Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
Moscow, June 4 /Xinhua/ — The decisions on terrorist attacks in the Kursk and Bryansk regions of the Russian Federation were made in Ukraine at the political level, Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Wednesday.
“The blowing up of railway tracks in the Bryansk and Kursk regions is, of course, a terrorist act. The decisions to commit such crimes were, of course, made in Ukraine at the political level,” V. Putin noted during a meeting with members of the government. The Russian President emphasized that what happened in Bryansk was a targeted attack on civilians aimed at disrupting the negotiation process.
According to the Russian leader, Kiev’s “illegitimate regime is degenerating into a terrorist organization, and its sponsors are becoming accomplices of terrorists.” Ukraine “is trying to intimidate Russia with terrorist attacks” because “it is suffering huge losses and retreating along the entire front line,” the head of state said.
V. Putin noted that Moscow is not surprised by Kyiv’s refusal to agree to a truce for humanitarian reasons for 2-3 days. According to him, “the Kyiv regime does not need peace at all,” since it would mean the loss of power.
“Peace means the loss of power. And power for this regime, apparently, is more important than peace and the lives of people, whom they do not consider people at all,” the Russian president pointed out. –0–
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
Moscow, June 4 (Xinhua) — Moscow lodged a strong protest with Tokyo over the Japanese military’s shooting exercises near the Russian border, the Russian Foreign Ministry said on Wednesday.
“On June 4, a strong protest was lodged with the Japanese Embassy in Moscow in connection with the training exercises conducted on May 23 in the open sea 18.5 km northeast of Cape Shiretoko (Hokkaido Island) involving the patrol boat Kawagiri of the Japan Maritime Safety Agency without prior notification to foreign ships and vessels,” reads a statement published on the agency’s website.
It is stated that “irresponsible actions of this kind in the immediate vicinity of the borders of the Russian Federation constitute a clear violation of international law, create direct risks for civil shipping, the life and health of Russian citizens and are categorically unacceptable.”
“The corresponding note from the Russian Foreign Ministry also sets out a demand for the Japanese side to properly explain the essence of what happened and take comprehensive measures to ensure that similar incidents do not recur in the future,” the Russian Foreign Ministry said. –0–
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
Moscow, June 4 (Xinhua) — Russia’s economy has entered a period of cooling after high growth rates in the previous two years, Russian Economic Development Minister Maxim Reshetnikov said. The ministry’s press service reported this on Tuesday.
Speaking in the Federation Council of Russia, M. Reshetnikov noted that more and more industries in the real sector are demonstrating a decline in output. The growth rate of consumer demand is slowing down, and the increase in the population’s income is being sent to savings, while a slowdown in inflation is being recorded, the minister added.
M. Reshetnikov pointed out that Russia needs to go through the cooling-off period wisely and expressed hope for a timely easing of monetary policy in order to maintain GDP growth rates of 3 percent in the long term. In addition, he also assured that the government is taking steps to optimize the investment programs of the largest companies. –0–
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
KYIV, June 4 (Xinhua) — The document listing the terms of the ceasefire that Russia handed over to Ukraine on June 2 is not a memorandum of understanding, but an ultimatum, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said at a briefing on Wednesday, Interfax-Ukraine reported.
According to him, in the memorandum, Moscow set out demands in an ultimatum form, the fulfillment of which is obviously impossible. First of all, we are talking about Russia’s territorial claims. V. Zelensky emphasized that these claims contradict the UN Charter, the Constitution of Ukraine and “common sense.”
The Ukrainian leader added that the demand for the country’s neutrality is also unfulfillable.
On June 2, the second round of peace talks between Ukraine and Russia since 2022 took place in Istanbul. At this meeting, Kyiv received a memorandum from Moscow on the terms of a ceasefire. –0–
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
Moscow, June 4 (Xinhua) — Cooperation between China and Russia in the film industry is an important factor in strengthening friendship and mutual understanding between the peoples of the two countries, as well as a contribution to the global treasury of culture and art, Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said at a briefing on Wednesday, answering a question from a Xinhua correspondent.
“I think that this is an important factor for strengthening mutual understanding, good-neighborly relations and friendship between the peoples of our countries. But I will say more: I think that this is a good, correct and very necessary contribution to the global treasury of culture and art – our bilateral cooperation in the field of cinematography,” she noted, commenting on the recent release in Russia of the highest-grossing Chinese animated film in the world, “Nezha Defeats the Dragon King” /”Nezha 2″/.
As M. Zakharova noted, cooperation between China and Russia in the field of cinematography is developing steadily and dynamically. “This area is in the focus of attention of the leaders of our countries,” she emphasized, adding that issues of developing joint film production were discussed by the heads of state on the sidelines of the BRICS summit in Kazan in October last year.
In addition, during the state visit of the Chairman of the People’s Republic of China Xi Jinping to Moscow in May of this year, an action plan in the field of joint film production was signed between the Ministry of Culture of the Russian Federation and the State Film Administration of the People’s Republic of China until 2030. “The document provides for a number of specific projects, measures for further promotion of specialized contacts. They are already, as you know, rich in content, and it is expected that they will be developed further,” explained M. Zakharova.
The official representative of the Russian Foreign Ministry also recalled the 18th meeting of the Subcommittee on Cooperation in Cinematography of the Bilateral Commission on Humanitarian Cooperation held in May, during which new creative projects were presented. In addition, the Chinese Film Festival was held in Moscow, St. Petersburg and Kazan.
M. Zakharova congratulated the creators of the cartoon “Nezha 2” on the impressive results and high praise from experts. “We are happy about the success of our Chinese partners in the field of cinematography,” she noted, assuring that she would try to find time to watch the new Chinese cartoon.
“I am confident that this animated film was made at a high technological level,” the official representative of the Russian Foreign Ministry emphasized, expressing hope that Russian viewers will like this film.
“We need to fully support the development of cinematography, taking into account the traditions that our countries have,” urged M. Zakharova. –0–
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
BEIJING, June 4 (Xinhua) — China’s Ministry of Finance on Wednesday issued its third batch of yuan-denominated Treasury bonds this year in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR), totaling 12.5 billion yuan (about 1.74 billion U.S. dollars).
According to the department, the current bond issue includes 2-year bonds worth 3.5 billion yuan, 3-year bonds worth 3 billion, 5-year bonds worth 3 billion, and 10-year bonds worth 3 billion. The interest rates on these securities are 1.49 percent, 1.52 percent, 1.6 percent, and 1.75 percent, respectively.
The Ministry of Finance also noted that the bond issue was positively received by investors, with the total amount of subscriptions for the purchase of securities exceeding the amount issued into circulation by 3.96 times.
In May, the agency announced that it would issue 68 billion yuan worth of yuan-denominated treasury bonds in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region by the end of the year. The issue will be carried out in six stages. –0–
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Norma Torres (35th District of California)
June 04, 2025
Videos of hearing can be foundhere.
