Search Results for keywords:"Secretary of State"

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Search Results: keywords:"Secretary of State"

  • 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.

  • 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 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: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 9275
    Reading Time:about 3 minutes

    The Executive Order 14199 directs the United States to withdraw from and stop funding certain United Nations organizations, including the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) and the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA). The President has instructed a review to evaluate the United States' involvement in UNESCO and other international organizations, focusing on whether they align with U.S. interests. The order emphasizes stopping financial contributions to these groups and mandates a review of international commitments to determine if they conflict with U.S. goals. The Secretary of State is required to communicate these changes to the relevant UN bodies.

    Simple Explanation

    The President made a rule saying the U.S. will stop being part of and giving money to some groups in the United Nations, like those that help with human rights and refugee support, because he thinks they don't match what the U.S. wants. The Secretary of State has to tell these groups about the changes and check if other international memberships fit with U.S. goals.

  • 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:Presidential Document
    Citation:90 FR 8753
    Reading Time:about a minute or two

    The memorandum dated January 24, 2025, involves a decision by the President to revoke an earlier memorandum from January 28, 2021, concerning international health policies, and to reinstate a policy from January 23, 2017, known as The Mexico City Policy. This policy requires that U.S. government funds for global health assistance will not support organizations involved in coercive abortion or involuntary sterilization. The Secretary of State, along with the Secretary of Health and Human Services, is instructed to ensure that these guidelines are enforced when providing global health funds.

    Simple Explanation

    The President decided to change a rule about how the U.S. helps other countries with health care. Now, countries can't use U.S. money if they support certain kinds of abortions or sterilizations that people don't agree to.

  • Type:Notice
    Citation:90 FR 6045
    Reading Time:about a minute or two

    The State Department published a Delegation of Authority signed by Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken on January 10, 2025. This document delegates authority to Rafik Mansour, allowing him to perform the duties originally assigned to the Assistant Secretary for Educational and Cultural Affairs. The delegation is authorized by various laws and will be effective from January 17, 2025, until a new Assistant Secretary takes office. This step ensures continuity in the Department's functions related to educational and cultural affairs.

    Simple Explanation

    The big boss of the State Department let Rafik Mansour do an important job while they wait for a new helper to arrive. This means things keep running smoothly, like a train never stopping, even if there is no new helper ready yet.

  • Type:Notice
    Citation:86 FR 3227
    Reading Time:less than a minute

    The document is a notice from the State Department regarding the organization known as Palestinian Islamic Jihad. After reviewing relevant records and consulting with the Attorney General and the Secretary of the Treasury, the Secretary of State, Michael R. Pompeo, decided to maintain the designation of this group as a Foreign Terrorist Organization. This decision was made because the conditions that led to the initial designation have not changed, and it is deemed necessary for the national security of the United States. The notice was published in the Federal Register.

    Simple Explanation

    The U.S. State Department has decided to keep calling a group called Palestinian Islamic Jihad a "bad guy group" that they believe is dangerous, and they think this is important for keeping the country safe. They checked with some other important people in the government before deciding this.

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