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The Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) has issued a new rule adding 16 entities to the Entity List because they are involved in activities against U.S. national security or foreign policy interests. These entities, mostly located in China and a couple in Singapore, are contributing to the development of advanced computing technology that could be used for military and surveillance purposes. As a result, they are now subject to additional licensing requirements for exporting, reexporting, or transferring items covered by U.S. regulations. This rule is effective from January 16, 2025, and was enacted without a prior proposal due to its relevance to national security.

The Secretary of State has imposed sanctions on six entities and eight individuals for their involvement in significant transactions related to petroleum products from Iran. These sanctions aim to block their property, restrict financial dealings, and limit their ability to interact with U.S. financial systems. Additionally, the U.S. will deny visas or entry to those identified as corporate officers or principal owners of these sanctioned entities. This action is part of the U.S. government's efforts to enforce its foreign policy under Executive Order 13846.

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 Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, has announced a determination regarding the foreign affairs functions of the United States. This includes efforts by government agencies to manage the entry and exit of people and goods across U.S. borders. The determination emphasizes the Department of State's central role in protecting U.S. citizens and managing foreign policy, as well as preventing threats related to border security, such as human trafficking, drug flow, and espionage. The action aligns with Executive Orders and other legal authorities focused on securing America's interests under the guidance of President Trump.

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.

The Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) has revised the Export Administration Regulations by adding 13 entities to the Entity List, which includes organizations acting against the national security interests of the U.S., from countries like Burma, China, and Pakistan. This amendment primarily targets entities tied to military modernization and human rights abuses. As a consequence, these entities now have stricter requirements for licenses on exports and transfers. Additionally, the rule corrects minor errors and offers transitional provisions for items already in transit.

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 President has decided to extend the national emergency concerning significant malicious cyber activities for another year beyond April 1, 2025. This emergency was originally declared on April 1, 2015, due to the threat these cyber activities pose to the United States' national security, foreign policy, and economy. Since then, several Executive Orders have been issued to address the situation. The extension will be officially noted in the Federal Register and communicated to Congress.

The Department of Defense has announced an arms sale to Egypt, allowing them to purchase up to 168 RIM-116C Rolling Airframe Missiles (RAM) Block 2 tactical missiles. This deal, valued at approximately $197 million, includes related support and logistical services. The sale aims to strengthen Egypt's naval defense, specifically improving their protection of coastal regions and the Suez Canal, without upsetting the regional military balance. Raytheon Missiles & Defense is the principal contractor for this sale, and no U.S. personnel will be required to assist in Egypt.

The document from the Executive Office of the President announces that the national emergency concerning Libya, first declared on February 25, 2011, will continue beyond February 25, 2021. This continuation is necessary because the situation in Libya still poses a threat to the national security and foreign policy of the United States. The emergency was initially declared due to actions by Colonel Muammar Qadhafi and his associates that threatened Libya's stability and involved violence against civilians. The aim is to protect Libyan state assets from misappropriation and support national reconciliation efforts.