Search Results for keywords:"national security"

The Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) has issued a final rule amending the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) to clarify the scope of export controls on certain vaccines and medical products. These changes are based on decisions from the Australia Group's June 2019 Plenary meeting. The aim is to ensure greater consistency and harmonization of international export controls, enhancing national security by preventing dual-use items from contributing to the development of chemical or biological weapons. The rule modifies controls on vaccines containing specific biological agents to only require licenses for export to a limited number of countries of concern.

The Department of Defense has announced the removal of two companies, IDG Capital Partners Co., Ltd. and Advanced Micro-Fabrication Equipment Inc. China, from the list of "Chinese military companies." This decision was made by the Deputy Secretary of Defense based on updated information under the guidelines of the William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021. This removal is referenced in a previous Federal Register notice published on April 2, 2024.

The U.S. Department of Commerce has issued a final rule concerning the review of transactions involving information and communications technology and services (ICTS) linked to foreign adversaries. This rule establishes procedures to evaluate such transactions for risks to national security, potentially prohibiting them or requiring mitigation measures if they pose undue threats. The rule includes new definitions and procedural updates to clarify transaction reviews, address public comments, and streamline processes. The measures aim to safeguard the ICTS supply chain from foreign threats, enhance transparency, and provide guidelines for penalties if regulations are violated.

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 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 U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission will conduct a public hearing on February 20, 2025, in Washington, DC, focusing on China’s relationships with Russia, Iran, and North Korea. The hearing aims to analyze China’s strategic partnerships with these countries, including economic ties, trade, sanctions evasion, and cooperation in security and technology. Public participation is encouraged, with options to attend in person or watch via a live webcast. Queries and accommodation requests can be directed to Jameson Cunningham at the commission.

The Executive Order 13981, issued by President Donald J. Trump, focuses on protecting the United States from security risks associated with Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) made by foreign adversaries. The order outlines steps to prevent the use of taxpayer money for buying UAS that present security threats, calls for assessments of current government UAS use, and encourages prioritizing domestically produced UAS. It defines "covered UAS" as those manufactured or containing components from nations like China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea and emphasizes examining how these systems are used by federal agencies. The order also directs agencies to consider replacing these UAS in future budgets.

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 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 Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) is hosting a virtual public briefing on December 5, 2024, to discuss two new rules posted for public inspection. These rules involve changes to controls on advanced computing and semiconductor items, as well as updates to the Entity List, which includes entities from countries like China and Japan that are considered contrary to U.S. national security interests. The public can register online to attend the briefing and learn more about these regulatory updates.