End-of-Mission press releases include statements of IMF staff teams that convey preliminary findings after a visit to a country. The views expressed in this statement are those of the IMF staff and do not necessarily represent the views of the IMF’s Executive Board. This mission will not result in a Board discussion.
Monrovia, Liberia: An International Monetary Fund (IMF) staff team, led by Mr. Daehaeng Kim, Mission Chief for Liberia, visited Monrovia from June 4 – 17, 2025, to conduct the 2025 Article IV Consultation and the Second Review under the Extended Credit Facility (ECF) arrangement.
At the conclusion of the mission, Mr. Kim issued the following statement:
“The IMF staff held engaging and constructive discussions with the authorities on recent macroeconomic developments, the economic outlook, and medium-term policy priorities under the Article IV Consultation, as well as the performance and policies supported by the Extended Credit Facility arrangement.
“The authorities have continued to make progress in maintaining macroeconomic stability, and their commitment to reform remains strong. Slow mining activity and fiscal adjustment were key factors that moderated economic activity in 2024. A significant reduction in unproductive expenditures combined with recovery of tax revenues contributed to an impressive fiscal outturn, with the primary fiscal balance improving from a deficit of 4.2 percent of GDP in 2023 to a surplus of 1.3 percent of GDP in 2024. Inflation reached 13.1 percent in February 2025, driven primarily by domestic food prices, but has come down to 11.7 percent in May. The current account has improved significantly. Overall, program performance has been broadly satisfactory.
“The medium-term outlook has been marked down due to the sudden stop of aid flows and less favorable global environment. The growth outlook is supported by a rebound in mining activity, a recovery in agriculture and sustained growth in manufacturing and services. Inflation is projected to return to single digits, supported by prudent fiscal and monetary policies and projected lower global food and crude oil prices. The current account is expected to narrow further, while the debt-to-GDP remains on a sustainable path.
“Policy dialogue under the Article IV Consultation focused on structural reforms to tackle significant development needs, mitigate climate risks, and promote private sector growth and economic diversification to achieve sustained and inclusive growth.
“IMF staff and the authorities have reached understandings on most key macroeconomic policies for the second review of the ECF arrangement. Discussions on a few outstanding issues will continue virtually, with the goal of finalizing the staff level agreement (SLA) in the coming weeks.
“IMF staff express its gratitude to the authorities and all other counterparts for their warm hospitality and constructive engagement.”
“The team met with the leadership of the national legislature, Minister of Finance and Development Planning, Mr. Augustine K. Ngafuan, Executive Governor of the Central Bank of Liberia, Mr. Henry F. Saamoi, senior government officials, development partners, representatives of the private sector and civil society.”
A population of the rare and unusual spider, which lives in the “Crazy Paving Cave” in the Ōparara Valley on the South Island’s West Coast, is increasing and scientists think it is because the spiders have had a break from visitors.
The spiders had been monitored for a number of years, with a steadily declining population, when the decision was made to close the cave to visitors in 2022.
Since then, spider numbers have shown a steady increase from an average of eight found during monitoring in 2022 to 33 in 2025. Rangers have also seen signs of the spiders breeding.
Senior Ranger Scott Freeman says people unknowingly interupt the natural behaviour of the spiders with bright lights, vibration, sound, and the heat they bring into the cave.
“The cave has a low ceiling, and it’s quite small, so people get close to the spiders, which don’t like large creatures such as humans wandering round.”
Scott says, “We have proven in many parts of the country that when we remove or manage the threats, restore habitats or modify how we use or interact with nature, it comes back, and we can see that here with the spiders.”
It is thought that numbers of spiders may have peaked, and scientists are keen to see what happens in the next year before decisions about visitor access to the cave are made.
The spiders are relatively long lived, with baby spiders taking two to three years to mature. Most spiders complete their life cycle in a year.
New Zealand’s native species are unique and special. On average, 70% of our nature is found nowhere else in the world. 93% of New Zealand’s estimated 2000 spider species are only found here.
Nelson cave spiders evolved separately from the rest of the world for millions of years and are thought to be directly descended from the earliest true spiders. They may be the missing link between primitive and modern spiders.
These spiders live near cave entrances and mostly eat cave wētā, which they drop onto while attached to the cave roof by their web. They are also found in Golden Bay and were the first spider species to be protected under the Wildlife Act.
The other walks and experiences in the Ōparara and the adjacent Box Canyon Cave remain open for visitors.
Background information
Crazy Paving Cave gets its name from its floor of ancient, fragile, fine deep sediment which has dried out slowly, cracking and curling into what looks like large, distorted paving stones.
It’s a dry cave where the sediment has stayed in place unchanged for hundreds of years. It’s like a time capsule holding information about what life was present when water once washed into the cave.
Before 7 December 2024, certain reserve allocations by a complying superannuation plan for an individual counted towards the individual’s concessional contributions cap. This could result in excess concessional contributions for the individual.
From 7 December 2024, the Regulation:
counts those allocations towards the individual’s non-concessional contributions cap instead of their concessional contributions cap
updates the drafting used to describe those allocations, and
excludes from the non-concessional contributions cap an additional class of reserve allocation (from a pension reserve), making allocations of that class effectively ‘uncapped’.
These changes are not limited to reserves associated with legacy pension products (although the changes may be applicable to such reserves).
Before 7 December 2024, 2 classes of reserve allocation counted towards the concessional contributions cap:
A particular allocation of an assessable contribution.
Any other allocation (‘a capped allocation’) that did not fall within various specified exclusions.
In other words, for allocations other than assessable contributions (the first class mentioned above), a ‘catch-all’ mechanism counted towards the concessional contributions cap all allocations that did not fall within the specified exclusions (the second class mentioned above).
The exclusions (‘excluded allocations’) did not count towards the concessional contributions cap, with the result that they could be made without contribution cap taxation consequences for the member.
Capped allocations before 7 December 2024
An allocation was a capped allocation unless it was an excluded allocation. The excluded allocations were:
a certain type of rollover superannuation benefit
an amount of applicable fund earnings transferred from a foreign super fund included in the assessable income of the plan
a refund of excess capped fees and costs charged to a member
a ‘fair and reasonable allocation’, which could be made from any kind of reserve (subject to fund rules and regulatory requirements), being an allocation
made to each member of the fund, or each member of a class of member
for which the amount allocated was less than 5% of the value of the member’s interest at the time of allocation, and
that would not have been assessable income of the fund if it were made as a contribution
the following types of pension reserve allocation
an allocation to satisfy a pension liability
an allocation on the commutation of an income stream, except as a result of the death of the primary beneficiary, to the recipient to commence another income stream as soon as practicable
certain allocations on the commutation of an income stream as a result of the death of the beneficiary.
Reserve allocations from 7 December 2024
From 7 December 2024, the Regulation counts capped allocations towards the non-concessional contributions cap instead of the concessional contributions cap. The mechanism for counting allocations has not changed: a reserve allocation counts towards the non-concessional contributions cap it if does not fall within specified exclusions.
Each class of exclusion specified for the concessional contributions cap before 7 December 2024 has been specified for the non-concessional contributions cap from that date. This means types of allocations that fell within those exclusions before 7 December 2024 continue to be uncapped if made from that date. The Regulation makes no change to the treatment of allocations of certain assessable contributions, which continue to count towards the concessional contributions cap.
The drafting of the ‘fair and reasonable’ and ‘pension reserve’ exclusions in the Regulation has been updated. As a result, the exclusions do not mirror those specified for the concessional contributions cap word-for-word. One class of excluded allocation – ‘pension reserve allocation except as a result of death – after commutation to commence another income stream’ – is not explicitly specified as an exclusion for the purposes of the non-concessional contributions cap, because it falls within a new pension reserve exclusion discussed below (‘excluded cessation allocation’).
The table below lists these exclusions for the concessional contributions cap and their non-concessional contributions cap equivalents (legislative references are to the Income Tax Assessment (1997 Act) Regulations 2021 (ITAR (1997 Act) 2021).
Table: Excluded allocations before and from 7 December 2024
Class of excluded allocation
Exclusion from counting towards concessional contributions cap – before 7 December 2024 (repealed)
Exclusion from counting towards the non-concessional contributions cap – from 7 December 2024
Fair and reasonable allocation
Former subsection 291‑25.01(4)
Subsection 292-90.02(2)
Pension reserve allocation – to satisfy pension liability
Former paragraph 291‑25.01(5)(a)
Subsection 292-90.02(3)
Pension reserve allocation except as a result of death – after commutation to commence another income stream
Former paragraph 291‑25.01(5)(b)
Subsection 292-90.02(4)
Pension reserve allocation after death – to discharge pension reserve liabilities as a result of death
Former subparagraph 291‑25.01(5)(c)(i)
Subsection 292-90.02(5)
Pension reserve allocation after death – paid as lump-sum and death benefit
Former subparagraph 291‑25.01(5)(c)(ii)
Subsection 292-90.02(6)
Counting allocations towards the non-concessional contributions cap instead of the concessional contributions cap will affect the amount that can be allocated to some individuals without incurring contribution cap taxation consequences.
For example, some individuals have a nil non-concessional contributions cap. If a reserve allocation counts towards the individual’s non-concessional contributions cap in those circumstances, the amount of the allocation will exceed their non-concessional contributions cap.
Example: remediation payment allocations
A superannuation fund maintains an operational risk reserve, the purpose of which includes the remediation of amounts wrongly charged to member accounts.
As part of one such remediation exercise, amounts are allocated to a class of members in the fund on 1 January 2025 in a manner that does not satisfy:
the ‘fair and reasonable’ allocation exclusion, or
any other exclusion from the non-concessional contributions cap.
