US-Kosovo MOU strengthens fight against information manipulation
By Federal Newswire | May 19, 2024
Under Secretary for Public Diplomacy, Liz Allen, held a meeting with Kosovan President Vjosa Osmani-Sadriu in Pristina, Kosovo. The key agenda of their discussion was the strategic priority to advance Kosovo along its path towards European and Euro-Atlantic integration. They also stressed the importance of close coordination to achieve this goal. Under Secretary Allen emphasized the benefits of regional economic integration and underscored the significance of European and transatlantic values such as minority rights and media freedom.
US-Niger Reach Agreement on Orderly Withdrawal of US Forces
By Federal Newswire | May 19, 2024
Representatives from the U.S. Department of Defense and the Department of National Defense of the Republic of Niger convened in Niamey, Republic of Niger, from May 15 to 19, 2024. The meeting was part of a Joint Disengagement Commission aimed at coordinating the orderly and safe withdrawal of U.S. forces from Niger. The discussions were conducted with complete transparency and mutual respect between both parties.
Under Secretary Allen discusses U.S.-Kosovo relations with Prime Minister Kurti
By Federal Newswire | May 19, 2024
Under Secretary for Public Diplomacy, Liz Allen, held a meeting with Kosovan Prime Minister Albin Kurti in Pristina, Kosovo. The primary focus of their discussion was the U.S.-Kosovo bilateral relationship. This included a shared commitment to bolstering Kosovo's security, prosperity, and multiethnic democracy.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection releases April statistics
By Federal Newswire | May 18, 2024
The US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has disclosed its statistics for April, encompassing encounters with illegal migrants, drug seizures, and other operations. The data release details the agency's efforts to safeguard the supply chain and curtail the volume of drugs crossing the border.
U.S. Rep. Tom Tiffany: 'To no surprise, President Biden’s FY25 budget request caters to green lobby radicals, fails to address the environmental degradation from illegal immigration, and puts the...
By Federal Newswire | May 18, 2024
US Subcommittee on Federal Lands Chair, Tom Tiffany, criticized President Biden's FY25 budget request, stating, "To no surprise, President Biden’s FY25 budget request caters to green lobby radicals, fails to address the environmental degradation from illegal immigration, and puts the American people on the back burner. Americans." Tiffany, set to face Republican challenger Cheryl Ann Runkel in the Wisconsin primary, further added that "it’s time that this administration drops the partisan politics and does what’s best for the communities, families, and small businesses that...
Presidential envoy Carstens to discuss hostage affairs in Qatar
By Federal Newswire | May 18, 2024
Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs, Roger Carstens, is set to visit Doha, Qatar from May 20 to 22. The purpose of his visit includes delivering remarks and participating in a panel discussion titled "The Impacts of Hostage-Taking by State and Non-State Actors" at the Global Security Forum.
US-Argentina relations strengthened through high-level dialogue
By Federal Newswire | May 18, 2024
Spokesperson Matthew Miller announced that Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken met with Argentine Foreign Minister Diana Mondino in Washington, D.C. The meeting served to reaffirm the strength of the bilateral relationship between the United States and Argentina and to explore ways in which the two nations can enhance cooperation for a safer, more democratic hemisphere.
U.S. Rep. Tom Tiffany: 'Outdoor sports like hunting, fishing, trapping, and shooting are deeply rooted in Wisconsin's cultural heritage'
By Federal Newswire | May 17, 2024
US Representative Tom Tiffany has expressed his concern over the barriers preventing access to federal public lands in Wisconsin. "Outdoor sports like hunting, fishing, trapping, and shooting are deeply rooted in Wisconsin's cultural heritage," he said. Tiffany, who is preparing to face Republican challenger Cheryl Ann Runkel in the Wisconsin primary, further stated that issues such as access barriers and lack of active management are keeping people from these lands.
U.S. should employ strategic coercive sanctions to counter economic aggression of China
By Federal Newswire | May 17, 2024
The Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), a bipartisan, nonprofit policy research organization, recently published a report titled "Expanding the Tool Kit: To Counter China's Economic Coercion." The report examines strategies that the U.S. can employ to counteract China's powerful global economy, which it leverages to influence other countries in favor of its own interests. CSIS released this report on May 6.
