vapes Bill, which will further tackle youth vaping and safeguard children’s health.

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    Published 31 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    May 31, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: District Man Sentenced to 16 Years for Deadly Drive-by Shooting in Southeast Washington

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

                WASHINGTON – Martinez Raynor, 25, of Washington, D.C., was sentenced to 16 years in prison today for his part in a 2018 drive-by shooting of a man in front of a convenience store in Southeast Washington D.C., announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro and Chief Pamela Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department.

                Raynor pleaded guilty to second degree murder while armed on October 4, 2024, in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia. Today, the Honorable Maribeth Raffinan sentenced the defendant to 16 years in prison.

                According to court documents, on October 20, 2018, Raynor and two other men drove into the parking lot of Holiday Market and Liquor Store located at 3509 Wheeler Road SE at 1:56 p.m. Once there, they opened fire on a group of men standing in front of the store. In the hail of gunfire, the victim, Malik McCloud, was struck in the back by a bullet, and he fell to the ground paralyzed.  The defendant then fled on foot while the other two shooters drove off. Shortly after the initial shooting, the shooters returned to the area and opened fire on the group of men again, this time fatally striking Mr. McCloud in the chest as he laid helplessly on the ground.

                In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Pirro and Chief Smith commended the work of those who investigated the case from the Metropolitan Police Department. They acknowledged the work of those who provided valuable assistance from the U.S. Attorney’s Office including, Paralegal Specialists LaShone Samuels and Lisa Speight, and Victim Assistant Jennifer Allen. Finally, they commended the work of Assistant U.S. Attorneys Zach Horton and Joshua Hall, who prosecuted the case.

    MIL Security OSI –

    May 31, 2025

  • MIL-OSI China: Vice premier urges top scientists to scale sci-tech peaks, boost China’s self-reliance

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

    Vice premier urges top scientists to scale sci-tech peaks, boost China’s self-reliance

    BEIJING, May 30 — Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang on Friday called on academicians of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) to pioneer breakthroughs in core technologies and cultivate talent to build China into a self-reliant sci-tech powerhouse.

    Addressing a symposium marking the 70th anniversary of CAS’ Academic Divisions, Ding, who is also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, emphasized the academy’s historic role in overcoming strategic tech bottlenecks and cultivating world-class talent.

    Highlighting the role of academicians as a “backbone force” in China’s sci-tech advancement, he urged them to prioritize breakthroughs in core technologies, cultivate strategic talent, play a crucial part as advisors on the CPC Central Committee’s major decisions related to science and technology, and undertake more forward-looking, strategic and fundamental research.

    He also stressed the importance of expanding international scientific cooperation while advocating scientific spirit and inspiring younger researchers to dedicate their careers to national rejuvenation.

    Authorities were tasked with refining support mechanisms to foster an innovation-friendly ecosystem.

    The event was attended by CAS leadership, academicians, and officials of related departments.

    MIL OSI China News –

    May 31, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Baldwin Holds Trump Accountable for Unlawfully Dismantling Minority Business Development Agency

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Wisconsin Tammy Baldwin
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) joined her colleagues in demanding the Trump Administration detail its compliance with a May 13 federal court injunction that ordered it to stop the illegal dismantling of the Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) and restore the agency’s personnel and grantmaking capacities. The lawsuit that resulted in the injunction was brought by twenty-one states, including Wisconsin.
    Despite the clear authority of Congress to establish and appropriate funding for the MBDA, President Trump issued an Executive Order in March effectively eliminating the agency. The Department of Commerce then fired virtually the entire workforce and cancelled the MBDA’s grant programs.
    “Twenty-one states sued the Administration, seeking a preliminary injunction to prevent the Administration from carrying out the Executive Order,” wrote Baldwin and the Senators in a letter to Keith Sonderling, Acting Under Secretary for MBDA. “The states argued that implementation of the Executive Order violates the Administrative Procedure Act, the Constitution’s Take Care Clause, and separation of powers principles under the Constitution.”
    Baldwin and the Senators underscored that in granting the injunction, the Court said President Trump’s Executive Order usurped Congress’s “power of the purse, by disregarding congressional appropriations” and its “vested authority to create and abolish federal agencies.”
    “The Court’s order detailing how the Trump Administration must comply with the injunction makes it clear that the MBDA’s personnel and grantmaking capabilities must be restored,” Baldwin and the Senators continued, and asked the Under Secretary to provide “a complete description of all actions taken by the Department or MBDA ‘to reverse any policies, memoranda, directions, or actions issued before’ the Injunction, intended to implement the Executive Order.”
    Earlier this month Senator Baldwin demanded answers from Sonderling regarding the dismantling of the MBDA. Baldwin also pressed Secretary Lutnick on March 25 and April 17, about the gutting of MBDA, despite his testimony before the Commerce Committee stating he would not support doing so.
    Senator Baldwin worked with Republicans to include the Minority Business Development Act of 2021 as an amendment to the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), making the MBDA permanent and increasing its funding authorization and reach. Baldwin then worked to bring a new Minority Business Development Center to Wisconsin, along with a $1.61 million grant to support its work assisting small businesses.
    The full letter is available here and below.
    Acting Under Secretary Sonderling:
    On May 13, 2025, the United States District Court for the District of Rhode Island issued a preliminary injunction in State of Rhode Island, et al. v. Donald J. Trump, et al. ordering the Department of Commerce (Department) to halt its unlawful dismantling of the Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) pursuant to President Trump’s Executive Order 14238, “Continuing the Reduction of the Federal Bureaucracy” (Executive Order). We write to ensure that the Department is complying with its obligations under the preliminary injunction.
    In 2021, Congress permanently authorized the MBDA in bipartisan legislation, the Minority Business Development Act of 2021 (MBDA Act), which was enacted as part of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. Last year, Congress funded the MBDA pursuant to the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2024, which appropriated $68.25 million for the “necessary expenses of the Minority Business Development Agency in fostering, promoting, and developing minority business enterprises, as authorized by law.” That same level of funding has been appropriated through the Full-Year Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2025 (P.L. 119-4) 
    Despite the clear directive and appropriations by Congress, President Trump’s Executive Order, issued on March 14, 2025, called for effectively eliminating the MBDA, among other agencies. Following the issuance of the Executive Order, the Trump Administration unilaterally dismantled the MBDA—terminating virtually all its staff, canceling its grant programs, and removing its signage from the Department.
    Twenty-one states sued the Trump Administration, seeking a preliminary injunction to prevent the Administration from carrying out the Executive Order. The states argued that implementation of the Executive Order violates the Administrative Procedure Act, the Constitution’s Take Care Clause, and separation of powers principles under the Constitution. The Court found that the state plaintiffs are likely to succeed on all of their claims and granted the injunction, halting implementation of the Executive Order. In its analysis of the states’ Constitutional claims, the Court said the following:
    By issuing the [Executive Order]—which effectively directs withholding the funds that Congress recently statutorily appropriated to [MBDA], resulting in the cessation of several of their programs, see supra—the Executive is usurping Congress’s: (1) power of the purse, by disregarding congressional appropriations; and (2) vested legislative authority to create and abolish federal agencies.
    The Court’s order detailing how the Trump Administration must comply with the preliminary injunction makes it clear that the MBDA’s personnel and grantmaking capabilities must be restored. This is good news for the American public. In Fiscal Year 2024 alone, the MBDA helped the country’s more than 12 million minority businesses access over $1.5 billion in capital and create or retain approximately 23,000 jobs.
    Given the important mission of the MBDA, it is essential that Congress and the public understand how the Trump Administration is complying with the preliminary injunction. Therefore, we are requesting you to report on the following by June 9, 2025:
    A complete description of all actions taken by the Department or MBDA to enjoin the implementation of Section 2 of the Executive Order. 
    A complete description of all actions taken by the Department or MBDA “to reverse any policies, memoranda, directions, or actions issued before” the injunction, intended to implement the Executive Order.
    Confirmation that the Department or MBDA has “not take[n] any further actions to eliminate [the MBDA] pursuant to” the Executive Order.
    A complete description of all actions taken by the Department or MBDA to take “all necessary steps to restore all [MBDA] employees and personal service contractors, who were involuntarily placed on leave or involuntarily terminated due to the implementation of” the Executive Order “to their status before March 14, 2025.”
    Confirmation that the Department or MBDA “shall not further pause, cancel, or otherwise terminate [MBDA] grants or contracts or fail to disburse funds to recipients in plaintiff States according to such grants or contracts for reasons other than the grantees or contractors’ non compliances with applicable grant or contract terms.”
    A complete description of all actions taken by the Department or MBDA to “take immediate steps to resume the processing, disbursement, and payment of already-awarded funding, and to release awarded funds previously withheld or rendered inaccessible due to or in reliance on Section 2 of the” Executive Order.
    In addition, in the event that any MBDA employees or personal service contractors are unable to resume their roles lost due to their involuntary terminations and leave under the Executive Order, please provide a complete description of all actions taken to address any gaps in staffing at the MBDA following implementation of the preliminary injunction.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    May 31, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: Stolen Identity, Bank Fraud, and Armed Drug Distribution Net Defendant 60 Months in Federal Prison