As the allocations were made for those members on or after 7 December 2024, they count towards the amount of the members’ non-concessional contributions for the 2024–25 financial year.
End of example
New class of excluded allocation from 7 December 2024
From 7 December 2024, the Regulation also excludes another broad class of pension reserve allocation for an individual. An allocation (an ‘excluded cessation allocation’) from a reserve of a complying superannuation plan for an individual is excluded if:
the reserve is used to discharge all or part of a liability of the plan to pay a superannuation income stream benefit from a superannuation income stream of which the individual is the recipient
the superannuation income stream is commuted or ceases
the commutation or cessation is not a result of the death of the primary beneficiary
the amount is allocated from the reserve for the individual as a result of the individual having been (before the commutation or cessation) the recipient of the superannuation income stream, and
where the reserve relates to more than one superannuation income stream, the allocation is fair and reasonable having regard to
for each superannuation income stream that has not been commuted or ceased – the value of the interest that supports the superannuation income stream, and
for each superannuation income stream that has been commuted or ceased – the value of the interest, that supported the superannuation income stream, immediately before the superannuation income stream was commuted or ceased.
Definition of pension reserve
From 7 December 2024, the Regulation provides that a reserve is a pension reserve of a complying superannuation plan at a particular time if the reserve is used at that time solely for the purpose (the ‘pension liability purpose’) of enabling the plan to discharge all or part of its pension liabilities (contingent or not) as soon as they become due. This definition is relevant not only for excluded cessation allocations, but also for the other excluded allocations (other than fair and reasonable allocations).
In addition:
under the Regulation, certain allocations made as a result of commutation or cessation of a superannuation income stream are deemed to be a use of a reserve for a pension liability purpose, and
under transitional rules provided by the Regulation, certain allocations are disregarded in working out, for the purposes of excluded cessation allocations, whether a reserve is a pension reserve at a time occurring after commencement.
The new definition of pension reserve and the 2 additions above are only relevant for determining excluded allocations from 7 December 2024. They do not apply when determining whether a reserve is a ‘pension reserve’ for the purposes of determining whether allocations are excluded from counting toward the concessional contributions cap before that date.
Allocations deemed to be for a pension liability purpose
From 7 December 2024, the Regulation provides, for the avoidance of doubt, that certain allocations (‘a deemed pension purpose allocation’) to a superannuation income stream recipient after the commutation or cessation of that income stream are taken to be made for the pension liability purpose: see subsection 292-90.02(8) of the ITAR (1997 Act) 2021. This ensures a reserve does not cease to be a pension reserve as a result of such allocations, including in at least the 2 following situations:
The active reserve situation – where the reserve is, apart from the deemed pension purpose allocation, a pension reserve because it is used solely for the purpose of discharging pension liabilities relating to one or more other income streams. The deemed pension purpose ensures the reserve continues to be a pension reserve after a deemed pension purpose allocation when continuing to discharge pension liabilities. Otherwise, the deemed pension purpose allocation and subsequent allocations to discharge pension liabilities would count towards the non-concessional contributions cap.
The dormant reserve situation – where the reserve is, apart from the deemed pension purpose allocation
not being used for the purpose of discharging pension liabilities (because all income streams the reserve previously supported have been commuted or ceased), and
used for no other purpose.
In the dormant reserve situation, the deemed pension purpose allocation does not prevent the reserve from ceasing to be a pension reserve for the purpose of making further cessation allocations.
There is no requirement that a deemed pension purpose allocation must be made within a specific period after the relevant commutation or cessation. If all other requirements for the allocation to be excluded are otherwise met, the allocations can be made long after the commutation or cessation.
Example: dormant reserve
A reserve established and used to support a single superannuation income stream:
commenced on 1 July 2005, and
ceased on 1 July 2020.
Between the cessation of the income stream and 6 December 2024, the reserve was not used for any purpose. After 7 December 2024, the trustee allocates the remainder of the reserve to the recipient of the former income stream in circumstances that satisfy all other requirements to be an excluded cessation allocation.
The allocation itself is deemed to be for a pension liability purpose. As a result, the reserve is a pension reserve at the time of the allocation.
End of example
Disregarded allocations
The Regulation also contains a transitional provision. That provision disregards certain allocations made before 7 December 2024 in working out whether a reserve of a complying superannuation plan is a pension reserve for the purposes of making excluded cessation allocations.
If one or more allocations before that date are the sole reason the reserve doesn’t otherwise meet the pension reserve definition for that purpose, disregarding the allocations ensures the definition is met.
An allocation from the reserve is disregarded if:
the reserve was used for the purpose of enabling the plan to discharge all or part of a liability of the plan to pay a superannuation income stream benefit from a superannuation income stream
the superannuation income stream was commuted or otherwise ceased
the allocation was made after the commutation or cessation, and
immediately before the commutation or cessation, the reserve was a pension reserve.
In the case where the reserve only ever supported one income stream, if the above criteria are met, allocations after the income stream commuted or otherwise ceased and before 7 December 2024 are disregarded.
In the case where the reserve was used to support more than one superannuation income stream, allocations made after the above requirements are met for the first time in relation to any of those income streams and before 7 December 2024 are disregarded. In effect, this could result in all allocations from the reserve occurring after that commutation or cessation being disregarded, even while the other income streams were still being supported by the reserve.
Example: fair and reasonable allocations disregarded
A reserve was established and used to support 2 lifetime pensions: income stream A and income stream B. Both commenced on 1 July 2005. Income stream A ceased on 1 July 2015, and income stream B ceased on 1 July 2020. The reserve met the definition of a pension reserve immediately before 1 July 2015. Between 1 July 2020 and 6 December 2024, fair and reasonable allocations were made to all members, but the reserve was otherwise used for no other purpose during that time.
After 7 December 2024, the trustee allocates a part of the reserve to the recipient of former income stream A in circumstances that satisfy all requirements for that allocation to be an excluded cessation allocation. In particular, the fair and reasonable allocations do not prevent the reserve from satisfying the requirement that it be a pension reserve because the transitional provision disregards all allocations between 1 July 2015 and 6 December 2024.
The cessation allocation itself is also deemed to be for a pension liability purpose. As a result, the reserve does not cease to be a pension reserve for the purposes of the Regulation because of the allocation, which may be relevant if a subsequent excluded cessation allocation is made to the recipient of former income stream B.
Before 7 December 2024, providers of certain legacy retirement products had to ensure that those products could not be commuted under the relevant fund rules, contract, or terms and conditions of the product (the fund or product rules), except in limited circumstances.
The Regulation relaxes this restriction so that the relevant fund or product rules can also allow the products to be fully commuted within the 5-year period beginning on 7 December 2024 and ending on 6 December 2029.
What can be commuted
The affected products that can be commuted are:
lifetime annuities and pensions, being products that meet the meet the standards in subregulations 1.05(2) or 1.06(2) of the Superannuation Industry (Supervision) Regulations 1994 (SISR), if the fund that purchases or provides consideration for the benefit (in the case of annuities) or provides the benefit (in the case of pensions)
is not a defined benefit fund, or
is a self-managed superannuation fund (SMSF), or
was, when the benefit commenced to be paid and at all earlier times, a small APRA fund
life expectancy annuities and pensions, being products that meet the standards in subregulations 1.05(9) or 1.06(7) of the SISR
market-linked annuities and pensions, being products that meet the standards in subregulations 1.05(10) or 1.06(8) of the SISR, or subregulation 1.07(3A) of the Retirement Savings Accounts Regulations 1997.
While the affected products are described as legacy retirement products, and many commenced before 20 September 2007, there is no requirement in the Regulation that the affected products must have commenced before a particular date.
The Regulation relaxes a restriction on what fund or product rules can allow: it does not change fund or product rules themselves. Fund or product rules may need to be changed by the fund or provider to allow commutation before a recipient can commute without the fund breaching those rules.
Example 1: lifetime pension in an SMSF
Rebecca starts receiving a lifetime pension from her SMSF on 1 July 2003. That pension is provided under fund rules that meet the standards in subregulation 1.06(2) of the SISR.
On 1 January 2025, the trustee amends the fund rules to allow full commutation within the 5-year period beginning on 7 December 2024 of lifetime pensions it provides.
On 1 March 2025, Rebecca fully commutes her lifetime pension. The commutation complies with the standards in the Regulation.
End of example
Example 2: market-linked pension in an SMSF
Isaac starts receiving a lifetime pension from his SMSF on 1 July 2003. On 1 July 2020, that lifetime pension is fully commuted and the resulting lump sum is used to directly purchase a market-linked pension from the same fund in circumstances that do not breach subregulation 1.06(2) of the SISR. The market-linked pension is provided under fund rules that meet the standards in subregulation 1.06(8) and regulation 1.07C of the SISR.
On 1 January 2025, the trustee amends the fund rules to allow full commutation within the 5-year period beginning on 7 December 2024 of market-linked pensions it provides. After that amendment, Isaac fully commutes his market-linked pension. The commutation complies with the standards in the Regulation.
End of example
What happens when a legacy retirement product is commuted
If an affected legacy retirement product is commuted, in most cases the resulting entitlement can be dealt with by the former recipient in the same way as an entitlement from the commutation of most other superannuation income streams. Generally, the entitlement must be allocated to the member’s account and then can be:
subject to preservation rules and payment standards
used to commence another income stream (if the individual has sufficient transfer balance cap space), or
paid as a lump sum
retained in the fund, in ‘accumulation phase’
dealt with in a combination of the above ways.
