Source: NASA
Researchers at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory are developing the Buoyant Rover for Under-Ice Exploration, a technology that could one day explore oceans under the ice layers of planetary bodies. The prototype was tested in arctic lakes near Barrow, Alaska.
Source: US House Committee on Foreign Affairs
Media Contact 202-321-9747
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Brian Mast delivered opening remarks at a full committee hearing titled, “Spies, Lies, and Mismanagement: Examining the U.S. Agency for Global Media’s Downfall.”
Watch Here
-Remarks-
The purpose of today’s hearing is to examine the efficacy of the US Agency for Global Media, by allowing members the opportunity to discuss the agency’s history of national security concerns, the use of taxpayer dollars, and the Trump administration’s vision for a path forward. And I’m now going to recognize myself for an opening statement. As we meet to discuss the downfall of the US Agency for Global Media, or USAGM as we call it, an independent government agency.
It’s an agency that can trace its roots back to fighting Nazi propaganda during World War II. But instead of staying true to its mandate of combating our adversaries and advocating for American values, in recent decades USAGM has unfortunately lost its way. Prior to this administration taking office again, the agency was riddled with OIG reports and investigations demonstrating that USAGM had been a cesspool of spies, lies and mismanagement.
That is not an exaggeration. The agency has promoted the very propaganda that it was created to defeat.
A case in point is Voice of America, or VOA as it’s known, a media outlet overseen directly by USAGM and funded by the American taxpayer, of course — because of Chinese pressure, Voice of America censored interviews with Chinese dissidents.
VOA hired an admitted Taliban fighter, a jihadist, to criticize President Trump’s terror travel ban decision — it’s reminiscent of a headline that would be in the Babylon Bee: Terrorist hired to criticize President Trump’s travel ban — while instructing its reporters not to call Hamas terrorists, unless they used air quotes when they did so.
VOA suppressed negative stories about Iran and its terrorist proxies. And VOA, which peddled the Russian collusion hoax, hired foreign nationals who previously worked for Russian state sponsored news outlets to tell that story.
USAGM is a government agency tasked with promoting American ideals. But instead, it’s hired foreign adversaries with your tax dollars, who promoted anti-American propaganda, both at home and abroad.
This is only a partisan issue because President Trump is in the White House. The fact is, Republicans and Democrat administrations alike have exposed USAGM’s hiring, vetting and messaging failures.
During the Biden era, the State Department Inspector General found that USAGM skirted federal hiring guidelines when doling out jobs to foreign nationals. Many of these foreign nationals were quite literally security risks, yet they were given access to extremely sensitive information. To be specific, what’s known as tier 3 and tier 5, which are the equivalent of secret and top secret information. Everybody should be asking themselves why foreign nationals hired to be journalists need access to top secret information that most foreign militaries don’t get access to.
This was not just incompetence. It was taxpayer funded self-sabotage. American taxpayers would have been better off if that money had just been lit on fire.
Before President Trump won his historic second term, USAGM embraced and regurgitated enemy propaganda. It became a mouthpiece for our adversaries paid for, again, by your tax dollars. And we’re here to say that the grift is over.
It’s not that USAGM has never provided any value. It’s that USAGM had drastically lost their way and allowed themselves to become a source of espionage. However, it’s clear that USAGM cannot continue to operate as it has in recent times. Drastic measures have to be taken to ensure that every taxpayer dollar for where those dollars come from, the American people. Not Xi Jinping. Not Vladimir Putin, not the Ayatollah.
I want to thank our witness, Kari Lake, for appearing in front of this committee today. I’m looking forward to hearing your testimony. I’m looking forward to a productive and probably a rowdy discussion about the Trump administration’s vision for the future of US broadcasting.
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Source: US State of California 2
What you need to know: The First Partner launched her annual Book Club today, which features great kids’ reads curated by librarians across California, as well as investments to support library community programming.
SACRAMENTO – California First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom today launched and expanded her book club, which includes a list of children’s books curated by librarians across the state, as well as investments in library programs that help connect more kids to libraries and reading over the summer — and now all year-round. Part of the First Partner’s California for ALL Kids initiative, the Book Club is a partnership with the California State Library, aimed at boosting early literacy, reducing the “summer slide” of learning, and supporting the mental health and well-being of all California children. Libraries — increasingly under threat from the Trump Administration — play a key role in supporting kids’ early literacy and mental health.
Governor Gavin Newsom
This year’s Book Club list includes 20 books centered around themes of positive girl representation, environmental leadership, healthy lifestyles, and youth mental health. The books range in reading levels from preschool to high school and are now available for check-out at 890 public libraries across the state. For the full list of authors and books, see here.
To complement the Book Club, the California State Library “Book to Action” initiative has provided funds for libraries to build programming that encourages kids and families to visit public libraries — from volunteer projects in library gardens to digital storytelling workshops and craft programs.
“Books can open entire worlds for young people and access to them is something all California families can enjoy through our public libraries,” said California State Librarian Greg Lucas. “I encourage all families to head to your local library this summer and year-round and check out one of this year’s First Partner’s Book Club picks. We’re grateful for the First Partner’s leadership in helping ensure that our libraries can continue to provide inspiration, joy, learning, support, and community for all Californians.”
Libraries are places where children learn, families gather, and anyone — regardless of income or background—can access tools to grow and explore.
The California State Library Parks Pass gives library cardholders free vehicle day-use entry to over 200 participating state parks. Since the start of the program, 26,000 California State Library Parks Passes have been distributed across all California public library jurisdictions. The First Partner helped spearhead and create the California State Library Parks Pass, as well as the California State Park Adventure Pass, which gives fourth graders and their families who live in California free access to 54 parks for an entire year.
Libraries play a key role in knitting communities together, and nowhere is this more visible than in regions rocked by natural disasters and public health emergencies — such as Los Angeles was during the Palisades and Eaton fires. Libraries served as key community hubs for recovery efforts.
To help highlight the importance of California’s libraries, the First Partner joined library friends, local authors, and advocates for a visit to the Altadena Library on June 18. Altadena’s Summer Reading program is now fully back and up and running after the Eaton fire and includes the “Lunch at the Library” program, which provides free lunches for children and teens from June 9 through August 1, 2025. Lunch at the Library is a project of the California State Library, supported with funds from the State of California. Last year, the program offered free summer lunch programs for kids at more than 200 libraries across the state.
Libraries are increasingly under budget attack from the current Administration in DC — and California is pushing back.
Studies show that students who participate in summer reading programs have improved educational outcomes. Additionally, access to reading and learning opportunities between the ages of 0 and 5 are linked to an individual’s future health, education, and economic outcomes.
Between 2011 and 2022, California had one of the largest gains in 4th-grade reading levels. However, the state has more work to do to ensure that all kids — no matter their zip code–have a chance to read, grow, and thrive. To that end, earlier this month, Governor Newsom announced the Golden State Literacy Plan, outlining sweeping new investments to boost student reading achievement. Under the Governor’s leadership, the state has continued to make foundational investments in education – from expanded before school, after school, and summer school programming, to universal school lunches and free pre-Kindergarten for all 4-year olds.
Source: US State of California 2
What you need to know: President Trump’s unlawful deployment of military personnel to Los Angeles has slashed California’s National Guard fentanyl and drug interdiction force by 32% — undermining public safety and weakening border fentanyl seizure operations.
Sacramento, California – As President Trump escalates his unlawful militarization of Los Angeles, his actions are directly harming California’s ability to fight the flow of illegal drugs into our communities.
An estimated 32% of CalGuard’s servicemembers dedicated to the state’s Counterdrug Task Force have been reassigned by President Trump to militarize Los Angeles. Typically, under the Governor’s command, nearly 450 servicemembers are deployed statewide, including at ports of entry, to combat transnational criminal organizations and seize illegal narcotics. Now, those redirected servicemembers join about 4,000 others at Joint Forces Training Base, Los Alamitos sitting idly as Trump lets drugs flow freely across the border.
Trump’s actions in Los Angeles are harming public safety. Whether it’s fentanyl takedown operations or wildfire response, the California National Guard plays a critical role in protecting our communities — and Trump is deliberately undermining that work.
Governor Gavin Newsom
The consequences are dire – CalGuard’s efforts help ensure the public safety of communities statewide. Since they started drug interdiction efforts in 2021, they have helped seize nearly 31,000 pounds of fentanyl and more than 50 million pills containing fentanyl, with a street value of more than $450 million.
So far this year, servicemembers, along with local and federal agencies, have helped seize 2,411 pounds of fentanyl and nearly 1.5 million pills for an estimated value of nearly $16 million.
Fentanyl is primarily smuggled into the country by U.S. citizens through ports of entry. Within the last year, Governor Newsom announced continued augmentation in staffing and enforcement of CalGuard’s illicit fentanyl operations.
An estimated half of the 140 service members that are dedicated to CalGuard’s Youth and Community Programs Task Force, known as Task Force Torch, have also been impacted by Trump’s authoritarian orders. These programs help guide at-risk youth and promote community partnerships.
Retired four-star admirals and generals and former secretaries of the Army and Navy filed another amicus brief outlining the grave risks of Trump’s illegal takeover of the CalGuard. Recently, several veterans and veteran rights’ groups came together to decry Trump’s militarization of California. A recent report exposed that less than 20% of Trump’s federalized servicemembers are being utilized.
CalGuard’s critical firefighting crews – known as Task Force Rattlesnake – are operating at just 40% capacity. Eight of 14 teams have been diverted to Los Angeles as part of President Trump’s illegal – and highly inefficient – federalization of the Guard. Capacity has only worsened, reducing available crews from nine of 14 last week to just six now.
In 2024, Governor Newsom doubled down on the deployment of the CalGuard’s Counterdrug Task Force by more than doubling the number of service members supporting fentanyl interdiction, and seizing other drugs, at California ports of entry to nearly 400. Fentanyl is primarily smuggled into the country by U.S. citizens through ports of entry.
CalGuard’s coordinated drug interdiction efforts in the state are funded in part by California’s $60 million investment over four years to expand CalGuard’s work to prevent drug trafficking by transnational criminal organizations. This adds to the Governor’s efforts to address fentanyl within California, including by cracking down on fentanyl in communities across the state, including San Francisco.