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

               WASHINGTON – Deangelo Lorenzo Lewis, 28, a previously convicted felon residing in the District of Columbia, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court to 60 months in prison after being found guilty of defrauding banks by doctoring and depositing stolen checks, distributing marijuana, and illegally possessing a firearm. 

               At the time of his arrest, Lewis was using a stolen identity to rent an apartment in the Kalorama neighborhood, paying for it with funds from a stolen checking account, and using the apartment to distribute marijuana and operate his fraud scheme, all while armed with a semi-automatic assault pistol modeled after an AK47.

               The sentencing was announced by U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro, FBI Assistant Director in Charge Steven J. Jensen of the Washington Field Office, and Acting U.S. Marshal Ron Carter of the District Court for the District of Columbia.

               Lewis was found guilty by a federal jury on Feb. 28, 2025, of conspiracy to commit bank fraud, possession with intent to distribute marijuana, and unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon. In addition to the prison sentence, U.S. District Court Judge Loren L. AliKhan ordered Lewis to serve three years of supervised release.

               According to court documents, on October 3, 2023, Deputy United States Marshals and FBI agents executed an arrest warrant for Lewis at an apartment building on the 2400 block of 17th Street NW. Law enforcement breached the front door of the apartment with a battering ram and took Lewis into custody. During a security sweep the officers observed evidence of fraud in plain view. 

               The Marshals obtained a search warrant and recovered a Maryland driver’s license, three Visa debit cards, and numerous bank checks issued to persons other than Lewis. They also recovered stolen U.S. Postal Service uniforms in Lewis’ bedroom.                                    In addition, the Marshals recovered two laptop computers, three different types of printers, check paper, check writing software, 24 ounces of marijuana, small mylar bags, a digital scale, two loaded 9mm handgun magazines, and a Century Arms Micro Draco 7.62 x 39mm semi-automatic assault pistol loaded 25 rounds of ammunition. As a previously convicted felon, Lewis is prohibited from possessing firearms.

               The Marshals also obtained a search warrant for Lewis’ electronic devices and Instagram account. The United States’ trial evidence included photos and videos of Lewis holding firearms, including a Micro Draco assault pistol, pictures of stolen checks, pictures of marijuana advertised for sale, and numerous conversations related to marijuana distribution and bank fraud. According to the court documents, more than 10 individuals were victims of Lewis’s stolen check scheme, which involved the theft of checks worth more than $275,000. 

               Lewis has trials pending in D.C. Superior Court, the District Court for Prince George’s County, Maryland, and the United States District Court for the District of Maryland for similar conduct.

               This case was investigated by the U.S. Marshals Service Task Force, the FBI Washington Field Office, and Arlington County Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney James B. Nelson.

    24cr144    

    MIL Security OSI –

    May 31, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: Former Fort Belvoir soldier pleads guilty to assaulting and permanently injuring a newborn child, sexually abusing an adult

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    ALEXANDRIA, Va. – A former U.S. Army private pled guilty today to two counts of assault resulting in serious bodily injury and one count of sexual abuse.

    According to court documents, from October 2010 to September 2013, Austin Blair Johnson, while he was an active duty soldier, resided on Fort Belvoir. On June 25, 2012, Johnson was watching an infant, identified as Minor Victim 1 (MV1), who was born prematurely only 16 days earlier. MV1 was crying, so Johnson picked her up and carried her, but she continued to cry. While holding MV1 in front of him with one hand under each of her arms, Johnson rapidly and forcefully shook MV1 multiple times before letting go of her, causing her to flip and land on her head.

