Source: United States of America – The White House (video statements)
“We are going to be imposing a 25% increase. We’re going to bring it from 25% to 50%—the tariffs on steel into the United States of America—which will even further secure the steel industry in the United States.” –President Donald J. Trump
Source: United States of America – The White House (video statements)
In honor of National Foster Care Month, the White House welcomed foster and adoptive families for tours and a viewing of the President’s Marine One departure on the South Lawn. #BeBest #FosteringTheFuture
Source: Office of United States Attorneys
SAN DIEGO – Hector Alejandro Paez Garcia, a Mexico City-based attorney, has pleaded guilty in federal court, admitting that he and others conspired to transport, transmit, and transfer tens of millions of dollars in drug trafficking proceeds from the United States to Mexico.
Paez’s plea is part of a long-term FBI investigation targeting a Mexico-based money laundering organization (MLO) that is believed to have laundered at least $52.7 million for the Sinaloa Cartel before the organization’s leaders were arrested.
According to court documents, the MLO utilized a network of shell companies in San Diego to launder tens of millions of dollars in bulk cash from across the country generated through the Sinaloa Cartel’s drug importation and distribution operations. MLO employees travelled to dozens of U.S. cities to pick up this bulk cash in amounts up to $200,000. The money was then funneled through the San Diego-based shell companies and delivered to money laundering accounts in Mexico controlled by Paez, who in his plea agreement admitted serving a managerial role in the MLO’s operations.
During the investigation, FBI agents seized 66 money laundering bank accounts throughout the United States. As the FBI began to target and seize the MLO’s assets, Paez turned to the use of cryptocurrency in an attempt to shield those assets from law enforcement. But the FBI was able to infiltrate and take down the MLO’s cryptocurrency laundering network.
To date, the investigation has resulted in the arrests of 11 people on money laundering charges and the seizure of more than $3.1 million in illicit assets. A related DEA investigation led to 24 additional arrests and asset seizures totaling $450,000.
In March 2025, six individuals and seven entities, including several of Paez’s co-conspirators, were the target of sanctions imposed by the Department of Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC). Treasury Sanctions Criminal Operators and Money Launderers for the Notorious Sinaloa Cartel | U.S. Department of the Treasury.
Paez is scheduled to be sentenced on August 15, 2025.
To date, in addition to Paez, additional participants in the scheme have been charged, including the following:
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Paul Benjamin and Robert Miller. Former Assistant U.S. Attorney Owen Roth contributed significantly to the case. The FBI worked in close partnership with the Drug Enforcement Administration, Imperial County District Office, as well as Panamanian authorities, to seize the MLO’s assets and arrest multiple participants in the scheme.
The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs worked with law enforcement partners in Italy to secure the arrest and extradition of Velasquez Pantza.
DEFENDANT Case Number 23cr0446
Hector Alejandro Paez Garcia Age: 43 Mexico City, Mexico
SUMMARY OF CHARGES
International Money Laundering Conspiracy – Title 18, U.S.C., Section 1956(h), and 1956(a)(2)(B)(i)
Maximum penalty: Twenty years in prison and $500,000 fine
INVESTIGATING AGENCY
Federal Bureau of Investigation
*The charges and allegations contained in an indictment or complaint are merely accusations, and the defendants are considered innocent unless and until proven guilty.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. [use if applicable] Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
This case is the result of ongoing efforts by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF), a partnership that brings together the combined expertise and unique abilities of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt, dismantle and prosecute high-level members of drug trafficking, weapons trafficking and money laundering organizations and enterprises.
Source: Office of United States Attorneys
PHOENIX, Ariz. – During the week of enforcement operations from May 24, 2025, through May 30, 2025, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Arizona brought immigration-related criminal charges against 257 individuals. Specifically, the United States filed 125 cases in which aliens illegally re-entered the United States, and the United States also charged 124 aliens for illegally entering the United States. In its ongoing effort to deter unlawful immigration, the United States filed 7 cases against 8 individuals responsible for smuggling illegal aliens into and within the District of Arizona.
These cases were referred or supported by federal law enforcement partners, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations (ICE ERO), ICE Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), U.S. Border Patrol, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS), and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
Recent matters of interest include:
United States v. Hugo Antonio Martinez-Lopez: On May 24, 2025, an Integrated Fixed Tower operator observed an individual come out of the brush and enter a truck, driven by Hugo Antonio Martinez-Lopez, on Federal Route 19 near mile marker 1 in Newfield, Arizona, on the Tohono O’odham Nation. BPAs located the truck and attempted a stop, but Martinez-Lopez failed to yield. While BPAs were pursuing the truck, Martinez-Lopez abruptly stopped on the right shoulder of the road and an individual exited the passenger’s side of the vehicle and ran into the brush. Martinez-Lopez then fled at a high rate of speed. After a foot chase, BPAs apprehended the individual who had run into the bush and determined that they were a citizen of Mexico, illegally present in the United States. Other BPAs continued to pursue Martinez-Lopez and successfully deployed a vehicle immobilization device (VID), which punctured one of the truck’s tires. The truck then came to a stop and Martinez-Lopez fled from the vehicle. BPAs also apprehended Martinez-Lopez after a short foot pursuit. Martinez-Lopez was charged by complaint with Transportation of an Illegal Alien. [Case Number: MJ-25-2029]
United States v. Jesus Fernando Jimenez Rodriguez: On May 28, 2025, Mesa Police Department executed a search warrant on a residence in Mesa, Arizona. Jesus Fernando Jimenez Rodriguez, a citizen of Mexico, was one of the occupants of the residence. Inside the residence, readily visible in the living room and stacked against the wall, law enforcement found 10,000 rounds of PMC 5.56 ammunition and 25,000 rounds of Wolf .223 ammunition. Jimenez Rodriguez was charged by complaint with one count of Alien in Possession of Ammunition and Illegal Re-entry. [Case Number: MJ-25-9221]
United States v. Nicholas Anthony Lawrence: On May 28, 2025, Nicholas Anthony Lawrence, a citizen of Jamaica and illegal alien, was charged by indictment with Aggravated Identity Theft, Fraud and Misuse of Visas, Permits, and Other Documents, Failure to Register as a Sex Offender, and Reentry of Removed Alien. Lawrence was previously convicted on or about December 4, 2017, of Attempt to Commit Molestation of Child, and Attempt to Commit Sexual Conduct with Minor, both felony offenses, in the Superior Court of Arizona, County of Maricopa. Lawrence was sentenced to seven years in prison, and lifetime probation, respectively. Lawrence was previously removed from the United States in November 2022. [Case Number: CR-25-00817-PHX-GMS]
Criminal complaints and indictments are methods by which a person is charged with criminal activity and raise no inference of guilt. An individual is presumed innocent until evidence is presented to a jury that establishes guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
These cases are part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
RELEASE NUMBER: 2025-087_May 30 Immigration Enforcement
# # #
For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on X @USAO_AZ for the latest news.
Source: US State of West Virginia
As the Class of 2025 prepares for graduation, West Virginia is earning national praise from the National College Attainment Network (NCAN) for its commitment to increasing college access and affordability through coordinated, cross-sector partnerships. The state now ranks 15th in the nation for FAFSA completion — up from 19th last year and reaching as high as 10th during the current cycle — thanks to innovative, student-focused efforts led by the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission in partnership with schools across the state.
Unlike many top-performing states, West Virginia has achieved this success without a statewide FAFSA mandate. Instead, the state has built a culture of completion through strategic outreach, data-driven coordination, and intentional community engagement. The Commission’s model demonstrates that measurable gains are possible when higher education leaders, schools, and communities work together to meet students where they are.
“This achievement reflects an unwavering commitment to students and an intentional culture shift toward making college more accessible,” said Brian Weingart, Senior Director of Financial Aid at the Commission. “Our team has worked side-by-side with schools, counselors, and communities to make sure every student — regardless of background — has a clear path to financial aid. Whether it’s through hands-on FAFSA events, real-time data tools, or text message nudges, we’re meeting students where they are and helping them take that critical next step toward college. Behind every completed FAFSA is a student who’s one step closer to their future.”
The Commission’s approach includes:
“West Virginia’s success is the result of a powerful, coordinated effort,” said Dr. Sarah Armstrong Tucker, West Virginia’s Chancellor of Higher Education. “We built momentum through strong partnerships with our schools and counselors, innovative tools, and a shared commitment to our students’ futures. I am deeply proud of our team and the many school counselors, educators, and families who have rallied around this cause. Together, we’re showing what’s possible when we put students first.”
The impact is measurable. According to data tracked by NCAN, the state’s FAFSA completion rate stands at 49.8% for the Class of 2025, with significant improvement over last year and an upward national trajectory not seen since before the pandemic. And perhaps most significantly, these gains come from intentional coordination — making West Virginia’s model especially relevant to peer states looking for replicable solutions.
“West Virginia’s success, and approach, offer a lot for other communities and states to learn from,” said Bill DeBaun, Senior Director at the National College Attainment Network in Washington. “Thoughtful, coordinated efforts like these that support practitioners in districts and schools make a big difference. West Virginia is expanding students’ opportunities to access the financial aid that makes education after high school a more affordable possibility.”
As graduation approaches, the Commission remains focused on further strengthening its outreach, closing remaining gaps, and ensuring every West Virginia student has the support they need to access higher education.