Source: World Trade Organization
Members heard updates from observer international organizations, including the International Grains Council (IGC), the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Food Programme (WFP). Their contributions encompassed the overarching theme of global food security and related challenges, with a particular focus on the unique difficulties faced by least developed countries (LDCs) and net food-importing developing countries (NFIDCs), along with their continuous efforts to mitigate these challenges.
The IGC reported that the prospects for the next grain harvest remain broadly favourable, although an unusually dry winter and early spring has reduced yield potential in parts of East Asia. Including upgrades for the Americas, the global crop projection is boosted by 2 million tonnes, to a record 2,375 million. Due to a slightly lower estimate for feed use, the forecast for total grain consumption has been revised down slightly month-on-month, now standing at 2,372 million tonnes.
With grains and oilseeds markets expected to be comfortably supplied, the IGC emphasized the importance of open trade, noting that global price developments may be strongly influenced by demand-side measures, including trade policies. It also underscored the value of market transparency and drew members’ attention to the Wheat Maritime Trade and Food Security Dashboard, developed jointly with the WTO. This tool supports the monitoring of short-term trends in international wheat maritime trade flows in response to changing market conditions and enables analysis of longer-term developments.
FAO shared with members the main information contained in The State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World (SOFI) 2024. The publication confirmed that global progress towards the goal of ending hunger is not on track, with chronic hunger and food insecurity persisting at elevated levels. After a sharp increase between 2019 and 2021, the prevalence of undernourishment remained well above pre COVID-19 figures, reaching 9.1% in 2023. This means an estimated 713 to 757 million people facing hunger, with a mid-range estimate of 733 million – approximately 152 million more than in 2019.
FAO reminded members that the vast majority of people and countries facing acute food insecurity have remained in that situation for several years, underscoring the protracted nature of the crisis and the importance of resilience-building efforts. FAO also noted that it has been closely monitoring the global food security situation and has developed a dedicated web page – FAO Response to Global Food Security Challenges – which provides detailed information on various aspects of food security.
The WFP stressed that global food insecurity remains alarmingly high, with 295 million people acutely affected. Catastrophic hunger, the most severe form, has surged – rising from 80,000 people in 2018 to 1.9 million in 2024. Conflict remains the primary driver, with 70% of the acutely food insecure living in fragile, violent contexts. Extreme weather, such as droughts and floods, also threatens food security, as do economic factors like inflation, debt and high food prices. Humanitarian operations are further strained by severe funding shortfalls, said the WFP, which in 2025 expects to assist 24 million fewer people than in 2024.
To address this crisis, increased funding, humanitarian access and robust data systems are urgently needed. The WFP thanked WTO members for the Decision adopted at the 12th Ministerial Conference (MC12) to exempt humanitarian food purchases from export restrictions. The decision has improved access to local and regional production, facilitating international and regional movement of commodities and positively impacting the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of WFP operations
Regarding the implementation of the Nairobi Decision on Export Competition, the Chair called on members concerned to make all possible efforts to fully conclude this exercise of aligning export subsidy schedules with the obligations under the Nairobi Decision. The next export competition dedicated discussion is scheduled for the Committee meeting in September. Referring to the Committee’s Decision in G/AG/2/Add.2 of December 2024, the Chair reminded members that 2024 is the last implementation year for which the information required under the export competition questionnaire (ECQ) needs to be provided via a response to the questionnaire.
Starting from the implementation year 2025, members will be required to submit a new annual export competition notification, which consolidates and streamlines existing export competition related notification requirements and formats, including the ECQ. Members were urged to redouble efforts to submit outstanding responses to the ECQ, and to use the ECQ Agriculture Information Management System (AG IMS) on-line facility for this purpose.
The Chair noted that the second triennial review of the operation of the Bali Decision on Tariff Rate Quota (TRQ) administration is due in 2025. This topic will remain on the Committee’s agenda all this year. Members shared thoughts on the possible contents and outcomes of this review. The Chair also reminded members of the specific issues raised at the March 2025 Committee meeting and invited them to build on those discussions.
Issues addressed included the need for better follow-up on the first review’s conclusions , improved transparency and completeness of market access notifications, particularly for TRQs with country-specific allocations in the schedule of commitments, as well as the inclusion of tariff data in TRQ notifications. Members also called for action on TRQ underutilization by addressing barriers, such as unrelated licensing requirements, enhancing notification practices, compiling current challenges and exploring ways to reallocate underused quotas to improve TRQ effectiveness and transparency.
Members expressed interest in advancing discussions on the transfer of technology to developing economies in the food and agricultural sector. Delegations expressed support for continuing discussions on the topic, with calls to shift from educational exchanges to examining how WTO rules could bolster technological development.
To capitalize on this momentum, the Chair encouraged delegations to turn this interest into concrete, substantive ideas for collective exploration, utilizing the Committee’s nearly three decades of experience with the implementation of the Agreement on Agriculture. Despite encouragement from the previous Chair, Anna Leung of Hong Kong, China, at the March 2025 meeting, no written proposals have been submitted.
The Chair suggested convening informal discussions and continuing to include this topic on formal agendas to support ongoing reflection and shape collective guidance.
A total of 180 questions were raised by members concerning individual notifications and specific implementation matters during the meeting. This peer review process allows members to address issues related to the implementation of commitments outlined in the Agreement on Agriculture. Of these, 14 issues were raised for the first time, while 23 were recurring matters from previous Committee meetings.
The 14 new items covered a range of topics, including Australia’s livestock industry funds, Brazil’s rural development efforts, Canada’s involvement in farm and dairy support, and the European Union’s emergency agricultural measures and tariff actions on Russian products.
Other discussions focused on India’s domestic support programmes, sugar policy, and export duties, as well as Indonesia’s agricultural support. Japan’s initiatives to lower carbon emissions and secure fertilizers were also reviewed, along with Paraguay’s rural assistance project, Switzerland’s payments to farmers, Thailand’s debt relief and rice support policies, Türkiye’s tax and pricing systems, the United Kingdom’s schemes to enhance farm productivity, and the United States’ trade programmes, avian flu response, and broad agricultural support measures.
Since the previous meeting in March 2025, a total of 53 individual notifications have been submitted to the Committee: 24 related to market access, 14 concerning domestic support, 11 regarding export competition, and four related to the implementation of the Marrakesh Decision on LDCs and NFIDCs.
The Chair urged members to submit timely and complete notifications and to respond to overdue questions, stressing the critical importance of enhanced transparency.
All questions submitted for the meeting are available in G/AG/W/255. All questions and replies received are available in the WTO’s Agriculture Information Management System.
The next meeting of the Committee on Agriculture is scheduled for 25-26 September 2025.
Source: Verizon
Headline: Verizon contributes $10K in response to devastating flooding in West Virginia
WHEELING, W.V. – On June 15, devastating heavy rains and flash flooding severely impacted Ohio and Marion counties in West Virginia. This rare event saw up to 3 to 4 inches of rainfall in less than an hour in localized areas. Multiple fatalities and extensive damage to roads, bridges, buildings and homes have been reported. Thousands were left without power and the National Guard has been mobilized to support local emergency operations.
In response to this disaster, Verizon is showing up for our customers and our neighbors in West Virginia by investing $10,000 in Appalachian Outreach, Inc. (AOI). AOI is a nonprofit that assists people experiencing poverty and disaster in Ohio, Marshall, and Wetzel counties. AOI is offering a variety of support for individuals and families impacted by the recent flooding including access to supplies, a charging station, and a comfortable place to rest and recharge. Additionally, AOI is collaborating with the Red Cross and the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources, to increase the number of community members they can reach directly.
“When natural disasters unfold our priority is to swiftly mobilize resources and provide support where it’s needed most,” said Anthony Lewis, Region Vice President of State Public Policy and Government Affairs for Verizon. “As always, our team worked to keep our network stable so that West Virginians can continue to connect with each other during these difficult times. Our partnership with Appalachian Outreach, Inc., further enables the delivery of immediate relief and ongoing support residents deserve as they work to recover and rebuild.”
“We are beyond grateful to Verizon for their compassion and commitment to West Virginia families,” said Heather Ray, Executive Director of Appalachian Outreach, Inc. “Their generous $10,000 donation comes at a time when so many in our community are hurting in the wake of devastating flash floods. This support allows us to meet urgent needs—like hygiene items, clothing, food, and cleaning supplies—while also standing beside families as they begin the long journey toward recovery. We simply couldn’t do this work without partners like Verizon who step up when it matters most.”
This investment is part of Verizon’s larger commitment to responding to disasters across the country. Verizon is committed to helping communities prepare for, respond to, and recover from disasters with greater confidence.
Source: Verizon
Headline: New “Verizon Frontline Verified” partner – Semtech
BASKING RIDGE, N.J. – Verizon Frontline today announced that several products from Semtech, formerly Sierra Wireless, have achieved “Verizon Frontline Verified” status. This includes the AirLink® XR60 5G Router, which supports the recently-launched Verizon Frontline Network Slice.
The AirLink® XR60 5G Router is military-grade and delivers high-performance 5G and Wi-Fi 6 connectivity with intelligent hot failover to help maintain mission-critical communications when lives are on the line.
In addition, the XR60’s integrated edge computing capabilities help enable data-intensive applications like real-time video feeds which can enhance situational awareness in the field. Its ruggedized design also thrives in the harshest conditions.
The XR60 includes a 5-year AirLink Complete package with five years of hardware warranty from Semtech, round-the-clock technical support, and remote management capabilities—empowering agencies to securely deploy, monitor and scale their router deployments.
“We’re honored that our latest generation AirLink XR series solutions have achieved ‘Verizon Frontline Verified’ status, recognizing the brave first responders who risk their lives protecting our communities every day,” said Kinana Hussain, vice president of networking solutions at Semtech. “For over 25 years, AirLink has been the trusted choice for mission-critical connectivity in the harshest conditions. Having our cutting-edge XR60 5G router and other XR series products pass this rigorous verification validates our shared commitment with Verizon Frontline to deliver the always-on, ruggedized solutions public safety agencies depend on when every second counts.”