    Johnson then picked up MV1 and ran with her upstairs to a bedroom where he woke MV1’s mother, identified as Adult Victim 1 (AV1). Johnson falsely told AV1 that he had accidentally dropped MV1 and that he had successfully broken her fall with his foot. AV1 and Johnson took MV1 to the Fort Belvoir Community Hospital emergency room where she presented with a fever, bruising on her head and shoulder, and blood coming out of her mouth. A CT scan conducted there revealed that MV1’s skull had been fractured. MV1 was transferred later to the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) at Walter Reed Medical Center. MV1 was diagnosed with extensive injuries and remained hospitalized at Walter Reed for the next 10 days.

    The day she was discharged, MV1 was left in Johnson’s care while AV1 was out. Johnson again rapidly and forcefully shook MV1 and dropped her. MV1 was 26 days old. The following morning, AV1 took MV1 to a previously scheduled follow-up appointment with a pediatrician at Fort Belvoir Community Hospital. At the appointment, MV1 began having seizures and was sent directly to the emergency room. MV1 was transferred later to the PICU at Children’s National Medical Center, where doctors discovered myriad injuries, including a second skull fracture, and identified extensive brain damage.

    When she was finally discharged on July 20, 2012, MV1 was placed in the custody of Child Protective Services, where she remained for approximately 14 months until she was returned to the custody of Johnson and AV1. On June 22, 2015, MV1 was forced to undergo a hemispherectomy during which the entire left hemisphere of her brain was removed in an effort to control her irrepressible seizures.

    MV1 is now legally blind, non-verbal, and the entire right side of her body is paralyzed. Cognitively, MV1 functions at the level of a mature infant.

    In addition to his assaults on MV1, in 2013, at their residence on Fort Belvoir, after AV1 had rebuffed Johnson’s requests to be intimate with her, Johnson proceeded without her consent. AV1 protested and tried to hit Johnson to get him to stop, which he did.

    Johnson is scheduled to be sentenced on Aug. 22, 2025. He faces up to life in prison. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    Erik S. Siebert, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and Emily Odom, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Washington Field Office’s Criminal and Cyber Division, made the announcement after Senior U.S. District Judge Claude M. Hilton accepted the plea.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander E. Blanchard is prosecuting the case.

    A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:24-cr-151.

    MIL Security OSI –

    May 31, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: Murder in Broad Daylight Outside a Northeast Gas Station Leads to Guilty Plea

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

               WASHINGTON – Damon McQuarters, 45, of Washington, D.C., pleaded guilty today to a charge of second-degree murder for the 2024 shooting murder of Michael Simpson, on the sidewalk in front of the Citgo gas station at 3820 Minnesota Ave. NE, Washington, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro and Chief Pamela Smith, of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD). 

               The defendant pleaded guilty to one count of second-degree murder in Superior Court. The Honorable Danya Dayson scheduled sentencing on August 22, 2025. At sentencing, he faces between 21 and 25 years of incarceration, followed by five years of supervised release. 

               According to a proffer of facts submitted at the plea hearing, at approximately 5:35 p.m., on August 24, 2024, McQuarters approached Mr. Simpson, who was sitting in a tree box in front of the Citgo gas station socializing with friends. McQuarters retrieved a handgun from his pocket and shot Mr. Simpson a single time in the head. The defendant placed the handgun back into his pocket and walked away.  Mr. Simpson was transported from the scene of the shooting to an area hospital where he died the following day.

    McQuarters has been in custody since his arrest on September 26, 2024.

               This case was investigated by Metropolitan Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrea Coronado.

    MIL Security OSI –

    May 31, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: Mexico City-Based Attorney Pleads Guilty in $52 Million Dollar Sinaloa Cartel Money Laundering Scheme

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    SAN DIEGO – Hector Alejandro Paez Garcia, a Mexico City-based attorney, has pleaded guilty in federal court, admitting that he and others conspired to transport, transmit, and transfer tens of millions of dollars in drug trafficking proceeds from the United States to Mexico.

    Paez’s plea is part of a long-term FBI investigation targeting a Mexico-based money laundering organization (MLO) that is believed to have laundered at least $52.7 million for the Sinaloa Cartel before the organization’s leaders were arrested.

    According to court documents, the MLO utilized a network of shell companies in San Diego to launder tens of millions of dollars in bulk cash from across the country generated through the Sinaloa Cartel’s drug importation and distribution operations. MLO employees travelled to dozens of U.S. cities to pick up this bulk cash in amounts up to $200,000. The money was then funneled through the San Diego-based shell companies and delivered to money laundering accounts in Mexico controlled by Paez, who in his plea agreement admitted serving a managerial role in the MLO’s operations.

    During the investigation, FBI agents seized 66 money laundering bank accounts throughout the United States. As the FBI began to target and seize the MLO’s assets, Paez turned to the use of cryptocurrency in an attempt to shield those assets from law enforcement. But the FBI was able to infiltrate and take down the MLO’s cryptocurrency laundering network.

    To date, the investigation has resulted in the arrests of 11 people on money laundering charges and the seizure of more than $3.1 million in illicit assets. A related DEA investigation led to 24 additional arrests and asset seizures totaling $450,000.

    In March 2025, six individuals and seven entities, including several of Paez’s co-conspirators, were the target of sanctions imposed by the Department of Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC). Treasury Sanctions Criminal Operators and Money Launderers for the Notorious Sinaloa Cartel | U.S. Department of the Treasury.

    Paez is scheduled to be sentenced on August 15, 2025.

    To date, in addition to Paez, additional participants in the scheme have been charged, including the following:

    • Miguel Angel Encinas Gomez of Mexicali, México, leader of a Mexicali-based cell of MLO. Encinas pleaded guilty to laundering $35 million in bulk cash narcotics proceeds in July 2023.
    • Hugo Andres Velasquez Pantza, a Colombian national who allegedly assisted the MLO in the implementation of cryptocurrency into their operations. Velasquez was subsequently targeted in an undercover FBI operation and arrested in Rome, Italy in January 2025. Velasquez was extradited to the United States in April 2025 and awaits trial.
    • James Harmon Yarbrough of Apopka, Florida, who worked in partnership with Cevallos to receive $326,000 in illicit proceeds in a scheme to converting the funds to cryptocurrency. Yarbrough pleaded guilty in July 2023.
    • Victoria Johanna Lopez, Jose Jesus Lopez, Jose Mayorga Martinez, and Gerardo Vasquez Jr. who allegedly worked as bulk cash couriers who handled and deposited bulk cash for the MLO. Victoria Lopez, Jose Lopez, Mayorga have pleaded guilty. Vazquez’s case is set for trial in September 2024.
    • Jhonatan Suarez Florez of Auburndale, Florida, who used accounts associated with his Florida-based construction and door manufacturing businesses to receive and transmit funds belonging to the criminal organization. Suarez Florez pleaded guilty in December 2024.
    • Alberto David Benguait Jimenez, an alleged leader of the MLO, remains a fugitive at this time. If anyone has information related to this individual, please contact the FBI at 858-320-1800.