To learn more about FAFSA completion resources and West Virginia’s college access initiatives, visit CFWV.com.
The full article What’s Behind West Virginia’s FAFSA Completion Surge is available at NCAN.org.
Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Three people have admitted to working in a large-scale drug operation in Berkeley and Jefferson Counties.
Juan Carlos Suarez-Lugo, age 55, of Martinsburg, West Virginia, and Alexis Alvarado, age 38, of Ranson, West Virginia, each pled guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine. Mauricio Antonio Alvarado-Flores, age 38, a citizen of El Salvador, pled guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine and illegal reentry.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Suarez-Lugo, Alvarado, and Alvarado-Flores were working together and with others to sell drugs for the drug trafficking organization.
Suarez-Lugo, Alvarado, and Alvarado-Flores each face at least five years and up to 40 years in federal prison for the drug charge. Alvarado-Flores faces up to two years in prison for the illegal reentry charge. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Lara Omps-Botteicher is prosecuting the cases on behalf of the government.
The Eastern Panhandle Drug Task Force was the lead investigative unit. Other investigative agencies that assisted include the Federal Bureau of Investigation, including the Pittsburgh, San Francisco, San Juan, and Philadelphia Field Offices; United States Marshals Service; Homeland Security Investigations; United States Postal Service; Drug Enforcement Administration, the Louisville and Chicago Divisions; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; West Virginia State Police; Martinsburg Police Department; Ranson Police Department; Charles Town Police Department; Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office; Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office; West Virginia Air National Guard; Mineral County Sheriff’s Office; Grant County Sheriff’s Office; Hampshire County Sheriff’s Department; Keyser Police Department; Northwest Regional Drug Task Force, Virginia; Pennsylvania State Police; Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, Pennsylvania; Winchester Police Department, Virginia; Frederick County Sheriff’s Office, Virginia; Virginia State Police; Sunnyvale Police Department, California.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert W. Trumble presided.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
Joined by Parliamentary Secretary Chantelle de Jonge, the delegation will showcase Alberta’s position as a leader in responsible energy development in Washington, D.C.
While in the U.S. capital from June 2-7, Alberta’s delegations will meet with industry leaders, technology innovators and American government officials to advance partnerships and lay the foundation for advancing North American energy dominance and alleviating global energy poverty.
They will leverage their attendance at the Energy Council’s 2025 Federal Energy and Environmental Matters Conference, the U.S. Energy Streams 10th Washington Energy Forum and the S&P Global Oil Sands Dialogue to support Alberta in becoming a major global energy supplier.
This mission comes at an important time in Alberta’s relationship with the U.S., as we work to broaden our trade partnerships globally and navigate complex geopolitical environments.
“While Alberta seeks to enter new global markets, we know that the U.S. remains our largest trading partner, and we believe that through advocacy – this important relationship can and will be maintained. Alberta’s energy future is unstoppable and has a key role to play in helping the U.S. meet its growing energy needs and global energy dominance ambition in a secure and reliable way unmatched by any other energy partner.”
“The world needs more of Alberta’s oil, gas and minerals to meet ever evolving energy needs and reduce reliance on products from conflict zones. Alberta can play a crucial role in advancing North American energy dominance and we will work on the partnerships that will lead to a secure energy future.”
“Alberta’s competitive electricity market and business-friendly environment make our province a destination of choice for investors and a leader in innovative technologies. I am proud to carry that message to our partners south of the border as we continue to build our energy future.”
“Alberta is a global leader in responsible energy development. I look forward to working with our U.S. partners to advance new opportunities in our energy sector that will reap benefits on both sides of the border.”
This mission builds on the success of CERAWeek in March and is part of Alberta’s continued efforts to promote our vast resource base and responsible energy sector and increase market access for the province’s ethically produced energy, both traditional and emerging.
Trip expenses for elected officials and staff will be posted on the travel and expense disclosure page.
Alberta’s government is committed to working with national and international partners to advance shared interests that can lead to new opportunities for people and businesses in Alberta and around the world. By working with industry, researchers and other governments, Alberta is implementing its Emissions Reduction and Energy Development Plan and offering a business-friendly environment primed for investment and growth.
|
June 3 |
|
|
June 4 |
|
*Subject to change.
|
June 1 |
|
|
June 2 |
|
|
June 3 |
|
|
June 4 |
|
|
June 5 |
|
|
June 6 |
|
|
June 7 |
|
*Subject to change.
|
June 4 |
|
|
June 5-6 |
|
|
June 7 |
|
*Subject to change.
|
June 4 |
|
|
June 5-7 |
|
|
June 8 |
|
|
June 9 |
|
*Subject to change.
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator for New Hampshire Jeanne Shaheen
(Moultonborough, NH) – After leading a bipartisan Congressional delegation (CODEL) to Canada last week, U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) highlighted the local impacts of President Trump’s sweeping tariffs on Granite State businesses at Colby Footwear in Rochester and discussed the negative effects on the summer tourism season with the Mount Washington Valley Chamber of Commerce in North Conway. Photos from today’s events can be found here.
“In New Hampshire, we should be preparing to welcome Canadian visitors for the summer tourism season – but instead, local businesses and retail sectors across the state are worrying about how travel cancellations and higher costs resulting from the President’s reckless tariffs on Canada will impact their bottom line and ability to operate,” said Senator Shaheen. “I’ll continue listening to the challenges that Granite Staters are facing so I can ensure their voices are heard in Washington.”
Last week, Shaheen led U.S. Senators Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Tim Kaine (D-VA) and Peter Welch (D-VT) on a bipartisan delegation visit to Ottawa, Canada where they met with Prime Minister Mark Carney and members of his cabinet, the Business Council of Canada and other leading Canadian companies and business groups. The delegation reaffirmed the strong U.S.-Canada partnership and support for our bilateral relationship among Congress and the American people.
Senator Shaheen is helping lead efforts in Congress to mitigate the harmful impacts of President Trump’s tariffs. In January, Shaheen introduced the Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes on Imported Goods Act which would limit the president’s ability to leverage sweeping tariffs that increase costs for American consumers and families. Her effort to pass this bill by unanimous consent was blocked by Senate Republicans. In recent months, Shaheen has traveled across the Granite State to visit businesses including Chatila’s Bakery, C&J, DCI Furniture, Mount Cabot Maple, American Calan Inc. and NH Ball Bearings to hear directly from Granite Staters impacted by the administration’s tariffs.
Later in the day, Shaheen toured Castle in the Clouds in Moultonborough to discuss the upcoming summer tourism season and celebrate the site’s recent designation as a National Historic Landmark. In September of 2024, Shaheen sent a letter to National Park Service Director Charles Sams supporting the designation.
“Castle in the Clouds is a Granite State icon that does important work to help preserve New Hampshire’s stunning outdoor spaces and history,” said Shaheen. “I was glad to visit the beautiful landmark today to discuss the upcoming summer tourism season and the work we need to do to ensure Castle in the Clouds can thrive for future generations of Granite Staters to enjoy.”
Senator Shaheen has long drawn attention to the integral role Castle in the Clouds plays in fueling New Hampshire’s tourism economy. The 5,500-acre estate sees over 50,000 visitors annually.
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator for New Hampshire Jeanne Shaheen
(Lyme, NH) – Today, U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) hosted a roundtable in Lebanon to discuss the local impacts of Congressional Republicans’ bill to make unprecedented cuts to Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Shaheen also visited the Kilham Bear Center in Lyme to mark the recent introduction of her Connecticut River Watershed Partnership Act (CRWPA) to restore and protect the Watershed. Photos from both of today’s events can be found here.
At West Central Behavioral Health in Lebanon, Shaheen hosted a roundtable with local health care leaders to highlight the impacts Congressional Republicans’ bill will have on patients and providers in the Upper Valley region. The bill adds unnecessary red tape and guts funding for Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act (ACA).
“Republican-led cuts to Medicaid and the ACA will have real costs for Granite Staters, and that’s why I’m continuing to speak with health care leaders, caregivers and patients across New Hampshire,” said Senator Shaheen. “What I heard from folks at West Central Behavioral Health cements what we already know to be true: If the Republican tax bill is signed into law, the impact will be felt in every corner of our state through higher costs and less accessibility for the health care Granite Staters need.”
The roundtable was the latest stop on Shaheen’s “Medicaid Impact Tour”—a series of discussions across the Granite State to underscore the harm cuts to Medicaid and the ACA would have on New Hampshire, including by raising the cost of health care and leaving tens of thousands uninsured.
Later in Lyme, Shaheen toured the Kilham Bear Center and hosted a roundtable discussion to highlight how her Connecticut River Watershed Partnership Act would promote conservation, restoration, education and recreation efforts along the Watershed by formalizing collaboration among the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, states, local communities and nonprofit partners.
“It was great to visit the Kilham Bear Center in Lyme to see their work to rescue and rehabilitate orphaned and injured black bear cubs,” said Senator Shaheen. “New Hampshire’s wildlife and treasured outdoor spaces would benefit from the formal collaboration that my legislation would create to protect and restore the Connecticut River Watershed.”
Shaheen has led efforts to safeguard our natural environment and invest in climate resiliency while boosting New Hampshire’s recreation economy, including by securing full funding and permanent authorization for the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF), which has helped protect more than 2.5 million acres of land and supported tens of thousands of state and local outdoor recreation projects throughout the nation. In 2022, Shaheen helped to secure $3.7 million in Congressionally Directed Spending from the LWCF for a large conservation easement for Bear Hill. In 2020, Shaheen helped lead the Great American Outdoors Act into law to permanently fund the LWCF and provide mandatory funding for deferred maintenance on public lands.