Other Semtech products that have completed the rigorous verification process include the AirLink® XR90 multi-network 5G router, the AirLink® XR80 multi-network 5G router, and the AirLink® RX55 LTE-A router, providing first responders with a wide range of trusted connectivity solutions.
“Semtech knows that first responders need rugged solutions to deliver the reliable and secure critical connectivity they depend on,” said Calvin Jackson, a senior manager for crisis response with Verizon Frontline. “We’re excited to welcome them as the latest in a long line of ‘Verizon Frontline Verified’ partners.”
The “Verizon Frontline Verified” program offers a special designation to vendors whose products have been tested and met the rigorous standards required for public safety use on the Verizon network. The products eligible for this status are specifically designed to assist public safety officials and first responders during all types of hazards and emergencies.
Vendors looking to earn the “Verizon Frontline Verified” designation must first be part of the Verizon Frontline Innovation Program. Vendors in this program can request to have specific products go through the verification process. More information on the program can be found here.
Verizon Frontline is the advanced network and technology built for first responders – developed over three decades of partnership with public safety officials and agencies on the front lines – to meet their unique and evolving needs.
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Olli Hellmann, Associate Professor of Political Science, University of Waikato
The winter school holidays will mean families across Aotearoa New Zealand will be looking for indoor activities to entertain children. With millions of visitors each year, museums focused on the country’s history will inevitably play host to local and international visitors.
Museums tend to enjoy a high level of trust among the public. They’re widely seen as neutral, factual sources of historical knowledge.
But like all forms of storytelling, museums present the past in particular ways. They narrate events from a certain group’s or individual’s perspective and explain why events unfolded in the way they did.
In this respect, museums are not so different from historical films. Consider the different ways two recent movies – 1917 and the remake of All Quiet on the Western Front – narrate the first world war.
In 1917, the storyteller takes the British side, encouraging viewers to invest in the bravery and endurance of British soldiers. But All Quiet on the Western Front is narrated from a German perspective, inviting viewers to grieve for German soldiers as victims of a political system that glorified war.
Museum exhibitions tell stories in a similar way. Visitors should be asking not just what story is told, but why.
Spoiler alert: it often has to do with national identity. Museums tell particular stories of the past because these stories support a particular image of New Zealand as a nation.
At its core, every story has two basic ingredients: actors and events. To turn these into a compelling narrative, the storyteller connects the events into a plot, so they build on each other. The storyteller also transforms actors into characters by giving them particular traits — brave, selfish, wise, cruel and the like. Museums do this, too.
As you move through a museum exhibition, try asking yourself the following questions:
1. Which historical events are included — and which are left out?
Every story begins somewhere. Museums choose which events to include and which to leave out, shaping how visitors understand what happened and why.
Take Te Papa’s Gallipoli: The Scale of Our War exhibition. It opens with the landing at ANZAC Cove but skips over events in the lead-up to WWI — such as Britain’s earlier moves to seize Ottoman territories like Cyprus and Egypt.
Leaving these out helps frame Gallipoli as a noble – albeit tragic – “coming of age” for New Zealand. But in reality, ANZAC soldiers were fighting to support Britain’s imperial ambitions in the Middle East.
2. How are events organised into a plot?
Museums don’t just say “this happened, then that happened”. They link events into a larger plot — a chain of cause and effect that explains how one thing led to another. This can happen through text, but also through spatial layout, lighting, sound and other techniques that guide visitors through rising and falling moments of narrative tension.
Often, museums use familiar plot types to connect events. One common example is the quest narrative — a story in which heroes must navigate unknown terrain, and where mistakes are part of the journey and threaten to derail the mission. It’s a bit like The Lord of the Rings: a journey full of challenges, wrong turns and personal growth.
At Te Kōngahu Museum of Waitangi, Aotearoa New Zealand’s Treaty story is told using this quest structure. The Treaty is presented as something unique and unfamiliar and the British, confronted with this unknown, fall back on familiar colonial practices — the “mistake” that led to the New Zealand wars.
Because this misstep is treated as part of the learning curve typical of any quest, the exhibition avoids harder questions about this violent part of history, and instead preserves the image of Aotearoa New Zealand as fundamentally tolerant and respectful.
3. Who are the main actors in the story — and who is missing?
Every story needs protagonists, and whose perspective frames the story matters. In many smaller regional museums, history is still told almost entirely from the viewpoint of European settlers. But what about Māori experiences of colonisation? Or the histories of Chinese communities and other migrants who arrived in the 1800s?
By focusing narrowly on European settlers as the main actors, these museums present a one-sided view of the past and construct an image of New Zealand as a European nation — one that expects others to assimilate.
4. How are the main actors characterised — and how are we meant to feel about them?
It’s not surprising that museums portray some actors positively and others less so. What’s more revealing is how certain individuals are elevated as symbols of the nation and how museums invite us to form personal connections with them.
In Te Papa’s Gallipoli exhibition, visitors can open drawers and boxes containing soldiers’ personal belongings. This intimate activity encourages us to feel close to these figures — not just learning about them, but identifying with them as embodying national qualities: bravery, resilience and a commitment to peace.
Historical museum narratives aren’t necessarily inaccurate — but, much like historical movies, they are selective. They highlight certain events, actors and cause-and-effect chains to tell a particular kind of story. Often, that story supports a specific idea of what it means to be an Aotearoa New Zealander.
By reading museum exhibitions with a critical eye, visitors can better understand not just the past, but how storytelling shapes national identity in the present — and imagine how it might be shaped differently.
Olli Hellmann does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
– ref. Whose story is being told — and why? 4 questions museum visitors should ask themselves this school holidays – https://theconversation.com/whose-story-is-being-told-and-why-4-questions-museum-visitors-should-ask-themselves-this-school-holidays-259538
Source: Amnesty International –
Ahead of the 59th session of the UN Human Rights Council (HRC) which is scheduled to decide on numerous draft resolutions between 4th and 7th July, among them a resolution to extend the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on Eritrea and another to end the mandate of the Special Rapporteur, Amnesty International’s Regional Director for East and Southern Africa, Tigere Chagutah, said:
“The Special Rapporteur’s work in Eritrea is far from finished – member states of the UN Human Rights Council must vote to extend the Special Rapporteur’s mandate and address the ongoing human rights violations as well as the lack of accountability for ongoing and past abuses. The European Union, which is leading the resolution to extend the mandate, should further strengthen it and heed the Special Rapporteur’s calls on the need for accountability, as we prepare to mark a decade since the Commission of Inquiry on Human Rights in Eritrea warned that crimes against humanity may have been committed in the country.
The Special Rapporteur’s work in Eritrea is far from finished – member states of the UN Human Rights Council must vote to extend the Special Rapporteur’s mandate and address the ongoing human rights violations as well as the lack of accountability for ongoing and past abuses.
Tigere Chagutah, Amnesty International’s Regional Director for East and Southern Africa
“Eritrea’s attempt to table a counter resolution, designed to force an end to the Special Rapporteur’s mandate, is a cynical attempt to undermine the UN human rights system. HRC member states should reject this show of open defiance against the body’s mechanisms by voting against it”
Background
The mandate of the UN Special Rapporteur on the human rights situation in Eritrea was created by the UN Human Rights Council in 2012 and supplemented by a two-year Commission of Inquiry on Human Rights in Eritrea from 2014 to 2016.
Initial resolutions maintaining the Special Rapporteur on Eritrea were led by Djibouti and Somalia since 2012 until 2019.
Speaking to the ongoing HRC session on 16 June the Special Rapporteur emphasized that “nearly a decade has passed since the Commission of Inquiry on Human Rights in Eritrea concluded that crimes against humanity may have been committed in a context of widespread and systematic human rights violations. Yet, no meaningful progress has been made toward accountability.”
Following this presentation, Eritrea announced that it would counter the annual EU-led resolution with a resolution of its own to terminate the mandate of the Special Rapporteur.
Source: Amnesty International –
Amnesty International has today expressed its deep concern around the transparency and accountability of the review into Scottish Enterprise’s human rights checks, after the Scottish Government announced that the review had been completed.
The review, undertaken in-house by Scottish Enterprise, came after sustained pressure from Amnesty International and others after it was revealed that — despite Scottish Enterprise awarding grants worth millions of pounds to arms companies linked to states like Israel and Saudi Arabia — no company had ever failed one of its human rights checks.
Issuing an update today, the Scottish Government said that the review — which took place behind-closed-doors — was complete and that Scottish Enterprise was putting in place some changes to its processes. But with the update light on detail and being published only a day before MSPs break up for summer recess, Amnesty have criticised the lack of transparency around the process, as well as the inability of MSPs to now scrutinise the review’s conclusions.
Responding today, Neil Cowan (Scotland Director at Amnesty International) said:
“The update released by the Scottish Government was not only light on detail, but it was published the day before the Scottish Parliament enters a two-month recess in the knowledge that MSPs will have no opportunity to scrutinise it.
Amnesty has been deeply concerned from the outset about the lack of transparency and accountability surrounding this review. And the manner in which the review has finally concluded makes clear we were right to be concerned.
The Scottish public must be assured that this review has not simply swept the issues under the carpet. Scottish Enterprise and the Scottish Government need to urgently publish their findings and recommendations in full.”
Source: United Nations (video statements)
The Deputy Secretary-General, Amina J. Mohammed, accompanied by Ambassador Héctor Gómez Hernández, the Permanent Representative of Spain to the United Nations, and Ambassador Chola Milambo, the Permanent Representative of Zambia to the United Nations, briefed reporters today to preview the upcoming Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development, which will be taking place in Sevilla, Spain.
Ahead of the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development (FFD4), UN deputy chief Amina J. Mohammed said that the Conference offers a chance to “change course, to catalyze investment, to address debt and sustainable development, to reform the rules of the system and to put people’s needs at the center.”
—
The Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development (FFD4), to take place in Sevilla, Spain, from 30 June to 3 July 2025, will bring together world leaders to advance solutions to financing challenges threatening the achievement of sustainable development. Governments, international organizations, financial institutions, businesses and civil society will come together to commit to financing our future through a renewed global framework for financing for development.