In some cases, there may be other restrictions on how the entitlement can be dealt with. For example, if the legacy retirement product is a death benefit income stream, the entitlement may need to be paid from the fund to the recipient and not retained in the fund to comply with fund rules and requirements of the SISR.
Possible tax and social security consequences
Both the commutation of an affected legacy retirement product and any subsequent dealings with the resulting entitlement will also have taxation consequences for the former recipient. For example:
the commutation of the legacy retirement product will result in a transfer balance account debit for the former recipient, and
the commencement of another superannuation income stream will result in a transfer balance account credit for that individual.
Many affected legacy retirement products are treated differently to account-based superannuation income streams for transfer balance cap purposes. For example, special valuation methods for determining transfer balance account debits and credits may be applicable.
Commuting a legacy retirement product may also have social security implications. Individuals may need to seek financial advice before making decisions about their legacy retirement products to avoid unintended taxation and social security consequences.
Reserves associated with legacy retirement products
Some superannuation funds may have reserves associated with affected legacy retirement products. From 7 December 2024, the Regulation also changes the way that allocations from reserves are treated for taxation purposes, including but not limited to allocations from reserves associated with legacy retirement products. For further explanation of those changes, see Changes to reserve allocations.
Today, the Prime Minister, Mark Carney, met with the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, at the G7 Leaders’ Summit in Kananaskis, Alberta.
Prime Minister Carney and Prime Minister Modi reaffirmed the importance of Canada-India ties, based upon mutual respect, the rule of law, and a commitment to the principle of sovereignty and territorial integrity. The leaders agreed to designate new high commissioners, with a view to returning to regular services to citizens and businesses in both countries.
They discussed strong and historic ties between our peoples, partnerships in the Indo-Pacific, and significant commercial links between Canada and India – including partnerships in economic growth, supply chains, and the energy transformation. Prime Minister Carney raised priorities on the G7 agenda, including transnational crime and repression, security, and the rules-based order.
The leaders also discussed opportunities to deepen engagement in areas such as technology, the digital transition, food security, and critical minerals.
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
Press release
Innovative Welsh exporter puts Britain at the forefront of global immunisation efforts
UK Export Finance supports renewable energy tech company Dulas to deliver life-saving vaccine refrigerators to over 80 countries worldwide.
Government backing helps secure British manufacturing jobs and strengthen UK’s position in global health innovation
A Welsh renewable energy company is helping to protect millions of people against preventable diseases in developing countries with backing from UK Export Finance (UKEF) – the government’s export credit agency – and HSBC UK.
The Machynlleth-based company developed the world’s first mass-produced solar-powered vaccine refrigerator in 1982. Since then, its pioneering technology has supported vital immunisation efforts for some of the hardest-to-reach communities in over 80 countries across Africa, Asia and Latin America.
In 2022, following the challenges of the Covid pandemic, Dulas approached Stephen Wilson, UKEF’s Export Finance Manager for Wales. Through Wilson’s assistance, HSBC UK provided a £600,000 finance package backed by UKEF’s General Export Facility (GEF). This finance enabled the Welsh company to future-proof its operations and maintain consistent production capabilities.
Since that first financial package, the successful partnership between Dulas, UKEF and HSBC UK has been reviewed and renewed annually, with new facilities for £600,000 in 2023 and £800,000 in 2024. This has enabled the company to provide critical equipment to even more immunisation programmes across the world.
The company has grown to employ around 100 staff at its headquarters in Mid Wales, its branch office in Inverness (Scotland) and its manufacturing facility in Bognor Regis (West Sussex).
Gareth Thomas, Minister for Exports, said:
We’re committed to removing barriers to trade and helping more businesses of all sizes across the country reach new overseas markets.
I’m delighted to see Dulas expanding production of their world-leading technology thanks to government support.
Jo Stephens, Secretary of State for Wales, said:
Dulas is a fantastic success story and demonstrates how Welsh expertise can lead to a brilliant UK-wide and global operation.
I’m delighted to see UK Export Finance supporting a Welsh business that is not only driving our economy forward but also contributing to international goals in health and renewable energy.
As the only UK manufacturer of vaccine fridges certified with the World Health Organisation’s Performance, Quality and Safety standard (PQS), Dulas’s cold chain products can be confidently deployed by UN agencies and other humanitarian organisations across programmes worldwide. Research and development support from the Welsh Government has helped Dulas to enhance its product portfolio and meet the stringent PQS accreditation.
Tim Reid, CEO at UK Export Finance, said:
Dulas exemplifies the best of British innovation – combining renewable energy expertise with life-saving healthcare technology.
Their story provides a fantastic example how UK Export Finance can help our businesses supply vital equipment across the globe, while supporting quality manufacturing jobs at home.
Ruth Chapman, Executive Managing Director at Dulas, said:
The GEF facility has been an invaluable tool for our export business, supporting us to manage our business in a challenging, but very rewarding, sector.
We are very proud to manufacture our products within the UK and to contribute towards global efforts to eradicate common childhood illnesses, and international humanitarian efforts.
Orders for Dulas’s vaccine fridges often follow unpredictable situations such as conflict or natural disasters. Although buyers may request a high number of units – ranging last year between 100 to 300 per order – the frequency of orders can fluctuate significantly. UKEF’s support has enabled Dulas to smooth out the peaks and troughs between production and demand, ensuring cash flow and consistent factory operations.
Lyndsey Connor, Relationship Director, Corporate Banking at HSBC UK, said:
At HSBC UK, we’re committed to supporting innovative businesses as they expand into global markets. Dulas exemplifies the type of forward-thinking company that drives sustainable economic growth and creates skilled jobs in Wales and elsewhere in the UK.
Working alongside UKEF, we’ve been able to provide a financing solution that addresses Dulas’ unique business cycle challenges.
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
Press release
New plans to supercharge UK cyber sector
The UK’s growing cyber security sector will be boosted by millions in new investment and a new Cyber Growth Action Plan, as part of the government’s Plan for Change.
New Cyber Growth Action Plan to boost jobs and innovation, growing the UK’s £13.2 billion cyber sector.
Up to £16 million in new funding to turn cutting edge innovation into new business, and boost cyber startups
Cyber experts from defence and big tech set to advise government on public sector cybersecurity, amid growing threats.
The UK’s growing and cutting edge cyber security sector will be boosted by millions in new investment and a roadmap for growth, as part of the Plan for Change.
The government has today [Wednesday 18 June] set out the Cyber Growth Action Plan that will chart a course for the UK’s thriving cyber industry, including the technologies, processes, and services designed to protect digital systems, to continue to grow – with the sector already generating £13.2 billion in annual revenue and supporting over 67,000 jobs in 2024.
Led by independent experts at University of Bristol and Imperial College London’s Centre for Sectoral Economic Performance, the Plan will examine the strengths of the UK’s cyber sector and provide a roadmap for its future growth. This will culminate with a set of recommendations later this summer for government to plot out what steps can be taken to deliver maximum impact.
On top of this, up to £16 million in new investment has been announced in 2 cyber sector programmes to kickstart growth. Up to £10 million in additional funding will be invested in the CyberASAP programme over the next 4 years, which will support the UK’s cutting edge academic cyber sector to turn their research into commercial companies. The programme has already supported the creation of 34 spin-out companies which have raised over £43 million in investment. The new funding aims to generate a further 25 spin-outs by 2030 and attract £30 million in additional investment.
To build on the work of the government’s current cyber accelerator Cyber Runway, up to £6 million will be also allocated to support cyber startups and SMEs – helping firms scale, access new markets through trade missions, and strengthen the UK’s wider cyber ecosystem. By backing researchers and entrepreneurs, these programmes will ensure the UK remains a global leader in cyber innovation and growth. This investment will unlock more jobs, support innovation, and bolster Britain’s cyber security.
Cyber Security Minister Feryal Clark said:
Cyber security is essential to our economic strength and national resilience. Today’s announcement is backed by investment showing we’re serious about making the UK a global leader in cyber innovation and protection.
Through our Plan for Change, we’re backing the sector to create high-quality jobs through the Cyber Growth Action Plan and ensuring our public services are built on secure foundations with the expert support of the Government Cyber Advisory Board.
Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster Pat McFadden said:
Today’s investment will help to turn innovative ideas into successful businesses up and down the country, and the new research will support our mission to grow the economy.
Recent cyber attacks show just how important it is we foster the development of the sector – delivering the double dividend of high paying jobs as well as strengthening the country’s cyber security.
The Growth Action Plan is due to report later this summer and will feed into the forthcoming National Cyber Strategy, ensuring the UK remains resilient and competitive in an increasingly interconnected world. This is central to the government’s Plan for Change, aimed at driving innovation, creating high-quality jobs and securing long-term economic resilience.
The review is set to cover the supply and demand of cyber goods and services such as protective monitoring and encryption, to understand opportunities for growth. The research will aim to spot new trends and potential areas to capitalise on – as well as explore emerging technologies including AI and Quantum, and identify opportunities to strengthen Britain’s competitive edge. This will in turn protect our digital economy and the new growth which is fundamental to the government’s Plan for Change.
Simon Shiu, Professor of Cyber Security at the University of Bristol and leading the project, said:
The UK Cyber Sector is successful and growing, but so too are the challenges as demonstrated by recent events which have affected businesses and consumers. Based on input from all parts of the Cyber Sector, this project will make independent recommendations to accelerate growth in Cyber, but also to increase cyber-resilience in the other sectors critical to UK security, industry, and prosperity.
Professor Nigel Brandon, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering at Imperial, said:
The Centre for Sectoral Economic Performance (CSEP) at Imperial is uniquely placed to work with the University of Bristol on this important work in a rapidly growing and key sector for the UK economy. This work is aligned with our ambition to help drive economic growth by boosting the UK’s innovation capacity, productivity and competitiveness.