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congresswoman Norma J. Torres (CA-35), whose district includes Ontario International Airport (ONT), pressed Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Acting Administrator Chris Rocheleau during the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development (THUD) FY26 budget oversight hearing. Torres raised urgent concerns about ongoing aviation safety lapses, chronic staffing shortages, and recent personnel cuts led by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), under Elon Musk, that threaten the safety and efficiency of the national airspace system — and put local travelers and workers at risk.
“Ontario International is one of the fastest-growing airports in the country and a vital economic hub for the Inland Empire and beyond,” said Congresswoman Torres. “Our airspace depends on vigilance, coordination, and a skilled workforce. But with air traffic controllers overworked, oversight slipping, and DOGE gutting critical FAA personnel, we’re gambling with lives. We can’t wait for another tragedy to act. The FAA must confront these vulnerabilities now—or risk unraveling the safest aviation system in the world.”
Torres cited a troubling rise in near-miss incidents and recent ground collisions, underscoring the urgent need for effective safety oversight and fully staffed operations at airports like ONT. She questioned whether the FAA is doing enough to monitor controller fatigue and stabilize the workforce amid mass retirements and a historically thin staffing pipeline—extending beyond controllers to include engineers, maintenance crews, and other essential personnel responsible for operating and maintaining critical safety infrastructure.
During questioning, Torres demanded clear answers on whether FAA controllers at major airports are working excessive hours, if fatigue risk assessments have been conducted, and whether workforce cuts driven by DOGE would compromise safety.
She also pressed the FAA to provide a comprehensive workforce recovery plan prioritizing recruitment, retention, training, and wellness support for frontline personnel — critical to handling ONT’s expanding air traffic and maintaining public confidence in air travel.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jerrold Nadler (10th District of New York)
Yesterday, Representatives Jerrold Nadler (D-NY) and Joe Wilson (R-SC) reintroduced the Living Organ Donor Tax Credit Act. The bill will provide up to a $5,000 one-time refundable tax credit to living organ donors who were not reimbursed for the costs related to organ donation by the National Living Organ Donor Assistance Center (NLDAC) or any entity.
Our nation’s transplant shortage is dire. Seventeen people die every day waiting for a viable organ according to the Health Resources and Services Administration. Currently, there are around 93,000 Americans on the kidney transplant waitlist, with some having to wait as long as six years to receive a transplant, according to UNOS. Patients waiting for a transplant on average cost the U.S. government at least $77,000 a year on dialysis, which adds up to more than $20 billion a year according to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). Removing the barriers to organ donation will not only increase the number of living donors therefore saving lives, but also will save the taxpayers money. This tax credit would apply to living kidney, liver, lung, pancreas, intestine, bone marrow donors, and any other viable living organ donation.
“When an organ donor decides to donate one of their organs to someone else, they aren’t just saving someone’s life—they’re making one of the most selfless, difficult decisions anyone could ever make,” said Rep. Nadler. “However, donors can face tremendous and often prohibitive costs associated with surgery, including the cost of travel, lodging, follow up care, and lost wages in connection to transplantation. That’s why I’m proud to introduce this bill with Rep. Wilson and continue my work to remove roadblocks to organ donation.”
“The gift of living donation is truly priceless. The donors who choose the selfless act of giving a lifesaving organ are making a major life decision, whether gifting to a stranger or a loved one. That lifechanging decision should not be burdened by the costs of donation, and this bill will remove that disincentive to ensure that everyone is able to donate an organ if they choose to, regardless of their financial situation,” said Rep. Wilson. “My predecessor House Armed Services Committee Chairman Floyd Spence miraculously received a double lung transplant as the thirtieth in the world to receive the experiment, living an additional 13 years serving America. We are always grateful for Dr. Sesshadri Raju at the University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson, Mississippi for performing the procedure in 1988. I previously worked in the South Carolina State Senate to add a red heart for organ donors to South Carolina Driver’s Licenses at the time of registration. Today, I am grateful to expand this piece of Floyd Spence’s legacy.”
The bill has been endorsed by the American Association of Kidney Patients, American Kidney Fund (AKF), American Nephrology Nurses Association (ANNA), American Society of Pediatric Nephrology (ASPN), American Society of Transplant Surgeons (ASTS), American Society of Transplantation (AST), Coalition to Modify NOTA, National Kidney Donation Organization (NKDO), National Kidney Foundation (NKF), Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD) Foundation, Renal Support Network (RSN), and Waitlist Zero.
“We need better public policy to increase living organ donation. The Living Organ Donor Tax Credit Act of 2025 represents a positive step forward in helping people who selflessly decide to give the gift of life by donating a kidney by providing a refundable tax credit for associated costs of live organ donation such as lost wages, travel or childcare. People with limited resources should have every opportunity to help save a life,” said LaVarne A. Burton, President and CEO of the American Kidney Fund.
“The American Society of Pediatric Nephrology (ASPN) applauds the reintroduction of the Living Organ Donor Tax Credit Act by Representatives Jerry Nadler (D-NY) and Joe Wilson (R-SC). Rates of living kidney donation are declining in the US in both the pediatric and adult populations. This decline persists despite the fact that living donor kidney transplant is well established as the optimal treatment for children and adults with end stage kidney disease due to superior graft and patient survival. This important legislation will encourage living donors and we urge its swift passage,” said President Meredith Atkinson of theAmerican Society of Pediatric Nephrology (ASPN).
“On behalf of the American Society of Transplantation (AST), representing a majority of the nation’s transplant professionals, our Society strongly applauds and endorses the re-introduction of the Living Organ Donor Tax Credit Act. AST is grateful for the steadfast leadership of Congressmen Nadler (D-NY) and Wilson (R-SC) to protect and support living donation. The Living Donor Tax Credit Act is a patient-focused bill seeking to address financial and policy barriers that might otherwise prevent an individual from providing a lifesaving donor organ. AST greatly appreciates this bipartisan and patient centric legislation. We look forward to working with you to advance this key legislation in this 119th Congress,” said Dr. Jon Kobashigawa, President of theAmerican Society of Transplantation (AST).
“The National Kidney Foundation strongly supports the Living Organ Donor Tax Credit Act as an important step toward removing financial barriers to living donation. This legislation provides tax relief solely for documented, unreimbursed expenses actually incurred by the donor—costs like child/elder care, travel, and lost income. Living donors often face unexpected costs that can reach thousands of dollars, and these expenses should never prevent someone from saving a life. By allowing tax credits for legitimate expenses while maintaining strict documentation requirements, this bill supports donors without compromising the altruistic foundation of organ donation that the National Kidney Foundation has always championed. We applaud Reps. Nadler and Wilson for their leadership and urge Congress to pass this measure that will help save lives while preserving the integrity of our transplant system,” said Kevin Longino, CEO, National Kidney Foundation and a transplant recipient.