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator for Iowa Chuck Grassley
Q: What is the Big, Beautiful Bill Act?
A: The House of Representatives passed a 1,000-plus page bill in May that includes key measures to enact President Trump’s domestic policy agenda, including a once-in-a-generation opportunity to cut government bloat and prevent the biggest tax hike in American history. The package also boosts resources for the military, beefs up border security and unleashes American energy to help fuel economic growth. Now, the sausage-making gets underway in the U.S. Senate. Unlike in the House of Representatives, deliberations in the Senate must abide by specific rules that apply to a reconciliation package. Those parameters include a fast-track process that requires only 51 Senate votes instead of 60; and the bill also must directly impact federal spending or taxes. I’ll be giving a thorough scrubbing to the legislation, including its impact on the farm safety net and food stamp (SNAP) program and efforts to root out waste, fraud and abuse in health care.
Q: What is the Byrd rule?
A: The Byrd rule is named after former Sen. Robert Byrd of West Virginia, who was long recognized as the “conscience of the Senate” for his deep-seated commitment to parliamentary procedures to protect the institutional role of the Senate in our system of checks and balances. The Byrd rule sets restrictions on reconciliation legislation considered in the Senate and was included unanimously in a federal budget law adopted 40 years ago and made permanent in 1990.
Reconciliation legislation is used to change revenue and mandatory spending levels within budget resolution policies using an expedited timeline. Unlike the House of Representatives, debate in the Senate is limited to 20 hours and amendments must be germane. The Byrd rule was adopted to preserve the deliberative nature of the Senate and protect the integrity of the reconciliation process. It prevents abusive efforts to circumvent the process with non-budgetary policy matters that ought to be considered under regular order. For example, the Senate Democrat Majority tried to use the reconciliation process to ram through mass amnesty for illegal immigrants. This massive policy proposal failed to pass the Byrd rule.
The Byrd rule allows any senator to raise a point of order against non-budgetary matters in a reconciliation bill. If a point of order is sustained, the provision is removed from the underlying legislation. An effort to waive the Byrd rule requires approval from three-fifths of the Senate. Over the years, the Byrd rule has created friction between the House and Senate. Don’t forget, the founders intentionally created a bicameral legislature to guarantee the rights of the minority party. The rules of the Senate are built around consensus, as opposed to the House of Representatives where the majority party dominates. As the story goes, George Washington told Thomas Jefferson that “we pour legislation into the senatorial saucer to cool it.” Keeping intact the institutional role of the Senate is an important check in our separation of powers. The Byrd rule is one of those pillars that prevents unrelated legislative agendas from evading Senate deliberation. Whereas the House had a tough row to hoe to pass the reconciliation package, the Senate has an even narrower row to cultivate to get to the finish line.
Source: US Congressman Mike Lawler (R, NY-17)
Washington, D.C. – 5/30/25… This week, Congressman Mike Lawler (NY-17), Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on the Middle East and North Africa, concluded a bipartisan Congressional Delegation (CODEL) to Saudi Arabia, Israel, and Jordan, where he and fellow House Foreign Affairs Committee members engaged with regional leaders to advance shared interests, address ongoing challenges, and reinforce America’s commitment to peace in the Middle East.
With Iran continuing to actively fund terror proxies and pursue a nuclear weapons program, the delegation placed a strong emphasis on deepening security coordination with key U.S. allies. In particular, the group explored emerging diplomatic opportunities in Syria and Lebanon, two countries where Iran’s malign influence has waned and where strategic engagement could help foster long-term stability.
Conversations also centered on defeating Hamas, securing the release of the remaining hostages in Gaza, and ensuring humanitarian aid reaches Palestinian civilians directly, without interference from Hamas. The CODEL built on the momentum of President Trump’s recent visit to the region and explored new opportunities for economic cooperation and investment, especially in AI and emerging technologies across Saudi Arabia and the Gulf states.
Joining Congressman Lawler on the delegation were Congresswoman Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (FL-20), Ranking Member of the Middle East and North Africa Subcommittee, and Congressman Michael McCaul (TX-10), Chairman Emeritus of the House Foreign Affairs Committee.
In Saudi Arabia, the delegation held high-level meetings with the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, H.E. Adel Al-Jubeir, and engaged with leading U.S. defense and technology companies. They also met with Diriyah Gate Development Authority CEO Gerard “Jerry” J. Inzerillo and toured the UNESCO World Heritage Site At-Turaif District in Diriyah, the historic capital of the first Saudi dynasty (1744-1818).
In Israel, the delegation met with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, received briefings on U.S.-Israel missile defense coordination, and visited key religious and cultural sites, including the Western Wall, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, and the City of David.
“Prime Minister Netanyahu’s determined leadership during this time of war has fundamentally shifted the security landscape of the Middle East and made it a safer place,” said Congressman Lawler. “The U.S.-Israel alliance remains ironclad as we pursue diplomatic solutions for lasting peace in the region.”
In Jordan, the delegation met with His Majesty King Abdullah II and senior cabinet officials to reinforce the strategic partnership between the U.S. and Jordan. Congressman Lawler also led a discussion with Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Maj. Gen. Yousef Huneiti, as well as Jordan’s ministers of Economic Affairs, Investment, and Planning and International Cooperation.
The delegation also met with the Petra Development and Tourism Region Authority to explore avenues for expansion in tourism, cultural preservation, and sustainable development.
“This CODEL served as a vital opportunity to strengthen our alliances, confront shared threats, and demonstrate bipartisan American leadership in support of our partners,” said Congressman Lawler. “As Chairman of the MENA Subcommittee, I remain committed to deepening U.S. engagement in the region and working with our partners to build a more secure, prosperous, and stable Middle East.”
“Amidst President Trump’s efforts to end the war in Gaza & secure normalization agreements, I was honored to visit several of our allies and partners in the Middle East. These nations will play pivotal roles in shaping the future of the region — a future defined by peace and prosperity. I am grateful to our friends in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Israel, and the Kingdom of Jordan for welcoming us, and I look forward to our continued partnership with these regional leaders as we work toward greater peace and stability across the Middle East,” said Congressman McCaul.
Congressman Lawler is one of the most bipartisan members of Congress and represents New York’s 17th Congressional District, which is just north of New York City and contains all or parts of Rockland, Putnam, Dutchess, and Westchester Counties. He was rated the most effective freshman lawmaker in the 118th Congress, 8th overall, surpassing dozens of committee chairs.
###
Official Photos from the congressional delegation can be found HERE.
Source: US Whitehouse
AMERICAN JOBS, AMERICAN STEEL.
The landmark agreement comes alongside a host of companies from across industries that are onshoring their production and investing in American manufacturing as President Trump relentlessly pursues his America First trade policies.
Look no further than the automotive industry:
It’s not just the auto industry; scores of others are lining up to invest in America:
That doesn’t even include the U.S. investments planned by foreign countries:
Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Barry Loudermilk (R-GA)
Washington, D.C. (May 30, 2025) | Rep. Barry Loudermilk (GA-11) issued the following statement following his bipartisan request to Subcommittee on Defense Chairman Rep. Calvert and Ranking Member Rep. McCollum for funding of C-130J procurement as part of FY2026 defense appropriations.
“America’s national security depends on the capability and lethality of our Armed Forces. Ensuring that our brave men and women in uniform have the tools they need to protect our interests at home and abroad is critical, and I am committed to making sure our military is equipped to face the challenges of both the present and the future.
“Older, 30+ year old variants of the C-130J platform lack sufficient missile warning systems, leaving them vulnerable to the anti-air capabilities of adversarial nations — further highlighting the need for renewed production. Continued procurement of the C-130J aircraft is essential to ensure the timely transport of both personnel and equipment, as current inventories continue to age. A significant drop in production over the next three years could severely undermine our national security — and that of our allies — at a dangerous time in world affairs.”
IAM Union International President, Brian Bryant said in support: “The C-130J is the only U.S.-made airlift currently in production, and a stable and efficient production line is vital in supporting current and future Department of Defense and allied nation airlift requirements,” said IAM Union International President Brian Bryant. “The C-130J production line provides for thousands of high-skilled IAM Union jobs and supports more than 27,000 jobs across its nationwide supply chain.”
Click here to read the full letter
Source: IMF – News in Russian
May 30, 2025
Washington, DC: The Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) completed the Article IV consultation[1] for Bolivia on May 2. The authorities have consented to the publication of the Staff Report prepared for this consultation.[2]
Bolivia’s real GDP growth has moderated to 2.1 percent in the first three quarters of 2024, driven by a decline in hydrocarbons production, a slowdown in services activity, and a drop in soy crops and related manufacturing due to ‘El Niño’ effects. The economy has also faced disruptions from road blockages and scarcity of foreign exchange (FX)―given critically low international reserves―fuels and other critical inputs. High import costs, weak agricultural production, and road blockages pushed inflation to 10 percent at end-2024, the highest level in over a decade. Unemployment has fallen, but underemployment is rising, and real incomes retrenched on average. The combination of FX shortages, slowing activity, and depreciation of the parallel exchange rate resulted in a compression of the current account deficit to 2.7 percent for 2024. The fiscal deficit surpassed 10 percent of GDP in 2023-24 with declining hydrocarbon revenues, tax exemptions, increased social spending, and higher interest payments. The deficit has been mostly financed by the central bank amid tight external financing constraints. Public debt has increased to 95 percent of GDP.