Senior cybersecurity experts from defence, big tech companies, AI labs, academia and more are also advising the government on public sector cybersecurity. Cyber leaders from BAE Systems, Santander, Amazon Web Services, Microsoft, and Google DeepMind will form the new iteration of the Government Cyber Advisory Board, which will play a key role in supporting the government’s goal to strengthen the public sector’s cyber resilience. This aligns with the government Cyber Security Strategy and underpins the delivery of secure digital services across government.
The cyber sector will be a key focus of the upcoming Industrial Strategy – becoming a central pillar of the government’s Plan for Change to kick-start growth and put more money in people’s pockets across the UK. Cyber security has become a central part of the government’s plans to secure the economy and drive growth across the country as part of its Plan for Change.
Earlier this year, the Technology Secretary set out his ambition for the forthcoming Cyber Security and Resilience Bill which includes proposals to protect the UK’s supply chains, critical national services, and IT service providers and suppliers and is expected to be introduced to Parliament later this year.
As part of the new measures, hospitals and energy suppliers are set to boost their cyber defences, protecting public services and safeguarding growth.
Notes to editors
You can find the Terms of Reference for the growth review here.
The new board members of the Government Cyber Advisory Board include:
Daniel Cuthbert (co-chair), Global Head of Cyber Security Research, Santander
Bella Powell (co-chair), Government Cyber Director, Government Digital Service
Daniel Card, Cyber Security Consultant
Cate Pye, Global Partner Lead for Digital Trust and Cyber Security, PA Consulting
Heather Bedson, Head of Information Security, BPP
Jeff Moss, President of DEF CON Communications Inc
Jen Ellis, Cyber Security Consultant
Asif Matadar, CEO and Founder, cyberwargames.ai
Dr Simon Parkinson, Professor of Cyber Security, University of Huddersfield
Julia Spain, Partner, Ashurst Risk Advisory
Nicole Fowler, Chief Information Security Officer, Bank of Ireland UK
Thomas Harvey, Chief Information Security Officer (CISO), Santander UK
Richard Palk, Managing Director Security, Accenture UK
Sam Kirby-French, Group CISO, BAE Systems
Phil Legg, Professor in Cyber Security, University of the West of England
Mark Evans, Principal Security Strategist, Amazon Web Services
Sarah Armstrong-Smith, Chief Security Advisor, Microsoft
Ian Thompson, Senior Government Cyber Advisor, Middle East and North Africa, Google
Eleanor Sim, Director Security Strategy and Architecture, Chief Security Architect, Bupa
Euan Birch, Head of Cyber Security Operations, SP Energy Networks
Vijay Bolina, Chief Information Security Officer, Head of Cybersecurity Research, DeepMind
Daniel Cuthbert (industry co-chair):
It is an honour to co-chair the UK Government Cyber Advisory Board (GCAB). Our strength comes from the close partnership between public and private sector experts, drawing on a wide range of experience to help protect the UK. As cyber threats continue to evolve, strong cyber security is essential to safeguarding our economy, protecting public services, and supporting everyday life. The diversity of expertise on the board plays a vital role in ensuring the UK remains resilient, innovative and secure.
Ian Thompson:
The Government Cyber Advisory Board plays a vital role in bringing together expertise from across government and a wide set of industry sectors. This cross-sector collaboration not only accelerates the sharing of best practices and experience but also ensures balanced perspectives and mutual learning — something I’m personally finding invaluable.
Sarah Armstrong-Smith:
From laggards to leaders – in an era where cyber-attacks are coming thick and fast, GCAB has the opportunity to take a commanding role, setting the right path and principles for how the UK should respond to this systemic threat. This requires a whole-of-society approach to build collective resilience that inspires confidence in times of uncertainty.
Cate Pye:
I’m delighted to be part of the GCAB, it is a really pivotal part of making sure that the whole of the UK contribute to our cyber security as this becomes increasingly essential to the way we live and work. It is also an exemplar of how government and industry can work as one team to really change the way both government and the private sector pragmatically address cyber challenges together, building trust and competency in both.
Asif Matadar:
It has been an absolute honour to serve as an inaugural member of the Government Cyber Advisory Board. This initiative has already delivered concrete improvements in how government organisations anticipate and mitigate cyber threats, embedding best practice across government. I am therefore delighted that my term has been extended for a further year, during which I will continue to apply my expertise in incident response, cyber skills development and emerging technologies to support the UK government’s mission of building a world‑class, resilient cyber estate by 2030.
Euan Birch:
GCAB reflects the best of trusted public-private partnerships, embedding strategic collaboration and shared responsibility at the heart of government. As a member, I value the opportunity to support government in its mission to strengthen the UK’s resilience to cyber attacks and help secure its position as a global leader.
Heather Bedson:
Being part of the GCAB is an opportunity to drive change and improve the Government’s cyber resilience by using expertise from a wide range of industries. I enjoy being part of the GCAB, as it’s an opportunity to share my experiences while collaborating with colleagues across the sector who I might not have otherwise met.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Hakeem Jeffries (8th District of New York)
Know Your Immigration Rights
If you or a loved one encounter immigration enforcement officials, it is essential that you know your rights and have prepared your household for all possible outcomes.
Ask for a warrant: The Fourth Amendment of the Constitution protects you from unreasonable search and seizure. You do not have to open your door until you see a valid warrant to enter your home or search your belongings.
Your right to remain silent: The Fifth Amendment protects your right to remain silent and not incriminate yourself. You are not required to share any personal information such as your place of birth, immigration status or criminal history.
Always consult an attorney: You have a right to speak with an attorney. You do not have to sign anything or hand officials any documents without speaking to an attorney. Try to identify and consult one in advance.
The New York City Office of Civil Justice and the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs (MOIA) support a variety of free immigration legal services through local nonprofit legal organizations. To access these resources, dial 311 and say “Action NYC,” call the MOIA Immigration Legal Support Hotline at 800-354-0365 Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. or visit MOIA’s website.
Learn more here: KNOW YOUR IMMIGRATION RIGHTS – Congressman Hakeem Jeffries
Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Don Beyer (D-VA)
Yesterday Senate Republicans unveiled their version of legislation to extend and expand the Trump tax cuts for the wealthy. While scores for their altered bill are still forthcoming, the changes from the House-passed version are unlikely to significantly alter that bill’s distributional effects, which would result in the largest transfer of wealth from working people to the rich from a single law in American history.
As a reminder, here are some of the stories that legislation generated:
Wall Street Journal: GOP Megabill Boosts Wealthy Households While Hurting Poor, CBO Says
New York Times: Trump’s Big Bill Would Be More Regressive Than Any Major Law in Decades
CBS: GOP Tax Bill Could Cost Low-Income Americans $1,600 Per Year, CBO Says
Associated Press: GOP Tax Bill Would Cost Poor Americans $1,600 A Year And Boost Highest Earners By $12,000, CBO Says
CNN: The 10 Richest Americans Got $365 Billion Richer In The Past Year. Now They’re On The Verge Of A Huge Tax Cut
Washington Post: GOP Tax Bill Could Hurt The Poorest Households More Than It Helps Them
Bloomberg: Trump Tax Bill Would Help the Richest, Hurt the Poorest, CBO Says
Reuters: Trump Tax Bill Poses Limited Benefits, Higher Costs For Lower-Income Americans
New York Times: G.O.P. Tax Bill May Hurt the Lowest Earners and Help the Richest
NPR: The GOP’s Massive Bill Would Benefit The Rich The Most — While Hitting The Poor
Financial Times: Donald Trump’s Tax Bill Would Be A Boon For Richest Americans, Says Watchdog
Politico: Wealthy Gain, Low-Income People Lose From GOP Megabill, Analysis Finds
CNBC: House Republican Tax Bill Favors The Rich — How Much They Stand To Gain, And Why
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Earl L Buddy Carter (GA-01)
Headline: Carter Introduces Resolution Congratulating St. Joesph’s Hospital in Savannah for 150 years of Service
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Earl L. “Buddy” Carter introduced a resolution celebrating the 150th Anniversary of St. Joseph’s Hospital in Savannah, Georgia.
In 1997, St. Joseph’s began its joint affiliation with Candler Hospital, forming the largest and most experienced health care provider in Southeast Georgia.
“Since 1875, the fantastic staff of St. Joseph’s Hospital have served the people of Georgia’s First Congressional District faithfully. They have worked tirelessly to save lives and keep our friends and neighbors healthy. We are so grateful for their 150 years of resolute service to our district and excited for the many years to come,” said Rep. Carter.
“Throughout St. Joseph’s Hospital’s history, we have been blessed with steadfast support from our community leaders. That support continues today, and we are grateful for this recognition from Congressman Carter, celebrating our 150th anniversary of serving the healthcare needs of southeast Georgia,” said Paul P. Hinchey, President and CEO, St. Joseph’s/Candler.
Thanks to intensive management of wild nests and a growing hand-rearing programme with Auckland Zoo, this season saw 19 fledglings take to the skies. This is a significant improvement from last year’s nine, and just three the year before.
With fewer than 45 adult birds (over a year old) remaining, every chick is precious. DNA sexing results also revealed a higher-than-normal percentage of females, which could prove a vital boost for a species whose future depends on strong female survival.
DOC’s monitoring and tracking programme provided fascinating insights into the movements of young tara iti. Juveniles fitted with satellite tags, hand reared at Auckland Zoo, surprised the team with their adventurous flights – some completing roundtrips from the Hauraki Gulf to the Far North, and one even travelling as far as New Plymouth and back.