“There’s currently no cure for PKD, and while we await scientific breakthroughs, organ donation remains the most effective long-term treatment,” said Susan Bushnell, President and CEO of the Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD) Foundation. “This common-sense, compassionate, and cost-effective policy to reimburse living donors for some of the costs of donation will help to remove needless financial barriers, save more lives, and reduce the burden on our federal health system by decreasing reliance on costly, time-consuming, and often unpleasant dialysis treatments. The PKD Foundation is deeply grateful for the longtime leadership of Representatives Nadler and Wilson in championing living donation,” said Susan Bushnell, PKDF’s President & CEO.
“Living donors are true heroes who should not incur financial losses for the life-saving gift they provide. A tax credit is a straightforward method to acknowledge their generosity while simplifying the reimbursement process,” said Lori Hartwell, President & Founder of RSN and kidney transplant recipient.
“Why should donors go into debt to give the gift of life? Representative Nadler and Representative Wilson’s Living Organ Donor Tax Credit Act will ease the financial strain and empower more people to say yes to donation. For the past 25 years, the number of living kidney donors has remained stagnant. Waitlist Zero proudly supports this crucial bill,” said Elaine Perlman, Executive Director of Waitlist Zero and President of the Coalition to Modify NOTA.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Robert Garcia California (42nd District)
Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Robert Garcia (CA-42) released the following statement after the Trump Administration ordered the dismantling of the Long Beach Job Corps program, which provides education, vocational training, job placement, and wraparound support services to hundreds of people in our community. Long Beach hosts one of seven Job Corps sites in California.
“As Mayor of Long Beach for eight years and now as a Member of Congress, I’ve seen firsthand how Job Corps has helped young people across our community and country. For decades, Job Corps has been a lifeline for students and young workers, especially those from underserved communities. It offers training, support, and opportunity to help folks build a future. We should be expanding this program, not dismantling it, which is why we’re going to fight back against this decision and make it clear to the Trump Administration that this action is illegal and unethical,” said Congressman Robert Garcia.
As an educator, Congressman Garcia is at the forefront of the fight to protect and uplift our students and young workforce. In May, Congressman Garcia joined 141 House Members in advocating for adequate levels of funding for Job Corps. Last year, Congressman Garcia joined the Job Corps Class of 2024 for their graduation, distributing personalized Certificates of Congressional Recognition to each graduate.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Eric Sorensen (IL-17)
PEORIA, IL – Congressman Eric Sorensen (IL-17) announced a major victory for the Peoria region, as the National Center for Agricultural Utilization Research (NCAUR), also known as the Peoria Ag Lab, will remain open and is even slated for growth. The release of the administration’s Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) Agriculture Research Service (ARS) budget proposal includes potential growth for the NCAUR with research expansion.
“When I heard this facility might be at risk, I made it a priority to make sure the administration and USDA leadership understood the value of this world-class research center. I’m proud to say our efforts paid off,” said Congressman Sorensen. “We made our case loud and clear. I want to thank every researcher, every advocate, and every voice who spoke up. The work being done in this facility supports farmers, strengthens our food systems, and helps fight climate change. I’m proud to have stood with our community to show how important the NCAUR is—not just to Peoria, but to our entire nation.”
“For months, we feared NCAUR would be the next target amid sudden and harmful cuts to federal agencies. The silence from USDA leadership created a culture of fear, driving away talented staff. But when we reached out to our stakeholders—especially the farming community—their support was overwhelming and helped put NCAUR and ARS back on the map,” President of AFGE Local 3247, Ethan Roberts said. “We’re grateful to everyone who stood with us to protect the vital research we do for farmers and food safety.”
Congressman Sorensen has been a fierce advocate for the Peoria Ag Lab, leading his colleagues in a detailed letter to Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins this past March. The Congressman outlined the lab’s vital contributions to agriculture and the regional economy.
The Peoria facility, which employs hundreds and supports both local agriculture and global research, is the largest federal employer in the region. The proposed budget not only protects those jobs but recognizes NCAUR’s cutting-edge work by highlighting its pennycress biofuel research as a leading example in the USDA’s New Products section.
Final funding decisions will be made by Congress. Congressman Sorensen will continue to monitor the process and fight to make sure the Peoria Ag Lab remains fully protected.
You can view the FY26 Budget for the Agricultural Research Service below.
Source: United States Senator John Kennedy (Louisiana)
WASHINGTON – Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.), a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, today announced a $6,764,854 Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) grant for the Terrebonne Parish School Board.
“Hurricane Ida hit Houma hard, but the community has worked tirelessly to rebuild. This $6.8 million grant will help cover the costs of demolishing, relocating and renovating school facilities due to severe damage from the storm,” said Kennedy.
The FEMA aid will fund the following:
$6,764,854 to the Terrebonne Parish School Board to relocate the Hurricane Ida-damaged Louis Miller Vo-Tech campus to its Fletcher Building in Houma, La., and demolish its Ida-damaged School for Exceptional Children facility and renovate its existing Elysian Fields campus.
Source: United States Senator John Kennedy (Louisiana)
WASHINGTON – Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, joined Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and 25 colleagues in introducing a resolution to designate the month of June as “Life Month.”
The resolution commemorates the U.S. Supreme Court’s overturning of Roe v. Wade in the June 2022 landmark decision Dobbs v. Jackson and affirms that every human life is precious.
“With too many extreme politicians supporting abortion up until the moment of birth, it’s more important than ever that Americans declare their support for God’s greatest gift, life. I’m proud to help introduce this resolution to designate June as ‘Life Month’ and support the Supreme Court’s Dobbs v. Jackson decision—a win for both the Constitution and the unborn,” said Kennedy.
“Every human life is worthy of protection, and it is especially incumbent upon Americans and lawmakers to protect the most vulnerable among us. Designating June as Life Month is a recommitment to the American principle that every life has dignity. I call on my colleagues in the Senate to swiftly pass this resolution,” said Cruz.
Rep. Chris Smith (R-N.J.) introduced the resolution in the House of Representatives.
“For decades abortion advocates have gone to extraordinary lengths to ignore, trivialize, and cover up the battered baby victim, fostering a culture of denial, disrespect, and bias against the unborn. This resolution designating June as Life Month highlights our moral imperative to protect innocent children’s lives from extermination. It calls our nation to reject willful blindness to the realities of abortion—brutally dismembering helpless babies with sharp knife-like curettes or poisoning babies with pills that literally starve them to death and often result in their bodies being flushed down a toilet. This resolution affirms that the cruel injustice of abortion need not be forever: instead we must defend the unborn and show love and compassion to both mother and child through meaningful assistance and support,” said Smith.
Sens. John Cornyn (R-Texas), Mike Lee (R-Utah), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Josh Hawley (R-Mo.), Ted Budd (R-N.C.), Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), James Lankford (R-Okla.), Roger Marshall (R-Kan.), Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), Rick Scott (R-Fla.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Todd Young (R-Ind.), Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Jim Risch (R-Idaho), Bill Cassidy (R-La.), John Hoeven (R-N.D.), Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Tim Scott (R-S.C.), Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.), Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), Jim Justice (R-W.Va.) and Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.) also cosponsored the resolution.