    This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Paul Benjamin and Robert Miller. Former Assistant U.S. Attorney Owen Roth contributed significantly to the case. The FBI worked in close partnership with the Drug Enforcement Administration, Imperial County District Office, as well as Panamanian authorities, to seize the MLO’s assets and arrest multiple participants in the scheme.

    The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs worked with law enforcement partners in Italy to secure the arrest and extradition of Velasquez Pantza.

    DEFENDANT                                               Case Number 23cr0446                                               

    Hector Alejandro Paez Garcia                        Age: 43                                   Mexico City, Mexico

    SUMMARY OF CHARGES

    International Money Laundering Conspiracy – Title 18, U.S.C., Section 1956(h), and 1956(a)(2)(B)(i)

    Maximum penalty: Twenty years in prison and $500,000 fine

    INVESTIGATING AGENCY

    Federal Bureau of Investigation

    *The charges and allegations contained in an indictment or complaint are merely accusations, and the defendants are considered innocent unless and until proven guilty.

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

    This case is the result of ongoing efforts by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF), a partnership that brings together the combined expertise and unique abilities of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt, dismantle and prosecute high-level members of drug trafficking, weapons trafficking and money laundering organizations and enterprises.

    MIL Security OSI –

    May 31, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: District of Arizona Charges 257 Individuals for Immigration-Related Criminal Conduct this Week

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    PHOENIX, Ariz. – During the week of enforcement operations from May 24, 2025, through May 30, 2025, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Arizona brought immigration-related criminal charges against 257 individuals. Specifically, the United States filed 125 cases in which aliens illegally re-entered the United States, and the United States also charged 124 aliens for illegally entering the United States.  In its ongoing effort to deter unlawful immigration, the United States filed 7 cases against 8 individuals responsible for smuggling illegal aliens into and within the District of Arizona.

    These cases were referred or supported by federal law enforcement partners, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations (ICE ERO), ICE Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), U.S. Border Patrol, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS), and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).

    Recent matters of interest include:

    United States v. Hugo Antonio Martinez-Lopez: On May 24, 2025, an Integrated Fixed Tower operator observed an individual come out of the brush and enter a truck, driven by Hugo Antonio Martinez-Lopez, on Federal Route 19 near mile marker 1 in Newfield, Arizona, on the Tohono O’odham Nation. BPAs located the truck and attempted a stop, but Martinez-Lopez failed to yield. While BPAs were pursuing the truck, Martinez-Lopez abruptly stopped on the right shoulder of the road and an individual exited the passenger’s side of the vehicle and ran into the brush. Martinez-Lopez then fled at a high rate of speed. After a foot chase, BPAs apprehended the individual who had run into the bush and determined that they were a citizen of Mexico, illegally present in the United States. Other BPAs continued to pursue Martinez-Lopez and successfully deployed a vehicle immobilization device (VID), which punctured one of the truck’s tires. The truck then came to a stop and Martinez-Lopez fled from the vehicle. BPAs also apprehended Martinez-Lopez after a short foot pursuit. Martinez-Lopez was charged by complaint with Transportation of an Illegal Alien. [Case Number: MJ-25-2029]

    United States v. Jesus Fernando Jimenez Rodriguez: On May 28, 2025, Mesa Police Department executed a search warrant on a residence in Mesa, Arizona. Jesus Fernando Jimenez Rodriguez, a citizen of Mexico, was one of the occupants of the residence. Inside the residence, readily visible in the living room and stacked against the wall, law enforcement found 10,000 rounds of PMC 5.56 ammunition and 25,000 rounds of Wolf .223 ammunition. Jimenez Rodriguez was charged by complaint with one count of Alien in Possession of Ammunition and Illegal Re-entry. [Case Number: MJ-25-9221]

    United States v. Nicholas Anthony Lawrence: On May 28, 2025, Nicholas Anthony Lawrence, a citizen of Jamaica and illegal alien, was charged by indictment with Aggravated Identity Theft, Fraud and Misuse of Visas, Permits, and Other Documents, Failure to Register as a Sex Offender, and Reentry of Removed Alien. Lawrence was previously convicted on or about December 4, 2017, of Attempt to Commit Molestation of Child, and Attempt to Commit Sexual Conduct with Minor, both felony offenses, in the Superior Court of Arizona, County of Maricopa. Lawrence was sentenced to seven years in prison, and lifetime probation, respectively. Lawrence was previously removed from the United States in November 2022. [Case Number: CR-25-00817-PHX-GMS]

    Criminal complaints and indictments are methods by which a person is charged with criminal activity and raise no inference of guilt. An individual is presumed innocent until evidence is presented to a jury that establishes guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

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

    RELEASE NUMBER:    2025-087_May 30 Immigration Enforcement

    # # #

    For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
    Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on X @USAO_AZ for the latest news.

    MIL Security OSI –

    May 31, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: Major drug redistributor for ring connected to Aryan prison gang sentenced to 10+ years in prison

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Bought and sold multiple pound quantities of methamphetamine and tens of thousands of fentanyl pills

    Tacoma – A major redistributor for a South Sound-based drug trafficking ring that was connected to Aryan prison gangs was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Tacoma to 126 months in prison, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Teal Luthy Miller. 46-year-old Joseph Hempel, of Burien, Washington, was a high-volume drug redistributor for Jesse James Bailey, the leader of one of three branches the drug distribution organization. On March 29, 2024, Hempel pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute controlled substances and being a felon in possession of a firearm. At sentencing, Chief U.S. District Judge David G. Estudillo said, “The quantities you were involved in distributing were unimaginable…. It’s pretty amazing the amount of drugs we’re talking about.”

