Search Results for keywords:"Secretary of State"

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Search Results: keywords:"Secretary of State"

  • Type:Notice
    Citation:86 FR 8473
    Reading Time:about 4 minutes

    The National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2013, also known as the Iran Freedom and Counter-Proliferation Act of 2012, requires the Secretary of State to report every 180 days about Iran's use of certain materials. This report, covering the period from July 1, 2020, to December 31, 2020, found that Iran is not using the specified materials for exchanges but is listing gold as part of its assets and that Iran's construction sector is influenced by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). Additionally, certain materials are connected with Iran's nuclear and military programs.

    Simple Explanation

    The report says that every six months, the U.S. checks if Iran is using certain materials, like metals and software, for trades or for its government money and if Iran's powerful group, the IRGC, controls parts of their economy. They found that Iran isn't trading these materials but is using gold as part of its money, and the IRGC is involved in construction. Some materials are linked to Iran's nuclear and military activities.

  • Type:Presidential Document
    Citation:90 FR 2589
    Reading Time:about 11 minutes

    President Joseph R. Biden Jr. issued Executive Order 14140, which updates the measures against individuals contributing to instability in the Western Balkans. The order amends previous executive actions by blocking the property of people who engage in actions threatening peace and stability, democracy, or human rights in the region. It includes those involved in corruption, those who support such activities, and relatives of involved individuals. The order underscores that it aligns with existing laws and does not grant any legal rights to individuals against the U.S. government.

    Simple Explanation

    President Biden made a new rule to freeze the money and property of people causing trouble in a part of the world called the Western Balkans, so they cannot keep doing bad things that hurt others. This rule is to keep the area peaceful and safe, even if deciding who is doing these bad things might be a bit tricky.

  • Type:Presidential Document
    Citation:90 FR 8337
    Reading Time:about a minute or two

    The Executive Order 14150, titled "America First Policy Directive to the Secretary of State," is issued by the President to direct U.S. foreign policy to prioritize American interests and citizens. The order instructs the Secretary of State to adjust the Department of State’s policies and operations to align with this "America First" approach. It clarifies that the order should not affect existing legal authorities or create enforceable rights. The implementation of the order must comply with applicable law and is dependent on available funding.

    Simple Explanation

    The President made a rule saying that the people who decide how America talks to other countries should always think about what is best for the people who live in America first. But the rule doesn’t tell them exactly how to do this or how to check if they’re doing it right.

  • Type:Notice
    Citation:86 FR 6731
    Reading Time:less than a minute

    The Secretary of State, Michael R. Pompeo, has officially classified the Republic of Cuba as a state that supports international terrorism. This designation follows specific U.S. laws including the Export Administration Act of 1979 and the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961. The determination requires this decision to be published in the Federal Register.

    Simple Explanation

    The United States has said that Cuba is helping bad people who cause trouble in the world, and because of that, they are putting them on a special list. This means they will watch Cuba closely and might not give them as much help as before.

  • Type:Notice
    Citation:86 FR 3227
    Reading Time:about a minute or two

    The State Department has decided to keep the group known as ISIL-Sinai Province labeled as a Foreign Terrorist Organization. The review, conducted with input from the Attorney General and the Secretary of the Treasury, concluded that the group's activities and threat level have not changed significantly. Additionally, several new aliases for the group, including ISIS-Sinai Province and Wilayat Sayna, have been officially recognized and added to the designation. This determination, signed by Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo, will be published in the Federal Register.

    Simple Explanation

    The U.S. government has decided to continue calling a group, known as ISIL-Sinai Province, a "bad guy" group because they still do dangerous things, and they've added new names for this group to make sure everyone knows who they're talking about.

  • Type:Presidential Document
    Citation:90 FR 1023
    Reading Time:less than a minute

    The President of the United States has issued a memorandum delegating authority to the Secretary of State. This authority permits the Secretary to direct the use of up to $571.3 million in defense goods and services, and military training from the Department of Defense, to support Taiwan. This memorandum is to be officially recorded in the Federal Register.

    Simple Explanation

    The President has given the Secretary of State permission to use money from the military to help Taiwan by sending them things like military equipment and training. But the document doesn't explain why Taiwan needs this help or how it might affect the U.S. military's resources.

  • Type:Presidential Document
    Citation:90 FR 8619
    Reading Time:about 2 minutes

    The Executive Order 14169, issued by the President, aims to realign U.S. foreign aid with American interests and foreign policy. It mandates a 90-day pause on new foreign aid disbursements to assess their efficiency and compliance with U.S. foreign policy objectives. All relevant agency heads are required to review and determine whether to continue, modify, or stop these programs, with oversight from the Secretary of State and the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). The order allows for a waiver of the pause if deemed necessary by the Secretary of State.

    Simple Explanation

    The President made a new rule to stop giving out money to other countries for a short time to make sure it helps America and its friends. During this pause, everyone in charge has to check if the projects are good, with some help from the Secretary of State.

  • Type:Presidential Document
    Citation:89 FR 99689
    Reading Time:less than a minute

    In a presidential memorandum dated November 15, 2024, the President delegated specific authorities to the Secretary of State. These authorities are under sections 507(d) and 508(a) of the Ukraine Security Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2024. The memorandum directs the Secretary of State to carry out these duties and ensures its publication in the Federal Register.

    Simple Explanation

    The President wrote a letter telling the Secretary of State to do some special jobs related to helping Ukraine. This letter says to make sure people can read it in a big book called the Federal Register.

  • Type:Presidential Document
    Citation:89 FR 99691
    Reading Time:less than a minute

    The President of the United States has issued a memorandum that delegates authority to the Secretary of State. This authority allows the Secretary to decide if providing up to $35 million in aid to Ukraine is important for U.S. security interests, bypassing certain laws. This delegation is made under section 614(a)(1) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961. The memorandum will be published in the Federal Register.

    Simple Explanation

    The President told the Secretary of State they can decide if giving $35 million to Ukraine is really important for keeping the U.S. safe, even if some rules usually say no. But, there are worries because nobody explained how or why it's important, and how the money should be used, which could cause problems.

  • Type:Notice
    Citation:90 FR 6044
    Reading Time:about a minute or two

    The State Department has announced a Delegation of Authority, signed by Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken on January 10, 2025. This document delegates various authorities to Scott Weinhold, specifically those related to the Under Secretary for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs. The delegation allows the Secretary, the Deputy Secretary, and the Under Secretary for Management to exercise any of the delegated functions or authority. This delegation becomes effective on January 17, 2025, and will end when a new Under Secretary is appointed.

    Simple Explanation

    The State Department said that Scott Weinhold can do some important jobs for the Under Secretary of Public Diplomacy, but they didn't say exactly what jobs or how they'll make sure he's doing them right. These special jobs will only last until they find someone else for the Under Secretary position.

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