Alliance Defending Freedom, Heritage Action, Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America, National Right to Life, Human Coalition, Heartbeat International, Family Research Council, Students for Life, Americans United for Life, Family Policy Alliance, Concerned Women for America, Catholic Vote, March for Life, 40 Days for Life, National Pro-Life Alliance, NIFLA, Citizens for Life, Christian Broadcasting Network, Focus on the Family, Liberty Counsel Action and Eagle Forum support the resolution.
The full resolution is available here.
Source: United States Senator for Idaho James E Risch
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Jim Risch (R-Idaho) and Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) today introduced the Securing our Energy Supply Chains Act, which would establish a Department of Energy non-procurement list for critical minerals, battery production, and other related energy needs.
“Organizations that threaten our national security have no business engaging in American energy production,” said Risch. “The Securing our Energy Supply Chains Act protects the energy sector, which is critical to both our economy and security, from bad actors while advancing domestic needs.”
“Supply chains for our country’s critical minerals and battery production are a cut-and-dry national security issue. Firms that are banned from doing business with the Department of Defense and other federal agencies should face significant restrictions when working in these sensitive areas,” said Cotton.
The Securing our Energy Supply Chains Act would:
Establish a master energy non-procurement list for DOE projects prioritizing critical minerals and battery production
Establish a waiver process for contracts or projects that require exceptions
Require a federal study to pull all similar lists of entities of concern from Commerce, DOD, Energy, State, Treasury, DNI, and other agencies and make recommendations for harmonization.
Source: US Whitehouse
By every honest metric, President Donald J. Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill dramatically improves the fiscal trajectory of the United States and unleashes an era of unprecedented economic growth.
HOAX: The One Big Beautiful Bill increases spending.
FACT: The One Big Beautiful Bill delivers nearly $1.7 trillion in mandatory savings — a fact that even the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) admits is true.
FACT: This is the highest level of mandatory savings in history — dwarfing spending reductions from similar reconciliation bills in 2005 ($140 billion), 1997 ($800 billion), 1993 ($370 billion), and 1990 ($440 billion) on an inflation-adjusted basis.
FACT: The One Big Beautiful Bill’s $1.7 trillion savings are permanent changes to the law — meaning these savings will continue long into the future.
FACT: This is a reconciliation bill — not an appropriations (budget) bill. This means there is no mechanism for including spending reductions on 99% of government operations, which will come in future legislation.
HOAX: The One Big Beautiful Bill adds to the deficit.
FACT: So-called “forecasts” (including by the CBO) predicting higher deficits are based on a false assumption that President Trump’s 2017 tax cuts will expire. In reality, extending the CURRENT tax rates — which this legislation does — has zero impact on the deficit.
If you cite the CBO’s faulty score, you must also cite CBO’s forecast that President Trump’s tariffs will cut the deficit by $2.8 trillion over the next decade. In other words, even the partisan CBO admits the deficit will be slashed by at least $500 billion over the next ten years.
FACT: Of course, the $1.7 trillion savings is partly offset by one-time spending on border security and additional tax cuts (NO TAX ON TIPS, NO TAX ON OVERTIME) — which brings the net deficit reduction to exactly $1.407 trillion.
FACT: Upon enactment the bill — and through increased tariffs revenues, discretionary spending cuts, and reversing Biden-era regulations — the Trump Administration will have taken actions that reduce deficits by at least $6.6 trillion over the next decade.
Members of the Education Committee met today (Wednesday 4 June) and agreed the recommendation to proceed with the statutory public consultation for the co-location of the new St Clement’s School alongside a new Dingwall Primary School on a shared site with enhanced community facilities.
A public meeting will be held on Wednesday 2 July to discuss the Council’s proposal. There will also be the opportunity for stakeholders to submit views to the Council ahead of the meeting and subsequently prior to any final recommendation and decision being made.
At a meeting of The Highland Council on Thursday 27 March 2024, elected members unanimously agreed investment priorities for the first phase of The Highland Investment Plan (HIP), including a recommendation to co-locate St Clement’s and Dingwall Primary schools at a new Dingwall Community Point of Delivery (POD) site, on the basis that this provides the greatest educational benefits for pupils of both schools, and the maximum economic benefit for the wider community. The proposal to relocate St Clement’s School alongside a new Dingwall Primary School on a shared site will require to undergo a statutory consultation.
Education Committee Chair, Cllr John Finlayson said: “The commitment to build a new school that retains the school’s unique identity has been endorsed by Committee today. The Highland Investment Plan offers an exciting co-location option that has even greater benefits for our young learners than any other previously proposed.
“The strong collaborative working between St Clement’s School, Dingwall Primary and the wider Dingwall community has always played an integral part in our young people’s learning journey. Co-locating will enhance inclusion and equitable opportunities for success, providing the best learning environments for all our children.
“It will increase opportunities for pupils with a disability to participate in wider curriculum and social opportunities, whilst ensuring specialist support and facilities are tailored to individual needs in their own individually designed standalone school and associated outdoor spaces.
“A statutory consultation will now be undertaken for the proposed new site for St Clement’s School.”
The consultation will begin on 9 June 2025 and will end on 3 October 2025. This period allows for the statutory minimum of six weeks, including at least thirty school days.
A public meeting will be held at 6:30pm on Wednesday 2 July at St Clement’s School with an opportunity to attend virtually for those unable to be there in person.
A consultant architect with extensive experience of designing special schools and additional support needs facilities has been engaged to assist with the development of the new St Clement’s School project brief and initial floor plans and external layouts have been prepared. A series of design workshops will be held with stakeholder groups in the coming weeks to establish a clear vision for the new school. This will ensure that it provides first-rate facilities to meet the needs of every child that will attend St Clement’s in the future and maximise the benefits to be realised.
The Highland Council, Education Committee met today (Wednesday 4 June 2025) and received a comprehensive overview of recent developments in the Education and Learning Service, including positive school leaver destinations and an update on the refreshed attainment strategy and the Education and Learning management restructure.
Education Committee Chair, Cllr John Finlayson said: “The set of reports presented to us today, show positive steps in the educational journey of all our learners across Highland and the positive contribution they will bring as part of our ‘Workforce for the Future’ ambitions.
“The last few months, has been as is always expected at this time of year, challenging for our senior phase learners as they have prepared for and taken their SQA exams, finalised apprenticeships and completed portfolios and module-based learning. I commend the pupils and staff for all their efforts and hope that as we draw near to the school summer holidays, pupils take some down time to reflect on what they do next in terms of learning, life and work.
“It is encouraging to see the positive destination statistics for our school leavers be that in employment, education, or training, which have produced the most positive figures we have seen in the last 5 years with 96.5% of 2,692 pupils achieving sustained destinations on leaving school.”
Cllr Finlayson added: “A refreshed attainment strategy with input from central officers, headteachers, and unions has positively progressed since our February Education Committee, and its strategic focus and workstreams will be discussed at our head teachers conference.
“At Committee today, we also received an update on the Education and Learning management restructure, a new area-based model with 8 operational areas. The changes deliver a simplified and streamlined structure, providing clear lines of responsibility and accountability.
