News from March 2024


Kansas Natural Resource Coalition announces EPA's proposed regulation change threatens small meat processors

Kansas Natural Resource Coalition announces EPA's proposed regulation change threatens small meat processors

The Kansas Natural Resource Coalition (KNRC) has voiced concerns over a new rule proposed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), stating that it could lead to "costly water filtration upgrades" which might "bankrupt" small meat processors and have indirect effects on the nation's food supply.


Beijing is restricting the freedoms of Hong Kong through assertive security laws

Beijing is restricting the freedoms of Hong Kong through assertive security laws

China has been intensifying its control over Hong Kong in recent years, a move that has escalated amidst growing geopolitical tensions and resulted in lawmakers passing extensive security measures. This latest legislation has elicited criticism from both Australia and Britain.


Legislation to protect US ports from the Chinese Communist Party passes in the US House of Representatives

Legislation to protect US ports from the Chinese Communist Party passes in the US House of Representatives

The Ocean Shipping Reform 2.0 legislation recently garnered overwhelming support in the House of Representatives, passing a bill that restricts U.S. ports from utilizing LOGINK software, a product developed and sponsored by China.


Ranking Members of the Capital Markets Committee introduce four Bipartisan Bills addressing American investment in China

Ranking Members of the Capital Markets Committee introduce four Bipartisan Bills addressing American investment in China

Congressman Brad Sherman, a Democrat from California, and Congresswoman Victoria Spartz, a Republican from Indiana, have proposed four bills aimed at addressing the risks associated with American investment in China. Each bill targets distinct threats that China poses to America's free capital markets.


Five United States Unions file petition to review China's subsidies for shipbuilders

Five United States Unions file petition to review China's subsidies for shipbuilders

Five major United States labor unions have lodged a joint complaint, urging the administration to probe into subsidies provided to Chinese shipbuilders. This move comes amidst escalating tensions between the two nations. The unions involved in this action are the United Steelworkers, the AFL Maritime Trades Department, International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, the International Brotherhood of Boilermakers, and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers.


United States Lawmakers seek restrictions on Chinese drones

United States Lawmakers seek restrictions on Chinese drones

Members of the House Select Committee on the Strategic Competition Between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) announced that it has written a letter regarding the threat that Chinese drones have on American citizens.


DOE announces funding for renewable energy facilities

DOE announces funding for renewable energy facilities

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has announced an allocation of up to $22 million aimed at enhancing processes related to the planning, siting, and permitting of large-scale renewable energy facilities. The Renewable Energy Siting through Technical Engagement and Planning (R-STEP) program is designed to assist local governments and communities in planning for large-scale renewable energy projects, with a second round of funding in the pipeline.


DEA announces owner of Oakland money services business sentenced to 18 months for money laundering to Mexico

DEA announces owner of Oakland money services business sentenced to 18 months for money laundering to Mexico

The San Francisco Field Division of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has announced that Felipe de Jesus Ornelas Mora has been sentenced to 18 months in prison. His charges include laundering drug money and wiring it to Mexico through his Bay Area "money services" business.


Alec Mazo, GP at DGA Capital: 'TikTok argument should be this simple: reciprocity! If China bans our companies, we ban theirs'

Alec Mazo, GP at DGA Capital: 'TikTok argument should be this simple: reciprocity! If China bans our companies, we ban theirs'

Alec Mazo, General Partner at DGA Capital and a former champion of Dancing with the Stars, has proposed that the U.S. should adopt a policy of "reciprocity" towards China in relation to TikTok. He suggests that since China imposes bans on certain American social media companies, the U.S. should reciprocate by doing the same with Chinese-owned companies.


Asst. Sec. of Defense for Indo-Pacific Affairs: 'The PRC continues to present the most comprehensive and serious challenge to U.S. national security'

Asst. Sec. of Defense for Indo-Pacific Affairs: 'The PRC continues to present the most comprehensive and serious challenge to U.S. national security'

In a recent hearing before the House Armed Services Committee, Dr. Ely S. Ratner, Assistant Secretary of Defense for Indo-Pacific Security Affairs, declared that the People's Republic of China (PRC) poses the most significant threat to the U.S., due to its ambitions to reshape the Indo-Pacific region and replace the U.S. as a global power.


