Search Results for keywords:"national security"

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) is planning to modify its Partner-Vetting System, a system used to vet directors, officers, and employees of non-governmental organizations seeking funds from USAID. The system collects personal data to ensure that USAID’s funds do not inadvertently support individuals or entities posing a risk to national security. Changes include removing certain categories of individuals from its coverage and clarifying details in the system’s records. USAID invites the public to submit comments on the proposed changes by February 12, 2021.

The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) has finalized a rule to implement the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, specifically its section 22425. This rule amends the Freight Car Safety Standards to enforce restrictions on new freight cars introduced in the U.S. It prohibits using sensitive technology and components originating from countries of concern or state-owned enterprises, as well as materials that infringe on U.S. intellectual property rights. From January 21, 2025, freight car manufacturers must certify compliance with these standards to operate their vehicles in the United States.

The Executive Order 14237 aims to address activities by the law firm Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP (Paul Weiss) that the administration deems harmful to national interests. It directs immediate suspension of security clearances for Paul Weiss employees and an evaluation of existing government contracts with the firm. The order also outlines measures to prevent future business with the firm unless it aligns with American interests and instructs agencies to limit interactions with Paul Weiss employees when national security is a concern. Additionally, it emphasizes the administration's commitment to eliminating racial discrimination in federal contracting practices.

The Maritime Administration (MARAD) is inviting applications for vessels to join the Cable Security Fleet (CSF). This program aims to keep a ready fleet of U.S.-owned cable vessels for national security and global positioning in the submarine cable market. To apply, potential participants must meet specific citizenship and technical requirements and submit applications by February 4, 2021. Once selected, participants will form agreements with MARAD to operate these vessels in the commercial cable industry and make them available to the U.S. Government during emergencies.

The Department of Defense has announced an arms sale to Egypt, involving light tactical vehicle chassis and related equipment, worth an estimated $200 million. This sale aims to enhance Egypt's military capability, supporting U.S. foreign policy and national security by strengthening a key ally in the Middle East. The sale will not disrupt the military balance in the region and will include U.S. support for operations and maintenance training. The main contractor for this project is AM General, LLC, and there are no offset agreements involved.

The Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) has issued a final rule amending the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) to clarify the scope of export controls on certain vaccines and medical products. These changes are based on decisions from the Australia Group's June 2019 Plenary meeting. The aim is to ensure greater consistency and harmonization of international export controls, enhancing national security by preventing dual-use items from contributing to the development of chemical or biological weapons. The rule modifies controls on vaccines containing specific biological agents to only require licenses for export to a limited number of countries of concern.

The U.S. Department of Commerce has issued a final rule concerning the review of transactions involving information and communications technology and services (ICTS) linked to foreign adversaries. This rule establishes procedures to evaluate such transactions for risks to national security, potentially prohibiting them or requiring mitigation measures if they pose undue threats. The rule includes new definitions and procedural updates to clarify transaction reviews, address public comments, and streamline processes. The measures aim to safeguard the ICTS supply chain from foreign threats, enhance transparency, and provide guidelines for penalties if regulations are violated.

The U.S. Department of Commerce issued an order denying Siddharth Bhatt's export privileges for ten years because he was convicted of illegally trying to export a thermal imaging camera to the UAE without the necessary license. Bhatt, who has addresses in Chicago and Mumbai, was sentenced to probation and fined. The order prohibits him and others acting on his behalf from participating in any transactions involving items subject to export regulations from the U.S. Bhatt can appeal this order within 45 days, but this denial takes immediate effect.

The Department of Justice has issued a final rule to implement Executive Order 14117, which aims to prevent certain countries or individuals from accessing sensitive personal and government-related data of Americans. This rule identifies specific data transactions that are either prohibited or restricted due to national security risks posed by foreign interests. The regulation outlines prohibited data transactions and establishes procedures to authorize or restrict them through licensing. It aims to protect U.S. national security by limiting access to sensitive data by countries considered to be a threat.

The Secretary of Homeland Security has extended a finding of a mass influx of aliens at the southern U.S. border, which originally went into effect in January 2025. This finding, which will last for 180 days, allows the federal government to request assistance from state and local governments to manage immigration law enforcement. The extension is due to concerns of potential increases in illegal entries, criminal activity, and overwhelming demands on law enforcement and immigration resources. This decision aims to maintain operational control over the border to ensure the safety and welfare of residents across all 50 states.