“Improving outcomes for all our Highland learners remains a key priority and all of today’s reports outline the continued vision and commitment of The Highland Council’s Education and Learning Service and that of our partner services to move positively forward on our journey to excellence.”
At the Education Committee on Wednesday 4 June, Members were presented with the Integrated Children Services Plan Annual Report 2024/25.
The Integrated Children’s Service’s work continues as it enters the 3rd year of the delivery of the Integrated Children’s Service Plan. The report highlights the continued progress that has been made in 2024/25. The work of the Integrated Children Services Board has continued to be strengthened through the delivery groups and strong partnership across services and in all sectors.
The plan has been developed in collaboration with public sector bodies and third sector organisations and is informed by both the voice and testimony of children, young people and families and the needs of our communities as articulated through our Joint Strategic Needs Assessment (2023). The annual report details the significant work that has been undertaken by the delivery groups in progressing the priorities and change ideas.
Education Committee Chair, Cllr John Finlayson said: “Listening and learning from the views and experience of children, young people and their families is key to continuing to deliver an effective and relevant Integrated Children’s Services.
“We all have a duty and responsibility to support our communities in Highland, I along with my fellow Members recognise the importance of engaging with all partners, third sector, public and community groups to continue to improve the future prosperity and safety of the children living in Highland.
“This well supported plan demonstrates the exemplary wealth of professionals we have across Highland who are committed to integrating skills, experience and expertise to improve outcomes for children, young people and their families. The plan articulates how partners work together to provide services which are organised, equipped to deliver high-quality, joined-up, trauma-informed, responsive and preventative support to children and families.”
The programme supports a whole family approach that is family and person centred, with a strong emphasis on reducing inequalities and improving outcomes for children, young people and their families, by strengthening supports for families, to reduce crisis and family breakdown and to meet ‘The Promise’ in Highland. It also sets clear indicators for monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of children’s services in terms of their success in responding to and addressing children’s wellbeing needs.
Highland Council’s dedicated road marking team has been fully mobilised to carry out road marking across the Highland region.
Chair of Highland Council’s Economy and Infrastructure Committee, Councillor Ken Gowans, said: “The Council has invested significantly in road maintenance as part of a broader program to improve Highland roads and the dedicated road marking team will help us to improve road safety for our communities. I’m delighted to see that the newly established team has made the most of the recent good weather to cover a lot of ground in the north-west and Skye, despite the challenging geography. Our new vehicles are also ensuring that the work is carried out quickly and effectively with minimal disruption for local people.”
Since April, the team has completed approx. 150km of white lines across Sutherland, Caithness and the Isle of Skye, with a further 190km of white lining works planned for over the summer months across the other areas of the Highlands, including Lochaber, Ross and Cromarty, Badenoch and Inverness. Exact timings will be weather-dependent, but we aim to give communities advance notice on social media wherever possible.
The operation requires a team of four operatives using two lorries. A feeder lorry is used to preheat and deliver the thermoplastic lining material to the lining lorry which then applies the hot material to the road surface as either an edge or centre line. Immediately after the line is applied, another nozzle adds reflective glass beads, followed by a final nozzle spraying clean water onto the line to cool the material, allowing traffic to flow immediately.
The road marking programme forms part of The Council’s £2.1 billion Highland Investment Plan which will provide 20 years of funding for roads and transport, schools, offices and community facilities throughout the Highlands.
At today’s Education Committee (Wednesday 4 June), Members noted the evidence base that supports the approach taken in Highland to address relationship and behaviour issues in our schools and agreed the actions being taken to ensure practice across Highland is in line with national recommendations.
The 2023/4 national Behaviour in Scottish Schools survey and subsequent report (BISSR) indicated a difference to behaviour in schools from the previous report (2016) and cited the significant impact of COVID-19 on overall attendance and behaviour in schools and communities across Scotland.
The BISSR findings identify that most children can manage school well most or all of the time, however the evidence identifies an increase in classroom disruption and in physical and verbal aggression.
Education Committee Chair, Cllr John Finlayson said: “To better reflect the relationships and behaviours across our Highland schools, we recently conducted an extensive school staff survey which gathered in-depth information about the behavioural barriers, indicating that low-level disruptive behaviour remains the thing that causes most impact in pre-school and infant classrooms.
“Last school session less than 2% of children were involved in reported staff/pupil incidents. In many cases their language, communication and cognitive skills were poorly developed. The age where there is the highest level of pupil-staff incidents in Highland is Primary One (28% of incidents are recorded in relation to 3-5 year olds). Our understanding of this is that very young children haven’t yet developed their language skills or understanding of social situations to enable them to communicate their needs well. After Primary One the number of reported incidents significantly reduce, indicating the developmental nature of this issue in primary schools.
“Ongoing training and staff support is regularly offered by the Council’s Psychological Service to help support the wellbeing of teaching and support staff at all levels and to aid them in understanding and intervening in relation to dysregulated and distressed behaviour.
“In the recent staff survey, staff were asked what successes they had in supporting dysregulated and distressed children. The greatest number of responses related to providing safe, quiet spaces where children regulate and find calm, often helped by a knowledgeable member of staff with whom they already have a relationship.
“Work continues to improve pre-school and infant school pupils’ development skills, to enable young children to effectively communicate with peers and staff and over time reduce dysregulation and low level disruptive behavioural patterns forming in school settings.”
To support staff, Highland Council has a Positive Relationships Framework and Guidance that is in line with the requirements of the Scottish Government policy landscape. Our Framework has drawn together relevant research and educational thinking. It promotes a more relationship-based approach, with a focus on self-regulation and co-regulation, which we know is effective in creating calm and respectful early years settings, classrooms and schools.
To read the report, click the link here (Item 10).
Source: United States Senator for Connecticut – Chris Murphy
June 04, 2025
WASHINGTON—U.S. Senators Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), a member of the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee, and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), and U.S. Representatives John Larson (D-Conn.-01), Joe Courtney (D-Conn.-02), Rosa DeLauro (D-Conn.-03), Jim Himes (D-Conn.-04),and Jahana Hayes (D-Conn.-05) today joined 22 members of Congress from New England and Hawaii in issuing the following bicameral statement in response to United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Brooke Rollins illegally restricting relief funding to small and mid-sized family farms in New England, Alaska, and Hawaii:
“On behalf of our States and small farmers, we oppose the Department of Agriculture’s decision to violate Congressional intent, and the statutory purpose of the small states block grant, known as the Farm Recovery and Support Block Grant program. This block grant was created specifically to bridge the gap between traditional disaster relief programs and uncovered losses experienced by small farmers who cannot access traditional crop insurance.
“USDA has dragged its feet for months on implementing this simple program, adding barrier after barrier to our States, and has now set an arbitrary deadline in a clear attempt to rush States into making a decision without sufficient information. USDA is demanding States either accept traditional disaster relief, which has failed most of our small farmers for years, or gamble on an unknown amount of repayment with little to no guidance from USDA. Once again, this choice would leave so many small farms to fend for themselves after a disaster.