Alex Wilson, DOC Senior Ranger, says one of the birds spotted during post-season monitoring was a zoo-reared juvenile from the 2023–24 season.
“She survived the winter months, making her the first hand-reared bird known to have done so,” says Alex. “These are exciting developments and show our new tools like satellite tagging and hand rearing are working.
“Each fledgling is a step forward, and the information we’re collecting helps us understand how to get the best outcomes from our recovery efforts.”
Post-breeding season monitoring recorded 50 individual tara iti (up from 33 individuals last season), including 28 adults, nine sub-adults and 13 fledglings. DOC’s intensive habitat management, predator control, and head-starting approach proves that when we change how we interact with nature, it has a real impact.
Still, tara iti remain in a precarious position. The population is small, and the birds face ongoing threats from habitat loss, predation, disturbance from human activities, and climate change. Ongoing intensive conservation efforts will be required for many years to secure their survival, and DOC can’t do it alone.
DOC works closely with iwi partners including Patuharakeke Te Iwi Trust Board, Te Uri o Hau Settlement Trust, Nga Maungawhakahii O Kaipara Development Trust, Ngāti Wai Trust Board, and Ngāti Manuhiri Settlement Trust, strategic partner Auckland Zoo and key supporters and partners including, Auckland Council, the Shorebirds Trust, NZ Fairy Tern Charitable Trust, About Tern, Birds NZ, Tara Iti Golf Club, NZ Nature Fund, and local trapping groups.
Generous support has also been provided by the Endangered Species Foundation, Pākiri Beach Holiday Park, Manāki Whitebait, Tongariro National Trout Centre, and New Zealand King Salmon.
Aotearoa has one of the highest rates of threatened species in the world, and every New Zealander has a role to play in turning this around. Whether it’s supporting conservation efforts, reducing threats in your own backyard, or simply learning more about our native species, what we do makes a difference.
How you can help protect tara iti
Stay out of fenced nesting areas and use designated walkways.
Keep dogs on leads and out of reserves.
Avoid nests and chicks when on beaches and estuaries.
Don’t drive or cycle on beaches.
Dispose of rubbish, bait and fish scraps properly to deter predators.
If a bird swoops at you or appears injured, move away quickly – you’re likely near a nest.
Donate to the tara iti recovery programme
The public can now donate directly to DOC’s Tara iti recovery programme through the New Zealand Nature Fund. Donations will be used to accelerate DOC initiatives, including:
Developing three to five new safe breeding sites within the bird’s range.
Creating shell patch habitats at existing and new breeding sites.
Expanding predator control buffers to better protect all nesting areas.
Growing the hand-rearing and release programme to boost productivity.
There’s no such thing as too small an action; every donation helps nature, and brings us closer to securing a future for these rare and remarkable birds.
LAREDO, Texas – A illegal alien from Mexico pleaded guilty Tuesday to transportation of child pornography following an investigation conducted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement with assistance from U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
Raul Velasco-Leon, 39, plead guilty to transporting child sexual abuse material on June 17.
“This guilty plea is a critical step in holding Velasco-Leon accountable for the disturbing crimes he committed,” said ICE Homeland Security Investigations Laredo Acting Deputy Special Agent in Charge Mauro Lopez. “HSI remains committed to identifying, investigating and bringing to justice those who exploit children. We will continue working tirelessly with our law enforcement partners to ensure predators face the full consequences of their actions and that victims are not forgotten.”
According to court documents, on March 12, Velasco-Leon was traveling from Tennessee and approached the Juarez-Lincoln International Bridge attempting to enter Mexico. While on the primary lane, authorities selected Velasco-Leon for further inspection and referred him to secondary. They conducted a search of his belongings and found what appeared to be a piece of youth-sized clothing with the words “Girl Power” tucked inside a jean pocket. Law enforcement also discovered multiple electronic devices, including 10 USB flash drives, two cell phones and a laptop. On one of the devices, they discovered six files containing child sexual abuse material (CSAM) of minor victims approximately 10 years of age. The files contained approximately five photographs and one video that contained CSAM. The five images, displayed via video chat, depicted female minor victims showing their genital areas. The video had a split screen with the adult male, later determined to be Velasco-Leon, masturbating while the top of the screen displayed a montage of CSAM including a female minor victim being forced to perform oral sex on an adult male.
Velasco-Leon admitted he had been engaged in a video chat and when he saw the CSAM, he would watch and screen record it.
Judge will impose sentencing at a later date. At that time, Velasco-Leon faces up to 20 years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine.
Velasco-Leon remains in custody pending sentencing.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Christine A. Cortez from the Southern District of Texas is prosecuting the case.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representatives Val Hoyle (OR-04), Andrea Salinas (OR-06), Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01), Maxine Dexter (OR-03), and Janelle Bynum (OR-05) issued a joint statement on the Trump Administration’s decision to withdraw from the Resilient Columbia Basin Agreement (RCBA) reached between the Federal Government and the Six Sovereigns—the states of Washington and Oregon, and the Nez Perce Tribe, Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation, Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation, and Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs Reservation:
“We are deeply disappointed in President Trump’s unilateral decision to withdraw from the Resilient Columbia Basin Agreement. This agreement enabled a pause to decades of litigation and reaffirmed the federal government’s responsibility to ensure healthy and abundant salmon populations in the Columbia River Basin.
“President Trump has already threatened Salmon recovery efforts through his nonsensical layoffs at key agencies – like the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration – which are responsible for operating hatcheries on the Columbia River System. Now, with the stroke of a pen, he has created upheaval and uncertainty for the future of salmon runs, clean energy in the Pacific Northwest, and our nation’s commitment to honoring Tribal treaty rights.
“Furthermore, this decision was made unilaterally and without any consultation with the four tribes — the Yakama Nation, the Nez Perce Tribe, the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation, and the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs.
“We have consistently supported federal funding for salmon recovery efforts and clean energy deployment, and it is beyond frustrating to see this Administration take such a sweeping approach to dismantling these essential programs. Moving forward, we will continue to work with our partners across the Pacific Northwest to reach a resilient solution to ensure abundant salmon populations and reliable clean energy for our region.”
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representatives Val Hoyle (OR-04), Andrea Salinas (OR-06), Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01), Maxine Dexter (OR-03), and Janelle Bynum (OR-05) issued a joint statement on the Trump Administration’s decision to withdraw from the Resilient Columbia Basin Agreement (RCBA) reached between the Federal Government and the Six Sovereigns—the states of Washington and Oregon, and the Nez Perce Tribe, Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation, Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation, and Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs Reservation:
“We are deeply disappointed in President Trump’s unilateral decision to withdraw from the Resilient Columbia Basin Agreement. This agreement enabled a pause to decades of litigation and reaffirmed the federal government’s responsibility to ensure healthy and abundant salmon populations in the Columbia River Basin.
“President Trump has already threatened Salmon recovery efforts through his nonsensical layoffs at key agencies – like the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration – which are responsible for operating hatcheries on the Columbia River System. Now, with the stroke of a pen, he has created upheaval and uncertainty for the future of salmon runs, clean energy in the Pacific Northwest, and our nation’s commitment to honoring Tribal treaty rights.
“Furthermore, this decision was made unilaterally and without any consultation with the four tribes — the Yakama Nation, the Nez Perce Tribe, the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation, and the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs.
“We have consistently supported federal funding for salmon recovery efforts and clean energy deployment, and it is beyond frustrating to see this Administration take such a sweeping approach to dismantling these essential programs. Moving forward, we will continue to work with our partners across the Pacific Northwest to reach a resilient solution to ensure abundant salmon populations and reliable clean energy for our region.”
Source: United States Senator for Tennessee Bill Hagerty
WASHINGTON—Today, United States Senator Bill Hagerty (R-TN), a member of the Senate Appropriations, Banking, and Foreign Relations Committees and former U.S. Ambassador to Japan, joined America Reports on Fox News to discuss the conflict in the Middle East.
*Click the photo above or here to watch*
Partial Transcript
Hagerty on Trump preventing Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon: “What you’ve heard President [Donald] Trump say time and again, is that he’s not going to allow Iran to have a nuclear weapon. I think you’ve also heard President Trump say that he doesn’t want us to engage in more of these endless wars. So, whatever President Trump does—and I know that he’s three steps ahead of everybody else here—whatever he does, it’s going to be putting America’s interest first. It’s going to be bringing Iran to a point where they do not have a nuclear weapon. That’s the stated objective, and it’s going to have to happen very, very quickly. I don’t think the timeframe that Senator [Tim] Kaine is considering is relevant to this situation at all. President Trump wants to see the carnage come to an end. He’s been clear about that here. He’s been clear about that with Ukraine. He wants to see the loss of lives over. This regime has been extremely difficult to deal with. I’ve seen President Trump deal with this regime before. I served in his administration last time. The ‘Maximum Pressure Campaign’ that he imposed was working. Regretfully, the Biden administration put us back on this same train that [former President Barack] Obama had us on, with respect to Iran marching its way toward a nuclear weapon. President Trump is not going to allow that to happen. He’s had a much more difficult hand to deal with here. That’s why the Israelis have stepped in. They’ve seen the threat. They’re doing what they need to do. And whatever decision President Trump takes, I can assure you this: he’s going to be taking America’s interest to heart. And again, basic principles here, he wants to see an end of the carnage. He wants to see that end come fast, and he’s not going to allow Iran to have a nuclear weapon.”
Hagerty on the need to resolve the situation quickly: “What I want to be clear about is President Trump has never articulated the need for a regime change. What he wants to do is to bring the Iranians to the table. The Iranians ought to look at this very, very carefully and realize President Trump is not going to allow them to have a nuclear weapon. They may need to consider what the consequence will be if they don’t get to the table and make a deal fast. He’s offering them an offramp here. I think the window’s closing, though. This needs to be resolved quickly.”