The financial sector remains well buffered. However, deposits declined in real terms and net interest margins are pressured by interest rate controls, limiting banks’ ability to raise loan rates amid rising inflation and slowing credit growth. Banks have experienced improved profitability from FX trading gains, resulting in a strengthened capital adequacy ratio of 13.5 percent in 2024, while non-performing loans have remained low at 3.2 percent of total loans.
Executive Board Assessment[3]
Executive Directors agreed with the thrust of the staff appraisal. They expressed concern over Bolivia’s acute fiscal and external imbalances and unsustainable policy mix and called for urgent actions to address the overvalued exchange rate, bolster foreign reserves, and implement sustained fiscal consolidation. Directors cautioned that inaction could lead to a painful disorderly adjustment and underscored the Fund’s readiness to support the authorities through its various activities. They encouraged the staff to continue to closely engage the authorities on the needed adjustments. Careful communication of the policy reforms to stakeholders would be pivotal to enhance their acceptability.
Directors stressed that the untenable peg to the U.S. dollar and depleted international reserves call for a decisive shift in the monetary policy framework. They called for a realignment of the exchange rate with market fundamentals, moving toward greater exchange rate flexibility, and for front loaded fiscal consolidation and restrictive monetary policy settings, which would address inflationary pressures, alleviate FX shortages, and allow elimination of FX restrictions. Increasing interest rate flexibility will facilitate effective monetary policy transmission.
Directors recommended a credible and sustained fiscal consolidation by rationalizing the public wage bill, phasing out fuel subsidies, enhancing public investment management and spending efficiency, and mobilizing tax revenue. Eliminating monetary financing of fiscal deficits is also important. Directors also emphasized the need to mitigate the effects of the policy adjustments on vulnerable populations, including through improved targeting of the social safety net. A coherent fiscal framework can help underpin the consolidation plan.
Directors emphasized the need to strengthen financial sector supervision amid growing economic vulnerabilities. They called for close monitoring and contingency planning and encouraged the implementation of the remaining 2024 FSAP recommendations and strengthening the AML/CFT framework. Enhancing Bolivia’s public pension fund operations by diversifying investments and strengthening the pension supervisor’s independence is also important.
Directors called for comprehensive supply side reforms to enhance productivity and growth potential and facilitate external rebalancing by phasing out export ceilings, price controls, and credit quotas. They emphasized the need for a clear regulatory framework to attract private investment and to focus public investment on socially beneficial infrastructure projects. Further efforts to enhance transparency and the governance and anticorruption frameworks will also be important. Improving data adequacy also remains a priority.
It is expected that the next Article IV consultation with Bolivia will be held on the standard 12 month cycle.
|
Table 1. Bolivia: Selected Economic Indicators, 2023-30 |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
[1] Under Article IV of the IMF’s Articles of Agreement, the IMF holds bilateral discussions with members, usually every year. A staff team visits the country, collects economic and financial information, and discusses with officials the country’s economic developments and policies. On return to headquarters, the staff prepares a report, which forms the basis for discussion by the Executive Board.
[2] Under the IMF’s Articles of Agreement, publication of documents that pertain to member countries is voluntary and requires the member consent. The staff report will be shortly published on the www.imf.org/Bolivia page.
[3] At the conclusion of the discussion, the Managing Director, as Chair of the Board, summarizes the views of Executive Directors, and this summary is transmitted to the country’s authorities. An explanation of any qualifiers used in summings up can be found here: http://www.IMF.org/external/np/sec/misc/qualifiers.htm.
PRESS OFFICER: Meera Louis
Phone: +1 202 623-7100Email: MEDIA@IMF.org
https://www.imf.org/en/News/Articles/2025/05/30/pr-25168-bolivia-imf-concludes-2025-art-iv-consult
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Yvette D Clarke (9th District of New York)
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
May 30, 2025
MEDIA CONTACT:
e: jessica.myers@mail.house.gov
c: 202.913.0126
WASHINGTON, DC – Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke (NY-09) released the following statement:
“I am truly outraged by the Supreme Court’s morally bankrupt and legally absurd decision to rubber stamp the Trump Administration’s efforts to strip more than half a million migrants in our nation of their protected status. With SCOTUS’ blessing, Donald Trump’s barbaric punishment of hundreds of thousands of innocent Cubans, Haitians, Venezuelans, and Nicaraguans living legally in our nation can proceed – and his administration can now take its cruel crusade against immigrant Americans to an unprecedented new level.
“It’s stunning that our nation’s highest court has all but endorsed a nonsensical argument based only in this administration’s hysterical contempt for immigrants. We’re talking about the most vulnerable people in the world, each of whom was promised safety and protection in this nation, who are instead now staring down a death sentence if forced to return to their previous countries. With this decision, America has betrayed and backstabbed more than 500,000 children, women, and men. Let me be clear: that is a sin that cannot and will not be forgiven.
“The Supreme Court of the United States gave its resounding approval of a xenophobic policy that punishes the very people it should be protecting, and that is utterly disgusting. In their hour of need, these innocents deserved only love. Tragically, the Trump Administration is capable of only hate.”
###
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator for Virginia Tim Kaine
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA), a former civil rights lawyer and legal ethics professor, joined 26 of his colleagues to reintroduce the bicameral Supreme Court Ethics, Recusal, and Transparency (SCERT) Act, legislation to require Supreme Court justices to adopt a binding code of conduct and create a mechanism to investigate alleged violations of the code of conduct and other laws. Specifically, the legislation would improve disclosure and transparency when a justice has a connection to a party before the Court, end the practice of justices ruling on their own conflicts of interest, and require justices to explain their recusal decisions to the public.
“Our nation was founded on the principle that no one is above the law, including our Supreme Court justices, but recent actions of some justices have led the American people to lose faith in this ideal,” said Kaine. “We must rebuild public trust in our nation’s highest court, which is why I’m proud to be reintroducing this commonsense legislation to create a tough, enforceable, and mandatory ethics standard to ensure the justices are acting in the best interest of the American people and properly carrying out their duties under the Constitution.”
In recent years, reporting from ProPublica and The New York Times has exposed Justice Clarence Thomas’s long record of accepting undisclosed gifts from politically active right-wing billionaires. Further reporting from ProPublica found that Justice Samuel Alito accepted private jet travel to an all-expenses-paid vacation from a hedge fund billionaire who had contributed over $80 million to Republican political organizations and had business before the Court. Justice Alito’s luxury vacation was organized by Leonard Leo, the engineer of the current right-wing Supreme Court supermajority, at the behest of a cadre of right-wing billionaires and special interests.
The SCERT Act would address these and future ethical shortfalls by developing a process for the creation and enforcement of a code of conduct, improving the rules and transparency regarding gifts to justices, and strengthening recusal requirements to ensure impartiality of justices.
In addition to Kaine, the bill is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Peter Welch (D-VT), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Chris Coons (D-DE), John Fetterman (D-PA), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Ed Markey (D-MA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Patty Murray (D-WA), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Jack Reed (D-RI), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Tina Smith (D-MN), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), and Ron Wyden (D-OR).
The SCERT Act is endorsed by Accountable.US/Accountable.NOW, Common Cause, Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW), Citizens United/Let America Vote, Demand Justice, Fix the Court, New York City Bar Association, People’s Parity Project, League of Conservation Voters, Court Accountability Action, Free Law Project, American Governance Institute, Lawyers for Good Government, Public Citizen, and Stand Up America.
As a lawyer and legal ethics professor, Kaine has long supported Supreme Court ethics reform. In 2024, Kaine strongly supported President Joe Biden’s proposed Supreme Court reforms, which would have created an enforceable ethics code. In 2023, following the alarming ProPublica report, Kaine called on Chief Justice Roberts to investigate Justice Thomas. In 2023, Kaine also joined a letter urging the Senate Appropriations Committee to include language in upcoming government funding legislation to direct the Supreme Court to adopt binding, transparent, and enforceable ethics rules.
Full text of the SCERT Act is available here.
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator for Maine Susan Collins
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Susan Collins, Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, announced that multiple Maine localities will receive $29,017,396 in federal funding through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) Community Planning and Development (CPD) formula grant programs. CPD programs support states and communities as they construct and rehabilitate affordable housing, improve public services, and address homelessness. The grant awards are distributed through multiple HUD programs, including the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), the HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME), the Housing Trust Fund (HTF), the Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) program, and the Recovery Housing Program (RHP).
“This funding will help communities across our state expand access to stable and affordable housing while improving essential local services and supporting job creation,” said Senator Collins. “As Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, I will continue to champion investments in housing and community infrastructure so that more Maine families and individuals can find a safe place to call home.”
Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)
This program supports the development of viable urban communities by funding housing, public infrastructure, and job creation programs that primarily benefit low- and moderate-income residents.
The funding for this program is allocated as follows:
State of Maine – $11,867,952
City of Portland – $1,807,636
Cumberland County – $1,509,068
City of Bangor – $833,082
City of Lewiston – $788,103
City of Auburn – $485,861
City of Biddeford – $424,428
HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME)
This program provides formula grants to build, buy, or rehabilitate affordable housing for rent or homeownership, or to provide direct rental assistance to low-income households.