“The Secretary of Agriculture must execute the law as written to make these farmers whole. Our farmers know what they need best, and they have been left behind by traditional disaster relief before. This grant was created to address those shortcomings. Small farmers in our States deserve respect and fair treatment, not another bait and switch from Washington bureaucrats.”
U.S. Representatives Richie Neal (D-Mass.-01), Jim McGovern (D-Mass.-02), Lori Trahan (D-Mass.-03), Jake Auchincloss (D-Mass.-04), Katherine Clark (D-Mass.-05), Seth Moulton (D-Mass.-06), Ayanna Pressley (D-Mass.-07), Stephen Lynch (D-Mass.-08), Bill Keating (D-Mass.-09), Chellie Pingree (D-Maine-01), Jared Golden (D-Maine-02), Chris Pappas (D-N.H.-01), Maggie Goodlander (D-N.H.-02), Gabe Amo (D-R.I.-01), Seth Magaziner (D-R.I.-02), Becca Balint (D-Vt.-AL), Ed Case (D-Hawaii-01), Jill Tokuda (D-Hawaii-02), as well as U.S. Senators Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), and Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) also joined the statement.
A Nine Mile River man has been charged with multiple offences after he fled from police.
On May 29, at approximately 11:50 a.m., an officer from Lunenburg County District RCMP observed a grey Honda civic with no license plate on Hwy. 103 near Chester Basin. The officer activated his emergency lights and sirens and attempted to stop the vehicle, but the driver increased speed and did not stop. The officer deactivated his emergency equipment and did not pursue the vehicle in the interest of public safety.
The vehicle was then observed driving westbound in the eastbound lane of Hwy. 103 near Exit 9 for a short distance. Additional RCMP officers and the Nova Scotia Department of Natural Resources air services were engaged.
Through the investigation, officers learned the driver was a man wanted in connection with an ongoing investigation led by Shelburne District RCMP, and that there was a passenger in the vehicle.
At approximately 1:15 p.m., officers located the vehicle parked near Oakland Rd. in Oakland. Both the driver, 23-year-old Justin Oakley, and youth passenger were outside the vehicle. Officers safely arrested Oakley. No one was physically injured in the incident.
Oakley has been charged with Flight from Peace Officer and Dangerous Operation in relation to this incident. He has also been charged with Flight from Peace Officer (two counts), Dangerous Operation and Assault with a Weapon in relation to an incident on May 27 in Barrington Passage, which is being investigated by Shelburne District RCMP.
On May 27, at approximately 8:49 p.m., an officer from Shelburne District RCMP observed a grey Honda civic with no license plate and conducted a traffic stop on the vehicle On Highway 330 in Barrington. The civic pulled over, but when the officer opened his door to exit his police vehicle, the civic backed up toward the officer then drove away. The officer did not pursue the vehicle in consideration of public safety.
Through the investigation, officers were able to identify the driver as Oakley.
Oakley appeared in Bridgewater Provincial Court on May 30 and was released on conditions. He is scheduled to appear again in Bridgewater Provincial Court on July 9 at 9:30 a.m.
In this edition of our monthly roundup, we’re recapping the biggest news from Microsoft Build 2025 and announcing new resources for Copilot Studio adoption and training.
May 2025 was a big month for Microsoft Copilot Studio and there are a ton of features to catch up on. In this edition of our monthly roundup, we’re recapping the biggest news from Microsoft Build 2025, giving a couple of important updates, and announcing new resources for Copilot Studio adoption and training.
Microsoft Build 2025 roundup: Our biggest announcements
Microsoft Build 2025 brought a wave of updates to Copilot Studio and Microsoft Dataverse, the operational database for agents, introducing powerful new tools for multi-agent systems, enterprise data access, and custom AI tuning. Here’s a quick overview of what dropped in Copilot Studio.
Multi-agent orchestration: Copilot Studio now supports multi-agent orchestration, allowing agents built with Microsoft 365, Microsoft Azure AI, and Microsoft Fabric to collaborate by delegating tasks and sharing results to complete complex workflows. Copilot Studio will also support the open Agent2Agent (A2A) protocol, allowing agents to connect to those built on third-party platforms.
Computer use in agents: The new computer use capability, currently available to eligible United States-based customers, allows Copilot Studio agents to perform tasks across desktop and web applications, automating repetitive processes like data entry and document processing through AI-powered UI interactions.
Bring your own model and Microsoft Copilot tuning: Makers can access more than 11,000 models in Azure AI Foundry and fine-tune them using enterprise data for even more context-rich and valuable agent responses.
Other updates include:
Get all the details on these announcements in Corporate Vice President Lili Cheng’s blog post. For an even more in-depth update, learn more about how Dataverse supports all these in Corporate Vice President Nirav Shah’s blog post from Microsoft Build 2025. You can also see a roundup of all the Microsoft Dataverse sessions presented at Microsoft Build 2025.
Build, publish, and monetize agents with the Agent Store
Welcome to the Agent Store, your centralized, curated marketplace for agents built by Microsoft, trusted partners, and customers. Accessible through the left side navigation in Microsoft 365 Copilot Chat, the Agent Store makes it easier to browse, try out, and share agents for your business processes without having to build them from scratch. These agents work seamlessly across your Microsoft 365 ecosystem, so you can install an agent once and use it in multiple places. It’s all about speed, trust, and impact at scale.
Right now, the Agent Store has more than 70 agents, ranging from knowledge assistants to complex multi-modal orchestrators. You’ll have access to more as makers and software development vendors build and share new agents in the coming months—and the store will offer personalized agent discovery based on your organizational context. For developers, the Agent Store also provides a platform to share your innovative agents with millions of Microsoft Copilot users and grow your user base.
With robust support through Copilot Studio and the Microsoft 365 Agents Toolkit, the Agent Store includes both low-code and pro-code development options. Whichever way you prefer to build and deploy your agents, this marketplace helps you reduce development time and costs and get them out there faster.
Learn more about finding and publishing agents through the Agent Store on the Microsoft 365 Developer Blog.
Publish custom engine agents to Microsoft Copilot Chat: Now generally available
The ability to publish custom engine agents built in Copilot Studio directly to Copilot Chat is now generally available and automatically enabled. This means all customers can now unlock powerful new ways to customize and extend Copilot experiences with rich, domain-specific intelligence, right inside the tools people use every day.
Previously announced in public preview, this feature allows makers to publish agents built in Copilot Studio to Copilot, with full access to the features that make agents intelligent and useful. That includes topics, orchestration selection, autonomous triggers, analytics, and Azure AI integrations. These custom agents surface seamlessly across Microsoft 365 apps, including Microsoft Teams, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Office.
Custom engine agents in Copilot support messages, quick replies, Adaptive Cards, multi-turn interactions, and multi-message responses—all backed by robust governance and analytics in the Microsoft Power Platform admin center. Now you can confidently scale custom Copilot experiences across your workforce, without changes to existing agents.
General availability brings simplified deployment and seamless integration, turning every custom agent into a first-class participant in the Microsoft 365 Copilot experience. Read more about publishing and deploying agents on Microsoft Learn.