Hagerty on Trump’s America First approach: “I know who the person is responsible for making this decision with the United States. I’m not getting ahead of him. This is President Trump’s decision with respect to that. But I’ll say this: the Iranian people will ultimately make the decision, and if the Ayatollahs continue down this path toward a nuclear weapon, I think the decision’s going to become very clear for the Iranian people too. Again, the Ayatollahs need to wake up. They need to consider the options that they have right now, and those options have narrowed dramatically. This needs to stop, and I think President Trump’s going to make certain that it does in a way that advances America’s interests.”
Source: United States Senator for Michigan Gary Peters
Resolution Promotes Responsible Participation in Recreational Activities in the Great Outdoors
WASHINGTON,DC – The U.S. Senate passed a bipartisan resolution introduced by U.S. Senators Gary Peters (D-MI) and Steve Daines (R-MT) designating June 2025 as “Great Outdoors Month.” This resolution encourages responsible participation in outdoor recreational activities in state and national parks.
“From being out on the Great Lakes to hiking through our amazing state and national parks, there’s nothing like a Michigan summer. That’s why, every year, both Michiganders and visitors travel the state to explore our remarkable lakes and landscapes,” said Senator Peters. “I’m proud that the Senate passed this resolution, and I’ll keep fighting to protect our precious natural resources so all Americans can enjoy our great outdoors.”
In 2024, the National Park Service reported a record 331.9 million recreation visits to America’s 63 national parks. Michigan’s Department of Natural Resources estimates 30 million visitors annually to Michigan’s 103 state parks.
Source: United States Senator Pete Ricketts (Nebraska)
June 17, 2025
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE) joined Senate colleagues in voting to pass the Guiding and Establishing National Innovation for U.S. Stablecoins of 2025 (GENIUS) Act. The landmark legislation provides guardrails for using stablecoins. Senator Ricketts secured the inclusion of an amendment which would allow for an expedited certification process for states, like Nebraska, that have already put a stablecoin regulatory framework in place. As Governor, Pete Ricketts signed the Nebraska Financial Innovation Act into law—making Nebraska the second state in the country to allow digital asset depositories. Ricketts is a co-sponsor of the GENIUS Act.
“The GENIUS Act protects consumers while promoting innovation and opportunity,”said Ricketts. “It prioritizes national security and advances the U.S. dollar. Nebraska’s a major innovator in the stablecoin space and my amendment will give priority to states like ours when becoming certified.”
Full text of the legislation can be found here. The bill was introduced by Senator Bill Hagerty (R-TN) and additional co-sponsors include Senators Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), and Tim Scott (R-SC).
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
ASTANA, June 18 (Xinhua) — China and five Central Asian countries on Tuesday agreed to jointly combat the “three evil forces” of terrorism, separatism and extremism, and strongly condemned any form of them.
Six countries – China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan – outlined the corresponding position in the Astana Declaration, issued following the 2nd China-Central Asia Summit.
The parties committed to combating threats such as cross-border penetration of terrorist groups, drug trafficking, transnational organized crime and cybercrime in order to ensure consistent and successful progress of joint projects and to counter security challenges through joint efforts.
The parties expressed the common opinion that a stable, developing and prosperous Central Asia meets the common interests of the peoples of the six countries and the entire international community.
The six countries declared their readiness to work with the international community to assist the Afghan people in maintaining peace and stability, restoring social infrastructure and integrating into regional and global economic systems.
They expressed support for building a peaceful, stable and prosperous Afghanistan, free from the threats of terrorism and drugs. –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
ASTANA, June 18 (Xinhua) — China and Central Asian countries agreed on Tuesday to firmly adhere to the principles of multilateralism, universally recognized norms of international law and basic norms of international relations.
Six countries – China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan – enshrined these commitments in the Astana Declaration, issued following the 2nd China-Central Asia Summit.
The parties reaffirmed their firm commitment to the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, as well as respect for the independence, equality, sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries.
The parties agreed to promote a more just international order by building an equitable and orderly multipolar world and promoting inclusive economic globalization that benefits all.
China and the Central Asian countries pledged to uphold the key role of the United Nations in ensuring international peace, security and sustainable development, uphold universal values such as peace, development, fairness, justice, democracy and freedom, and resist the politicization of human rights issues. –0–
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Donald Norcross (1st District of New Jersey)
WASHINGTON, DC—Today, Representative Donald Norcross announced that Rowan University was awarded a $650,000 grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF).
“This is an exciting investment to expand cutting-edge research in South Jersey,” said Congressman Don Norcross. “Supporting research in our community creates opportunities, spurs economic growth, and drives innovation that benefits our communities. I’m dedicated to continuing to transform South Jersey into a leading hub for higher education and medical research.”
The funding that was granted through the NSF CAREER award will support research on how oxygen levels and inflammation affect the development and spread of diseases in the body. The NSF CAREER award is one of the top honors for early-career faculty and supports a highly skilled workforce.
The NSF supports innovative scientific research to strengthen our nation’s economy and skilled workforce. Read more about the NSF here.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Salud Carbajal (CA-24)
Today, U.S. Representative Salud Carbajal (D-CA-24) hosted a press conference in Santa Barbara on the introduction of his American Dream for All Act. The legislation would help first-time homebuyers purchase homes by creating a federal pilot program that provides down payment assistance loans. The legislation is inspired by the successfulCalifornia Dream for All Shared Appreciation Loan Program. Carbajal was joined by leaders from the Santa Barbara Association of REALTORS. Download photoshere.
“Across the Central Coast and the country, the dream of owning a home is becoming an uphill battle for countless families,”said Rep. Carbajal.“I’m introducing the American Dream for All Act to help make homeownership a reality for first-time homebuyers. My bill will provide the next generation the support they need to overcome the steep cost of a down payment and take their first steps toward achieving the American Dream.”
“For many Americans that rent today, the monthly cost of homeownership is within reach, but the upfront down payment remains the biggest hurdle. This bill will help first-time homebuyers overcome that obstacle and will allow people to achieve the dream of homeownership. The American Dream for All Act is a forward-thinking bill because as a revolving loan it helps potential homeowners achieve their goal, not just today, but for years to come,”said Santa Barbara Association of REALTORS® President-Elect Jennifer Berger.“We are proud to partner with Congressmember Carbajal in making the American Dream a viable reality for all Americans.”
“The National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) strongly supports every effort to make housing more affordable. The America Dream for All Act is a novel approach to easing the financial burden of a downpayment. NAR applauds the leadership of Rep. Carbajal for promoting shared appreciation lending programs to help first-time buyers and for expanding upon the highly popular California Dream for All program. This legislation is complementary to traditional downpayment assistance programs and provides a return to the federal government in the form of a percentage of the home’s appreciation upon sale, making it a win-win for potential buyers, the economy, and the American people,”said Kevin Sears, President of the National Association of Realtors®.
According to the National Association of REALTORS, first-time buyers made up 24 percent of all home buyers, a decrease from 32 percent last year. Seventy-one percent of Younger Millennials, 62 percent of Gen Z, and 36 percent of Older Millennials were first-time homebuyers.
The American Dream for All Act would create a pilot program at the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to provide funding to states, territories, and Tribes to establish a shared appreciation downpayment assistance loan program for first-time and first-generation homebuyers.
Under this plan, the participating housing finance agency (or equivalent agency) would provide eligible borrowers with a downpayment loan to purchase a home. They would be able to provide a borrower a down payment loan up to 20% of the home.
When the borrower sells the home, the borrower is then required to pay back the downpayment as well as a percentage of the appreciation in the home back to the eligible entity to be readministered for future down payment loan assistance for other borrowers. The percentage of appreciation to be paid will match the percentage the borrower received as the downpayment loan for the original cost of the home. (e.g., in exchange for 20% of the downpayment in the form of a silent second, the eligible entity gets 20% of the appreciation; for a 10% downpayment, the Eligible Entity gets 10% of the appreciation, etc.).
An eligible borrower must meet the following criteria:
(1) is a citizen or permanent resident of US,
(2) is a first-time homebuyer and/or first-generation homebuyer,
(3) has completed a buyer education course,
(4) has a certificate of completion from a housing counseling agency, and
(5) has an income not more than 150% of area median income (AMI), must self-attest they don’t have the ability to pay more than 5% of total value of home for which the loan under this section is used.
Repeat violent and sexual offenders are officially on notice Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee says.
“Tougher penalties are now in place as the Three Strikes law comes into force today and the message is clear. If you commit serious violent or sexual offences, expect to face increasingly severe consequences. New Zealanders have had enough – they want safer streets, safer homes, and a justice system that puts victims first,” Mrs McKee says.
The Sentencing (Reinstating Three Strikes) Amendment Act 2024 restores the regime scrapped under the previous government and is a central pillar in the Coalition’s drive to restore law and order and protect the public.
Under the Act:
Offenders convicted of any of 42 serious violent or sexual offences – including new crimes like strangulation and suffocation – will face escalating penalties with each conviction.
First strike: A formal warning.
Second strike: No parole.
Third strike: Maximum sentence without parole.
For example, someone convicted of murder at second or third strike will face a minimum of 17 or 20 years behind bars with no early release.
The Act provides for some judicial discretion to prevent manifestly unjust outcomes. It also sets out principles and guidance to help the courts apply the law and allows a limited benefit for guilty pleas to spare victims further trauma and reduce court delays.