Energy expert: Biden Admin's tariffs on China could 'raise costs, creating a potential conflict between the strategic goals of bolstering domestic industries and rapid decarbonization'
By Federal Newswire | May 17, 2024
Joseph Majkut, Director of the Energy Security and Climate Change Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), expressed concern that the Biden Administration's new tariffs on China's energy industry could potentially increase the cost of solar panels and clean energy domestic projects. This, he suggested, may create a conflict between decoupling from China and pursuing clean energy goals in the United States. Majkut articulated these views in a CSIS analysis commentary piece published on May 14.
State Department is involved and providing assistance to US citizen held ‘hostage’ in Nigeria
By Federal Newswire | May 17, 2024
A State Department spokesperson has confirmed to Federal Newswire that the Department is monitoring the case of Tigran Gambaryan, an American citizen and former federal agent detained in Nigeria since February 26 and are providing all appropriate assistance. The spokesperson’s comments were provided May 15 following Deputy Secretary Kurt Campell’s meeting in Washington, D.C. with Nigerian Foreign Minister Yusuf Tuggar.
Current Bills Under Consideration Addressing U.S.-China Relations
By Press Release | May 17, 2024
S.866 American Innovation and Jobs Act - This bill revises and expands the deductibility of research and experimental expenditures to allow immediate expensing of such expenditures.
Netflix announces soundtrack for 'Bridgerton' Season 3: Part 1
By Federal Newswire | May 17, 2024
Netflix and Shondaland have announced the song list and soundtrack for the highly anticipated third season of 'Bridgerton'. The new season, which is split into two parts, will once again captivate audiences with its unique blend of orchestral pop covers and original compositions that infuse a modern twist into the Regency-era romance.
Assistant Secretary Kritenbrink to attend sixth Indo-Pacific Business Forum in Manila
By Federal Newswire | May 17, 2024
Assistant Secretary of State for the Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs, Daniel J. Kritenbrink, is set to travel to Manila, Philippines from May 20-21 to participate in the sixth Indo-Pacific Business Forum (IPBF). This forum is recognized as the premier U.S.-sponsored business event in the region.
35 Million Investment Announced for Orphaned Well Clean Up in California
By Federal Newswire | May 17, 2024
Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland announced a $35.2 million investment through President Biden’s Investing in America agenda to continue reclaiming and restoring orphaned oil and gas wells in California. The announcement was made during the Biden-Harris administration’s Infrastructure Week. The funding is expected to help plug and remediate 206 high-risk orphaned oil and gas wells, decommission 47 production facilities, and remove approximately 70,000 feet of associated pipelines.
USDA invests $30.8 million in historically black Land-grant Universities
By Federal Newswire | May 17, 2024
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced on May 17, 2024, an investment of $30.8 million to bolster research and extension capacity across all 19 of America’s designated 1890 historically black Land-grant Universities. The funding is part of the National Institute of Food and Agriculture’s (NIFA) 1890 Institution Teaching, Research and Extension Capacity Building Grants Program, aimed at supporting scientific research addressing some of the nation's most challenging agricultural issues.
Secretary Blinken reaffirms commitment to LGBTQI+ rights on international commemoration day
By Federal Newswire | May 17, 2024
On May 17, 2024, Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken issued a statement commemorating the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Interphobia, and Transphobia. This annual event serves as a moment to reflect on the violence and discrimination that lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and intersex (LGBTQI+) individuals face globally and reasserts a commitment to counter these injustices.
US and Argentina sign memorandum to establish high-level strategic dialogue
By Federal Newswire | May 17, 2024
On May 17, 2024, Secretary Antony J. Blinken and Argentine Foreign Minister Diana Mondino gathered in Washington D.C. to sign a Memorandum of Understanding on a Framework of Understanding between the United States and Argentina. The signing aimed to establish a high-level strategic dialogue between the two nations.
CDT and Consumer Reports support Colorado's AI bias bill
By Federal Newswire | May 17, 2024
The Center for Democracy & Technology (CDT) and Consumer Reports have expressed their support for the passage of Colorado’s Senate Bill 205. This legislation aims to establish fundamental safeguards for the application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in critical decisions impacting consumers and workers, such as those related to housing access, lending, and employment.
Two Chinese nationals charged for $73M cryptocurrency scam
By Federal Newswire | May 17, 2024
An indictment was unsealed in the Central District of California, charging two Chinese nationals with leading roles in a scheme to launder proceeds from cryptocurrency investment scams. The individuals involved are Daren Li, 41, a dual citizen of China and St. Kitts and Nevis, and Yicheng Zhang, 38, a Chinese national residing in Temple City, California.