Microsoft Graph connectors are now Copilot connectors
Microsoft Graph connectors are now called Copilot connectors, a name that better reflects their role in powering the Microsoft 365 Copilot experience.
Copilot connectors bring external data into Microsoft 365 so Copilot and Copilot Studio agents can retrieve, apply reasoning to, and act on knowledge beyond the Microsoft 365 ecosystem. These connectors eliminate the need for duplicative uploads or clunky copy-paste workflows.
For developers and makers, Copilot connectors are the bridge between your existing systems and your AI-powered solutions. Whether you’re supporting sales teams to query customer relationship management (CRM) system records, surfacing insights from product documentation, or building custom agents grounded in real enterprise data, connectors make it possible to create truly contextual and intelligent experiences.
The change in name reflects a broader shift: AI isn’t just reading data anymore—it’s working with it. More than 40 Copilot connectors are already generally available or in public preview, including key sources like Gong, PagerDuty, and Unily, so connect your agents and systems in the Microsoft 365 admin center. Read more about building Copilot connectors on Microsoft Learn.
Accelerate agentic operations with new adoption resources
We’re excited to introduce two new resources designed to help your organization get started with Copilot Studio quickly and effectively. Whether you’re launching your first agent or scaling across teams, these tools are built to simplify the building process and drive measurable impact across your organization.
Microsoft Copilot Studio Adoption page
This centralized hub offers comprehensive guidance for seamless integration across teams. It includes:
Step-by-step setup and deployment guidance.
Role-based training for business users, developers and admins.
Best practices and support documentation.
Tools to help developers and leaders build and scale agents with confidence.
This page is your go-to destination for enabling success from day one. Explore the Copilot Studio AI Agents Hub.
Copilot Studio AI Agents Hub
Copilot Studio scenarios in the Microsoft Scenario Library
Explore 35 new custom agent scenarios across seven functional areas—each designed to showcase real-world value and accelerate adoption. Every scenario includes:
A clear use case with key performance indicators (KPIs) and key users.
Agent functionality and flow breakdown.
Architecture and key considerations.
These resources are crafted to help you unlock the full potential of Copilot Studio—empowering your teams to innovate, automate, and scale with ease.
Microsoft Scenario Library
Free Microsoft Copilot Studio training for Microsoft Power Platform makers
If you or members of your team are already familiar with Microsoft Power Platform, you may be wondering how the skills you have built using Microsoft Power Apps or Microsoft Power Automate translate to the world of agents. Microsoft worked with Shane Young, a Microsoft most valuable player (MVP) of 20 years, as part of a paid collaboration to bring you more than four hours of free, hands-on training on YouTube.
This series of videos will help you get started with Copilot Studio at your own pace so you can walk away with your own agents, ready to use. The training series includes demos, step-by-step builds, and deep dives into product-specific features, broken down into four sections:
Introduction and demos (7 videos)
How to build a conversational agent (8 videos)
How to build an autonomous agent (10 videos)
Reusing your Microsoft Power Platform skills (4 videos)
Thousands of Microsoft Power Platform makers have already gone through the training, and we encourage you to spread the word and join in. Start watching or share with your team. You may be the makers who create the next best agent in the Agent Store.
More ways to stay up to date on all things Copilot Studio
Check out all the updates live as we ship them, as well as new features releasing in the next few months.
To learn more about Copilot Studio and how it can transform your organization’s productivity, visit the Copilot Studio website or sign up for our free trial.
Source: United States Senator for Illinois Dick Durbin
June 03, 2025
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today questioned witnesses during a Senate Judiciary Joint Subcommittee hearing entitled “The Supposedly ‘Least Dangerous Branch’: District Judges v. Trump.” Durbin first asked the witnesses about nationwide injunctions. Last month, the Supreme Court heard oral arguments in Trump v. CASA. In that case, the justices are considering whether they should stay the district courts’ nationwide preliminary injunctions against the Trump Administration’s executive order that attempted to end birthright citizenship. During his question, Durbin echoed a hypothetical posted by Justice Sotomayor during the case’s oral arguments.
“She [Justice Sotomayor] said, and I’m paraphrasing: imagine a new president takes office and decides, because of the epidemic of gun violence in our country, to issue an executive order announcing that he will deploy the military to seize the guns of every gun owner across the country. That executive order would be swiftly challenged in a federal district court—or, more likely, in several district courts. Should a district court be allowed to issue a nationwide injunction to at least temporarily prevent the enforcement of that executive order?” Durbin asked.
Josh Blackman, a professor at the South Texas College of Law, responded that he did not think the remedy would be in the courts. Kate Shaw, a professor at the University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School, responded, “whatever the Constitutional right is… if a president tries to do something that is in clear violation of settled law… an injunction is an appropriate remedy.” Joel Alicea, a professor at the Catholic University of America Columbus School of Law, responded, “I don’t think a judge could issue a universal injunction under those circumstances.”
“Do you think it is reasonable to expect every single person affected by an executive order, like the one I described, to seek relief through Rule 23 or to file their own lawsuit to seek relief?” Durbin asked.
Professor Alicea responded, “I don’t think that would be necessary. If you had one person who sought class certification successfully, that would be sufficient.”
Durbin then asked the witnesses about judge shopping. During the Biden Administration, right-wing litigants flocked to the Amarillo Division of the Northern District of Texas to file their lawsuits. Those litigants filed their lawsuits in Amarillo because only one judge sits in that division—Judge Matthew Kacsmaryk. Litigants knew Judge Kacsmaryk would be assigned to their cases and viewed him as favorable to their arguments.
“Judge Kacsmaryk is pretty well known for the way he rules. Professor Shaw, do you have any observation on that?” Durbin asked.
Professor Shaw responded that “those single-judge divisions—like the one in Amarillo, Texas where Judge Kacsmaryk sits—are a genuine problem, but none of the injunctions against the Trump Administration have issued from judges who sit in those single-member districts… we aren’t seeing it now but I do think, regardless of who the president is, these single-judge divisions are a problem that Congress would be well-served to address.”
Video of Durbin’s first round of questions in Committee is available here.
Audio of Durbin’s first round of questions in Committee is available here.
Footage of Durbin’s first round of questions in Committee is available here for TV Stations.
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Source: United States Senator for Illinois Dick Durbin
June 03, 2025
If passed by Congress, the rescissions package offered by the White House will cut $9.4 billion in federal funding for critical government programs
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today released the following statement after President Trump released a rescissions package that, if passed by Congress, would codify cuts made by the so-called Department of Government Efficiency:
“These sloppy and shortsighted rescissions slash public broadcasting and cut critical global health, HIV/AIDs, democracy, and other stabilization programs that save lives while helping to prevent wars and further develop markets for American goods, including Illinois farmers. Programs that make up less than one percent of the federal budget are being cruelly cut to fund tax cuts for the wealthiest at the expense of the world’s most poor and our national security interests. These rescissions are also dangerously targeting public broadcasting, which is critical to providing Americans, especially those in rural areas, with unbiased local news, educational programming, and emergency alerts.