“Importantly, previous strike warnings still count if they meet the new sentencing threshold – ensuring serious repeat offenders can’t escape accountability. The Ministry of Justice has published guidance to help affected individuals, and their lawyers check for active strikes,” Mrs McKee says.
Statistics Minister Dr Shane Reti has today announced a major new direction for Stats NZ, replacing the traditional paper-based census and increasing the frequency and quality of economic data to underpin the Government’s growth agenda. From 2030, New Zealand will move away from a traditional nationwide census and adopt a new approach using administrative data, supported by a smaller annual survey and targeted data collection. “This approach will save time and money while delivering more timely insights into New Zealand’s population,” says Dr Reti. “Relying solely on a nationwide census day is no longer financially viable. In 2013, the census cost $104 million. In 2023, costs had risen astronomically to $325 million and the next was expected to come in at $400 million over five years. “Despite the unsustainable and escalating costs, successive censuses have been beset with issues or failed to meet expectations. “By leveraging data already collected by government agencies, we can produce key census statistics every year, better informing decisions that affect people’s lives.” While administrative data will form the backbone of the new approach, surveys will continue to verify data quality and fill gaps. Stats NZ will work closely with communities to ensure smaller population groups are accurately represented. The Government will also invest $16.5 million to deliver a monthly Consumers Price Index (CPI) from 2027, bringing New Zealand into line with other advanced economies. This will provide more timely inflation data to help the Government and Reserve Bank respond quickly to cost-of-living pressures. “Inflation affects interest rates, benefit adjustments, and household budgets. Timely data helps ensure Kiwis are better supported in a fast-changing environment,” says Dr Reti. Funding is also being allocated to align Stats NZ’s reporting with updated international macroeconomic standards. These reflect shifts such as the growth of the digital economy and will ensure New Zealand is measuring what matters in today’s world. “Modern, internationally aligned statistics will support trade and investment, helping drive economic growth and job creation,” says Dr Reti. Dr Reti says these changes reflect a broader reset for Stats NZ. “Some outputs have not met the standard expected of a world-class statistics agency. We’re getting back to basics – measuring what matters. Our goal is a modern, efficient, and reliable data system that delivers the insights New Zealand needs now and into the future.” Note to editors:Administrative (admin) data is information collected by government agencies during their everyday operations — like tax records, education enrolments, or health data. Admin data is already used regularly to produce some statistics, like population estimates and statistics about international migration, household income, and child poverty. It has also been used in the two most recent censuses to support the information gathered through surveying. Examples of admin data and their sources include:• ACC injury claims (ACC)• student loan and allowances (Inland Revenue, Ministry of Social Development) • tax and income (Inland Revenue)• births, deaths, and marriages (Department of Internal Affairs)• education data (Ministry of Education).
Modernising New Zealand’s data system – media release
18 June 2025
Wide-ranging improvements to the data system will modernise and future-proof how New Zealand’s economic and population statistics are produced.
Minister of Statistics Hon Dr Shane Reti announced today sweeping changes that will see Stats NZ moving in a bold, future-focused direction to provide more timely and relevant data.
“People’s information needs are changing and today’s announcements ensure we keep delivering data that improves lives today and for generations to come,” Acting Stats NZ Chief Executive and Government Statistician Mary Craig said.
The changes include moving to an admin-data-first census and publishing a monthly consumers price index (CPI), as well as a programme of work to meet new international standards for macroeconomic statistics.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Brian Mast led a letter to President Trump in support of the administration’s diplomatic efforts to advance peace and responsible development across the African Great Lakes region and encouraged further engagement aimed at bolstering economic stability and growth.
Chairman Mast, who was joined by fellow House Foreign Affairs Committee Republican, Rep. Jim Baird (IN-04), commended Secretary Marco Rubio’s and Senior Advisor Massad Boulos’ leadership in the recent signing of the Declaration of Principles between the foreign ministers of Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
“This agreement demonstrates that regional leaders are prepared to translate dialogue into concrete action, and is a sign that American leadership, when resolute and strategic, create conditions for lasting peace,” the lawmakers wrote.
Additionally, the lawmakers underscored that security and peace in the region “must be paired with meaningful economic stability and growth,” adding that access to reliable electric power and basic infrastructure will facilitate the gains the Trump administration is accomplishing.
“Few efforts illustrate this objective more clearly than the Ruzizi III hydropower project — a project that will deliver electricity to more than 30 million people across the DRC, Rwanda, and Burundi. The project would provide needed support to the region and build genuine political and economic cooperation between the three governments—offering a diplomatic and economic dividend that is in America’s national interest.,” the lawmakers wrote.
The lawmakers encouraged further engagement by the administration to further bolster success in the region through:
Continued high-level engagement with the Economic Community of the Great Lakes Countries (CEPGL) and national ministries to ensure the final administrative steps—such as the signing of the tri-national Establishment Agreement of the “Community Enterprise of the Great Lakes.”
Coordination with all stakeholders to amplify diplomatic pressure in the region to usher an end to the conflict and advance the Ruzizi III project to financial close in 2025 considering most of the funding for the project has been committed by the World Bank Group and other Western allies to the U.S (EU, UK government). The U.S. International Development Finance Corporation may also wish to participate.
“By pairing robust diplomacy with smart infrastructure alignment, the United States can advance regional peace, American interests, and human dignity,” the lawmakers wrote.
Source: US Whitehouse
class=”has-text-align-center”>By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation
On this day 250 years ago, a fearless band of American patriots stood their ground against the mightiest military power of the age at the Battle of Bunker Hill. Outmanned, outgunned, and underestimated, these ordinary men exemplified extraordinary courage and sent a thundering message to Britain and the entire world that the American people would never waver in their fight for freedom.
A new revolutionary spirit had been awakened in the American Colonies following the Battles of Lexington and Concord in April 1775. In the weeks that followed, thousands of Colonial militiamen from Massachusetts, Connecticut, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island — exhausted and fed up with the escalating tyranny of the British Crown — left behind their homes, farms, and families to rally to the cause of independence. By June, they had assembled around Boston — the center of British power in New England — to contain nearly 5,000 Redcoats, protect nearby towns, and prevent British forces from moving beyond the city.
After learning of British plans to seize the Charlestown peninsula to the north of Boston, Colonial leaders acted swiftly. On the night of June 16, 1775, over 1,000 American militiamen, led by Colonel William Prescott, marched to Charlestown and constructed fortifications atop Breed’s Hill — ready to defend their homeland at any cost necessary. The next day, on June 17, nearly 2,200 Redcoats arrived, initiating a direct attack to drive the Americans off the hill. Significantly outnumbered and low on ammunition, Colonel Prescott gave the famous order to his fellow soldiers: “Don’t fire until you see the whites of their eyes!” When the moment came and the British advanced, the Patriots held firm. Wave after wave, the Redcoats charged, only to be driven back as the colonists inflicted massive casualties and held their ground with unshakable grit and resolve.
After two failed assaults, the Redcoats launched a third charge up the hill. The patriots, nearly out of ammunition, met the British in brutal hand-to-hand combat. Though ultimately forced to retreat, the colonists inflicted staggering losses. More than 1,000 British soldiers were killed or wounded, compared to 450 Americans. Charlestown was left in ruins, but the American spirit stood taller than ever. Though the British claimed the ground that history would remember as Bunker Hill, it was the patriots who claimed the victory of morale — etched not in territory but in valor — proving that the cause of freedom, once awakened, is an unstoppable force.
Today, we celebrate the courage, determination, and selflessness of the patriots who fought at Bunker Hill. They sent a message to Britain and the entire world that the Americans would not be ruled by fear and that a free people, united in purpose, is the most powerful force on Earth. The spirit of Bunker Hill lives on in every soldier who defends this land, in every citizen who loves their country, and in every patriot who believes that America’s best days are still ahead.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, DONALD J. TRUMP, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim June 17, 2025, as a day in commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the Battle of Bunker Hill.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this
seventeenth day of June, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty-five, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-ninth.
DONALD J. TRUMP
Source: United States Senator for Kansas Roger Marshall
Current Timeline
Senator Marshall’s Proposed Biennial Timeline
Senator Marshall’s Proposed Biennial Timeline for Presidential Transition Years
First Monday in February: President submits budget.
On or before the first day of session: President submits budget.
First Monday in February: President submits budget.
February 15: CBO submits report to Budget Committees.
One week after the President’s budget recommendations: CBO submits report to Budget Committees.
February 15: CBO submits report to Budget Committees.
Not later than 6 weeks after President submits budget: Committees submit vies and estimates to Budget Committee.
February 1: Committees submit views and estimates to Budget Committees.
March 15: Committees submit views and estimates to Budget Committee.
April 1: Senate Budget Committee reports concurrent resolution on the budget.
February 15: Senate Budget Committee reports concurrent resolution on the biennial budget.
April 1: Senate Budget Committee reports concurrent resolution on the biennial budget.
April 15: Congress completes action on concurrent resolution.
March 15: Congress completes action on concurrent biennial resolution.
April 15: Congress completes action on concurrent biennial resolution.
May 15: Annual appropriations bills may be considered in the House.
March 16: Biennial appropriations bills may be considered in the House.
April 16: Biennial appropriations bills may be considered in the House.
June 10: House Appropriations Committee reports last annual appropriation bill.
April 10: House Appropriations Committee reports last biennial appropriation bill.
May 10: House Appropriations Committee reports last biennial appropriation bill.
June 15: Congress completes action on reconciliation legislation (if required by the budget resolution)
April 30: House of Representatives completes action on biennial appropriation bills.
May 30: House of Representatives completes action on biennial appropriation bills.
June 30: House completes action on annual appropriations bills
June 1: Senate completes action on biennial appropriations bills.