The funding for this program is allocated as follows:
State of Maine – $4,076,946
City of Portland – $800,654
City of Auburn – $462,520
Housing Trust Fund (HTF)
This program funds the production and preservation of affordable housing for extremely low- and very low-income households.
The funding for this program is allocated as follows:
State of Maine – $3,134,373
Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG)
This program helps individuals and families quickly regain stable housing after experiencing homelessness or a housing crisis.
The funding for this program is allocated as follows:
State of Maine – $1,398,052
City of Portland – $161,146
Recovery Housing Program (RHP)
This program provides temporary housing support for individuals recovering from substance use disorders.
The funding for this program is allocated as follows:
State of Maine – $1,267,575
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator for Maine Susan Collins
Published: May 30, 2025
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Susan Collins, Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, announced that eleven Maine airports will receive a total of $4,201,355 to support important infrastructure improvements. This funding comes from the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) Fiscal Year 2025 Airport Infrastructure Grants (AIG) program, made possible by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). Senator Collins was one of 10 senators who negotiated the IIJA, which provided $15 billion for airport improvements nationwide.
“Maine’s airports are vital pieces of our state’s transportation network that promote job creation and economic development. Throughout our state, airports play a critical role not only in carrying residents and visitors, but also in facilitating medical services for those in rural communities during emergencies when seconds count,” said Senator Collins. “These significant investments will allow airports across Maine to make much-needed improvements to their infrastructure, improving the safety and efficiency of their operations, while enhancing passengers’ overall experience.”
Specifically, the funding has been allocated as follows:
Auburn/Lewiston Municipal Airport (LEW) – $1,163,000 to support multiple improvements including construction of a new 11,800 square foot hangar for aircraft storage, a new general aviation apron, and a 900-foot hangar taxilane to improve airfield access and bring the airport in alignment with current aviation standards.
Eastern Slope Regional Airport (IZG) – $416,385 to update the airport’s master plan, which will guide future development.
Pittsfield Municipal Airport (2B7) – $268,294 to acquire a snowplow attachment and reseal 4,003 feet of runway pavement to extend its service life.
Dewitt Field/Old Town Municipal Airport (OLD) – $245,044 to reimburse the airport for construction of a portion of a new 9,000 square foot hangar completed in 2020 that is helping the airport generate additional revenue.
Sugarloaf Regional Airport (B21) – $237,500 to design rehabilitation plans for 2,797 feet of runway to extend its service life.
Augusta State Airport (AUG) – $213,750 to reconstruct airfield markings that have reached the end of their useful lives, improving safety for pilots and ground crews.
Princeton Municipal Airport (PNN) – $183,350 to design a new 4,225 square foot hangar that will support airport self-sufficiency through increased aviation activity.
Stephen A. Bean Municipal Airport (8B0) – $150,000 to reconstruct 3,444 square yards of existing terminal apron to extend its service life and construct new 750-foot taxilanes to improve airfield access.
Northern Aroostook Regional Airport (FVE) – $118,720 to acquire snow removal equipment, including a snow blower and plow blade, to improve winter operations.
Presque Isle International Airport (PQI) – $115,615 to acquire and install upgraded security equipment in accordance with federal regulations.
Lincoln Regional Airport (LRG) – $89,697 to acquire 0.7 acres of land, including an on-property building, for future development,
Since joining the Appropriations Committee in 2009, Senator Collins has helped to secure more than $1 billion in competitive transportation grants for the State of Maine.
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator for Wisconsin Tammy Baldwin
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Ranking Member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health, and Human Services, released the following statement after the Trump Administration announced it is cutting funding for Job Corps and closing centers nationwide, including in Milwaukee.
“Wisconsin is a state that makes things, but without a skilled workforce, our state risks losing that vital part of our identity and economy. Job training programs like Job Corps are a proven way to connect more Wisconsinites with careers that in turn fuel our economy,” said Senator Baldwin. “Congress appropriated funding for Job Corps, and the Trump Administration can’t just decide to not spend it because they want to make room for tax cuts for billionaires. At a time when Wisconsin businesses are demanding more skilled workers, the Trump Administration is cutting vital resources that put Wisconsinites on a fast-track to good-paying jobs in nursing, manufacturing, and the trades. Gutting Job Corps is a step in the wrong direction, exacerbating our state’s workforce shortage, locking students out of good-paying jobs, and hurting our Made in Wisconsin economy and businesses who rely on skilled workers to compete and grow.”
Job Corps is the nation’s largest free, residential career training and education program for low-income young adults ages 16 through 24. Since 1964, three million students graduated from Job Corps. However, Thursday the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) announced it will begin shutting down contractor operated Job Corp centers nationwide, including in Milwaukee, jeopardizing job training for Wisconsin students and local communities.
Senator Baldwin has been a champion for workforce training and apprenticeship programs, including Job Corps. During President Trump’s first term, Senator Baldwin blocked the administration from trying to close a Job Corps center near Laona that provides economic opportunities in rural Wisconsin. At a hearing for President Trump’s Fiscal Year 2026 budget proposal last week, Senator Baldwin pressed DOL Secretary Lori Chavez-Deremer on proposed cuts to workforce training programs, including the Job Corps program.
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.)
Padilla, Marshall Introduce Bipartisan, Bicameral Legislation to Spur Plant Biostimulant Research and Development
LOS ANGELES, CA — U.S. Senators Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) and Roger Marshall (R-Kan.) introduced the Plant Biostimulant Act to create a uniform federal definition for plant biostimulants, establish a consistent regulatory pathway to market, and promote additional research into the benefits of biostimulant products on soil health and crop production. Plant biostimulants are substances or microorganisms applied to plants or soils to enhance natural processes, improve nutrient uptake, increase tolerance to environmental stress, and boost overall plant health and crop yield. These products also show promise for improving sustainability through practices like carbon sequestration and water quality improvement.
Currently, there is no clear or consistent federal framework to govern the use and approval of plant biostimulants, which creates uncertainty for producers and limits the adoption of these innovative tools. The Plant Biostimulant Act would address this gap through federal guidance from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). U.S. Representatives Jimmy Panetta (D-Calif.-19) and Jim Baird (R-Ind.-04) introduced companion legislation in the House of Representatives.
“California’s agriculture industry is essential to our national economy and puts food on the table for families across the country,” said Senator Padilla. “As we leverage innovation to make our agriculture sector more sustainable, our evolving practices must be properly implemented to ensure their efficacy and safety. Oversight and regulatory standards for plant biostimulants, which could replace or reduce the use of synthetic pesticides and fertilizers, are critical to maintain California’s leadership at the forefront of this bio-based agricultural technology.”
“Innovation is the cornerstone of American agriculture. By creating pathways to approve new agronomic tools like plant biostimulants, our nation’s farmers are able to produce more food with less crop protection tools and fertilizers,” said Senator Marshall. “I am proud to lead this bipartisan effort with Senator Padilla and Representatives Baird and Panetta to help make the world cleaner, safer, and healthier than we found it.”
“The lack of a standard regulatory definition or pathway to market for plant biostimulants makes it harder for producers to access this sustainable and effective technology,” said Representative Panetta. “By reintroducing this bipartisan bill, we’re pushing for the clarity and federal coordination needed to encourage the adoption of biostimulants. Increasing access to these products helps our farmers improve crop yields, protect our environment, and maintain U.S. leadership in sustainable agriculture.”
“Our farmers and ranchers deserve a regulatory process that provides a clear path for their products to go to market, especially as new technologies become available for famers and producers to improve the efficiency, productivity, and sustainability of our agriculture industry,” said Representative Baird. “Biostimulants have the significant potential benefits for producers and their sustainability footprint. Defining these products and creating a consistent process is an important step in giving farmers better access to plant biostimulants and other new technologies to ensure our agriculture sector can thrive.”
“The reintroduction of the Plant Biostimulant Act in the Senate is a pivotal step forward, and we commend Senators Roger Marshall and Alex Padilla for their leadership,” said Keith Jones, Executive Director of the Biological Products Industry Alliance (BPIA). “This bipartisan legislation provides much-needed regulatory clarity for plant biostimulants—ensuring a consistent federal definition and a predictable path to market for these innovative tools. By enabling greater investment in U.S. agricultural innovation, it strengthens our global competitiveness and supports long-term sustainability. BPIA stands ready to work with Congress, growers, and partners across the agricultural community to get this bill passed and deliver the solutions our farmers deserve.”
Specifically, the Plant Biostimulant Act would:
Amend the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) to define plant biostimulants;
Direct EPA to revise the Code of Federal Regulations to reflect the new definition;
Require USDA to study the contributions of plant biostimulants to soil health and sustainability.
Plant biostimulants are similar to probiotics or vitamins for plants which stimulate a plant’s natural processes to increase growth and optimize plant health, thereby reducing abiotic stress such as heat, salinity, floods, and drought. Plant biostimulants can provide environmental benefits by improving soil health, enhancing fertilizer efficiency, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The California Department of Food and Agriculture is a leader in the development of guidelines used to register plant biostimulant products, and the University of California, Davis has pioneered research on the efficacy of plant biostimulants for increasing drought resiliency in tomatoes, among other areas.