Rising debt burdens, falling investment, and shrinking aid are among the financing challenges confronting the world today. With progress on the Sustainable Development Goals off track and rising systemic risks, including due to climate change and conflicts, the Conference provides a once-in-a-decade opportunity to mobilize finance at scale and reform the rules of the system to put people’s needs at the center.
The Conference is expected to adopt the Compromiso de Sevilla, an intergovernmentally negotiated outcome, which was approved for adoption by consensus at the Fourth Preparatory Committee Meeting for FFD4 on 17 June.
The Conference will mark the beginning of implementation of the outcome document, signaling a new phase of collective action on financing for development. Coalitions of countries and diverse stakeholders will announce ambitious commitments and concrete solutions under the Sevilla Platform for Action that will boost the renewed financing framework and setting out a turning point from dialogue to delivery.
Related Link:
4th International Conference on Financing for Development (30 June – 3 July 2025) – Website
https://financing.desa.un.org/ffd4
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator for South Carolina Tim Scott
Treasury’s orders are a direct result of the authorities provided by the FEND Off Fentanyl Act, legislation led by Senator Scott to target the China-Mexico fentanyl supply chain.
WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.), Chairman of the Senate Banking Committee Chairman, today applauded the U.S. Department of Treasury (Treasury) for taking action against three Mexico-based financial institutions who have played a key role in money laundering in connection with the illicit fentanyl trade. Treasury’s orders are a direct result of the authorities provided by the FEND Off Fentanyl Act, legislation led by Senator Scott to target the China-Mexico fentanyl supply chain.
“For too long, Americans across the country have fallen victim to the illicit actors that fuel the fentanyl trade, and it was clear we needed a different approach to help save American lives. That’s why I drafted and led legislation that was signed into law last year to target the financial assets of the criminal groups in China and Mexico poisoning our communities and profiting off the backs of Americans suffering from addiction. Treasury’s action today – thanks to the authorities provided by our bill – is yet another demonstration of President Trump’s commitment to keeping our communities safe,” said Senator Scott.
BACKGROUND:
Senator Scott wrote and introduced the FEND Off Fentanyl Act, which directs the Department of Treasury to use U.S. economic security tools to choke off the profits of the Chinese precursor manufacturers and the Mexican cartels that push fentanyl across the border. The bill was debated and unanimously passed out of the Senate Banking Committee on June 21, 2023, during the committee’s first legislative markup since 2019. Multiple national groups, including law enforcement associations and anti-opioid abuse organizations, also voiced support for the bill.
Senator Scott’s bill was signed into law as part of the national security supplemental package in April 2024.
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator for New York Kirsten Gillibrand
Military court data shows that convictions for domestic violence have more than doubled across the armed services since Senator Gillibrand’s military justice reforms were implemented in 2023
Today, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, released the following statement on reports of a significant increase in domestic violence convictions in the armed services. Military court data shows that convictions for domestic violence have more than doubled across the armed services since Senator Gillibrand’s military justice reforms were implemented in 2023.
“I fought for years to fundamentally reform the way that the military deals with sexual assault and domestic violence within its ranks, and I’m thrilled to see that these reforms have led to a significant increase in convictions for perpetrators. Protecting service members, holding perpetrators accountable, and getting justice for survivors is critical to rebuild trust in the military justice system and give troops the protection they deserve. While there is more work to be done to end the scourge of sexual and domestic violence within the armed services, these new statistics are evidence that our reforms are working. I hope to see continued accountability in the years to come, and I will keep providing oversight of the implementation of military justice reforms.”
Additional information on the convictions is available here.
For nearly a decade, Senator Gillibrand fought alongside survivors, service members, veterans, and legal experts to build a broad bipartisan coalition to fundamentally change the military justice system. In the FY2023 defense bill, Gillibrand successfully incorporated her legislation to remove judicial functions and prosecutorial decisions from the chain of command for certain serious crimes, including sexual assault and domestic violence, and put them in the hands of professional military prosecutors. This bipartisan reform was supported by leading veterans service organizations and advocacy groups—including VFW, IAVA, the American Legion, Vietnam Veterans of America, Protect Our Defenders, National Alliance to End Sexual Violence, SWAN, National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV), Common Defense, and Veterans Recovery Project—and it has resulted in a significant increase in military sexual assault convictions since its implementation.
Source: European Parliament
The Commission does not comment on individual cases or specific transactions.
The Commission notes that in the European banking union significant banks are supervised by the Single supervisory mechanism, which has the task of vetting prospective acquirers of banks’ shares under EU rules (qualifying holdings).
In addition, national competition authorities and/or the Commission have also the power to veto it under relevant EU and national competition rules.
In principle, EU law prohibits restrictions to the fundamental market freedoms. As an exception, Member States may impose restrictions through their national laws only if such restrictions are proportionate and based on legitimate public interests.
In the banking sector, such interests have to be other than prudential ones, to avoid interference with the European Central Bank’s competence.
However, reliance on those exceptions must be interpreted strictly, to reflect genuine and sufficiently serious threats to a fundamental interest of society. Moreover, those derogations must not be applied to serve purely economic ends.
Source: European Parliament
The Commission shares the concern for the safety of riders of powered two-wheelers (PTW). This is a very vulnerable road user group, and the Commission, in cooperation with Member States, is promoting a range of initiatives to support PTW rider safety.
In response to the questions:
1. The Commission has no current plans for an EU proposal for the adoption of specific advanced protective equipment for PTWs, such as airbags.
2. There are no EU-level funding streams to give specific financial support to the purchase of this equipment.
3. The Commission promotes the safety of vulnerable road users through all available mechanisms, including the exchange of best practices through the High-Level Group on Road Safety[1] and the biannual EU Road Safety Conferences; a specific focus on vulnerable road users, and PTW safety in particular, for Member States participating in the EU Road Safety Exchange[2]; and highlighting successful initiatives to support PTW safety through the EU Road Safety Charter[3] and in the annual Excellence in Road Safety Awards[4].
One recent winner of an Excellence in Road Safety Award, an initiative on the use of road markings to promote safe PTW driving in bends, has resulted in a 60% reduction in road trauma, and has been implemented in other Member States.
The Commission would also emphasise that it recently adopted a proposal[5] to amend Directive 2014/45/EU[6] on periodic roadworthiness tests , where it proposed more stringent requirements by introducing mandatory inspections for motorcycles above 125 cm3.
The Commission regularly collects the most recent research on topics related to the protection of vulnerable road users, PTW safety in particular, and makes it available to the public through the EU Road Safety Observatory[7].
Source: European Parliament
Under the current EU supervisory framework for the insurance sector[1], national competent authorities hold primary responsibility for the supervision of insurance undertakings and intermediaries operating within their jurisdictions. This includes ensuring compliance with applicable rules, safeguarding consumer protection, and taking corrective measures when necessary.
Within this framework, the European Insurance and Occupational Pensions Authority (EIOPA) promotes supervisory convergence across Member States.
EIOPA is accountable to the European Parliament and the Council and is subject to the transparency obligations laid down in the EIOPA Regulation[2].
The Commission is committed to strengthening the supervisory system at EU level, as set out in the communication on the Savings and Investments Union[3].
Source: European Parliament
Addressing migration is a joint responsibility and commitment between the EU, its Member States and EU’s partners based on the principles of solidarity and partnership.
Fluctuations in irregular border crossings underscore the complex challenges of managing migration, which depends on variety of dynamic factors that require comprehensive and continuous efforts over the long-term.
The EU Trust Fund for Africa (EUTF)[1] has played a crucial role by addressing the root causes of irregular migration, which is now continuing under the Neighbourhood, Development and International Cooperation — Global Europe Instrument (NDICI-Global Europe).
Recent data indicate a significant reduction of irregular border crossings via the Central Mediterranean route, with a 59% decrease in 2024 compared to 2023, and similar levels so far in 2025[2].
The Commission remains committed to the continuous evaluation and adaptation of its programmes to ensure their effectiveness in the ever-changing migration landscape.
The data provided concerns the voluntary returns and reintegration supported by the EUTF in 2023 and is not related to the North of Africa region.
In 2023, voluntary returns were funded under NDICI-Global Europe, through the Migrant Protection, Return and Reintegration programme[3], and reached the number of 27 212 both from North and Sub-Saharan Africa while 23 823 were assisted for their reintegration in Sub-Saharan Africa.
When considering the EUTF projects which created new jobs, most of them were in the private sector. The types of jobs[4] vary according to the region, and include mainly: agriculture, fishery, livestock production or processing sector, construction and infrastructure sector, education, healthcare and social services sectors.
Source: European Parliament
The EU has a robust policy in place to monitor and evaluate projects and programmes implemented under its financial support. Independent final evaluations provide information on the results and impact reached and help to inform EU’s programming. They notably systematically include cross-cutting themes of human rights and gender.
The specific support to the Palestinian Authority (PA) channelled through PEGASE mechanism[1] directly benefits thousands of civil servants and vulnerable families by contributing to the payment of salaries, pensions and social allowances. Selection of beneficiaries follows a strict safeguard mechanism through ex-ante and ex-post screening.
Within the framework of the EU’s cooperation with Palestine[2] for the period 2014-2021, for a total amount of EUR 2.4 billion, the EU’s strategy has been aligned with the needs of the most vulnerable Palestinian populations and has played a key role in support to the PA to provide basic services to end beneficiaries.
Gender equality is a cross-cutting issue within the five pillars of the European Joint Strategy in support to Palestine 2021-2024[3]. The Joint Strategy implementation report for 2022-2023[4] showed progress in improving gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls through the PA gender transformative agenda, the fight against gender-based violence and the promotion of economic, labour and social rights.
It noted challenges in achieving comprehensive gender equality, aggravated by the current conflict. The EU Gender Action Plan III for the period 2021-2025 is under implementation in Palestine[5].