    “At various times on the wiretap law enforcement heard Mr. Hempel order as much as 25 pounds of methamphetamine and 20,000 fentanyl pills,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Miller. “Distributing such large loads of narcotics meant that both the reach and the damage from Mr. Hempel’s drug activity was widespread in our community.”

    The three interconnected drug trafficking rings in this case were identified over an 18-month wiretap investigation. The three distribution cells were working together as the Aryan Family/Omerta Drug Trafficking Organization, one of which was led by Hempel’s co-defendant Jesse Bailey. Bailey has pleaded guilty and is scheduled for sentencing on June 13.

    On March 22, 2023, Law enforcement made two dozen arrests on federal charges. The coordinated takedown involved ten swat teams and more than 350 law enforcement officers. On that day, law enforcement seized 177 firearms, more than ten kilos of methamphetamine, 11 kilos of fentanyl pills and more than a kilo of fentanyl powder, three kilos of heroin, and over $330,000 in cash from eighteen locations in Washington and Arizona. Earlier in the investigation, law enforcement seized 830,000 fentanyl pills, 5.5 pounds of fentanyl powder, 223 pounds of methamphetamine, 3.5 pounds of heroin, 5 pounds of cocaine, $388,000 in cash, and 48 firearms.

    At the time of the takedown, Hempel’s residence contained 1,003 fentanyl pills 1.6 kilograms of heroin, three kilograms of marijuana, 11 drug scales, a drug ledger, and $14,799 of drug proceeds. Near the drugs, law enforcement found body armor, ammunition, and the following firearms: a 12-gauge Iver Johnson shotgun with an obliterated serial number, a Harrington Richardson Model 088 Rifle, a Halsan Escort Shotgun, and a Marlin Firearms Glenfield 60 Rifle. Hempel has prior convictions for car theft and possession of stolen property that make him ineligible to possess firearms.

    In asking the court for the 126-month prison term prosecutors noted the impact such drug trafficking has on the community and community safety. “Hempel ordered and distributed large quantities of methamphetamine, fentanyl, and heroin, for the purpose of redistributing it throughout the community. These drugs have a devastating impact. Users of these drugs frequently resort to stealing—from family members, friends, and complete strangers—to feed their addictions. No doubt, drug users are responsible for a large percentage of these crimes, as well as the violent crimes, in our communities,” prosecutors wrote to the court.

    This case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. 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.

    This investigation was led by the FBI with critical investigative teamwork from the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Washington State Department of Corrections and significant local assistance from the Tacoma Police Department, Pierce County Sheriff’s Office, and the Thurston County Narcotics Task Force, led by the Thurston County Sheriff’s Office. Throughout this investigation the following agencies assisted the primary investigators: Washington State Patrol, Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine, Lewis County Sheriff’s Office, Lakewood Police Department, and U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS).

    The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Zach Dillon, Max Shiner, and Jehiel Baer.

    MIL Security OSI –

    May 31, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: Three Admit to Roles in Drug Trafficking Organization

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

    MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Three people have admitted to working in a large-scale drug operation in Berkeley and Jefferson Counties.  

    Juan Carlos Suarez-Lugo, age 55, of Martinsburg, West Virginia, and Alexis Alvarado, age 38, of Ranson, West Virginia, each pled guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine. Mauricio Antonio Alvarado-Flores, age 38, a citizen of El Salvador, pled guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine and illegal reentry.

    According to court documents and statements made in court, Suarez-Lugo, Alvarado, and Alvarado-Flores were working together and with others to sell drugs for the drug trafficking organization.

    Suarez-Lugo, Alvarado, and Alvarado-Flores each face at least five years and up to 40 years in federal prison for the drug charge. Alvarado-Flores faces up to two years in prison for the illegal reentry charge. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Lara Omps-Botteicher is prosecuting the cases on behalf of the government.

    The Eastern Panhandle Drug Task Force was the lead investigative unit. Other investigative agencies that assisted include the Federal Bureau of Investigation, including the Pittsburgh, San Francisco, San Juan, and Philadelphia Field Offices; United States Marshals Service; Homeland Security Investigations; United States Postal Service; Drug Enforcement Administration, the Louisville and Chicago Divisions; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; West Virginia State Police; Martinsburg Police Department; Ranson Police Department; Charles Town Police Department; Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office; Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office; West Virginia Air National Guard; Mineral County Sheriff’s Office; Grant County Sheriff’s Office; Hampshire County Sheriff’s Department; Keyser Police Department; Northwest Regional Drug Task Force, Virginia; Pennsylvania State Police; Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, Pennsylvania; Winchester Police Department, Virginia; Frederick County Sheriff’s Office, Virginia; Virginia State Police; Sunnyvale Police Department, California. 

    U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert W. Trumble presided.

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

    MIL Security OSI –

    May 31, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Advancing North American energy dominance

    Joined by Parliamentary Secretary Chantelle de Jonge, the delegation will showcase Alberta’s position as a leader in responsible energy development in Washington, D.C.

    While in the U.S. capital from June 2-7, Alberta’s delegations will meet with industry leaders, technology innovators and American government officials to advance partnerships and lay the foundation for advancing North American energy dominance and alleviating global energy poverty.

    They will leverage their attendance at the Energy Council’s 2025 Federal Energy and Environmental Matters Conference, the U.S. Energy Streams 10th Washington Energy Forum and the S&P Global Oil Sands Dialogue to support Alberta in becoming a major global energy supplier.

    This mission comes at an important time in Alberta’s relationship with the U.S., as we work to broaden our trade partnerships globally and navigate complex geopolitical environments.

    “While Alberta seeks to enter new global markets, we know that the U.S. remains our largest trading partner, and we believe that through advocacy – this important relationship can and will be maintained. Alberta’s energy future is unstoppable and has a key role to play in helping the U.S. meet its growing energy needs and global energy dominance ambition in a secure and reliable way unmatched by any other energy partner.”

    Danielle Smith, Premier

    “The world needs more of Alberta’s oil, gas and minerals to meet ever evolving energy needs and reduce reliance on products from conflict zones. Alberta can play a crucial role in advancing North American energy dominance and we will work on the partnerships that will lead to a secure energy future.”

    Brian Jean, Minister of Energy and Minerals

    “Alberta’s competitive electricity market and business-friendly environment make our province a destination of choice for investors and a leader in innovative technologies. I am proud to carry that message to our partners south of the border as we continue to build our energy future.”