The Plant Biostimulant Act is endorsed by the following groups: Agriculture Retailers Association (ARA), American Seed Trade Association (ASTA), Biological Products Industry Alliance (BPIA), Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO), Council of Producers and Distributors of Agrotechnology (CPDA), CropLife America (CLA), The Fertilizer Institute Biostimulant Council, Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA), Humic Products Trade Association (HPTA), International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA), National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP), RISE (Responsible Industry for a Sound Environment), Southern Crop Production Association (SCPA), and Western Growers.
Full text of the bill is available here.
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.)
Padilla, Bipartisan Coalition of CA Delegation Members Demand Restoration of Critical Disaster Resiliency Program
LOS ANGELES, CA — U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) joined U.S. Representative Jimmy Panetta (D-Calif.-19), Senator Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), and a bipartisan group of California delegation members in demanding the restoration of the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) program. The Trump Administration recently announced its decision to end the BRIC program and cancel all BRIC applications from Fiscal Years 2020-2023, a shortsighted move that jeopardizes pre-disaster mitigation measures and infrastructure resiliency efforts in California and throughout the country.
President Trump signed the BRIC program into law as part of the 2018 Disaster Reform Act, helping fund local projects that reduce damage from flooding, tornadoes, and other weather-related events. Since its inception, the BRIC program has invested $5 billion in grants for resilient infrastructure. Projects in California include drought and earthquake mitigation projects in Kern and Tulare counties and wildfire management projects in Santa Cruz, Napa, Sonoma, and Nevada counties, all of which are still working to recover from the 2020 wildfires that were some of the deadliest and costliest wildfires in California history.
“We are deeply concerned about the impact of this decision. If FEMA decides to ultimately withdraw its federal investment, these counties will be forced to abandon these life- and infrastructure-saving projects,” wrote the bipartisan coalition of lawmakers. “Ending the BRIC Program will result in higher costs for Americans, especially as natural disasters become more frequent and severe.”
“The BRIC Program allows the State of California and its many communities to shift away from reactive disaster spending and toward research-supported, proactive investment in community resilience. We urge you to immediately reverse this decision and do all you can to support the work of this vital program,” continued the lawmakers.
Every dollar spent on pre-disaster mitigation and preparedness saves between $6 and $13 in damages, cleanup costs, and economic impact. California stands to lose over $1 billion in disaster resilience and mitigation funding if the Administration proceeds with the cancellation of the BRIC program.
In addition to Padilla, Panetta, and Schiff, the letter was also signed by Representatives Pete Aguilar (D-Calif.-33), Nanette Barragán (D-Calif.-44), Ami Bera (D-Calif.-06), Julia Brownley (D-Calif.-26), Salud Carbajal (D-Calif.-24), Judy Chu (D-Calif.-28), Gil Cisneros (D-Calif.-31), Jim Costa (D-Calif.-21), Mark DeSaulnier (D-Calif.-10), Vince Fong (R-Calif.-20), Laura Friedman (D-Calif.-30), John Garamendi (D-Calif.-08), Robert Garcia (D-Calif.-42), Josh Harder (D-Calif.-09), Jared Huffman (D-Calif.-02), Sara Jacobs (D-Calif.-51), Sydney Kamlager-Dove (D-Calif.-37), Ro Khanna (D-Calif.-17), Young Kim (R-Calif.-40), Mike Levin (D-Calif.-49), Sam Liccardo (D-Calif.-16), Ted Lieu (D-Calif.-36), Zoe Lofgren (D-Calif.-18), Dave Min (D-Calif.-47), Kevin Mullin (D-Calif.-15), Scott Peters (D-Calif.-50), Luz Rivas (D-Calif.-29), Linda Sánchez (D-Calif.-38), Brad Sherman (D-Calif.-32), Lateefah Simon (D-Calif.-12), Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.-14), Mike Thompson (D-Calif.-04), Norma Torres (D-Calif.-35), Derek Tran (D-Calif.-45), and David Valadao (R-Calif.-22).
Senator Padilla previously joined over 80 of his colleagues in a bipartisan, bicameral letter urging Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem to reinstate the BRIC program.
Full text of the California lawmakers’ letter is available here and below:
Dear Secretary Noem and Mr. Richardson,
We write with great concern regarding the decision to end the Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) program and cancel all BRIC applications from Fiscal Years 2020- 2023. Given its impact on the State of California, which stands to lose over one billion dollars in promised resilience funding, we urge you to reconsider this decision.
The BRIC program, established in the 2018 Disaster Reform Act and signed into law by President Trump, has distributed $5 billion in grants since its inception, driving investment in resilient infrastructure. While we understand and support the need to find efficiencies and improve the BRIC program, these grants save federal dollars and help protect our most vulnerable communities through emergency preparedness.
Projects in the State of California include drought and earthquake mitigation projects in Kern and Tulare counties and wildfire management projects in Santa Cruz, Napa, Sonoma, and Nevada counties, all of which are still working to recover from the 2020 wildfires that were some of the deadliest and costliest wildfires in the State’s history. This BRIC funding, which included a match from local homeowners, would have funded home hardening, defensible space fuels reduction, evacuation route fuel reduction, and landscape-scale fuel reduction work. We are deeply concerned about the impact of this decision. If FEMA decides to ultimately withdraw its federal investment, these counties will be forced to abandon these life- and infrastructure-saving projects.
Moreover, pre-disaster mitigation and up-front investment saves taxpayer dollars. For every dollar spent in pre-disaster mitigation and preparedness, between $6 and $13 is saved in damages, cleanup costs, and economic impact. We support the Agency’s goal of reducing the amount of federal dollars spent on disaster recovery and believe the BRIC program helps to achieve future cost reductions. Ending the BRIC Program will result in higher costs for Americans, especially as natural disasters become more frequent and severe.
Consequently, we respectfully request responses to the following questions by June 13, 2025:
1. How many projects in California will be impacted by this decision?
2. What is FEMA’s timeline and process for cancelling this funding?
3. In a memo, Director Hamilton noted that not all projects will be impacted if they have already commenced. What stage of project completion will allow recipients to continue to receive funding?
4. Former Director Hamilton also noted that FEMA will create a new, similar program. What are the details and timelines for the rollout of this program?
The BRIC Program allows the State of California and its many communities to shift away from reactive disaster spending and toward research-supported, proactive investment in community resilience. We urge you to immediately reverse this decision and do all you can to support the work of this vital program.
Sincerely,
Source: US State of Nebraska
. Pillen Signs Last of Bills to Protect Children Online
LINCOLN, NE – A package of bills aimed at protecting kids, and introduced on behalf of Governor Jim Pillen, are now law. He signed the last of the four bills, LB504, this morning. It helps protect the personal information of children who are online and gives parents the ability to monitor privacy and account settings. Three other bills were officially signed by the Governor last week. At today’s event, Gov. Pillen gave ceremonial copies of those bills to sponsoring senators and to Attorney General Mike Hilgers.
“We’re never going to give up on our kids. They are our future. Today marks a gigantic step in protecting our kids,” said Gov. Pillen. “Collectively all these bills have an incredible impact on helping our teachers and giving our schools the opportunity to teach our kids, instead of being disrupted in the classroom. They also provide parents with the tools they need to protect our kids from big tech online companies and predators.”
Senator Carolyn Bosn said the purpose of LB504 was not about moderating content, but rather, ensuring that design features were made less addictive to young users.
“We’re not going to wait for social media companies to do that anymore. We’re going to take matters into our own hands. Like the Governor said, we’re not going to give up on our kids and I think this piece of legislation really prioritizes kids and their experiences online.”
As part of the Age-Appropriate Online Design Code Act, online service providers can be assed civil penalties, if they commit a violation.
Senator Rita Sanders said similarly the intent of her bill (LB504), was not to ban phones outright, but limit their negative impact in the classroom. She cited success in the Bellevue School District after restrictions were implemented there. She said LB140 will do the same for other school systems across the state.
“It’s about giving local school districts the ability to limit distractions and create learning environments where students and teachers can thrive,” said Sen. Sanders. “The data is clear — according to PEW research, 72% of high school teachers say cell phones are a top distraction. Over half of school leaders report academic and mental health setbacks due to phone use. Studies show that cutting screen time can reduce anxiety and depression in teens by 40%.”
Under LB140, school boards are required to adopt policies regarding student use of smart phones. Exceptions can be made for emergencies, health situations, educational purposes, with permission by the school board or school employee and as part of an individualized education program. Requirements need to be implemented for the 2025-2026 school year.
LB383, sponsored on the Governor’s behalf by Senator Tanya Storer, creates the Parental Rights in Social Media Act. In part, that legislation requires that social media companies verify the age of users and minors must get parental consent before creating their accounts.
“I am honored to be a part of this transformational legislative reform package to protect the minds of our youth and empower parents with the tools to parent their children in the digital world the same way they are able to do in the physical world,” said Sen. Storer. “This is long overdue, and I am excited to see the positive impact this will have on the next generation. This is a major step in freeing our children from the claws of big tech and reversing the tragic trend of depression, anxiety and suicide we have seen in our youth.”
LB172, which was amended into LB383, tackles that issue of AI-generated pornography and creates criminal penalties for offenders. Bill introducer, Senator Brian Hardin, pointed to Nebraska’s leadership in creating protections – protections that have not yet been addressed at the federal level.
“Our grandparents and great-grandparents could never have envisioned the world that these leaders are bringing into locus. It takes forward leaning leadership to make this happen. We’re leading the way here in Nebraska.”