Source: European Parliament
on the proposal for a decision of the European Parliament and of the Council on the mobilisation of the European Union Solidarity Fund to provide assistance to Austria, Poland, Czechia, Slovakia and Moldova relating to floods occurred in September 2024 and Bosnia and Herzegovina relating to floods occurred in October 2024
(COM(2025)0250 – C10‑0102/2025 – 2025/0138(BUD))
The European Parliament,
– having regard to the Commission proposal to the European Parliament and the Council (COM(2025)0250 – C10‑0102/2025),
– having regard to Council Regulation (EC) No 2012/2002 of 11 November 2002 establishing the European Union Solidarity Fund[1],
– having regard to Council Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2020/2093 of 17 December 2020 laying down the multiannual financial framework for the years 2021 to 2027[2], and in particular Article 9 thereof,
– having regard to the Interinstitutional Agreement of 16 December 2020 between the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission on budgetary discipline, on cooperation in budgetary matters and on sound financial management, as well as on new own resources, including a roadmap towards the introduction of new own resources[3], and in particular point 10 thereof,
– having regard to Regulation (EU) 2021/1058 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 24 June 2021 on the European Regional Development Fund and on the Cohesion Fund[4],
– having regard to Regulation (EU) 2021/1057 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 24 June 2021 establishing the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+)[5],
– having regard to Regulation (EU) 2021/2115 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 2 December 2021 establishing rules on support for strategic plans to be drawn up by Member States under the common agricultural policy (CAP Strategic Plans) and financed by the European Agricultural Guarantee Fund (EAGF) and by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD) and repealing Regulations (EU) No 1305/2013 and (EU) No 1307/2013[6],
– having regard to its resolution of 27 February 2024 on the draft Council regulation amending Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2020/2093 laying down the multiannual financial framework for the years 2021 to 2027[7],
– having regard to its resolution of 17 December 2024 on RESTORE – Regional Emergency Support to Reconstruction amending Regulation (EU) 2021/1058 and Regulation (EU) 2021/1057[8], and in particular the budgetary assessment attached to it,
– having regard to the EEA Report No 1/2024 – European Climate Risk Assessment (EUCRA)[9],
– having regard to the report of the Committee on Budgets (A10-0114/2025),
A. whereas in September 2024, exceptionally high levels of rainfall occurred in Austria causing severe flooding resulting in total direct damages estimated by the Austrian authorities at EUR 1 711,6 million;
B. whereas in September 2024, heavy rain occurred in south-western Poland which led to the flooding of several rivers resulting in total direct damages estimated by the Polish authorities at EUR 3,04 billion;
C. whereas in September 2024, very strong winds and heavy rain struck entire Czechia which led to flooding resulting in total direct damages estimated by the Czech authorities at EUR 2,82 billion;
D. whereas as of 15 September 2024, Slovakia experienced substantial flooding, particularly in Bratislava and the surrounding regions which led to the levels of the Danube and Morava rivers significantly rising resulting in total direct damages estimated by the Slovakian authorities at EUR 84,3 million;
E. whereas in September 2024, torrential rain and the resulting floods hit several districts of Moldova resulting in total direct damages estimated by the Moldovan authorities at EUR 7,8 million;
F. whereas in October 2024, Bosnia and Herzegovina was hit by heavy rainfall which caused catastrophic flash floods, landslides and flooding in several parts of the country resulting in total direct damages estimated by the authorities at EUR 841,85 million;
G. whereas above mentioned occurrences caused by severe natural disasters are a result of global climate change; whereas the European State of the Climate 2024 confirms that 2024 was the warmest year ever recorded in Europe and that 30 % of the continent’s river network exceeded the “high” flood threshold while 12 % exceeded the “severe” threshold, resulting in the most widespread flooding since 2013;
1. Expresses its deepest solidarity with all the victims, their families and all the individuals affected by the destructive floods in Austria, Poland, Czechia, Slovakia, Moldova and Bosnia and Herzegovina as well as with the national, regional and local authorities involved in the relief efforts;
2. Welcomes the decision as a tangible and visible form of the Union’s solidarity with its citizens and the regions in the affected areas, including with those in partner countries;
3. Reiterates the importance of communicating to the public the tangible benefits brought about by the European Union Solidarity Fund (EUSF), also to further increase citizens’ awareness of Union tools and programmes in the Member States and countries involved in accession negotiations with the Union;
4. Highlights the increasing number of severe, destructive and deadly natural disasters in Europe and calls on Member States and the Commission to invest in climate mitigation and adaptation measures to avoid human and economic losses; underlines that in 2024 storms and flooding affected an estimated 413 000 people, resulting in the loss of at least 335 lives and that the damage from storms and flooding across Europe during the year is estimated to have cost at least EUR 18 billion[10]; considers that the budget of the EUSF or its equivalent should be substantially expanded in view of the upcoming Commission proposal on the new Multiannual Financial Framework and subsequent inter-institutional negotiations and that the EUSF or its equivalent must provide assistance commensurate to the magnitude of such disasters to citizens; notes that substantially increasing the EUSF would allow Member States to respond more effectively and quickly to disasters while other instruments, particularly cohesion funds whose primary purpose is not disaster response, could be preserved; urges also the Commission to explore all possible avenues for accelerating the mobilisation of the EUSF, in particular by amending current rules and granting higher advance payments to applicant countries;
5. Calls on the Commission to develop dedicated crisis-response instruments for the post-2027 period, recognising that the increasing frequency and severity of natural disasters, health emergencies, geopolitical instability, and economic shocks require more agile and tailored financial mechanisms at the Union level; underlines the need for enhanced coordination with national civil protection systems and early-warning mechanisms, ensuring a more integrated and data-driven Union-wide disaster response; emphasises the importance of dedicated support for cross-border and regional cooperation in preparedness, mitigation, and recovery efforts, particularly in vulnerable or high-risk areas;
6. Stresses that the EUSF is only a curative instrument and that the Union should also continue to address climate change adaptation and mitigation by supporting European and national policies to prevent natural disasters; underlines that EEA Report No 1/2024 ‘European Climate Risk Assessment’ warned that the Union is unprepared for the effects of climate change even if the world manages to keep global temperature rise to 1,5 degrees Celsius, as set out in the Paris Agreement, and stresses the need for action to avoid the climate risks identified reaching critical levels; recalls the need for effective synergies with other Union policies and programmes and underlines that Member States should make best use of funding opportunities in particular, of the European Regional Development Fund, the European Social Fund+ and the rural development programmes; calls on the Commission to assess with due urgency any reasoned requests by Member States to reallocate funds within the National Recovery and Resilience plans to natural disaster assistance, in accordance with the rules laid down in Regulation (EU) 2021/241 of the European Parliament and of the Council[11]; stresses also the need for preventive measures, not only to mitigate future damage but also to prevent the exacerbation of risk conditions following catastrophic events, such as floods, wildfires, landslides or the drying up of lakes and rivers; emphasises that all reconstruction financed by the EUSF must be climate-resilient; underlines the importance of adequate flexibility between the different programmes; underscores that assistance provided under the EUSF should not be to the detriment of Union funding received by Member States under other Union policies or programmes; recalls that Member States can grant State aid, in accordance with the applicable Union rules, notably for agricultural businesses that have suffered damages due to natural disasters;
7. Recalls that RESTORE[12] and the specific measures under the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD)[13] provide additional assistance to Member States affected by natural disasters through further flexibilities in the use of the funds; stresses that Member States should make use of the new opportunities; underlines also that RESTORE provided limited flexibility for some Member States as the implementation of the current Multiannual Financial Framework is very advanced;
8. Recalls the importance of rapid and solid damage assessment that takes due account of the economic repercussions and calls for increased operational efforts to be made in order to reduce the average time for the release of advanced payments to offer timely assistance to regions affected by natural disasters and extreme weather events, while ensuring the Union budget is protected; stresses that Member States should, in the context of disaster response and recovery measures, give due priority to the needs of the affected population, with particular attention to vulnerable groups;
9. Stresses the urgent need to release immediate financial assistance through the EUSF to ensure that support can reach the affected regions in a timely manner;
10. Approves the decision annexed to this resolution;
11. Instructs its President to sign the decision with the President of the Council and arrange for its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union;
12. Instructs its President to forward this resolution, including its annex, to the Council and the Commission.
on the mobilisation of the European Union Solidarity Fund to provide assistance to Austria, Poland, Czechia, Slovakia and Moldova relating to floods occurred in September 2024 and Bosnia and Herzegovina relating to floods occurred in October 2024
THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,
Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union,
Having regard to Council Regulation (EC) No 2012/2002 of 11 November 2002 establishing the European Union Solidarity Fund[14], and in particular Article 4(3) thereof,
Having regard to Council Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2020/2093 of 17 December 2020 laying down the multiannual financial framework for the years 2021 to 2027[15], and in particular Article 9 thereof,
Having regard to the Interinstitutional Agreement of 16 December 2020 between the European Parliament, the Council of the European Union and the European Commission on budgetary discipline, on cooperation in budgetary matters and on sound financial management, as well as on new own resources, including a roadmap towards the introduction of new own resources[16], and in particular point 10 thereof,
Having regard to the proposal from the European Commission,
Whereas:
(1) The European Union Solidarity Fund (‘the Fund’) aims to enable the Union to respond in a rapid, efficient and flexible manner to emergency situations in order to show solidarity with the population of regions struck by major or regional natural disasters or major public health emergency.
(2) The Fund is not to exceed the ceilings laid down in Article 9 of Council Regulation (EU, Euratom) No 2020/2093, as amended by Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2024/765[17].
(3) On 29 November 2024, Austria submitted an application to mobilise the Fund following the floods in September 2024.
(4) On 29 November 2024, Poland submitted an application to mobilise the Fund following the floods in September 2024.
(5) On 4 December 2024, Czechia submitted an application to mobilise the Fund following the floods in September 2024.
(6) On 7 December 2024, Slovakia submitted an application to mobilise the Fund following the floods in September 2024.
(7) On 5 December 2024, Moldova submitted an application to mobilise the Fund following the floods in September 2024.
(8) On 27 December 2024, Bosnia and Herzegovina submitted an application to mobilise the Fund following the floods in October 2024.
(9) Those applications meet the conditions for providing a financial contribution from the Fund, as laid down in Article 4 of Regulation (EC) No 2012/2002.