    Nathan Neudorf, Minister of Affordability and Utilities

    “Alberta is a global leader in responsible energy development. I look forward to working with our U.S. partners to advance new opportunities in our energy sector that will reap benefits on both sides of the border.”

    Chantelle de Jonge, parliamentary secretary for Affordability and Utilities

    This mission builds on the success of CERAWeek in March and is part of Alberta’s continued efforts to promote our vast resource base and responsible energy sector and increase market access for the province’s ethically produced energy, both traditional and emerging.

    Trip expenses for elected officials and staff will be posted on the travel and expense disclosure page.

    Alberta’s government is committed to working with national and international partners to advance shared interests that can lead to new opportunities for people and businesses in Alberta and around the world. By working with industry, researchers and other governments, Alberta is implementing its Emissions Reduction and Energy Development Plan and offering a business-friendly environment primed for investment and growth.

    Itinerary for Premier Smith*

    June 3
    • Travel to Washington, D.C.
    • Meeting with industry partners
    • Attend U.S. Energy Streams 10th Washington Energy Forum Welcome Reception

    June 4
    • Deliver keynote address at day one of the U.S. Energy Streams 10th Washington Energy Forum
    • Bilateral meetings with U.S. legislators
    • Return to Alberta

    *Subject to change.

    Itinerary for Minister Jean*

    June 1
    • Travel to Washington, D.C.

    June 2
    • Minister speaking at CGAI-AmCham Canada Event: Washington DC Natural Gas Dialogue 

    June 3
    • Minister to attend S&P Global Oil Sands Dialogue
    • Participate in panel discussion: The future of North American oil integration
    • U.S. Energy Stream Summit Welcome Reception

    June 4
    • Attending day one of the U.S. Energy Stream Summit

    June 5
    • Day two of the U.S. Energy Stream Summit
    • Minister attending welcome reception for the Energy Council’s 2025 Federal Energy and Environmental Matters Conference

    June 6
    • Minister delivering keynote address at The Energy Council’s 2025 Federal Energy and Environmental Matters Conference
    • Meetings with elected officials

    June 7
    • Travel to return to Edmonton

    *Subject to change.

    Itinerary for Minister Neudorf*

    June 4
    • Travel to Washington, D.C.

    June 5-6
    • Attend the Energy Council’s 2025 Federal Energy and Environmental Matters Conference

    June 7
    • Attend the Energy Council’s 2025 Federal Energy and Environmental Matters Conference
    • Return to Alberta

    *Subject to change.

    Itinerary for Parliamentary Secretary de Jonge*

    June 4
    • Travel to Washington, D.C.

    June 5-7
    • Attend the Energy Council’s 2025 Federal Energy and Environmental Matters Conference

    June 8
    • Personal time

    June 9
    • Return to Alberta

    *Subject to change.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

    May 31, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Shaheen Discusses Local Effects of Proposed Medicaid and Affordable Care Act Cuts with Health Care Leaders, Marks Introduction of Legislation to Protect Connecticut River Watershed at Kilham Bear Center

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Hampshire Jeanne Shaheen
    (Lyme, NH) – Today, U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) hosted a roundtable in Lebanon to discuss the local impacts of Congressional Republicans’ bill to make unprecedented cuts to Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Shaheen also visited the Kilham Bear Center in Lyme to mark the recent introduction of her Connecticut River Watershed Partnership Act (CRWPA) to restore and protect the Watershed. Photos from both of today’s events can be found here.
    At West Central Behavioral Health in Lebanon, Shaheen hosted a roundtable with local health care leaders to highlight the impacts Congressional Republicans’ bill will have on patients and providers in the Upper Valley region. The bill adds unnecessary red tape and guts funding for Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act (ACA).
    “Republican-led cuts to Medicaid and the ACA will have real costs for Granite Staters, and that’s why I’m continuing to speak with health care leaders, caregivers and patients across New Hampshire,” said Senator Shaheen. “What I heard from folks at West Central Behavioral Health cements what we already know to be true: If the Republican tax bill is signed into law, the impact will be felt in every corner of our state through higher costs and less accessibility for the health care Granite Staters need.”
    The roundtable was the latest stop on Shaheen’s “Medicaid Impact Tour”—a series of discussions across the Granite State to underscore the harm cuts to Medicaid and the ACA would have on New Hampshire, including by raising the cost of health care and leaving tens of thousands uninsured. 
    Later in Lyme, Shaheen toured the Kilham Bear Center and hosted a roundtable discussion to highlight how her Connecticut River Watershed Partnership Act would promote conservation, restoration, education and recreation efforts along the Watershed by formalizing collaboration among the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, states, local communities and nonprofit partners.
    “It was great to visit the Kilham Bear Center in Lyme to see their work to rescue and rehabilitate orphaned and injured black bear cubs,” said Senator Shaheen. “New Hampshire’s wildlife and treasured outdoor spaces would benefit from the formal collaboration that my legislation would create to protect and restore the Connecticut River Watershed.”
    Shaheen has led efforts to safeguard our natural environment and invest in climate resiliency while boosting New Hampshire’s recreation economy, including by securing full funding and permanent authorization for the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF), which has helped protect more than 2.5 million acres of land and supported tens of thousands of state and local outdoor recreation projects throughout the nation. In 2022, Shaheen helped to secure $3.7 million in Congressionally Directed Spending from the LWCF for a large conservation easement for Bear Hill. In 2020, Shaheen helped lead the Great American Outdoors Act into law to permanently fund the LWCF and provide mandatory funding for deferred maintenance on public lands. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

    May 31, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Q&A: Big, Beautiful Bill Comes to the Senate