DOE announces $6 billion decarbonization initiative

DOE announces $6 billion decarbonization initiative

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has earmarked $6 billion to support 33 projects across more than 20 states, with the goal of decarbonizing energy-intensive industries and reducing industrial greenhouse gas emissions. The DOE anticipates that these efforts will lead to a reduction of over 14 million metric tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions annually.


House Homeland GOP: 'migrants are being taken advantage of' by ‘unlawful and foolish’ programs

House Homeland GOP: 'migrants are being taken advantage of' by ‘unlawful and foolish’ programs

The Committee on Homeland Security recently expressed concern via Twitter about the current administration's "humanitarian parole" programs, alleging that they are detrimental to migrants and advantageous to cartels.


Travel leaders converge on Capitol Hill for U.S.Travel Association's legislative fly-in

Travel leaders converge on Capitol Hill for U.S.Travel Association's legislative fly-in

Last week, hundreds of travel delegates from across the United States gathered on Capitol Hill for the U.S. Travel Association’s (USTA) legislative fly-in, Destination Capitol Hill. Armed with data and a set of requests, they sought to engage lawmakers in their cause.


DOD officials testify before congress on initiatives they hope will eliminate cybersecurity risks

DOD officials testify before congress on initiatives they hope will eliminate cybersecurity risks

Officials from the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) recently convened with Congress members to discuss their strategy for equipping military personnel with advanced technology on the battlefield. John Sherman, DOD's Chief Information Officer, stated that the department remains "laser focused" on implementing a zero trust set of guidelines to mitigate organizational cybersecurity risks.


Latest round of airport funding will provide $110 million to bolster 70 airports across the country

Latest round of airport funding will provide $110 million to bolster 70 airports across the country

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has recently announced a $110 million initiative to enhance 70 airports across the United States. The funds are aimed at improving capacity and safety by modernizing airport and runway infrastructure, creating jobs, and enhancing airfield safety in 32 states.


HHS announces over 45 million people currently enrolled in health insurance on 10th anniversary of Affordable Care Act

HHS announces over 45 million people currently enrolled in health insurance on 10th anniversary of Affordable Care Act

The Affordable Care Act (ACA) recently marked its tenth anniversary, with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) highlighting that participation in the program has reached an all-time high. Currently, there are 45 million people currently enrolled, and HHS’s Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation's (ASPE) analysis shows that the ACA's Marketplaces and Medicaid expansion is the reason behind the high numbers.


CCIA Voices Concerns Over Florida’s Recently Signed HB 3

CCIA Voices Concerns Over Florida’s Recently Signed HB 3

Washington – Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis today signed HB 3 into law, requiring social media platforms to terminate accounts held by younger users who are 14 or 15 years of age. The bill includes many provisions similar to those under HB 1, which was previously vetoed by Gov. DeSantis. While HB 3 no longer includes explicit age verification requirements for social media accounts, such platforms would likely need to employ verification tools to support compliance. The Computer & Communications Industry Association (CCIA) has raised concerns about the implications of HB 3....


Chairman Gallagher on Appointment of Rep. Moolenaar to Lead Select Committee

Chairman Gallagher on Appointment of Rep. Moolenaar to Lead Select Committee

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Chairman Mike Gallagher (R-WI) expressed his confidence in Representative John Moolenaar (R-MI) as the new leader of the Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party. In a statement, Chairman Gallagher highlighted Moolenaar's understanding of the challenges posed by the CCP and his commitment to advancing strategies to ensure the United States remains competitive in this critical relationship."Representative John Moolenaar will be an incredible leader of the Select Committee," Chairman Gallagher stated. He emphasized Moolenaar's grasp of the...


Coach Joe Kennedy Shares Insights on First Amendment Battle Over Post-Game Prayer

Coach Joe Kennedy Shares Insights on First Amendment Battle Over Post-Game Prayer

Joe Kennedy is a former Washington high school football coach who was fired after praying in the middle of the field after a football game.


Canada’s Competition Bureau publishes an AI discussion paper, invites feedback

Canada’s Competition Bureau publishes an AI discussion paper, invites feedback

Canada's Competition Bureau has published a discussion paper on artificial intelligence (AI) and competition, inviting public feedback on the issues identified in the document.