(10) The Fund should therefore be mobilised to provide a financial contribution to Austria, Poland, Czechia, Slovakia, Moldova and Bosnia and Herzegovina.
(11) In order to minimise the time taken to mobilise the Fund, this Decision should apply from the date of its adoption,
HAVE ADOPTED THIS DECISION:
Article 1
For the general budget of the Union for the financial year 2025, the European Union Solidarity Fund shall be mobilised as follows in commitment and payment appropriations in relation to natural disasters:
(a) the amount of EUR 42 789 075 shall be provided to Austria in relation to floods in September 2024;
(b) the amount of EUR 75 998 939 shall be provided to Poland in relation to floods in September 2024;
(c) the amount of EUR 113 979 781 shall be provided to Czechia in relation to floods in September 2024;
(d) the amount of EUR 2 108 187 shall be provided to Slovakia in relation to floods in September 2024;
(e) the amount of EUR 195 196 shall be provided to Moldova in relation to floods in September 2024;
(f) the amount of EUR 45 669 725 shall be provided to Bosnia and Herzegovina in relation to floods in October 2024.
Article 2
This Decision shall enter into force on the day of its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union.
It shall apply from [the date of its adoption][*].
Done at Brussels,
For the European Parliament For the Council
The President The President
The Commission proposes to mobilise the European Union Solidarity Fund (EUSF) in accordance with Council Regulation (EC) No 2012/2002 (EUSF regulation) for an amount of EUR 280 740 903 to provide assistance to Austria, Poland, Czechia, Slovakia, Moldova and Bosnia and Herzegovina in relation to the natural disaster (floods) that took place in 2024.
Austria – neighbouring country natural disaster: floods in September 2024
Between 12 and 16 September 2024, exceptionally high levels of rainfall occurred in Austria causing severe flooding. Lower Austria, Upper Austria and Vienna were particularly affected. In some parts of Lower Austria, 300-420 mm of rain fell in five days. The entire province of Lower Austria was declared a disaster area. Protective measures had to be put in place along the Danube River. In Lower Austria, nearly 2 000 houses had to be evacuated, thousands of households were without electricity, drinking water and sewerage for days. The floods led to five fatalities and 24 people were injured in Lower Austria.
Austria estimates the total direct damage caused by the disaster at EUR 1 711.6 million. This amount represents 0.38% of Austria’s Gross National Income (GNI) in 2022. As the same natural disaster qualifies a “major natural disaster” in Czechia, the application from Austria is eligible for a contribution from the EUSF without a specific threshold under the neighbouring country natural disaster criterion as laid down in Article 2(4) of the EUSF Regulation.
Poland – regional natural disaster: floods in September 2024
Between 11 and 16 September 2024, heavy rain occurred in south-western Poland which led to the flooding of several rivers. The most impacted provinces were the Dolnośląskie, Opolskie, Śląskie and Lubuskie provinces. Subsequently, nearly 10 600 residential and more than 2 000 farm buildings were flooded. Over 200 000 people were directly affected by the disaster. Numerous businesses were forced to temporarily suspend or significantly reduce their operations which led to significant financial losses.
The Polish authorities estimate the total direct damage caused by the disaster at EUR 3.04 billion. According the EUSF regulation, where the natural disaster concerns several regions at NUTS level 2, the threshold shall be applied to the average GDP of those regions weighted according to the share of total damage in each region. The direct damage expressed as a percentage of total weighted regional GDP of Dolnośląskie, Opolskie, Śląskie and Lubuskie provinces is 8.46%. This amount exceeds 1.5% of the weighted average regional GDP of Dolnośląskie, Opolskie, Śląskie and Lubuskie provinces.
Czechia – major natural disaster: floods in September 2024
Between 12 and 17 September 2024, very strong winds and heavy rain struck the entire country which led to flooding. The most affected regions were the Moravian-Silesian and the Olomouc Region. Dozens of houses and approximately 1 000 road and railway bridges and 2 000 km of roads and railway lines were destroyed, or damaged. More than 350 schools were flooded. Over 250 000 households were left without electricity, heat and drinking water. As a result, over 13 000 people, as well as several hospitals had to be evacuated. The floods also led to eight fatalities.
The Czech authorities estimate the total direct damage caused by the disaster at EUR 2.82 billion. This amount exceeds the ‘major natural disaster’ threshold for Czechia of 0.6% of its Gross National Income, which was EUR 1.58 billion in 2024. Therefore, the disaster qualifies as a ‘major natural disaster’ according to Article 2(2) of the EUSF Regulation.
Slovakia – neighbouring country natural disaster: floods in September 2024
As of 15 September 2024, Slovakia experienced substantial flooding, particularly in Bratislava and the surrounding regions. Both the Danube and Morava rivers saw significant water level rises, with return periods exceeding 100 years in some locations. Cumulative rainfall reached up to 400 mm in the Záhorie region, exacerbating the impact. The most significant damage was attributed to smaller rivers, where levee breaches were reported, amplifying the flooding and leading to destruction in both rural and urban areas. Roads, bridges, and other critical infrastructure were severely affected, straining emergency response efforts.
Slovakia estimates the total direct damage caused by the disaster at EUR 84.3 million. This amount represents 0.07% of Slovakia’s Gross National Income (GNI) in 2022. As the same natural disaster qualifies a “major natural disaster” in Czechia, the application from Slovakia is eligible for a contribution from the EUSF without a specific threshold under the neighbouring country natural disaster criterion as laid down in Article 2(4) of the EUSF Regulation.
Moldova – regional natural disaster: floods in September 2024
Between 14 and 16 September 2024, torrential rain and the resulting floods hit the Cantemir, Hincesti, Leova, Straseni, Floresti and Telenesti districts of Moldova. Over 200 000 people were affected by the disaster. The floods destroyed or damaged 20 bridges, 8 educational institutions and several public buildings. Dozens of houses and cellars were flooded and over 60 people needed to be rescued.
The Moldovan authorities estimate the total direct damage caused by the disaster at EUR 7.8 million. The Moldovan authorities submitted the application under the “regional natural disaster” criterion as laid down in Article 2(3) of the EUSF Regulation, which is any natural disaster in a region at NUTS level 2 of an eligible State resulting in direct damage exceeding 1.5% of that region’s gross domestic product (GDP).
Bosnia and Herzegovina – major natural disaster: floods in October 2024
Between 3 and 17 October 2024, Bosnia and Herzegovina was hit by heavy rainfall, which caused catastrophic flash floods, landslides and flooding in the central, southern and western parts of the country. Herzegovina-Neretva, Central Bosnia, Zenica-Doboj and Canton 10 were the most affected cantons. In addition to power outages lasting several days and disruptions to landline and mobile phone services, there was also a complete disruption to road and rail transport. This caused severe physical and financial damage to residential and commercial buildings, as well as to the transport, water and sewage system. The floods led to 27 fatalities and 22 people were injured. Many families were forced to leave their homes and were accommodated in temporary shelters.
The authorities of Bosnia and Herzegovina estimate the total direct damage caused by the disaster at EUR 841.85 million. This amount exceeds the ‘major natural disaster’ threshold for Bosnia and Herzegovina of 0.6% of its Gross National Income, which was EUR 138.33 million in 2024. Therefore, the disaster qualifies as a ‘major natural disaster’ according to Article 2(2) of the EUSF Regulation.
Conclusion
The methodology for calculating the aid was set out in the 2002-2003 Annual Report on the EUSF and accepted by the Council and the European Parliament. The Commision therefore proposes to the budget authority to mobilise the following amounts for the applications submitted by Austria, Poland, Czechia, Slovakia, Moldova and Bosnia and Herzegovina:
|
Disaster |
Total direct damage (EUR) |
Applied disaster threshold (EUR) |
2,5% of total direct damage (up to the threshold for major diasters) (EUR) |
6% of direct damage above the major disaster threshold (EUR) |
2.5% of total direct damage |
Total amount of aid proposed (EUR) |
Advance paid (EUR) |
Balance to be paid (EUR) |
|
Austria-floods (neighbouring disaster) |
1 711 563 002 |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
42 789 075 |
42 789 075 |
10 663 587 |
32 125 488 |
|
Poland-floods (regional disaster) |
3 039 957 574 |
538 909 893 |
N/A |
N/A |
75 998 939 |
75 998 939 |
N/A |
75 998 939 |
|
Czechia (major disaster) |
2 821 143 019 |
1 579 680 000 |
39 492 000 |
74 487 781 |
N/A |
113 979 781 |
N/A |
113 979 781 |
|
Slovakia-floods (neighbouring disaster) |
84 327 482 |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
2 108 187 |
2 108 187 |
N/A |
2 108 187 |
|
Moldova-floods (regional disaster) |
7 807 840 |
226 331 |
N/A |
N/A |
195 196 |
195 196 |
N/A |
195 196 |
|
Bosnia and Herzegovia-floods (major disaster) |
841 851 670 |
138 325 000 |
3 458 125 |
42 211 600 |
N/A |
45 669 725 |
N/A |
45 669 725 |
|
TOTAL |
280 740 903 |
10 663 587 |
270 077 316 |
|||||
Council Regulation 2024/765[18] of 29 February 2024 amending Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2020/2093 laying down the multiannual financial framework for the years 2021-2027 split the Solidarity and Emergency Aid Reserve (SEAR) in two separate instruments: the European Solidarity Reserve and the Emergency Aid Reserve. The European Solidarity Reserve with an annual amount of EUR 1 016 million (in 2018 prices, corresponding to EUR 1 167.1 million in 2025 prices) will be used for assistance to respond to emergency situations covered by the EUSF.
In order to avoid an early depletion of the annual allocation, Article 3(7) of the EUSF Regulation and Article 9(2), second subparagraph, of the amended MFF Regulation stipulate that 25% of the annual EUSF allocation (i.e. EUR 291.8 million for 2025) shall remain available on 1 October of each year.
Finally, according to the Article 4a(4) of the EUSF Regulation, the amount of EUR 50 000 000 has been already inscribed in the EU general budget 2025 (in commitments and payments appropriations) for the payment of possible advances.