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Iowa Chuck Grassley
    Q: What is the Big, Beautiful Bill Act?
    A: The House of Representatives passed a 1,000-plus page bill in May that includes key measures to enact President Trump’s domestic policy agenda, including a once-in-a-generation opportunity to cut government bloat and prevent the biggest tax hike in American history.  The package also boosts resources for the military, beefs up border security and unleashes American energy to help fuel economic growth. Now, the sausage-making gets underway in the U.S. Senate. Unlike in the House of Representatives, deliberations in the Senate must abide by specific rules that apply to a reconciliation package. Those parameters include a fast-track process that requires only 51 Senate votes instead of 60; and the bill also must directly impact federal spending or taxes. I’ll be giving a thorough scrubbing to the legislation, including its impact on the farm safety net and food stamp (SNAP) program and efforts to root out waste, fraud and abuse in health care.
    Q: What is the Byrd rule?
    A: The Byrd rule is named after former Sen. Robert Byrd of West Virginia, who was long recognized as the “conscience of the Senate” for his deep-seated commitment to parliamentary procedures to protect the institutional role of the Senate in our system of checks and balances. The Byrd rule sets restrictions on reconciliation legislation considered in the Senate and was included unanimously in a federal budget law adopted 40 years ago and made permanent in 1990.
    Reconciliation legislation is used to change revenue and mandatory spending levels within budget resolution policies using an expedited timeline. Unlike the House of Representatives, debate in the Senate is limited to 20 hours and amendments must be germane. The Byrd rule was adopted to preserve the deliberative nature of the Senate and protect the integrity of the reconciliation process. It prevents abusive efforts to circumvent the process with non-budgetary policy matters that ought to be considered under regular order. For example, the Senate Democrat Majority tried to use the reconciliation process to ram through mass amnesty for illegal immigrants. This massive policy proposal failed to pass the Byrd rule.
    The Byrd rule allows any senator to raise a point of order against non-budgetary matters in a reconciliation bill. If a point of order is sustained, the provision is removed from the underlying legislation. An effort to waive the Byrd rule requires approval from three-fifths of the Senate. Over the years, the Byrd rule has created friction between the House and Senate. Don’t forget, the founders intentionally created a bicameral legislature to guarantee the rights of the minority party. The rules of the Senate are built around consensus, as opposed to the House of Representatives where the majority party dominates. As the story goes, George Washington told Thomas Jefferson that “we pour legislation into the senatorial saucer to cool it.” Keeping intact the institutional role of the Senate is an important check in our separation of powers. The Byrd rule is one of those pillars that prevents unrelated legislative agendas from evading Senate deliberation. Whereas the House had a tough row to hoe to pass the reconciliation package, the Senate has an even narrower row to cultivate to get to the finish line.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    May 31, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA News: MADE IN THE USA: President Trump’s Vision is Revitalizing American Industry

    Source: US Whitehouse

    President Donald J. Trump heads to Pennsylvania today, where he’ll champion the partnership he brokered between U.S. Steel and Nippon Steel — a $14 billion investment that will create at least 70,000 jobs and ensure steel is made in America for decades to come.

    AMERICAN JOBS, AMERICAN STEEL.

    The landmark agreement comes alongside a host of companies from across industries that are onshoring their production and investing in American manufacturing as President Trump relentlessly pursues his America First trade policies.

    Look no further than the automotive industry:

    • Stellantis announced a $5 billion investment in its U.S. manufacturing network, including re-opening its Belvidere, Illinois, plant and a $388 “megahub” in Detroit, Michigan.
    • General Motors announced an $888 million investment at its propulsion plant in Tonawanda, New York.
    • Volkswagen is planning to make a “massive” investment in its U.S. production.
    • Toyota announced it will boost hybrid vehicle production at its West Virginia plant.
    • Mercedes-Benz announced it will add a new vehicle to its Tuscaloosa, Alabama, manufacturing plant.
    • Honda plans to shift production of the Civic from Japan to the U.S.
    • Hyundai announced a $20 billion investment to support its U.S. vehicle production.
    • Kia plans to produce hybrid vehicles at its affiliate Hyundai’s Georgia factory.

    It’s not just the auto industry; scores of others are lining up to invest in America:

    • Project Stargate, led by Japan-based Softbank and U.S.-based OpenAI and Oracle, announced a $500 billion private investment in U.S.-based artificial intelligence infrastructure.
    • Apple announced a $500 billion investment in U.S. manufacturing and training.
    • NVIDIA, a global chipmaking giant, announced it will invest $500 billion in U.S.-based AI infrastructure over the next four years amid its pledge to manufacture AI supercomputers entirely in the U.S. for the first time.
    • IBM announced a $150 billion investment over the next five years in its U.S.-based growth and manufacturing operations.
    • Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) announced a $100 billion investment in U.S.-based chips manufacturing.
    • Johnson & Johnson announced a $55 billion investment over the next four years in manufacturing, research and development, and technology.
    • Roche, a Swiss drug and diagnostics company, announced a $50 billion investment in U.S.-based manufacturing and research and development, which is expected to create more than 12,000 jobs.
    • Bristol Myers Squibb announced a $40 billion investment over the next five years in its research, development, technology, and U.S.-based manufacturing operations.
    • Eli Lilly and Company announced a $27 billion investment to more than double its domestic manufacturing capacity.
    • United Arab Emirates-based ADQ and U.S.-based Energy Capital Partners announced a $25 billion investment in U.S. data centers and energy infrastructure.
    • Novartis, a Swiss drugmaker, announced a $23 billion investment to build or expand ten manufacturing facilities across the U.S., which will create 4,000 new jobs.
    • John Deere announced plans to invest $20 billion over the next decade in American expansion, production, and manufacturing.
    • United Arab Emirates-based DAMAC Properties announced a $20 billion investment in new U.S.-based data centers.
    • France-based CMA CGM, a global shipping giant, announced a $20 billion investment in U.S. shipping and logistics, creating 10,000 new jobs.
    • Sanofi announced it will invest at least $20 billion over the next five years in manufacturing and research and development.
    • Venture Global LNG announced an $18 billion investment at its liquefied natural gas facility in Louisiana.
    • Gilead Sciences announced an $11 billion boost to its planned U.S.-based manufacturing investment.
    • AbbVie announced a $10 billion investment over the next ten years to support volume growth and add four new manufacturing plants to its network.
    • Pratt Industries announced a $5 billion investment to create 5,000 new manufacturing jobs in Ohio, Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Arizona.
    • GlobalWafers, a Taiwanese silicon wafer manufacturer, announced a $4 billion investment in its U.S.-based production.
    • Thermo Fisher Scientific announced it will invest an additional $2 billion over the next four years to enhance and expand its U.S. manufacturing operations and strengthen its innovation efforts.
    • Merck & Co. announced it will invest a total of $9 billion in the U.S. over the next several years after opening a new $1 billion North Carolina manufacturing facility — including in a new state-of-the-art biologics manufacturing plant in Delaware, which will create at least 500 new jobs.
    • Clarios announced a $6 billion plan to expand its domestic manufacturing operations.
    • In addition to its overall investments, Amazon announced it is investing $4 billion in small towns across America, creating more than 100,000 new jobs and driving opportunities across the country.
    • Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, a leader in biotechnology, announced a $3 billion agreement with Fujifilm Diosynth Biotechnologies to produce drugs at its North Carolina manufacturing facility.
    • Kraft Heinz announced a $3 billion investment to upgrade its U.S. factories — its largest investment in its plants in decades.
    • NorthMark Strategies, a multi-strategy investment firm, announced a $2.8 billion investment to build a supercomputing facility in South Carolina.
    • Kimberly-Clark announced a $2 billion investment to expand its U.S. manufacturing operations, including a new advanced manufacturing facility in Warren, Ohio, an expansion of its Beech Island, South Carolina, facility, and other upgrades to its supply chain network.
    • Chobani, a Greek yogurt giant, announced $1.7 billion to expand its U.S. operations.
      • $1.2 billion to build its third U.S. dairy processing plant in New York, which is expected to create more than 1,000 new full-time jobs.
    • Corning announced it is expanding its Michigan manufacturing facility investment to $1.5 billion, adding 400 new high-paying advanced manufacturing jobs for a total of 1,500 new jobs.
    • Carrier announced an additional $1 billion investment in its U.S. manufacturing, innovation, and workforce expansion, which is expected to create 4,000 new jobs.
    • GE Aerospace announced a $1 billion investment in manufacturing across 16 states — creating 5,000 new jobs.
    • Anduril Industries announced a $1 billion investment for a new autonomous weapon system facility in Ohio.
    • Williams International announced a $1 billion investment for a new high-volume aviation gas turbine engine manufacturing facility in Okaloosa County, Florida.
    • Amgen announced a $900 million investment in its Ohio-based manufacturing operation.
    • Merck Animal Health announced an $895 million investment to expand their manufacturing operations in Kansas.
    • Schneider Electric announced it will invest $700 million over the next four years in U.S. energy infrastructure.
    • GE Vernova announced it will invest nearly $600 million in U.S. manufacturing over the next two years, which will create more than 1,500 new jobs.
    • Abbott Laboratories announced a $500 million investment in its Illinois and Texas facilities.
    • AIP Management, a European infrastructure investor, announced a $500 million investment to solar developer Silicon Ranch.
    • London-based Diageo announced a $415 million investment in a new Alabama manufacturing facility.
    • Lego announced a $366 million investment to build a new distribution center in Prince George County, Virginia.
    • The Bel Group announced a $350 million investment to expand its U.S.-based production, including at its South Dakota, Idaho and Wisconsin facilities — which will create 250 new jobs.
    • Dublin-based Eaton Corporation announced a $340 million investment in a new South Carolina-based manufacturing facility for its three-phase transformers.
    • Anheuser-Busch announced a $300 million investment in its manufacturing facilities across the country.
    • Germany-based Siemens announced a $285 million investment in U.S. manufacturing and AI data centers, which will create more than 900 new skilled manufacturing jobs.
    • Clasen Quality Chocolate announced a $230 million investment to build a new production facility in Virginia, which will create 250 new jobs.
    • Fiserv, Inc., a financial technology provider, announced a $175 million investment to open a new strategic fintech hub in Kansas, which is expected to create 2,000 new high-paying jobs.
    • Paris Baguette announced a $160 million investment to construct a manufacturing plant in Texas.
    • Siemens Healthineers announced a $150 million investment to expand production, including relocating manufacturing operations for its Varian company from Mexico to California. 
    • JBS USA announced a $135 million investment for a new sausage production facility in Perry, Iowa.
    • TS Conductor announced a $134 million investment to build an advanced conductor manufacturing facility in South Carolina, which will create nearly 500 new jobs.
    • Switzerland-based ABB announced a $120 million investment to expand production of its low-voltage electrification products in Tennessee and Mississippi.
    • Saica Group, a Spain-based corrugated packaging maker, announced plans to build a $110 million new manufacturing facility in Anderson, Indiana.
    • Hotpack, a Dubai-based maker of food packaging materials and related products, announced a $100 million investment to establish its first U.S. manufacturing facility in Edison, New Jersey.
    • Charms, LLC, a subsidiary of candymaker Tootsie Roll Industries, announced a $97.7 million investment to expand its production plant and distribution center in Tennessee.
    • Toyota Motor Corporation announced an $88 million investment to boost hybrid vehicle production at its West Virginia factory, securing employment for the 2,000 workers at the factory.
    • AeroVironment, a defense contractor, announced a $42.3 million investment to build a new manufacturing facility in Utah.
    • Paris-based Saint-Gobain announced a new $40 million NorPro manufacturing facility in Wheatfield, New York.
    • India-based Sygene International announced a $36.5 million acquisition of a Baltimore biologics manufacturing facility.
    • Asahi Group Holdings, one of the largest Japanese beverage makers, announced a $35 million investment to boost production at its Wisconsin plant.
    • Valbruna Slater Stainless announced a $28 million investment in its stainless steel and nickel alloys bars manufacturing plant in Fort Wayne, Indiana.
    • Cyclic Materials, a Canadian advanced recycling company for rare earth elements, announced a $20 million investment in its first U.S.-based commercial facility, located in Mesa, Arizona.
    • Guardian Bikes announced a $19 million investment to build the first U.S.-based large-scale bicycle frame manufacturing operation in Indiana.
    • Amsterdam-based AMG Critical Minerals announced a $15 million investment to build a chrome manufacturing facility in Pennsylvania.
    • NOVONIX Limited, an Australia-based battery technology company, announced a $4.6 million investment to build a synthetic graphite manufacturing facility in Tennessee.
    • LGM Pharma announced a $6 million investment to expand its manufacturing facility in Rosenberg, Texas.
    • ViDARR, a defense optical equipment manufacturer, announced a $2.69 million investment to open a new facility in Virginia.

    That doesn’t even include the U.S. investments planned by foreign countries:

    • United Arab Emirates committed to investing $1.4 trillion in the U.S. over the next decade.
    • Qatar committed to generating $1.2 trillion in an economic exchange between the two countries.
    • Japan announced a $1 trillion investment in the U.S.
    • Saudi Arabia committed investing $600 billion in the U.S. over the next four years.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    May 31, 2025
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