“We cannot allow this proposal, championed by President Trump, to erode the federal government.”
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Adam Smith (9th District of Washington)
WASHINGTON, D.C. –Today, Rep. Smith (D-Wash.) released the following statement after an influx of reports of violence around aid distribution sites.
“I condemn rising violence around aid distribution sites in Gaza. The killing of individuals around humanitarian aid distribution sites is unacceptable. There must be an end to violence in the region and no individual should have to confront violence while seeking desperately needed humanitarian assistance.
“Israel bears the responsibility to ensure that critically needed and long overdue aid makes it into Gaza reaching those who need it most. The Palestinian people are suffering horribly. Not nearly enough food and humanitarian assistance is being delivered to Gaza and effectively and safely distributed. This must be fixed immediately.
“While it is a positive step that Israel lifted the blockade on aid to Gaza, the distribution of aid under this new plan seems haphazard and plagued by chaos and violence. The Israeli government must recognize these shortcomings and immediately fix their plan to stop the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and ensure aid is widely and safely delivered to Palestinian civilians. It is also of the utmost importance that Hamas and other actors are condemned for attempts to disrupt the distribution of aid.
“Israel must take every opportunity to reduce tensions, improve access to aid, and prevent human suffering. Fundamentally, the priority for the region must remain a ceasefire, a return of the Israeli hostages, and the delivery of necessary aid to the people of Gaza. A ceasefire will be an instrumental step to improve the flow of humanitarian aid and achieving sustainable peace and stability in the region.”
EL PASO, Texas — A New Mexico man is in federal custody after being indicted by a federal grand jury in El Paso in 2021 and expelled to the United States by Mexican authorities on May 27. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement is investigating the case with assistance from U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Texas Attorney General’s Office.
Jaime Renteria-Fernandez, 31, of Albuquerque, New Mexico, is charged in a superseding indictment with nine counts related to alleged offenses committed in support of the Barraza drug trafficking organization. Co-conspirator Alex Barraza was the leader of the DTO and was sentenced to life in federal prison Oct. 24, 2024.
“Jaime Renteria-Fernandez tried to evade justice by fleeing the country, but the law has a long reach,” said Jason T. Stevens, special agent in charge of Homeland Security Investigations El Paso. “HSI is relentless in its mission to seek out members of drug trafficking organizations who wreak havoc on the security and well-being of our border community.”
Renteria-Fernandez made his initial appearance in federal court May 29. The indictment includes multiple counts related to drug possession and trafficking, conspiracy to launder monetary instruments, as well as discharging firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking and murder resulting from the use and carrying of firearms during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime. If convicted, he faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years, with a maximum of life in federal prison, and possibly the death penalty. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys John Johnston, Andres Ortega and Susanna Martinez are prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Headline: DAAG Bill Rinner Delivers Remarks to the George Washington University Competition and Innovation Lab Conference Regarding Merger Review and Enforcement
Thank you for inviting me to join you today. I’m grateful for the opportunity, and honored to be among you all. For those of you who don’t know me, this is my second time serving at the Antitrust Division. I want to thank Assistant Attorney General Gail Slater for the opportunity to serve again alongside the tremendously talented attorneys, economists, and staff in the leadership and career ranks of the Division. My prior experience and former colleagues — some of whom I have the pleasure of serving alongside again — helped shape me into the attorney I am today.
Thank you for inviting me to join you today. I’m grateful for the opportunity, and honored to be among you all. For those of you who don’t know me, this is my second time serving at the Antitrust Division. I want to thank Assistant Attorney General Gail Slater for the opportunity to serve again alongside the tremendously talented attorneys, economists, and staff in the leadership and career ranks of the Division. My prior experience and former colleagues — some of whom I have the pleasure of serving alongside again — helped shape me into the attorney I am today.
Source: United States Senator for Maine Susan Collins
Published: June 04, 2025
Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Susan Collins announced the restoration of funding for the Maine AgrAbility program. This announcement follows reports that the University of Maine (UMaine) was unable to draw down funding from the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA)—which funds the Maine AgrAbility program—without any notice from the federal agency.
“The Maine AgrAbility program has helped hundreds of workers across our state prevent serious injuries by providing training and technical assistance that help make high-risk jobs safer,” said Senator Collins. “I am glad that, following my discussions with Administration officials, this critical funding has been released so UMaine and its partners can continue to provide valuable guidance to our farmers, fishermen, and foresters.”
According to UMaine, the Maine AgrAbility program serves more than 1,600 workers in Maine’s heritage industries, supporting numerous efforts, such as providing safety training to loggers on best practices to prevent slips, trips, and falls on the work site, reducing the risk of injury and helping to lower the rates of their workers’ compensation coverage.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Julia Brownley (D-CA)
Washington, DC – Today, Congresswoman Julia Brownley (CA-26) and Congresswoman Beth Van Duyne (TX-24) announced the introduction of the Uplifting First-Time Homebuyers Act (H.R. 3526), bipartisan legislation that would increase the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) qualified distribution limit for first-time homebuyers utilizing Individual Retirement Account (IRA) funds. The introduction of this legislation coincides with National Homeownership Month and highlights the importance of homeownership in building strong communities and generational wealth.
In 1997, Congress created a tax provision allowing first-time homebuyers to withdraw up to $10,000 from their IRAs without incurring the standard 10% early withdrawal penalty. At the time, the median home price was $115,000. Today, the median price has nearly tripled, yet the $10,000 cap has not been updated. The Uplifting First-Time Homebuyers Act would raise the qualified distribution limit to $50,000, better aligning it with today’s housing market realities.
“Homeownership is one of the most important ways Americans build wealth and save for a secure retirement,” said Congresswoman Brownley. “But in high-cost states like California, too many first-time buyers are locked out of the market due to rising prices and the challenge of saving for a down payment. I am pleased to support Congresswoman Van Duyne’s efforts to update our tax code to help first-time homebuyers access their retirement savings without penalty and take that critical first step toward homeownership and a fair shot at achieving the American Dream.”
“Buying a home for the first time is not as easy as it once was,” said Congresswoman Van Duyne. “Since my time serving as Mayor of Irving, Texas, I have seen how empowering homeownership is for families, neighborhoods, and the lifetime accumulation of wealth that can be passed down to further generations. By updating and increasing the IRA withdrawal limit, we increase access to much needed capital for our first-time homebuyers. Helping Americans realize the dream of homeownership is an investment in their future and a more stable future for our country.”
“The Uplifting First-Time Homebuyers Act is a smart, targeted step toward making homeownership more attainable,” said Shannon McGahn, Executive Vice President & Chief Advocacy Officer of National Association of REALTORS. “By updating the outdated IRA withdrawal limit, this bill could give first-time buyers greater access to their own savings at the moment they need it most. With the median age of first-time buyers now at 38, this commonsense fix helps more Americans achieve the dream of homeownership earlier in life – and start building equity and long-term financial stability.”