Therefore, the maximum amount that can be used by the EUSF at this stage is EUR 908,95 million (excluding the reserve for advances and the amound that will become available on 1 October). After this mobilisation EUR 980,64 million will remain available for upcoing mobilisastions.
|
Amount available under the EUSF in 2025 (EUR): |
|
|
Total annual 2025 EUSF allocation (incl. 1 October tranche) |
1 167 064 638 |
|
Amount carried over from 2024 (incl. unused advances) (+) |
194 316 161 |
|
Credits reserved for advance payments (-) |
50 000 000 |
|
Amount already used for advances to Spain and Austria (-) |
110 663 587 |
|
Amount available only after 1 October (-) |
291 766 160 |
|
Total amount currenty available (excl. reserve for advances and 1 October tranche) |
908 951 052 |
|
Amount proposed for mobilisation under current Mobilisation Decision (only balance to be paid) |
270 077 316 |
|
Remaining amount for future applications (inc. for advances and 1 October tranche) |
980 639 896 |
The Rapporteur recommends the swift approval of the Commission proposal for a decision annexed to this report, leading to the rapid mobilisation of the aforementioned amounts, as a sign of European solidarity with Austria, Poland, Czechia, Slovakia, Moldova and Bosnia and Herzegovina. The rapporteur calls on the Commission that this financial contribution should be delivered with particular urgency.
Source: European Parliament
1. The Commission appointed Mr Draghi as unpaid Special Adviser to President of the Commission from 3 October 2023 to 30 September 2024 to draft a report on the future of European competitiveness.
2. M. Draghi was not awarded a contract but appointed to the position of unpaid Special Adviser. This is therefore not a process that involves competitive bidding. The President of the Commission appointed him to draft the report based on his very deep and wide-ranging experience.
3. The Commission, at this stage, cannot provide with further information on possible future contracts for reports or analyses to experts that will be commissioned during this mandate.
Source: European Parliament
On 16 April 2025, the Commission proposed[1] to frontload two key elements of the Asylum Procedure Regulation 2024/1348[2]: (i) the 20% or lower recognition rate threshold as an acceleration ground and (ii) the possibility to designate safe third countries and safe countries of origin with exceptions.
The aim of anticipating the application of these measures is to provide Member States with the possibility to use some of the key provisions of the Pact on Migration and Asylum[3] sooner than their originally expected date of application, providing them with more tools to manage the asylum caseload in an effective manner.
The same proposal also puts forward a first EU list of safe countries of origin to support a uniform application of the concept, while helping Member States to process asylum applications faster and more efficiently.
The countries proposed for designation were selected using a range of criteria, including the fact that they create a significant asylum caseload in the EU.
The assessment of whether a third country is a safe country of origin in accordance with the Asylum Procedure Regulation is based on a range of sources, including information from Member States, the EU Asylum Agency, the European External Action Service, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, and other relevant international organisations.
Third-country nationals without a right to stay are subject to Directive 2008/115/EC (the Return Directive)[4]. On 11 March 2025 the Commission tabled a proposal for a regulation[5] establishing a common system for returns, which aims at establishing swifter, simpler and more effective return procedures across the EU.
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator for Texas Ted Cruz
Published: 06.12.2025
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) introduced the CMV-22 Readiness Enhancement and Industrial Sustainment Act to improve naval aviation capabilities in contested environments and maintain industrial resiliency as the Department of Defense transitions to next-generation vertical lift systems. Specifically, this legislation authorizes the Navy to install proven nacelle improvements in the CMV–22 fleet, building on the successful upgrades made to the Air Force CV–22.
Sen. Cruz said, “It’s crucial for our Navy to have a capable and readily available CMV-22 Osprey fleet in the Indo-Pacific, but equipment issues have hindered aircraft reliability. In Texas we have a highly skilled workforce able to address those equipment issues, and this will enable them to do so and enhance the Navy’s effectiveness. I strongly urge my colleagues to support this bill and help enact it into law.”
Click here to read the CMV-22 Readiness Enhancement and Industrial Sustainment full bill text.
BACKGROUND
CMV–22 Readiness Enhancement and Industrial Sustainment Act will:
Authorize nacelle improvement integration across the CMV–22 fleet to improve readiness and reliability.
Prioritize upgrades in FY25 and FY26 aircraft for immediate operational impact.
Leverage CV–22 upgrade performance data and installation expertise.
Sustain skilled workforce capacity and supply chain readiness in Texas and other tiltrotor supporting states.
Require a report to Congress within 180 days detailing implementation progress, readiness metrics, and industrial base impact.
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US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator for Texas Ted Cruz
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Sens. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and John Cornyn (R-Texas) today introduced the CMV-22 Reliability and Readiness Enhancement Act. This legislation authorizes the U.S. Secretary of the Navy to implement key equipment upgrades into CMV-22 fleets, which will enhance military readiness, support the Navy’s logistics capabilities, and deepen defense manufacturing resiliency.
Sen. Cruz said, “It’s crucial for our Navy to have a capable and readily available CMV-22 Osprey fleet in the Indo-Pacific, but equipment issues have hindered aircraft reliability. In Texas we have a highly skilled workforce able to address those equipment issues, and this will enable them to do so and enhance the Navy’s effectiveness. I strongly urge my colleagues to support this bill and help enact it into law.”
Sen. Cornyn said, “As our world becomes increasingly dangerous, there has never been a more critical time for America to invest in our military readiness. I am proud to lead this legislation alongside Senator Cruz to help modernize the Navy’s aircraft fleet, preserve our manufacturing and workforce capacity for mission-critical tiltrotors, and ensure our military is equipped with the best available resources to protect and defend the country.”
Click here to read the CMV-22 Reliability and Readiness Enhancement Act full bill text.
BACKGROUND
The CMV–22 Reliability and Readiness Enhancement Act will:
Authorize nacelle improvement modifications across the CMV–22 fleet to reduce downtime and improve aircraft reliability.
Leverage lessons learned from successful CV–22 upgrades already fielded by the Air Force.
Prioritize FY25–26 aircraft to maximize near-term operational benefit.
Preserve critical workforce and supplier capabilities in the tiltrotor industrial base.
Direct a report to Congress within 180 days on implementation status, readiness metrics, industrial base impact, and future sustainment needs.
Requires no new funding authorization and ensures continuity in the tiltrotor industrial base during the transition from V–22 production to next-generation aircraft manufacturing.
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator for Virginia Tim Kaine
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Yesterday, on the third anniversary of the Supreme Court overturning Roe v. Wade, U.S. Senator Mark R. Warner and Senator Tim Kaine, a member of the Senate, Health, Education and Labor (HELP) Committee, joined Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), and Patty Murray (D-WA) in introducing the Women’s Health Protection Act, legislation to guarantee access to abortion care across the country. The bill’s introduction comes as the Trump Administration and Republicans continue to attack reproductive freedom. Virginia is the last southern state where abortion is still legal, and Virginia has seen an increase in demand for abortions after other states have passed laws restricting access.
“In the three years since Roe v. Wade was overturned, we’ve seen the consequences unfold in real time: women denied lifesaving care, doctors forced to navigate confusing and dangerous legal gray areas, and families left to deal with the fallout. Decisions about pregnancy should be made between a woman and her doctor, not by politicians,” said Warner. “This bill would once and for all restore the constitutional right to abortion, permanently making it safe and legal nationwide.”
“Three years ago, the Supreme Court took away Americans’ ability to access reproductive health care, and since then, we’ve seen the tragic impacts of this decision for women across the country,” said Kaine. “I’m proud to be joining my colleagues in introducing this legislation to protect access to abortion nationwide and restore Americans’ freedom to make their own health care decisions.”
Since the Dobbs decision, 19 states have banned abortion or severely restricted women from being able to access the procedure, leaving one in three American women without access to safe, legal abortion care. Additionally, state legislatures across the country have introduced hundreds of bills to include medically unnecessary restrictions that limit access to abortion care. In his second term, President Trump has continued to attack reproductive rights, including freezing Title X funding for clinics that offer reproductive care, cutting Biden-era emergency abortion protections, and fighting to defund Planned Parenthood. Additionally, the House-passed Republican budget bill kicks 16 million people off their health insurance and defunds Planned Parenthood, threatening the closure of 200 health centers across the country and putting access to vital reproductive care for millions of families at risk.
The Women’s Health Protection Act guarantees the right to access an abortion—and the right of an abortion provider to deliver these services—free from medically unnecessary restrictions that interfere with a patient’s individual choice or the provider-patient relationship. The bill also protects the ability to travel out of state for an abortion, which has become increasingly common in recent years.
Following the Dobbs decision, Warner and Kaine have strongly advocated for legislation to protect Americans’ access to reproductive health care. The senators cosponsored legislation to protect the right of women to travel across state lines for abortion services and help protect medical providers from being punished for providing patients with this care. Kaine has also introduced the bipartisan Reproductive Freedom for All Act to protect abortion rights and contraception access.
In addition to Warner, Kaine, Baldwin, Blumenthal, and Murray, the Women’s Health Protection Act is cosponsored by Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and Senators Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Chris Coons (D-DE), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Dick Durbin (D-IL), John Fetterman (D-PA), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Angus King (I-ME), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), Ed Markey (D-MA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Jon Ossoff (D-GA), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Gary Peters (D-MI), Jack Reed (D-RI), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), Tina Smith (D-MN), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Peter Welch (D-VT), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), and Ron Wyden (D-OR).
Full text of the legislation is available here.
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator for Maine Susan Collins
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Susan Collins, Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), and Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) introduced the Title VIII Nursing Workforce Reauthorization Act of 2025. This bipartisan bill would reauthorize, update, and improve critical programs under Title VIII of the Public Health Service Act, a law passed in 1944 to support public health and health care professionals. The Title VIII Nursing Workforce Reauthorization Act reaffirms Congress’ commitment to addressing all aspects of nursing workforce demand, including education, practice, recruitment, and retention.