“The protections put into place with the passage of LB383 address the rapidly changing world which includes AI that can tragically be used to inflict harm on children through the production of generated child abuse material (CSAM),” added Attorney General Mike Hilgers. “I am grateful the Legislature recognized and addressed this threat with the passage of LB383.”
Noting that nothing was more important than putting kids first, Gov. Pillen offered his appreciation for the hard work undertaken by lawmakers to get all four bills passed in the current legislative session.
“These folks stood up to a lot of big tech companies coming in and saying, ‘we have this fixed, and we have that fixed,’ and nobody bought into that. I just can’t commend everyone enough for standing up and doing what’s right.”
Source: US State of Nebraska
. Pillen, Sen. Hughes-led bill focuses on TEEOSA
LINCOLN, NE — Governor Jim Pillen released the following statement after the Nebraska Legislature passed LB303. Gov. Pillen plans to sign it into law.
“LB303 creates the School Financing Review Commission. Nebraska’s long history with TEEOSA has shown there are some glaring flaws in the formula. An independent commission reviewing TEEOSA’s impact on students and educational outcomes will help the legislature find the right solutions for our state’s school funding formula and ultimately be a part of solving our property tax crisis. I’m grateful for Senator Hughes’ leadership and work to pass this legislation on the floor.”
Source: US State of Nebraska
. The legislation passed overwhelmingly with a bipartisan majority of senators.
“The security of our nation starts here at home — and that means we must take a strong stand against foreign adversaries, like the Chinese Communist Party. National security is not a red or blue issue, and I’m grateful to have worked with Senator Eliot Bostar to make Nebraska safer. I will proudly sign LB644 into law.”
Providing protections for critical infrastructure, property, and more has been a focus for Gov. Pillen since he first took office. In that time, he has issued executive orders aimed at safeguarding telecommunications equipment and banning applications, software and platforms created or owned by affiliates of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) on state networks and devices.
Last year, he signed his name to a package of bills to enhance security for the state and nation, including the Foreign-Owned Real Estate National Security Act, which prevents foreign adversaries from buying land in Nebraska.
Source: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement
BROWNSVILLE, Texas – Two family members with ties to South Texas have been charged with allegedly conspiring to materially support a Mexican cartel previously designated as a foreign terrorist organization, conspiracy to commit money laundering and related smuggling charges, following an investigation conducted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the DEA and the FBI with substantial assistance of IRS CI along with Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Marshals Service and Texas Department of Public Safety.
The superseding indictment, returned May 22, alleges Maxwell Sterling Jensen, 25, Draper, Utah, and James Lael Jensen, 68, Sandy, Utah, conspired to provide material support to the Cartel de Jalisco Nueva Generación in the form of U.S. currency. The Secretary of State designated CJNG as a foreign terrorist organization Feb. 20.
“This case underscores the more aggressive and innovative approach we are taking towards combatting the scourge of drug cartels,” said U.S. Attorney Nicholas Ganjei from the Southern District of Texas. “This strategy focuses not just on the traffickers and trigger-pullers directly employed by the cartels but also targeting their confederates and enablers. Whether you are handing the cartel a gun, providing a car or safehouse for smugglers, or putting money in the cartel’s pocket, you will be held to account.”
The Jensen’s allegedly operated Arroyo Terminals, an enterprise based in Rio Hondo, Texas.
Both are also charged with allegedly conspiring to conduct financial transactions to conceal and disguise the nature and source of the proceeds of illegally smuggled goods, crude oil. They also aided and abetted the fraudulent entry of approximately 2,881 shipments of the oil in violation of the Tariff Act, according to the charges.
“Cases like this highlight the often-dangerous relationships between alleged unscrupulous U.S. businesses and terrorist organizations,” said ICE Homeland Security Investigations San Antonio Special Agent in Charge Craig Larrabee. “Through strong collaborations and relentless investigative work, we and our partners exposed a possible large-scale operation that allegedly attempted to move millions in illicit crude oil and launder the proceeds. HSI remains committed to protecting our economy and holding offenders accountable.”
“What began as a Drug Enforcement Administration drug trafficking investigation evolved into a multifaceted case involving an alleged complex criminal operation generating millions of dollars from crude oil – the largest funding source for Mexican drug cartels,” said acting Special Agent in Charge William Kimbell of DEA – Houston. “Given the charges have profound implications for both the United States and Mexico, we will continue to explore all leads and identify any believed to be involved. The collaboration with federal law enforcement, prosecutors, and state agencies proved critical to unraveling these alleged crimes and will continue until such operations are destroyed.”
“It is a top priority of the FBI to eliminate foreign terrorist organizations by depriving them of the funding they need to operate and by seizing their most valued assets,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Aaron Tapp of the San Antonio Field Office. “Together with our law enforcement partners, we will use every resource and capability at our disposal to ensure violent cartels and anyone who corruptly facilitates their operations are held accountable to the American people and unable to establish a foothold in our communities.”
“Our commitment to taking down drug cartels and organized crime leverages IRS Criminal Investigation’s specialty in forensic accounting that identifies the alleged money trail and shuts down the flow of cash, just like we did in this case,” said acting Special Agent in Charge Lucy Tan, of IRS Criminal Investigation’s Houston Field Office. “Some of our best special agents are using their law enforcement expertise to build unshakeable cases to ensure criminals are taken off the streets and their ill-gotten gains are returned to the American people.”
At the time of the initial arrests, authorities seized four tank barges containing crude oil, three commercial tanker trucks, an Arroyo Terminal pickup truck and one personal vehicle. The Arroyo Terminal property in Rio Hondo, crude oil contained Arroyo Terminal storage tanks and additional real properties are also sought for forfeiture. The superseding indictment also contains notice that the United States will seek a $300 million money judgment upon conviction.
The conspiracies to provide material support and to commit money laundering both carry a possible prison term of up to 20 years. If convicted of aiding and abetting the smuggling of goods into the United States and doing so by means of false statements, both men could also face up to 10 and five years, respectively. James Jensen also faces one count of money laundering spending which carries an additional 10 years in prison, upon conviction.
With the exception of the money laundering charge which has the possibility of up to a $500,000 fine or twice the value of the property involved, the remaining counts carry a maximum $250,000 potential fine.
Operation Liquid Death involved the combined efforts of ICE HSI, DEA, FBI, and IRS CI and others and is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces and Project Safe Neighborhood.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys James Sturgis and Laura Garcia from the Southern District of Texas are prosecuting the case. AUSAs Mary Ellen Smyth and Tyler Foster are handling seizure and forfeiture matters.
An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.
Source: Office of United States Attorneys
PHOENIX, Ariz. – Louis Perpignan, 33, of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, was sentenced on May 27, 2025, by United States District Judge Diane J. Humetewa to 42 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release. Perpignan was also ordered to pay more than $2.6 million in restitution. Perpignan previously pleaded guilty to Wire Fraud.
Between May 2016 and May 2021, Perpignan operated an online refund scheme called the “Members Only Refund Service,” through which he charged individuals a fee to “return” purchased items, ranging from televisions to handbags, from a variety of retailers across the country. To accomplish the scheme, Perpignan would pose as the customer and use various methods to trick the retailer into issuing a refund without returning the product. For example, Perpignan would convince the retailer that the item either never arrived or had already been returned. The customer would then be refunded the full purchase price but keep the item. Perpignan, in turn, received a fee of up to 25% of the item’s purchase price from the customer.
Perpignan admitted to defrauding at least 31 retailers out of more than $2.6 million through the scheme. With his portion of the funds, Perpignan supported his extravagant lifestyle and purchased at least eight vehicles, including a $176,000 Lamborghini Huracan.
This case was investigated by the Darknet Marketplace and Digital Currency Task Force, with specific contribution from the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation and Homeland Security Investigations. The United States Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, Phoenix, handled the prosecution.
CASE NUMBER: CR-23-01398-DJH
RELEASE NUMBER: 2025-085_Perpignan
# # #
For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news.
Source: Office of United States Attorneys
Richard G. Frohling, Acting United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, and Bilal Essayli, United States Attorney for the Central District of California announced that federal grand juries in Milwaukee, WI and Los Angeles, CA each returned indictments charging two foreign nationals, Cui Guanghai, 43, of China, and John Miller, 63, of the United Kingdom and a U.S. lawful permanent resident, with interstate stalking and conspiracy to commit interstate stalking (Los Angeles) and conspiracy, smuggling, and violations of the Arms Export Control Act (Milwaukee).
“As alleged, the defendants targeted a U.S. resident for exercising his constitutional right to free speech and conspired to traffic sensitive American military technology to the Chinese regime,” said Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche. “This is a blatant assault on both our national security and our democratic values. This Justice Department will not tolerate foreign repression on U.S. soil, nor will we allow hostile nations to infiltrate or exploit our defense systems. We will act decisively to expose and dismantle these threats wherever they emerge.”
“The defendants allegedly plotted to harass and interfere with an individual who criticized the actions of the People’s Republic of China while exercising their constitutionally protected free speech rights within the United States of America,” said FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino. “The same individuals also are charged with trying to obtain and export sensitive U.S. military technology to China. I want to commend the good work of the FBI and our partners in the U.S and overseas in putting a stop to these illegal activities.”
Allegations in the Eastern District of Wisconsin
According to court documents, beginning in November 2023, Miller and Cui solicited the procurement of U.S. defense articles, including missiles, air defense radar, drones, and cryptographic devices with associated crypto ignition keys for unlawful export from the United States to the People’s Republic of China from two individuals (Individual 5 and Individual 6).
