Search Results for keywords:"national security"

The U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) has announced a proposed sale of up to 386 Hellfire Air-to-Ground Missiles and related support services to the Government of the Netherlands. This sale aims to enhance the Netherlands' defense capabilities, supporting U.S. foreign policy and national security goals by strengthening a NATO ally. Lockheed Martin in Orlando, FL, will be the main contractor, and the sale will not affect the U.S.'s own defense readiness. The sale is valued at approximately $150 million and includes technical assistance and program support.

The Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) under the Department of Commerce is amending the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) with new rules to enhance national security by regulating the export of advanced computing integrated circuits (ICs). The Interim Final Rule (IFR) introduces new due diligence measures to help foundries and semiconductor companies comply with U.S. export laws, especially concerning ICs sold to countries like China. It updates existing semiconductor export controls and sets reporting requirements, license exceptions, and a framework for realizing transparency between IC designers and manufacturers. Public comments on the rule are invited until March 14, 2025.

The U.S. Department of Commerce has introduced new regulations to strengthen the security of the Information and Communications Technology and Services (ICTS) supply chain in accordance with Executive Order 13873. Effective March 22, 2021, these rules will allow the Secretary of Commerce to review, block, or impose conditions on transactions between U.S. and foreign entities that may pose security risks due to involvement with foreign adversaries. The regulations outline a process for reviewing transactions and require entities to retain records related to a transaction if it is under review. Additionally, certain countries such as China, Iran, and Russia are identified as foreign adversaries, and the rule aims to protect U.S. national security by mitigating risks associated with these and other foreign entities.

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.

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 Defense has announced a notification regarding an arms sale to Saudi Arabia. The sale includes 3,000 GBU-39/B Small Diameter Bomb I munitions and other related support equipment, services, and parts, with an estimated program cost of $290 million. This sale aims to support U.S. foreign policy and national security by bolstering Saudi Arabia's defense capabilities and maintaining regional stability. The principal contractor for this deal will be Boeing, and the sale is not expected to negatively impact U.S. defense readiness.

In a proclamation by President Donald J. Trump, he declared that the situation at the U.S. southern border is an "invasion" under the U.S. Constitution. As a response, he has ordered the temporary suspension of entry for certain aliens who cross the southern border, due to concerns over public health, safety, and national security. The proclamation cites the President's authority under the Immigration and Nationality Act and the Constitution to deny entry and impose restrictions on individuals who do not meet specific criteria. This action aims to address the challenges posed by the influx of illegal aliens and protect the interests of the United States.

The U.S. Department of Energy has issued a Prohibition Order that restricts the acquisition and use of certain bulk-power system (BPS) electric equipment from China because of national security concerns. This order aims to prevent foreign adversaries from potentially exploiting these equipment vulnerabilities, especially in areas critical to defense facilities. It specifically targets equipment like transformers and circuit breakers operating at 69 kV or higher if they are manufactured or supplied by entities under China's influence. Violation of this order may result in significant civil or criminal penalties.

The Department of Defense (DoD) has announced an arms sales notice involving an update to a previous agreement with Canada. This update includes the sale of various military equipment such as missiles and spare parts, with a total estimated value of $2.21 billion. The purpose of this sale is to enhance Canada's military capabilities, supporting U.S. foreign policy and national security objectives. The sale includes sensitive technology, and the highest level of classified items being sold is SECRET.

The U.S. Department of Energy is implementing a new rule that exempts certain records from the Privacy Act of 1974 because those records contain classified information. This new system, known as DOE-85, involves research, technology, and economic security reviews and aims to manage risks related to national security and foreign policy. The rule is effective January 16, 2025, and is tailored to protect classified information while allowing DOE to coordinate effectively with other agencies. Despite public concerns, the DOE maintains that these exemptions are necessary and do not violate laws like the Freedom of Information Act.