July 1: Senate completes action on biennial appropriations bills.
October 1: Fiscal year begins
October 1: Biennium begins
October 1: Fiscal year begins
Second Session
Second Session
On or before the first day of session: President submits budget review.
On or before the first day of session: President submits budget review.
One week after the President’s budget review: CBO submits report to Budget Committees.
One week after the President’s budget review: CBO submits report to Budget Committees.
June 1: Congress completes action on bills and resolutions authorizing new budget authority for the succeeding biennium.
June 1: Congress completes action on bills and resolutions authorizing new budget authority for the succeeding biennium.
Source: United States Senator for Colorado John Hickenlooper
Hickenlooper: “Their lavish tax bill gives more to the top earners while taking away from the Americans with the least.”
Republicans’ national budget will increase prices for Coloradans, gut critical services, and balloon the national debt to bankroll tax cuts for the ultra-wealthy
WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator John Hickenlooper spoke on the Senate floor to call out the Republicans’ reckless budget proposal that would kick 16 million families and their children off their health insurance, sell our public lands, and add trillions to the national debt in order to pay for lavish tax breaks for the wealthiest Americans.
“We can’t borrow millions, we can’t borrow billions, we can’t borrow trillions just to hand out tax cuts to the top when working families are struggling to be able to afford everyday goods. It doesn’t add up. It never has. It never will,” Hickenlooper said.
“I’ve managed budgets before – back when I started Colorado’s first brewpub, then as mayor of Denver and as governor of Colorado,” he continued. “… I can definitely say this bill that we’re looking at is the opposite of ‘fiscal responsibility.’ It’s fiscal madness.”
Hickenlooper has voted against their disastrous budget twice on the Senate floor and will vote against it again when the final bill comes to the Senate floor. In April, he led a group of Western senators to introduce an amendment to the budget to protect public lands from being sold to pay for Republicans’ tax cuts for the ultra-wealthy and introduced other amendments to prevent cuts to Medicaid and clean energy tax credits.
Hickenlooper is focused on building public pressure against the Republicans’ extreme proposal and recently called out their latest effort to sell off three million acres of public lands to bankroll the Republicans’ lavish tax cuts.
To download a full video of Hickenlooper’s speech, click HERE. A full transcript of his remarks is available below.
“Mr. President,
“This month, my fellow colleagues in the Senate, the Republican Senate members, are working to pass a budget proposal that I feel can best be described as dangerous.
“Their plans are going to dramatically reduce – even gut – services like Medicaid and SNAP, getting food to hungry, low-income workers. It will strip health care away from most likely more than 16 million Americans and threaten millions of seniors living in nursing homes. All this is focused really on just trying to get larger tax breaks to very wealthy people who don’t really – in most cases – don’t really want them, or the largest corporations.
“This lavish, and I think lavish is the only word that describes it fairly, this lavish tax bill gives more to the top earners while taking away from the Americans with the least.
“But, it really doesn’t have to be that way. If the Republicans could focus on extending tax cuts for working families, rather than the wealthiest, they could – in and of that one effort, that one initiative – they could avoid ripping away health care from more than 15 or 16 million Americans and gutting our much needed investments in fighting climate change and to make sure that we have lower energy prices.
“Instead, they’re going full steam ahead with really what is a god-awful bill.
“I want to focus today on another dangerous part of this plan: how it explodes our national debt and really risks our economic future.
“Many proponents of the bill love to hem and haw about being financially responsible.
“But, like a few people in here, I’ve managed budgets before – back when I started Colorado’s first brewpub, then as mayor of Denver and as governor of Colorado. So, I know something about fiscal responsibility – and it’s not partisan. At its best, fiscal responsibility should be bipartisan.
“I can definitely say this bill that we’re looking at is the opposite of ‘fiscal responsibility.’
“It’s fiscal madness.
“This is a massive spending bill that’s going to create the largest national debt in American history.
“And you don’t have to take words for it: you can look at the numbers.
“The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office estimates that the House Republican plan, so this is the plan coming over from the House, would add $2.7 trillion – that’s trillion with a T – $2.7 trillion dollars to the deficit over the next decade.
“The Penn Wharton Model, which includes something like North of $500 billion dollars in the additional interest payment from that accumulated debt over year, after year, after year – over those 10 years – suggests it would add up not just to $2.7 trillion but more like $3.2 or $3.3 trillion over ten years.
“The bill our Senate colleagues are putting together makes many of the same mistakes. And I think by most measures that a small business person would look at, it’s reckless.
“Bottom line is more American tax dollars would go towards tax cuts for again, at least in Colorado, the people I’ve talked to aren’t asking for, aren’t seeking, these tax cuts.
“And they, you know under this tax plan that came over – is coming over to us right now – those tax cuts for the very wealthy are coming instead of expanding access to health care, or building roads, or improving our schools.
“And more tax dollars would go to paying off the massive debt – paying the interest on the massive debt – than all of our defense spending combined. It will become more than 25% of our federal budget, just to pay interest on the debt.
“Now, if that sounds like a bad idea to you, it’s because it is – and the markets agree.
“Moody’s, the last major credit rating agency to maintain the US at its highest-level rating – designated a safe place to invest your money – just downgraded our credit rating.
“It’s the first time that’s happened, and it shook investors that Moody would downgrade our credit rating.
“Investors aren’t confident that the U.S. will be able to pay its debts. And that’s, at least in terms of Moody’s, has never happened before. And it’s really just going to lead to more trouble.
“Those investors who buy those ten-year bonds and help pay for our national debt, are demanding higher returns because they view it as a riskier investment. They need a higher return if they’re going to hold U.S. debt, which forces – since you’ve got to attract that investment, it means you’ve got to offer higher interest rates which means you’ve got higher borrowing costs.
“And that means that Coloradans, and Americans, are going to pay higher interest rates when they want to buy a house, or expand their business, or if they want to pay off their credit cards.
“They’re going to have to pay more because the interest rates are going to be higher.
“Now, Americans are already plenty concerned about rising prices, for good reason. This whole system could lead to the dreaded ‘stagflation’.
“This could all become a one-two punch to working families – all the while the wealthiest families end up being better off.
“We don’t need to do this. We can certainly grow our economy, we can help working families, and we can cut the deficit.
“We were able to balance the budget all eight years I was mayor of Denver, all eight years I was governor, and still grow our investments in our roads, in our education system, in our health care system.
“We also did this with the Inflation Reduction Act, which would reduce the deficit by over $175 billion over the next ten years and has already dramatically lowered a number of prescription drug costs, it has expanded health care access, and, in the process, created hundreds of thousands of good jobs.
“The Republican budget, I think, does the opposite.
“We also can’t forget that this budget comes in the midst of the Trump administration’s efforts around tariffs.
“What our good friend, the senator from Washington, was just talking about when she described the consequences of Smoot-Hawley. And how those tariffs – just at 20% – led to a global slowdown in the overall economy.
“We all know that these tariff-taxes are really not so hidden taxes on the American people. They raise prices on everything from groceries to kitchen appliances.
“Now none of this is a growth strategy. It really is a recipe for recession at the best, stagflation at the worst.
“We can’t borrow millions, we can’t borrow billions, we can’t borrow trillions just to hand out tax cuts to the top when working families are struggling to be able to afford everyday goods.
“It doesn’t add up. It never has. It never will.
“Now there are issues that may be partisan, but being financially responsible doesn’t need to be one of them. Neither should good, strong economies. Neither should economic fairness. Neither should protecting working families.
“They really don’t have to do it this way.
“Now, I’m always game to roll up my sleeves and dig into the balance sheet, but we haven’t seen from the other side that they’re willing to negotiate – or really invest in the long-term economic growth.
“I’d suggest that we write a budget that reflects our values and puts tax cuts toward working families first.
“A budget that strengthens the middle class. One that keeps our economy strong and will keep it growing for generations to come.
“This bill is not any of that.
“I urge my Republican colleagues – in the House and the Senate – not to temporarily put a pass on their values and to support this, again I think truly reckless fiscal bill.
“I hope that we can come together and negotiate a better bill that does more economic growth and puts a far, far lesser penalty on the working people of America.
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), a combat veteran, is leading bipartisan legislation alongside U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Congressman Zach Nunn (R-Iowa), and Congressman Seth Magaziner (D-R.I.) to support the mental health of servicemembers as they transition into civilian life.
The Daniel J. Harvey Jr. and Adam Lambert Improving Servicemember Transition to Reduce Veteran Suicide Act is named to honor the memory of two Marines who died by suicide, including Iowan Cpl. Adam Lambert.
“Servicemembers put their lives on the line to protect our freedoms, and America owes them a debt of gratitude,” said Ernst. “We will never forget the life of Cpl. Adam Lambert. This bill honors his memory by fully supporting veterans in their transition into civilian life and providing them access to the highest quality of mental health care.”
“America is the land of the free and home of the brave because of people like Cpl. Adam Lambert. A proud Marine from Iowa, Adam raised his hand to serve our country,”?said Nunn. “Unfortunately, too often the transition back to civilian life is more difficult than it should be. In honor of Adam’s memory, I’m grateful to work with Adam’s parents to make the transition easier for America’s veterans by improving mental health services.”
Specifically, the bill amends the Department of Defense’s Transition Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) to cover counseling for the treatment of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), anxiety disorders, depression, chronic pain, sleep disorders, suicidal ideation, potential effects of the loss of community and support systems experienced by a member separating from the armed forces, and other mental health conditions associated with service in the armed forces.
The bill also strengthens treatment options and resources to address substance abuse, including alcohol, prescription drug, and opioid abuse.
Click here to view the bill.