In connection with the scheme, Cui and Miller discussed with Individuals 5 and 6 ways to export a cryptographic device from the United States to the People’s Republic of China, including concealing the device in a blender, small electronics, or motor starter, and shipping the device first to Hong Kong. Cui and Miller paid approximately $10,000 as a deposit for the cryptographic device via a courier in the United States and a wire transfer to a U.S. bank account.
Allegations in the Central District of California
According to court documents, beginning in October 2023, Cui and Miller enlisted two individuals (Individual 1 and Individual 2) inside the United States to carry out a plot to prevent the Victim from protesting President Xi’s appearance at the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in November 2023. The Victim had previously made public statements in opposition to the policies and actions of the PRC government and President Xi.
“The indictment alleges that Chinese foreign actors targeted a victim in our nation because he criticized the Chinese government and its president,” said U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli for the Central District of California. “My office will continue to use all legal methods available to hold accountable foreign nationals engaging in criminal activity on our soil.”
Unbeknownst to Cui and Miller, Individual 1 and Individual 2 were affiliated with and acting at the direction of the FBI.
In the weeks leading up to the APEC summit, Cui and Miller directed and coordinated an interstate scheme to surveil the Victim, to install a tracking device on the Victim’s car, to slash the tires on the Victim’s car, and to purchase and destroy a pair of artistic statues created by the Victim depicting President Xi and President Xi’s wife.
A similar scheme took place in the spring of 2025, after the Victim announced that he planned to make public an online video feed depicting two new artistic statues of President Xi and his wife. In connection with these plots, Cui and Miller paid two other individuals (Individual 3 and Individual 4), approximately $36,500 to convince the Victim to desist from the online display of the statues. Unbeknownst to Cui and Miller, Individual 3 and Individual 4 were also affiliated with and acting at the direction of the FBI.
If convicted, Cui and Miller face the following maximum penalties: five years for conspiracy; five years for interstate stalking; twenty years for violation of the Arms Export Control Act; ten years for smuggling.
The FBI is investigating the case. The United States is coordinating with Serbian authorities regarding the pending extraditions of Cui and Miller in Serbia.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Benjamin Taibleson for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, and David Ryan and Amanda B. Elbogen for the Central District of California, along with Trial Attorneys Leslie Esbrook and Menno Goedman of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section are prosecuting the cases, with valuable assistance provided by the Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs.
An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
# # #
For Additional Information Contact:
Public Information Officer
414-297-1700
Source: US Geological Survey
A USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory geologist collects high-precision ground positions using a kinematic GPS instrument that measures its vertical and horizontal position. Once processed, these measurements will help scientists determine the thickness of the tephra deposit downwind of the ongoing Halema‘uma‘u eruption at Kīlauea summit. The tephra has primarily been falling in a closed area of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, an area that HVO scientists access with permission from, and in coordination with, the National Park Service. USGS photo taken on May 29, 2025, by L. DeSmither.
During the pause after episode 23 of the ongoing Kīlauea summit eruption, a USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory scientist collects data on the tephra deposits. Buckets are used to collect tephra, and emptied between episodes, to ensure that samples from each episode are isolated to track geochemical changes and determine the amount of tephra that fell at each site. The steak also helps scientists measure the thickness of tephra fall in that area. USGS photo taken by L. DeSmither on May 29, 2025.
Source: US Geological Survey
Most of the surveying is expected to be completed by the late autumn of 2025; however, surveying may continue in the spring and summer of 2026 to avoid adverse weather conditions.
The Michigan and Wisconsin flights are part of a national effort to map critical mineral resources needed to drive the U.S. economy and national security, searching below ground and in tailings from old mines. As directed by the Energy Act of 2020, the U.S. Geological Survey has identified 50 critical minerals essential to the U.S. economy and national security, with a supply chain vulnerable to disruption. The USGS partners on this effort with the Michigan Geological Survey, the Wisconsin Geological and Natural History Survey, and many other state geological surveys.
“The USGS Earth MRI program’s data for the Upper Peninsula is incredibly valuable. It will significantly enhance our understanding of the U.P.’s complex geology and is crucial for making informed decisions about sustainable land and resource management, and protecting public health in the region,” said Sara Pearson, director of the Michigan Geological Survey.
Flights will cover areas within Alger, Baraga, Chippewa, Delta, Dickinson, Gogebic, Houghton, Iron, Keweenaw, Luce, Mackinac, Marquette, Ontonagon, and Schoolcraft Counties in Michigan, as well as Ashland, Florence, Forest, Iron, Marinette, Price, and Vilas Counties in Wisconsin.
The flights will be based out of various Michigan and Wisconsin airports. Flights and landing areas could shift with little warning to other parts of the survey area as necessary to minimize ferrying distances and avoid adverse flying conditions.
The survey will acquire both magnetic and radiometric data across two non-overlapping blocks. Fixed-wing survey aircraft will collect data along closely spaced flight lines at a nominal elevation of about 300 feet (100 meters). Flight lines will be spaced approximately 500 feet apart in the western survey block and 1,300 feet apart in the eastern survey block. The magnetic component of the survey detects variations in the Earth’s magnetic field that reveal subsurface structures up to a few kilometers deep, or about 10,000 feet. Radiometric sensors measure natural low-level radiation to help map the distribution of potassium, thorium, and uranium near the surface.
The survey will use aircraft equipped with an elongated “stinger” mounted to the tail extending backward off the aircraft. The scientific instruments on the aircraft are completely passive, with no emissions that pose a risk to humans, animals, or plant life. No photography or video data will be collected. The data collected will be made freely available to the public on ScienceBase, typically within one year of flight completion. The aircraft will be flown by experienced pilots who are specially trained and approved for low-level flying. The company contracted to fly the survey works with the FAA to ensure flights are safe and in accordance with U.S. law. The surveys will be conducted during daylight hours only.
The new geophysical data will be processed to develop high-resolution two- and three-dimensional representations of bedrock composition and structure to depths more of approximately 10,000 feet (almost 2 miles) below the surface. The survey is funded by the USGS Earth Mapping Resources Initiative and is designed to meet needs related to mineral resource assessments, regional geologic framework and mapping studies, as well as water resource investigations and surficial mapping studies. Additionally, the data and maps are important for improving our understanding of parameters for infrastructure and land-use planning, and potential risks of naturally occurring radon. The MAG and RAD survey is focused on characterizing several major mineral systems, including critical minerals associated with mafic magmatic, volcanogenic seafloor, and porphyry systems. Data from the survey will significantly improve our understanding of the region’s tectonic history.
Figure 1: Fixed-wing survey aircraft with tail stingers and sensors that collect scientific data on geology. (Credit: EON Geosciences Inc.)
The USGS has contracted with Woolpert and EON Geosciences Inc. to collect data.
Funding by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act has facilitated coverage of such a large area.
The survey fits into a broader effort by the USGS, the Michigan Geological Survey, the Wisconsin Geological and Natural History Survey, and other partners, including private companies, academics and state and federal agencies to modernize our understanding of the Nation’s fundamental geologic framework and knowledge of mineral resources. This effort is known as the Earth Mapping Resources Initiative, and it includes airborne geophysical surveys like this one, geochemical reconnaissance surveys, topographic mapping using LiDAR technology, hyperspectral surveys, and geologic mapping projects.
Source: US State of Georgia
ATLANTA (May 30, 2025) — Today, Sen. Ed Harbison (D–Columbus) welcomed members of the Western Hemisphere Institute for Security Cooperation (WHINSEC) to the Georgia State Capitol. The visit highlighted the strong partnership between the state of Georgia and WHINSEC’s international mission to advance leadership, uphold ethics and foster regional cooperation.
As part of their professional development, WHINSEC participants visited the Capitol to learn more about Georgia’s legislative process and the role of state government in supporting public institutions and international engagement.
“Georgia is proud to play a vital role in shaping leaders committed to peace, integrity and democratic values. WHINSEC is more than a training institute. It is where the next generation of global leaders is developed,” said Sen. Harbison. “As a veteran and lifelong public servant, I have seen firsthand the importance of investing in programs that enhance security and promote human rights and shared responsibility. WHINSEC reflects the very best of what Georgia has to offer: world-class training, strong civic principles and a deep respect for service. The men and women who pass through this program carry those lessons back to their home countries, strengthening the bonds we share across the Western Hemisphere. I was honored to welcome them to our Capitol and look forward to the positive impact they will make for years to come.”
WHINSEC, based at Fort Benning in Columbus, Georgia, brings together military, civilian and law enforcement personnel across the Americas for high-level training focused on leadership, ethics and mutual respect. The Capitol visit underscores Georgia’s unique position as a host and a partner in WHINSEC’s efforts to promote regional security and cross-cultural understanding.
For more information on WHINSEC and its programs, visit WHINSEC’s official website.
# # # #
Sen. Ed Harbison serves as Chairman of the Senate Committee on State Institutions and Property. He represents the 15th Senate District, which includes Chattahoochee, Macon, Marion, Schley, Talbot and Taylor counties, as well as a portion of Muscogee County. He may be reached at 404.656.0074 or via email at ed.harbison@senate.ga.gov.
For all media inquiries, please reach out to SenatePressInquiries@senate.ga.gov.