Search Results for keywords:"national security"

The U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission will hold a public hearing in Washington, DC, on February 18, 2021, to discuss strategies for deterring aggression from China towards Taiwan. This hearing is part of the Commission's mandate to evaluate the implications of U.S.-China relations on national security. The topics include the military situation across the Taiwan Strait and the political factors affecting Beijing and Taipei's actions. The hearing will feature panels discussing these issues, and public attendance is open without reservations through a live webcast on the Commission's website.

The State Department has designated a group known as Ansarallah, also called Ansar Allah or Partisans of God, as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist. This decision is based on their involvement or risk of involvement in terrorist activities that threaten U.S. national security and foreign policy. The order prevents any advance notice to the individuals affected, as this could undermine the government's ability to effectively block their assets. Michael R. Pompeo, who was the Secretary of State at the time, signed the order on January 12, 2021.

The Department of Commerce, through the Economic Development Administration (EDA), has issued a notice requesting public comment on a revised information collection concerning the Tech Hubs initiative. This initiative aims to enhance U.S. economic and national security by promoting regional innovation and competitiveness. The revised information collection will help ensure that investments in designated Tech Hubs are data-driven and accountable. Public comments are sought to evaluate the necessity, efficiency, and burden of this data collection to improve its effectiveness.

The Executive Order 14156 declares a national energy emergency, recognizing that the U.S. energy supply and infrastructure are inadequate to meet the country's needs. The order aims to improve domestic energy production and supply by leveraging emergency authorities, expediting infrastructure projects, and utilizing emergency permitting provisions. It also emphasizes the importance of cooperation between agencies to ensure energy security and addresses potential challenges arising from endangered species regulations. The order calls for coordinated efforts and assessments to protect national security and economic stability.

The Department of Defense has released a notice about a proposed arms sale to Germany. Germany plans to purchase various communication radios, including AN/PRC-117 and AN/PRC-160 models, along with related equipment and support services, for a total estimated cost of $281 million. This sale aims to enhance Germany’s military communication capabilities, improve cooperation with NATO forces, and support U.S. foreign policy and national security objectives without affecting regional military balance. The main contractor for this sale will be L3Harris Global Communications, Inc.

The President of the United States issued an order to block the acquisition of United States Steel Corporation by Nippon Steel Corporation due to concerns about national security. The order states that the companies involved must fully abandon this acquisition within 30 days unless an extension is granted by the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS). The companies must regularly report their compliance and efforts to abandon the merger to CFIUS. The President reserved the authority to issue further orders if necessary to protect national security.

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 Executive Order 14129 mandates that all federal executive departments and agencies will be closed on December 24, 2024, allowing their employees the day off before Christmas. However, the heads of these departments can require certain offices to remain open for reasons such as national security or other public needs. The closures are also aligned with existing laws regarding employee pay and leave. The order ensures that it doesn't affect any existing legal authority or create new legal rights.

The U.S. Department of Commerce is investigating how importing copper affects national security. This investigation, initiated under section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962, covers all forms of copper, including raw copper, alloys, and scrap. The public is invited to submit comments, data, and other relevant information by April 1, 2025. The department is particularly interested in insights on the copper demand for defense and infrastructure, domestic production capabilities, and the influence of foreign suppliers and trade practices.

The Executive Order 14231 was issued to address trade and duty arrangements concerning the flow of illicit drugs across the U.S.-Canada border. It amends tariffs related to automotive imports from Canada, allowing certain Canadian goods, including automotive parts, to enter the U.S. without additional duties. The order also lowers the duty on Canadian potash from 25% to 10%. This amendment is intended to minimize disruption to the U.S. automotive industry and maintain economic and national security.