“The State of Maine continues to face a serious shortage of nurses, particularly in rural communities where hospitals struggle to recruit and retain staff,” said Senator Collins. “This bipartisan legislation would help strengthen the nursing workforce by reauthorizing critical programs that support nursing education, expand access to clinical training, and help schools prepare more students for careers in nursing. Doing so is essential to addressing the workforce shortages facing hospitals across our country.”
The Title VIII programs were last reauthorized as part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act in March 2020. Under the CARES Act, the Title VIII programs are authorized through September 30, 2025.
Specifically, the Title VIII Nursing Workforce Reauthorization Act of 2025 would:
The Title VIII Nursing Workforce Reauthorization Act is endorsed by more than 50 organizations, including the American Association of Colleges (AACN) and the American Nurses Association (ANA).
“Maintaining access to healthcare services is necessary for achieving the best care outcomes and keeping Americans healthy,” said Dr. Deborah Trautman, President and Chief Executive Officer of AACN. “We are thankful for the bipartisan support for the Title VIII Nursing Workforce Reauthorization Act of 2025, which helps ensure that our nursing workforce can continue to meet the needs of all communities, including those with limited access to nurses and other healthcare providers.”
“Federal investment in Title VIII is essential to sustaining nursing schools, faculty, and students,” said Dr. Jean Giddens, Chair of the AACN Board of Directors. “With the introduction of the Title VIII Nursing Workforce Reauthorization Act of 2025, we applaud the commitment of Senator Merkley, Senator Collins, Senator Baldwin, and Senator Blackburn for their support of a thriving healthcare workforce that will have a lasting impact on both nurses and patients across the nation.”
“We are deeply grateful to Senators Merkley and Collins for championing the reauthorization of the Title VIII Nursing Workforce Development Program. This legislation is more than funding — it is a lifeline for the nursing profession. Title VIII supports the education, training, and advancement of nurses across the country, ensuring we have a strong, skilled, and sustainable workforce ready to meet the challenges of today and tomorrow. At a time when our healthcare system depends so heavily on nurses, this investment is critical to the future of our profession and the health of our nation,” said Jennifer Mensik Kennedy, PhD, MBA, RN, NEA-BC, FAAN, President of the ANA.
In addition to Senators Collins, Merkley, Baldwin, and Blackburn, the bill is cosponsored by Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Chris Coons (D-DE), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), and Adam Schiff (D-CA).
The complete text of the bill can be read here.
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator for Maine Susan Collins
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), co-chairs of the Senate Diabetes Caucus, reintroduced the Expanding Access to Diabetes Self-Management Training Act. This bipartisan legislation would expand Medicare coverage for diabetes self-management training (DSMT) sessions, where diabetes educators help train Medicare patients on how to manage their glucose, maintain a healthy weight, eat healthy foods, manage their insulin levels and improve general care for their diabetes. DSMT is associated with a reduction in risk for diabetes-related death and heart attack and, importantly, leads to improved self-care behavior and wellness, which greatly reduces hospital care costs.
“Diabetes self-management training equips Americans with diabetes with the tools they need to successfully manage their disease,” said Senator Collins. “By supporting education and patient engagement, our bipartisan bill would improve health outcomes, enhance quality of life, and reduce health care costs by helping to prevent complications and hospitalizations.”
“Diabetes is a lifelong condition that affects millions of Americans. Expanding access to diabetes self-management training will allow patients to improve their well-being and live healthier lives while being more self-sufficient in their care,” said Senator Shaheen. “Our bipartisan legislation would lower the cost of treatment for patients with diabetes and I’m proud to work across the aisle to continue supporting diabetes treatment, research and investment.”
“The Association of Diabetes Care & Education Specialists (ADCES) applauds and thanks our champions, Senators Collins and Shaheen, for introducing legislation that would improve access to diabetes care and education for Medicare beneficiaries,” said ADCES President Veronica Brady, PhD, RN, FNP-P, BC-ADM, CDCES. “DSMT services help individuals with diabetes improve their health and reduce complications which in turn can decrease health care costs.”??
There are 38.4 million Americans living with diabetes and one in three adults with prediabetes, a condition that is known to progress to diabetes without early intervention, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Diabetes is the seventh leading cause of death in the United States and can lead to many other chronic diseases and conditions, such as blindness and kidney failure. As one of the most expensive chronic diseases, diabetes costs the American health care system billions of dollars each year. Overall, one in every ten health care dollars is spent on diabetes and its complications, and one in every three Medicare dollars is spent on the condition.
As co-chairs of the U.S. Senate Diabetes Caucus, Senators Collins and Shaheen have led action in the U.S. Senate to advance priorities that will lower the costs of insulin, invest in treatment, and prioritize diabetes research. Last month, they introduced the Promoting Access to Diabetic Shoes Act, legislation that would improve care for patients with diabetes by allowing nurse practitioners (NPs) and physician associates/physician assistants (PAs)—who often act as sole primary care providers for many patients with diabetes—to prescribe therapeutic shoes.
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator Peter Welch (D-Vermont)
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on the Constitution, grilled Emil Bove III, President Trump’s pick to serve on the United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit, on multiple allegations of ethical misconduct throughout Mr. Bove’s tenure as an Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York (SDNY). Senator Welch also called out Mr. Bove’s refusal to acknowledge that President Biden won the 2020 Presidential Election.
Senator Welch: “This question of temperament obviously is relevant. You’d acknowledge that?”
Mr. Bove: “Yes, Senator.”
Senator Welch: “I was a defense attorney, worked with many prosecutors, had enormous respect for those prosecutors. So, the temperament issue doesn’t always get into the question of whether it’s an ethical violation. But it does get into the temperament and why that—in my view—is very important whatever our job is, but particularly for a judge where you’ve got that incredible power.”
Watch Senator Welch’s full remarks below:
Similar to other Trump nominees, Mr. Bove refused to acknowledge that President Biden had won the 2020 presidential election:
Senator Welch: “Who won the 2020 election for President of the United States?”
Mr. Bove: “President Biden was certified as the winner of that election.”
Senator Welch: “So, you give the standard answer. You can’t say that he won because he got the majority of votes and also got the electoral college victory?”
Mr. Bove: “I think that the characterizations that you just made, Senator, are both political. And so, I can’t address them under the canons, and they’re also tied up in ongoing litigation.”
Senator Welch: “Help me understand how it’s political to state who got the most votes in any election.”
Mr. Bove: [PAUSE] “…Senator, I’m just trying to be precise. The process by which our country declares the victor in an election is a certification process. President Biden was certified.”
Ahead of Mr. Bove’s nomination hearing today, Senator Welch joined six Senate Judiciary Committee colleagues in requesting personnel records relevant to Mr. Bove’s conduct throughout his career in the Southern District of New York. Last month, Senator Welch and Senate Judiciary Committee Ranking Member Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) led their colleagues in referring Mr. Bove to the Office of the Inspector General and called for an investigation into Mr. Bove’s potential abuse of prosecutorial authority within the Civil Rights Division.
Translation. Region: Russian Federal
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
BEIJING, June 25 (Xinhua) — Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi held a collective meeting with diplomatic representatives of the European Union and its member states in Beijing on Wednesday.
As Wang Yi, also a member of the Politburo of the CPC Central Committee, reminded, this year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the EU. As two major constructive forces in the modern world, China and the EU should enhance mutual trust, properly resolve differences, and join forces to elevate the China-EU comprehensive strategic partnership to a new height.
Wang Yi put forward a three-point proposal for the future development of China-EU relations.
Firstly, the head of the Chinese Foreign Ministry pointed out, the parties must adhere to mutual respect, in particular, respect each other’s fundamental interests and important concerns in practice.
China hopes that the EU will continue to strictly adhere to the one-China principle and oppose any form of separatist activity aimed at achieving “Taiwan independence,” the Chinese diplomat stressed.
Secondly, the parties should adhere to the established positioning of the bilateral partnership. According to Wang Yi, China and the EU are partners, not rivals, and certainly not enemies.
Third, the two sides should adhere to multilateralism. China firmly upholds the international system with the UN at its core, the international order based on international law, and the fundamental norms of international relations based on the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, Wang said, adding that China consistently advocates peaceful negotiations and rejects the use of force.
According to the Chinese diplomat, the three global initiatives put forward by Chinese President Xi Jinping, the Belt and Road Initiative and the concept of building a community with a shared future for mankind are the contributions of Chinese wisdom and Chinese solutions to the international community.
“China and the EU should follow the trend of the times, strengthen mutual understanding, build mutual trust, promote mutual success and brighten the world,” Wang added.
The head of the EU diplomatic mission and diplomatic representatives of EU member states said that China has always been an important partner for the European Union.
According to them, the EU is ready to move forward with China, develop constructive and stable relations, jointly confront global challenges, defend multilateralism, and promote peace and security throughout the world. –0–
Translation. Region: Russian Federal
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
QINGDAO, June 25 (Xinhua) — Chinese Defense Minister Dong Jun held separate meetings with his counterparts from Belarus, Iran, Pakistan, Kyrgyzstan and Russia in Qingdao, east China’s Shandong Province, on Wednesday.
From June 25 to 26, the above-mentioned officials are taking part in a meeting of defense ministers of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) member states.
Dong Jun stated that the world is currently witnessing a strengthening of the regressive tendencies of unilateralism and protectionism, while manifestations of hegemonism, despotism and bullying are seriously undermining the international order, becoming the biggest sources of chaos and troubles.
The Chinese minister called for strengthening coordination within multilateral structures such as the UN and the SCO, upholding international fairness and justice, and protecting global strategic stability.
Dong Jun’s interlocutors highly appreciated China’s active efforts and important contribution as the rotating chair of the SCO aimed at strengthening institutional mechanisms and deepening cooperation in all areas, expressing their firm intention to strengthen and develop cooperation in the military sphere. –0–
Translation. Region: Russian Federal
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
THE HAGUE, June 25 (Xinhua) — U.S. President Donald Trump announced in The Hague, the Netherlands, on Wednesday that the United States will hold talks with Iran next week.
“We are going to talk to them – to Iran – next week. We can sign an agreement,” D. Trump said at a press conference following the NATO summit.
Earlier on Wednesday, Trump noted that the ceasefire between Iran and Israel was being observed “very well.” –0–